Today I attended the BIGGEST dahlia show in the country!

^{See! It even says so on the sign.}

I LOVE dahlias. They are such a varied and colorful flower. Their appearance in late summer bouquets and gardens always makes my heart happy.

^{Pom dahlias, in four different colors!}

It was pure luck that I stumbled upon the dahlia exhibition. The event was hosted at a nearby nursery by the Puget Sound Dahlia Association. According to their brochure, 2000 dahlias were on display at today’s show.

^{So. Many. Flowers.}

^{The information table had a display on the different dahlia varieties, information on how to join local dahlia societies and information on how to grow your own blooms.}

^{Just a tiny sampling of all the shapes and colors on offer.}

^{A mixed bouquet.}

Dahlias grow best in full sun with well drained soil. Depending on the variety, plants will vary in height from 1-7 feet! Tubers should be planted in early spring, but after the last frost. The plants need watering approximately every two weeks depending on the weather. Once a plant blooms, cutting flowers frequently will encourage new blossoms throughout the season.

^{Some of these look almost like sea anemones.}

I have always wanted to grow dahlias. However, you need to dig out the tubers every year and replant. It seems like A LOT of effort! So for now, I will happily enjoy bouquets from my farmer’s market and displays at unexpected dahlia shows. 🙂

Prepare for one last “dump” of dahlias!

---

Happy Sunday Friends!