Re: Dahlias
Ohh! I absolutely love dahlias! Those pics are gorgeous.
I used to have over 150 tubers at one point!! But gave them all away when we moved north. Real sorry I did that now.
There's a site called the Garden Helper where I have referred people to for good advice on growing dahlias.
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/dahlia.html
A lot of it depends on where you live of course, but I always gave mine very deep waterings - and often in summer! They do need well-drained soil.
I also dug mine out after the first big frost in the autumn - a lot of work!! But they are worth it!
I had all sizes - from the very small to the dinner plates, which needed tying up. I put the stakes in at the same time as the tuber.
I look forward to seeing your pics! You are going to have one very colourful garden!!