![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2005/Newsletter%20copy.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/graphics/8.05.base.banner.jpg)
October, 2006
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![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pix/vernon%20rose.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pix/wheels.jpg) NEXT MEETING:
October 10 at 7:30 @
9th & Lincoln.
Program:
Last Harrah Mini Show.
Please limit yourself to 2 entries per category including x3 and x5.
Please come early to set up before 7:30 PM.
Lou Lombardo will conduct a soil clinic. To test
your soil at our next DSC meeting for its key chemical compositions of
N, P, K, and pH the cost for supplies is $3 per soil sample; please do
not bring more than four samples. You will need about one tablespoon of
soil for each sample. Take each sample from a depth of about 2-3 inches
(where the feeder roots are). If you bring more than one sample, be sure
to label them. The results will indicate what amendments your garden
needs. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pix/Hank%20and%20Deborah.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pix/clearview%20magix.jpg) NOVICES DUKE IT OUT: Congratulations to Hank for his outstanding NX Clearview Magic and
another Best B Rolf with a stunning Best AA Inland Dynasty for the
trifecta. Lou Lombardo’s garden pumped out Best Kenora Jubilee; M
Glenbank Twinkle; P Lismore Moonlight; AN Powder Puff Polka; S Moonfire;
CO Pooh; and x3 L.A.T.E. Delivering Best in Show, Frank triumphed with
Best Ball, Mary’s Jomanda. Great show! Bring it on again in October! |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/3d98scd.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/527cscd.jpg) PICNIC
IN THE PARK:
Erik outdid himself this year with elaborate arrangements and sumptuous
provender. Soc delivered Erik’s 8 hams, monster turkey, 5 lavish salads
and beverages galore and branded the parking with various cones.
Winning the farthest travel award, Barbara surprised us with a trip up
from San Diego to help Tinnee, John and Deborah Kelly clamp bright
African prints on tables. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/546bscd.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/9690scd.jpg) Super
Gigi not only transformed children’s faces, she enhanced several macho
adults’ as well. Twisting balloon sculptures and body “jewelry”
Carolyn Pagin entertained colorfully. Jake brought his catcher’s glove and
tossed about with many used-to-be ball players. Despite an
interrupting emergency, Mike Belcher brought his fire truck to the
delight of future firefighters of all ages. 3 mounted police let
children sit atop their equine officers while explaining the park beat.
Many an appreciative glance swept Dick’s 1954 sleek Jaguar sports car.
Vrooom. |
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![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/bc47scd.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/3ddfscd.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pic.pix/a80fscd.jpg) Mike
and Janet, driving down from Napa, dispensed Scrabble pointers to Bill,
Jim, and Leonard. Lou Cornish assembled an enticing Tower of Dahlia to
lure new members. Ron and JoAnn encouraged tuber sale buyers to mark
down dahlia names. From early unto dusk, Frank toiled on his hillside
trying to deadhead whilst answering myriad questions. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/monterey.pix/a%20dollar%20a%20stem%20Denis%20and%20Kate.jpg) MASONIC
TEMPLE TRANSFORMED TO DAHLIA TEMPLE:
With only 3 weeks, Kevin and Karen negotiated a new venue in Santa Cruz
for the Monterey Society’s annual show. Local media featured Sharon
Lucchesi and Joe Ghio with lavish color newspaper spreads. Bloomerati,
Pat Cunningham, Bob Papp and Bob Miller arrived from Southern
California. In all 37 exhibitors displayed almost 2000 flowers. Lou
Lombardo captured his second Novice Sweepstakes with a glorious Dark
Horse for Best BB, Pooh (CO) and Moonfire (S). Roy Stier staged all
night to garner Amateur Sweeps with Best AA, Zorro and Best NXO, Betty
Boop.
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![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/monterey.pix/Corralitos%20new%20stellar%2004EM2%20329.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/monterey.pix/Diana%20and%20Deborah%20hit%20the%20road%20after%20Santa%20Cruz.jpg) When
his two faithful pals from the Valley got lost and finally stumbled in
at 2 AM, Roy admonished them, “You know, I’ll have to dock your pay.”
