Like many dahlia growers, we have struggled to find the best way to store our tubers over winter. We live in zone 6b so technically we need to dig up the tubers every fall and store them inside. Unfortunately, we have had questionable success with inside storage. Dahlia tubers are stored best in temperatures between … Read more
Written by Nils Otterstrom January 27, 2026. Edgewood, New Mexico Earlier this year, my wife, Jessica, asked my mom a simple but pointed question: “Has Nils always been this way?” She was subtly referring to my proclivity to fixate on one or more pet projects, often in rotating categories, going from one idea to the … Read more
In 2025 we grew just over 200 dahlias. Not all of the varieties are listed here, but here are some of our favorites. Can’t wait to see them bloom next year! Cornel Bronze Chimacum Troy Black Satin Sweet Nathalie Platinum Blonde Boom Boom White Linda’s Baby Rock Run Ashley Caitlin’s Joy
It is hard to believe that Otterly Blooming started early 2025 with the planting of lisianthus seeds. The gardening, dreaming, doubting and planning started years earlier, but in early February, when I was one week postpartum with our 5th child, the plans started to become a reality with Lisianthus of all things! Now lisianthus are … Read more
Zinnias are a beginner favorite. They are easy to grow, come in many different beautiful colors, and are somewhat drought tolerant for desert growing. I remember my mom growing zinnias in our garden each year and then saving the heads gone to seed to replant the next year. We never cut them or brought them … Read more
The best word I have to describe Cosmos is whimsical. They are airy, light, and happy little flowers! They are a fabulous filler flower in bouquets and are gorgeous in your yard. I love planting them on the edge of my manicured yard as it transitions into the natural New Mexican habitat. They feel like … Read more
Snapdragons are my FAVORITE flower! I don’t know if it is the memory of “snapping them” as a kid (and watching my kids do so now), or the majesty of watching the flowers bloom up the spike stem for several days on my kitchen counter, but they bring me so much joy. I want all … Read more
You can’t eat them. They die in a vase. What’s the point? I used to think all of those things and more. When my husband asked me if I would like chocolate or flowers for a special occasion, my answer was always chocolate. Flowers were impractical and expensive. And then 2020 hit. Need I say … Read more
If you have ever seen Lisianthus, you’ll know why they are such a coveted flower. Their rose-like blooms put on a spectacular show and make a stunning primary or secondary cut flower. They also have a reputation for being a flower that is difficult to grow–especially from seed. In this blog post, we’ll go over … Read more