Dahlias and Annuals

August and September really are the most beautiful months for annual flowers.  We all start early and want them to look this amazing in May and June when gardening is fresh for the year and we are longing for some color.  But we have to wait.

I am beginning to start more of my annuals from seeds and it is so rewarding to know that these were the same tiny plants that were in the basement under lights early in spring.  So full of promise.

Century Mix Celosia
Started from Seed

 

Coleus Giant Exhibition Mix
Started from Seed

The dahlia bed is looking amazing.  There is an awful lot of deep green foliage in there.  One might think I went a little too heavy on the nitrogen.  But it is also full of buds and blooms.  They are just now hitting their stride.  I am also pleased to note that my care and planning to get the tallest plants in the center of the bed paid off.  The shorter varieties are on the outside where they can be fully enjoyed and not lost in the jungle.  I have eleven varieties in this bed blooming and three more varieties still to bloom.

Dahlias
with Super Hero Marigolds and Celosia (started from seed)

Summer's End

Peaches and Dreams

Cornell Bronze

Spartacus

Begonias started from tubers

Queeny Lime Red Zinnias and Madame Butterfly Bronze Snapdragons
Started from Seed

A pretty good showing, overall.

This is the time of year when there is not a lot to be done in the garden except enjoy the flowers and wait for frost.  There is a lot of work ahead when we clear everything out for winter.

But for now, we will just enjoy to show while it lasts.