Create and Care For a Lavender Hedge

The perfume from a lavender hedge is without equal, while the beautiful purple flowers attract scores of bees and butterflies in summer. The strongest scent is released when the flowers are brushed, so plant your hedge where you can run your fingers through the stems as you pass.

When to Plant: Spring
At Its Best: Summer
Time to Complete: 2 hours

Materials Needed:

• small lavender plants
• compost
• trowel or small spade
• all-purpose liquid fertilizer

Prepare the Ground

A month or two before planting your hedge, dig plenty of organic matter into the soil to improve drainage.

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Space Plants Evenly

In spring, buy small plants and make holes at 12-inch intervals, or dig out a long trench. The plants won't require additional fertilizer at this stage. Plant so they are at the same level as they were in their pots.

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Firm in Soil

In heavier, clay-rich soil, plant the lavenders slightly above the soil surface, and draw up soil around the root ball to encourage water to drain away from the base of the plant. Firm in around the plants with your fingers.

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