The Welsh Dahlia trials held at Pencoed College of Horticulture
for the forth year again turned out to be a success, due partly
to the top raisers in the country allowing their new varieties
to be put on trial and the staff of Pencoed College for the time
and effort they put into the care and attention of those dahlias
on trial.
The weather was not the best for growing quality blooms it was
wet and cold for most of the season with many varieties not flowering
until well into September when they had to contend with gales
together with cold wet days and nights. Many blooms only got to
half open before damping had destroyed all the petals at the back
of the bloom, which ruled out many varieties before they could
show their true potential. The dahlias that could withstand these
adverse conditions were the ones that scored the highest points
and ended up the winners. The dahlias were judged for exhibition
potential, by a panel of N.D.S judges on 5 occasions from the
end of August through to the end of September. The results of
the trials were as follows.
Gold Award Winner and the Jack Hart trophy winner together with
the Miners Lamp went to Hillcrest Divine, raised by Les Jackson
from Carlisle, Hillcrest Divine a miniature decorative in deep
pink, grew very well all season and produced top quality blooms,
it is a variety which would grow well in the open or under cover
and is a worthy addition to this section.
Silver Award Winner this went to Lismore Chaffinch A red miniature
decorative raised by W Franklin from Beckenham this variety produced
quality blooms in a very difficult season, and when on release
is one for the exhibitor.
Bronze Award Winner this was won by Mary Magson a small semi-cactus
in yellow raised by Bill Mark from Essex, again this variety produced
quality blooms in a very difficult year and will be winning on
the show bench for years to come.
Any raiser wishing to have a variety in the 1999 Welsh Dahlia
Trials should contact the trials co-ordinator:-
Mr. Malcolm Higgin 5 Richmond Road Six Bells Abertillary Gwent.