Divide your assets

Some perennial plants form denser tufts or send out underground runners that have a negative effect on the plant’s quality of life. Now is the perfect time to divide these

October 1, 2014

At first you will be grateful that the ornamental grasses, wild garlic, agapanthus and day lilies are growing in ever-thicker tufts, and that irises, cannas and bamboo suddenly pop up quite a distance away from the original plant, thanks to their runners. You will be equally proud of your shasta (Leucanthemum maximum) and Michaelmas daisies (Aster novi-belgii) that take root directly under the mother plant.

However, when the plants start losing their vitality and flower quality, it’s time to divide them. September is a good time to tackle this chore so that you can distribute your favourites to other flowerbeds, or give these unwanted specimens to other gardeners.

Follow these step-by-step instructions on how we divided a wild garlic plant (Tulbaghia violaceae):

Equipment

• garden fork
• pruning shears

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Words and images: Home magazine

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