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new lavender bed advice

HocHoc Posts: 8

Hi, having decided to give up on annuals in my two large brick planters which span the front of our house, I thought two big lavender beds would look good, be fairly easy to look after and provide a welcoming scent.  The house is south facing, and the soil is poor & sandy. My question is what do you think would look better - all one type of lavender, or three different coloured ones for a patchwork effect.  I have 100s of orange poppies (escholzia) in there which will make a good contrast I hope.

Posts

  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,752

    I would go for 3 different ones as, for me, that would be more interesting. But really it's a matter of personal taste.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • Bunny ...Bunny ... Posts: 3,471
    Only have success with hidcote blue here , I have had French ones in pots . I like blocks of colour but its up to you what your preference is.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 83,995

    I think that for a front garden the more formal effect of all one variety will be good , particularly in large brick planters as you describe - and this way they will all be at roughly the same height and bloom at the same time.  Underplanting with escholzia will look gorgeous image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Busy-LizzieBusy-Lizzie Posts: 21,752

    You see, it's personal taste. I like informal and a bit untidy, rather overflowing with plants and colour (love Great Dixter, Christopher Lloyd, don't like formal box hedges), but other people like the opposite. So, up to you - it's your garden.

    Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
  • I think one type can look stunning ,a deep blue,but your choice really,

  • HocHoc Posts: 8
    Thanks, good point about them all flowering at same time and height. The house is painted white, so dark blue or a mid blue would be good. Any varieties you particularly like? Is hidcote very dark purple?
  • PaulyGPaulyG Posts: 1

    Hi, see my profile pic with the moth, that is a close up shot of English Lavender "Munstead". The bees and butterflies simply can't help themselves, the whole bed will be buzzing with activity, very pleasing at the height of summer. Puts a smile on your face everytime you visit the bed! Go for it!

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