Gardening: Sharing and Multiplying The Beauty
What inspires me to get outside and dig in the dirt? My fellow gardeners! I have always believed that you can learn more from your friends and neighbors that you can from most any gardening book. They have already discovered what plants thrive in your climate and do well in your soil. So, why not get inspired for the fall! Consider sharing or swapping plants this fall to add some new color and height to your gardens. Fall is a great time to share bulbs, divide perennials and root plants. Consider trying one of the ideas below!
Sharing Bulbs – I try to separate my bulbs once every couple of years. Whether you have tulips, irises or daffodils, you can dig up the bulb, cut back any green growth left from the previous blooming season and replant or share! Quick tip – if you forget where your bulbs are planted, simply place popsicle sticks in the spring right after the bulbs have bloomed to identity their location. This will help you find the bulb’s location in the fall when you are ready to divide your bulbs.
Dividing Perennials – Most any perennial can be separated. I find that fall is the best time to do this once the plant has finished blooming for the summer season. Simply dig up the roots, allowing for plenty of dirt to be retained for the root ball. Once the plant is above ground, cut the plant into two or three sections depending on its size. You can then replant the additional plants in a new flowerbed or share with a friend. Remember to water well once planted. The plant will root over the winter months and surprise you once it blooms in the spring.
Rooting Plants - My favorite plant to root is the hydrangea. Every year I bury the midsection of one of the lower branches of a hydrangea shrub. In a couple of weeks, the buried section will begin in root on its own. Once this has occurred, you can cut the new plant from the original shrub and easily dig up the rooted sampling and move the new shrub to another location in your garden or share. You will be surprised at just how fast the new shrub will take off!
Many plants such as crape myrtle, nandina and acuba, root on their own. You will see new seedings popping up around the original plants. Simply dig up the new rooted sampling and move to your new location. Don’t forget to dig deep enough not to disturb the established root system and to water generously for a couple of weeks after moving.
So, get inspired this fall! Plan to share a couple of your garden favorites with a friend. You might just be surprised at how easy it is to multiply Mother Nature’s beauty!
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