Dahlia Projects at the Larry P. Abraham Agri-Nature Center

Lavender Field Planting

June 14, 2025

A a r o n   G r e e n w o o d

Master Gardener Bill Shen laid out a single line grid using red flags to mark where tubers were to be planted.

The Planting Of The Old Lavender Field June 14, 2025.

Under the guidance of Master Gardener Bill Shen, NMDS members Aaron Greenwood, Sue Isley and Jo Ann Miller planted 59 dahlia tubers along row 14 of the old Lavender field. The soil was very dry and it took some effort to break it up enough so we could plant the tubers.

AgriNature staff had previously added compost to the row and we added alfalfa pellets as a natural fertilizer. The freshly planted tubers were watered by hand, but a drip system is in the process of being installed. Everyone enjoyed the planting despite the high temperatures.

Dahlia Tuber Locations Running West to East

  • 01-10   Ivanetti BA PR
  • 11-19   Cornel BA DR
  • 20-26   Snoho Doris BA DB
  • 27-33   Naomi Orange BBFD OR
  • 34-37   Alabaster BFD W
  • 38-42   AC Fancy BBFD BI
  • 43-45   Steven David BBID
  • 46-48   OJ Hawkins CO OR
  • 49        Clearview Daniel BA Y
  • 50        Columbus MB L
  • 51        Stoneleigh Joyce P R
  • 52-53   Sir Richard MB DP
  • 54-56   Frank Holmes P L
  • 57        Little Scottie P Y
  • 58-59   Diva BBFD PR

Under the Old Shade Tree

Sue Isley and Jo Ann Miller taking a well deserved break. Sue was one of the planters along with Aaron Greenwood. Jo Ann handled the administration side of things organizing the tubers for planting and recording the tuber placements.

Jo Ann and Sue are contributing authors for the NMDS website. Sue also takes photos for the site.  See the Contributing Author Showcase section at the end of this post for links to examples of their work.

Beginning of the Planting

Sue Isley is mixing alfalfa pellets with the soil at the bottom of the hole in order to introduce a natural fertilizer. She will then place a 6 inch section of PCP pipe in the hole leaving an inch or two exposed above the surface. The pipe marks where a stake can be inserted safely and not hit the tuber. The tuber will be placed eye up and close to the PCP pipe, after which the hole is filled

Almost Halfway!

The planting phase is well under way. Sue Isley is finishing up the planting of a dahlia tuber, while master gardener Bill Shen is watering the completed section.

Row 14 is located along the northern edge of the old Lavender Field. This position is optimal for being seen by traffic moving south along Rio Grande Boulevard.

 

Photo Credits:
Aaron Greenwood except where indicted.
Sue Isley: Featured image on top of the page.

Contributing Author Showcase:

Sue Isley
2025 Dahlia Tuber Sale

Jo Ann Miller
Dahlias – A History