Removing Some of the Guesswork in Gardening

I recently joined a Dahlia society, because I like the plant so much. My success with Dahlias was part luck since I didn’t always follow the recommended growing requirements. Since then, I’ve come to learn that a wealth of information about Dahlias is available online. Instead of settling for what the local garden center has in stock, online resources can help you find the right colors, sizes and varieties of plants needed in your garden. And, of course, they can also link you up with a supplier.

For instance, I needed some bold reds and yellows for a tropical display this summer. I visited the American Dahlia Society website and used the search engine. I was able to select plants by flower color, size and shape. I was also able to narrow my search to proven winners that have won a minimum number of awards.  Martinique, for instance, has 4 to 6" dark red blooms in the semi-cactus flower form.  Now that’s a red! 

The Perennial Plant Association lists all of its “Plants of the Year” on its website. These are also no-brainer plants that have won accolades because they are tough performers year after year.

The online resources are endless. When I re-seeded my front lawn last fall, I was able to search online for the blend of grass seed that best fit my need for wear tolerance and drought resistance.

But don’t bypass your local garden center altogether. Tell them about the award-winning and proven varieties that you are finding online and encourage them to stock them. It is in their best interest to keep customers satisfied by selling reliable plants.

Posted by Bob Rensel