We're planning on moving to Detroit this spring/summer. We've found a house, we're just waiting for my husband's transfer papers to come through before we put a contract on it. Of course the first thing I scoped out about it was the yard. I'm now in the process of packing up my garden. First thing in the pots are going (wish I could say went) are the lillies. Of course idiot here went and bought a couple dozen more yesterday. couldn't help it. Home Depot had Triumphator and a couple others that are in my colour palet so....
I'm trying to decide if I should leave the babies behind or take them with me. I've lots of baby bulbs which will give me a good start at the new house along with some huge older bulbs. I hate to leave the old garden nekkid. I'm going to fill in the empty spots with anuals just for show.I only plan on taking my "good" lillies. You know, the named ones or that are special. The unnamed that I got bulk in co-ops I'm going to leave.
I'm also trying to decide on other plants I'm going to take. I've already packed up some iris (too many to take all) and I'll take "some" solomons seal. All of the Helloborus are going as well as the Trilliums, Mayapples, Golden seal, Aresemia, Hostas and Trysertis and one special Rose bush.
Andd the Black Chohosh and the Chelome and Anemones. I also want to pack up some of the Hydrangeas. I'm wondering about the peonies. They're all named, I got them on a co-op, but they'd cost me a fortune to replace at regular prices.
So, back to the lillies, take or leave the babies. Hubby keeps reminding me that our new yard is not as big as this one so I can't take everything. I keep thinking, we won't have the swing set taking up part of the yard. We'll only have one kid at home, my son is going away to Yeshiva this fall (I'm going to miss him so much) so just my little one will be home with two small dogs. Its a corner lot so I'll have some extra room on the side. Would it really be greedy of me to take them all?
What will be the best way to keep them going in pots? Just keep them well watered in the shade is my guess, but some of you have gone through this and can give me better advice. Thanks alot.
Also, if anyone would like some of the perennials let me know. While I'm digging I might as well dig somemore. I'll try to get a list up for you sometime next week. I'd rather they all went someplace where they'll be loved. I went back to our old house and the new owners had ripped out all of my landscaping. I'd had it done by a professional that specialized in perennial gardens. They'd ripped out everything right down to the black roses trained over the front porch. I sat in the car with the kids and just wept. If only they'd said something I'd have taken it all with me. So let me know and I'll box 'em up and send them to you.
Yehudith
Garden to go
I brought lilies with me when we moved here...we moved in January! I already had them in pots and had to over winter them in the garage until I could plant them. I just gave them a very little drink once a month so they didn't dry out. I have had some babies of Timepiece from lilyfan in a pot in the unheated garage this winter...same thing and they are doing fine!
Of course you could bag them in peat for easy moving just before you go and plant or pot up when you get there. You don't want to overwater is the main thing.
Hope you will be happy in your new home!
Take what you think you want and then some. More than likely the people that buy your current house won't appreciate them nearly as much as you do. And by all means, take your Peonies!!! Take enough of the root ball as you can and then pot them up and take it with you. I wouldn't leave anything behind that I didn't care if someone mowed over, cause that is probably what will happen.
Hey, does this mean you don't have to take the mulch off your flower bed next to the neighbor? :)
I agree with Ticker, take everything you may want because its doubtful the new occupants will care about the garden. Its so disheartening to leave things to keep the yard pretty and find out the new folks just mowed them down, which is typically the case.
When we moved into our house last year the owners left everything except a red rose that her father had given her. A lot of love and care had gone into this house and yard and I thank them from the bottom of my heart. There are a few things I have gotten rid of but that was because I had brought some of my own plants w/me and theirs were overgrown. It was possible for me to talk to her a little about the yard and walk thru it.. I'm so happy they left it as is.
Ann
I do wish I had brought more with me. So they are right take what you can. I bet you can find them new homes there or here on Dave's if you can't use them.
I must be one of the lucky ones...we drove by the old house to see and everything was still there as I left it. Made me feel good!! :)
When we left our farm, I left a lot of my peonies and other plants for the new owners.
Oh yea, what did they do? Mowed them down as they didn't have time to take care of them.
Take all you can and then some more.
If some of your peonies break off [roots] I will be happy to purchase some from you, if I don't have that named one.
Maxine
I'm with all above take all you can !!! making sure there zone hardy I think you are the same zone we are I love Michigan where are you going to be ??
Gloria ;0)
Good luck in your move, Yehudith.....and I agree with the others - take them with you! I left $$$$ worth of stuff at my old house and had to start all over....
Steve, I'd like to have raided your old yard after you left!