A grand dahlia show at Sky Nursery

Dahlias filled Sky Nursery at the
Puget Sound Dahlia Association's annual show
Photo by Martin Kral

By Martin Kral

We have concluded a very successful dahlia show at Sky Nursery this past weekend. With over 1,500 entries  -  and in spite of the enduring "Junuary"  -  the late schedule of Puget Sound Dahlia Association's annual show was also to our benefit. Not only did we have so many entries, but the quality of blooms and the vigorous competition among dahlia growers from all over the Northwest attest to the stellar displays. 

Sky Nursery was an attentive host and show staff wants to express their heartfelt Thanks to the Sky team. 

Of course, we had outstanding weather (both before and during the event), so the exhibitors did not have to fret over high winds or driving rain. 

Arrangement
Photo by Martin Kral

The show spread beyond our original display space and spilled over into the north section of the well-ventilated new greenhouse. Our information booth and the three presentations on dahlia culture dispensed advice and illustrated how dahlias can be grown even in small spaces and containers. 

Traditionally the end of the show gets messy as exhibitors try to dispose of their entries in garbage cans or hand out large bunches to anyone willing to take them home. 

This time, Sky staff was ready to take the dahlias from departing exhibitors; they set aside the better blooms in buckets and quickly helped compost the rest. The lucky Sky customers then were able to select bouquets from the buckets and bring a bit of the show back home. 

Judging from the dahlia growers' comments, our dahlia experience was Sky-high.