In much of the country, now is the perfect time to transplant plants and shrubs.  The weather has cooled off, so plants (and gardeners) aren't stressed by torrid heat.  Specimens that you transplant now will have plenty of time to get established before frost sets in.  Next spring they will be off to the races, getting a good head start on plants that go in after the last frost date.

Yesterday I transplanted three shrubs--two small variegated euonymus and one ground hugging juniper.  Overshadowed by larger shrubs in their previous location, all three were yearning for more light and air.  I dug each one out, making sure to include a large root ball; dug three large holes; filled the bottoms of the holes with a mix of soil and compost; then watered each one.  The shrubs went in, followed by more topsoil and a nice blanket of mulch.  If you do this kind of transplanting, make sure that the mulch doesn't touch the main trunks of your shrubs, lest rot set in.

Because of the large root balls, my new transplants haven't suffered any visible transplant shock.  I will keep them well watered and watch as they get used to their new and improved garden home.  This kind of "recycling"--moving plants from a less desirable location to a more desirable site--is the cost effective and highly satisfying.  The money that you save (by reusing existing plants) will help you afford a few more spring bulbs.