Photo: Karen Bickley
Friends old and new gathered for our first dahlia workshops this past week. Enthusiastic growers came out to learn more about these beautiful flowers. Some even learned that they were neighbors with a shared interest.
We started with a review of key concepts – from selection to end of season care and everything in between. With all topics in the handout, students had a reference to take home.
After discussing the concepts, we went into the field to get a look at the dahlias growing there. Concepts were reinforced with demonstrations and hands on practice.
Demonstrations included cutting the blooms and bagging the buds to protect them from insects without using insecticides. Photo: Karen Bickley
Everyone got hands-on experience pinching and disbudding. Photo: Karen Bickley
After the lessons, each student selected two tubers to take home and grow in their garden. I am looking forward to seeing the results.
Watch our newsletter for announcements of other on-farm classes later in the year.
We will be closed the week of July 4th so we can spend some time with friends and family. Have a safe and happy holiday.
Linda