12/21/2025
WHAT A YEAR!
What a busy year we’ve had in 2026. We planted more dahlias than ever, because let’s be honest one can never have too many dahlias! In past years all the clumps have been dug, washed, divided, labeled and stored for a long winter nap by early December but this year we’ll be doing some of this work in January because, well…Tracy has been traveling. Fortunately, we’ve had mild winter temperatures and the tubers still in the soil are well mulched and covered. Sources report that tubers only freeze underground if air temperatures stay well below 30 degrees for about five consecutive days. In Southern Oregon, temperatures have mostly remained above freezing at night and around 50 during the day, making this year unusual.
We had another successful year fending off the pests – Spider Mites, Thrips, Leafhoppers, etc., with the beneficial insects. They really do work and I highly recommend adding them to your pest prevention regimen. Not spraying those harmful chemicals on my plants makes me feel so much safer and the beneficials are more effective anyway.
I was lucky enough to attend this years annual American Dahlia Society National Show which was held in Chicago, IL at the Chicago Botanic Garden. I was blown away by the scope, size and beauty of this venue and was able to go on a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility to learn more about what goes on in their massive greenhouses. We also were treated to tours of the Ball Seed company (fascinating) and the garden of Mr. Steve Meggos, a preeminent hybridizer of some of the most beautiful, large dahlias. Think Vassio Meggos, Harvey Koop – a top 10 favorite of mine, Nikkitos Meggos, etc. Mr. Meggos is a wealth of information when it comes to breeding beautiful dahlias, and his garden was a highlight of my time in Chicago. We will have several of the Meggos cultivars in our upcoming sale and I highly recommend adding as many as you can to your dahlia collection. As always, the staggering amount of show entries on the tables was incredible and being with dahlia friends from all over the country and several from outside the US is a highlight of my year. If you love dahlias as much as I do, I highly recommend joining the American Dahlia Society for news, educational opportunities, etc.
I ended my dahlia season with several winners at the Douglas show including a head table win for Winkie Colonel-another top 10 favorite of mine. There are always so many gorgeous blooms at these shows and I always want one of everything but alas there’s never enough room. Dahlia shows are a terrific way to make new friends, get hands-on experience from expert dahlia breeders and growers and have a fun time drooling over blooms. Everyone, even kids can take blooms to a show and participate but here’s my warning! You’ll be hooked on a new hobby and end up in a circle of new friends you never knew you needed in your life.
Jennifer and I will again be offering over 100 varieties of dahlia tubers in our upcoming sale in February. We will have some new cultivars that you’ll love, a few that are considered “obscure “and hard to find and the old, reliable, easy “everybody should grow this one” dahlias.
Our collection will go live in February for purchase. As our valued, dahlia loving customer, we will give you a special discount code. To get early access to our sale, click the link below to add your name to our list. We will send your special code prior to the pre-sale.
GIFT OPTIONS
Consider our spring bouquet subscriptions or an E-gift card as thoughtful last-minute gift options, ideal for those who appreciate dahlias. The spring bouquet subscription is a sought-after choice among flower enthusiasts, providing the first colors of the season to bring joy. Each subscription includes one bouquet per week over four weeks, beginning the second week of April. You can choose either pickup or have your order delivered locally within a 20-mile radius.
Wishing you much love and joy this holiday season - Merry Christmas friends!
Jennifer and Tracy
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1TNXwqR7kYIsg3TTUZ5rGRKONd8124wvYdMqrozIlX30/viewform
Home | Larks Petals and Stems https://share.google/wQx7C3T6Bax6prHya
Click here for an update from Larks Petals and Stems!
