Winter Solstice

The winter solstice on December 21 reminded me of the passing of time and the metamorphosis of the earth. While she sleeps, the soil and the things that live there quietly labor, under the snow and ice, going through the change process that prepares our soil for Spring planting. It marks the end of a year that was very eventful for me in many ways. I'm talking about my dahlia work, both in the garden and with my clubs. I had the honor of leading a great show committee for our NCW Dahlia Society's show in September, and although our valley was socked in by a pervasive layer of toxic ash and smoke, we still were able to enjoy one of our best shows ever. Our judges were amazing, functioning as teachers as they did their judging work. Many of them also became friends - what a gift that has been! Here in NCW, we experienced a late maturation of flowers, due in part to extreme heat and poor water conditions and irrigation challenges. Some of us also experienced some disease in the early part of our growing season, causing a need for treatment and mitigation before the babies could put forth healthy blooms and foliage again. Several of us participated as competitors in dahlia shows locally and across the state, and also received ribbons at our two local county fairs. I realize that a lot of longtime dahlia exhibitors often leave all but the most impressive rosettes on the exhibit tables at the end of a show, but I haven't won enough to be able to do that. I brought all my ribbons home, hanging them from a few hooks in my family room so I could see them throughout the rest of the year - it was really fun to see them, and imagine a new season coming up in 2013, and the possibility of bringing home more higher awards then. A few of my favorite ribbons even made it onto my Christmas tree this year - reminding me of some of the best times of my life, going from show to show, spending time with some of my favorite people!

The adventure of going to other venues to show alongside some of the best dahlia growers in the world is actually unparalleled. I love the time I spent with these wonderful people, and I realize that they have changed my life for the better.

As 2012 comes to a close, I want to thank everyone who enriched my life just by being a part of the dahlia world. I have made some of my most enduring friendships and learned from some of the best teachers. Many of these people knew, or knew OF my dad, and through them I had the opportunity to touch the past, and see the future. I always feel like my dad was walking with me through every gathering of dahlia people that I have been a part of this year. I've also been able to experience the excitement of facilitating the development of new seedlings in my own back yard, and propagating new stock through the process of cuttings. I've walked through some sensational gardens, and been welcomed with open arms by people whose only wish was to help this novice learn and improve. While competition is clearly a part of the exhibition process, the dahlia people who have helped me this year represent some of the most generous and giving souls that I have had the honor to know. I will always owe a huge debt of gratitude to each and everyone of you who have been, and will continue to be a part of my growth as a grower, and hopefully a better person. Thank you so very much!