His dark humor assailed us in the early hours. Corralitos
amassed Open
Sweepstakes with a lovely Best B, CG Nordic; Best MB, Franz Kafka; Best
P, Glen Place; and Best Waterlilly, Bracken Lorelei. Lou Paradise
dominated the entire top row of the Court of Honor with his signature
nonpareil, Best A, Pink Jupiter which also won both the Charles Splinter
Award and the Casey Clifford award and Best Ball Seedling as well as
Best Min, GW’s Babe. Lou and Thelma quietly nabbed Best Peony with
Brenda Sue. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/monterey.pix/Hilltop%20Ivan%20pr%20ball%20509%207%20inches%20across.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/monterey.pix/Janet%20trucks%20home%20her%20container%20gardens.jpg) Bloodied
but unbowed from an inadvertent dive on the Hillside Dell, Frank left
the emergency room to score Best NX with Valley Porcupine. Such
courage, fortitude and undaunted spirit! Deborah proudly waved ribbons
for Best AN, Stillwater Pearl and Best Stellar Camano Pet
AGAIN
. Chloe
waltzed off with best Junior x3 Pam Howden and x5 Rembrandt. The Best x5
Cornels put John and Joanna on the Head Table. Congratulations to Janet
for a lovely floating Pam Howden. Her Jane (BB IC) was the best I’ve
ever seen. Watching Janet truck home her container collections looked
like she was driving an entire garden. Imagine balancing three 14”
Cheerleaders in one vase. Kevin and Karen did. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/dinaround.pix/2006.09.24.MBDS.DineAround%20009.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/dinaround.pix/2006.09.24.MBDS.DineAround%20012.jpg) SANTA
CRUZ SENSATIONS:
You know you’re near the country when people bring produce to a dahlia
show. Generous gardeners shared home-grown tomatoes and squash. Karen
shared a redolent sheaf of basil. Mmmm!
Fundraising for their society, Katy and Denis sold dahlias to the public
for $1 a stem or $5 a bunch using flowers exhibitors had left over.
Great idea! Martha and Mike checked out the show to decide what to
feature in their boutique dahlia biz, selling to oh-so-chic Florists
like Rose & Radish or Bloomers. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/dinaround.pix/2006.09.24.MBDS.DineAround%20007.jpg) This
year Al Almand, HG Chad and Pink Jupiter have been selling out.
Magnificent Inland Dynasty and Jessica prove “too bright yellow” for
florists to match in bouquets. No accounting for taste. Three dahlias
caught my eye: Wildwest introduced by Joe Ghio next year 233, BB
ID
very autumnal; Hilltop Ivan, 509, one of the largest balls I’ve ever
seen; and lastly a new seedling from Corralitos, 04em2, 329 snazzy
fuchsia stellars. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0049.jpg) July
16 WAS A VERY HOT DAY
Although the thermometer cracked at 103 degree on July 16, Ted and Rose
paid a visit to Don and Carroll McAllister ‘s garden at Longmont,
Colorado after attending a family wedding. Don is the owner and web
editor of
Colorado Dahlia Society website and the moderator of
the Dahlia-Alert Forum . This site has been constantly quoted as the
most educational site for growing dahlias. Don and Carroll have been
growing Dahlias since 1982. The secret of McAllisters’ success in
growing Dahlias are simple : drip irrigation, tomato vine scaffolding,
and foliage fertilization. He noted that foliage fertilization gives the
leaves a bluish color. Don also has created a new bloom, named Night
Train; and, has a new one coming that quite excites him. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0058.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0046.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0045.jpg)
Don’s drip
irrigation is very extensive. It covers every one of the 200 plants, and
250 of his new seedlings. He waters every other day for about 20
minutes. On a very hot day, he waters an additional couple of times.
His secret in forming the plants is the use of tomato cages. Placed
upside down, he does not need even to tie the stems down at all and the
metal cages can be reused every year. His favorite Dahlia bloom is a
white
Mary-Hammett. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0061.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0047.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/image001.jpg)
Colorado sun
can be very harsh, so he uses a “rolling cover over his tomato cages to
protect them when they are young. He bought the white synthetic
landscape cloth at a garage sale for $5and has been using them for a
ages. Just before the August competition, in order to protect the
blooms from wilting under the Colorado sun, he places umbrellas over his
blooms. Ingenious! Tied to a metal stake, the umbrella protects the
blooms for the two days prior to competition. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0066.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0073.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/mca.pix/SANY0065.jpg)
Speaking of
competition, Don has won a lot of them, even winning prizes and praise
from the local TV station. The plaques on his wall attest to this. To
educate the public, Don and Caroll have built an educational display
showing the different forms of Dahlia and their sizes (using the actual
sizes for reality). They make use of -a second kitchen as their
laboratory and greenhouse.
