Shhh dont tell anyone

[bobleponge]

This is my first time "in here" and please dont mention it elsewhere.
I dont "do" flowers, however...

Over the last couple of years I have noticed how the sort of box lavender hedging that some friends have, is literally awash with bees in the summer. Clearly bees=pollination etc etc.

I have a small bank at the back of my veggie plot that is going to be cleared this winter, and I am thinking of putting a similar box type hedge along the bank, but I would only want it to grow to about a foot or so, no more, due to shade.

Can I keep it at the required height or will it not grow that tall?
Does it need loads of maintenance?
Is it ok to put lavender along the back of my veggie plot (only a yard or so away from the first veggies)
Would you recommend growing from seed or buying plants from a G.C. and chucking them in?
If I'm buying plants what age should I buy, and how far apart should I plant them?
When is the best time to take cuttings (should my neighbours happen to be away..)

Any other lavender related help would be most happily received as I know even less about flowers than I do about veg if thats possible.
Ta

[zazen999]

You are SUCH a bloke!

You can take cuttings soon, if they cut back the lavender and it grows back a little before the winter, take some from the new growth.

We are growing from seed, for next year's replacement of very old lavender in the front garden.....we have some red lavender from seeds bought at Chelsea; so are growing that on at the moment. You can put it anywhere, it really brings the bees in and if you cut it back regularly you can have several flushes of flowers.

If I was starting lavender from seed now, it would be one seed per module and grow in the greenhouse over winter.

[Two_Sheds]

I would only want it to grow to about a foot or so, no more, due to shade...Can I keep it at the required height or will it not grow that tall? pick your variety very carefully. I'm growing Dwarf Munstead for a short hedge: easy peasy from seed
Does it need loads of maintenance? A trim once a year. Never cut into the old wood or it will die
Is it ok to put lavender along the back of my veggie plot (only a yard or so away from the first veggies) I have lavender on my corners & edges, barely inches from the veggies: it's perfectly fine
Would you recommend growing from seed or buying plants from a G.C. and chucking them in? Seed is easy and cheap, much easier than cuttings, in my experience

here's a linkie: Fragrant Dwarf Lavender Munstead - Guardian Garden Centre

[rustylady]

Don't worry Bob. REAL men cry and grow flowers. Go for your lavender.

[smallblueplanet]

Lavender is gorgeous stuff, it'll attract all sorts of insects - humming bird moths like it - and will smell good too. Here's an old thread about taking lavender cuttings. I'd find a lavender I liked the look of (there are lots including french lavender!) and take cuttings from it - easy peasy. Maybe even take cuttings from your friends lavender?

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...ngs_14397.html

[Snadger]

You should be ashamed of yourself!

[pdblake]

You should be ashamed of yourself!

Yeah, it's disgusting to see a grown man grow flowers

[smallblueplanet]

Here's some more info from Norfolk Lavender

Norfolk Lavender - Looking after Lavender

[lynda66]

ha you've been spotted boble

[HayleyB]

Don't worry we won't go and spread the word all over the vine that Spongepants is *shouts........... GROWING FLOWERS

[Two_Sheds]

REAL men cry ...

only if their team loses

[bobleponge]

Or if their son's team wins!! I will happily admit to crying, but growing flowers......

Snadge/PdBlake, I am mortally ashamed, I almost asked that question under a pseudonym, or I would have, if I'd known what one was.


Thanks all for the info, muchos helpful.
I think I will chuck seeds into modules when I get home, probably that dwarf one that you recomended TS. If all goes well I would be looking to plant them onto the bank next spring-early summer. Would that be feasible? And how many would I need? I reckon the bank is probably about 40foot long or so.

Also, I wouldnt have the first clue as to what shop sells them, any websites that you would recommend?

[Two_Sheds]

how many would I need? I reckon the bank is probably about 40foot long or so.

Also, I wouldnt have the first clue as to what shop sells them, any websites that you would recommend?

I've planted mine 12-18" apart. Allow 30-50% extra for failures (the wind keeps blowing my greenhouses over, so I've lost a tray full already).
Any of the major seed companies should carry Dwarf Munstead, and eBay is always worth a look too

dwarf munstead, Home Garden, Seeds, Perennials items at low prices on eBay.co.uk

[zazen999]

I took some greenhouse photos just now, these are the ones sown a couple of weeks after Chelsea.

[bobleponge]

Many thanks all, shall now slink out of "this bit" never to darken its door again.