Dahlia Society of Victoria News

2026 DSA Conference - Registrations now open

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 07:58:02 GMT

Registrations are now open

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing while it remains available.

1st 100 persons only. Early Bird cut-off 30 April 2026.

National Conferences are a wonderful gathering of growers, exhibitors and enthusiasts, featuring guest speakers, educational sessions, social events, tours and more.

If you can make it, it will be well worth your while in many ways.

Sign Up for a spot on the Show Roster

Sun, 15 Feb 2026 03:38:30 GMT

Sign Up for a spot on the Show Roster

Many hands make light work

The 2026 State Dahlia Show on Saturday 28^th February and Sunday 1 March is the highlight of the season – a spectacular display of blooms for the enjoyment of DSV members and the public.

BUT we need volunteers to make the Show happen and lighten the load for everyone. We need helpers to set up the Community Centre on the Friday before the Show and to cover the various tasks during the two days of the Show itself particularly Sunday.

Volunteers are welcome to free lunches on Saturday and Sunday – an opportunity to talk to exhibitors, judges and other volunteers. Each role only takes a few hours of your time and is lots of fun.

If you have not volunteered before, we especially welcome you to join us. You will be given clear instructions on each task and there will be plenty of people to help.

Below is a button with a link to the DSV 2026 State Show Roster for you to view all the spots with their associated tasks.

To volunteer for a spot on the roster, click the SignUp button:

The Dahlia Society of Victoria page on SignUp.com will open.
Click View to open the 2026 Dahlia State Show Volunteer Roster.
The roster shows the spots to be filled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Click > on the left of a spot to see details of the task.
To sign up for a spot, click on the green SIGN UP button beside it.

You will be asked for your name and email address. Your email address will only be visible to the DSV Show Volunteer Coordinator and NOT shared with any other party.

Lastly, remember to click 'Save' before closing the page.

Dahlia Shows in Victoria

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 10:20:00 GMT

February 2026

Saturday 28 Feb and Sunday 1 Mar

Victorian State Dahlia Show

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Fran Grylls

0481 385 122

Schedule

March 2026

Friday 6 and Saturday 7

Welshpool Autumn Flower Show

Welshpool Memorial Hall, South Gippsland Hwy

Fran Grylls

0481 385 122

Saturday 7 and Sunday 8

Portland Dahlia & Rose Show

Portland Civic Hall

30 Bentinck Street Portland

Bruce Millard

(03) 5572 3788

Ian Hamley 0438 673 103 Show Schedule

Saturday 21

Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club

METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Rosemary Sabre

0421 714 943 or

03 9363 1630

Schedule

Friday 20 to Sunday 22

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival

EAGLEHAWK HALL

(Previously Senior Citizen’s Hall)

Shirley Turner

0412 018 203

info@eaglehawkfestivals.com.au

Website

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22

Kyneton Autumn Flower Show

Nicola Turner

0458 109 337

Website

info@kynetonhort.com.au

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29

Shepparton and District Dahlia Club

RURAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Rodney Clarke

03 5865 5364

Website

Vale Robert (Bob) Clarence Yeomans

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 06:33:54 GMT

Vale Robert (Bob) Clarence Yeomans

Gold Service member Bob Yeomans died peacefully in Melbourne on Sunday 5 January 2026 at the age of 85 years.

Bob was a giant of the Dahlia Society of Victoria.

After joining the Society Bob went on to become a top dahlia exhibitor, exhibiting in the Open section and taking out more than one Blue Ribbon in the State Show. He won the Kiwi Seedling Trophy four times: 1991,1997,2003 and 2007. In 1997 it was with the bloom ‘Shirley Yeomans’ that is still available today.

In the 1980’s Bob Yeomans took on a more prominent role in the organisation of the Society starting as the Promotions Officer finding new ways to promote the dahlia and the club. Bob was a born communicator and went on to hold many roles including President, Treasurer, event MC, Show Manager and Conference organiser - all the while exhibiting and breeding. He took particular pride in overseeing the movement of State Dahlia Show from Horti Hall in Melbourne to the Mount Waverley Community Centre. The DSV Gold Service Award was presented to Mr. Bob Yeomans in 1999.

After retiring from committee positions he remained active as a speaker and as a lively and encouraging voice at the monthly meetings of the Society.

For more recent members of the DSV, Bob is renowned for developing ‘Tiny Tot’ dahlias, a new strain of bedding dahlias created from seedlings in Australia. In the December 2016 issue of DAHLIAS Magazine Bob recalled:

“It took three years to produce 10 varieties worth keeping. Everyone that saw them seemed spellbound. The positive feed-back I received from garden club members and the viewing public at local shows was overwhelming. They loved these low growing bedding dahlias with their vibrant colours and firm long stems. I called them Tiny Tots and the name has stuck.”

With his trademark hat and welcoming grin, sitting behind a table of stunning Tiny Tots, Bob was a perennial presence at the annual State Dahlia Show that will be sorely missed.

The Society was so lucky to have Bob. All through the time he was part of the Society he really gave all.

