by BECKY CUNNINGHAM

In the gardening world, dahlias have become the most coveted flower in the last few years. The wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes raise the average garden to another level. Last year I gave dahlias a trial run by purchasing a potted plant from a local nursery. To my surprise, it continued to bloom beautifully through the hottest part of our Louisiana summer. After researching more about these amazing blooms, I decided to plant dahlia tubers (similar to bulbs) this spring. And oh my goodness! It has been the most rewarding garden adventure so far!

Several online nurseries offer dahlia tubers that ship to your home when the planting season begins. My tubers arrived in March from dahlias.com which is Swan Island Dahlias, located in Oregon. This family-owned dahlia farm grows over 370 varieties and ships high quality tubers all over the world. Open to the public for viewing and shopping, they have been in operation for over 93 years! The tubers are packaged in separate bags with tags for labeling after planted. Each tuber is stamped with the name on the tuber…with the most intriguing names, such as Mikayla Miranda, Lady Liberty, and Marionberry Milkshake.

Planting tubers is a simple process. Start in mid-March, after the ground has reached 60 degrees or warmer. The ideal area is in an existing flower bed, or a raised garden bed that receives at least six hours of sunlight daily. Especially in Louisiana, early sun and late afternoon shade makes an ideal growing situation. Be sure to water deeply three times a week, for optimum blooms. It is best to plant dahlia tubers directly into an existing flower bed. However, if you start a new raised bed, be sure to use soil free of fertilizers or herbicides. Cow manure low in nitrogen is a safe soil additive rich in nutrients…just be certain to use sparingly. Be careful, as most composts are high in nitrogen and promote smaller blooms and spindly, weak plants. Bone meal is a safe additive during the planting process.

Plant tubers approximately six inches deep in soil, with the eye of the tuber facing up. Sometimes the eyes have a small sprout already growing and is easy to identify. Tubers need 12-24 inches between each one for adequate growth, as each one can grow to be 18 inches or more in diameter. There is no need to water the tubers until they begin to sprout above the ground. The sprouts may take up to four weeks to appear. When sprouts appear, apply a slug bait around the new growth to protect the plants from being eaten by slugs.

Before the sprouts get to be a foot tall, be sure to add some type of staking device. Dahlias can reach up to 4-5 feet in height and will need steady stakes to hold up the tall, heavy blooms. When plants reach approximately 12- 16 inches tall, be sure to pinch (or snip) the very middle, tallest stem…as this encourages fuller, stronger growth, and an abundance of blooms. During the blooming season, be certain to add a low-nitrogen, bloom food each month. This will encourage dahlias to thrive throughout the summer into fall.

Speaking of blooming season…approximately eight weeks after planting, the magic happens. Buds begin to appear! Then, in a few days they open into beautiful dahlia blooms. Some varieties have dinner plate size flowers!

No matter the size, the intricacies of the blooms are delicate and so unique. I am pleased to report they are as stunning as the photos depict. I planted a mix of purple and white dahlias…dwarf, small pom-pom, and large blooms too. The dahlias will continue to bloom until the first frost. The anticipation of the blooms is a lesson in patience. However, once the first bloom opens, it is worth the wait!

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Cross Lake—one of northwest Louisiana’s prized waterways— is an 8,575-acre man-made lake built in 1926, and is the major water supply for the City of Shreveport, Barksdale Air Force Base, and many other surrounding communities. Partially surrounded by forest and wetlands, moss covered cypress trees line the banks of this popular open lake with an unlimited access to nature and endless recreational possibilities including sailing, power boating, fishing, and waterskiing.

There, tucked away on two lots totaling nearly two acres at the tip of Squirrel Point— nestled into the existing hillside—rests a two-story home in the midst of a thick buffer of trees. This beautiful mid-century estate is guaranteed to offer unparalleled peace and relaxation. The tranquil setting is provided.

Designed by renowned local architect Jonathan Evans, the clean lines if this style, along with the attention to fine architectural details, makes for peaceful surroundings as the earth tones of the stone pair flawlessly with the landscaping. With nearly 11,000 square feet of living space—10,813 square feet to be exact—this 4 bedroom, 9 bathroom estate offers breathtaking and picturesque views from nearly every room.

The main entry is off the motor court. Avoiding the creation of traditional hallways, opening up indoor space, and providing stunning views all at once, the glass window walls of the home are one of its most striking features as you enter, all extending from floor to ceiling. The first room you encounter is an enormous gathering space. For its size, it’s quite warm and inviting—with the focal point being the two-story stone fireplace, which is located in the center of the room. Add in the built-in shelving, and spiral metal staircase—there is a coziness to this central space.

