Today’s Simple Saturday d.i.y. project is all about splitting out overgrown plants for a freebie garden.

I wish I could remember just what these plants are called. I think I planted them three or four years ago. They are a pretty cool green grass, that sprouts little purple flowers, and it does well in the shade. This year they sprouted through the Winter, and by Spring they were taking over the flower bed.

I decided it was time to thin them out a bit, and transplant the extra growth to another location in the yard. The only thing was I hadn’t ever attempted this before… I was a bit nervous about this task, and I was pretty sure that my plants wouldn’t survive. I told myself though that if it didn’t work, that I would just replant them again next year.

I gathered up my supplies…

• I looked over the fence row, and found enough large rocks under the side-porch to create a border.
• I had an extra bag and a half of Cedar Mulch that was also living on the side-porch from last year’s garden.
• I grabbed a small pot to hold the transplants, a small shovel, small rake, and gloves too.
• Also the dog joined me, she was excited about all of the digging…

I started off at the main plants, I separated what I thought was off-shoots and new growth, and separated the plant. I took one last look at it and dug in with the little shovel. I cringed when I heard the crunching-snaps of the roots, but all was well. I dug up several large off-shoots, and enough new growth with excellent roots to plant along the entire fence row.

I dug a few deep holes, and gave the new roots plenty of room to grow. I also watered all of the baby plants, and the main plants well. I added in new mulch to the old flower bed, and the remainder to the new bed. Luckily all of the new little plants took, and they are growing well.

The main plants are doing great too. They have sprouted even more off-shoots, and the pretty purple flowers are popping up everywhere.

I’m really happy that they survived my little experiment. Give this project a try if you have over-grown plants. I love my freebie garden, it has added pretty green touches to my shady back-yard.