Digging and Dividing....and eating Orange Basil Cookies!

Thanks to all the great folks that came out to my gardens Thursday night. I enjoyed sharing why I feel the fall is one of the best times to dig and divided perennials. 

Although many feel this is a time when the gardens look as if they are dying back, I feel the crisp cool fall days plus the potential for more rain makes fall gardens yearning for a new look. 

Here are just s few basic tips for Fall Dividing:

1. A general rule of thumb is that it is best to divide spring and summer blooming plants in the fall and late summer and fall blooming plants in the spring. (There are always exceptions to the rule, like lilies or some non-picky plants such as BlackEyed Susan's that always like an adventure)
2. If possible pick a cloudy day with rain in the forecast. Might as well let Mother Nature help with the work. If a warm sunny time, be sure to shade the transplant and keep well watered. 
3. Be sure to dig around the plant to get all the roots. Lift out the mom and divide. Careful examination of the plant will help you determine how best to divide. 
4. Replant the strongest ones, allowing enough space for new growth.  Don't allow the transplant to dry up during the move. 
5. A good feeding of compost or organic fertilizer, is a nice extra. 
6. More than enough?   They make great gifts as Pass A Long Plants.

Last night I made one of my favorite cookies!! Orange Basil Cookies. I had several request for the recipe.Enjoy

Ingredients 

1/3 cup butter (softened)

8oz cream cheese (softened)

1egg yolk

1 tablespoon orange juice

1 Box Orange Cake Mix

1 teaspoon orange zest grated

1cup raisins

1/2 cup walnuts or pecans

2 tablespoons dried basil

Mix together the butter, cream cheese, egg yolk, and orange juice.  Add cake mix  then stir in the rest of the ingredients. Chill dough.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees; butter cookie sheets, Roll chilled dough into 1/2 inch balls and place on cookie sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork. Bake about 10 to 15 minutes.