I got all my transplants in the ground. The key to moving established plants mid-summer is to make sure they are well-watered before, during, and after the process. This helps them to shock less and recover to full growing vigor much more quickly.
I watered every transplant very well before I even started digging holes to put them in. Then, after the holes were dug, I filled the holes with water. I moved the transplants into the watery holes, and gently pushed soil in around them, packing as I went to make sure there were no air pockets. (The air pockets can dry out the roots and be death to the plants.)
Let me tell you, even small plants with super-wet root balls are heavy, so watch your back! Unless you're already accustomed to a vigorous workout with Kettlebells, you could strain your back hoisting small shrubs that are heavily loaded with soil and water.
Once planted, I then watered again until the water absolutely would not go in the ground anymore. I've re-watered them each day since and so far the plants are taking to their new home as if they'd never been anywhere else.
I'm looking forward now to lovely, aromatic cuttings from the artemisea and yarrow, as well as blooms next spring from the violets and Rose of Sharon.
Of course, I'm keeping a close eye on the rosemary and mint that I am trying to root in small pots. I'll let you know how that goes.
