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Expert: Long Island Gardener - 5/23/2007


Question
We have to move several clumps of lilies because of drainage work that has to be done along the side of the house in June.  Is it possible to safely move the lilies at this time even though they are still blooming?

Answer
This move is going to be VERY stressful no matter how you handle it because the Lilies are growing actively.

Best thing you can do is get them to a new site within 24 hours of lifting them out of the ground.

Sometimes you have no choice.  This is bad, but it could be worse.  Just do what you can to do this smoothly, calmly, and VERY QUICKLY.

Good luck, keep me posted.

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Growing Tulips? Dahlias? Daffodils? Gladiolus? It doesn't get easier than bulbs and tubers. Once in a while, something goes wrong: The dreaded Narcissus Bulb Fly, which resembles a honeybee. Mosaic virus, which can ignite a field of tulips in a single season. Nematodes, lurking underground. Here on the North Shore of Long Island, the garden is full of surprises. If you live in the Northeast/Atlantic Coast, I can help you pick the right bulb for every season, indoors and out, and help you fertilize, bloom and harvest for home or work. How: I have degrees in related fields, but my best understanding is all learned from trial and error. For most of my 53 years I have been gardening somewhere. No matter what the problem, I've learned the best answers are always Organic -- Earth friendly, less expensive, healthier for people and pets, easier and cleaner than toxic liquids and powders that big chemical companies sell so smoothly.

Experience

Besides degrees in related fields, and a few favorite horticultural societies, I work as a docent at our local botanical gardens -- but it's the years of work in the garden that's the real test.

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