Last week I wrote about dividing lilies in the side garden and the other day I did it again in the back garden.
I did not make plans for the back gardens. All the hours I spent this winter imagining, researching and planning were dedicated to the front gardens. Funny that, considering we will spend more time in the backyard than front.
Once I had the font more or less planted I could not help but shift my attention to the rest of the yard and walking past those four clumps of lilies and that massive clump of daylilies was beyond me. I can see that they have not been divided in...well perhaps ever, and with a little help they could actually fill the whole side garden.
Both the daylilies and asiatic lilies are from the previous owners and while perhaps I should have waited to see what colour they are so that their move would be to their permanent home, I just could not wait. They needed to spread their wings. Now.
Step 1 - get the tarp. Trying to get all of the soil out of the lawn is a lost cause, best to avoid it from the outset.
Step 2 - survey your riches. Breaking everything apart gives a good idea how much you have to plant, but I have found that the roots can dry out quite quickly once the soil is removed so I try and eyeball the volume while they are still in clumps to get an idea of density and spread.
Step 3 - knock of some dirt and jostle the root systems between your hands. With slow and gentle teasing it is possible to break them apart and leave them in good health.
Step 4 - plant and water
Now look at how the whole garden is filled to the brim with these lilies. Picture it again in three years - overflowing with blooms I predict.
While I love daylilies, they are common and I have loads of them so the other lilies are the priority here; most of the daylilies were moved around the corner.
I just hope these lilies are not pink.
***
Sharing with Tips 'n Tricks Tuesday
Blooming Tuesday & Garden Tuesday
Once I had the font more or less planted I could not help but shift my attention to the rest of the yard and walking past those four clumps of lilies and that massive clump of daylilies was beyond me. I can see that they have not been divided in...well perhaps ever, and with a little help they could actually fill the whole side garden.
Both the daylilies and asiatic lilies are from the previous owners and while perhaps I should have waited to see what colour they are so that their move would be to their permanent home, I just could not wait. They needed to spread their wings. Now.
Step 1 - get the tarp. Trying to get all of the soil out of the lawn is a lost cause, best to avoid it from the outset.
Step 2 - survey your riches. Breaking everything apart gives a good idea how much you have to plant, but I have found that the roots can dry out quite quickly once the soil is removed so I try and eyeball the volume while they are still in clumps to get an idea of density and spread.
Step 3 - knock of some dirt and jostle the root systems between your hands. With slow and gentle teasing it is possible to break them apart and leave them in good health.
Step 4 - plant and water
Now look at how the whole garden is filled to the brim with these lilies. Picture it again in three years - overflowing with blooms I predict.
While I love daylilies, they are common and I have loads of them so the other lilies are the priority here; most of the daylilies were moved around the corner.
I just hope these lilies are not pink.
***
Sharing with Tips 'n Tricks Tuesday
Blooming Tuesday & Garden Tuesday
You have such a great and reasonable attitude towards division. I find it a difficult task at best and have to consciously remind myself to be grateful. But I am grateful and you are right -- the garden overflowing with blooms is a lovely thing to consider. In future, I will remind myself of that as well!
ReplyDeleteGardeners are like farmers with flower crops. Dividing is like harvesting your labours.
DeleteSuch good information. I'm sure it will be beautiful. We had to start our garden from scratch, so no dividing and transplanting, yet... but, I hope that it thrives so well that I will have to move some to share with other spots... I want my 1/2 acre (tiny but perfect for us) to be full of gorgeous flowers.... it's just so expensive! Moving them as they become overgrown is definitely the answer!
ReplyDeleteDividing plants = free plants. I also added in big new garden beds last fall and am trying to keep costs down. If you have not tried direct sowing seeds I have had really good luck with Correopsis, Balloon Flower and Flax in particular to economically fit them up.
DeleteThis is so informative and your garden is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI host a weekly link party called Seasonal Sundays. I'd love to have you link!
- The Tablescaper
Thanks for the heads up. I will certainly check out your party.
Delete"You have such a great and reasonable attitude towards division."
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more.
Interesting. I didn't know that others thought of it differently. I cannot wait until I have to divide them again so I can give some away!
DeleteI need to divide mine!
ReplyDeleteGo for it and try to think of it as "free plants"!
Delete