A recording of the service to commemorate Bob’s life is here.

The eulogy by Chris Michalopoulos on behalf of the DSV starts at 00.47.45

The photo story of Bob's life starts at 01:07:20

Trial Garden Submissions

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 02:59:33 GMT

Trial Garden Submissions and Volunteering

A Dahlia Trial Garden is a garden where new, unnamed dahlia varieties sent by hybridisers are grown and evaluated.

For the first time, breeders will have the opportunity to have tubers assessed at two separate locations within Australia. They can be assessed at one or both locations, it is up to the breeder.

Canberra

A trial garden has been running in Canberra for some years and tubers can be sent to Graeme Davis (Graemecdavis@hotmail.com) by 30 October along with attached completed form, as per normal. Further details are on the form.

Melbourne

We ask that each breeder initially limits their varieties to the Melbourne trial to three new seedlings. However if you have more than three seedlings you would like trialed, please let us know and if we have room we will liaise with you about how many you can send.

For those wishing to have varieties trialled in Melbourne we ask that you indicate how many varieties you wish to have assessed by contacting Deb Collett (deb@dahliasocietyofvictoria.org.au) by email by 6 October, with tubers to be sent to Pam Albutt by 21 October, along with the completed form. Further details are on the form.

Volunteering at the Melbourne Trial Garden

Please also contact Deb Collett (deb@dahliasocietyofvictoria.org.au) if you are interested in volunteering at the Cruden Farm Trial Garden. It is envisaged that a group will meet Monday’s from 9.30am – Noon commencing on 20 October to carry out any task required at the garden. It is not necessary to commit to attending every Monday – we hope to have a large enough pool of volunteers so that we can establish a roster.

The DSV looks forward to working with Cruden Farm, Langwarrin in bringing this new service to all Australian dahlia breeders and in building on the stellar work that Graeme Davis has been carrying out in the Canberra Trial gardens for many years.

DSV Online Tuber Sales 2025

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 05:40:05 GMT

DSV Online Tuber Sales 2025

Members Only

Do you need tubers?

Dahlia tubers can be purchased online

through the Shop on the DSV website

Sale opens at 10am Saturday 20 September

Closes midnight Sunday 12 October, or when sold out.

Stock is limited.

The Offer

MEMBERS MIXED PACK OF 6	MEMBERS MIXED PACK OF 12

Prices include postage

The tubers will be ones grown by members who grow them for exhibition.

Each pack will contain labelled named varieties, selected from the list below.

You will not know which varieties until you open the pack.

A Members Mixed Pack of 6 will contain at least three different varieties.

A Members Mixed Pack of 12 will contain at least six different varieties.

Cannot ship to WA, NT, TAS or outside Australia

How to order

Follow this link to the DAHLIAS FOR SALE page on the DSV website. Login and place your order. Your payment options will be INVOICE ME or PAY ONLINE.

Vale William (Bill) George Johnson

Sun, 20 Jul 2025 08:32:58 GMT

Vale William (Bill) George Johnson

Beloved member Bill died peacefully in Melbourne on 28 June 2025 at the age of 96.

Bill George Johnson was the pre-eminent raiser of anemone dahlias in Australia and one of the elite breeders in the dahlia world. He was much respected here and worldwide for his generosity in sharing anemone dahlia seed and dahlia tubers.

Bill undertook anemone breeding to a fastidious clinical level noting in detail parentage, colours and anomalies and could transfer that knowledge instantly on request. He was among the very few worldwide that knew the complex biological make-up of dahlias.

Bill was passionate in his pursuits. He excelled in playing the organ and writing original scores, loved trams and was extraordinarily good at orienteering.

Bill was a humble human being, a wonderful family man, friend, long-serving DSV member and an exemplary citizen.

Along with my fellow luminary DSV friends Barry and Deb Collett and Stephen Cox, we celebrated the life of and said farewell to Bill at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on Friday 11 July.

Life Member Chris Michalopoulos

Vale Dwight King

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:41:37 GMT

Vale Dwight King

It was with great sadness that the Dahlia Society of Victoria learnt that Dwight King died aged 83 on Tuesday 6 May 2025.

A moving account of Dwight's many accomplishments is here: Dwight King Obituary

There is one inaccuracy in the Obituary: "He was an active member of the Dahlia Society of Ohio and served as the past president of the Dahlia Society of Australia."

In fact, Dwight was the past president of the Dahlia Society of Victoria, filling that position for a record 16 years before before passing the baton to Pam Albutt at in 2022 and returning with his wife Alice to the USA to live at Lakeside Ohio.

The DSV owes Dwight an immense debt of gratitude for stabilizing the Society when he took over and leaving it in a very healthy state when he departed.

Dwight was planning to visit Australia in 2026 and we were looking forward to seeing him again at the State Dahlia Show. For all those who knew and admired him, the news of his sudden death has been a great shock.

