Great observations Tim. Love the photo documentation.
I had to do the same thing with my raised beds every couple of years. I usually did it later in the growing season when I would downsize colonies. I would take the entire colony up and rework the area for each colony. I would usually replant mostly young offset to keep the colonies strong.
I look back and realize that is what happened to my 'Purple Dazzler'. It grew so well for me the first 2 or 3 years, then started into decline. Thanks to your gift of a new start, it is doing beautiful in the new raised bed with it's fluffy new soil. Thank you Tim.
Something I will do different from now on is to do this work in the early spring, instead of late summer/early fall. In the spring they are at the peak of regenerating. Perfect time to redo soil.
I agree with Kevin, your garden will be the show place we have all come to love.
