AN OLD FAVOURITE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 992, 7 June 1930, Page 32

AN OLD FAVOURITE

SWEET LAVENDER Lavender has always been one of the Englishman’s favourite “herbs,” and there are few gardens which do not boast at least a few plants; in some it is grown in quantity, and during summer months the lavender hedge or border is one of the delights of the garden. Lavender is invariably grown from cuttings, and these are best taken in February and March. After the flowers have been removed, the shrubs ought to be clipped into a neat and tidy shape; this, at the same time, ensures a sufficiency of cuttings when they are needed, six weeks to two months later. Cuttings consist of shoots broken off with a heel; practically every one will root if firmly planted in sandy soil. If they are from 6in. to 12in. when taken they will soon grow into large bushes. Smaller cuttings taken in the orthodox method by cutting below a leaf joint can be rooted more readily in a frame. Rooted cuttings may be planted out in spring. Growers who wish to plant a lavender hedge often plant the cuttings directly where they are to grow. Plant such cuttings 9in. apart, but thin out to double that distance at the end of the second or third year. As for all other garden plants, the land in which lavender has to be grown should be well tilled beforehand and enriched by the addition of a moderate dressing of manure. If hot, fiery soils, an annual mulch of short manure may be spread round the bushes, or a little may be dug in near them.