DSA Dahlia Directory Pilot

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 03:58:59 GMT

Dahlia Directory Pilot Announcement

Dear DSA Members,

We are delighted to share some thrilling news with you! The Dahlia Society of Australia is proud to sponsor an innovative new project: the Australian Dahlia Directory. This concept has been nurtured for decades, and it is now ready to bloom into reality. The directory aims to be a comprehensive, visually rich catalogue, showcasing the stunning array of Australian grown dahlias through beautiful imagery.

Pilot Program Launch in 2025

In 2025, we will initiate a pilot program focused on capturing and documenting images of Australian grown dahlias. This endeavour will provide a platform for dahlia enthusiasts across Australia to contribute to a vibrant and detailed visual guide. The directory will be available from the Dahlia Society of Australia's website, where it will serve as an ongoing resource for dahlia lovers and gardeners. It's important to note that the directory is a work in progress and will require continuous time and effort to expand it to document all the varieties of dahlias grown in Australia. We aim to create a comprehensive and ever-growing catalogue that celebrates the diversity and splendor of Australian grown and bred dahlias. Your contributions will be instrumental in achieving this vision.

We acknowledge that this is an ambitious project, and we truly appreciate the time and effort required from everyone involved. The Dahlia Society of Australia’s Dahlia Directory will always be a work in progress, evolving as we gather more data and refine our processes. For this reason, we have broken the project into stages. The first stage focuses on gathering as much data as possible, and we expect this to take a few years to compile a substantial catalog of existing cultivars. We already have a significant start with details of over 1100 Australian dahlias thanks to the Cultivar list maintained by Rob Slarke (former Secretary Dahlia Society NSW/ACT) that includes cultivar name, colour, type, size, breeder and year released. Once we have sufficient data, we will move to the second stage, which involve building on the user-friendly interface to help users search the data and identify an unknown dahlia by its features. This might include employing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence or developing a mobile application. Options will be explored once we have a substantial amount of data to progress to stage two. The third stage of the project will be to build on the existing Australian Standards and create a formal method for introducing, acknowledging, and registering new cultivars in the Directory.

The Dahlia Directory Committee

To ensure the smooth establishment and ongoing management of the directory, we have formed a dedicated committee. The Australian Dahlia Directory Committee will oversee the development of the Directory and will work with a panel of Dahlia experts from around the country. The Dahlia experts will validate the dahlia images submitted for selection ensuring correct identification, consistency in imagery and quality control (like judging really!). Both the Dahlia Experts and Committee members expertise and commitment will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the directory.

The committee members are:

Graeme Davis: President Dahlia Society of Australia

Pam Albutt: President Dahlia Society of Victoria

Gerald Oldfield: President Dahlia Society of NSW & ACT

Wade Kingsley: Dahlia Society of South Australia

Simone Lutz: Dahlia Society of Victoria

Lynne Goodyer: Dahlia Society of NSW & ACT

The Dahlia Experts are being assembled from across Australia.

Call for Volunteers: Capture your dahlias this season

Your involvement matters and will be the only way an Australian Dahlia Directory will be successful. We are calling on all members of the Dahlia Societies around Australia to volunteer their time and talents in capturing images of their beautiful dahlias this season. Your contributions will be invaluable in showcasing the diversity and splendor of Australian grown dahlias. By sharing your images, you will help us create a stunning visual directory that celebrates the unique beauty of our favourite flower. Don't miss this opportunity to contribute to a historic and inspirational project! Your contributions will ensure that the Dahlia Directory becomes a cherished resource for dahlia lovers and gardeners alike.

How to get Involved

To get involved in this exciting project, start by visiting the Dahlia Society of Australia website, www.dahliasaustralia.org.au, and registering your interest in participating in the 2025 season. Upon doing so, you will be sent an information pack detailing the process and what is involved. This pack will include guidelines on how to capture the best images of your dahlias, information about submitting your images, and tips for ensuring your photos meet the necessary quality standards. By joining this initiative, you will play a key role in creating a vibrant and comprehensive visual directory that celebrates the beauty of Australian grown dahlias. Your contributions will help showcase the incredible diversity and splendor of these stunning flowers, ensuring they are appreciated by dahlia enthusiasts and gardeners for years to come. Together, we can create a dazzling showcase of Australia's finest dahlias that will inspire and delight for years to come.

Thank you for your ongoing support and enthusiasm.

Warm regards,

Graeme Davis

President Dahlia Society of Australia

DSA Virus-in-Dahlias Statement

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 20:53:57 GMT

DSA Statement on Virus in Dahlias

January 2025

The Dahlia Society of Australia has recently released a statement regarding the topic of dahlia virus in Australia. This is a subject all growers of dahlias are concerned about particularly the uncertainty of the right action to take.

We all invest considerable time and money in purchasing and nurturing our tubers, it is disappointing as growth develops, to find the leaves have blemishes, are discoloured, the stems have dark markings and or the plants have stunted, distorted growth and generally do not thrive.

The President of the DSA, Graeme Davis in consultation with all state societies including your own DSV, agreed there was a need to make an announcement regarding the concern with virus in Australian dahlias. Graeme has researched extensively and consulted with many respected growers and scientists in creating this statement.

