Today is

By: Ikedi Ani-okoye

Dahlia introduced

The Dahlia has been used in Italian gardens as a fine cut flower from the Renaissance onwards, however, it is also as strong a symbol of the discovery of the Americas as is the tomato, potato or the pineapple.

A plant from the family Composite and with stunning flowers, ranging from 2" (5.08cm) diameter to 1' (30.48cm) the Dahlia provides the cut-flower garden with virtually every colour in the colour range and in the very last season of the year- late autumn. In this dull season, with it's absence of strong flower colour, the Dahlia can provide the garden with striking, almost black flowers, shocking red and electric yellow blooms and even charming, delicate pastels.

Dahlia story

There were five girls: Daisy, Dahlia, Violet, Fern, and Magnolia. Daisy and Dahlia were the twins, always saying the same things at the same time, as twins tend to do, and always chasing the Gonzales boys. When Daisy and Dahlia would catch the boys, the girls would give each one Indian Burns and make them kiss them. Each Gonzales would somehow manage an escape, and the girls would holler after Blue, "Daddy! Can you catch them boys and keep'em still for us?" Blue would always holler back, "Catch your own damn men."

Dahlia blooming

Dahlias have a long bloom time from summer through fall and like many other bulbs come in a large variety of colors, sizes and shapes. These flowers are so diverse that there are varieties with flower sizes ranging from 2 to 12 inches and from under a foot to 7 feet tall!

Plant dahlias in spring after threat of frost has passed. Plant between 4 and 6 inches deep with spacing of 1 foot for short varieties and 5 feet for the tall variety's. Dahlias like full sun unless you are planting them in a very hot climate where they might do well with a little shade. As with most flowers, make sure these are watered regularly.

CONCLUSION

Summer flower bulbs vary in their sun requirements. Dahlias, lilies, and daylilies, for example, thrive in full sun to partial shade. Gladiolus, on the other hand, requires full sun and iris prefer partial shade. When planning your arrangement, pay special attention to the amount of sun your garden or flowerbed receives and pick your flower bulbs accordingly.