The Dolomites in mid-June 2023 – Day 11: Cinque Torri

The next day we set off early again for Cinque Torri.  We left nothing to chance, by walking up to the bus station, and the bus came on time. Whilst waiting I noticed this ingenious solution to making moveable planters to position on the steep slope. Lago di Valparola The ...(more below)
August 6, 2023
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The next day we set off early again for Cinque Torri.  We left nothing to chance, by walking up to the bus station, and the bus came on time.

Whilst waiting I noticed this ingenious solution to making moveable planters to position on the steep slope.

Vibrant pink flowers in window boxes and wooden planters outside a traditional Alpine building, showcasing Alpine gardening and floral displays with decorative window frames.

Lago di Valparola

The first stage of the bus journey took us through La Villa and up to the Falzarego Pass, with a brief stop at the Valparola Pass.  I couldn’t help looking at the Lago di Valparola and wondering what flowers I might find walking round it.

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Alpine Garden Society featuring stunning mountain landscape with rugged peaks, lush green slopes, and tranquil lake, highlighting alpine plants and outdoor biodiversity in a scenic environment.
Alpine Garden Society, mountain lake landscape with lush green hills and rocky terrain, supporting alpine flora enthusiasts and conservation efforts.

Falzarego Pass

At Falzarego Pass we had a short wait before catching a bus down the far side of the pass towards Cortina, though we would get off at Cinque Torri.  The skies were stormy (interesting) but it wasn’t raining, albeit bitterly cold (8 degrees C) with a biting north wind.

Alpine Garden Society visitors parking with mountain backdrop, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants and mountain scenery for outdoor gardening enthusiasts.
Misty mountain landscape with dark clouds, pine trees, and rugged peaks, ideal for alpine gardening inspiration and landscape photography showcasing mountainous terrain and natural beauty, relevant to Alpine Garden Society members and enthusiasts.

Knautia arvensis

Walking from the bus stop to the bottom of the chair-lift at Cinque Torri, we spotted a white scabious (Knautia arvensis).

Purple and white wildflowers in a grassy field, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts, showcasing diverse plant species suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Rhododendron ferrugineum

The slope beneath the lift was a two-tone carpet of Rhododendrons.  I don’t know whether the different colours indicated the presence of Rhododendron hirsutum, or whether it was just age or natural variation.  But all the Rhododendrons I found at the top of the lift were definitely Rhododendron ferrugineum.

Vivid pink alpine flowers blooming on a hillside with green foliage and trees, showcasing the flora of the Alpine Garden Society.
Pink alpine flowers blooming on a rugged mountainside, part of garden landscapes ideal for alpine plants, promoting alpine gardening and species diversity in mountain environments.

My eyes picked out some lower growing clumps of pink on the side of this rocky outcrop.  I was convinced these were Rhodothamnus chamaecistus.  But I hoped we would find more at the top, without having to walk back down to see them.

Alpine garden landscape featuring rocky mountain terrain with scattered trees and dramatic cloudy sky.

Cinque Torri

From the top of the cable car (2250m) we had wonderful views of the rocky ridges to the south-east, with Monte Pelmo behind them to the right, and Monte Antelao and Croda Marcora to the left.  Directly to our east rose the rocky outcrops of Cinque Torri.

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Jagged mountain peaks and lush alpine meadow in the Dolomites, showcasing the stunning landscape perfect for alpine gardening and outdoor activities.
Alpine Garden Society mountain landscape with rugged peaks and dramatic cloudy sky, highlighting alpine plants and mountain flora for enthusiasts of alpine gardening and mountain ecosystems.
Ancient mountain landscape with hiking trail, lush greenery, rocky peaks, Enchanting view of the Dolomites in Italy during cloudy weather, ideal backdrop for alpine garden enthusiasts.
Majestic rocky mountain formations in the Dolomites with lush green meadows and hiking trails, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and mountain lovers exploring natural landscapes in Italy.

Mount Averau

Nearer to us loomed Mount Averau.  We had been told to take the path that climbed southwards towards it, then to look for Rhodothamnus on the limestone plateau / pavement that we would cross.  Our first impressions were meadows full of Trollius europaeus, and banks dotted with Dryas octopetala.

