This is nothing I’m proud of, but my gardening style could best be described as “set it and forget it.” Only the strong survive in my yard where I start out solid in the spring by applying fresh layers of mulch, sowing seeds and planting annuals. Then I tend to let things slide, weeding infrequently and watering only what the preprogrammed sprinkler system will reach as summer kicks into high gear.
For this reason, I have always avoided dahlias. Despite the fact that I’ve swooned over the dramatic, dinner plate-sized blooms, as well as the more playful little poms, and marveled over the depth and range of colors that can be found on one bloom, I’ve always regretfully passed them over in my garden plans, lamenting my woeful limitations as a lazy gardener.
But after talking to Jodi Martin, owner of Rusty Bucket Flower Company and unofficial dahlia ambassador, I’m rethinking my moratorium on growing dahlias. At the very least, I can pop a few tubers in the ground this year and see what happens. And if they don’t grow, I’ll make sure to seek out a cut flower bouquet in the fall to ease my disappointment.
It must be a change in the weather, but spring often finds me questioning long-held assumptions and seeking out new adventures—at least on a small scale. And I’m hoping this issue will inspire you to do the same. Whether you make room for a new flower in your garden, find a new coffee shop or bring home a new pup, I wish you a spring filled with novel delights.
