A few weeks ago, I noticed that three Indian Pinks (Spigelia marilandica, below) were lost behind hellebores and beneath the wide spreading ‘Jane’ magnolia along the driveway. I had recently considered planting a few more, but why buy more when they’re already here, waiting to be moved to a more prominent location?

For better and sometimes worse, when I think of something I’d better get right to it, no matter that the afternoon was forecast to rise into the mid-nineties. The Indian Pinks were going from shade to shade, so that’s not so bad, and of course, after figuring a spot and planting them, I watered. Possibly for the last time, and with several days and inches of rain since, they’re looking better than ever. The skimpy plants, that were deeply shaded beneath the magnolia, have perked up and it looks like I’ll get a few flowers.

By far, these are not the only plants to be moved this spring. While I’m wandering through the garden I’ll see something that’s not right and head back to the garage for my trowel. On occasion I’ll instantly know where the plant is going, but often I wander a bit more, plant in hand, before the right spot is discovered. There’s always some place that’s better than where it was.

I ran out of time with dinner in the oven this evening, so tomorrow I’ll transplant a Pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’) that is lost in a hodgepodge of irises and Sensitive ferns (Onoclea sensibilis). I found it while repairing a panel of the greenhouse knocked loose by a persistent racoon who’s been thieving koi food each night despite my best efforts. He is clearly brighter and certainly more motivated than I am, so now I’ve moved the food and found the Pineapple lily.

I’ve had poor results with the Pineapple lilies. They flourish right up until the day the flowers begin to open. Then, they flop. I’m certain the culprit is too much rather than too little, soil that is too moist. Certainly not watering I’ve done and no matter where it goes, the Pineapple lily will have to make do with only a half day of sun. I’ll look for a spot as dry as possible, and with no rain forecast for another week I’ll give it a drink.

The start of June is not the best time for moving things around, but if I don’t do it now it’ll probably never get done. I’m sure it will take to the transplant without a problem, and wherever it goes, I’ll enjoy it.