Alpine Gardens – Water Conservation for Lawn and Landscape

Alpine gardens are designed with plants that grow in high mountain elevations around the world. Due to harsh growing conditions and a short growing season, these plants are slow growing, and have a low and compact growth habit. Most alpine plants are suitable for rock gardens and can be planted at lower elevations.

Tips for Designing an Alpine Garden

Group plants in patches to create a more natural look
Repeat color, texture, or form throughout the garden to create unity
If possible, observe how plants grow in their natural habitat
Visit demonstration gardens in your area for ideas

low growing alpine plants in foreground frame a mountain view — An alpine garden in the mountains of Switzerland features plants from around the world. Photo credit: Brian Rosen Flickr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

wildflowers in a mountain meadow — A native high elevation meadow blooming at about 9,000 feet in Northern Utah. Photo credit: Susan Buffler

Rocky natural looking stairsteps planted with alpine flowers — Alpine demonstration garden. Photo credit: La Cita Vitta Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Additional Resources:

Selection and Culture of Landscape Plants in Utah
Mountain Plants of Northeastern Utah
North American Rock Garden Society
Betty Ford Alpine Gardens: Rock Gardening Resources