Newly formed Wanganui and District Dahlia Circle holds first meeting

Dennis Rodgers hands Diana Loader the National Dahlia Society of New Zealand's Promotion Trophy. Photo / Supplied

Whanganui has the only new Dahlia Circle established in New Zealand in the past 10 years, National Dahlia Society of New Zealand Vice President Dennis Rodgers says.

He was here for the inaugural meeting of the Wanganui and District Dahlia Circle. It was convened by Whanganui dahlia enthusiast Diana Loader, who will lead the group.

Rodgers presented her with the society's Promotion Trophy. It's awarded every year, if there is a worthy recipient.

"It's from the national society, for her promotion of the dahlia throughout the region."
There were 12 at the meeting - including people from Shannon, Mangamahu and Rongotea - with apologies received from other possible members.

The circle will meet monthly, to exchange information on growing and showing dahlias. It is affiliated to the national group.

New Zealand has two dahlia shows a year, one in the North Island and one in the South Island. Next year's North Island show is in Feilding, on February 9-10.

"The thought is that these people will commence showing at the local horticultural society's show, and others in the region," Rodgers said.

Dahlias, an old-fashioned flower grown annually from tubers, are having a national surge of popularity.

"Suddenly florists have realised the value of dahlias as cut flowers, and for wedding flowers too, and the vast range of colours available," Rodgers said.