Although I ordered a dozen dahlia tubers in January — the earlier you order, the better the selection — I’m thinking of choosing a few more. Unfortunately, we weren't able to save many tubers from last year’s plants, but this failing has an upside: A fresh start for this year and the chance to grow new-to-me varieties. My colour choices are eclectic, but I do focus on … [Read more...] about Shopping for dahlias
dahlias
4 steps to overwinter tender plants
Dahlias, begonias and other summer-flowering bulb-like plants are as common in our gardens as tulips, daffodils and crocuses are in the spring. But unlike their hardy cousins, these tender plants that grow from corms, rhizomes and tubers hail from warmer parts of the globe — Mexico, South and Central America, Asia and South Africa — and can’t withstand our deep-freeze … [Read more...] about 4 steps to overwinter tender plants
Vivid colours in President’s Choice new plants
The new plants for 2014 in the President’s Choice Lawn and Garden collection pop with vivid colours. The PC plant unveiling is annual event, displaying selections made by Peter Cantley, vice-president of floral and garden at Loblaw Companies Ltd., and his staff. Guests are also invited to take plants home to try in their own gardens, so it gets a little frenzied at the end of … [Read more...] about Vivid colours in President’s Choice new plants
When and how to store dahlias and cannas
We should be thinking of getting tuberous dahlias and cannas out of the ground and stored away for winter. It’s certainly up to you, whether or not to save these plants. You could buy new dahlias and cannas in spring, but if you’re in a saving mood, here’s how. Dahlias need to experience a hard, killing frost before being dug. Taking them out of the ground too early, while … [Read more...] about When and how to store dahlias and cannas
Dashing dahlias
I’m not an expert dahlia grower, but I am an enthusiastic one. Every year, I try six or more different shapes and colours, ones I’ve never grown before. That’s your first clue that I’m not an expert — I don’t save tubers to replant the following year. Or maybe that speaks more to my lack of commitment in overwintering tender tubers and bulbs. What I do try to do every summer … [Read more...] about Dashing dahlias