Click on the title above to access the statement.

The Dahlia Society of Victoria would like to thank Graeme for his carefully prepared statement made in good faith to assist dahlia growers in the management of their personal dahlia plantings.

Pam Albutt,

President, Dahlia Society of Victoria

DSA Judge's Training Program

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 22:57:03 GMT

Information on the DSA Judge's Training Program

from DSA President Graeme Davis.

TRAINING NEW DAHLIA JUDGES - will you be one?

For many years we have been hamstrung by not having sufficient trained judges to adjudicate at our exhibitions and, when judges training has occurred, it has been left up to individual societies to manage their own training process.

The DSA Executive Committee established a small group to put together a consistent formal training program that can be accessed and used across the country by aspiring judges.

This week we have launched the DSA Judges Training Program.

The program comprises of both theory and practical components and is largely self paced. While it will require some time and effort, it can be completed over a time frame that suits you.

The program can be initially accessed from the DSA website Dahlia Judges – Dahlia Society of Australia and the first step is to attain the support of your local club/society to undertake the training and register your interest.

You will be supported through the process by a Judging Coordinator in your region along with a designated mentor and help from existing experienced judges. And it is that local judging coordinator who you should speak with in the first instance.

Existing established judges are recognized and will continue to assess blooms and will also be important in mentoring and coaching trainees through this new program.

If you have any questions please contact your Regional Judging Coordinator.

Regional Judging Coordinators are :

Central West NSW: Rob Slarke - robslarke1@icloud.com

Queensland: Pam Armstrong - 17pam.arm@gmail.com

South Australia; Neville Jaeschke - n.jaeschke@bigpond.com

Victoria: Deb Collett - debrakcollett@bigpond.com

NSW/ACT: Gerard Oldfield - highlanddah@netkey.com.au

Tasmania: Brian Smith - briandsmith58@gmail.com

Looking forward to seeing more trained judges across the country!

Graeme Davis

President

Dahlia Society of Australia

Stewarding and Judging Training 2025

Sun, 17 Nov 2024 21:43:19 GMT

Stewarding and Judging Training for the 2025 Season

There is no need to have attended previous sessions, but be warned that some of these sessions will be quite technical, so be prepared. Watching the thirty minute types video, will give you a good foundation. There is always learning to be done.

Sun 12 Jan, 10am -1pm, Judging Deep Dive with a focus on the pom, ball and decorative types, includes a light lunch

Sat 8 Feb, Mini-show at the Mt Waverley Hall – a chance to put things into practice, whether that’s showing, stewarding or judging, a real hands on day. This is the best day to learn about stewarding.

Wed 12 Feb, Mini-show at the monthly meeting – a chance again for showing, stewarding and judging practice

Sat 22 Feb, 5pm, Debrief from the judges on results at the State Show an opportunity to hear directly what was good and perhaps not so good at the show

Sun 23 Feb, Noon – Live judging session of the Sunday Special

Thu 19 Mar, Mini-show at the monthly meeting – a chance for showing practice.

Sun 30 Mar, 10am – 1pm Judging Deep Dive on the sundry types – includes a light lunch

DSV members only

Online Tuber Sales

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 01:10:47 GMT

DSV Online Tuber Sales 2024

Members Only

Do you need tubers?

Dahlia tubers can be purchased online

through the Shop on the DSV website

Sale opens at 10am Saturday 28 September

Closes midnight Sunday 13 October, or when sold out.

Stock is limited.

The Offer

MEMBERS MIXED PACK OF 6	MEMBERS MIXED PACK OF 12

6 Dahlia Tuber for $70	12 Dahlia Tubers for $120

Prices include postage

The tubers will be ones grown by members who grow them for exhibition.

Each pack will contain labelled named varieties, selected from the list below.

You will not know which varieties until you open the pack.

A Members Mixed Pack of 6 will contain at least three different varieties.

A Members Mixed Pack of 12 will contain at least six different varieties.

Cannot ship to WA, NT, TAS or outside Australia

How to order

Follow this link to the DAHLIAS FOR SALE page on the DSV website. Login and place your order. Your payment options will be INVOICE ME or PAY ONLINE.

2025 Conference Date

Tue, 16 Jul 2024 09:33:58 GMT

Congratulations, Hien!

Sat, 20 Apr 2024 11:24:06 GMT

Our Intermediate Champion Hien Nyguen happily receiving his award from President Pam Albutt.

The medal was a gift from the National Dahlia Society of the United Kingdom to the Dahlia Society of Victoria to be awarded to an appropriate recipient at our annual State Show.

Hien is a worthy winner with his beautiful blooms starring on the Show bench.

The Blooms that made this exhibit were:Coorabell Zoe, Coorabell Jessie, Devon Citation. Winholme Diane, Mabel Ann, Blyton Softer Gleam.

