Recently this image appeared in our town’s Facebook group, along with an open invitation for anyone in town to stop by and gather up some dahlias.
I have to admit, I’ve never considered growing dahlias and don’t know much about them. Classified as tender perennials, they have to be dug up each winter and replanted in the fall. I know myself well enough to avoid that situation! No, thanks! But…free dahlias? Sure!
I took note of the address, jumped in my car and headed out. As I neared, I slowed down, looking carefully for the address. Would I be able to find it?
I needn’t have worried. The wagon of blossoms was like a beacon at the end of the driveway. I pulled over and got out. The blooms were even more glorious in person. I may have audibly oohed and aahed a bit.
I turned to see a woman emerging from behind the house, clippers in hand.
“These are gorgeous,” I said, wandering over. “It’s so kind of you to share them with everyone!”
“Well,” she said, “I just love dahlias. I keep buying them and I don’t want them to go to waste. If I didn’t give them away, I’d have to compost them. I’d hate to do that!”
“Don’t you have to store them inside in the winter?” I asked.
“Oh, yes,” she said. “We have a ridiculously large bathroom that stays pretty cool, so I put them in there.” She looked around at the beds bursting with dahlia blossoms. “I’m not sure if they’re going all fit this year,” she admitted and laughed, “but I just can’t resist them!”
We chatted about gardens, dahlias, managing tender perennials, etc. As we spoke, several more cars pulled over to the side of the road. People were laughing and peering into the wagon, comparing and selecting blossoms. Word was clearly out.
I moved back toward the wagon to choose my flowers and the woman accompanied me. As I gazed at all the choices, I was wowed by the variety and the subtle gradients of color.
“These are stunning!” I said.
She nodded, smiling, and as I selected blossoms, she added a few choices of her own with some commentary.
“Oh, you have to have this one!”
“Take this one, too. It’s one of my favorites! It’s just like a watercolor, isn’t it!?”
Finally, I had a lovely bouquet gathered. After thanking her again, I headed home to organize my flowers.
A short while later, I was definitely rethinking dahlias. Some relationships are clearly worth a little extra effort!
Update: This week’s selection!
Nix the comfort zone 
Gorgeous, indeed. What beautiful blooms and beautiful interaction.
LikeLike
Those are absolutely beautiful! Think of the joy the dahlia gardener shared with everyone who stopped by to gather the free flowers. Thank you for sharing that joy with all of us!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was such a joy-generating thing to do! Everyone there was smiling and happy đŸ™‚
LikeLike
Amazing. I *love* dahlias but have never considered growing them. Still… they are soooo beautiful – and I love that she put that beauty out into the world – and then so did you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I also just visited some botanical gardens and the dahlias were unbelievable! I think I may have to consider trying some out next year.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely. What a generous and kind offer to share the gift of flowers.
LikeLiked by 1 person
She was so delighted to be sharing them! She’s planning to have a plant sale and I suspect I’ll stop by.
LikeLike
A random act of kindness allows your house to be brightened by these stunning flowers. Enjoy your autumn treasures, Molly.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a treasure trove of colors and shapes!
LikeLike
Beautiful post filled of joy and sharing. I love the photos! I love dahlias! I never knew there were so many varieties & colors until I started buying some from a farmer this summer. Enjoy taking more pics of them and writing about them. I love to zoom in on the differences in in the flowers. I have noticed dahlias don’t live very long even when I change the water everyday so take those pics when you first get them. Once when I used the special mix that keeps cut flowers alive the dahlias did last a long time. I have to get a big supply for that for next year. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I was also so surprised by the varieties and colors. Each one is more beautiful than the next!
LikeLike
Gorgeous! Ruth, thereisnosuchthingasagodforsakentown.blogspot.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a treat!
LikeLike
The best of small town Maine. Yesterday, we left four hot wheels, a 12″ bike, a plastic 3′ basketball hoop by the side of our country road. Our grandsons had outgrown them. Within 30 minutes, the happiest man in Maine from 4 miles away says, “I don’t want to be greedy but my grandchildren could use them all when they visit.” We were so happy to oblige and let these toys have another life. Good things can happen in small towns.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Small town life can be very rewarding!
LikeLike