One of my little lavenders (cuttings 13 months ago) has become the focal point for an ants' nest. It is gradually disappearing as a pile of soil grows up through it. My first thought was to get rid of the ants. But I couldn't help thinking that the soil had a lovely fine airy tilth, while being slightly damp. ...And I wondered if the lavender's branches might layer themselves into it. It is a little experiment (or ongoing observation).
I will have to keep an eye on things to make sure the lavender does not disappear under the soil. But it is no great problem if I lose the plant.
I could kill the ants but leave the soil there. But, with the winter rains soon to come, I think I'll keep the ants: they would work on their nest to re-aerate the soil if it gets too wet.
Folks: what do you think?