Tony Evangelista’s Jackie’s Parfait Wins the American Dahlia Society’s Lynn B. Dudley Medal

Tony Evangelista was a longtime, valued member of DSO, a skilled dahlia hybridizer, and a friend and mentor to so many in our organization. He passed away in November 2023, leaving behind several promising seedlings. He entrusted these seedlings to Chris Bryant and his daughter Quinn, who have continued the work of nurturing them in the garden and through the process of evaluation and eventual registration with the American Dahlia Society (ADS).

One of these seedlings, Jackie’s Parfait, was deemed ready for evaluation this year and competed on the seedling bench at numerous shows. Along the way, it earned the Seedling Achievement Award at four shows: the ADS National Show in Grand Rapids, Michigan; the Greater Columbus Dahlia Society Show in Marysville, Ohio; the DSO Summit Mall Show in Akron, Ohio; and the Rochester Dahlia Society Show in New York.

These accomplishments culminated in an even greater honor: winning the Lynn B. Dudley Medal!

The Lynn B. Dudley Medal is presented to the cultivar with the highest average seedling bench evaluation score within its respective class (A/AA, B, BB, M, Ball/Miniature Ball/Pompon, ST/NX, or Waterlily). The average is calculated using the three highest scores received at any of approximately 70 participating member society shows throughout the United States and Canada.

Congratulations, Tony! What a wonderful legacy to leave behind. And a heartfelt thank-you to Chris and Quinn for your dedication and commitment to bringing Tony’s promising seedling to this well-deserved recognition.

We will all benefit from Tony’s legacy every time we enjoy this beautiful flower!

Our Tony also wins the Derrill W. Hart Medal with Jackie’s Clown

This medal is awarded to the cultivar that has the highest average trial garden score in the accredited trial gardens located across the United States and Canada within its respective class (A/AA, B, BB, M, Ball/Miniature Ball/Pompon, ST/NX, or Waterlily), in this case AA/A. The highest three scores achieved in a trial garden are used to determine the highest average.

Once again, having been entrusted with the seedling, Chris and Quinn nurtured Jackie’s Clown in the garden and through the ADS Trial Garden process and on to its victory as a Hart Medal winner.

Another great bloom for our gardens. Thanks Tony and teammates Chris and Quinn.

Last chance - submit your photos for the 2026 DSO Photo Contest thru Tuesday November 3, 2026. See your email for details.

Dahlia Dig 2026

Come see how tubers are dug, divided, and stored.
One last chance, Saturday 11 am

Nov 7 - Pat Sadataki hosting - Richfield
Please RSVP to Pat at president@dahliasocietyofohio.org

See email message sent October 18 for details.

2026 Show Season is Over!

DSO Members were very successful at Nationals.

Tammy May (right), King of Show, and Randy/Kathy Foith (left) Queen of Show.

DSO members Todd Imhoff, Jim Chuey/Harriet Chandler, Max Ball, Chris Bryant, and Jeff Miner
also had blooms on the Head Table. See all the National Winners at dahlia.org