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Dramatic Dahlias
Written By: Jenny King | Issue: 2016/05 - May | Photograph By: Marjorie Christiansen Photography
Dahlias, native to Mexico but dearly loved in the mountains of North Carolina, begin to sprout right about now.
In order to grow, dahlias require extraordinary attention and exceptional conditions. They crave at least eight hours of sunlight a day and dry soil. Among their worst enemies are clouds and slugs, which stunt their growth or kill them slowly. Should you be lucky enough to have a sunny spot in your yard, you’ll want to store your dahlia tubers over the winter, preferably in wood chips. Plant them when the danger of frost is past and watch them carefully.
Dahlias make a glorious show in the late summer, ranging in heights up to six feet and in diameter up to 12 inches. According to Janice Duke, these large blossoms are called “dinner plate dahlias” and their colors are magnificent.
“At last year’s festival, we had over 300 flowers entered from our amateur hobbyists,” Duke says.
The show has expanded their categories, which means gardeners will easily fit their requirements to enter the competition. Flowers will be judged and ribbons awarded for first, second, third and Best of Show winners. Exhibitor registration forms will be available at businesses throughout the Highlands-Cashiers area and at the Highlands Historical Society.
The Dazzling Dahlias Festival will be held at the Highlands Recreation Center on Saturday, September 10, from 1:00 to 5:00 P.M. and is the major fundraiser for the Highlands Historical Society, with special emphasis placed on the upkeep of the Prince House, Highlands’ oldest house within the town limits. If you want to enter your prized dahlias, simply visit the Highlands Historical Society at highlandshistory.com.
