Monthly Report

SNITTERFIELD GARDEN CLUB 4^th MARCH 2025 MEETING

This month we welcomed Terry Bratcher to our meeting to talk about “Growing and showing dahlias”. Terry has been growing dahlias for over 30 years, during which time the number he grew rose at one point to 2,500! He has retired from showing now, but in the past showed his flowers regularly and has won many prizes with them.

Classification Groupings

There are many different types of dahlias which are classified into fifteen groups. Some are more well known than others and perhaps the most popular are the Single-flowered, Pompom, Cactus and Anemone-flowered Dahlias. Some of the more “exotic” varieties are the peony, water lily and collarette dahlias. There is a shape and size to suit every taste.

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1: Single dahlias have blooms with a single outer ring of florets, which may overlap, the centre forming a disc.

2: Anemone-flowered dahlias have blooms with one or more outer rings of generally flattened ray florets surrounding a dense group of tubular florets, and showing no disc.

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3: Pompon dahlias have fully double spherical blooms of miniature size, with florets largely involute along their length (longitudinal axis).

4: Cactus dahlias have fully double blooms, the ray florets are usually pointed, the majority narrow and revolute for 65% or more of their length (longitudinal axis) and either straight or incurving.

There is every colour and colour combination to choose from, except the elusive blue (which breeders are still seeking). Sizes range from the smallest types, called Topmix or Lilliput Dahlias to the giants that have blooms over a foot in diameter carried on powerful stems.

Terry explained that for showing any variety group (usually 5 in a vase) they must all be the same size and judges use rings of relevant sizes to make sure each exhibit meets the category standards. He also said that it is essential to grow dahlias with strong stems as entries must NOT be wired to support them. This is especially true of the larger varieties, whose stems must be capable of supporting their large flower heads.

Terry also advised that if you want to grow for showing disbudding is essential. It may seem harsh taking off most of the buds, but when you do that, the energy of the plant goes into producing the one high quality flower.

Terry also explained how he made new varieties of dahlia, by chosing “parent” plants with good form and colour and cross pollinating them. It was obvious from his enthusiasm how satisfying it can be to produce a new variety, especially if it turns out to be popular with others. His favourite is “Sheval Megan”, which he produced in 2016 and named after his granddaughter.

Sheval Megan is a small size (4 to 6 inches across the flower) and a “formal decorative” form with a sumptuous rich red colour.

Terry finished the evening answering questions from our members and gave us many useful hints and tips for growing these beautiful plants.

Our next meeting is on Tuesday 1^st April 2025 in Snitterfield Village Hall when we have David Edwards talking about the history of the National Gardens Scheme. Old friends and guests plus new members are always welcome. The full list of speakers and garden visits for 2024 -2025 is posted on our web site:www.snitterfieldgardenclub.org

Jean Harris

Chairman