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As well as the National Dahlia Society, which caters for both amateur and professional growers alike, there is a trade organisation known as the British Dahlia Growers Association.
Modern varieties, without doubt, are really wonderful, both in formation and in the period and length of blooming. The majority of giant varieties have originated overseas, although we have several raisers of these varieties within the confines of the British Isles, notably that doyen of the dahlia, Mr Harry Stredwick, whose giants are famous the world over.
Certain members of this committee are responsible for the compilation of the National Register of Varieties, a register which is maintained to try to eliminate confusion and duplication of naming wherever possible.
Although the dahlia is capable of almost infinite variations of form and size, the types that have evolved at any particular point in time have always followed the popular ideas of the day. Nowadays growers seem to have a much more catholic taste and many forms that were not allowed to develop earlier are becoming quite popular, although even today certain classes are more widely grown than others. Yet the seed of change is present. For instance, since the war the giant decoratives have held the prime place of honour, but at the present time it is becoming fairly obvious that the smaller varieties are rapidly overtaking these in popularity. The medium and small cactus in particular are being grown in increasing numbers each year.
There is a great deal to he said in favour of this change because the smaller bloomed varieties are most attractive in the garden. They bloom early, have a very wide range of colour and are extremely free flowering. They are ideal in fact for the small garden where each plant has to play such a large part in the colour scheme. Then too they are ideal for use as cut flowers for house decoration, lasting quite well in water and supplying a constant stream of replacements.
No doubt some compromise will he eventually reached, because it is not desirable to have two possibly clashing lists within a comparatively small area such as the United Kingdom.
Modern varieties, without doubt, are really wonderful, both in formation and in the period and length of blooming. The majority of giant varieties have originated overseas, although we have several raisers of these varieties within the confines of the British Isles, notably that doyen of the dahlia, Mr Harry Stredwick, whose giants are famous the world over.
Certain members of this committee are responsible for the compilation of the National Register of Varieties, a register which is maintained to try to eliminate confusion and duplication of naming wherever possible.
Although the dahlia is capable of almost infinite variations of form and size, the types that have evolved at any particular point in time have always followed the popular ideas of the day. Nowadays growers seem to have a much more catholic taste and many forms that were not allowed to develop earlier are becoming quite popular, although even today certain classes are more widely grown than others. Yet the seed of change is present. For instance, since the war the giant decoratives have held the prime place of honour, but at the present time it is becoming fairly obvious that the smaller varieties are rapidly overtaking these in popularity. The medium and small cactus in particular are being grown in increasing numbers each year.
There is a great deal to he said in favour of this change because the smaller bloomed varieties are most attractive in the garden. They bloom early, have a very wide range of colour and are extremely free flowering. They are ideal in fact for the small garden where each plant has to play such a large part in the colour scheme. Then too they are ideal for use as cut flowers for house decoration, lasting quite well in water and supplying a constant stream of replacements.
No doubt some compromise will he eventually reached, because it is not desirable to have two possibly clashing lists within a comparatively small area such as the United Kingdom.
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