Yes, you are at just the right time for planting and you will get flowers at the end of June.. give or take a few weeks, depending on the type.

Cut Dahlias can get pretty pricey.... I would try a farmers market. But, I think the best flower to practice with are mums, they are reasonable and have strong stems that can be re-cut and redesigned. Are you thinking of loose arrangements or arrangements in Oasis or a Frog?

Keriann~