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.
This cooperates very largely with the National Farmers' Union, and to some degree with the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve the conditions of the trade growers in this country. Its major aims are to improve stocks of dahlias as far as is practical and to maintain cordial relationships between the amateur grower and the trade supplier.
Australia and America in particular have produced some really wonderful varieties which are to be seen in every keen grower's garden. The medium and small varieties, up to a few years ago, were, in the main, of native origin, but of late years we have seen a gradual influx of varieties from other countries. Holland, in particular, is responsible for a really wonderful range of medium cactus which have literally revolutionised this very attractive section. But France, Germany, South Africa, Australia and the Iron Curtain countries, plus a whole host of other nations, have all sent varieties which are grown enthusiastically, so that it is perhaps invidious to even imply that any country excels in this particular phase.
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.
It is perhaps a pity that the National List does not include all of these Scottish varieties, but it is not possible for the N.D.S. Committee to classify varieties which they have not seen, so it is only these Scottish varieties which are distributed outside Scotland- and the majority of the worthwhile ones to become so distributed - which can he classified by the Classification Committee. It has been suggested there should be a scheme whereby Scottish blooms could be seen at a Scottish show for classification and perhaps selection for trial at Wisley.
Apart from this, different forms are also attracting the breeder, one of the most attractive being the deeply fringed cactus, of which Dentelle de Venise and Frills are outstanding examples. Then a chrysanthemum-like flower is being evolved, and this may also become popular. Orchid flowered types (in which the florets are involute, rather than revolute, so that the reverse colour is seen) have been known for manyyears but today theyseem to be enjoying more attention than they have ever attracted before. As nearly all these variations have blooms of comparatively small size, there seems to be no reason why some, if not all of them, should not become widely grown. - 15790
This cooperates very largely with the National Farmers' Union, and to some degree with the Ministry of Agriculture, to improve the conditions of the trade growers in this country. Its major aims are to improve stocks of dahlias as far as is practical and to maintain cordial relationships between the amateur grower and the trade supplier.
Australia and America in particular have produced some really wonderful varieties which are to be seen in every keen grower's garden. The medium and small varieties, up to a few years ago, were, in the main, of native origin, but of late years we have seen a gradual influx of varieties from other countries. Holland, in particular, is responsible for a really wonderful range of medium cactus which have literally revolutionised this very attractive section. But France, Germany, South Africa, Australia and the Iron Curtain countries, plus a whole host of other nations, have all sent varieties which are grown enthusiastically, so that it is perhaps invidious to even imply that any country excels in this particular phase.
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.
It is perhaps a pity that the National List does not include all of these Scottish varieties, but it is not possible for the N.D.S. Committee to classify varieties which they have not seen, so it is only these Scottish varieties which are distributed outside Scotland- and the majority of the worthwhile ones to become so distributed - which can he classified by the Classification Committee. It has been suggested there should be a scheme whereby Scottish blooms could be seen at a Scottish show for classification and perhaps selection for trial at Wisley.
Apart from this, different forms are also attracting the breeder, one of the most attractive being the deeply fringed cactus, of which Dentelle de Venise and Frills are outstanding examples. Then a chrysanthemum-like flower is being evolved, and this may also become popular. Orchid flowered types (in which the florets are involute, rather than revolute, so that the reverse colour is seen) have been known for manyyears but today theyseem to be enjoying more attention than they have ever attracted before. As nearly all these variations have blooms of comparatively small size, there seems to be no reason why some, if not all of them, should not become widely grown. - 15790