Lavender

Plant in spring or autumn in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil. Lavender hates wet feet, so add grit to heavy clay before planting. Space plants 30-45 cm apart for a low hedge or 60 cm for individual specimens. Water newly planted lavender regularly during the first summer, then leave it alone — established plants are extremely drought tolerant. Avoid rich compost or high-nitrogen feeds, which produce leggy growth and fewer flowers. In exposed UK gardens, choose compact varieties like 'Hidcote' or 'Munstead' that withstand winter cold better than taller French types. Mulch with gravel rather than bark to keep the crown dry.

Trim after flowering in late summer, cutting back to just above the current season's growth but never into old bare wood. A second light trim in April keeps the plant compact. Without regular pruning, lavender becomes woody and bare at the base within three to four years, and rarely recovers once this happens.