Dahlia
Survey
Most of us grow many extra dahlias during the
season. The question perhaps not asked often enough to ADS members is: what do
we do with them? Since they bring such color into our lives, I assume that most
of us find ways of sharing them. Of course, we bring them to juried shows and
exhibit them in other ways, but what about other venues?
On the assumption that it would be fun to know what others
are doing, I suggest that we conduct a little survey through this publication to
find out. If nothing else, I think our responses would produce a variety of
ideas that might provide just the stimulus we need to use our dahlias in new and
innovative ways.
I’m aware, for example, that a fellow member of the Ohio
Dahlia Society takes bunches of her flowers to work and then gives them to her
colleagues to take home. Another person exhibits them in his church, often
placing them in the sanctuary as a means of “reminding people,” as he says, “of
God’s beauty.” Another person takes them to nursing homes and either asks the
staff to determine where they should be displayed or finds suitable places where
he can be sure that the residents will enjoy them.
In a more unusual way, an Ohio Society member has taken his
dahlias to an elementary school where he uses them to teach mathematical as well
as horticultural concepts. His main objective is to encourage kids to develop
research skills by planting tubers and then by measuring dahlia growth.
To share my delight in dahlias, I’ve entered into a barter
deal with a local restaurant owner/chef. Twice a week during the blooming
season, I take bouquets to him. In return, at the end of the season, he gives me
a chit for some free meals. It’s a terrific win-win deal for both of us. For the
better part of two months, he doesn’t have to pay for flowers, my family and I
get promissory notes for some very nice dinners, and the two of us derive great
satisfaction from his customers’ positive feedback.
For the past few years, my wife, Mary, and I have also
offered a visit to our dahlia garden as a way to help non-profit organizations
in our community, such as the local Farmers Market, raise money. As part of a
silent auction, people bid for an opportunity to bring friends to our garden for
a late afternoon party of “wine, cheese and dahlias.” This year, our effort
raised more than $250 for the Market!
My guess is that I’ve described just a few of the many ways
in which ADS members make good use of their flowers. Hopefully, this article
will encourage my fellow growers to share what they do, that they will take the
time to participate in the survey and that we all will benefit from the exchange
of ideas.
Henry C. Doll
Ohio Dahlia
Society
Click here to participate in the survey