A Dahlia Named Jessica
John grows Dahlias. John is another of my allotment neighbours. Actually, he is the president of the Allotment Committee and is on his plot early every morning, almost every day of the year.
Know when he is about by his bike, sometimes I hear him coming down the path. It's reassuring seeing his bike parked in the grass. I like knowing he's there.
John has been growing prize winning Dahlias for over 30 years. Not only does he grow prize winners, he develops his own spectacular Dahlias. This one is Jessica, named for one of his granddaughters.
John has five granddaughters and each of them has a special Dahlia named after them. I can't keep them all straight in my mind. Jessica sticks because of my niece, Jess.
This is another Dahlia developed by John ...
And this...
And this.... amazing! You might have one of John's Dahlias in your garden. His plantsmanship is THAT good!
Know when he is about by his bike, sometimes I hear him coming down the path. It's reassuring seeing his bike parked in the grass. I like knowing he's there.
John has been growing prize winning Dahlias for over 30 years. Not only does he grow prize winners, he develops his own spectacular Dahlias. This one is Jessica, named for one of his granddaughters.
John has five granddaughters and each of them has a special Dahlia named after them. I can't keep them all straight in my mind. Jessica sticks because of my niece, Jess.
This is another Dahlia developed by John ...
And this...
And this.... amazing! You might have one of John's Dahlias in your garden. His plantsmanship is THAT good!
These blossoms are huge, the photo doesn't do them justice.
This Dahlia is such a delicate colour, it reminds me of the orange sherbet ice creams we used to have when I was a child.
This flower is like a living firework! It explodes into garden.
The bees adore John's Dahlias and so do I. I am so glad John is my neighbour!
I think I DO have some of John's dahlias in my garden! FABULOUS display. Go John!!!!
ReplyDeleteThat's brilliant! I will tell him. He will be so pleased! Thanks! : )
DeleteThese are absolutely stunning, Debs. Hats off to John! I don't recall seeing many dahlias in the States, but I have indeed seen them here, at county shows. They are such a beautiful flower. When I see them in displays at the shows, they look like wax - they don't even look real, but I know that they are. I really enjoyed this post!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you enjoyed this post, Denise. I enjoyed taking the photos and visiting John's plot. He is amazing, full of information and fun. When the show season is over, in about two weeks or so, he will cut all the flowers and give them away. I will have a house full of dahlias! It's wonderful!
DeleteIt's fabulous that Dahlias are more loved again after being dismissed as vulgar and brash. They remind me of my uncle Eddie who's back yard garden was full of Dahlias.
ReplyDeleteHave you ever been to the Dahlia Garden at Anglesey Abbey near Cambridge - it's an amazing rainbow of Dahlias!!!!
Celia
Was Uncle Eddie a 'character'? John certainly is! When I look out over his patch I am reminded of Monet's garden. From a distance there is an impressionistic look to it all. I am far enough away to soften the bright colours and diffuse the hard edges... and my eyesight isn't what it used to be! : )
DeleteI haven't been to the Dahlia Garden. I will put that on my list of places to go and things to do. Thanks for the suggestion! Debs
Oh my, these flowers are GORGEOUS! Wow! I love that the classic and elegant red Dahila is named Jessica. That is how I see my Jessica! :) I'd love to know the name of the pink and yellow Dahlia two pictures down from the Jessica! It is amazing. I'd like to think that its name is Sara...bright and beautiful and sensitive in all the right places. :) Oh, I like this naming flowers thing. Such fun! Hmmm, any way to press them and send them via airmail? Thanks for the lovely pics! Love, Jena
ReplyDeleteI wish I could send you a tuber to grow but sending plant material internationally is not allowed. You know how those Custom's Officials are...soulless! I wonder if you could order one online from a dahlia specialist? We will call the other dahlia Sara no matter what John has named it! I love the colour of that one...oh heck, they are all beautiful! : )
DeleteThey are fabulous! I wish my neighbours were even interested in their gardens.. I certainly wouldn't say no to an explosion of dahlias next door
ReplyDelete