Alpines in Troughs...

Container plantings, especially troughs (molded containers made of peat, sand and cement, see photo) are another way of deterring the deerly beloved. The alpines, are the plants that grow above the timber line and have adapted to the cold, harsh conditions. Like the trees in higher elevations they too are small. Many Nurseries and Garden Centers now sell potted alpines, in many varieties. They resemble tiny jewels in the trough containers. Perhaps because of their size the deer don't notice them. My rock garden is adorned with alpines too. A favorite is Corydalis lutea which puts forth a yellow bloom in May and continues to bloom until the first frost in October. Another favorite Lewisia cotyedon (see photo) is named after Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame. Lewisia is a jewel that does well in the trough, in a gritty soil mixture of coarse sand, chick grit, and perlite. The North American Rocks Garden Society offers seeds to its members and the website is invaluable for learning about rock gardens and trough planting.