Dahlia Shows in Victoria

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:28:58 GMT

February 2024

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25

Victorian State Dahlia Show

STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Fran Grylls

0481 385 122

Schedule

March 2024

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3

Shepparton & District Dahlia Club

Congupna Community Centre

Katamatite-Shepparton Road

Shirley Clarke

03 5865 5364 or

0419 003 949

Friday 8 & Saturday 9

Welshpool Autumn Flower Show

Welshpool Memorial Hall

RURAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Fran Grylls

0481 385 122

Schedule

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10

Portland Dahlia & Rose Show

Civic Hall, Bentinck St

Portland

Bruce Millard

03 5572 3788

Schedule

Saturday 16

Sunshine Golden Age Garden Club

Glengala Community Hall

Cnr Glengala Road & Simmie Street

Sunshine West VIC 3020

METROPOLITAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Rosemary Sabre

0421 714 943 or 9363 1630

Schedule

Friday 15 (open for staging and judging)

Saturday 16

Eaglehawk Dahlia & Arts Festival

(Supported by Bendigo Garden Club)

Senior Citizens/Bendigo Deaf Hub

Shirley Turner

0412 018203

Information

2024 State Show Schedule

Wed, 17 Jan 2024 09:59:46 GMT

Printed copies of the Schedule for the 2024 State Dahlia Show and complimentary entrance tickets have been posted to all DSV members.

A soft copy of the Schedule can be viewed here.

Show Timeline

Entries Close 7.00pm Thursday 22 February 2024

Staging of Exhibits 7.00 pm Friday (Continues all night)

Staging Concludes 10.00 am Saturday (Display and Cut Flower Sections excluded)

Judging Commences 10.00 am Saturday

Other Staging Concludes 11.00 am Saturday (Items 64 to 67)

Show Opens 1.00 pm

Saturday Awards Dinner 6.00 pm Saturday (Bookings taken on the day)

Official Closing 3.30 pm Sunday

Stewarding and Judging Training 2024

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 08:44:05 GMT

Stewarding and Judging Training for the 2024 Season

Following a successful start last season, the DSV is planning to offer further Stewarding and Judging Training in the new year.

There is no need to have attended previous sessions, so if you are looking to expand your knowledge plan to come along for all of some of the following events.

Sun 14 Jan, 10am-noon – Stewarding and Judging refresher followed by lunch and informal discussions on showing and standards.

Sat 10 Feb – Mini-show at the Mt Waverley Hall – a chance to put things into practice, whether that’s showing, stewarding or judging, a real hands on day.

Thu 15 Feb – Mini-show at the monthly meeting – a chance again for showing, stewarding and judging practice.

Sat 24 Feb, 5pm – Debrief from the judges on results at the State Show. An opportunity to hear directly what was good and perhaps not so good at the show.

Thu 21 Mar – Mini-show at the monthly meeting – a chance to practice showing your dahlias.

Sun 7 April, 10am-noon– Judging by the standard. A focus on what makes the perfect show dahlia. ~~Followed by a light lunch.~~

DSV members only

2024 DSA Conference Date

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 11:04:25 GMT

2024 National Dahlia Championship

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 10:27:52 GMT

Dahlia Society of Australia

2024 National Dahlia Championship

The National Dahlia Championship in 2024 will be held as part of the DAHLIA SOCIETY of SOUTH AUSTRALIA Inc. Show and Championships.

23rd - 24th March 2024

Goodwood Community Centre

32 – 34 Rosa St, Goodwood, Adelaide SA

Show Schedule

CropBioLife Offer

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 22:42:43 GMT

CropBioLife Special Offer

DSV Members Only

You are invited to submit an Expression of Interest in taking up a CropBioLife special offer that has been negotiated by the DSV.

Background

At our March 2023 members meeting soil microbiologist Dr Mary Cole spoke on the benefits of dramatically improving poor soils by using chemical free composting and natural mineral elements.

During her talk she referred to an Australian invented natural fertilizer called CropBiolife which provided outstanding increases in farm crop yields when applied to previously unproductive land.

An Internet search on the use of CropBiolife indicates it is being used extensively by food producers worldwide with outstanding success.

At the conclusion of Dr Cole’s talk there was much discussion on whether this product would significantly benefit the growing of dahlia plants and production of better blooms and how can it be obtained.

About CropBioLife

An investigation undertaken by DSV has found that CropBiolife is:

manufactured in Australia by Aussan Laboratories and supplied to agricultural industries worldwide.
currently sold in bulk 5 litre ($500), 10 litre ($1000) and 20litre ($2000) containers and can only be purchased from Aussan Laboratories.
a concentrated liquid with a dilution rate of 2ml to 10litres of water.
applied three times during the growing season via folia spray or soil drench.

There is evidence that CropBiolife significantly reduces pest attack and disease by increasing the health of the plant.

