NM Dahlia Society Meeting – November 9, 2025
Edith Iwan
NMDS President Edith Iwan demonstrating how to dvide dahlias.
The November meeting of the NM Dahlia Society was held on November 9, 2025 at the Albuquerque Garden Center, 10120 Lomas NE, in Grace’s Room. The program “Fall Dahlia Care” was conducted outside in the area of the NMDS garden plot.
NMDS Treasure Jo Ann Miller, David Wimsatt, Joe Gorvetzian, John Bond, Sue Bond renewing their NMDS membership.
NMDS President Edith Iwan represented the NMDS at two Colorado Dahlia Society shows in Colorado. She took home the Showcase award at both shows. See More.
Bill Shen, David Wimsatt and Joe Gorvetzian,
Program: Fall Dahlia Care
Members went out to the Dahlia Garden at the Albuquerque Garden Center and dug up all the dahlias except 4 plants that still had buds and flowers on them. Members had a chance to help with digging and dividing dahlias and also learn about the growth bud and storing them over the winter.
Treasurer Emeritus Howard McCall, NMDS President Edith Iwan and Master Gardener Bill Shen provided tutorials on digging up dahlia tubers, cleaning, dividing, and storing them for the winter. All topics were covered in great detail.
Edith Iwan’s Tutorial
Bill Shen’s Tutorial
Howard McCall’s Tutorial
Minutes
Meeting was called to order by Edith Iwan. 20 people (members & visitors) were in attendance and introductions were made.
Secretary’s report: Julie Moss was not present. Minutes taken by Declan Padget. October minutes were sent by e-mail. No corrections requested.
Treasurer’s report: Jo Ann Miller gave the report: $3,877 in the account after $280 in dues income and $1,046 in bills paid.
Albuquerque Garden Center: Edith reported the benefits of membership in the Albuquerque Council of Garden Clubs and the responsibilities to contribute dues and volunteer time. A part of that is the large dahlia representation at the NM State Fair. Sue Bond reported that the State Fair will have the Horticulture (Flower) Building with ability to drop off exhibits at the door. We will need a classification person designated from the NMDS on their Board.
Report from the Agri-Nature Center: Bill Shen reported the dahlias have died and are ready to be dug. Saturday, November 20th from 10 am to 2 pm everyone is encouraged to participate in the digging. Food will be provided. The date is weather dependent and subject to change.
Posts documenting the Dahlia Projects this year.
Report on the NMDS website: Aaron Greenwood is working on the website and will have a written report on how it is developing at the next meeting.
New Business: Election for 2026 Board Members – nominated:
President Edith Iwan
Vice-President open
Secretary Julie Moss
Treasurer Jo Ann Miller
A request for other nominees was made and there were no additional names added.
A vote by raised hands was made and the slate was elected for 2026.
2026 meetings: Suggestions for programs and garden meetings are needed
Dues for 2026 local and national: $15 due now for NMDS. American Dahlia Society dues will be done on the internet website by May for present members. New members see Treasurer.
Constitution and By-Laws: They were last updated in 2012. The NMDS Board will review for up-date and present at the January meeting.
Tuber sale 2026: Date is Friday & Saturday, April 24 & 25. We need a committee to help make it more visible and consumer friendly. We will continue the price of $6/tuber.
NMDS Show: Dahlia of the year for 2026 show needs to be decided early. Get your nominations in and we will vote on them in January.
Program: Fall Dahlia care. Members went out to the Dahlia Garden at the Albuquerque Garden Center and dug up all the dahlias except 4 plants that still had buds and flowers on them. Members had a chance to help with digging and dividing dahlias and learn about the growth bud and storing them over the winter. More practice digging and dividing was encouraged: Locations are Agri-Nature Center and at Howard McCall’s garden.