Why are we planting Flax and Grasses?

We’ve chosen to divide and replant a variety of flax and ornamental grasses as they are shallow rooted plants (they don’t seek-and-destroy underground water pipes), they’re hardy and thrive on any extra moisture in the soil.

If you live in a rural part of New Zealand, like us, the odds are you’ll have your own waste-water treatment system. Unlike urban regions, having a septic system buried in your backyard will include the need for a drainage field too.  We’ve recently finished building a minor dwelling on the property that required its own system, hence we are going through the drainage field planting process now for ourselves.

We have an area of around 120sqm that requires planting…one plant per square metre is required, the general rule of thumb. In lock down and with no nurseries open, plus knowing the window of opportunity to plant in autumn before the cold weather sets in was closing, we decided to ‘make do’ with what we had around the section. That entailed looking longingly at 3 x clumps of flax (different varietals) and being resourceful. These existing clumps weren’t strategically part of any landscape design so we are determined to ‘conquer and divide’ for the greater good: dig them up, separate the fan-like clusters, and replant in our new drainage field area.

The result? Free plants and lots of them.

How to Divide Flax

Step 1:  Dig ’em out. As flax is a shallow rooted plant, it’s not too difficult. You will need patience though. Use a spade to dig no more than half a spade-length into the ground close to the base of the clump. Lean on the handle and pry the soil underneath the plant. Don’t expect big shakes on the first dig. Continue this process around the whole plant: digging, leveraging, wiggling. As you go, chop away any dead leaves as they don’t compose easily and may hinder your digging. It may be possible to loosen enough to pull on the leaves to dislodge part of a clump, rather than attempt to pull the whole plant away in one go.

Step 2:  Identify individual fans and root systems. The roots will be entwined no doubt. Some species will be growing on rhizomes (woody-like roots) that may be growing above or below the soil. Look for a fan that has its own root system, however small. Carefully pry each plant away from the clump – the join will be quite obvious and you’ll see roots of their own.

Step 3: Replant straight away. Try not to let the roots dry out. Flax may be hardy plants but give them a helping hand and get them in soil as soon as possible.

Step 4: Give them a haircut. Young sprouting leaves are okay, but larger more established leaves should be trimmed to around 30cms. This helps the plant give its energy into rejuvenating their new root system after being divided from the safety of the mother clump.

Step 5: Water them!  Help them settle in to their new home and give them a good water on the day of replanting, and every other day until you start seeing signs of new growth (if no rain is forecast).

How to divide Ornamental Grasses

This is super-easy and fun!  Grasses are so hardy and their root systems are also shallow, so you can almost scoop them with a spade (about two inches from the surface) and you’ll come away with a good clump.

While the root systems may be matted, they will easily come away in your hands. Again, ensure that each grass has it’s own root system.

Plant, water….and leave them to multiply.