Garden centres have lots of alpines for sale now (April) as this is their main flowering period. April is a great time to top up an alpine bed or rockery,  or start a small collection in a trough or shallow container. Use a loam-based compost mixed with plenty of fine grit to encourage drainage. Choose plants for a range of foliage and flower interest, but don't overcrowd them. Add a mulch of grit as a finishing touch.

 

1. Put a layer of drainage material in the bottom of your container. Cover holes with pieces of broken pot then top with gravel.

 

 

2. Add a layer of your compost and grit mix. Remove your new plants from their pots and gently tease out some of the roots.