“Growing Dahlias was never on my radar, I’ve always preferred growing veg and tomatos, with a few cosmos and zinnia thrown in. After seeing the vast colourful, gorgeousness of what was growing in Cali, i bought a handful of experimental blooms in my first year. Some grew magnificently and some totally failed.

Three years laters and several medals from my local horticultural society in Emsworth 2026 is going to be my biggest growing year yet.

My garden is not huge but we pack as many in as we can. I’ve found a love for exhibiting and choose blooms not only that are great for cutting but also some that are a particular class for exhibiting. I’ve learnt a lot about growing from my new relationship with these wonderful tubers.

I still marvel each year that something the size of a potato can grow 20 + 12” blooms.

2026 will see propagation of 40+ dahlias, some new varieties and some very old favourites.

I’m on the waiting list for a local allotment and I am hoping that we can expand the varieties and number of tubers (plus all the ancillary cut flowers for bouquets ) in a new spot under a mile away this year coming!”

Thanks to everyone thats supported this little venture so far. Sj x.”