Rocky mountain with sparse snow cap and lush green trees at the base within the Alps, showcasing alpine landscape and geology, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Wild alpine flowers blooming on a grassy hillside designed for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden lovers.
Yellow alpine flowers in a green meadow with a mountain in the background, showcasing a stunning alpine garden landscape.

Primula farinosa

Bird’s-eye Primoses dotted in the short grass, as they did everywhere we went this year.

Wildflower meadow on a spring day, showcasing native alpine plants and colourful blooms for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant lovers.
Vivid pink and lilac primrose flowers blooming in a lush garden setting, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts seeking resilient and attractive plants.

Gentiana verna

With the Primula we found spring gentians, in this case unmistakably Gentiana verna.

Vinca minor, with vibrant blue flowers, growing among rocks and green foliage in a rocky garden setting, showcasing alpine gardening features.
Vivid blue alpine flowers among green foliage and rocky ground, showcasing diverse plant species for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.

Pulsatilla alpina subsp. austroalpina

Then I rounded a bank, and saw white cups on long stalks.  Unmistakably the white form of Pulsatilla alpina.  I would have called it Pulsatilla alpina subsp. alpina, but nowadays, the plants in this area are called Pulsatilla alpina subsp. austroalpina.

Bright alpine wildflowers and lush green meadows in the mountainous region of the Alps, showcasing the natural beauty of Alpine gardens and protected mountain flora.
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White flowering anemone plant in a natural alpine garden setting; lush green foliage surrounds delicate blooms.
Delphinium flower blooming in Alpine Garden Society's collection, showcasing delicate white petals with vibrant yellow stamens, amidst lush green foliage.
Alpine Rock Cress flowers in a natural alpine garden setting, showcasing delicate white petals with bright yellow centres, perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
White wildflowers with yellow centres blooming in green foliage, representative of Alpine garden plants popular among garden enthusiasts.
Wild alpine anemone flower blooming in mountain garden, vibrant white petals with yellow centre, surrounded by rocky terrain and alpine plants, representing rare wildflowers of the Alps and high-altitude regions.
Cream Alpine Anemone flowers in bloom, growing in rocky garden terrain, showcasing Alpine Garden Society's focus on hardy mountain plants and alpine gardening expertise.

Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia

However, not all the plants were white.  Before long, I discovered yellow ones (Pulsatilla alpina subsp. apiifolia), and some creamy individuals which may have been hybrids.

White anemone alpine flower in natural hillside habitat well illuminated by sunlight, close-up of delicate petals and vibrant yellow stamens, part of the Alpine Garden Society's collection of mountain plants for rock gardens and alpine enthusiasts.
Alpine Meadow Globe Flower Primula vulgaris swertifolia in green grassy alpine environment, vibrant yellow blossoms, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.

Salix species

We climbed up a slope, away from the grass, up onto a flattish limestone plateau.  In winter, this formed a ski piste.  The rock was close to the surface everywhere, with just a thin covering of turf.  Here we found a large-growing but quite prostrate willow with long round catkins.  I have not established a firm identity for it.  My best guess at the moment is S. hastata or S. hegetschweileri.

Unsure if the image is from the Alpine Garden Society website, but here are the SEO text values based on the provided image and context:.
White blossom of a flowering shrub with fuzzy cylindrical flower spikes and green foliage, representing alpine garden plants.

Rhodothamnus chamaecistus

Finally, on a rocky outcrop, my eyes caught the bright pink / magenta I was looking for.  This is the very beautiful Rhodothamnus chamaecistus.

Alpine plants blooming among rocky terrain, representative of Alpine Garden Society’s focus on mountain flora cultivation and conservation.
Pink alpine flowers from the Alpine Garden Society, ideal for rock gardens and alpine plant enthusiasts.
Pink alpine garden flowers with vibrant petals and dark stamens, showcasing the beauty of mountain flora. Ideal for enthusiasts and plant lovers exploring alpine gardens and wildflower displays.
Pink Alpine flowers blooming in a garden, showcasing vibrant petal colours and delicate structure, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Pink alpine flowers blooming among green foliage, showcases alpine garden plants suitable for rockeries and garden borders. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and garden design inspiration.

Pulsatilla alpina

As we progressed slowly uphill, we came across more and more Pulsatilla alpina.  Some seemed to be white, some seemed to be yellow, some were intermediate.  All had pretty blue-veined backs to the petals.  I don’t know where I should draw the lines.  They were beautiful, beautiful plants whatever I should call them.

