From Lavender To Bearded Iris

Nuffield Border (Left)

Nuffield Border (Right)

The lavender in the borders in front of the Nuffield Builing have been looking rather scruffy for some time despite the best efforts of the team to keep them looking a neat and tidy hedge. Now very woody and brittle the decision has been made to remove it and replace it with something completely different, Bearded Iris, Agapanthus and Nerine.

Woody And Brittle Lavender

Removing The Lavender

The work to change the border started today with the removal of the lavender and the weed suppressing membrane. The top dressing of gravel was dug in to the soil, then raked level ready for planting as the lavender was taken to the chipper for chipping.

Weed Suppressing Membrane And Gravel

Trailer Of Lavender

The Iris Swathe Through The Gravel

The iris, given to the college by the Oxford Botanic garden last year, see blog entry for the 21st July 2016 'Washing Bearded Iris', were placed out in a swathe along the gravel and then planted with the rhizome above ground and facing south as much as possible, they love to feel the heat of the sun. The Agapanthus and Nerine will be planted in the next few week.

Planting The Iris

South Facing Rhizome

The New Iris Border

Bearded Iris 'Wabash' In Flower