About Us
Our History
Our History
Our History
The Elkhart Dahlia Society was formed in the 1950's, by Elkhart School Superintendent, Joe Rice, and local plumber, Lee Deuel. They hosted the first annual Elkhart Dahlia Society Show in 1956.
We became a 501c3 tax exempt organization in 2019.
The Elkhart Dahlia Society is affiliated with the American Dahlia Society and the Midwest Dahlia Conference.
Our Mission
Our History
Our History
Our goals are to teach others about growing and exhibiting dahlias; to share our collective knowledge; and to continue the traditions of those dahlia growers who came before us. Initiatives include mentoring about the importance of responsible gardening, maintaining the Bonneyville Mill Dahlia Trial Garden, and propagating and hybridizing new and exciting varieties of dahlias.
Events
Our History
Events
We have meetings, club luncheons, dahlia sales, and Dahlia Shows.
We do not hold monthly meetings, but that might change.
Annually our usual schedule is:
First Sat. of February--Winter Meeting to view new introductions, eat, plan events
First Sat. of May--Spring Surplus Sale
First Sat of June--Midwest Conference Luncheon and Plant Auctio
We have meetings, club luncheons, dahlia sales, and Dahlia Shows.
We do not hold monthly meetings, but that might change.
Annually our usual schedule is:
First Sat. of February--Winter Meeting to view new introductions, eat, plan events
First Sat. of May--Spring Surplus Sale
First Sat of June--Midwest Conference Luncheon and Plant Auction hosted by EDS
Second Sat. of August--Dahlia Judging Seminar at Bonneyville Mill ADS Trial Garden
Weekend following Labor Day--EDS Annual Dahlia Show.
October awards banquet & meeting for dahlia storage techniques.
We try to participate with Michiana Master Gardener events, last Saturday in Feb,
and last Saturday of June. Most years we have a garden walk or two in August or September.