I did not make plans for the back gardens. All the hours I spent this winter imagining, researching and planning were dedicated to the front gardens. Funny that, considering we will spend more time in the backyard than front. Once I had the font more or less planted I could not help but shift my attention to the rest of the yard and walking past those four clumps of lilies and that massive clump of daylilies was beyond me. I can see that they have not been divided in...well perhaps ever, and with a little help they could actually fill the whole side garden.
Both the daylilies and asiatic lilies are from the previous owners and while perhaps I should have waited to see what color they are so that their move would be to their permanent home, I just could not wait. They needed to spread their wings. Now.
Step 1 - get the tarp. Trying to get all of the soil out of the lawn is a lost cause, best to avoid it from the outset.
Step 2 - survey your riches. Breaking everything apart gives a good idea how much you have to plant, but I have found that the roots can dry out quite quickly once the soil is removed so I try and eyeball the volume while they are still in clumps to get an idea of density and spread.
Step 3 - knock of some dirt and jostle the root systems between your hands. With slow and gentle teasing it is possible to break them apart and leave them in good health.
Step 4 - plant and water
Now look at how the whole garden is filled to the brim with these lilies. Picture it again in three years - overflowing with blooms I predict. Some daylilies remain at the back but most were moved around the corner; the other lilies are the priority here. While I love daylilies, they are common and I have loads of them.
I just hope they are not pink.