Charlie Carp Offer October 2023

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 08:21:47 GMT

CHARLIE CARP OFFER OCTOBER 2023

Members Only

Charlie Carp products can be ordered at wholesale prices plus a small margin that contributes to the Society’s administration costs

The Offer

Charlie Carp All Purpose Fertiliser	DSV Price	Typical Retail Price
1 Litre Concentrate*	$8.00	$10.86
2.2 Litre Hose On	$8.50	$11.98
5 Litre Concentrate	$34.00	$51.98
20 Litre Concentrate	$125.00	$175.00
5kg Bag Pellets	$19.00	$24.60
20kg Bag Pellets	$60.00	$80.00

* 1 Litre of concentrate make 100 litres

How to order

By email to Trish Newby at pnewby@bigpond.net.au, listing products and quantities wanted

Please place your order by Thursday October 26.

Payment

When your order is received, you will be sent an itemized invoice by email. The invoice will contain instructions on payment options – by cheque or money order posted to our PO Box, by bank transfer to the Society’s account or by credit card through STRIPE, our secure payment gateway. You can also pay by cash or EFTPOS on pickup at the November meeting.

Pick-Up

DSV General Meeting 7.30 pm Thursday 16 November 2023

Online Tuber Sales 2023

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:40:00 GMT

DSV Online Tuber Sales 2023

Members Only

Do you need tubers?

Dahlia tubers can be purchased online

through the Shop on the DSV website

Sale opens at 10am Saturday 30 September

Closes midnight Sunday 8 October, or when sold out.

Stock is limited.

The Offer

MEMBERS MIXED PACK OF 6	MEMBERS MIXED PACK OF 12

6 Dahlia Tuber for $70	12 Dahlia Tubers for $120

Prices include postage

The tubers will be ones grown by members who grow them for exhibition

Each pack will contain labelled named varieties, but you will not know which varieties until you open the pack.

A Members Mixed Pack of 6 will contain at least three different varieties.

A Members Mixed Pack of 12 will contain at least six different varieties.

Cannot ship to WA, NT, TAS or outside Australia

How to order

Follow this link to the DAHLIAS FOR SALE page on the DSV website. Login and place your order. Your payment options will be INVOICE ME or PAY ONLINE.

Vale Alf Hardingham

Fri, 23 Jun 2023 09:23:53 GMT

Vale Alf Hardingham

It was with great sadness that the dahlia community of Australia learnt of the passing of Alf Hardingham on Sunday 18th June this year.

Alf, a long-time DSV member, was the man behind the dahlias with the GLENMARC suffix, a judge and doyen of the Portland Dahlia Society.

Alf was awarded the DAHL Medal in 2021. The Medal is the highest award that can be given to an Australian dahlia grower.

Funeral Notice

The Funeral Service for the late ALF HARDINGHAM is to be held at the PORTLAND UNITING CHURCH, Percy Street, Portland on WEDNESDAY the 28TH JUNE commencing at 2.00PM. Followed by interment at Portland South Cemetery, Cape Nelson Road, Portland.

Glemarc Margaret

Judging Notes to Container and Display sections available

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 09:00:00 GMT

The original Judging Notes for the Container and Display sections of the State Dahlia Show were developed by Bob Yeomans and first published in DAHLIAS Magazine in 2005.

These notes have now been revised by Deb Collett and Fran Grylls with the aim of encouraging more people to exhibit at the Show.

Blooms in the Container and Display sections of the Show Schedule are judged on their face value only and are not constrained by the traditional requirements of show blooms regarding the depth, stem length, type or form. Any type of dahlia bloom can be used in all their amazing colours.

Revised Judging Notes for the Container and Display sections

Sign up for a spot on the Show Roster

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 03:00:00 GMT

Many hands make light work

The 2023 State Dahlia Show on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 February is the highlight of the season – a spectacular display of blooms for the enjoyment of DSV members and the public.

Volunteers are entitled to free lunches on Saturday and Sunday – an opportunity to talk to exhibitors, judges and other volunteers.

If you have not volunteered before, we especially welcome you to join us. You will be given clear instructions on each task and there will be plenty of people to help.

To volunteer for a spot on the roster, click this button:

Our Volunteer Roster page on SignUp.com will open.

The roster shows the spots to be filled on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Click > on the left of a spot to see details of the task.
To sign up for a spot, click on the green SIGN UP button beside it.
You will be asked for your name and email address. Your email address will only be visible to the DSV Roster Coordinator and NOT shared with any other party.

Questions?

Email Bill Johnson at bjohnson@wdjohnson.net

2023 DSA National Dahlia Championship Invitation

Sun, 12 Feb 2023 02:30:00 GMT

The Dahlia Society of Australia National Championship will be held at the Queensland Dahlia Society Annual Show on the 18th and 19th of March 2023.

9 BLOOM CHALLENGE

9 blooms staged singly (3 over 160mm: 6 under 160mm to include at least 4 types, but not more than 2 of 1 variety)

Judging at the show will be in accordance with the “Queensland Guide to Dahlias 2007” issued by the Queensland Dahlia Society Inc.

Invitation

Queensland Guide to Dahlias 2007

2023 QDS Show Schedule

2023 State Show Schedule Now Available

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 02:28:51 GMT

The Schedule for the 2023 State Show on 25 & 26 February is now available here. It sets out how to enter, provides instructions and guidance for exhibitors and lists the show competition items in which you can enter. You may enter in any number of schedule items and can make multiple entries in any item.

