Dividing a ground cover

Photo/Illustration: Michael Gellatly

Dividing many spreading ground covers can be tedious since they often have congested root systems. It can also be messy, as a spade leaves a larger disturbed area than I’d like. I’ve learned that using my large step-on bulb planter makes the job easy. First, I prepare the area to which I’ll be moving the divisions by making holes with the bulb planter. I then use the bulb planter to dig out plugs of the ground cover. The plugs, of course, fit perfectly into the already prepared holes at their new location. I refill the holes I’ve made in the ground covers with compost, leaving behind new room for growth—and no mess.