Moving / replacing plants

Hi Rubysmum

No it in't a sin to decide you do not like something and to remove it from your garden - maybe you can offer it to other gardeners on your local freecycle?

As to moving plants within the garden use common sense i.e. don't move when flowering or for several months prior to flowering. Mostly autumn is a good time to move perennials, the three you have mentioned should all be fine moved early autumn - just remember to keep them well watered to start with, especially if we have a very warm late spell.

Thanks Moon growe, thats a good idea, hadn't thought of that. I was looking at something today thinking "I really don't like you but you are a living thing so can't dig you up" lol.
I think what I will do is make a garden plan a not down what I want to move and to there then in early autumn I can get moving.
Is Autumn also the best time to split Hosta's ?

So far as I am aware you could actually split your Hostas now dig up cut apart with a sharp knife. Do the obviously things like keeping well watered.

I have just moved 2 Heucheras out of necessity into pots and theyre doing fine

I have the same problem with things in the wrong place and am planning a great shift around in the autumn. Making notes is a very good idea as remembering is always harder than you think its going to be. Must get around to it soon!

Remember you are creating the garden for your benefit and for you and your family/friends to enjoy. Inevitably you will plant something and realise it is in the wrong place/to big what have you. If you've got the right space for wonderful otherwise recognise that you got it wrong and remove. Bulba went mad with some of the larger alliums at one point - they are now history... That is just a very simple example we've planted shrubs and had to move several years later 'cause they got to big. We try to either relocate in our garden or plant in a neighbour's which we are overseeing but, not always possible. Something like Rodgersia can be a total thug and then you need to remove large amount of. Even a pretty little thing like a Sisyrinchium can become invasive and then you have to haul most of it out. Oh and don't get me started on Meconopsis Cambrica!

I successfully moved a couple of Hostas that were getting totally hidden by my thug of a 'Sum and Substance' several weeks ago and they are doing well. I've also shifted around a Cornflower and Cosmos that were about to bloom and they're now loving their new positions and blooming their heads off. Go for the moving, but leave the splitting until later in the year. Good luck! :o)

Thanks all for your help and advice, when my little girl has gone to bed I am going to do my plan so in the Autumn I can do some moving around.

Although autumn is the best time to move things most things will move fine at any time ,other than when there's frost in the ground ,if you dig them up with as big enough rootball and water them well until they're re-established .

Bigger plants may need some cutting back first which, depending on when they flower ,may mean they'll either flower later than usual or not until next year

Have a dip into Karensusans 103 comment recent blog on novice gardeners (whether you are one or not). Maybe take heart that you can 'sometimes sneak' up on plants and move them about and discard and replace. Not to feel a failure or too timid to do something you want to do to get satisfaction out of your garden.

I always like to remember that plants can't read the books. Arisaemas are meant to be grown in semi shade at the Botanic Garden in Edinburgh they have a stand of them in full sun which have been there for years and years with no problems.

Likewise my Acer Palmatum, MG. Not at all protected - in full scorching sun (when we get any) and occasionally buffeted by wind but it's looking more healthy as every year passes.