For the Love of Dahlias

PHOTOGRAPHER:

In preparation for the 50th National Dahlia Show, three enthusiastic gardeners share their passion and pointers for growing the empress of blooming beauties

Campos Gibbs

Jack Leatherwood in his Maggie Valley garden

Dahlias are native to Mexico, where they are the official national flower. Botanists have identified at least 85 species of dahlias, while growers have created thousands of hybrids. Above, three varieties grown by Buddy Dean

Bristol Fleck

Blyton Softer Gleam

Valley Rustbucket

Bloomquist Barbara

Creekside Michael

AC Cloud and Rain

JB’s Paula Ann

Brian Killingsworth

Bullington Gardens is named after the late Bob Bullington, a New York City police officer who retired to Hendersonville, where he indulged his passion for horticulture. Today, the gardens provide hands-on education in growing to students, youth clubs, and gardeners of all ages.

Buddy Dean

Pam Howden

Rejman’s Polish Kid

Jack Leatherwood

Leatherwood grows 1,100 dahlias on four-tenths of an acre in Maggie Valley and uses a drip irrigation system to ensure they receive plenty of water and nourishment.

Blackberry Ripple

ISSUE DATE:

March 2016

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For the Love of Dahlias

For the Love of Dahlias

For the Love of Dahlias