White Anemone flowers in full bloom on green foliage at Alpine Garden Society, showcasing delicate petals and vibrant yellow centres, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts.
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White alpine flower with yellow stamens in a natural garden setting, showcasing alpine plant varieties and blooms.
White alpine poppies blooming in a garden setting, showcasing delicate petals and vibrant yellow centres, ideal for alpine gardening and rock garden enthusiasts.
Yellow alpine flowers, close-up of vibrant yellow blooms with delicate petals and central orange stamens, growing in a natural garden setting.
Vibrant yellow and green wildflower resembling a tulip in a natural alpine setting, perfect for garden enthusiasts and alpine plant lovers.
White alpine flower with yellow stamens, close-up on green blurred background.

Loiseleuria procumbens

We found Creeping Azalea (Loiseleuria procumbens) here.  The flower wasn’t as dense as at Porta Vescovo, but the tiny pink stars extended widely across the turf.

Wild alpine groundcover with pink flowers and lush green foliage, suited for mountain gardens and rocky landscapes, promoting Alpine Garden Society plant diversity and sustainable gardening.

Rhodothamnus chamaecistus

But the real highlight was the Rhodothamnus.  As we found more and more specimens, we realised there was considerable variation in the tone of pink.

Alpine plants blooming on rocky mountain slopes in an alpine garden setting.
Wild alpine flowers blooming on rocky mountain terrain in high-altitude alpine garden setting, showcasing hardy flora for alpine gardening, nature, and mountain landscape enthusiasts.
Violet alpine flowers thriving in natural rocky terrain, part of Alpine Garden Society collection.
Violet alpine flowers blooming in mountainous terrain, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants for gardening and nature enthusiasts.
Violet flowers blooming in a natural alpine garden setting with green grass and rocky soil, showcasing hardy plants suitable for mountain and alpine gardening.
Pink wildflower blossoms with delicate petals and long stamens, perfect for alpine gardening and flower displays. A vibrant addition to garden collections and plant enthusiasts.
Pink azaleas in full bloom, showcasing vibrant garden flowering plants, perfect for alpine and woodland gardens. Bright, colourful flowers attract pollinators and enhance garden beauty.
Alpine garden society mountain flora with pink alpine flowers under cloudy sky.

I couldn’t stop photographing them.

Wild alpine plants and rocks on a hillside in a mountainous landscape, with a hiker observing the flora, representing alpine gardening and plant conservation.
Alpine garden with pink flowering plants growing on rocky hillside, showcasing hardy alpine plants in their natural environment, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts and conservation.

Salix species

As we climbed higher we found even smaller willow species.  I am not sure whether these are Salix retusa or Salix serpyllifolia, or indeed even whether the two plants shown are the same.

Yellow-flowering alpine plants growing in rocky soil, suitable for garden or wildflower meadow.
Rock cress growing among rocks in alpine garden environment, showcasing hardy succulent plants native to mountainous regions. Perfect for rock gardens and alpine plant collections.
Vrouwentong (Sedum rupestre) growing on rocky ground, a hardy succulent plant ideal for alpine gardens and rockeries.

Salix reticulata

But I am confident that this was S. reticulata.

Small green plant with fuzzy leaves and reddish stems growing among soil and rocks, suitable for alpine gardens and rockeries.
Wild alpine plants with fuzzy green leaves and tall reddish flower spikes in natural rocky terrain, part of the Alpine Garden Society's collection.

Pulsatilla alpina

Here the white and cream cups of Pulsatilla alpina danced above the turf in depressions on the hillside.

Delicate alpine wildflowers blooming on a grassy hillside, showcasing native plants encouraged by the Alpine Garden Society for rock gardens and mountainous environments.
Wild Anemone Flower growing in natural alpine garden, close-up of native wildflower species with green foliage and grass background.
Bright white alpine poppies with yellow centres blooming in a lush garden setting, showcasing native garden plants for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Wild alpine flowers blooming in a rocky mountain meadow, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants and native flora. Perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts interested in native and wild alpine plant habitats.
White anemone flowers in a garden bed, showing the beauty of wildflowers and alpine plants, perfect for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts and rock gardening.
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Dryas octopetala

In drier, rockier places, Dryas octopetala replaced the Pulsatilla with a lower carpet of smaller white cups.

