{"id":39944,"date":"2024-09-05T14:35:26","date_gmt":"2024-09-05T12:35:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/4581bb78-49e2-4e6e-a6e9-166bd2a0eecc"},"modified":"2024-09-05T15:31:25","modified_gmt":"2024-09-05T13:31:25","slug":"discover-the-beautiful-national-dahlia-collection-and-the-person-who-helped-save-it-from-disappearing","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/gardensillustrated\/rss_feed\/discover-the-beautiful-national-dahlia-collection-and-the-person-who-helped-save-it-from-disappearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the beautiful National Dahlia Collection and the person who helped save it from disappearing"},"content":{"rendered":"

The National Dahlia Collection has had several homes since its inception in the 1980s, and now, under the care of a dedicated dahlia aficionado, it has been rescued and relocated once more to a new site in Cornwall. Photos Jason Ingram <\/p>

By <\/p>

Published: Thursday, 05 September 2024 at 12:35 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Over the Easter weekend in 2021, a steady stream of cars, vans, trucks and trailers wound back and forth through narrow Cornish lanes to an empty field near Camborne. Each was piled high with black plastic crates, and within every one of these 5,500 crates, nested in loose, dry compost<\/a>, lay tubers \u2013 sometimes as many as eight, sometimes just an irreplaceable singleton. The precious mother stock of the National Dahlia<\/a> Collection, it was rescued by a devoted band of volunteers led by a local horticultural lecturer Louise Danks.<\/p>

