Digging up Spring Bulbs

Little grape hyacinths are one of my favorite spring bloomers.  Their striking purple color seems to shout "you've got to look at me".

They are planted in several areas around the yard, but the largest colony was along the edge of this planter box.  We trimmed back this flowering cherry and I wanted to put some colorful perennials along the edge and move the hyacinths back a little.

After hours of digging in this small space, I have over 500 hyacinth bulbs to replant.

Apparently the bulbs were happily multiplying where they were.  Looks like my simple little project is going to be a week long ordeal.  That's okay, I know I'll be really happy next spring when the yard explodes with purple.