Lavender, Lavender, Where Art Thou?

Summer Lavender

When we put in our stone walk many years ago, I envisioned it rimmed with a lavender hedge. Lavandula vera has been a feature lining the walkway, scenting the air, and providing the garden with charm ever since.

The story does not have a happy ever after ending. It is more of a Romeo and Juliet tragedy because of the periodic deep frozen temperatures we endure every so often. This past winter was one of those years, and I fear that I lost the entire hedge.

I was prepared for the worst. Still, hope that the snow cover kept the plants insulated from the below zero temperatures survived; but now that it is May, hope had faded.

As I was writing this, I again checked on the Lavender. Finding some small growth at ground level, the decision was made: cut everything down to that point, clear out companion plants that suffered dieback and then fill in with new lavender plants.

The Lavender hedge shall live again.

Redux

I have had to replace it once before, and it was interspersed with Rue and Iberis sempervirens, but now that all the lavender plants have died,and the spring started so late I am wondering whether to try again.

The Rue ( Ruta graveolens) is sprouting from the bottom of the plants, and I think perhaps I should simply make it the “Rue Walk”, now.

If I really must give up the Lavender here, it will have to be planted somewhere in the garden. I can’t have a garden without lavender. I just can’t.

The trouble in trying to place lavender in my garden is that I don’t have much space which qualifies as more protected, plus sunny.