Think about perennials

They can be moved and split if the soil is right, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

OUTSIDE jobs may be limited right now, but if the soil isn’t frozen or waterlogged you can move and divide perennials. These plants that reappear year after year are the stalwarts of the garden, but they eventually grow and sprawl out of their allotted space and, despite their increased size, create fewer flowers.

Instead of hoicking them out, you can have fun and save money by dividing them. This creates several smaller, new plants and once the divisions get established they should grow well with improved blooming.

Summer-flowering perennials are best divided in spring or autumn, while spring-flowering varieties are lifted and divided in summer after flowering.

This week I have been dividing a large ornamental thistle. It is obviously happy in its spot as it has grown gargantuan and produces flowers from spring right through to late autumn.