Monroe or Bardot

      In an entry in The Ivington Diaries from mid-September, Monty Don writes "...I love dahlias. They are undiluted fun. The deep, dark ones are velvety and voluptuous like the inside of a bordello, and the bright, garish pinks, yellows and oranges have the 1950s sumptuous joyfulness of Monroe or Bardot.

 

They come as tight, minimal pompons of flower or clumsy starbursts of petal.

 

They can be childishly simple or mathematically complex.

 

They are busy plants, giving out more energy than almost any other."

I caught some of the Botanics' dahlias yesterday in what must be their last gasp of the season. They seem to illustrate Monty's words pretty well.

Comments

[blackbird]

I love dahlias too! A flower with such variety- some the size of dinner plates and others with amazing splashes of brightness.

Unlike other garden flowers, they are good keepers in the vase. And, the more you pick, the more will bloom.

[Pamela]

A good friend of mine recently named her new daughter Dahlia. It's her favourite flower.

[Jennifer]

Dahlia's are gorgeous, and the words fit them very well.

[Anne]

Fantastic photographs! I too am reading Monty Don's Ivington Diaries and also took particular note of the dahlia entry - he writes with honesty and passion - I am absolutely loving this book!

[Harriet]

I love them too but have never managed to grow them successfully (not that I have tried all that hard). I worry about whether they have to be dug up in the winter. Does Monty have any thoughts on this?

[Ruth M.]

Your photos are stunning... my father in law used to raise prize dahlias with immense meticulous care. He either dug them up or covered them through cold Kentucky winters, I think. Thanks!

[adele geras]

Most beautiful photos which have cheered up a dark and rainy afternoon must wonderfully! Thanks!

[carol]

Beautiful photos ....

[Neuroknitter]

Just beautiful!!