Charming and informative article, Sharon (as always).
Have no experience with the large dahlias, but found the medium-sized and small ones very useful for colour in sunny spots.
These don't need staking, but they really require the deadheading for ongoing blooming.
Below: one of the gardens I've planted and maintain.
The area's too small for just perennials.
That lot required deadheading once a week (which involved a fair bit of stooping and stretching).
But apart from deadheading (there's also a sprinkler system there) find dahlias completely reliable and trouble free.
(Aug 29, 2012):
