Thank you, Gordon. Bodacious only bloomed here starting in September. Had I been more energetic in May, and planted it then, I might have had earlier blooms. If I find two eyes (a minor miracle) I'll send you a tuber so you can add it to your superb garden.

Funny that you mention "like if everything you had was on the front porch" since I once did have so many plants on our indoor, unheated porch, that it was difficult just getting through the porch - much like a typical hoarder but a hoarder of plants. I guess it could be worse!

Ok..I put it's roof on today....a few more pieces to strengthen it for the howling winter storms... So exposed there on the roof

Nice work Gordon, do you do this every winter or is this something new. Is there a heat source, I do not see windows like a greenhouse. A regular greenhouse would probably blow away.

Gordon - out here we've had horrid winds all day long. Either you didn't get the winds or you are one determined guy!

yes it was windy... and intermittant rain I worked through.. it's mostly glued together ... with an occasional screw to hold it till the foam adheasive sets up.. but it is all enclosed and a full day tomorrow with my helper moving the plants inside... yes it was challenging...sometimes the foam adheasive would start blowing off before I could get it seated in place... but it is done and air tight when the door and the gable ends above the walls get put in place... where are you with the winds.. youve no location listed to refer to...
so how long for this eppi flower to open in 45* temps

Here is the eppi

Gorgeous!

I'm the one at the east end of Long Island, in Southold.

You are one super dedicated guy!

Hi Dave,

I would be keen to help with a dahlia forum.

Your comment about ghost fora is an apposite one, too many are started and die for lack of contribution and readers.

My observation is that we we put a few key-note articles on a forum, it continues to attract readers and comments, in the same way as shoppers find it offputting to shop in an empty store, or dine in an empty restaurant, but will be attracted to locations with life in them.

Perhaps we could contribute some articles here and earn a forum in the new year, rather than create more work for you and then establish that there is not much interest.

By the way, my photos are arriving on the site 90degrees turned right, and I am changing them before uploading them, hope they turn out OK. Any way here are a few.

Kind regards,

Peter


Newbie single dahlias, waiting to see if I get good tubers , have about four that came out somewhat like this, also checking whether this exists elsewhere. Working title Dahlia "Lavender Sun"


This is another newbie, working title Dahlia "Mookie", the flourescence is natural and odd, waiting to see how it winters. The plant was six feet tall and very floriferous.


These are the backs of some of the newbies, one parent Dahlia "Magenta Star", a Dahlia with a nice though I think a coarse coloured flower, and weak growth.


D.Magenta Star, the best selling dahlia in the UK a couple of years ago. No big deal imho, but a lovely colour.

Thank you Peter, those are nice pictures and I do love the color on the D. Magenta Star also.

Peter, I love your plan. And I'd love to see you put some things out there through our Ideas feature where it will be highly visible, on the homepage as well as going to many thousands of people through our weekly newsletter. It's as easy as posting a thread. Click on "Ideas" in the navigation bar, and then you'll see the place to post.

I'd be happy to contribute photos. At last count I had 1,018 to share.

I think a Dahlias forum would be a good addition, even if it was only a collection of "stickies" with information on growing, propagation, and storage in cold climates. I do love dahlias, but always have to dig for the information I'm looking for.

Thanks pirl,

I too have many photos. However if I restrict myself to only great flowers and only great photos, that falls to a handful. If we are to build this forum maybe we could have it renowned for quality rather than size. I am sure yours are better than mine.

Hi Dave,
I added a contribution to the ideas forum and it is off for review today. I see this as one of a series where we can inform with photographs and text and make a "how to" of growing beautiful examples of the best of blooms and healthiest of plants. The best articles I have seen on here have text and very simple, clear step by step photos so I think if we follow that concept we will be on the right path.

I hope we can create interest, as I am mindful that only about 6 people have taken the dahlia badge, while some 204 have the daylily badge.

I would rather grow one beautiful plant and grow it well, than twenty indifferent ones.



This is another newbie for 2013, working title Dahlia "Carlo". It is new from seed so, I didn't let it flower much and missed the top of this bloom as two of the petals have gone over a bit. I am hopeful with this one over the winter.

Peter, I previewed the article and it looks great! Trish will handle the idea from here.

I overlooked the dahlia badge! Just added it.

I would grow tons more dahlias if I had the room.

This is the first year I divided my dahlias when I dug them up. And first year storing them in Saran wrap. Can't wait to see how they turn out!

Thank you virginiarose, you are very kind.
Peter

Peter, regarding your photo orientation, maybe this will help:

The thread "pictures are rotated when uploaded on ATP" in Site Talk forum

Thanks Leftwood,

I came across that subsequently, and have gone back to some and reoriented the photographs,

Peter

You are welcome Peter and thanks for your help!

@jvdubb, good job! Now that you mention it, I just noticed mine is not showing so I will go rearrange them again.