Alpine Garden section
In the Alpine Garden it is possible to see plants originating from different regions of the world.
The Appalachians
Never reaching more 2,000 m, the Appalachians extend from Alabama to the Gaspé Peninsula. In Quebec, the harsh climate has allowed alpine plants to flourish at certain levels on mid-range peaks like the Chic-Chocs, rising to 1,268 m. There one finds mostly Arctic-alpine plants that are growing in an arctic environment, but which are found further south, in mountainous environments..
The Rockies
The Rocky Mountains extend from British Columbia to New Mexico. Peaking at approximately 4,400 meters in altitude, these mountains host a flora shaped not only by altitude but also by latitude. Found above 3,300 meters in Colorado, alpine plants appear as low as 1,200 meters in Yukon, where the climate is colder.
A key floristic exchange zone with Arctic regions during past glaciations, the Rockies serve as an important north-south migratory corridor for alpine flora. Among the most striking representatives of this mountain flora are mountain avens (Dryas), lewisias (Lewisia), and Townsend daisies (Townsendia). This section of the Alpine Garden also features alpine plants from other mountain ranges, including the Cascade Range on the west coast of North America.
The Arctic
Extending across the far north of Europe, Asia and North America, the Arctic tundra covers a vast region that includes many islands. In this harsh climate, circumboreal plants grow at sea level and low altitudes, in conditions identical to those found high in the mountains in temperate zones. Fleeing the cold during the Ice Age, some Arctic plants spread southward and took root in the mountains.
The Alps
Stretching for more than 1,000 km from the Mediterranean in France to the Danube in Austria, the Alps include the highest peaks in Europe, among them Mont Blanc, at 4,810 m. The first studies of mountain plants were conducted there in the mid-16th century, and they were again the focus of interest when alpine botany became popular two hundred years later.
The Alps are the kingdom of gentians (Gentiana), pinks (Dianthus) and sea hollies (Eryngium), and edelweiss is their king. In the centre of its starry crown of woolly, white leaves rest the tiny flowers. Who would imagine that these miniature blossoms are the stuff of legend!
The Pyrenees
The Pyrenees, which form a mountainous barrier between France and Spain, are home to a vast number of alpine species, including roof houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum), dragon mouth (Horminum pyrenaicum) and stemless gentian (Gentiana acaulis).
The Carpathians and the Balkans
The Carpathian Mountains extend from the Czech Republic to Romania, while the Balkan Mountains lie further south, stretching from Serbia to Bulgaria. These mountain ranges of Eastern Europe reach elevations of approximately 2,500 meters. Among the characteristic flora of these regions is the genus Edraianthus, which belongs to the bellflower family (Campanulaceae), endemic to southeastern Europe. Several species from this genus are cultivated in this section of the Alpine Garden.
The Caucasus
Stretching from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, the Caucasus forms a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. Encompassing forests, glaciers, and southern deserts, the Caucasus is a highly significant ecological zone, with approximately one-quarter of its plant species being endemic. In this region, the alpine zone is generally found above 3,000 meters. A remarkable diversity of species unique to the Caucasus is showcased in this section of the Alpine Garden.
Asia
Spread out under the “roof of the world,” with peaks rising to 8,848 m, Asia encompasses the largest alpine region on the planet. From the Caucasus to Japan, the Asian mountains are home to a wide range of habitats. Whether they prefer limestone or siliceous soil, sunny or shaded mountain slopes, Asian alpine plants are remarkable for their incredible diversity.
This section of the Alpine Garden primarily features species from the Himalayas to Japan—though they do not necessarily share the same habitats. For instance, while drumstick primrose and spotted bellflowers thrive in alpine meadows, mukdenia naturally grow on moist cliffs. Meanwhile, rock jasmines colonize rockslides, using their deep and surface-spreading roots to stabilize the terrain.
Mountains of the Southern Hemisphere
A section of the Alpine Garden highlights plants found in various southern mountain ranges. Since most of these species are not hardy in Quebec, they must be protected from the cold or relocated to our greenhouses during winter.
Several species from New Zealand’s Southern Alps can be found, including shrubbing veronicas (Veronica sect. Hebe), New Zealand flax (Phormium), mānuka (Leptospermum), and mat daisies (Raoulia).
The collection also features South American genera from the Andes, such as Alstroemeria, Azorella (Andean cushion plant), and Baccharis.
Completing this section are plants from the Drakensberg, a mountain range in South Africa. Pineapple lilies (Eucomis), angel’s fishing rod (Dierama), as well as species from the Delosperma, Rushia, and Berkheya genera are some of the examples from this region on display.
Troughs
Growing plants in troughs started in England in the 20th century, when gardeners discovered old barnyard livestock troughs and thought of using these stone containers as planters.
Forming miniature gardens within a garden, troughs have become very popular. They come in various sizes and shapes and may be manufactured, made at home or assembled from natural or carved stones. Slow-growing, low-maintenance alpine plants are ideal for growing in troughs.
The Crevice Gardens
Crevice gardens recreate the natural habitat of eroded cliffs, providing excellent drainage and a wide range of growing conditions and making it possible to grow alpine plants that are better adapted to cool mountain air in a climate with often very hot summers. Although such gardens originated in England, they were popularized by Czech explorers and botanists, first in Europe and then in North America.
Crevice gardening: Pushing the limits
The Crevice Garden was created in April 2002 under the direction of Josef Halda, a renowned botanist from the Czech Republic, in co-operation with the Quebec Alpine and Rock Garden Society.
The first garden of its kind in a public garden in Québec at the time is situated to the right of the entrance to the Alpine Garden in front of the pine trees. On a small scale, the designer recreated rocky peaks and eroded cliffs, making it possible to cultivate high-altitude plant species in Montreal—species that had previously been absent from the Alpine Garden.
According to Mr. Halda’s design, the rocks are arranged in a series of sloping layers, forming crevices in which the plants’ roots can anchor deeply and find the cool temperatures and moisture they need. The crevices also ensure optimal drainage.
Protective vertical crevices
In 2004, the Jardin botanique de Montréal welcomed a second specialist from the Czech Republic, Zdenek Zvolanek, designer of the Vertical Crevice Garden. The visitor is greeted by this second type of crevice garden upon entering the Alpine Garden.
The designer intended to imitate cliffs with stratified rock faces upthrust by movements in the earth’s crust. The deep cracks ensure excellent drainage and keep the soil temperature and moisture constant for the alpine plants’ roots. The east-west orientation of the rocks and the uneven surfaces create pockets of shade and keep the plants as cool as possible.
This vertical crevice garden is the first of its kind in Canada and one of the world’s largest. It contains alpine plants from North America, Europe and Asia.
