- Generally use very free draining soil so, in Coolwater, I mix in a very, very high percentage of either limestone or granite grit with garden soil, together with a tiny amount of volcanic dust, sand, multi-purpose compost & Biochar.
- Set your pieces of stone much higher than you think you need, as your plants will try and overcome them and you will lose the landscape effect that you intended.
- Take into account each plant’s desire in their native habitat for either shade or sun and position your trough accordingly.
- Note each plant’s soil ph requirement and accommodate that. e.g. Gaultheria slinks to nothing if it encounters lime.
- Put a dressing on top, of say 4mm grit, either limestone, pink granite or sandstone, to conserve moisture but also to stop the necks of plants getting rot.