With dahlia buds opening on a daily basis, those flowers currently demand to be cut. As it is, I don't get around to cutting some of the flowers before they fade, even when I refresh the dahlias in my vases mid-week. Not that I'm complaining!
Dahlia 'Loverboy' has sat on the sidelines for a couple of weeks now so it was time to bring him back on the public stage. Blue
Eustoma has been hanging out in her bed so long she's looking ragged so there was no serious thought to having her join him this time. Fortunately, some new blooms were available to perform roles as companions.
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| The fuchsias and toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) don't challenge 'Loverboy'. Amaryllis belladonna is another matter altogether. 'Loverboy' tolerates her because she smells nice but he prefers to keep her in the background. She's a little tall for his taste too. (Hey, you already knew he's shallow.) |
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| As for Amaryllis belladonna (who frequently goes by the names "Surprise Lily" and "Naked Lady"), she could care less whether 'Loverboy' accompanies her. She believes she can hold the stage all by herself. |
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| Coleus 'Dipt in Wine' went along to keep things loose |
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| Clockwise from the upper left, the cast of characters in this drama includes: Dahlia 'Loverboy', Fuchsia 'Mendonoma Belle', Heteromeles arbutitfolia, Amaryllis belladonna, Plectranthus scutellaroides (aka coleus), and the berries of Prunus laurocerasus |
While
'Loverboy' is keeping a lower profile this year,
'Punkin Spice' is living large. His companions are more diverse and exotic than those
'Loverboy' hangs with. With his flamboyant personality, it's hard to conceive of him keeping steady company with anyone, though.
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| 'Punkin Spice' isn't inclined to share center stage |
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| Even the colorful characters hanging out in the background find themselves eclipsed in his presence |
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| But you have to admit, he's pretty fabulous |
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| Clockwise from the upper left, this cast includes: Dahlia 'Punkin Spice', Abelia grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope', Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Grevilla 'Superb', Cotyledon orbiculata, and Leucadendron 'Wilson's Wonder' |
'Punkin Spice's' cast list filled up quickly so the zinnias joined a smaller production.
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| Zinnia elegans 'Benary's Giant Salmon Rose' and a stem of Heteromeles arbutifolia landed on my desk |
To see what kind of drama other gardeners have found in their gardens this week,
visit our IAVOM host, Cathy at Rambling in the Garden.
All material © 2012-2018 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
