Alina W

Violets

You can try using a weedkiller on them, but you'll have to cover all your wanted plants so that you don't get the weedkiller on them. Other than that, I'm afraid it is a matter of digging.

What's it like in your garden?

You're welcome, Zoomer44

Many annuals, such as cornflowers, prefer being sown where they are to flower and left alone - that may be part of your problem.

Well done on the dahlias, though.

Lavender

It's just great minds thinking alike, Wintersong

Anyway, you're saying different things, so we're both useful

Lavender

The black floppy plant is dead, I'm afraid, it won't recover.

Sun room - yes, as long as it isn't heated. You want a cool room.

Lavender

Yes - if you add enough grit and dig it in you'll find that this will happen naturally. It doesn't need to be by much - an inch or two will make a difference to the plants.

Lavender

There's your answer, then. Lavender needs very well-drained, gritty soil - if yours is heavy and wet, it won't thrive. As well as adding lots of grit, you might like to consider raising the soil level a little to give even better drainage.

What's it like in your garden?

Cherry blossom is late this year, and my aquilegias seem to be about a fortnight late.

On the other hand, my daffodils are lasting longer than they did last year because it's been so cold.

Lavender

I was going to say the same - is the area well drained?

Pieris forest flame

The red shoots are simply new shoots, so it sounds as though yours isn't producing many.

My first thought would be to try feeding it?

Tulip Buds dying

Fascinating - I look forward to hearing whether it works!