There's a bit of a "situation" to report by the water tank at the new(ish) house here at Struan Farm. The lavender I planted around our water tank last year, the plants that flowered so brilliantly last season, are doing something rather odd. Only half of them have flowered, those on one side of the tank. While the others appear to be alive, still, there's little sign of flowers. Hmmm, wonder what's caused this? I thought lavender was hardy, tough as boots, and have never had a problem growing it before now.
After doing a bit of research I've learned the following: (i) lavender doesn't like acidic, clay soil, which I've planted it in; (ii) lavender doesn't like too much water, and we've been getting quite a bit of rain; (iii) lavender likes the sun--the plants on the sunnier side of the tank are blooming, while those on the darker side really aren't, and don't look happy. I'm wondering if I put something on to offset the acidic soil (dolomite lime...) this might help.
On closer inspection, I've noticed that there are some wee blooms struggling along...
Lavender was a symbol of "mistrust" in Victorian flower language. Apparently in the Mediterranean where it grew originally asps tended to hide in the plants, so they were approached with great caution. On the other hand, bees love the flowers, so they are wonderful to have in the fruit orchard, that is if they do flower! I will try to help these along.
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