Aside from providing the prime focus, the fireplace also has the effect of both cooling the space during the summer months and providing an extremely effective source of warmth in the winter—not just as a fireplace but also as a heat sink drawing warmth from the low sun.

Its open-floor concept, with its high walls, vaulted ceiling and sharp architecture, is the perfect spot to stretch out and relax after a long day. Its proximity to the kitchen and dining room make this the gathering place of the home— perfect for entertaining. The metal spiral staircase effortlessly ascends to a mezzanine level, allowing onlookers to gaze upon the gathering room, or through the bank of floor-to ceiling windows that look beyond onto Cross Lake.

From the gathering room, one can seamlessly flow right into the gourmet kitchen—its vaulted ceiling is complemented by top-of-the-line appliances including Viking gas range, built-in Subzero refrigerator/freezer, custom cabinetry and granite counter tops. The color palette contrasts the uniform walls, floors, and ceilings—each within their own right providing focal points for each transition space.

The oversized kitchen bar doubles as the breakfast area and, aside from its 180-degree panoramic views of the lake, is the perfect informal gathering spot—not only for eating, but for entertaining as well.

The gathering space also includes the dining room, butler’s pantry and an oversized bonus room—all lying adjacent to the enclosed swimming pool. This bonus room is multi-function, and could be used in an assortment of ways—a gym, large office or multi-media room. It, too, is quite spacious and can entertain a large crowd.

Just outside is an enlarged patio— running the length of the wing—adds pure perfection to the symmetry of the house, and lies under the protection of the roof. This spacious, open-air covered patio, with fireplace, is one of the notable features of the home. Along with the enclosed swimming pool, both are perfect for year round use and provide some of the most serenely breathtaking views of the water beyond the property. With its large stone pavers, steel columns and outdoor, stone fireplace—these covered sitting areas provide a picture-perfect space for outdoor entertainment. Anyone could easily enjoy dipping their toes in the saltwater pool, or enjoying a book by the fire, without worrying about sun exposure.

Next to the pool, a fireplace and stone wall span an entire side of covered area, providing privacy to those inhabiting the area.

The bedrooms are located on both sides of the house. On one side is the master suite, along with its private soaking tub and ceiling mounted shower head. Along with his-and-her baths, walk-in closets and sitting areas, every space has easy access to shimmering lake water scenes. But don’t be fooled. While each bedroom follows the same general decor pattern as the rest of the home—with modern- style furnishings, accents and fixtures—each bedroom also has a few unique details which differentiates it, mainly its own unique views of the lake. This is like having a personal retreat within its bedroom, in-and-of itself.

There’s also a second loft, perfect for kids with twin beds.

A personal home library (which could also be another bedroom, if desired) is located on the second floor and doesn’t just display books. Its oversized bookshelf, along with built-in cabinetry, and shelves. The stunning mix of décor, along with its wet bar and stone fireplace, elevate it to a whole other level. The space is soft, low contrast and incorporates nature with its sleek style.

Car enthusiasts will appreciate the concrete-lined driveway, grand motor court and four-door garage, which is ready for any fine car collection—with additional space available for motorcycles, watercraft, or ATVs. The original garage was converted into an enormous storage space, complete with shelving, with room left over to tinker.

Water enthusiasts will also find a covered boat launch on the property that is perfect for private use. The property’s direct lake access and spacious outdoor living spaces feature lush green lawns, ample foliage and several areas that can easily accommodate any large group or intimate gathering.

Interested in buying this dreamy estate? Believe-it-ornot, it’s currently on the market. Who’s ready to move in?

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Wishing you a beautiful wedding and a happy marriage!

Something Old, Something New

Do you know the rest of this familiar phrase about what a bride should carry on her wedding day? It’s “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.” A British sixpence was equivalent to one-fortieth of a pound sterling, and was used for good luck, showing that the father wished his daughter prosperity in marriage. If you don’t have an actual sixpence, use a penny.

The Perfect Thank You Note

Writing thank you notes can be exhausting, especially if you have a big wedding. Many brides-to-be are juggling wedding planning and full- time jobs. Don’t send a text, email, or call to say thanks— it should be a note sent by snail-mail. Sending a note as soon as you receive a gift is the best way to stay on top of it. According to Emily Post Etiquette, having a year to write the notes is a myth; three months is the limit. If your budget allows, order nice foldover note stationery with your name or monogram imprinted, and if not, any notecards will do. Splurge on the return address, so you aren’t forced to handwrite it or use address labels. The best wedding thank you notes are handwritten, not printed, and include the specific gift received, how you plan to use it, and a personal statement based on your relationship with the gift-giver. If you plan to return or exchange the gift, leave that out.

