In early spring when green leaves just begin to show themselves out of the ground it is time for an important task. This is the best time to dig up spring flowering plants and move them to other parts of the garden. Plants to move include, ferns, ginger, solomons seal, trilliums, bluebells, celandine poppy, bloodroot, etc. As the ground warms the plant will send out its first green growth and is easiest to move when it is less then an inch of growth above the ground. Since these plants are clump forming the plants along the edge of the clump can be dug to start clumps elsewhere or dig out the whole clump and divide it up to replant in appropriate locations. Use a shovel or garden fork to gently lift out the plant from below and gently break it apart from the parent clump. Replant immediately at the same depth to limit drying out. This is also a good opportunity to remove any stubborn weeds that have embedded themselves in between the root systems. When replanting clumps all roots need to be completely surrounded by soil which can sometimes be tricky since they are twisted around each other. Sprinkle some loose soil on top and water it in to get soil into all crevasses. Check on transplants daily and keep moist and covered with soil until established.
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