Lifting, diving and moving plants

Well I started gardening 18 months ago - I am quite proud of some of my acheivements (I'll try to post some pics some) however I have gone plant crazy with no real planning (no come on I bet you have all done it )

I did read a lot of books at the start but it has only been through a process of trial and error that I am starting to understand what should go where. After total relandscaping I have gone from no plants to too many of too many different varieties, my garden is absolutely full of flowers (including 50 pots and baskets) but whilst very colourful it has a look of a five year olds finger painting if you know what I mean - colourful dots everywhere but no real style - I want to create a new border and can probably find homes for them all but I need to lift many of them into new positions. I would also like some more geraniums to fall over harsh edges I currently have and I am hoping to create new plants by dividing a number that I have and seem to have done well this year.

Anyway I have an awful lot of work to do and wonder when I can start, a lot of things are in bloom at the moment so I assume not a good time to move.

Plants I need to move or divide include the following:

Various varieties of geranuim
Potentilla
Penstemon
Salvias (various)
Liatris
3 conifer type plants (all different don't know types - currently v small)
Shasta daisy
Gypsophila
Phlox
Persicaria Superba
Hydrangea Fireworks
Aqualegia - some pink and one yellow
Goura

I am also still to plant 2 x astrantia Major roma and 6 x echinacia some cistus and some more salvias
I have a rockery to get rid of or move and all the alpine plants to rehome. I can't bear to plant with any of them so I need to find homes for them all!

I would be very great for any advice on when I can move them and when and how to divide and also any tips on planting companions - I have such a mismatch and so many plants - I should have listened to my husband when he said stop buying them

Love Greeneyed xx

 

Hi Ellie,

It seems you have infact been spying on my garden. How else did you know that was exactly what I have done, and find myself in the exact same position???? hMMMMMMMMMMM?


LOL-too right thats what everyone does, I think perhaps women more than men, men are shrub maniacs, although I have turned my hubby into a closet phlox fan-he has bought for his very self now 19 different kinds. And then he has the audacity to mock my new found hydrangea addiction!!


Ivory is the hydrangea expert-and she knows her stuff so I am 100% usre she will respond or PM you with all sorts of advice. The Phlox is easy-I have actually divided them this week-and I am a brutal beast, but they are all perfectly happy and flowering, but I imagine the horticultural method will be after flowering. I just would not wait.


Before you go gung-ho ( and believe me I do understand, I can feel my palms starting to itch aswell) I personally would advise getting along to some of the national garden scheme gardens, there are pan-loads at this time of year. Telly shows are ok, but the best way is to look at an actual set of gardens. Leave your purse at home ( I can give advice but I wont listen to it myself-I always take mine) and it should help.

But remember, and I think this is extremely important-you are looking at your garden with critical and judgemental eyes. I bet you a pound to a penny anyone who sees it for the first time will think it is to die for. Don`t be so hard on your efforts, I reckon it does you credit.

Are there any pics of it on the site anywhere-I want a peek now.

 

Aw thanks Claire. Yes we had a bbq at the weekend and everyone said it was fantastic but through my eyes I can only see work and how much better it could be!

The garden schemes advice is a really good idea - I've only been round one but it was a real inspiration (got home and ordered several more plants on the internet though afterwards lol)

I'll post some pics later hopefully - need to walk my dog (garden nemesis) now so he stops pestering me lol!

 

If you move anything be careful to dig it up with plenty of soil so you don't damage the roots too much. Dig a large hole where you want it, fill the hole with water and replant. Keep it well watered.

We have moved and re arranged some of our flowering pot plants this week and they are fine.

I don't think it is advisable to move trees and shrubs just now because of the heat and lack of water. It is easier in autumn or spring.

Your garden sounds lovely. I love nothing more than a huge splash of different colours in a garden.

 

Thanks Rose - can I divide my geraniums now too or do I have to wait till spring?

 

My husband moved some of our geranium plants into different pots at the weekend and they are ok. We had too many in one tub and they were really squashed up.
You can't divide geraniums, you need to take cuttings from them (as far as I am aware?)

 

Hi Rose, these are the hardy perennial geraniums you have in borders as opposed to the bedding plants - I am pretty sure you can divide them but may be wrong?