The 21st century rockery

The very word ‘rockery’ can conjure up images of naff 1960s monstrosities, mounds of soil studded with rocks and random tiny little plants.

But just as vinyl, houseplants, macramé, dungarees, high-waisted trousers, ABBA and bum-bags have found their way back into fashion, a new generation of gardeners are learning to appreciate alpines all over again – here's five reasons we should all be growing alpines.

Sempervivums give year-round colour

1. They look amazing

Compact yet flamboyant, alpines (also known as rock garden plants) punch way above their weight when it comes to bringing colour and beauty to your outside space. Favourites such as slipper flowers (Calceolaria), dwarf irises and houseleeks bring brilliant colours and textures despite being just a few centimetres high.

Small in size, big on colour

2. They are easy to grow

The vast majority of rock garden plants are tough small

Perennials are any plant living for at least three years. The term is also commonly used for herbaceous perennials which grow for many years (To compare: annual = one year, biennial = two years).

3. They are perfect for small gardens and urban living

Cracks in walls and old troughs make perfect planting places

They don’t take up much space, look pretty and grow well in pots – perfect if your garden is a concrete yard, balcony or windowsill, especially as most of them cope really well with windy spots. You can even plant them in cracks in paving or walls.

4. They look good all year round

You can find an alpine to be in bloom or with colourful leaves any day of the year. And when they’re not in flower, most are neat, compact and evergreen, meaning you’ve always got something nice to look at. Being small in size means you can grow lots of different sorts to maximise interesting combinations of flowers and leaves, extending the season of interest.

5. They are perfect for 'Generation Rent'

Small means portable – easy to buy and bring home, even if you don’t have a car, and easy to take with you if you move house. Try planting up a large shallow bowl (or a more unusual container) with a variety of different alpines for a statement piece.

You can grow alpines and rock garden plants in all manner of quirky containers