This is the first year I've ever planted a perennial garden and though I followed the planting instructions sent to me via the greenhouse, I am now afraid that I planted my hollyhocks (and possibly my foxglove) too close together. They've really taken off (more so than expected given MY green thumb) and are about two feet tall after only a month in the soil. They are about two feet in diameter, as well.

How can I safely dig them up and space them farther apart,? Any experts out there willing to share a few tips?

I'm so excited to see my garden so healthy and vibrant. Please help!

Congratulations on your success!
Where are you gardening?
If these plants are 2 foot tall, you are probably seeing the bloom stalk. I would strongly suggest leaving them be. The bloom stage is the plant's most vulnerable time. Also, it's summer, much too hot to be moving any but the most hardy of plants.

On the positive side, both hollyhock and foxglove are prolific seed producers. neither plant is particularly long lived, foxglove usually dies after blooming, (it's a biennial) hollyhock might hang in there for 3 or 4 years before giving up. So, collect the seed and plant the seed in a seed bed- as soon as possible. Then you will have plenty of plants to experiment with.

Welcome to the garden forum!