October 18, 2007

Phew! I am tired. The last few days I have been dividing and planting perennials like a mad woman. Sedum, reed grass, silver feather grass, and five different varieties of hostas, including my favorites “Patriot” and “Frances Williams,” were among the many plants I moved around my garden. This summer I had an unsightly tree taken down which left a barren spot so, as most gardeners would, I created a new bed which I will be making into a bird garden. From my living room I have an excellent view of the garden, where birds already gather. By adding grasses, evergreens, and viburnums, I will be able to enjoy birds throughout all the seasons.

Many of you have been asking how you divide a perennial. The following are my how-to's and tips on dividing:

1. Don’t be afraid. You are not going to hurt your plant.
2. Cut back foliage to make it easier to transport.
3. Use a shovel and work a few inches away from the plant on one side. Cut through the middle of the plant and move shovel back and forth to loosen soil and roots. Working soil will help you easily remove half of the plant.
4. In many cases, the plant can be divided into more than two plants. Use your best judgement.
5. Spring and fall are the best times to divide.
6. Water and apply Fertilome Root Stimulator.
7. Not sure if you should divide your plants? Divide when:
   1. plants are getting too big for the area it is in.
   2. a dead part exists in the center of your plant.
   3. plants are floppy and falling down.

Dividing perennials every three to five years is healthy for plants. They naturally grow and spread over time, though some will spread faster than others and may need to be divided sooner.

I’m hoping this information helps you in the garden. Holler if you have any questions. You still have a couple weeks to get out there before it’s time to sharpen your tools and head in for the winter.

Happy Gardening!

Horticultural Advisor
Wendy Jasper

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