National dahlia show ‘a visual feast’

Showing off his "Light Accord", which won the Champion of Champions award, is Wayne Burgess, of Waikouaiti, while his wife Donna holds the Champion Vase of "Amy Cave", another of the couple’s show successes. Photos: Gillian Vine

The weekend’s South Island National Dahlia Show in Waikouaiti drew exhibitors from as far as Blenheim and Invercargill, who brought hundreds of dahlias from tiny pompom to giant decorative varieties.

"It’s a visual feast and I’m thrilled with the number of entries," show co-ordinator Stuart Brown said.

Standing in front of one of the entry tables is show co-ordinator Stuart Brown, who was thrilled with the number of entries.

He was delighted with attendance at the show and the five-garden tour run in conjunction with the event.

Canadian judge Anne Kenney said the variety of dahlias on show was "amazing and it’s great to see New Zealand [bred] ones".

The colour range at the show impressed the judges.

She loved her judging assignment assessing the large decorative dahlias.

In the end, Waikouaiti couple Donna and Wayne Burgess took out the Champion of Champions accolade for their large semi-cactus variety "Light Accord". They also won numerous other awards, including best vase for a beautifully matched trio of miniature ball "Amy Cave".

Waiting on results Waikouaiti siblings Walker Hart, 11, and Emily Hart-Walton, 10, were all smiles.

It was a great weekend for Mr Burgess, who is president of the Dunedin Dahlia Circle, which co-hosted the South Island National Dahlia Show with the Waikouaiti Garden Club.

"We’re ecstatic. It’s a great result for us and the Dunedin Dahlia Circle, achieving this on our own ground."