This mix with lavender as well as Mediterranean plants was created in the work of David Salman, who gardens in New Mexico. The details of the design are given at the conclusion the article. Illustrations: Carlie Hamilton
The cultivation of lavender is difficult for gardeners living in humid climates (especially those that are east along the Mississippi) since it needs well-drained soil. The ideal solution is to build an “dry landscape” by constructing an elevated bed. Raised beds are becoming well-known for their vegetable gardening, however their versatility allows them to be used to a wide range of garden uses. The key is the use of a soil mixture designed for the plant that you’re attempting to grow in this instance that is a loosely draining blend that’s suitable for lavender and thyme as well as oregano, and others. Mediterranean herbs.
The plan is a Lavender raised bed plant Plan
The Bed Structure that is Raised Bed Structure
The most straightforward method to construct an elevated bed is by purchasing a bed kit, or using corner brackets that connect the lumber. The most commonly used sizes for these above-ground “containers” include 4″ x 4′ 3′ x 6 and 4 8′ x 4′.
The concept is designed for a 3’x 6 bed, like The Forever Raised Bed. A smaller version can be constructed with a 3’x 3-foot bed.
The Soil Mix
After you’ve constructed the raised beds, you can fill it with a special soil mix that is quick draining as well as “lean” (not extremely fertile). The optimal proportion is:
- Two parts of non-clay soil (for areas that receive greater than forty” in annual rain reduce the soil down to one portion)
- 1 part fine sand
- 1 part the aggregate (pumice and expanded shale, or three-quarters” crushed gravel)
- A couple of shovels of compost (no greater than five percent volume)
- A mineral supplement like greensand at the recommended amount
To make drainage easier, mix the soil mix in the upper 6″ of native soil under your raised beds. To determine how much soil you’ll need make use of this Solil Calculator.
About Lavender
Lavender is a garden treasure that provides:
- Oils to heal
- Flowers and foliage dried for use in culinary and herb use
- The honeybees of the world are enjoying copious nectar as well as butterflies, wild bumblebees and wild bumblebee
- Unsurpassed beauty and beauty in our landscapes
English lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia) is a small-to-medium-sized subshrub with evergreen foliage as well as branches that are woody. It is adapted to grow in dry climates , with hot summers, cool winters that are mild to cold and in well-drained, lean soils.
Irrigation
Regularly watering your plants during the first season of growth is crucial to ensure that your plants are established. Hoses for Soakers are a practical and effective way to water the raised bed. They are water-resistant “leaky” hoses release water straight into soil thus allowing roots to be hydrated without soaking the foliage which prevents the development of diseases. You might want to consider installing an irrigation timer for your irrigation system in order to ensure that your plants receive the water they require.
Lavender and other plants
to help you dry your Garden
I suggest English types in lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia) because they are most hardy and cold-resistant. To reap the most benefits, be certain to give them ample space in spacing them at least at least 24″ apart.
Recommended lavender varieties:
- Sharon Roberts: an annual repeat bloomer with high-quality, long flower spikes
- Royal Velvet: A favorite of Oregon cultivators for dried flowers and oils
- Vera An heirloom selection with extraordinary durability and scent
- Thumbelina Leigh A long-blooming dwarf kind with exceptional hardiness
Sharon Roberts lavender
Plant other upright-growing plant species that can add interest and draw pollinators such as Hummingbirds. The best choices are the agastache (hummingbird tip) as well as Salvia Greggii “Furman’s Red” (bush salvia). It is also possible to plant cascading or trailing perennials along the edges of your beds to create a more rounded appearance. The options include Thymus lanuginosus Doone Valley (woolly thyme) as well as lemon thyme the pink creeping thyme ( Thymus praecox ssp. arcticus Coccineus) as well as culinary English thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) and the cascading oregano ornamental ( Origanum ‘Amethyst Falls’) and various annual culinary herbs (basil marjoram and the culinary herb oregano).