GOODBYE

During the month of October the weatherperson is the most important person in my life. I listen closely to the daily forecast, hoping I won't hear the "f" word, FROST. At least four times this month I have run around with old sheets covering my tender perennials and tropicalsA couple of the Brugmansias have not even bloomed yet and there are still plenty of buds on the Tibouchina. The Dahlias are blooming like crazy. I can't bear to say goodbye to any of these plants until the last bud has opened. Tonight, however, the forecast is for a hard frost. I have to say so long to the growing season. All is not lost though. I cut as many blooms as I could and made bouquets. Ah, the lovely bouquets look so nice on my front porch.

DAHLIAS

Dahlias! Who wouldn't love these beautiful flowers that are native to the mountains of Mexico and Guatemala! The American Dahlia Society categorizes dahlias into various groups based on size, form and color. There are 9 sizes, 18 forms, and 15 colors or color combinations.

Dahlia Hill in Midland is a spectaular little garden with an interesting history. According to its website, Dahlia Hill is possibly the only garden in the country dedicated entirely to dahlias and grown on a hillside. " A visitor ...once stated that one person planting a dahlia garden on a hill was foolish, over forty people helping that fool was amazing." (a quote from the website)