Join us at Van Winden’s for a FUN Dahlia Show & Competition on Saturday, August 3rd. Community members are invited to bring up to 4 of their own dahlias to enter into a fun competition. If you’re not growing dahlias this summer then come and get inspiration for next year’s garden!

Competition categories this year include:

• Best Dinnerplate - any bloom that is +9inches in diameter

• Best Cactus/Lacinated - pointed petals

• Best Ball/Pompon - fully double flowers, rounded or ball shaped

• Best Formal Decorative - petals all facing the same direction

• Best Informal Decorative - petals curved

A vase and water will be provided for you. A single bloom entry will be allowed per vase. If you’re intent on winning, be sure to include leaves on your single bloom which will help showcase the flower. Choose a flower that does not have any brown or damaged petals on it. Cut a long stem so that the flower stays secure in its vase, so +8” long is ideal.

Cut Flower Tips
It’s best to cut dahlias early in the day or else very late in the evening/after watering because they are usually best hydrated at these times. Warm water is key. If you're looking to maximize a dahlia's relatively short vase life, use warm or hot tap water in their vase after you first cut them. Dropping dahlias in a vase of hot water and letting it cool to room temperature and keeping them in a cool spot out of direct sunlight can extend their vase life and you may get a full 7 days of enjoyment from your dahlia.

Dahlia Show drop off begins at 9am and voting begins at 11am on Saturday, August 3rd. Winners will be announced at 3pm on Saturday.

The blooms from the show will be free to the public at 4:00pm on Saturday so bring a container if you would like to take some home.