birdieopolis

it's almost dahlia planting time! actually the last picture on the right is an artichoke, but i thought the petals were cool, like the dahlias. i used to hate dahlias when i was growing up. they looked so stiff and plasticy. now i appreciate them for their enormous blooming season (up until they are killed by frost). the trick is to get them past that stage when they are oh so delectable to the slugs. once the emerging plants reach a certain size they seem to outgrow the chomping abilities of those slimy critters and off they go to produce bazillions of blooms. i try to find dahlias that are the anemone or waterlily types. they seem less artificial looking and are great for bouquets. happy gardening season to you...