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Alpine garden with wildflowers and mountainous backdrop, showcasing alpine plants, suitable for garden enthusiasts and plant collectors interested in alpine and mountain flora.
Alpine garden landscape with rugged mountain peaks and green meadows, showcasing alpine flora and rugged terrain typical of high-altitude environments.
Alpine landscape featuring rugged mountain terrain and blooming wildflowers, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts exploring high-altitude flora and plant habitats.

Dactylorhiza viridis

Amongst the Dryas, we found one solitary Frog orchid (Dactylorhiza viridis), some very pink forms of Homogyne alpina, and good plants of Silene acaulis.

Bright green flowering plant in alpine garden, showcasing rare mountain flora with tall flower spike and contrasting leaves.
Pink alpine flower with slender petals in natural grassy environment, highlighting alpine gardening and wildflower cultivation.
Vivid pink wildflowers thriving in a natural alpine garden setting, surrounded by green grass, white daisies, and small yellow blooms, showcasing the diverse flora typical of alpine plant collections.

Crocus vernus albiflorus

A few last pockets of snow lay here, surrounded by Crocus and Soldanella.

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Purple crocus flowers blooming in a natural alpine garden setting with dry grass and soil.

Soldanella alpina

Most of the Soldanella were S. alpina, but we found small numbers of S. pusilla and S. minima among them.

Violet alpine flowers blooming on a mountain slope with grass and rocks, showcasing alpine gardening and mountain plants for garden enthusiasts.
Violet wildflowers blooming in Alpine garden soil, showcasing delicate bell-shaped petals, perfect for alpine garden plant enthusiasts and wildflower conservation.
Alpine garden wildflowers with purple bell-shaped blooms, showcasing rare alpine plants for garden enthusiasts and plant collectors.
Delicate purple alpine flowers growing in rocky soil, showcasing the beauty of high-altitude flora. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers interested in hardy, low-maintenance plants.
Anemone patens flower blooming in wild rocky terrain, symbolising alpine bloom diversity.

Pulsatilla vernalis

And among the Soldanella, we found one solitary flower of Pulsatilla vernalis.

Fine alpine plants blooming on a mountain slope with a snowy backdrop, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
White Pasque Flower blooming in early spring, showcasing its distinctive white petals and bright yellow stamens, ideal for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Dryas octopetala

The path continued upwards a long way, but we were uncomfortable about following it, aware that we both struggled with descents.  Before we returned, I wanted to cross to the far side of the piste.  There, I could see a gully and a rocky ridge I wanted to explore.

Wild alpine daisies flowering on rocky mountain terrain in the Alps, showcasing hardy alpine plants for garden cultivation and natural habitat preservation.
Vivid alpine garden scene with colourful pink and white flowers, lush green foliage, and rocky terrain, showcasing the beauty of mountain flora and suitable for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts.

Rhodothamnus chamaecistus

Among the rocks on the far side of the gully I found more plants of Rhodothamnus chamaecistus in excellent condition, ranging from pale pink, through lilac, to quite dark shades.

Vibrant pink alpine flowers growing among rocks and grass on a mountain slope, showcasing the beauty of high-altitude garden plants and wild flora in the UK.
Climbing purple alpine flowers growing among rugged rocks with mountain scenery in the background, showcasing the beauty of high-altitude plant life in the Alps.
Vivid pink alpine flowers growing among rugged rocks in a mountain landscape with dramatic peaks under a cloudy sky.
Pink alpine rhododendron flowers blooming in a garden setting, vibrant pink petals with white stamens, lush green foliage surrounding the blossoms, suitable for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts, beautiful springtime display.
Pink alpine flowers growing on rocky terrain, showcasing Alpine Garden Society's diverse plant collection. Perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts and rock garden design.
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Pink alpine flowers blooming among rocks, showcasing alpine gardening beauty, variety, and resilience for enthusiasts and gardeners.
Pink alpine flowers in a mountain landscape with rocky peaks and green meadows, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and plant conservation.
Pink alpine flowers growing among rocks and moss, perfect for mountain garden landscapes.
Pink alpine flowers in a rugged mountain habitat, showcasing the beauty of high-altitude flora at an Alpine Garden Society event. Perfect for enthusiasts of rock garden plants and alpine gardening.
Snowy mountain trail winding through rugged alpine landscape with rocky terrain and green patches of grass, under overcast sky, in the Dolomites, Italy.
Pink alpine flowers among green foliage, showcasing the beauty of alpine garden plants. Perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and plant lovers interested in hardy, flowering plants.
Vivid alpine flora covering rocky hillside, showcasing colourful wildflowers and hardy plants thriving in mountainous areas for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Vivid pink alpine flowers blooming among rugged rocks in a mountainous landscape, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and plant cultivation.
Bright alpine flowers blooming in a mountain meadow with rugged peaks in the background, showcasing the beauty of alpine gardening and native flora.
Alpine garden society wild pink mountain flowers on rocky hillside, Scotland, showcasing alpine plant growth and natural habitat, ideal for gardening enthusiasts interested in mountain flora.
Pink alpine flowers blooming in a lush garden scene, ideal for Alpine Garden Society enthusiasts and rock garden plant lovers.
Vibrant pink alpine flowers blooming on a bush in outdoor setting, showcasing hardy plants suitable for alpine gardening and rockery landscapes.

