Border Patrol August 5, 2009
of The Seasonal Walk Saga
By Tovah Martin
Discrete Dormancy
Although the border has all but swallowed up some of the smaller bulbs that are past prime, and it is definitely disguising all the foliage of the spring performers while they slip discretely into dormancy, there is a critical contingent of taller bulbs adding to the overall impact. The dahlias are a strong voice in the choir.
Scattered irregularly throughout, there are 8 cultivars of dahlias in shades varying from flaxen yellow, to burgundy, red, magenta, and pink. In quantities of 20 each, they pop up here and there, forming an accent just where you need something to call a color out.
They play the role of enhancers, making their neighbors pop. But they’re also significant features in their own right. All the dahlias are worthy of comment, but for shock appeal, nothing can touch D. ‘Marie Schnugg’ with her bright cherry-red, pinwheel-like petals held high. That’s the “Where’s Waldo” element right now, for sure.
