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Dahlias are gorgeous. They’re easy to care for, which is a bonus when you’re a grower, and florists absolutely adore them as a focal flower. Their vase life is about five days and, once cut, they don’

Meet House Beautiful ’s new garden columnist Adam Kirtland . This month, he shares why now’s the time to tend to your dahlias, even while the garden is still wiping the sleep from its eyes

Pot them up now for early colour and free plants from the new shoots

Soil conditions and frost risk mean patience is essential

The country’s Cape Floral Kingdom has incredible bloom diversity with around 9,000 species – and some make spectacular plants for our British gardens