What a marvelous
Dahlia loving and generous couple. You can take a virtual tour of
their garden. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/masurat.pix/Masurat's%20magnificent%20garden.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/masurat.pix/double%20shading%20Spartacus.jpg) SAN
JOSE CARAVANSERY:
In a tent encampment
overlooking The Valley, Ken and Marilyn Masurat grow watermelon,
cantaloupes, zuks, rattlesnake beans, meaty tomatoes, peppers, giant
pumpkins and a few hundred dahlias. When asked how many clumps, Ken
said, “Look at all this work. There’s no time to count.” Thanks to Roy
Stier who generously gave hundreds of superb cuttings and to Corralitos
, Ken was able to replant a devastated garden. Sometimes it gets so hot
even under the shade cloth, that Ken adds umbrella protection for his
potential Best in Shows. When asked the secret of how he gets such
monstrously BIG blooms, Ken disclosed triple or quadruple disbudding!
|
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/sanjose.pix/2006.09.10.BrendaSue.jpg) ![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/masurat.pix/Dahlias%20so%20high%20Ken%20needs%20a%20ladder%20to%20disbud.jpg) Three
varieties arrested me: Brian R, B fd just a stunning color of deep
purple; Teasbrook Audrey, CO; and Windhaven Highlight, a tall B IC with stalks like soldiers’ thighs. After slurping on
watermelon fresh off the vine Ken disrobed one of his giant pumpkins.
The white skin has to be covered lest it crack and disease due to the
rapid weight gain of over 20 pounds a day! Pumpkin vines have sharp
thorny serrations that discourage unveiling often bloodying Ken for his
ministrations. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pix/porcelein.jpg) OCTOBER OPPORTUNITIES: Celebrate the last Hurrah from your plants. Double disbudding and
cutting off weaker stalks pushes the last energy into final blooms.
Eventually most will show open centers; do not worry that your plant has
suddenly gone bad. It’s just the waning light. Let a few blooms go to
seed by not deadheading selected flowers. Wait until these heads have
lost all their petals and have turned brown. Only then, clip and hang
upside down in a sheltered spot (garage?) These will be your genetic
lottery tickets in the spring. Now is the last chance to propagate
cuttings of what you were proudest of this summer. Look for shoots
coming off the lowest stalk with at least 6 sets of leaves. Remove the
lowest set of leaves, dip in rooting hormone, pop into rooting mix (perlite
& potting soil), and ensconce under light, spritzing with a highly
diluted Miracle Gro solution. |
![](https://sfdahlias.org/newsletters/2006/oct/pix/camano%20pet.jpg) Use these final
blossoms to check your label with the ADS Classification Book to MAKE
SURE you have the right name. If you have two or more of the same
variety, ascertain which is the best version and mark immediately on the
tag. This way you will know which tubers to plant again next season.
Decide whether the other plant is suitable for our tuber sale. If it is
not good enough, throw it away RIGHT NOW. As your plants grow
spindlier, taper off with the water; wait until they exhibit the need
for water. Decide when you will be digging up your clumps then count
back at least 4 if not 6 weeks from then. That is when you want to cut
your plants back to 4-5 notches. Your tubers will winter better if they
have hardened off during this enforced dormancy. For example, in the
Dell, if we want to DIG OUT between Christmas and New Years, we need to
lop down before Thanksgiving. Throw your final garden party. Enter the
Last Hurrah! Mini show on Tuesday night. |
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Dahlia
Society of California, Inc., San Francisco, CA
-- Copyrighted
Chief Editor: Deborah Dietz
eNewsletter Editor: Ted Marr
Acknowledgement: Photos in
this issue by Deborah, DJ, Rose, Erik and Ted. |