Midlands Dahlia Society Logo based on the original 1958 broach Midlands Dahlia Society
The Midlands Dahlia Society

 

Doing it my way - talk by Barry Kenyon

There were over 30 members listening to Barry's talk on the 21st April 2010.  The talk was about Barry's experiences in growing dahlias - something he started in 1973!

For those who have not met Barry, I have 'borrowed' this photo from the north west dahlia web site(http://www.north-west-dahlias/index.htm.co.uk)  - Barry is a member.
In this picture is Barry with his North West Dahlia Societies Championship Winning Entry, 2006

Barry Kenyon

Barry began growing and showing dahlias in the small dec class in 1973, with some success in the following years.  He then moved on to other things with pressure of work etc.


In 1993 he bought a farm, however it was 1999 before he grew some miniature dahlias, winning the min dec class in Harrogate in 2001.

 

In 2003 the opportunity came to make a new start.  So back to basics - what are the key criteria for growing dahlias?  He focussed on four items:
   Light
   Water
   Soil
   TLC

 

 

 

Light:
where to grow the dahlias? Barry decided on a strip facing East to West.  It is 110ft by 26ft, with covers, these are left on till June - so that the correct amount of water is in the soil.

 

Water:
giants need 1 gallon of water a day, so a set of water pipes should be used.