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Dahlia Festival Success in Highlands NC
Written By: Wiley Sloan | Issue: 2017/11 - November
At the end of a week where the Plateau experienced damaging winds and power outages, the Highlands Historical Society’s Dahlia Festival provided area floral enthusiasts with a much-enjoyed relief from the weather.
Despite many area gardens being drummed with heavy rains, dahlias of all sizes filled the Highlands Recreation Center. More than 250 people toured the exhibit hall. From huge dinner-plate size blooms in a variety of stunning colors to small Pom-Pom blossoms in equally vibrant colors, each flower wowed festival-goers with its beauty. From reds to pinks, yellows to caramels, burgundies and creams; solid and stripes; the explosion of color was most impressive especially since each had survived Hurricane Irma. Unique for this year were two special categories – “A Worst of Irma’’ and ‘‘Best of Irma.’’
From 205 flowers grown by 37 gardeners’ ribbons were awarded in 17 categories. Congratulations to 2017 Best of Show Winner Jim Askew, whose Collarette was a singular bloom of perfection. This glorious blossom will be featured on the 2018 posters and literature. The Historical Society applauds all the winners from this year’s show and urges others to plan now to enter their dahlias in the 2018 hobbyist competition.
Show attendees garnered information on the migration of the dahlia to our area by gardening expert, Mary Palmer Dargan. She also shared tidbits on how to plan a beautiful garden along with recommendations on what plants fare best in our area. Thanks to Mary and the army of more than 40 hard-working volunteers who made this show a success. Special thanks go to the certified judges who were charged with evaluating the best in each of the categories.
