Lifting the dahlias and brightening up the winter pots

Getting the dahlias lifted and tucked away is always a relief, even if I never quite want to admit the season is over. It is a messy job, but once it is done I always feel lighter, especially when there is still time to reward myself with one last bunch of flowers for the house.

At the same time I have started turning my attention to winter, storing tubers the way that works best for me and filling pots with things that will stop the garden feeling completely grey. A few good plant combinations go a long way at this point in the year.