Why: There are three main reasons to divide perennials. One is to control the size, two is to help rejuvenate the plant and three is to increase their number. Dividing old plants will keep them living longer and continuing to blossom. It will also keep certain plants from running amuck in your garden. Dividing is also a nice way to share some of your plants with others.
 
When: The general rule is to divide summer blooming perennials in the fall, and fall blooming perennials in the spring. It is best to do it this way when the plant is not flowering. You do not want all the plants nutrients to go to the root system. This will affect a poor flower showing. Fall dividing should take place in September to early October. You want to give yourself four to six weeks for the plant to establish before the ground freezes. In the spring, you can follow the same guidelines-you want to give the plants time to settle before it gets too hot outside. Perennials should be divided every three to five years. Signs that perennials need to be divided are: the flowers are blooming smaller than normal, the center of the plant is either hollow or dead, and the bottom foliage becomes sparse or begins to die.
 
How: Remove the entire plant from the ground. Remove all dead leaves and stems. When separating, you need to keep the plant moist, never allowing the divided plant to dry out. A helpful tip is to wrap the plant material in wet newspaper or paper towels. Trim back all broken roots before replanting. It is also important to firmly pack the soil down around the roots, to eliminate air pockets. Make sure everything is properly watered in, and your plants should thrive.

   Hydrangeas, if left alone can live a long life, without ever coming in contact with a pair of hand pruners. However, if the plant lacks vigor and a showing of flowers, pruning might be just what the doctor ordered.
   First, you must determine if you get blooms on old wood or new wood. Old wood usually begins blooming in early summer and fades by midsummer. Next years flower buds are formed in late summer, so prune just after the flowers begin to fade in midsummer.
   New wood generally starts to bloom midsummer and continues until the first frost. These shrubs should be cut back in late winter, before new growth begins.
   You can tidy the plant up by dead heading, or removing dead blooms. If your plant is older, to improve vigor, remove the oldest canes at the soil line. To reduce flopping, cut your stems to 18 to 24" to support a sturdy framework for growth.

Snowdrop (Galanthus elwesii)

   Snowdrops are hardy bulbs that contain 2 or 3 strap-like leaves, dark green in color, with lobed, white, bell-like flowers. They are the first bloomers in early spring (March). They bloom for about 8 weeks and then become dormant in the warm summer weather. They will thrive in sun or shade, and very moist soil that is well drained.
   Bulbs should be planted 3 to 4 inches deep in early autumn. They can be used in rock gardens, or as an edging plant in woodland areas. If you plan to move them, just lift as the flowers fade. They can be left undisturbed for years.