Alpines have been a favourite plant for generations of gardeners and are as popular now as ever. Historically they were used in rockeries, but they offer far more potential for today's gardens, which are generally becoming smaller. Whether planted in troughs, window boxes, raised beds or between paving, alpines offer fantastic versatility and colour for nearly every month of the year. Aimed at both the beginner and the more experienced enthusiast, this essential guide contains a wealth of beautifully illustrated information. Topics covered include: *Traditional and contemporary settings for growing plants *Ideas for incorporating alpine plants into a new or existing garden plot *Advice on planting and maintenance *Information on propagation methods and facilities *An A-Z of over 180 of the best alpine plants, with a useful table of flowering times AUTHOR: Michael Mitchell started Slack Top Alpine Nursery on leaving Askham Bryan Horticultural College in 1986 and now has twenty-five years' experience in the propagation and cultivation of alpine and woodland plants. Michael has taught alpine courses for the Royal Horticultural Society at their garden in Harrogate for several years. Michael and his wife Allison started exhibiting their alpine plants at several of the major UK flower shows in 2006 and have since won seven gold medals. SELLING POINTS: * This essential guide covers all aspects of the care and cultivation of alpine plants * This increasingly popular group of plants contains some of the world's most exquisite flowers * Gives interesting suggestions of where to grow alpines, in both traditional and more contemporary settings, themed containers, geometic planting ideas and single variety planting ILLUSTRATIONS: 217 colour photographs *