Expert: Long Island Gardener - 8/10/2006

Question
My mother-in-law is insisting someone is planting unwanted dahlia bulbs in her garden.  She has lived in this home for 8 years and has vastly improved the landscape by planting many varieties of plants and seems to know what she has planted.   We can't imagine someone taking the time to do this and she is greatly disturbed that someone is entering her garden.  Is it possible that bulbs have lain dormant and with water and fertilizer bloomed again?  Thanks for any information. Zip code 97103

Answer
Well this is a new one, planting by Zip code, it sounds like you are somewhere in California perhaps?

Oddly enough, Dahlias and Gladiolas, as well as other "tender" bulbs, are serendipitously revived at least here in zone 7 zip code 11577 Long Island.  It is possible that large concrete or stone forms can warm even frigid cold soils to depths that will somehow protect these plants despite their tendency to rot when cold and wet.  Odd but true.

There is also a possibility that last year's Dahlias, either in your garden or elsewhere, are seeding themselves in the spring and popping up as plants around the neighborhood.  Birds are good at transporting seeds from point a to point b.

Dahlia growers are cautioned not to water their Dahlias until new growth appears to break the surface, since these tubers are so prone to rotting.  Slight neglect at this stage, as would be the case for a plant that moved itself in without the help of a caring gardener, would be no problem whatsoever.

Why not remind your Mommy to count her blessings and cut some blooms for the breakfast table?  These sound delightful!  Make sure you mark the spot for next year.  It's always good to know when you have a microclimate that mimics a tropical island in your garden.

Thank you for writing!