The Gardening Thread

No I've not lost it, But I have two of the Damn things that need to be looked after and kept tidy. and I hate and detest having to do it. But...

After spending the weekend Digging out Bushes and shrubs from an area I want to grass, I have found that I have two Fuchsia's

now this may sound strange but in my Heartless and ruthless land clearance upon finding these plants hidden behind the bushes and shrubs something has caused me to take pity on them, and so.

I have decided that even with aching Muscles and Blisters I am prepared to dig another 4 holes, (2 to get them out and 2 to put them in)

But this effort would be wasted if all I do is procure their demise after they have done so well to survive been dominated by the now gone Bushes/shrubs

So does anyone have any info on moving Plants and what conditions Fuchsia's would thrive, or survive under best.

 

transplanting hardy fuchsias - Fuchsia Forum - GardenWeb

In addition I would keep a copy of each plant on some form of external media in case your plants and computer both die.

 

Pretty good site--Entered it in my favorites -- Gardening Folder-----"GardenWeb Forums"---------thanks Barry

 

Thank the wonderful world of google, gunnner!

 

That's so kind of you to try to rescue the poor things, Match - good for you!!

May I add a couple wee hints to the other good advice ...

If these are biggies, it's often less back-breaking (and better for the plants) if, the day before you're going to dig them out:

a) Dig the new hole at least twice as wide and twice as deep (won't be planting them that deep but transplanted roots love looser soil to sent their new little shoots through as they establish themselves)

b) Water the plants you're going to move thoroughly (it's not only easier to dig them out the next day, there will be less damage to the roots themselves as they're pulled out)

Then, on moving day:

a) Fill new hole with water (and let it drain away while digging out old plants)

b) Dig out old plant (one at a time so roots don't dry out) and immediately pop it into it's new hole

c) Toss in a handful of bone meal and fill hole with soil to the same level it was at before or an inch or two higher (it will likely settle a bit)

d) Please use hands to firmly press soil into place (yup, try to avoid that manly urge to stomp all over with boots )

e) Water in thoroughly - not just the plant but also the surrounding area

Hope they'll give you zillions of lovely blooms!

 

Don't know what you class as a Big Fuchsia, these are about two foot, but it would seem that they are best left where they are till spring

which is OK by me because I won't be grassing there current home till then. and there is still a Fur tree to be evicted yet, it's some 10ft high and from what I have discovered about plants they are like Ice Bergs, the majority of them is out of sight.

But the bonus is I seem to have doubled the size of the Garden, hmm is that a bonus this now means I have twice as much gardening to do!!!

but thanks for all your help and reply's,

 

I had to laugh at "twice as much gardening" that will need to be done - and you are quite right, they are best left until Spring - but really early in Spring before they even think about budding.

The past year has been back-breaking work here simply because this new lot is all solid clay (the pick-axe is my friend now - sigh) and digging holes big enough to transplant 12 foot trees - ugh, ugh! Really hope your soil is is much better shape and easier for you to work with!

Just planted a scad of Lily of the Valley plus popped in 50 white tulip bulbs in the front and now will just chew on my finger nails waiting to see in the squirrels decide they are an easy lunch. Someone suggested adding an inch of coarse sand on the top of the soil - but if you or anyone else, Match, have some other ideas that would be great.

 

JUST MY 2 CENTS------ONE VERY GOOD WAY OF TRANSPLANTING ANYTHING IS TO TAKE A SHOVEL & PUSH INTO GROUND AROUND PLANT. CUTING ROOTS---THEN AFTER 30 DAYS DIG UP THE PLANT & TRANSPLANT.----BUT THEN i HAVE NEVER DONE IT THAT WAY, ALLWAYS JUST TRANSPLANTED & WATCHED THEM DIE

 

Laughing in delight because rather than transplanting, sometimes it would seem to make better sense to just dig them up and toss them directly into the heap.

Actually, you're on to something there, gunner, re the 'trench'. When moving large shrubs or trees, digging a trench a foot or two deep all the way around the outside perimeter of the root system and then filling it with water two days before digging the plant up works great!

 

Well project has been aborted till next spring, once the last of the frosts have gone and the growing season has started they will be moved to their new home.

and if all goes well I'll post a picture of them, since the shrubs and bushes have been moved and they now have light, they have burst into bloom with a mgnificent display of scarlet and purple, just to make me think that the effort of saving them will be worth while

 

Would love to see photos of them!