There is something magical when dahlias are in bloom in the summer garden. With their vibrant in-your-face colors, intricate petal formations, and stately presence it is hard to gaze away from the glamorous dahlia.

It only seems fitting that these spectacular flowers should look so ethereal especially given how their origins can be the makings of a fairytale story complete with villains, heroes, espionage, and even deadly sacrifices.

To read the global adventures of the glamorous dahlia flower and its origins dating back to the Aztecs in Mexico, then to France, to England, and eventually the world, take a look at this very entertaining story of the dahlia flower Curse of the Dahlia. Bloody human sacrifices, a duped smuggler, and a possessive empress mark the dahlia’s stormy passage to fame and fortune.

July arrived with a big bang of summer heat in our area.  Temperatures went up into the 80s and even in the high 90s.  But surprisingly my garden held up well, I only guess it’s because of all the giant trees in our garden that provide welcome shade to plants and people alike. The summer heat enticed all my lilies and dahlias to burst into bloom. I did have lots of other perennials blooming but my eyes and camera kept gravitating towards dahlias and lilies. When lilies and dahlias are in bloom it’s hard to focus on anything else – sorry other beautiful perennials.  Here is a look at how my garden did in July.  Continue reading July in the garden. Lillies, dahlias and other stuff. →

Summer finally arrived in our area in June 🌞 with temperatures warming up into the 70s, 80 and for a few days even in the 90s.  In the garden the heat brought into bloom all types of lillies – Asiatic lillies, daylillies, calla lillies, and oriental lillies. Continue reading June in the Garden →