Stagesof development lavender border

First the ground was cleared of perennial rye grass and weeds and more than a few rocks.

Next compost was added only to the areas we intended to place plants as the type of plants we have chosen do not require rich soil

A weed suppressing membrane was used under the plants which will be covered with gravel recovered from the land when we sifted and riddled the soil. This membrane is not as heavy duty as the one used under the paths as we expect it to decompose in a couple of years thereby allowing thyme and other native ground cover to spring up between the planting.

The lavender which forms the front row has been planted in a straight row bordering the path with two or three thyme plants introduced top the path edge.

Preparation counts

The secret of success at anything in Spain is La machina!

A machine is the answer to any problem you can imagine, labour saving gadgets are technology at it´s most welcome.

Trying to work the land with conventional spade and fork is impossible. Even previously turned ground often needs to be broken open with a pick!

Destined to become a flower bed at the south side of the villa this hole in the ground was excavated by the JCB digger in only 30 minutes. 

The soil was then hand riddled to remove the rocks and weeds, weeks of hard work. 

Manure which had been composted for one year was added. To the best of the soil we added 30 tonnes of purchased top soil which looked little better than the dust we had removed.