The problem with lavender when left to its own devices is that is DOES get very tall and leggy and develops a very gnarly, woody interior. It really needs to be routinely pruned twice a year - once in late summer or early fall to remove the old flower stalks (if not previously harvested) and just a bit of the upper foliage, mostly to tidy things up for winter. We have a lot of commercial lavender farms in my area and this is the practice they recommend.

The second pruning should be in spring as the new growth becomes apparent. And this can be a more radical pruning, cutting back to keep the plants compact and dense. But do not cut back beyond where foliage growth is evident!! From the "after" photo, it looks like you have done a very nice job so far :-))

Other than that, there is really nothing else you have to do. Lavender doesn't really require any fertilization and often resents it. Not sure what your climate is like, but doubt you would even need to water as well - an established lavender field is extremely drought tolerant and seldom ever requires irrigation.

As Ken mentioned, if this is just the start of the growing season for you, the current appearance of the lavender is to be expected - it is just coming out of its winter period of dormancy. Give it a few months and it should look great!!

And congratulations!! I know you want the entire venue to look wonderful (and I'm sure it will) but all eyes will be on YOU as the bride......the landscape will be entirely secondary :-))

ah heck.. you could make the garden tertiary .. and give secondary to the groom .. lol

ken

Zoe, apparently lavender is quite the commercial crop in NZ, which means that your partner's family can be part of a network of support (NZLGA). They, and by association, you, should take advantage of the strong professional organizations that may be able to help you achieve your goals.

Thank you everyone for your advice and kind words!!

I feel much better knowing that all is not lost with it haha!Thanks guys xxxx

Just to reiterate what others have said, Zoe. That's pretty much what I'd expect Lavender to look like at the end of winter. Just do what GG48 says. Whatever you do don't start adding any 'products', even water.

You'll be fine. Are there any other lavender farms or plantings around that you could go and see just to compare and set your mind at rest?