Saxifraga 'St John's' - 2010

Do you cover them in the winter Andrew?

Yes, I put a piece of glass supported by a couple of bricks over all the alpines that dislike winter wet. They are tolerant of cold temperatues but the moisture can either lead to rotting or freeze and thaw causing problems with succulent leaves (I have found sempervivums especially vulnerable to this)

Will have to try your method, cannot bring any more plant inside !!

Many alpines come from mountain regions and are protected from the worst of the winter weather by a covering of snow. They can stand cold but it's the wet they cannot tolerate. Keeping the rain off them is all they need