Whither the Dahlia?
The National Dahlia Society also works in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society towards the better appreciation of the dahlia. The instrument here is the Joint Dahlia Committee, composed of an equal number of members from both societies. This committee is responsible for the classification of the dahlia into its differing forms and sizes, but not for the actual listing of varieties in accordance with this classification which is done by the National Dahlia Society.
In addition the committee is responsible both for the selection of dahlias for trial at the Royal Horticultural Societies Gardens at Wisley and for the judging of such varieties. It advises both societies on matters of mutual interest, and is concerned with maintaining good relationship between the two societies and other kindred bodies.
It also sponsors trials of dahlias, although on a somewhat different basis from that of the Wisley Trials as the Association is mainly concerned with commercial potential. For this purpose the trials seem reasonably suitable, but are not quite so helpful to the average amateur as the more strictly run Wisley trials. An award from the B.D.G.A. is unlikely to be of such high value as a selling point as an award at Wisley, a point that is recognised fully by the members of the association.
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.
The blooms are disbudded at first but later crops are allowed to grow more or less naturally to give a clear picture of the capability of the plant, and are examined at intervals by the committee. Besides the new varieties, a number of standard varieties, all of which have already received awards grown to give a basis of comparison. Outstanding varieties are awarded various certificates, the finest being given an Award of Merit, or, if less outstanding, are marked as Highly Commended.
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.
In addition the committee is responsible both for the selection of dahlias for trial at the Royal Horticultural Societies Gardens at Wisley and for the judging of such varieties. It advises both societies on matters of mutual interest, and is concerned with maintaining good relationship between the two societies and other kindred bodies.
It also sponsors trials of dahlias, although on a somewhat different basis from that of the Wisley Trials as the Association is mainly concerned with commercial potential. For this purpose the trials seem reasonably suitable, but are not quite so helpful to the average amateur as the more strictly run Wisley trials. An award from the B.D.G.A. is unlikely to be of such high value as a selling point as an award at Wisley, a point that is recognised fully by the members of the association.
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.
The blooms are disbudded at first but later crops are allowed to grow more or less naturally to give a clear picture of the capability of the plant, and are examined at intervals by the committee. Besides the new varieties, a number of standard varieties, all of which have already received awards grown to give a basis of comparison. Outstanding varieties are awarded various certificates, the finest being given an Award of Merit, or, if less outstanding, are marked as Highly Commended.
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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