This is one of my love-hate plants. I like to have some in my garden but find it difficult to care for. I don't know how or when to properly prune them and usually end up with stocky and woody plants that I eventually yard out and replace with a fresh start. What do you do in the fall? I've deadheaded all the flower stalks, but am unclear if I should also trim back (or not) the remaining foliage.

I deadhead in the fall & trim them into a nice mound. I've found that it's important not to prune down into the woody part of the lavender bush. I have heard of lavender coming back from the woodier base, but in my experience that hasn't happened. I think I've read that one shouldn't cut more than a third of the bush back. I've always heard that lavender are short-lived plants. I have several that are five years old & going strong. I don't have a good track record when I transplant them after they've grown for a few years. I live in a mediterranean (very dry) climate, which they seem to enjoy. Years ago, I definitely killed some by overwatering, so I think that good draining soil would be important, but you're so successful with succulents that I know you can provide that! Good Luck - I can't imagine having a garden without lavender...

Yes I've had pretty good luck with lavender too. I've grown a couple from seed and kept in pots on the deck, after a couple years the first one got root bound and looked unhealthy but it sprung back when I replanted in the driest part of garden close to the dry zone under the eaves. It likes that little desert area where not much will grow.

My Lavender care is the same as Liz. I have had the Munsteads last years and they do get leggy and woody but about then they succumb to a winter freeze.
I have also grown the dwarf Silver. It was 4 years old until last winter ,then ka-put.
Trimming to the wood is the way to go. I believe if you trim too hard it leaves the plant open to winter moisture and rot.