Digging up and Transplanting

Some shrubby plants, such as periwinkles, form clumps which can be dug and cut into several rooted sections. Others, like lilac and strawberry, grow suckers - new shoots, arising from the roots. Many plants such as hellebore and foxgloves drop seeds which grow into young plants. In all these cases, the plants can then be dug up and put into pots of soil ready for the move. A well established tree will probably not survive excavating and transplanting. Proper after-care is important. Once in their place, water thoroughly and keep a one meter circle around the plant weed-free for two years.

Taking Cuttings

A huge range of trees, shrubs and climbers, including roses and fruit bushes, can be propagated from cuttings. It is worth trying any species from April to September. The ideal length for a cutting varies from plant to plant, but most shrubs will root from 3-4 inch cuttings. Prune a healthy shoot and cut immediately under a leaf joint and also cut the tip off. The remove all leaves except the top pair. Insert several cuttings into a pot of cutting compost where they should start to take root. Dipping the end of each cutting in hormone rooting powder will assist rooting.

Splitting

Flowers that form clumps - bulbs such as snowdrops and perennials like Michaelmas daisies - can be split. Autumn and spring are the best time for splitting. First dig up a clump. With bulbs, simply pull off a handful and put them in a pot of soil and return the rest to the ground. With perennial plants, split young sections from the edge of the clump, each with a couple of shoots and a piece of root. Pot some of them, replant some and discard the woody, old center of the clump.

The Legal Challenge

Finally secure rights to anything from your garden you wish to take - such as plants, containers or bird baths - in your contract with the buyer.