I normally cut the old leaves off to the base, when I see the new leaves appearing. They start to go brown and almost pull off.

As to moving them. they're not the easiest plants to transplant, as the tap roots are so long, Freesia. If you are going to have a go, wait until they're dormant in the autumn and remember to dig deeply.

Thanks! for your reply Spritz...you were really helpful..
The reason i would like to transplant them is that, i read in a Gardening
Magazine that `Aquilegia`s prefer part shade, not too much Sun, if in sun
they need to be in damp soil most of the time...well, i have them planted in
a sunny area, but it can get very dry, especially, after the long dry spell we
had...besides that, i do not think they are very happy, where they are..

Much easier to start new ones from seed, than to move old ones.

Thanks! for your suggestion Tugbrethil...much appreciated..

If you have seed heads on your plants you could just leave them to go to seed. The resulting self sown seedlings can be transplanted very easily. Just ensure they are kept watered afterwards to help them establish themselves. If you prefer you could collect the seed by cutting the stems to ground level then hang them with the seed heads in a paper bag in a cool dry place. When the seedheads give up the seeds you can sow them where you want the plants to grow or in a seed tray. If sowing from seed I would leave the one you have where it is in the meantime as the new plants may not flower immediately.

Thanks Scotsgran such a lot of great info...when can i cut them down to the ground? As, they are looking sorry for themselves at the moment...even though they are still trying to flower, with not good results!!

Still trying to flower? Mine finished weeks ago! I'd give up and tidy them up, I think.

If you live in an area where you are likely to get frost or have lots of wild birds in the garden and don't mind them self sowing I would leave them to give you a lovely display of frosted seed heads and the blue tits etc will peck away at them. free food.

Do they like the seeds? I haven't seen them on any I've left. That's good if they do.

Maybe they are catching something else they are all over everything in our garden including the apple trees but I've not seen them eat the apples. They ruin our red hot pokers and a bit of research threw up the fact that it is the nectar they are after. I will see what I can find out. I have just had a look and acquilegia ( columbine) is recommended as a nectar plant for bees and birds so that does not help explain why they like to scour the seed heads. .

Maybe they're what ate the bottom flowers of my new Lysimachia ephemerum! I couldn't see any critters there.

Dave's Garden website says your Lysimachia eph. is attractive to bees and birds so looks like another nectar candidate. Sweet toothed little devils aren't they.

They are indeed! I love having birds in the garden, but I wish they'd leave the flowers alone.

I spotted a group of 4 baby goldfinches this morning! Lovely. :-)))

They do add another dimension.

It's a real pleasure to see 'different' birds, like the green woodpeckers and the egret that pays us an occasional visit!

As long as he does not pinch your fish the egret would be a welcome visitor in any garden. There are green woodpeckersinthe woodsaround here but we only get the great spotted in the garden. They love the red hot pokers and bring all their friends for early morning feasts.