Completed redesigned and replanted 7 years ago, this series of garden area covers two-thirds of an acre, with a view of Sausalito across the water. New stone walls were recently added to terrace the SW facing hill. The growing season begins with irises and then moves on to roses (100+) and then to dahlias. Other highlights of this pie-shaped property include a woodlands garden, 18 fruit trees, a redwood greenhouse, a succulent garden, an antique water pump collection and garden sculpture. The garden features flowers at the warm end of the spectrum: apricot, orange, hot pink, red and burgundy with smaller doses of blue-purple and chartreuse. Although the Zone 9b garden rarely sees frost conditions, Paula and Dennis Jaffe contend with less than ideal soil and climate challenges. Morning fog, clay soil, extreme wind and Southwest facing tiers with unrelenting sunshine are a few of the problems. The water shortage is also an ever present consideration. Drip irrigation waters 100% of the plants with the lawn sprinkled by MP rotaters. Several compost areas and a worm farm provide the planting beds with a constant supply of natural fertilizer.

This was a garden that was on the edge of the bay. We had raised beds with dahlias, irises, and daylilies, a Japanese Maple, and lots of dune grass. The tidal marsh would flood our yard once a month, so all plants had to tolerate the salt very well. Lots of plants died, and it was a trial and error process to figure out what would work.

This garden has been in the making since 1989 and has had to adapt to increasing shade. It is mostly a perennial garden that keeps changing all spring, summer and fall. After daffodils and tulips are done, each season is dominated by one or several showy perennials: peonies and penstimon in June, lilies and shasta daisies in July, dahlias and phlox in August, asters and chrysanthemums in September. Every season also has minor players like coral bells, astilbe, delphinim, foxglove, lady's mantle and many others. I look for a range of colors and textures My preference is for flowers that are suitable for cutting .

Summer vegetables mix with zinnias, cosmos, dahlias and marigolds in this backyard garden. The keyhole design is centered on an arbor covered with iceberg roses and a teak bench that looks into the garden. Not so formal when the chickens are loose!

I am growing Dahlias, lillies, blueberries and an assortment of hanging baskets. I dig up my Dahlia tubers each fall and have a very good display each August. Preferring the 'giant' size Dahlia... I am also introducing Peonies for early blooms, since Dahlias are late bloomers.

Established in the early 1970s, the Potrero Hill Community Garden is one of 40 gardens operating under the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department. Membership is open to any resident of the city. Located on a once-vacant lot above the slopes where the "Goat Lady" of Potrero Hill used to graze her herd, the garden now consists of 50 plots and common areas maintained by local residents using only organic methods. The garden boasts of panoramic views of the Mission, Twin Peaks, and beyond. Its sunny, Mediterranean climate permits cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, including dahlias -- the official flower of San Francisco. (Source: http://www.potrerogarden.org )

Mixed, with accent on mums & dahlias

Mixed, with accent on mums & dahlias

Toledo Botanical Garden is a botanical garden located in the city of Toledo, Ohio owned by the Metroparks of the Toledo Area. Originally consisting of 20 acres (81,000 m2) donated by George P. Crosby to the City of Toledo, Toledo Botanical Garden now encompasses more than 50 acres (200,000 m2). Notable events include the Crosby Festival of the Arts, held in late June; and Heralding the Holidays, a seasonal celebration showcasing the numerous resident artistic guilds. (Source: Wikipedia)

Small back and front garden but packed with plants, shrubs and trees. There is a small pond and a patio.

Planters on the front steps containing small deep red dahlias, brick red Gartenmeister fuchsias, which I love as a focal point for their dark colours and long blooming nature, plus the showy foliage of dark sweet potato vines, heuchera, grass and millett. These are from a few years ago.

one of the many dahlias

Tree at the back of the picture is an ornamental plum. The rose is Blanc Double de Coubert (rugosa). Has a very floppy habit, but and amazing scent and no black spot problems. Crocosmia, bee balm, cranesbill geranium, a rhodo, dahlias, and a clematis.

Dahlias and stargazer lilies. Just open the living room window and the aroma wafts into the house. Very nice.

Arm loads of glorious Dahlias every morning are brought into the house... I've so many species now, Ive got them for my hairdresser, manicurist... They look wonderful in their Salons! It makes them happy... and, me too.

Yesterday's arm full of Dahlias lain on the grass to take a picture... So what if they do not have a fragrance... Just look at them!! I never get tired of these gorgeous beauties.

A flood of dahlias with the greenhouse in the background.

A beautiful contrasting offering of cactus dahlias' spied sitting on a counter on the ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver Island, surprisingly provided by an anonymous, but thoughtful, BC Ferry employee.

Dahlias