Ciscoe Morris: Full sun keeps dahlias happy

As long as they're planted in full sun, dahlias usually only need regular fertilizing, adequate moisture and regular deadheading to keep blooming profusely.

Every 6 weeks, until the end of August, work a mix of organic flower food and about 2 cups of alfalfa meal around the roots of the plant. Mulch around the plant with compost and water as necessary to keep the soil evenly moist. Dahlias suffering drought stress quickly develop powdery mildew and stop blooming. Finally, don't forget to deadhead regularly. The more flowers you cut off, the more new blooms your dahlia will produce.

Work now on spring vegetables

Start your overwintering vegetables from seed now to enjoy homegrown veggies next spring.

We are fortunate to live in a climate that allows us to grow winter hardy vegetables for a spring harvest. To be successful, you have to choose varieties of vegetables that are able to withstand the cold and start them early enough to allow them to grow big and strong before they're forced to endure the winter cold.

The best vegetables for overwintering are the cole crops such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi and of course, Brussels sprouts. The best method is to sow the seed indoors under lights in seed starter mix now for transplanting into the garden in mid-August. If you lack an indoor light system, sow the seeds directly into the garden now.

If you direct-seed, plant 3 seeds inches apart, ¼ inch deep, in clumps approximately 30 inches apart after working a half-handful of organic flower food and an equal amount of bone meal into the soil under each clump. Thin to the strongest seedling about a week after they emerge.

Keep the soil evenly moist until fall rains begin. If the plants dry out, they might bolt and go to seed. In mid-March apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer like fishmeal to speed up spring growth. If Mother Nature cooperates and doesn't give us another murderous winter like last year, you might be eating delicious homegrown veggies by April, mid-June at the latest.

Garden art by Little and Lewis

Gardeners and art enthusiasts alike were disappointed when Little and Lewis closed their garden last year. Not only did their world-famous garden transport you to a tropical wonderland, but it was the perfect setting to view their art work. I'm excited to say that they're back with an exhibition of new creations at the Bainbridge Arts and Crafts Gallery, 151 Winslow Way E. on Bainbridge Island.

The exhibition is called "Transitions" and runs now through Aug. 5. There will be a reception where you can meet the artists, George Little and David Lewis, 6 to 8 p.m. July 10 at the gallery. For information, visit www.bainbridgeartscrafts.org and click on "current exhibitions."

Their recent work reflects favorite themes of nearly 20 years of collaborative work as well as new influences from time spent in Mexico. At the exhibit, you'll see a number of their famous painted concrete garden sculptures including colorful birdbaths, huge pomegranates, spectacular mirrors, a fountain, a table and lots of their signature painted leaves.

Ciscoe Morris: ciscoe@ciscoe.com. "Gardening with Ciscoe" airs at 10 a.m. Saturdays on KING-TV.