I don’t even notice that the dahlias are gone at first. The frost takes them one night and I only see the blackened leaves when I happen to look out the bathroom window that overlooks the backyard. This is how disconnected I feel from them.
It started with too much rain, a late planting, and then no rain at all. My dahlias never really hit their stride and I didn’t do anything to help them. I barely watered, never fed them, and even when they were blooming I wasn’t as drawn to them like I usually am.
Some of it is the fatigue, the dizziness, and the breathlessness that I feel these days. Many days I don’t have the energy to spend time in the garden or to do things I enjoy. Knowing now that I am suffering from an iron deficiency, one that will most likely take months to correct, I feel relieved. This is a piece of my disconnect that I can hopefully fix.
Next year I hope to feel better. Next year my sister is getting married during dahlia season. I hope to plant a wedding garden for her in shades of burgundy and white to match her colors. The seasons change, making way for opportunities to start again. Next year can always be better.
The dahlia tubers are stored away and will be waiting for me in the spring. But for now, I can tuck myself away and rest.
Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell. Hope you get lots of rest over the long weekend. Happy Thanksgiving!