Alpine environments are characterized by extremes of heat and cold, high winds and substrates of gravel or scarce and infertile soil. Adaptations to these harsh conditions include succulent, pubescent or waxy foliage; cushion or ground hugging growth habit; long, penetrating root systems, and the tendency to reproduce by vegetative means rather than by seed.
As alpine plants also tend to flower early, this garden is most showy in spring and early summer, when the early flowers are abuzz with bees and other pollinators, although the miniature plants are interesting to view throughout the year.