There's a reason I ♥ collarette dahlias & it's not just because they're stunning:
Above: Collarette Dahlia 'Giggles'
Although that cannot be contested.
The reason is simple. They're BELOVED by bees.
and anything they love, I love...
This time of year every bloom has at least one bee working it over.
Although "standing room only" is more the norm...
Don't be too quick to deadhead past-their-prime blooms either. As you see, they are still an important resource.
Reason to love right???
BTW: Collarette dahlias are so named because of the extra "collar" of petals around the disk. The collar is perfect because it's not too much to interfere with pollen & nectar collection but enough to provide an extra bit of frill. You know how I adore some frill!!! :)
Oh I have never saw those before Kasey. They are lovely!
Posted by: Lona | October 05, 2012 at 08:46 AM
Beautiful!
Have a great day!
Lea
Lea's Menagerie
Posted by: Lea | October 05, 2012 at 04:58 PM
Where do I put them??? I need to figure out a good spot. I do love dahlias and yours are stunning.
Posted by: Janet, The Queen of Seaford | October 06, 2012 at 08:38 AM
Your second poto looks like a luminescent painting with that back lighting. I'm a fan of plants that are useful for the bees. The fifth shot is like an all you can eat buffet for the bees.
Posted by: Northern Shade | October 06, 2012 at 01:33 PM
Great pics! Great looking flowers too.
Posted by: Victoria | October 07, 2012 at 09:02 AM
Those bees have good taste. :) Beautiful captures with your camera!
Posted by: sweetbay | October 07, 2012 at 09:07 PM