Divide and Conquer!

The Driftwood Garden Club’s April ’22 meeting was well attended at Abbot Public Library as well as on Zoom. Featured presenter was long-time DGC Civic Committee Chair Lisa Biggio, a Master Gardener and Horticultural Therapist. Lisa provided educational handouts, tools, and plenty of Sansevieria (now in genus Dracaena) plants for us to divide and replant in this hands-on meeting.

Lisa’s Tips to Divide & Conquer…

Divide perennials to make healthier plants in our garden:

• Divide when a plant looks good.
• Start digging at the drop line.
• Divide in cool weather.
• Keep roots cool and moist.
• Replenish soil with organic matter.
• Use vigorous sections first.
• Take extra care when plant is in bloom.
• Keep only the healthiest pieces.
• Spread out your divisions.
• Let the roots be your guide.

These are a few of our favorite things!

Yes, Lisa has a favorite potting soil by Pro-Mix. Look for a high-quality soil mix containing peatmoss and perlite for moisture retention.

Here are Lisa’s favorite tools, which she cleans and disinfects with a mild bleach solution or “green” citrus cleaner after each use.

Opening a can of worms…

We continue to educate ourselves on invasive Asian jumping worms which have been identified here in Massachusetts. Jumping worms deplete the topsoil of nutrients and moisture. Lisa’s handout had good information and listed resources for additional material. The garden club will have a Master Gardener on hand at the plant sale to answer questions.

Next week starts Driftwood Garden Club’s big effort to dig and divide in host gardens around Marblehead as a source of plants for the plant sale.  We are getting ready for the Plant Sale! See you on Saturday, May 7 from 8:30-11:30 AM at the Masonic Hall, 62 Pleasant Street, Marblehead!