Looking for a fun garden party idea for fall? Sure, the garden may look a little weary after all the leaves have fallen and perennials have faded to the ground in preparation for winter. But, this is the perfect time to invite friends to join you in the garden to divide perennials from your overflowing beds. Read on for more ideas:
Original Post from October 29, 2008:
Perennials really live up to “the first year they sleep, second year creep, third year leap”. By the fifth year they can be like a jet plane racing through garden beds. Spreading underground through strong root systems and popping up from seedlings, the perennials we may love sometimes race to become invaders we need to invite out of our gardens. Maybe we don’t want to invite all of them out, and in these cases I advocate for the “Dig ‘n Split Party”.
Sometimes I dig out out of control perennials and put them in a pile on the sidewalk with a free sign. Sometimes I post the freebies on Craigslist or other recycling websites. Sometimes I’m exhausted and just toss the plants in the yard waste bin. And, when I can manage to coordinate it, I invite fellow gardeners to join me in making divisions from my garden to take home and enjoy in theirs.
Because I don’t want just anyone tramping in my garden beds, I send out very specific invitations listing the plants that are ready to move on to new homes. I invite only a few people at a time so we aren’t tripping over each other. With some gardeners, I can just point them to their new treasures and say “dig”. With others, I take a bit more care to be sure they know how to properly divide and take the parts I don’t want anymore (without tramping on other things in the process). I have a huge stash of nursery containers, so I’m happy to supply those. I do ask gardeners to bring their own digging tools, though I usually have several on hand. Then I set aside a specific amount of time on a specific day to work with my friends to clean up my garden.
Beautiful but Division-Ready Bed
It’s a win:win:win. The plants win by getting to move to a new garden instead of the yard waste bin. My fellow gardeners win by getting plants for free (well, for the cost of a bit of labor), and they get the benefit of asking me about the pros and cons of each plant, how big each plant really gets, how fast it spreads, and where it does best. And, I win. I get some help in the garden by experienced gardeners who are grateful for the chance to work with me hand-in-hand.
Live in the Seattle area and interested in joining in a future party? Comment here, and I’ll see what I can do about that!
Tags: garden, plant divisions, sharing plants
Hi! Please count me in! I was dividing crocosmia the other day, then lavender today, iris as soon as I can get to it. My mom wants some baby’s breath so that’s on the list too. I have a beautiful garnet penstemon that probably needs it too but I’m scared to hurt it – if you want to do an exchange and would like some of that (or any of the other aforementioned things, although they are somewhat less spectacular), I’d be happy to offer it. Thanks, great idea!
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Robin,
This is a great idea! I have lots of perennials that need dividing, and lots of clients that need to learn how to do it. It will have to wait till next year though, since we are buried in snow already, with an extremely short fall season this year.
Also, I have given you the “Honest Scrap Award” at my Gardening For Nature blog, for “providing great help to vegetable gardeners.” Thanks for all of your incredible knowledge and your willingness to help others.
Kathy