Tropical dahlias come in all sizes -- and broad range of colors

A stunning flower blooming in many of the Chicago BotanicGarden's 23 display gardens is the tropical dahlia.

Treasured for its brilliant color range, perfectly shapedblossoms and great variety of form and height, the dahlia can be assmall as a tiny pompon or as outrageously large as a dinner plate!

Dahlias demand full sun, fertile soil and regular fertilizing. Besure to stake the taller varieties to avoid the heartache of a tallstem full of buds snapping in the wind.

Dahlia tubers should be dug up in early November and stored overwinter in boxes of newspaper in a cool dark basement.

Plan ahead with underground pipes. Take advantage of …