Alpine trough

That's looking fabulously colourful! Love that Lewisia!

Thanks Louisa - I have to admit to being rather chuffed with it!

That looks great. I remember when you did the revamp last year.

Lovely Mel...The Lewisia has appreciated the protection from the rain

Thanks Scottish and Moti. It's good when these improvements actually stick! The armeria was choked with weeds last year so I teased them all out of the roots and split it.

I remember you doing this too. How lovely it looks.

Thanks! The Lewisia is flowering its heart out, sending out more and more blooms. I really am delighted with it - it's just outside the kitchen door, so I see it every time I go outside.

Wow! that is looking wonderful. It has not taken long to fill out.

No it hasn't - I am delighted with it. It is still flowering away, but the lewisia and armeria are gradually going over. Is there anything I should do with them?

I usually remove the armeria flowers I think it helps to keep them flowering. I don't do anything with my Lewisia but have seen recommendations of giving a weak feed of general plant food. Lot of people grow them so maybe there will be other advice.

Thanks for that, Scotsgran. I shall remove the armeria heads that have finished.

Thats really very nice, really well thought out so pleasant to look at.

from jane.

Thank you Jane - the flowers are beginning to fade now.

Straight to faves.
Fabulous colours.
I might consider alpines next yr.

Thanks, Mouldy! I am very pleased with this. I have deadheaded the armeria regularly, and they are still sending up a few flowers. The trough has survived very well, even through this hot, dry weather (can't say the same for everything, I'm afraid!)

Most of my hanging baskets have had it in this heat.
Watering them four times a day, but to no avail. :-(

There comes a point at which watering seems to be fighting a losing battle. Some of my lobelias have crisped and some of the violas have expired. We have had some rain this week, so at least there's a bit in the water butts. Hot sandy soil doesn't hold much moisture I'm afraid.

We can take consolation that they'll go to the garden of Eden. ;-)

Lol! No problem at the moment - water butts full now :-)
And the weather's still lovely! (SHHHH!)

My lips are sealed. ;-)