My Uncle Bill had a favorite flower which was the dahlia. Every year, he’d plant and fringe the yard of his Long Branch home with lines of the starburst shaped blooms and spend summertime delighting in their beauty.

Dahlias are native to Central America and Mexico, where they are the national flower. Members of the Asteraceae family, they are a cousin to sunflowers, daisies, chrysanthemums and zinnias. What is particularly amazing about the dahlia is just how many variations in form, size and color are available.

First, their potential shapes include a starburst, a pom pon, a cactus or a water lily. The petals, known as ray florets, can be long and spiky, while others are smaller and have softly rounded tips. Other types have a three dimensional honeycomb appearance. All types possess a strong textural quality.

As for size, the dahlias diameter ranges from two inches up to a grand twelve inches. The larger varieties are known as cafe au lait or dinner plates. Their firm, leafy stems grow in length from twelve inches up to a towering six feet and have one bloom per stem, which are generally symmetrical.

Another huge plus is that dahlias come in an incredible range of colors. They range from vibrant, bright shades of yellows, reds, oranges and purples to softer pastel shades of blush pinks, peach, ivory and rosy beige. There are also variegated types, for example, a yellow center having pink tips.

Countless looks can be achieved when using dahlias to create floral bouquets, centerpieces and decorative touches for any special occasion. May, June, September and October are peak season for them, but they can be found year round and are an affordable choice.

For wedding bouquets, a dramatic cascading effect can be achieved by combining dahlias with lilies and tulips surrounded by a trail of ivy. A classic choice would be to combine dahlias with ranunculus, roses, sweet peas and astilbe. A wild Bohemian arrangement can be made by combining dahlias with calla lilies, roses, thistle and amarcinth. For a simpler bouquet, snuggle one large sized dahlia in among a circle of roses, add minimal greenery and wrap all up in a satin or velvet ribbon.

Dahlias symbolize commitment, creativity and inner strength. My Uncle Bill and his dahlias personify those very same qualities for me. You, too, can choose to use dahlias to convey your own symbol of endearing grace.

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