New Mexico Dahlia Society April 6, 2025 Meeting

S u e   I s l e y

President Edith Iwan called the meeting to order. The meeting took place at the Albuquerque Garden Center between 2:00-4:00pm. Twenty-two members and one guest were in attendance.

Treasurer Howard McCall reported that there is about $2,700.00 in the Society’s account. The American Dahlia Association will donate $600.00 to our New Mexico Dahlia Society, which represents 50% of the proceeds received from the live and silent auctions held last month.

New Website for NMDS

Sue Isley spoke briefly about taking pictures for the NMDS, primarily in conjunction with the forthcoming new website. She urged any and all members to contribute photographs to the new website. She then introduced her husband, Aaron Greenwood, who is designing and building the new website for the group.

Aaron Greenwood briefly described his current work on the new website for the New Mexico Dahlia Society. He has acquired the domain “nmdahliasociety.org” for the group and the site is currently being hosted by him indefinitely. Aaron stated that the website’s development will proceed in 3 phrases, gradually increasing in complexity as follows:

Phase 1: Single web-page within 7 days or fewer to include basic information, including information about the Spring Tuber Sale at the end of the month;

Phase 2: “Simple yet Elegant” format withing 4-6 weeks, to include multiple web-pages;

Phase 3: Mature Website will be fully functional and will include many features, including a
history of the NMDS, group activities, and other highlights.

NM State Fair

Sue Bond spoke about the NM State Fair and, as of this point in time, there have unfortunately been no changes . . . which means that there will be no flower shows of any kind at the NM State Fair this year. A discussion followed about what options might be available to alter this current situation. Howard McCall stated that he has attempted to contact a member of the State Fair Board, but has been unable to make contact with this individual. Sue Bond concurred that she has also been unable to reach this individual by phone. A general appeal was issued to all group members (present or absent at the meeting) for help in contacting members of the State Fair Board.

Bill Shen, representing the Agri-Nature Center in Los Ranchos, posed the question as to whether or not he should ask their board to reserve dates for a flower show on their property. He then described how that Agri-Nature Center has ¼ acres plots for community use. He has reserved two plots for the NMDS, each measuring 33’ x 3’ and provided with water/irrigation systems. Members were encouraged to volunteer to work on these plots during the growing and blooming season.

Albuquerque Garden Center Plot

Once again this year, the NMDS will be growing dahlias at the Albuquerque Garden Center. Meeting attendees visited the outside plot and stakes were placed in the ground to support the dahlias once they begin to grow.

Spring Tuber Sales

Member Dina Bello has generously offered to provide her garage as a “dropping off” and storage location in preparation for the Tuber Sale. Members are encouraged to drop off tubers at Dino’s house, located at 406 Ortiz Drive, NE (not far from the Albuquerque Garden Center) on Tuesday 22 April.

Tubers will sell for $6.00 each or $15.00 for three. For every purchase of 3 tubers, the NMDS will be adding a free tuber (“Clearview Daniel”). Members who donate tubers will be given first choice for purchasing tubers; members who do not donate will be given 2nd choice, beginning on Tuesday evening.

Members may also purchase tubers on Friday morning 25 April, beginning at 8:00am, when the Tuber Sale actually begins. The sale will take place in the courtyard of the Albuquerque Garden Center, and is open to the public from 1:00-6:00pm. The sale will continue on Saturday between the hours of 8:00am-12:00pm. Member should call or text Edie to volunteer to help with the sale.

Meeting Program

Soil preparation and dahlia care were discussed, as well as “pulse watering,” a process that was introduced by a member of the ADS last month during a presentation entitled “Growing Dahlias in Semi-Arid and Desert Conditions.”

Howard McCall mentioned that he knows of a product that helps reduce powdery mildew. He also mentioned that when displaying cut dahlia in vases, put hot water in the vase initially to help the cut flowers last longer.

Dahlias prefer certain kinds of soils, especially those that are rich in organic matter and phosphorus. Obviously, not all areas are blessed with optimal soil, but there are ways to compensate for any deficients. If concerned about your soil, you can contact any of the following to have your soil tested:
in Colorado, contact colostate.edu; in Oregon, contact oregonstate.edu; and in Texas, contact tamu.edu.

ADS Judging

Edith presented ADS Judging Module 2, “Fully Double Dahlias” to members.

Next Meeting

The meeting of the NMDS for May 2025 will be held at Edith Iwan’s Gardens.
Carpooling will be arranged. Sandwiches will be be provided.