Saving your Dahlias Tubers

    Last fall I remembered to lift my Dahlia tubers.  I over wintered them in the garage.  They say to carefully store them, but I just throw them in a plastic bag and then hang them up till the end of March.

    I always mix the tubers, so I'm never sure what color they will be until they flower.  I started them in the house the end of March to go out in early May.  If you start them too soon, they will be leggy.

    This year they are much bigger.  I left 2 or 3 tubers together for a fuller plant.  They are about 18 inches high and have been flowering non-stop since the end of May.

     Even the bees are enjoying them!  Just make sure you remember to dead head them and they will continue to flower all summer.  I think I will look into some taller ones next year. 

Waterlilies in a Backyard Pond

    This year I have a waterlily flowering!  A tree over head has been cut back, so the pond is getting more light.  I'm hoping to have more flowers than this.  I have two pots that I leave in the pond over the winter.  They have gotten so big that they are now growing into the dirt at the bottom of the pond.



    My pond is surrounded by yellow and red sedums along with purple flowering lamium.  The waterlily pads are standing tall this year.

    Our new pond resident.  He actually let me take 4 or 5 pictures without getting upset.  He takes a flying leap into the pond when the lawnmower gets close!

                                    I love to see them close up when the sun starts to go down.

Peonies

    It seems to me that I'm always about a week behind getting these pictures on.  This is a peony that someone gave me.  I think it's called Nick Shaylor, very popular in the 40's.  It was about 4 feet high this year and bloomed profusely.  Unfortunately, the rain always manages to knock it over.

    I'm guessing that this maybe called Raspberry Sundae.  The flowers are not as large as my white one, but it is still beautiful.  The fragrance is a delight to the senses!

    Everyone should have a peony.  If you're having a problem with it flowering, you've probably planted it too deep.  Try lifting it alittle.  Otherwise, a very dependable plant!  I've had these plants for almost 20 years and they get larger every year.

Iris-One of my Favorite June Bloomers

    This bearded Iris is one of the few that I have bought over the years.  I no longer remember its name, but it is a lovely shade of pink.  It never seems to multiply and I usually only get one or two flowers.  I guess it must be telling me that it's time to move it to a better spot!

                        Another Iris I bought.  The picture doesn't show how truly blue this iris is.



    I have always called these Flag Iris.  I'm not sure if I'm right.  These were given to me by a friend and are always multiplying, waiting to be passed on to others.

    Another Bearded Iris in a bright yellow.  I also have them in a softer yellow.  These stand about three feet high and are always getting knocked over by the rain.

    I have three clumps of these and am always sharing them.  They multiply quickly and are a lovely shade of mauve.  They look nice surrounded by the Ladys Mantle underneath it.

                                                               Another old stand by. 

  

  And last but not least, a very tall Sibirian Iris.  This is one of my favorites.  Just a few of the many Iris's in my yard, blooming in June.