We had a rough summer this year....too much rain and then too much sun. If you decide to fertilize use only a little bit of old cow or manure in the fall 18 inches from the stem. Lavender likes to be in a sunny corner protected from everything. It does not grow well up in NE PA. I have to replace it every year. I don't have a protected corner. We are thinking about doing a covered area for the winter with glass & wood in the garden and putting all the spices in it and leave it covered for the winter...so It must have a slanted window facing the sun and be able to open or remove it in the summer. Lavender is a beautiful herb. Some people make little sew packets to put in your clothes drawers or cabinets.