David’s Garden Musings - Flower Gardening & Other Such Things

A busy August has kept me out of the garden more than I'd like, so I've needed to prioritize - and will discuss - caring for dahlias later in the season.  Deadheading in September changes as I leave the last blooms go to seed and start manually pollinating dahlias to see what  new flower beauties might be created in next year's seeds.  Finally, I'm starting to gather materials and make my "to do" list for the fall; it includes upgr...

As August and a plentiful flower harvest begins, so too does the need to manage time wisely, so I'll outline the work patterns I use to help with upkeep while simultaneously enjoying the blessing of flowers. I'll discuss current garden favorites, from Silene 'Sibella Carmine' and zinnias to the list of new dahlias that are making me and my family smile. Finally, I'm starting to look forward to - and place orders for - fall planting...

With non-stop drought it's no wonder some plants have failed; often it's the weather, though when it's not (e.g. poor initial product from a plant seller) it's important to use the "grower guarantees" many offer.  In the meantime, the echinacea, platycodon, phlox, calendula, and tobacco are flowering - I'm tagging my favorites for seed!  And I'll discuss protecting, cutting, and arranging dahlia blooms (our main focus) seeing as th...

During our current drought I've started rethinking what my front lawn might look like in the future. As I consider those possibilities I'm fortunate to have floating (and drought-tolerant) flowers like Cupid's dart to lift my spirits, and other new favorites to deadhead and tag for seed collection.  Best of all, those "60-90 days to bloom" dahlias are close to maturing, so we'll outline additional care during hot temps, how to keep...

Abnormally high and dry weather has resulted in some garden fails, but those challenges come with the territory and serve to reinforce the importance of patient and persistent, especially when working with perennials grown from seed, as we learn and grow as gardeners.  Finally, while many (in zone 4b) will be waiting until July or August, I have dahlia buds and blooms... so we'll talk "next step" care after Episode 10's deeper dive...

The mad rush to get plants and seeds in the ground is largely over, and there's more time to relax and tend to the growing garden.  As June begins I'll recap final plantings (phlox, more astrantia, and even yarrow) and discuss the collection and storage of tulip bulbs and early spring seed pods (columbine in particular).  Finally, while most dahlias won't bloom until July or August what we do now determines the size and quantity of...

May has been a busy, dry, and full of non-stop gardening decisions.  Dahlia planting may be done, though plants need staking, pinching, watering, and protection from pests. Beyond dahlias (gasp!), other beds were finalized; some grew in scale and new beds were designed.  Finally, as May concludes days are filled with sequence planting, caring for spent blooms (tulips!), and reveling in whatever blooms are present on daily garden wa...

May has finally brought spring weather, and suddenly there aren't enough hours in the day to be out in the gardens... but I'm trying! I'm enjoying watching previous plants, including bulbs and perennials, bulk up and burst into flower even as I delight in the scent of fruit tree blossoms. Really, though, the last two weeks have been devoted to dahlias: taking inventory, hardening off, organizing beds, and tackling planting. That wh...

Warmer temps have finally arrived!  Time outside means I've been able to watch the plans and dreams I worked so hard on last fall start to come alive as tulips and alliums begin to appear; it also means I've been able to start working on new raised beds in anticipation of summer plantings and have been able to get the first hardy annual seeds (calendulas and poppies) in - or for the poppies, on - the ground.  Begone, snow... There ...