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Post by Moonlight on Sept 14, 2014 22:09:14 GMT
Couldn't resist popping round my Dad's to check on my seedling. 
The colour is darker 'in the flesh petal'
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Post by sweetpea on Sept 14, 2014 22:26:05 GMT
yes I know .memory fails yet again  Of course it was the dahlia not the swan vesta  and you are burning the late lamp agin ML, off and get your head down there's a good girl I have an excuse, I am retired.  |
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 14, 2014 22:39:47 GMT
Mental Note to self: Page 45
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 14, 2014 22:47:16 GMT
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 6:10:40 GMT
3 06am
5.45am :-(
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 8:33:43 GMT
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 9:09:42 GMT
I took this a couple of days ago. This is Nuland's Josephine, it's a large pom and I've been petal plucking when it finishes and look at all the seed heads.
I can't wait to see if there are any seeds. They feel quite firm. I am trying really hard not to remove any more side shoots because in my logic it will mean 1 less flower to flower and provide seeds. And I'm trying even harder to surpress the desire to take off seed heads looking for seeds.
I have to totally leave Weston Pirate because as soon as I start the blooms are too big. So no neat compact plant but lots of flowers which as soon as I can, I take off the old petals. Haven't managed to keep up with Weston Corsair 100s of flowers - well maybe not 100s but there are loads and I haven't managed to keep up with all the petals.
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 9:23:51 GMT
I planted my giants very late and so consequently they have been late flowering. Kenora Valentine was first, then Trooper but this is my 1st and only open Sir Alf Ramsey.
Worth the wait.
Show on Friday. In two minds because he looks lovely where he is.
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 9:28:51 GMT
Last 1 for now.
Garden Friends.
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Post by Raymond on Sept 15, 2014 9:58:53 GMT
Moonlight your dahlias are truly stunning. You and your dad's seedlings are superb. Not going to do take seed this year as I need to focus on my goal for Kent.
If that's your second year growing you are a natural. Very very impressed.
Can I ask how many does your dad grow ?
Now in the process of planning next year. Can I ask what you feed yours ?
All the best
Raymond
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Post by sweetpea on Sept 15, 2014 10:33:51 GMT
That's for astronomers, not gardeners. |
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 10:58:00 GMT
Moonlight your dahlias are truly stunning. You and your dad's seedlings are superb. Not going to do take seed this year as I need to focus on my goal for Kent. If that's your second year growing you are a natural. Very very impressed. Can I ask how many does your dad grow ? Now in the process of planning next year. Can I ask what you feed yours ? All the best Raymond
I grew up with dahlias, our family life revolved around dahlias. We didn't have a 'garden' garden like other families. We had dahlias, soil, covers, Rotavators, shows and 100s of flower pots. I hated with a passion flower pots washing them up in cold water and spiders.
I'm not sure that I am a natural more a case of I know what I like, what I love and ask a lot of questions. A lot of questions and try and a, listen and b, learn by my mistakes. I think that I am getting better at the a, (well I hope that I am) and b, I hope that I am.
I ask loads of questions both here and of my Dad. I'm lucky.
I did want to win my local town Novice cup but I mucked it up but to be honest getting my 1st shoot off my 1st tuber was fantastic. Every little thing with me is fantastic. It's still the little things that make me chuffed to bits. I think if you don't enjoy those bits then the shows are a bit artificial. You want to enjoy all of it. Even though it can be very, very stressful.
My personal goal for next year is to get my garden into a better balance. With a focus on my front garden which really is full of weeds. This time next year I want there to be lots of colour and no weeds. I'm thinking of planting poms, waterlilly dahlias, collarettes and daffodils. Lots of daffodils.
You sound sensible. With me the seed saving thing is just part of growing dahlias. It's what my Dad did and does and I wouldn't imagine not having a go myself. I grew up with little piles of seeds drying on pieces of newspaper and like I grew up with shows. It's all part of it but basically the big thing to me is the pleasure (and stress) of each step of the cycle.
I'll ask Dad about numbers later. If I'm not distracted when I see him.
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 10:59:47 GMT
That's for astronomers, not gardeners.  I know that's what I thought!
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Post by Moonlight on Sept 15, 2014 11:03:08 GMT
Spoke to my Mum a bit ago and she said that Dad would like to come round to collect the scaffold boards. They are along the side of the cabin. Between the cabin and my back door are my dahlias...
![]() I don't think I want to be around when he comes...
wuss or what. Just can't watch...
eek!
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Post by Raymond on Sept 15, 2014 11:47:50 GMT
:DSo wish my mother was still alive I think she would have loved what I have managed to achieve. None of my 3 brothers or sister has any interest in gardening. Like your blog says tiny steps. My 4 biggest mistakes Poor stock Not enough soil prep The supporting and tying in. Spacing. And trying to do a complete garden in 6months. Too much to quick. Need to be sensible. I love daffodils ! I like the double ones but I have to say I prefer tulips and hyacinths. I have masses of bluebells in this garden which look lovely in spring. Your dad will be very proud of what you have achieved. No weeds ! Now that is a challenge !  |
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Sept 6, 2018 17:58:08 GMT