Amy's Star (a favorite of Harry)

Photo from the ADS Online Classification Guide

When Sharon and I took on the newsletter following the passing of Steve Nowotarski, we committed to speaking to the casual dahlia grower. We would keep it fresh in text and format, by starting from scratch each month. As time went on and we surveyed our subscribers we discovered that we had quite a number of experienced dahlia growers. We decided to add internet links and footnotes to engage that audience. The texts remained straightforward. Our mantra was and is, “if you can grow tomatoes, you can grow dahlias.”

After more than 40 newsletters, all archived here, Sharon and I have decided that it is time to bring new voices to the publication. Fortunately, Dianne and Martin have agreed to take on Dahlia Talk. (See their bios below.) We are excited because both of them are serious dahlia growers. Dianne is of a more recent vintage, and Martin is not only a veteran grower, but a renowned student of dahlia history, with connections to the European dahlia community and elsewhere.

Dahlia Talk will remain a free monthly newsletter. Beyond that, the future remains in their hands. It has been a privilege to talk dahlias with you, and to watch our subscribers grow in number. 

Thank you,

Harry and Sharon

Hollyhill Black Beauty (a favorite of Sharon)

Photo from the ADS Online Classification Guide

Dianne Reitan has been a fundraiser for over a decade and is serving her second term on the board of the Western Museum of Mining & Industry, in Colorado Springs. With her knowledge of non-profits and dahlias, Dianne created Dianne's Dahlias, a retail dahlia business and grows her flowers on part of the grounds (27 acres) of the mining museum. Dianne shares dahlia sales proceeds with this unique educational institution and is excited to help diversify the museum's revenue sources. Dianne has been married to David for over 12 years and they enjoy hiking with and doting on their two miniature schnauzers, Bart and Atticus. 

Martin Kral is in his 53^rd year of dahlia growing but has not lost his enthusiasm for the flower. His suburban Seattle plot holds 120 varieties, and since he doesn't exhibit, he selects those varieties that strike his fancy. A contributing editor of Dahlias of Today since its inception in 1980, he has written nearly 200 articles on dahlia culture here and abroad. Some of his work has also appeared in dahlia-related books. His career as a publicist has given him the tools needed for effective communication. Known also for his photography, he promotes the flower's universal appeal in print and by giving presentations to gardeners. HIs ongoing interest in the dahlia's history and botany has resulted in research-based articles that have put him in touch with notable scientists and institutions worldwide. Along with specific topics, he plans to give the gardener's perspective on dahlia culture in this newsletter.  

Archive of previous emails here,