The latest flowers produced by Dahlia 'Break Out' may be getting smaller and the plant's foliage may be mildewed but I have to give it credit for going all out on floral production last week, despite the hot, dry conditions brought on by our notorious Santa Ana winds.
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| There are 7 'Break Out' blooms in this arrangement |
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| Back view: I filled out the vase using recent blooms of Senna bicapsularis, among other things |
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| Top view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: Abelia grandiflora 'Hopley's Variegated', Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Dahlia Break Out', Senna bicapsularis, Tanacetum parthenium 'Aureum', and Zinnia 'Profusion Yellow' |
On the other end of the spectrum,
Dahlia 'Akita', the first of my dahlias to bloom this year, seems to be finishing up.
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| I added stems of 3 other dahlias to back-up a single bloom and partially open bud of Dahlia 'Akita' |
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| Back view |
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| Top view |
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| Clockwise from the upper left: Agonis flexuosa 'Nana', Alstromeria 'Inca Sundance', Dahlia 'Mystic Illusion', D. Akita', D. 'Kogane Fubuki', D. 'Summer's End', Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', and Xerochrysum bracteatum |
A few leftovers, stems cut but not used in the vases shown above, went into the small vase that frequently sits on our kitchen island.
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| In addition to stems of Abelia 'Hopley's Variegated' and Leptospermum 'Copper Glow', this vase contains a single flower of Dahlia 'Cafe au Lait Royal' and 2 stems of Correa pulchella 'Pink Eyre' |
I'm still awaiting a bloom from Dahlia 'Iceberg'. Planted from a tiny tuber in one of the half barrels in our front garden, it doesn't get the water or the sun the dahlias in my cutting garden receive. I'd nearly given up on it when it finally produced buds. Last week I thought it was a sure thing that at least one of the buds would bloom in time for IAVOM but it's operating on its own schedule, not mine.
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| 'Iceberg', almost but not quite there |
All material © 2012-2021 by Kris Peterson for Late to the Garden Party
Two fantastic creations this week! I'm sure you've used Dahlia Break Out' in other arrangements, but it's only today that its beauty registered. Must be something about the supporting cast that let it shine through.
ReplyDeleteIt may be that the sheer volume of 'Break Out' blooms is what made the impact this time!
DeleteYou always produce such varied vases, Kris, even though you may be using the same material as in other weeks, and of course you want to make the most of your precious dahlias whle you still have them! You must have a lot of variety in your cutting beds as the 'extras' you add are invariably perfect!
ReplyDeleteI did grow a LOT of different dahlias this year, Cathy ;)
DeleteTwo more lovely generous vases! I do love the colour combination of pink and green and that shows itself off so beautifully in your first vase! Have a good week Kris. Amanda https://therunningwave290580645.wordpress.com/2021/10/18/soldiering-on-in-a-vase-on-monday/
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda! I think 'Break Out' makes more of an impact when the flowers are used en masse.
DeleteI can't believe you still have dahlias that look so perfect!! :-)
ReplyDeleteThe dahlia foliage looks awful but luckily mildew doesn't have a noticeable impact on the flowers themselves.
DeleteBeautiful work, Kris. I've enjoyed your Dahlia 'Akita' this year and D. 'Break Out' has gone above and beyond! I had only a few flowers on my 'Break Out'.
ReplyDelete'Break Out' was initially shy about blooming here too, Susie, until last week when I all of a sudden I had a lot of blooms open at once. Maybe that was a response to the latest round of warm weather.
DeleteGorgeous creations as always and a stunning selection of Dahlias. I'm amazed that they do so well in your dry and hot climate. Some of mine suffer from mildew too but it's certainly not down to heat and drought this year. Nevertheless they're beauties and hard to beat in the autumn garden. Have a good week, Kris :)
ReplyDeleteI probably wouldn't have any dahlia flowers at all if I grew them in my borders, Annette. Almost all of my dahlias are in the raised planters of my cutting garden, which receives much more water than the rest of my garden. I experimented this year and tried 2 plants in one border - one never flowered and the other was so sad I pulled it early on.
DeleteBeautiful as always. Will be a blow when the dahlias finally succumb to the mildew so enjoy them while they are in their glory.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elaine. Next year my goal is to get them started earlier in the season!
DeleteThe perfection of dahlias! I never tire of looking at them, a pure joy to behold, esp. in your beautiful arrangements. Have a great week, Kris!
ReplyDeleteThanks Eliza! I love them too.
DeleteAutumnal! with Dahlias. Gorgeous in both cases and I am glad you beat the Santa Anas to the flowers.
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteYour Iceberg is just a gentle hint of yellow - very pretty!
ReplyDelete'Iceberg' and several of the other dahlia tubers are now tucked away in the garage pending replanting next spring. I already miss them.
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