Naughty Louloubelle !!!!!!

hehehe

Dhalias were the very first seeds I ever planted and mine are now starting to bloom

they are very pretty although I too for some reason thought they sounded quite "naff"

oooh how wrong was I

they are my babies
Early bird dwarf variety and they seem to have 2 to 3 heads per stem and lots of petals

x x x

If interesting you in dahlias is the worst thing I ever do, I'll be happy! Welcome to a whole new world ... Lou x

:)))

I used to be like you and thought of them as old fashioned however it's my new project this year - will post some photos when they're further on

That'd be great, thanks Angie :)

Wish i could have some now :(
Never been good at patience !

I love Dahlias Louise. But then, I suppose I do qualify as an old man!
Seriously, I didn't grow them for over 20 years because I always had problems with blackfly but I bought a collection 2 years ago(from one of the magazines) and I'm really love them again. So far, touch wood, not too bad problems with blackfly and earwigs. my Kelvin's Floodlight is already flowering(you probably saw it on my blog) because I bring them on in the potting shed(early)
I'm glad you've been converted to Dahlias and hope you will enjoy them!

Paul, i DID notice your Dahlia (Kelvins Floodlight), it's a lovely colour.

I seem to like the more 'girly' colours !!!
When i was looking at The National Dahlia Collection (in Cornwall) earlier a lot of the colours really appealed and it was the colours i mentioned, the stronger and more vivid colours are a bit strong for me.
The pink and yellow blends, lilac and whites, dark and light pink blends, orange and bronze blends, (getting the terminology !!!) are right up my street.

Lovely one called Pussycat !
Blewbury First
So too Bliss

Ohhh, sigh, as Spritz would say :))

Some of the really deep red ones are worth growing with the pastel colours though Louise. Perhaps, try planting them with grasses such as Stipa Tennuisima. They look fantastic together(in my opinion, although I realise, of course, it's a matter of taste). Pale ones planted alongside deep coloured Crocosmia(monbretia) can look good too!! whatever you do, enjoy choosing them!

Some nice ideas there Paul, especially with the Stipa, i think i'll do that in the front borders.
Still not keen on the strong colours but ...... i'm putting them together in my mind and i think some deep pink/bronze ones in the semi shade border with the Stipa would look just gorgeous ..... i want it now !!!!

You'll have to be patient!!! (Ha Ha)

Oh dear :((
I'm not so good at that.

I'm going to Wisley is a couple of weeks, Louloubelle and i wondered whether THEY might have something to tempt me !

No doubt. Hope you're going in a big car. O r maybe you'll need a truck!