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Can You Cut It? How To Move Your Garden

31 August 2007

When people are planning to move home, often the last thing on their mind is the garden. Yet, after years of nurturing plants, shrubs and trees, you can become very attached to them and may want to take some with you, or at least take cuttings.

Home movers often forget to mention that they are taking plants with them before moving day, which can cause all sorts of problems, as  Joanne Summerscales, Robinsons International Marketing Manager, explains: “When our removal team arrives, they have a good idea how many boxes and belongings to expect, and we provide a van to match that expectation. Garden plants, or house plants for that matter, can’t be stacked on top of each other, or on anything else, so take up a lot of space, and with no forewarning, this can cause a last minute hitch.”

So, if you decide you simply have to take part of your garden with you, the secret is to plan well ahead and be sure to give your removal company an idea of how many plants and containers you will need space for. With many years of experience moving people - and their gardens – we have put together some green fingered tips to help move your plants safely:

TEN GREEN FINGERED TIPS FOR MOVING YOUR GARDEN PLANTS

1. Your garden plants are like fixtures and fittings, so be sure to advise your buyer, through your solicitor, what you plan to take with you
   
2. If you plan to take plants in large, heavy containers, make sure they are not cracked or, if metal, corroded, as they may fall apart during the move. You may also want to check pots covered in moss to see if they are damaged and remove the moss, which can make them slippery and difficult to handle
3. Use cane supports to protect taller plants from snapping
4. Remember that your garden may have been one of the main reasons that your buyer fell in love with your house, so you can’t take everything with you
5. The soil in your new garden may be different from your old one, so check if the new soil will be suitable for plants which you are planning to move
6. If time allows, you can dry and store seeds from your favourite flowers and, depending on the season, you can dig up dormant bulbs and roots, which can be stored for up to six months before planting
7. Several weeks, or months before the move, take cuttings of larger plants you are leaving behind and put them into pots; this will give the cuttings time to acclimatise into their containers and they will be easy to transport
8. To avoid moving cuttings in damp, heavy soil when transplanting cuttings, use a lightweight potting soil rather than heavy garden loam
9. If you are moving larger plants or small trees, a week or two before your move, lift the plant and trim the roots to allow the plant time to build up fibrous roots which will protect it, then put it into a pot until the day before the move. Before it is loaded into the removal van, lift the plant and wrap hessian or similar fabric around the roots and tie gently with string to secure
10. At your new home, if you are unable to put your plants straight away, dig a hole and cover the roots to protect them until you are ready to plant properly. This will also give you time to consider the best place for the plant in your new garden

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