Hard copy of the schedule will be posted to members (except Overseas Members) before the end of January.

The schedule items are unchanged from those for the 2022 Show except for Item 10. The Nine Bloom Challenge has now become the Six Dahlia Bloom Challenge.

Tuber Sales Sold Out

Mon, 26 Sep 2022 01:30:00 GMT

The online sale of dahlia tubers from the DSV is suspended for the time being as current stocks of tubers have sold out. If we receive more supplies of tubers donated by members of the DSV over the next few weeks we will reopen the online sale.

Field Day Sunday 25 September 2022

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 04:01:25 GMT

A field day will be held on Sunday 25 September from 11am to 2pm at the home of the DSV President, Pam Albutt and Les Albutt at 155 Victoria Road, Pearcedale. There will be demonstrations on how to split clumps of tubers and a hands-on workshop on taking cuttings from shoots. There will also be a pop-up stall offering quality tubers at a reasonable prices. The tuber sale will be restricted to members only, but visitors can sign up to become a member of the Society on the day. There will also be a sausage sizzle for a gold coin donation. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground may still be muddy.

RSVP Pam Albutt by email to pam.albutt@hotmail.com

Gold Service Award Arrives in Ohio

Thu, 01 Sep 2022 04:22:29 GMT

The DSV Gold Service Award given to retiring DSV President, Dwight King has arrived at his home in Ohio. Dwight writes:“I feel very honoured to have received this award from the members of the society. There have only been a few to receive this special recognition. This will have a prominent place in our home. Thanks!”

2022 State Show Schedule available online

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 02:10:00 GMT

The 2022 State Show Schedule has been finalised. The Schedule contains all the information you need to exhibit at the show: timelines, what you can enter, how to enter, rules of the show, hints for exhibitors and more.

View the Schedule via a link on the Showing page or use the link here.

DSA 2022 Conference in Toowoomba

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:16:42 GMT

The Queensland Dahlia Society, host of the 2022 Dahlia Society of Australia Conference, has announced it will be held in Toowoomba form 10 to 12 June. Details will be posted on the Events page as they are confirmed.

Dwight King retiring as President

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 09:01:16 GMT

Dwight and Alice King have decided to move their primary residence to Lakeside, Ohio, USA where they have spent the Northern Summer for many years. As a result Dwight will not stand for President at our AGM in May 2022.

Dwight and Alice are currently in Ohio, unable to return to Australia because of Government and airline restrictions until January. On return Dwight will focus on the tasks of Show Manager for the DSV State Show, a role he has filled for many years, before leaving for the US at the end of March.

Dwight has served as President with distinction for 16 years. He and Alice will both be missed.

Covid Restrictions Affecting Our Events

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 00:48:31 GMT

Regrettably, we have had to cancel the Public Tuber Auction scheduled for 6 November and our October Members' Meeting will be held Online. Details to follow.

Vale Shirley Yeomans

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Shirley, wife of Life Member Bob Yeomans, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Tuesday 31st August 2021.

Joy and Les Lawson remember Shirley as a life-long friend upon whom you could always rely at any time:

“At our Annual State Dahlia show Shirley would be there, behind the scene, helping in many ways: setting up rooms, laying out the show benches, recording entries and awards, and, before leaving at night, watering every exhibitor vase to ensure each bloom looked its best the following day. Always with a smile and friendly word for everyone.”

Sadly missed. Rest in Peace.

In the Dahlia Patch

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:59:25 GMT

Now is the time of year to prepare the soil for planting starting from mid-October.

A green crop planted in autumn can be chopped down and dug into the soil. Add fertilizers to encourage the soil organisms that break down the organic material provided by the green crop. If you did not grow a green crop, add organic material such as leaf mould, compost or manure. The ‘trench method’ of soil preparation – whereby the top soil is pushed to one side, a trench is dug, filled with organic matter, and then re-covered with the top soil – can be used.

If there is insufficient nitrogen in the soil, the surface mulch will deplete it further and create a problem with the growth of the plants and, in particular, the leaves and photosynthesis.

Tip from the Top

There is a distinct advantage in combining animal fertilizers like chicken, pigeon, sheep, cow and blood & bone if they are available to you. I also like to add some quality mulch (lucerne, pea straw, seaweed) at the same time in my trench. This absorbs nitrogen and releases it at a later slower (more controlled) rate to the plants, even when the surface mulch absorbs nitrogen as it breaks down.

Chris Michalopoulos, Life Member

Tuber Sales

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:59:00 GMT

This year, the Society will offer online tuber sales in the form of Members Mixed Mystery Packs of five tubers for $60 including postage:

❖ Each pack will contain labelled named varieties, but you will not know which varieties until you open the pack

❖ Each pack of five tubers will contain at least three distinct varieties

❖ The tubers will be ones grown by members who grow them for exhibition.

