Monday, May 27, 2013

Garden Journal: Dahlias

Every year, I look forward to the summer garden and particularly, the dahlias. This year, it looks like my dahlias arrived sooner than expected. I cannot believe that it is only May, but my dahlia patch is in full bloom.Who is complaining! Not me.

This is the arrangement I made this morning.



How to plant dahlias:
 In the beginning of March, I prepped the soil with soil building compost and planted dahlia tubers.


I covered each tuber with a strawberry basket. Did I mention that I have multiple generations of rabbits living in my property? Well, they love to munch on tender dahlia leaves. Covering tubers with strawberry baskets give some protection from rabbits.


These are some of the varieties that I have planted in addition to what I already dug up from the previous year.


This is how the dahlia patch looks now, filled with blooms











 Don't you love these bright colors?




For more memorable centerpieces, tablescapes, and recipes (including vegetarian, gluten free and vegan recipes), please check out my books, Entertaining From an Ethnic Indian Kitchen and Trader Joe's Simply Indian at my website komalinunna.com.



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8 comments:

  1. So, so pretty! Covering tubers with strawberry baskets is a great tip.

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  2. Awwww I love them! they are gorgeous....and I am smacking myself...I have 10 dahlia tubers that I still have not had a chance to plant...I was going to do it this morning but keep thinking it might be too late. Think I am going to have to just go for it anyway and keep my fingers crossed after seeing this post!

    Thanks for sharing & Have a great weekend!!

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  3. Your dahlias are incredible! Congrats on having such a glorious green thumb! I love each and everyone of them-
    Great tip on how to protect your plants.
    Visiting from Pink Saturday.
    Jemma

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  4. Your dahlias are spectacular. I used to grow them and they come in such dynamic colors. Your arrangement is lovely.
    Ann

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  5. I host a weekly link party called "Seasonal Sundays". This week, in honor of my fourth blog-a-versary, I'm having a giveaway of a $100.00 gift certificate to HomeGoods/TJ Maxx. I'd love to have you join the fun!

    - The Tablescaper

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  6. Dahlias, how I love them, however, I've cut back this year on what I plant. I've discovered they take lots of sun and much of our property is shaded most of the day. You are lucky to have them do so well and nothing fills a house with more wonderful color that those gorgeous stems.

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  7. Hi Komali, I came here from the Seasonal Sundays hop and I'm a new follower. Your dahlias are gorgeous and I appreciate the gardening tips. Your whole blog is beautiful. I'm looking forward to reading more. :)

    Jennifer
    http://thistlebearhome.blogspot.com

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