The Late Night Snack Receptions that last late into the evening have popularized the late night snack, presented after a long night of partying. This snack is usually informal in nature even at the most formal of weddings with exquisite buffets or dinners. Hot dogs, burgers, pretzels, popcorn…there are so many options. And some brides take it up a notch, with food wrappers or containers.

From Rice to Fire Around the world, it’s traditional for family and friends to shower newlyweds with rice, rose petals, spices, and other items to wish the couple good fortune, a prosperous marriage, and children if they desire. Many brides switched to birdseeds and bubbles when a myth took hold that uncooked rice would be harmful to the birds that ate it. Now, you are highly likely to see the bride and groom pass through a wall of guests brandishing sparklers— and there may even be fireworks!

The Photo ShootCouples are choosing more and more interesting backdrops for their wedding photographs. In addition to a beautiful church photo, there are fabulous outdoor backdrops like streetscapes, fields, trees, and water. Incorporating some lighthearted photos adds effect, too.

Take That Honeymoon!

For financial or work reasons, some couples choose to delay or skip altogether a honeymoon. The time spent alone together is priceless, whether it’s a few days away or a 2-week trip out of the country. Factor it into your budget and start saving as soon as possible. If you need to pare down something for your reception (for your guests) in order to honeymoon, do it! Your boss won’t (or shouldn’t!) begrudge you this time. Before you know it, you will be back in the real world, working and possibly having children. You’ll never regret taking a honeymoon.

R.S.V.P. Please In this modern day and age of technology, can you imagine sending a handwritten note to reply to a party invitation? At one time, that’s how it was done. The acronym R.S.V.P. comes from the French words “repondez s’il vous plait,” or “please respond” in English. Upon receipt of an invitation, a formal handwritten note on stationery was written, saying something akin to “Mr. and Mrs. John Smith gratefully accept (or regretfully decline) the invitation to the marriage of your daughter on October 1.” The note was then sent by courier or mail to the host. Fast forward to today, and wedding invitations usually include a fill-in-the-blank response card, pre-addressed envelope, and even postage! If it’s this easy, you’d think all the response cards would come back on time!

What’s a Bridezilla? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a bridezilla as “a bride or bride-to-be who is extremely demanding and difficult to deal with.” Planning and executing your special day and all the details and events surrounding it can be challenging. But through it all, it’s important to show your betrothed as well as friends, family, and future family the utmost of respect. It can be difficult to appease everyone but strive for compromise and understanding. Keep the budgets of your bridal party in mind, because it can be expensive to buy shower gifts, a bridesmaid’s dress, a wedding gift, and also purchase a plane ticket and hotel room to travel for a bachelorette party. Don’t expect others to change their personal appearance for your wedding. Your vendors are focused on accommodating your special requests and providing excellent service, so try to stay positive even when you’re feeling stressed. They will be appreciative for good online reviews, too. Keeping things in perspective and following the golden rule is a great way to stay out of the bridezilla category!

What’s Your Style?

It wasn’t too very long ago that almost all grooms wore tuxedos and bridesmaids wore bright taffeta dresses with dyed shoes to match. Today, bridesmaids often wear gowns with uniquely flattering styles, which can definitely be worn again! Many grooms still wear tuxedos, but suits, casual attire, and even jeans have been making an appearance. Many brides have traded in the formal hair up-do for a messy bun, loose curls and even braids. Veils are as popular as ever and dresses range from simple to extravagant, depending on the bride’s personality, budget, and style of wedding. Don’t shy away from heavier makeup than normal—it makes for great photos!

Color, and More Color Brides are incorporating a lot of color into their weddings with lavish flowers, decorations, signage, linens, and having multiple-colored bridesmaids dresses. Their registries reflect this as well, full of colored glasses and dishes for both formal and informal entertaining.

The First Dance Popular first dance wedding songs change over time. You can find 100 of them on a bandsforhire.net blog, but here’s the list of top picks in a few categories:

Modern …………………………………………..Perfect by Ed Sheeran

Modern for Millennials……………..Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol

Classic …………………………………………Your Song by Elton John

Entertaining………………I’ll Be There for You by The Rembrandts

Timeless ………………. The Way You Look Tonight, Frank Sinatra

Epic……………………….I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing by Aerosmith

What song will you choose?

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