With over 20,000 varieties to choose from, expert grower Gareth Rowlands provides indispensable recommendations for the professional and amateur gardener alike. Chapters on botany and types of dahlias are coupled with cultivation advice which will help gardeners optimize the performance of their plants. Information on how to increase your stock through propagation will appeal to ordinary gardeners while chapters on raising plants for exhibiting, and breeding new varieties offer much for the established enthusiast. Illustrated with superbly detailed photographs and informative botanical drawings, The Gardener's Guide to Growing Dahlias will delight dahlia lovers, convert those new to the genus and inspire a new generation of growers.
Introduction 1 Origin and History 2 Botany 3 Dahlia Types 4 Dahlia Species 5 Dahlias in the Garden 6 Cultivation (including Pests and Diseases) 7 Propagation 8 Raising New Varieties 9 Exhibiting Dahlias 10 A-Z of Dahlias in Cultivation 11 Dahlias in North America 12 Dahlia Societies and Trials Appendices: Glossary - Where to Buy Dahlias - Where to See Dahlias - Dahlias on the Internet - Selected British Varieties - Selected American Varieties - Reading About Dahlias Index
Gareth Rowlands is a research geneticist who has been responsible for breeding vegetables for the food business worldwide. He is a member of the Executive Council of the National Dahlia Society and Chairman of the Classification Committee. He has written numerous articles for the National Dahlia Society publications, and writes a monthly column on dahlias for Amateur Gardening. He lives in Bedford.
'A thoroughly good read and a book no self-respecting dahlia grower would want to be without.' - The Garden