An email message advising how to purchase one or more Mystery Packs will be sent as a separate communication. As well as raising funds for the Society, this sales approach is aimed at getting new growers off to a good start by providing them with good quality tubers.

Tuber Donations

ALL THIS WILL ONLY BE POSSIBLE if experienced growers undertake to help newer growers get off to a good start by being willing to supply one or more Mixed Mystery Packs of five tubers, so that all orders can be fulfilled. The cost of postage will be reimbursed as a flat rate of $20 per package. If you are able to post at least one package to a nominated buyer please let Stanton know by reply email or directly to dsv.tuber.sales@gmail.com.

In the Dahlia Patch

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 08:02:42 GMT

Now is the time to do some garden maintenance:

Weed along garden walls and retaining fences
Weed the aisles around the through your dahlia patch
Sharpen pruning shears and garden scissors
Tidy up pots
Clean up hiding places for slugs, snails and earwigs - timber piles, under bricks, along wood fences and patches of heavy grass
Stock up on fertilizers, potting mixes, mulch, compost including liquid compost and soil conditioners.
Stock up on environmentally safe sprays and powders for dealing with damaging insects and fungal infections.
If your garden is susceptible to infestations of red spider mite consider spraying nearby fences and stakes with a miticide (not an insecticide).

Now is also the time to check tubers in winter storage:

Tubers in a storage medium need to be kept damp to avoid rot from wet or shrivelling from drying out.
Remove tubers showing signs of rot and spray the medium with a little water on signs of drying out.
It is common to store tubers over winter in polystyrene boxes, often stacked on top of each other. Check those bottom boxes to make sure that strong shoots in a ‘downstairs box’ are not being bent over by the ceiling above.

Dahlia Society of Australia News

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 07:52:31 GMT

The DSA is the umbrella organization for dahlia societies in Australia.

The 2021 DSA Annual General Meeting was held on Friday 11 June in Canberra. The results of the election of office bearers were:

President - Warren Vigor (DSV)
Vice-president - Neville Jaeschke (South Australia)
Secretary - Steven Wedd (Queensland)
Treasurer - Rodney Clarke (Shepparton - also a DSV member)
Public Officer - Neville Jaeschke

Delegates from each of the eight member societies meet once a year at the Annual DSA Conference. At the Conference in Canberra the following resolutions were passed:

❖ Australian Championship

This new championship will be sponsored by the DSA and rotate around the societies the year after their conference (2022 Canberra, 2023 Queensland).

❖ Judges Standards Panel

A panel has been formed to review judging standards and will meet at the Australian Championship and annual DSA Conference.

Les Lawson awarded the Dahl Medal

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Les Lawson was announced as the recipient of the Dahlia Society of Australia's Dahl Medal at the DSA'a Annual Conference in Canberra on 11-12 June.

The Dahl Medal is the DSA's highest honour. Only five living members of the Society can be recipients at any one time. Les joins fellow DSV member Fran Grylls as a holder of the award. Covid restrictions meant Les and Joy Lawson were unable to attend the Conference. DSA President Warren Vigor will present Les his award at the September member's meeting.

John Menzel awarded OAM

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

John Menzel has been awarded the Order of Australia Medal for his work in growing and promoting dahlias.

Unfortunately John passed away in April, so did not live to receive his OAM. John was the driver behind the foundation of the Dahlia Society of Australia and its President from its inception to his passing. He and Anne Menzel were also members of the DSV.

Warren Vigor elected President of the DSA

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Warren Vigor was elected President of the Dahlia Society of Australia at its AGM in Canberra on 11 June.

Warren is a grower and breeder of dahlias and a champion exhibitor at shows throughout Victoria and elsewhere. His travels to the US have given him insights into the way the flourishing Dahlia Societies operate there.

Warren is a long term member of the DSV. Congratulations, Warren!

Vale Joe Daniel

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 01:52:03 GMT

On May 13th 2021, Brian James “Joe” Daniel, formerly of Rokewood and Tallygaroopna, passed away in Ballarat aged 84.

A much-loved member of the dahlia growing community in Victoria, Joe Daniel has the distinction of being the only exhibitor in the history of the Victorian Annual Dahlia Show to be awarded (in 2003) the Dahlia Society of Victoria Gold Medallion for an exhibit of outstanding excellence.

Vale John Menzel

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT

After a drawn-out battle with a debilitating degenerative condition, John Menzel has been lost to the Dahlia world in which he was a huge presence.

John spent a significant portion of his life promoting the dahlia. He organised groups, wrote books and brought all the dahlia societies across Australia together in what is now the Dahlia Society of Australia, of which he was President from its inception to his passing.

John wrote a book titled Dahlias in Australia: The Winkie Way - a comprehensive guide to growing and showing the dahlia.

John and Anne Menzel were prolific dahlia breeders, producing many varieties which appear regularly on the show bench, mostly under the Winkie label. The July 2020 edition of the DSV's DAHLIAS magazine includes a feature on this breeding program which began in the 1970s.

John and Anne were based at Winkie in the South Australian Riverland but have also been members of the DSV and have often exhibited here.