Transforming Damaged Lavender: Simple Propagation Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Consequences of Overgrown Rosemary
3. The Challenges of Home Renovations
4. The Problem with Fake Stone
5. The Damaging Effects of Rosemary
6. Creating a Microclimate for Rosemary
7. The Sensitivity of Lavender to Shade
8. Pruning Lavender: A Delicate Process
9. Rehabilitating Damaged Lavender
10. Propagating Lavender: A Simple Guide
11. Conclusion

The Consequences of Overgrown Rosemary

🌿 Introduction

Good afternoon, everyone! I'm Angela from Parkrose Permaculture, and today I want to share with you the not-so-pretty part of my yard. If you've watched my previous videos, you may remember the enormous rosemary plant that once filled this entire bed in front of my house. Unfortunately, that rosemary outgrew its bounds and caused significant damage to both the house and other plants nearby. In this article, we'll explore the consequences of overgrown rosemary and discuss how to rehabilitate damaged plants, particularly lavender, which suffered greatly from the shade cast by the mighty rosemary.

🌿 The Challenges of Home Renovations

As we undertook some home renovations, we encountered a major problem with the overgrown rosemary plant. The previous owner had installed a hideous home depot fake stone, which may have suited a more modern house but clashed terribly with the architectural style of our 1922 home. This artificial stone, combined with the gusts of wind rubbing the enormous rosemary against the front of the house, caused significant damage. The need for repairs and the removal of the overgrown rosemary became evident. Despite the less-than-ideal appearance during the process, we knew we had to address the situation promptly.

🌿 The Problem with Fake Stone

Let's talk about that artificial stone for a moment. While it may have its merits in certain contexts, it was certainly not a good fit for our home. The clash in aesthetics not only bothered us aesthetically but also led to physical damage. The wind repeatedly battered the rosemary against the front of the house, resulting in noticeable wear and tear. This reiterated the importance of selecting materials that not only complement the design but also withstand the elements and minimize potential harm to the surrounding environment.

🌿 The Damaging Effects of Rosemary

Now, back to that sprawling rosemary plant. To be fair, I initially chose to grow rosemary in this location because it offered a sheltered microclimate, as I mentioned in a previous video. The stone wall radiated heat, creating a warm spot in which the rosemary thrived. However, its success soon became its downfall. In climates with harsh winters, rosemary can wither and die. But in this case, the rosemary grew to an unprecedented size, seemingly invincible. As I step back and survey the area, I am amazed at how it completely filled the front of the house, overshadowing everything in its path.

🌿 Creating a Microclimate for Rosemary

Before we jump into the details of rehabilitating damaged lavender, let's briefly explore the concept of microclimates. This term refers to localized climatic conditions that differ from the surrounding area. In this case, the sheltered corner where the rosemary thrived created a microclimate conducive to its growth. The stone wall absorbed and radiated heat, providing a warm and protected environment for the herb. This microclimate allowed the rosemary to attain an impressive size, unlike anything I had seen before.

🌿 The Sensitivity of Lavender to Shade

Now, let's shift our attention to the unfortunate victims of the rosemary's success: my lavendellas, or lavender plants. Lavender, much like its aromatic counterpart rosemary, cannot tolerate shade. The ramifications of this become glaringly obvious when we examine the area where the rosemary had encroached upon the lavender. The shade proved detrimental to the lavender's vitality, resulting in its demise wherever it was covered by the overgrown rosemary. Despite being ten years old, these lavenders had reached the end of their lives due to the profound shade they endured.

🌿 Pruning Lavender: A Delicate Process

You may be wondering if there is a way to revive a lavender plant that appears to be dead or barely surviving. Can you simply cut it back to rejuvenate it? Unfortunately, the answer is not as simple as a yes or no. When it comes to pruning lavender in a normal year, the general rule is to leave about an inch of living growth while avoiding cutting into the dead wood. This ensures the plant's ability to regenerate. However, completely cutting back a lavender to the ground is not advisable, as it may hinder its ability to sprout anew.

🌿 Rehabilitating Damaged Lavender

So, what can be done about damaged lavender plants? Leaving them in their current state is not a viable option, particularly if you aim to revitalize the area. In the case of the lavender overshadowed by the overgrown rosemary, a different approach is necessary. Rather than attempting to salvage the existing plant, it is best to start fresh by propagating new lavender plants. This method allows you to revitalize the space and recreate the beauty that was lost.

🌿 Propagating Lavender: A Simple Guide

To propagate lavender, you need to take cuttings from the damaged plant. Lavender is known for its brittleness, so snapping off a cutting with your fingers is the most effective method. After selecting a piece of lavender stem with two little sections of greenery and three to four inches of woody material, it's time to start the propagation process. Remember, when rooting plants, there is no immediate source of water and nutrients, so ensure you leave just enough living material while avoiding excessive foliage.

🌿 Conclusion

In conclusion, the consequences of overgrown rosemary can be far-reaching, from physical damage to nearby structures and plants to the loss of access to sunlight caused by the overshadowing foliage. However, with a thoughtful approach and a willingness to adapt, damaged plants like lavender can be rehabilitated through propagation. By taking cuttings from the existing plant and utilizing the stun method, where minimal effort is exerted, it is possible to create new lavender plants that embody the same prolific and fruitful nature of their predecessors. So, don't let the challenges of an overgrown garden discourage you—embrace the opportunity to rejuvenate and reinvent!

Highlights

• Overgrown rosemary can cause significant damage to buildings and surrounding plants.
• Fake stone may not be suitable for older architectural styles and can exacerbate the effects of wind damage.
• Microclimates provide favorable growing conditions for certain plants, such as rosemary.
• Lavender is highly sensitive to shade and can die if overshadowed by larger plants.
• Pruning lavender requires caution, as cutting back too much can hinder its ability to regenerate.
• To rehabilitate damaged lavender, propagation through cuttings is the most effective approach.

FAQ

Q: Can rosemary survive in harsh winter climates?
A: While rosemary is generally hardy, severe winters can pose a threat to its survival.

Q: Is it possible to rejuvenate a lavender plant by cutting it back to the ground?
A: No, cutting lavender back to the ground completely is not advisable, as it may hinder its ability to regrow.

Q: How can I propagate lavender successfully?
A: Propagating lavender involves taking cuttings from the parent plant, ensuring there is a balance between woody material and living growth.

Q: What should I do with the propagated lavender if I can't accommodate it in my yard?
A: If you don't have room for the propagated lavender, you can give it away to friends, trade it for other plants, or compost it.

Q: How do microclimates affect plant growth?
A: Microclimates provide localized conditions that may differ from the surrounding area, creating optimal growing environments for specific plants.