Going to be busy

[lorna]

Yesterday my landlords told me and young Lorna (next door) that they are coming to erect new 6ft ft boundary fences to both properties next week. We are both delighted especially for Lorna as it will hide the wilderness from her neighbours garden. However, I really want to try and save some of my plants/shrubs so over the next couple of days I am going to transfer some to a temporary place in another part of the garden. Just hoping they will survive. Have been praying for rain but please don't rain for next couple of days lol. Wish me luck.

[lorna]

[shirlton]

Its not going to be easy Lorna. Do take care and don't overdo it.You can always replace a plant you know :)

[grannyjanny]

Good luck Lorna. I've moved things at this time of year & they've survived with lots of watering.

[lorna]

Thank you. I think the main worry is that the ground is so dry and hard to dig. Due to slight health problems I intend taking it easy, as you say Shirl plants can be replaced. Grandson from next door (15) is coming round to give a hand. Now I am going to start lol

[Garden Manager]

Best of luck. Remember, nice large rootball and  water well afterwards and for some time to come. Dont rely on the weather to do it. I have lost plants i have moved at the wrong time simply because i misjudged how much watering they would need and there wasnt enough rain. If possible cut the plants back to reduce stress.

I think i am gong to be in a similar position soon. A lady i garden for is having an extension built soon and there are plants in the way I am sure will need to be kept. I am expecting to be asked to move them at the wrong time.

Back to your situation, at least if you save the plants you will have something well established to put back and mask the new fence. Otherwise you will be starting again from scratch with a bare fence to cover up.

[lorna]

So far, so good (I am bushed!) Even though I ran the hosepipe on the roots of the Philadelphus I just couldn't move it so I have cut it back and even if it does get damaged I am hoping it will survive. Honeysuckle and one old rose bush may be a problem. Potted up some hebes and grasses. have split my only peony and given part to middle daughter. Taken seeds from lychnis, honesty,evening primrose and aquilegia. Still a long way to go but I have just had a phone call to say they will be starting work round Lorna's on Wednesday and should be at mine Thursday afternoon and all day Friday so I still have time. Probably get some help from the "stronger" family members over the weekend.
Have now got a few spots of rain but I am going to water again to make sure.

[Garden Manager]

I was going to say before about cutting shrubs back rather than moving them. Unless the roots are absolutely in the way of the new fences then why not just cut them (hard?) back and let them regrow after the fence is built? Would fill the space better then as well.

[lorna]

Yes GA I am sure you are right and they will probably stand a better chance of survival. (Also save me a lot of hard work) Thank you for your help.

[CotswoldLass]

Just to wish you luck with the transfers Lorna, CL xx

[1066]

Now that is busy!! I've moved stuff at the wrong time of year as well, and had things in temporary pots etc for way to long! Most survived  :)  The other thing I would add is some blood fish and bone mix when you put the plants back into their new positions, gives them an boost  :)

Anyway hope you are not over doing it

1066  :)

[GrannieAnnie]

Try putting an umbrella over a transplant on a sunny day.

I hope the move goes smoothly for you, Lorna.

[lorna]

Thank you all. Have noted the suggestion of blood fish and bone mix. Yesterday and today a break from the big transplant as I had promised daughter Lorna (next door) to help her decorate her hall. We planned to start quite early BUT after chatting, going shopping and eating we didn't start until after lunch! Stopped work at 8.30pm (after having an evening meal). All the horrible bits have been finished, just one straight short wall to finish this morning. I was chief "paster". Just going to do some serious watering in the garden as we still haven't had any rain. I will probably have an easy day when decorating is finished and then back to gardening tomorrow.

[shirlton]

I don't know where you get your energy from Lorna.

[1066]

I know what you mean Shirl, I'm going to have to go and make a cup of tea and have a couple of biccies (help the sugar levels) just reading what Lorna is up to!!  ;D  ;D  ;D

[lorna]

Well ladies as I tell the family "There's life in the old gal yet" lol I had a dodgy Autumn/Winter health wise and I am so pleased I now feel good. Decorating finished then we went off to choose wall paper for one wall in Lorna's bedroom. That can wait until Thursday when my dog will be in kennels again while the workmen are here. We are both now having a complete rest. Lorna bought me some lovely new mugs as a thank you, of course they have flowers on them.

[Garden Manager]

Try putting an umbrella over a transplant on a sunny day.

I hope the move goes smoothly for you, Lorna.

Never thought of doing that. Sounds like a very good idea. Have put windbreaks around moved evergreens before but never an umbrella

Thanks for the tip

[lorna]

A chap arrived today (day early) such a helpful guy, I have seldom seen such a hard worker. Young Lorna's fence and concrete posts down within an hour, then all rubbish transported to his truck. Tomorrow he is going to remove my fence. he said he will do his utmost not to damage any of the plants/shrubs I couldn't remove. Methinks there will be plenty of tea and biscuits supplied. Not sure if it is the same guy who will erect the new fences.

[1066]

that's good news to hear Lorna.  And I'm sure the tea and biscuits will be appreciated  :)