Trial Garden
Results of the 2024 Trial Garden located at Swan Island Dahlias.
Each entry is only identified by a number, so no one (except the trial garden director) knows who sent in each one, the names of the varieties, or what they are supposed to look like. With all the great dahlia hybridizers in the Pacific Northwest, the entry being judged could have come from the other side of the country, or from the person standing next to you in the garden!
Then our dahlia show judges come in and score the entries according to show criteria. They consider aspects of form and color, as well as the stems, leaves, number of blooms, and overall presentation of the flowers. The judges are looking for the best new varieties, which they hope will compete well against current show winners. Entries are judged on a 100 point scale, and must score 85 or higher to pass. Passing entries are recognized by the ADS, and may also become eligible for further awards. A dahlia variety does not need to pass in a trial garden to be introduced for sale, or even to be entered in dahlia shows, but a good trial garden score is something prospective buyers value. Every year brings a new set of entries, and since they are only identified by entry number, each one is an exciting new surprise when the first flowers open.
2024 TRIAL GARDEN PICTURES HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE GALLERY CHECK THEM OUT BELOW WITH NAME, FORM AND TRIAL GARDEN SCORES
OldPro Nova B ID WH 87.5 - John Providenza

Agape Tony E B SC RD 89.6 - Steve Lamb/Debbie Pavich

Clearview Clara Belle BB SC LB 85.3 - Richard Parshall

Maria K BB SC DP 85 - Steve Meggos

Oldoc Hippie CHick B LC FL 87.2 -Jan Gawthrop

DS Doris M FD DR 86.25 - Dave Smith

20th Ave Tranquility M FD LV 85.1 - Rich Gibson

Petal Faster BB ID LB 85.45 - Nicholas Gitts

River's Amanda BB SC V 85.8 - Eugene Kenyon

Hollyhill Sincerely BB IC LB 92.75 - Ted & Margaret Kennedy

Hollyhill Minuet BB IC DP 86.5 - Ted & Margaret Kennedy

River's Ruth M ID DR 85.3 - Eugene Kenyon

River's Ruth M ID DR 85.3 - Eugene Kenyon

Irish Pinky MC FD PK 85.95 - Steve & Sandy Boley

Sandia Evie G AN DP 89 - Steve & Sandy Boley

Kelsey Molly MCO RD 91.4 - Colin Walker

Kelsey O. Nerka MS PK 89.53 - Colin Walker