Pinguicula alpina

Eventually, I had to tear myself away.  Crossing back over the piste, I found scattered plants of Pinguicula alpina.

Primula flower growing among rocks in alpine garden, showcasing hardy mountain flora.
Wild Alpine Primula acaulis flower growing in rocky soil, part of alpine garden plant collection.

Silene acaulis

One plant of Silene acaulis was in exceptional condition, and very densely flowered.

Pink flowering alpine plants, vibrant ground cover for alpine gardens, ideal for rockery, thriving in rocky soils, flower-rich, low-growing, and hardy perennials for mountain gardening.

Trollius europaeus

As we returned slowly, we passed back through the meadow of Trollius europaeus.

Vibrant alpine meadow filled with yellow wildflowers beneath rugged mountain peaks, showcasing stunning natural scenery typical of alpine garden landscapes.
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Mount Lagazuoi and Falzarego

From here, we had excellent views of Mount Lagazuoi, and the area east of the Falzarego Pass which we explored last year.  Including the ruins of the German hospital which we never quite reached.

Alpine mountain landscape with rugged peaks and lush green slopes, ideal for alpine gardeners and mountain flora enthusiasts.
Vibrant alpine garden with mountain backdrop showcasing diverse flora, perfect for alpine plant enthusiasts. Discover stunning plants and scenic landscapes at the Alpine Garden Society.

To the east, clouds still wreathed the mountains.  We had not yet explored the area around the Cinque Torri, and decided to stop for lunch in the rocks around it, where we might find shelter from the biting north wind.

Alpine garden landscape with mountain views, lush green meadows, winding paths, and dramatic rocky peaks, ideal for alpine gardening and plant enthusiasts.
Rock formations in the Dolomites mountain range, Italy, during cloudy weather with lush green meadows and wildflowers in the foreground. hikers enjoy the scenic alpine landscape.
Rugged mountain landscape with rocky slopes and sparse alpine vegetation, featuring towering peaks partially obscured by clouds, representing the natural beauty of alpine gardens and mountain flora.

In the distance, climbers hung from the limestone towers of the Cinque Torri like a Christmas tree.

Rugged mountain landscape with a prominent rocky cliffside and lush green meadows, ideal for alpine gardening and outdoor enthusiasts.
Alpine plant enthusiasts exploring rugged mountain terrain at the Alpine Garden Society event.

Daphne striata

We found a little shelter among the rocks for lunch.  The flowers also seemed to like it out of the wind.  There were Silene acaulis cushions and some good compact forms of Daphne striata.

Pink alpine rock cress growing among rocks in a mountainous landscape, showcasing vibrant wildflowers suitable for alpine gardens and rock gardens.
Pink alpine flowers growing among green grass and rocky terrain, showcasing hardy plants suitable for alpine gardening and rock gardens.

Rhododendron ferrugineum

Red Rhododendrons covered the hillside, but all were Rhododendron ferrugineum.

