IN THE GARDEN

By Doreen Trudel

Even though the last of the summer blooming perennials are going to seed our September gardens can remain colorful and inviting thanks to several reliable plants that bloom until the first frost. There are no fall-blooming flowers more colorful and varied than Dahlias. They require a little more attention but your efforts will be rewarded with dramatic color until the first frost.

Dahlias are tubers and come in every color except blue and dark green and in a variety of shapes and sizes. Contrary to common garden lore they are not difficult plants to grow but those beautiful blooms must be paid for with extra effort from the gardener. If you have been put off by phrases like dig-up or over-winter I hope these guidelines will help de-mystify the lovely Dahlia and get it growing in your garden.

The Dahlia adventure begins at the garden center when you are presented with a large selection of glorious photographs above these bags of tubers. Because Dahlias are one of the most popular flowers with hybridizers there are thousands of varieties from which to choose.

The flowers are categorized by size and shape. There are generally six unofficial classification of size from five to 25 cm in diameter referred to as bedding, miniature, small, medium, large and giant in ascending order. There are also 12 categories or divisions of bloom shape. These divisions are best understood with illustrations so just be aware that Dahlias can look like many other flowers from daisies to water lily and they can range in height from one to six feet tall.

If you do not have Dahlias planted in your garden at this time you have nothing to do until spring planting but if you have enjoyed this colorful bloom all summer then you will soon begin an annual fall ritual of lifting the Dahlias.

When the foliage is black from the first light frost you know it is time to dig-up the tubers. Because our fall temperatures are warmer and our early frosts not as severe as more northern climates the timing of digging-up Dahlias is not as critical. Every extra day the tuber has in the ground is one more day to get nutrients and moisture for the over-wintering process just make sure you lift them when the days are above freezing, preferably on a dry day.

Cut off the black foliage and do not damage the tubers when digging them out. Shake off most of the dirt but do not wash the tubers, it is OK if some soil clings to the roots. Do not divide the tubers at this time. Label the tubers and let them dry for a few hours in the sun then continue drying in a cool, dark, preferably moist location for a few more days.

Now the tubers are ready to be stored in a box or bucket covered with damp peat moss, sand or vermiculite.

Check the tubers periodically to make sure they are not drying out. If they appear withered then mist them before covering them with the peat moss.

In spring when the soil has warmed, around the time of the last frost, divide the tubers and plant them in a sunny spot in well-drained but moist rich soil. It is best to amend the bed with compost and some organic bulb food. Dahlias do not tolerate dry conditions so make sure you mulch and water regularly.

Taller varieties will need staking and all Dahlias will need organic fertilizer once a month throughout the season. Pinching the tips of early shoots will encourage bushier growth. I hope you agree that the Dahlia’s beauty is worth the extra TLC.

If you need a break after thinking about the 20,000 Dahlia cultivars or preparing a winter home for you tubers I have a perfect day-trip to recommend.

September is the ideal time to visit farm country and experience the harvest first hand. I recently discovered the charming community of Yarrow, B.C., located near the Vedder River off of #3 Road and highway #1 in Chilliwack. There is so much to do and see in this little town that I am sure you will be able to please the whole family.

The highlight for me was meeting Judy who raises and sells dried flowers and herbs from her delightful shop at Dried Flower Farm which was recently chosen top B.C. showcase farm. You are welcome to walk through the whimsical garden or sit and watch the sheep and the chickens. Visit Judy first and she can direct you to other local attractions such as Rainforest or Driediger potteries, gift shops, or eateries. You can also walk the dike along the canal or drive to the Vedder River. On your drive out of town don’t forget to pick-up some fresh produce at Wisbey’s or The Yellow Barn, two of the many farm shops in the area. Check-out the web site www.driedflowersbyjudy.com for further information.

Start thinking about where you would like to place some winter interest in the garden because next month we will introduce some unusual planting ideas for fall and winter containers.

Introducing Fall Color to Your Garden

It is not too late to add some fall color to your flower beds. Many of these late flowering perennials are available now at local garden centers. Some fall-blooming plants to consider are:Echinacea purpurea, Rudbeckia fulgida, Kniphofia, Asters (Michaelmas daisy), Anemone x hybrida (Japanese anemone), Helianthus, Heuchera, Leycesteria Formosa, Helenium, Canna, Crocosmia,,Hysostegia virginiana, Aconitum, Solidago (golden rod), Physalis alkekengi (Chinese lantern) and Dahlias.