Imagine a blossom with colors that roll the warmth of an Indian summer day into the fire of an early-autumn sunset. This is a dahlia. Its sturdy late-season flowers show their stamina against summer's slowly dissipating heat while producing a palette of petals vividly reminding us of fall's imminent arrival.

There was a time when cut dahlias were only available to gardeners with the foresight to plant its large, gnarly tubers in the spring. These days, you can purchase smaller, more user-friendly bouquets in flower shops, farmers markets, and grocery stores. A bunch of blooms is affordable and easy to arrange.

Conditions of Survival
All cut flowers require care--called conditioning--to maximize their vase lives. Dahlias that come from your garden require extra help. The cut stems need to be seared. Harvest your bouquet in early morning. Then make a fresh, straight snip on each stem, and pass it over an open flame.

Soak stems thoroughly before arranging. First, remove foliage that's below the water level. Then, put the stems in a bucket of warm water, and place in a cool, dark place overnight. (Dahlias from flower shops have been treated already. While the stems don't require searing, they do appreciate the rest of the conditioning process.)

Making the Bouquet
Look to the garden and roadside for materials to fill out your arrangement, and accent it with late-season produce to extend a free and easy attitude. Choose containers that echo the colors of the plants used. A needle-holder frog or chicken wire frame will offer support and allow water to move easily up the stems.

Once your bouquet is complete, extend its life with proper care. Add cut-flower food (available from florists) to the water. Or make your own by adding a drop of bleach and 1/4 cup lemon-lime flavored soda to a quart of water. Keep the bouquet in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Change the water and recut the stems every other day to keep blooms fresh.

Dahlias are a floral bridge between seasons; their vivid shades combine summer's vibrant sunshine and autumn's warm hues. Treat yourself to a September delight.

To learn about another flower that will light up your fall with color, read "Aromatic Aster" on page 74 of the September issue of Southern Living.

"Dazzling Dahlias" is from the September 2003 issue of Southern Living.