BARBARRY RHAPSODY: Small Dec Dahlia: 4 feet Brick Red. Grown
10 up. Blooms on this variety had good size and formation. However
stems were very weak and the blooms flopped all over the place.
Verdict: I discarded Senzoe Ursula for the same reason.
BARBARRY PINKY: Small Dec. Dahlia: 5 feet Deep Pink. Grown
10 up.
I enjoyed growing this one. Good stems and formation and no problem
with size. Can be grown outside or under cover. Worthy seedling
class winner at Harrogate, 1991.
Verdict: This one has a very bright future.
BARBARRY BALL: Small Ball Dahlia: 3 feet Orange. Grown 8 up.
This variety was outstanding all year. Strong stems supported
good size blooms of immaculate ball formation. Due for release
in 1993. Barbarry Ball I predict will take over the number one
spot in this class.
Verdict: This is a banker.
BARBARRY DAUNTLESS: Min. Dec. Dahlia: 3½ feet Grown 10
up.
Flowered 21 August. This dahlia was one of lifes in betweens.
Too big for a miniature and not enough size for a small.
Verdict: This one is not exhibition material.
BARBARRY PIMPERNELL: Small Dec. Dahlia: 3½ feet Red. Flowered
4th August.
If you suffer from high blood pressure do not attempt to grow
this variety. The first two flowers on the plant were a joy to
behold. The next two came with no centres. By mid August the weather
was very warm and the colour in the blooms changed from wine red
to faded orange. As the weather cooled by mid September all blooms
on the second flush reverted to their original colour.
Verdict: I had to use Grecian 2000 to hide the grey hairs, but
I can still remember those first two beautiful flowers.
BARBARRY MAGIC: Small Dec. Dahlia: 3½ feet Cream with red
blends. Grown 8 up. Seedling winner London 1990. This variety
has all the ingredients to make a top class dahlia. Good stems,
centres and formation. You may have a slight problem matching
the blooms. Another dablia that weathers very well.
Verdict: I will certainly be growing this one in 1992.
BARBARRY DAUNTLESS:Min. Dec. Dahlia: 3½ feet Red. Grown
12 up. Flowered 14th August. Low growing variety that does
you no favours if, like me, you suffer from arthritis in the knee
joints. Flowers on this variety were not too bad, but I don’t
think it will challenge the top ten miniatures in what has become
a very competitive class over the last few years. However this
little dahlia has one big plus in its favour. It is very prolific.
Verdict: One for the border not for the bench.
BARBARRY FOXTROT: Small Dec. Dahlia: 4 feet Red. Grown 8 up.
Flowers on this variety never reached the size required to make
the top grade. Was no match against Barbarry Pinky and Magic.
Verdict: Not one for my notebook.
BARBARRY SUMMIT: Med. Dec. Dahlia: 3½ feet Lavender. Grown
8 up.
At last a colour breakthrough in the medium decorative class.
Over the past few years this class has been dominated by white
dahlias namely B. J. Beauty, Suffolk Spectacular etc. Barbarry
Summit may not be the answer to our prayers but at least it is
a step in the right direction. Some growers who saw this one in
my garden liked it while others did not. In my view all this variety
lacked was a little more depth in the bloom. I will be growing
Summit again next year six up and in a better part of the garden.
For an update watch this space in 1993.
PINK PASTELLE: M.S.C. Dahlia: 5 feet Pink with white centre. Grown
10 up.
Tom Pashley’s sport from Grenidor Pastelle. This is a cracking
M.S.C. and will be in big demand when released in 1992. If you
grow Pastelle well this is a must.
Verdict: If you do not grow this one well dig up your plot and
plant cabbages.
EMMA’S CORONET: Min. dec. Dahlia: 3 feet Pink and White.
Grown all up.
Sport from Amgard Coronet. This is a very good miniature and will
do well on the show bench. One big advantage this dahlia will
have over its parent is that it will be easier to match the blooms.
Verdict: Another welcome addition to a first class section.
Once again may I thank Barry Davies and Tom Pashley for allowing me to grow these dahlias on trial.