Hello Kevin,

Thank you for reaching out to the UVM Extension Master Gardener Helpline with your question about growing Lavender in Weston, VT. When we have a question about soil fertility, we refer the questioner to send the results to a lab like the one at UVM. A sample size is about 1/2 to 1 cup and the cost to test each sample is $17. If you scroll down the following link you will see a form that you would need to fill out and send with the sample(s). https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab

When you come up to visit, you will most likely be looking at the site to see what the growing conditions are and whether the soil is well draining. Even with the best of soil conditions, sometimes excess rain can make Lavender not want to thrive. Lavender also can have a tough time surviving through the winter here because it likes to be protected but it doesn't like it's roots to get wet. An item to consider that might create another challenge is that possibly the walkway is one where salt is used in the winter time. The soil test would reveal this. The following links have some other suggestions to keep in mind about growing lavender: http://gardening.cornell.edu/homegardening/scene9108.html#growinginfo and https://www.vermontpublic.org/programs/2015-05-22/vermont-garden-journal-rosemary-and-lavender. I wish your mother great success with her Lavender challenge. Thank you for your question.