Digging Up Savings

I pulled up some hostas in our yard yesterday. It would have been easier about a month ago before their leaves were completely out.

Hostas love shade or partial sun. They come in many sizes and colors. The yellow or gold ones can handle more sun. The deep blue-green leaved ones prefer little or no sun. Some have variegated leaves and some have crinkled edges. They do send up taller stems with little flowers but they are not significant.

Hostas are great to fill corners in landscape like under trees or between bushes. In the back yard we have a corner that is shaded by a large maple tree and the house. The soil is not rich. Our "blues" love it there.

Rather than buying new plants, consider learning about propagating your own. The hostas are simple. When the leaf "fingers" are a few inches tall, dig the entire clump out. Be careful to dig deep enough to capture most of the roots. With a clean sharp knife, cut the clump into thirds or fourths so that the smaller clumps have leaves and roots in tact.

Plant these new clumps where you want them and where they will have similar light exposure as in their original place. You can return one clump to the home hole and even share the smaller clumps with friends or neighbors.

Remember to work the soil before transplanting and water well. The plants will go through a shock reaction but they will be happy to have more leg room. I have heard that similar dividing can be done on day lilies. Research more on line or visit a nursery for tips.

'til later