Dividing Japanese Ferns (Athyrium Niponicum Var Pictum)

This is a tutorial on how I have been dividing ferns, hostas, my variegated Solomon Seal, Black eyed Susans, and any other clumping plant that have similar growing patterns. I have to WARN YOU this will go against any rule that the master gardener writes or what the gardening books tell you! I also have to tell you that I divide my plants whenever the need arises (anywhere from March-October) and it has either rained more than an inch or if it is going to rain at least 1/2″. Rain-plants know the difference and that is why I currently have 3 rain barrels on the back of my house (HOA rules state i can have 1 and 2 with permission-well, I am all about breaking the rules at my age!) That is why the success of transplanting and even planting your garden should, if at all possible, revolve around Mother Nature and her gift of rain.
My success is not based on reading books or memorizing botanical, genus, or scientific names…my success is based on my passion for all things nature and the joy I have from growing plants that I find discarded, dying, or choked out in a neglected neighbor’s bed.
I was blessed with a green thumb and knew this from a young age when I would base all my science fair projects on growing plants (had some on rock too). I have learned many new things living in zone 7 and know that when I see a new plant and the tag reads 24″ tall and wide I know that in my yard it could reach 36-48″ tall. I also have to adjust for light requirements as well because full sun at my house means noon day sun and either early morning or late afternoon sun. I have only a few spots where sun shines most of the day under my 13 -50+ foot Oak trees (most on the edge of my 1/4 acre lot). Growing under Oak trees has been a challenge and one that doesn’t stop me.
Before I begin this tutorial I have to add one more thing…I DO NOT AMEND MY SOIL
yes you read that right. I have not amended my soil in at least 2 years if not 3. No I do not have rich black soil, I have Virginia red clay with rocks. I have discovered that my plants grow just as well if not better because I have NOT amended the soil. A plant has to grow where you put it and it has to become acclimated to where it is growing. In my clay soil, about 3 inches down you hit river rock and bright red clay and I have found that over the last 10 years that I have lived in zone 7 that my plants in the amended soil did not grow as large or do as well as the flowers, shrubs and trees I planted without amending. I do break up the soil if it is clay and hard but I do not put in any amendments.
Luckily many of my beds have had mulch on them for 5 years now and the soil has turned from sterile and polluted to sustainable and even fertile. I have paths and pots where the soil is still hard and sterile and I can live with that. I also do not worry about fertilizing either (except my grass which has to be). I use fish fertilizer now and discovered the healing properties of this smelly disgusting stuff (mixed of course with rain barrel water). I try to work with nature and to accept what can and cannot be…
So I hope you find some useful information and remember that gardening does not follow our man-made rules. Nothing in nature is in a straight line nor is it evenly spaced. Nature has her rules and we are here to figure them out. Happy gardening!