Lavender dilemma

Siberian Khatru

We have a row of lavender plants in our front garden. This was comprised originally of about a dozen separate plants, but over the last 2-3 years they have merged and now form a single line along the edge of our lawn.

My dilemma is this: I have noticed this spring that as the plants have started to produce new growth a couple of them look like they haven't survived the winter and there are therefore two dead-looking patches along the line of lavender plants.

What do I do? Do I just leave them in the hope that they come to life at some point, or rip them out, in which case there will be gaps, but maybe the possibility that the other plants will spread out and fill in the gaps? 

Any ideas on why two of the lavender plants didn't survive what was a pretty mild winter?

BlueBirder

What kind of lavender are they? Some types are pretty short lived. 

AnniD

Do you know which variety they are ? The French types are more susceptible to Winter wet, but even the English types can lose areas of growth. If the damage is towards the centre of the plant l would cut it out, as new growth from other areas of the plant can fill in the  gap.
If you could post a photo or two that would be a help