cross-posted from: https://lemmy.crimedad.work/post/63959
cross-posted from: https://pixelfed.crimedad.work/p/crimedad/675140687607015636
The flowerbeds in front of my house could use some work.
I'd like to replace what I've got with some colorful plants, but I'm not sure what to pick that's appropriate for the environment or even what sort of design guidelines to follow that will lead to a handsome result. Would anyone care to offer some suggestions? This side of the house gets plenty of sun and faces South. The location is in Essex County, New Jersey.
Lavender likes sun. It also likes well-drained soil and a neutral to high pH, so add lime to the soil and sprinkle more lime every year.
Source - we have Lavender in front of our house, and it didn't die yet. It's less than a year old, though.
In my experience, lavender either suddenly dies within 3 months of planting, or thrives exceptionally for one or two seasons then suddenly dies. I've given up on it
Soil not draining enough perhaps? Only way we've managed to kill lavender is by pruning it too much.
Yeah it seems pretty fickle, but it sure is nice. There are different varieties, too, which makes it even more compelling.
English lavender is a bit sturdier than French lavender, I've found. It does better at surviving a harsh winter. Mine did so well my neighbours complained about it encroaching on their footpath and I had to hack it back.