When we first started gardening we were terrified to divide our perennials. What if we hurt them? What if by splitting them apart they had serious separation anxiety and they stopped thriving? Have no fear, my friend. Dividing means more plants. More plants means more flower beds. And more flower beds mean, well more plants to divide eventually. It's a lovely never-ending circle. Most perennials can be divided in late fall or early spring. 
One of our all-time favourite flowers are the gorgeous lilies we grow. All colours. All kinds. They just won't quit. For a great Canadian source check out The Lily Nook. And while you're here on the Island, visit Red Lane Gardens. We'll give you directions. Her gardens are absolutely amazing. And her site is wonderful. She sells more than 700 registered hybrid day lilies! |
 | Dig up the plant you want to divide and expose the root system. (Although I've seen my mother and aunt simply drive a spade into the middle of the plant, hack around the clump they're after, dig it out, pat the earth back around the plant left behind, and put the divided plant they're giving us into a garbage bag to take home. Once home, it's up to us to salvage the poor wilted thing. . .it always survives!) | |
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| Okay, back to the more recommended technique. With your hands, separate the root clumps. Pull the roots apart into several smaller clumps. Each one will become a new plant to keep or give to a friend. | |
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| Plant your small clumps or put them in containers filled with soil mix. | |
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| Give your new babies a through watering. | |
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| If the oldest section of the clump you dug up looks woody toss it in your compost heap. It's done its job. |
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