Dahlia 'Natal'

• 4 Jul, 2008
• 11 likes

The first of my dahlias to flower - has been very scary looking after them all this time, and they are smaller than I expected them to be, but they are producing lots of stunning and sturdy blooms. The copper tape isn't 100% effective, but is definitely a deterrent.

I also planted lots of marigolds that we grew from seed as plants to divert the slugs from the dahlias - it has been working, but now I feel sorry for the marigolds. No one told me that gardening could be such an emotionally wrenching hobby! Next year, I'm going for Majeekahead's nematodes to devour them slugs.