by Cynthia Philp –
I love creating gardens small enough to fit on an outdoor table, and tough enough to thrive without much intervention. Even though these gardens provide four season beauty, I do not water, fertilize, spray for insects, trim or protect then. Weeks can go by before I check on my table top gardens and I’m always amazed at the new growth, colours and textures that greet me.
A tough-as-nails miniature garden with four season interest is possible – if you choose the right plants. Alpine plants joyfully thrive in the worst conditions – tiny crevasses on windswept slopes, exposed to all elements – which make them ideal for tabletop gardens. If your table is in deep shade, don’t despair. Just search out shade loving plants. After all, plants grow on the north side of mountains too.
Garden centers carry alpine plants, although they may not always be labeled as such. Another great place to check is the Vancouver Island Rock and Alpine Society, which is the oldest rock and alpine garden club in North America.
Alpine plants typically have small stems and leaves. Look for mat forming plants, such as creeping thyme, saxifrages, dianthus, stonecrop and xerphytic succulents (ones that prefer hot and dry). Many plants you may be familiar with have an alpine counterpart. Dianthus has been cultivated since the 1700s and comes in a wide range of plant and flower sizes. Look for the smallest version: alpine pinks.
Small pots are what you’ll want for your miniature garden, as alpines are diminutive and look lost in a large planter. I’ve had success with thrift store pots. upcycled antiques and occasionally indulge in a hand thrown, hand painted pot from a gardening store.
Start with a pot that’s about six inches across, no more than six inches deep and has a drainage hole in the bottom. Fill it 2/3 of the way with potting soil. There is no need to have a layer of rock or gravel at the bottom, as the drainage hole will do the job.
I love blending different textures and bloom times in my tiny gardens. Three or four different four inch plants can be gently teased apart to create several root balls, which can then be mixed and tucked together. Squeeze the plantlets together snugly, and then water them deeply once or twice more to establish the plants in their new home. You’ll end up with some extra planting material for a second pot – making this a fun project to do with friends.
My tabletop gardens are several years old now, with a wonderful blend of plants that bloom and rest and grow while I stop by once in a while to enjoy. Full disclosure – I did turn the hose on them during last year’s heat dome, and tucked them into the garage during the coldest days of our winter. Because these planters are small, they are easy to move!
Tough as nails, these diminutive landscapes pack a big punch, adorning even the smallest of patio tables with life and beauty.