Vibrant pink alpine flowers blooming in a green mountain meadow with rugged peaks in the background, showcasing alpine gardening and mountain flora.
Pink alpine rhododendrons blooming on a green hillside, ideal for alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Pink alpine rhododendron bushes growing on a grassy hillside, vibrant flowers against a cloudy sky, showcasing alpine gardening and plant conservation at the Alpine Garden Society.
Vibrant pink alpine rhododendron flowers in full bloom, showcasing lush green foliage, perfect for alpine gardening and garden society enthusiasts.
Vibrant pink alpine rhododendrons bloom on a green hillside with rocky formations and scattered trees in the background, highlighting the beauty of mountain flora in a natural alpine garden setting.

Rhodothamnus chamaecistus

Among the rocks there were scattered plants of Rhodothamnus.

Alpine garden with colourful low-growing plants, rocks, and tall conifer trees under cloudy sky, showcasing mountain flora and landscape design.

Anemone baldensis

We had seen odd flowers of Anemone baldensis higher up, among the Pulsatilla alpina, but the ones here were more numerous, and in better condition.

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Wild Anemone flowers growing on rocky mountainside, part of alpine flora collection at Alpine Garden Society.
Elegant white alpine flowers blooming amidst rocky terrain at the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing alpine plant beauty and resilience.
Wild alpine flowers among rocks in a natural garden setting, showcasing resilient plants suited for mountain or rocky landscapes.

Valeriana montana and Valeriana saxatilis

Valeriana montana and Valeriana saxatilis grew right next to each other.

Alpine flowers of the Alpine Garden Society, showcasing resilient white blooms amidst rocky, alpine terrain. Perfect for plant enthusiasts and alpine plant conservation.
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Clematis alpina

Clematis alpina climbed over what I think was probably the same species of willow that I saw higher up, but much less compact in a less harsh environment.

Alpine garden plants thriving in rocky terrain with lush green foliage and purple flowers, showcasing alpine gardening diversity and beauty.

Cracks between the rocks nurtured Saxifraga sedoides, Viola biflora, Globularia cordifolia, and many other familiar plants.

Tiny yellow alpine flowers blooming among lush green foliage near rocky terrain, showcasing the beauty of alpine plants suitable for garden cultivation.
Vibrant yellow pansy flowers growing among green leaves against a rocky background, showcasing alpine gardening beauty and plant diversity.
Tiny yellow alpine flower growing among rocks and green foliage in alpine garden setting.
Purple alpine asters in rocky mountain soil with small yellow flowers, showcasing hardy mountain plants for rock gardens and alpine gardening enthusiasts.
Pinellia tripartita flowering plant in a garden bed - alpine garden society, rare alpine plants, flower photography.

Retreat

However, it was still bitterly cold.  We had found the plant we came to look for (Rhodothamnus chamaecistus), with the unexpected bonus of white Pulsatilla alpina.  The paths in the rocks around the Cinque Torri were steep, and a bit of a scramble, even with steps, and the cold had sapped our enthusiasm to explore.  So we decided to return to the rifugio at the top of the chair-lift for a hot drink, and to get out of the wind.

On our way back, we saw a pale blue form of Gentiana verna just opening, and watched a bird I didn’t recognise.  This turned out to be an Alpine Accentor.

Wild blue and white iris flowers thriving among green foliage in an alpine garden setting.
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The mountains on all sides were spectacular, and there were lots of interesting plants to see.  This is definitely a place I would like to revisit, preferably on a warm sunny day.

Unique rocky mountain landscape with hikers walking on lush green hills in the foreground, under a cloudy sky, capturing the natural beauty of alpine environments.
Alpine Garden Society logo with mountain landscape background, promoting alpine plants and gardening community activities.
Alpine garden society members hiking in mountain landscape with rugged peaks and cloudy sky, promoting alpine plants and gardening in high-altitude environments.
Alpine Garden Society mountain landscape with hikers in the Alps, showcasing diverse alpine flora and rugged mountain scenery.
Alpine Garden Society logo displayed in a scenic mountain landscape, highlighting the society's focus on alpine plants and gardening in mountainous environments, with rugged peaks and lush greenery.

Corvara

Returning from dinner that night, we once again had a fine sunset, promising better weather for the following day.

Vibrant alpine garden scenery with mountains, lush greenery, and traditional Alpine architecture, perfect for alpine gardening enthusiasts and visitors to the Alpine Garden Society.
Serene mountain landscape with alpine trees and a house, illuminated by sunset light, representing alpine garden environments and outdoor gardening in mountainous regions.
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