Nice color, Viking. I admire your commitment(and of course yours too Russ if you are reading this) to the Dahlia. I had such a bad season (Verticillium wilt I think) I would toss in the towel if it weren't for the enthusiasm in this forum.

BTW, are you located in Shelter Island?

No Lucinda I live in Medford just north of Patchogue. Exit 64 of the LIE. Shelter Island is a really nice place , but hard to get to.

In some posting or other my curiosity was piqued when you said you lived on an island in the Atlantic Ocean (and all I could think of was Shelter, which is indeed pesky to get to and Fire Island). In retrospect I see the island you were referring to is the 'Long' one!!! LOL.

That's a doozy, Viking. You take such nice photos. I love the spider in the first shot.

Just curious as to how you got a seedling? Did it come from a tuber?

No tubers, it was a seed from caboose. You let the flowers dry on the vine and save them. You get a bunch of seeds. Then you plant them next year to see what you have.

vikingcraftsman, I would be interested in trading some seed. I enjoy the crosses! Email me if you're interested.