Question
I live in Berwickshire, just over the border from Northumberland.  Last year was the first year for my lavender hedge and I mistakenly thought I needed to prune it after the Winter.  It is now looking very out of control after a really bad Winter, though I can see what looks like new green growth beneath the blackened looking twigs.  Should I prune it at all this year?  It is English lavender.

Answer
Hello Jennifer

You were not mistaken - you should prune your lavender after the winter - in fact it should be pruned in early to mid spring every year.  I would wait though until the frost has passed and the weather warms up a bit, then cut back to the new shoots you can see.  Remove the flowers once they have faded in the eary autumn.