DAHLIAS GET GROWING
FUSSY. FANCY. FUDDY-DUDDY
These are just three of the terms I would have used for dahlias even a few years ago.
I'd long since dismissed them from my gardening as they seemed to belong to men 'of a certain age', preoccupied with creating almost abnormal perfection to gain a prize. I'd see them being nurtured in single colour blocks and it just seemed – well to me – a bit of a waste of space!
I was then asked to accompany a friend to watch a demonstration on dahlia cuttings. The man behind the scenes was a complete enthusiast and to hear him talk with such passion about his favourite bloom was a real eye-opener. I chatted to him for quite some time afterwards and he very kindly gave me some of his favourite tubers.
The interest was sparked. I was
