Alpine Bulbs – Come and See My Garden

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Burke’s Backyard visited the garden belonging to Otto Fauser in the Dandenongs, Victoria where he has created a Bavarian inspired alpine garden. There are crocuses and irises covering the hillsides of the garden including a number of miniature and rare varieties that are difficult for the average home gardener to grow.

Alpine varieties

There are several thousand bulbs with a wide variety growing in this alpine garden:

  • Crocus spp. – there are over 100 various species of miniature crocus throughout the garden.
  • Narcissus varieties – includes Narcissus cyclamineus a white variety from Spain, Narcissus asturiensis which is very small and the hybrid Narcissus ‘Pirouette’ which is bigger and grows to 15cm (6″) tall.
  • Snowdrops – Otto Fauser recommends Snowdrop ‘Sam Arnott’ (Galanthus nivalis) which is an old English cultivar that will grow well in city gardens as well as mountainous zones.
  • Iris reticulata varieties – A group of dainty irises which need good drainage and dry summer rest. These irises originate from Turkey and are tiny plants about 7-10cm (3-4″) above the ground. The species and hybrids come in a range of colours; turquoise, vivid blue and yellows.
  • Climate: These bulbs suit the mountainous zones of southern mainland Australia and Tasmania and they like a Mediterranean climate so that the bulbs can remain dry during their dormant period in summer.

Likes:

  • cold winters
  • good porous soil
  • raised garden beds providing good drainage

Dislikes:

  • poor drainage
  • summer rainfall
  • mild winters

Availability

Alpine bulbs are generally available when dormant, in summer, between January and March.

Otto Fauser obtains his bulbs from many places including the following: Glenbrook Bulbs, 28 Russell Road, Claremont, TAS, 7011. (There is no phone number).
Hillview Rare Plants, 400 Huon Road, South Hobart, TAS, 7004. Phone: (03) 6224 0770.
Woodbank Nursery, 2040 Huon Road, Longley, TAS, 7150. Phone: (03) 6239 6452.
Bryan H. Tonkin, ‘Sylvan Vale’, Olinda Creek Road, Kalorama, VIC, 3766. Phone: (03) 9728 1295.

These nurseries will mail order bulbs Australia wide. For plant lists and catalogues contact the nurseries in November/December.

Further information

For information on joining an alpine plant group contact:

The Secretary
Ferny Creek Horticultural Society Inc.
PO Box 172
Ferny Creek, VIC, 3786

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