Geoff's dahlias

Why is it that Geoff, who lives just a few doors away, can grow such a wonderful display of dahlias and I can't grow them at all? They are very popular now, and I bought some and planted them in one of my tubs, but the flowers were eaten. Oh well, the leaves are quite attractive!
A day indoors, updating the WI website and then doing some important family paperwork. Late sunshine tempted me out into the garden to do some hoeing, nothing too strenuous! I shall have to water later.