Mark, here are a few to look up. They should be fine in a Zone 8. Not necessarily true alpines but then very many so called alpines for troughs are not from alpine regions. They just lend themselves well to the situation.

Antennaria dioica rubra
Corydalis wilsonii
Cotula barbata
Geranium crug
Helichrysum bellidioides
Lewisias
Morisia monanthos
Phlox borealis

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Hi Mark,

Check out NARGS.org (North American Rock Garden Society). They have a ton of information on rock garden and alpine plants. If you are indeed in zone 8, I would think you would have more difficulties growing alpines in the summer than worrying about frost.

Hope this helps, GC

Here is a link that might be useful: Climate & plants

Thank you very much for the information Peter and GC. We can get very hot and dry here in the summer. I will read up with the links you both gave. I have much to learn and will enjoy the journey!

Cheers,
Mark