The warm soils and cooling air temperatures make September a good time to work in the perennial garden. Plants that are overgrown can be divided now. Perennials that look crowded or are dying out in the center show a need for division. Just dig the perennial and divide the root system into two or three parts with a sharp tool or shovel and replant all the sections (or give extras away to friends). Be sure to provide water so the divisions start to form new roots.

New perennials can be purchased and added to the garden now as well. You may not see a lot of growth on top of the plant, but be assured that the root system is growing. The soil is still warm enough to encourage root growth, provided that water is available. Since we have not had much rain lately, be sure to water divided perennials as well as newly planted ones.