In the first episode of this insightful series, Sarah covers one of her favourite topics as she talks to two special guests about Dahlias. Join Emma Page, Award winning Horticulturalist and Garden Designer and Dave Gillam, Chairman of the National Dahlia’s Society as well as being the General Manager for Abercorn Garden Centre in Chelmsford, as they share their extensive knowledge and experience. We discover the inspiration behind Dave Gillam’s passion for growing Dahlias competitively and find out our guests favourite type of Dahlia, and why. So whether its growing them for the sheer pleasure of it, or you are a bit more serious about the whole affair and wish to grow these beautiful plants in order to compete, this is the place to learn more about the ‘tender’ perennial. They may not be considered low maintenance but any effort put into growing them is likely to be highly rewarded.     Points of interest; Dahlia growing routine and the ‘mystery’ of growing from seed. Leaving Dahlias in the ground. Planting Dahlias in beds. Growing in tubers. Combating the ‘danger zone’ surrounding the first shoots. Tempting varieties of Dahlias, including the Honka Fragile. Species vs Hybrids   FAQs Answered; Where can I buy Dahlias? What do I do with Dahlia tubers? To stake or not to stake? How do I go about dead-heading? What are the well-known competitive varieties of Dahlia? Where can I buy Dahlias for weddings or other special events?   Guest follow up; Emma Page www.natureredesigned.co.uk Email her directly at info@natureredesigned.co.uk Emma Twitter @epgd181 Dave Gilliam - YouTube www.dahlias-nds.co.uk National Dahlia Society -  and Facebook Abercorn garden centre, Chelmsford Please find Richard Ramsey’s transcribed interview on the Roots and all website.    Find Richard at www.withypitts-dahlias.co.uk. for ideas on; Cut flowers, Dahlia seedlings, floristry, flowers for big events.   Further useful research; www.hallsofheddon.com A Specialist plant nursery; Dahlias and Chrysanthemums.   Get in touch; Email podcast@rootsandall.co.uk Website www.rootsandall.co.uk Twitter @rootsandall Instagram rootsandallpod   Patreon Link; https://www.patreon.com/rootsandall