Soraya French is president of the Society of Women Artists. She tutors occasional mixed-media workshops at her workshop in Hampshire, and overseas. She is the author of several books. www.sorayafrench.com
I have often associated dahlias with autumn as, unlike many of the summer flowering plants that gradually die down by mid-October, they last until the first heavy frost and they can really brighten an autumn flower border. Native to Mexico and central America they have been around in Europe for over 200 years and are amongst the most popular flowers in UK gardens. There are more than 40 species of this beautiful showy flower, with numerous hybrids. They come in so many different sizes, shapes and colours and provide artists with an endless store of subjects to paint. I remember them as somewhat oldfashioned flowers, but they have become quite trendy and often used in smart bouquets these days.