Troughs

[ruweiss]

I was always impressed by alpine plants grown in troughs and sinks, so it was only logical
to create my own ones. There was a lot to learn, because many plants are simply not
suitable for this kind of gardening. In my experience small Sempervivum species, especially
S. arachnoideum are very usefull for filling the narrow gaps. Only very slow growing shrubs
will do it for a longer time without overgrowing smaller neighbours, good are smaller Daphnes
and dwarf willows. The smaller witches brooms of Tsuga canadensis are also very good
for this purpose.
The most decorative containers are of course real old troughs and sinks, next are replicas
from real stone or hypertufa,but every other container is suitable;even an old grinding stone
can be used.

[Maggi Young]

Wonderful troughs, Rudi! 
What a fine example to anyone who thinks they have no room for a garden ; get a trough and grow a perfect miniature landscape

[Lvandelft]

Thank you for showing, Rudi. I see some very nice planting combinations, which survived many years.
Gives me some more inspiration, to start planting my (many) empty troughs at last.

[Viola]

They have troughs planted wonderfully beautifully Rudi. congratulations
Karl

[Ragged Robin]

These are some of the most artistic garden troughs I have ever seen - congratulations and admiration Rudi 

Your diversity of plants in troughs growing so harmoniously together, intertwining and clinging to the rocks, looks like a living canvas.  As Maggi says anyone with a small space or awkward space could benefit from your inspiration.  I have for one 

[annew]

Beautiful trough planting, especially the waterfall of Sempervivum, but you need to watch out for the snails!

[Gerdk]

I don't know what to admire most - the troughs (especially the first one) or the
plants chosen for growing inside them! Really a source of inspiration.

Gerd

[Lori S.]

Gorgeous troughs!!

[ChrisB]

These troughs are truly inspiring.  It takes a lot of artistry to create something special.  Wish I had that amount of talent.  Thanks so much for sharing with us.

[Lesley Cox]

A superb selection of troughs Rudi. Everyone a masterpiece both in design and planting. A real inspiration.

[ruweiss]

Dear friends, many thanks for the kind comments. If you plan to plant
your own troughs so keep in mind that it takes sometimes a long time
until the planting gives the display you desire. Usually snails and slugs
are no bigger problem than in the open garden if you control them with slug
pellets or by the biological way. Those in my garden seem to be real
gourmets, their favourite menue are all Campanulaceae, especially
Physoplexis comosa and mostly refuse Sempervivums and Saxifragas.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

A series of truly wonderful troughs you have Rudi !
Wunderschön gemacht !!

[Gerdk]

Here are some shots from today - the Dianthus  growing in a trough - the Campanula not - but in a similar condition

1. and 2. Dianthus subacaulis (?)- originally from Mt. Ventoux
3. Dianthus microlepis ssp. musalae
4. Campanula aucheri

Gerd

[Ragged Robin]

Here are some shots from today - the Dianthus  growing in a trough - the Campanula not - but in a similar condition

1. and 2. Dianthus subacaulis (?)- originally from Mt. Ventoux
3. Dianthus microlepis ssp. musalae
4. Campanula aucheri

Gerd

A really pretty Dianthus subacaulis, Gerd, was it grown from seed collected from Mt Ventoux?

I love the deep blue bells of the Campanula aucheri - where does it come from?

[Gerdk]

A really pretty Dianthus subacaulis, Gerd, was it grown from seed collected from Mt Ventoux?

I love the deep blue bells of the Campanula aucheri - where does it come from?

Thank you! Yes, the Dianthus was raised from seeds from the site mentioned.

The Campanula species is from the Caucasus mountains - the plant itself from a
German nursery.

Gerd