Yielding to Temptation

Dahlia “Naomi”

Winter days are too long. The internet makes too many things possible. Gardeners show too many gorgeous photos. I have too little self-restraint. Thus, some additional dahlias are heading my way! But, as justification for the photo above, my mother’s name is Naomi, so it seemed more than necessary to add this lovely, satiny burgundy dahlia to my collection. It will look so beautiful with fall-toned sunflowers, deep dark celosias, and “Black Prince” snapdragons. And, if I can get the timing correct, some “Merlot Ice” gladiolas.

Dahlia “Iced Tea”

The photo doesn’t quite capture this dahlia that can lean toward salmon, apricot, copper or pinkish tones, but with the name “Iced Tea” it definitely belongs in this tea-aholic’s garden. I’m sure it will pair with lots of other things in the Cutting Garden. I’m just hoping it’s not too pink!

Dahlia “Senior’s Hope”

Definitely needed more purple late in the season to go with some of the burgundy-purple toned sunflowers and I like the streaky petals and dark center of this one.

Dahlia “Zundert Mystery Fox”

Another one that can be slightly different color, from pinkish to orangish to copper to salmon depending upon temperature, length of day, etc. so I’m hoping it will play well with lots of “odds and ends” across the spectrum.

How can I like this dahlia so much when I dislike red?

I’m hoping “Black Narcissus” dahlia is the combination of red and black that the photo shows. “Why?” you might ask? Well, because the local high school’s colors are red and black, so some “Growing Kindness” bouquets may well be going to some deserving teachers this autumn.

Dahlia Spassmacher

And this one…well, just because it combines some of my favorite tones and I like the form. Soft yellow with coppery-apricot tips on quilled petals? Who doesn’t love that?

And that’s it! NO MORE Dahlia orders! I’m sure next fall when it’s time to dig and store them all, I may look back on this bit of folly with regret. Meantime though, it’s fun to dream and plan different bouquets, assuming they all thrive.

Advertisement