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The collection\u2019s new home is a half-acre triangle of grassy field belonging to the Kehelland Trust \u2013 a charity offering horticultural therapy and training to adults with learning or physical disabilities. Previously used to grow brassicas, the site is conveniently sheltered by high hedges, and, crucially, the soil is light, sandy and free draining \u2013 ideal for dahlias, which hate to get their feet wet.<\/p>
National Dahlia Collection holder Louise Danks deadheading Dahlia \u2018Newquay\u2019 at the Collection\u2019s new Cornish home. \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
It had been touch and go. First established in Oxfordshire in the 1980s, the collection had moved with its founder, David Brown, to Duchy College Rosewarne in Cornwall, then moved once more to Varfell Farm, near Penzance, in 1998. Here it remained for over two resplendent decades \u2013 growing in size and scope to showcase 22 of the world\u2019s 41 species and more than 1,700 cultivars. But by 2020, the commercial dahlia business that supported the collection was no longer viable, and the decision was made to close the site.<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Pooh \u2013 Swan Island\u2019 \u00a9\u00a0Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Louise was appalled. She had worked at Rosewarne as a student, deadheading<\/a> dahlias, and joined the Varfell team as an adult, overseeing the production of some 40,000 rooted dahlia cuttings a year. She had won Gold medals for her dahlia exhibits at Chelsea<\/a> and, most importantly for her, had learned dahlia cultivation from the two finest growers in the business \u2013 Varfell\u2019s Mike Mann and hybridiser extraordinaire Mark Twyning (creator of the sumptuous Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Twyning\u2019s After Eight\u2019, with leaves the colour of chocolate and large single flowers with the unnatural pallor of mint cream).<\/p>
Jump to discover Louise’s favourite dahlias<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Although by this time she was no longer at Varfell, she felt the collection was an important part of her history, and Cornwall\u2019s<\/a> horticultural heritage. \u201cThere was this niggling voice in my head, saying \u2018Someone should do something about it\u2019. It\u2019s such a valuable collection botanically, it would be terrible if it were lost. And eventually it became clear that the someone had to be me. The trouble was, I didn\u2019t have any land.\u201dBy now, Louise was teaching at Duchy College Rosewarne. If, she tentatively asked, she could secure the mother stock, would the college allow her to store 5,000-plus crates in an empty polytunnel over the winter? A little to her surprise, they agreed. Working with her father, Chris Danks, along with the help of family and friends, the dahlias were moved to Rosewarne. \u201cThey were stacked up in towers of crates, higher than me. But obviously, this was only a stop-gap solution: a permanent home had to be found before the tubers started growing. Luckily, it was a really late spring \u2013 I think I was the only grower in the UK who was happy about that.\u201d<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018New Baby\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The polytunnel had to be emptied by Easter. Happily, Kehelland\u2019s offer came just in the nick of time. Strip beds were hastily dug in the field, an electric fence<\/a> erected to discourage the many rabbits, and the hard work of preparing the soil and planting the tubers began. The collection was arranged, as before, in classification order, organised by flower form, size and colour. (The American Dahlia Society specifies 19 flower forms, while the National Dahlia Society of the UK recognises a paltry 15.) But on a site a quarter of the size of the previous one, the plants were squeezed in much closer together. \u201cIt has its advantages,\u201d says Louise. \u201cThe plants prop each other up and it makes being among them a truly immersive experience.\u201d<\/p>
Sizzling with colour and loud with birdsong, the dahlia field offers a sanctuary of delight<\/p><\/blockquote>
From July to November, there is no more beautiful place to be. Sizzling with colour and loud with birdsong, the dahlia field offers a sanctuary of delight for both Kehelland\u2019s clients and the loyal volunteers who keep the collection going. All have day jobs, not least Louise (who is learning and content manager for the RHS) and her father, a landscape gardener, who are the backbone of the team \u2013 hard at work on the collection every Saturday and Wednesday evening. \u201cDeadheading on a sunny evening is a lovely task,\u201d says Louise, \u201cand with a lot of help we keep on top of it. It\u2019s more difficult to get volunteers to barrow 45 tonnes of mulch in the winter.\u201d<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Karma Sangria\u2019 \u00a9\u00a0Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Most summers, the collection is open to visitors \u2013 although this summer it will be closed while Louise and Chris tackle the mammoth task of lifting and dividing all the tubers. \u201cBut we\u2019ll be back next year,\u201d she promises, \u201cbigger and better than ever.\u201d<\/p>
It was never her ambition to grow only dahlias, she says. \u201cI certainly didn\u2019t ever set out to have the National Collection. But I grew to love them. They are genuinely interesting plants, and there\u2019s something for everyone \u2013 whether a giant decorative that looks like something from The Rocky Horror Picture Show<\/em> or beautiful Dahlia merckii<\/em> that wouldn\u2019t look out of place in a Jekyll<\/a> border. There are some very sophisticated dahlias; there are also those that are totally hysterical and ridiculous. There aren\u2019t many other genera of plants you can say that about.\u201d <\/p>
Louise\u2019s top 17 dahlias<\/strong><\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Cameo\u2019 <\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Cameo\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
This strong, upright waterlily dahlia from Australia bears perfectly arranged creamy-yellow petals with a hint of lemon at the centre. Elegant flowers 7-10cm across will last a full week in a vase. Height and spread: 1.75m x 1.2m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Apple Blossom\u2019 <\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Apple Blossom\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A collarette dahlia \u2013 a category introduced in the early 1900s. The inner \u2018collar\u2019 lying on a flat single flower makes it an excellent choice for encouraging pollinators. Very popular with florists and flower farmers alike due to its subtle tones. 1.2m x 1m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Glorie van Heemstede\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Glorie van Heemstede\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Offers waterlily blooms of a refined lemon yellow, up to 15cm across. A strong dahlia with good foliage,impressive in both the garden and the vase. 1.3m x 70cm. AGM*.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018New Baby\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018New Baby\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A reliable plant, offering many flowers of vibrant orange and 5cm across over a long period. Graceful enough for dainty arrangements, zingy enough to lift a hot border or bob through a grass garden. 90cm x 75cm.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Striped Vulcan\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Striped Vulcan\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A large cactus dahlia with tousled blooms, wildly striped and spotted, up to 20cm in diameter. A cultivar that is always a favourite with the children who visit \u2013 simply fun. 1.2m x 1m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Pooh \u2013 Swan Island\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Pooh \u2013 Swan Island\u2019 \u00a9\u00a0Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A dahlia that makes everyone smile. A deservedly popular and reliable collarette, neat in form, with prolific red and yellow blooms (75cm across), loved as much by pollinators as people. 1m x 50cm. AGM.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Weston Pirate\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Weston Pirate\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A miniature cactus dahlia with blooms of no more than 10cm across, in a clear singing red. 1.2m x 1m. AGM.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Hazel Bear\u2019 <\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Hazel Bear\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
An orchid-flowered dahlia Louise named for her youngest daughter. Pink, yellow and white blends on quill-shaped petals. As Louise says, it is \u201cabsolutely beautiful, just like Hazel\u201d. 1m x 1m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Twyning\u2019s After Eight\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Twyning\u2019s After Eight\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A striking dahlia with chocolate-coloured foliage and creamy-white single flowers. 1.2m x 60cm. AGM.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Karma Yin Yang\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Karma Yin Yang\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Bred for the cut-flower market, this is exceptional in a vase, with long, strong stems supporting glamorous blooms 12cm across. With petals of iridescent red tipped in white, this dahlia is a showstopper. 1.2m x 1.2m.<\/p>
Dahlia merckii <\/em><\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia merckii \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
The best species dahlia for the average garden, it is reliably hardy, producing a mound of finely cut leaves, liberally adorned with dainty, pinky-mauve single flowers approximately 5cm in diameter. 2m x 1m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Karma Sangria\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Karma Sangria\u2019 \u00a9\u00a0Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A cactus type with striking quilled flowers reaching 15cm across, borne on strong stems. Barbie-pink merges boldly into golden yellow. Also an excellent foil for grasses in the garden. 1m x 60cm.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Limozine Dean\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Limozine Dean\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Beyond floriferous with cerise petals and a yellow centre, which makes it glow from the other side of the field. 1.75m x 1.25m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> Happy Single Wink (= \u2018HS Wink\u2019)<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia Happy Single Wink (= \u2018HS Wink\u2019) \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
Glowing pink petals stained plum at the base. It\u2019s one of the Happy Singles series of small dahlias with pollinator-friendly single flowers set off by dark purple-bronze foliage. 60cm x 40cm.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Franz Kafka\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Franz Kafka\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A floriferous pompom with perfectly round balls of bright lilac-pink, 5cm in diameter. 1m x 50cm.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Violet Lou Lou\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Violet Lou Lou\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
A big shaggy bi-coloured decorative dahlia with D. \u2018Caf\u00e9 au Lait\u2019 in its parentage. It\u2019s one Louise has named for her eldest daughter. As she says: \u201cThey are both complete stunners.\u201d 1.3m x 1m.<\/p>
Dahlia<\/em> \u2018Royal Blood\u2019<\/p>
$\"Dahlia$
Dahlia \u2018Royal Blood\u2019 \u00a9 Jason Ingram<\/figcaption><\/figure>
An unusual collarette cultivar that offers deep-red flowers with yellow centres from midsummer to the first frosts. \u201cIt\u2019s leggy but in a good way,\u201d says Louise. 1.6m x 1.2m.<\/p>
*Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Most dahlias have a hardiness rating of RHS H3, USDA 7a-10b.<\/p>
USEFUL INFORMATION<\/strong>Address<\/strong> Kehelland Trust, Kehelland, Camborne, Cornwall TR14 0DD. Web<\/strong> kehellandtrust.org.uk<\/a>The National Dahlia Collection will open again next year from July to October. For more information, visit plantheritage.org.uk<\/a><\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n
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