THE DAHLIA CHALLENGE

The Dahlia Challenge was started in order to continue the traditions of Lakeside Gardens that was owned by Nick Koenig and his family.

Lakeside Gardens in New Baltimore, Michigan grew Dahlias like Holland Michigan grows tulips. Although Lakeside Gardens no longer exists, a sampling of the many varieties of Dahlias that were grown are planted each year in a garden bed at the entrance to the Walter and Mary Burke Park in downtown New Baltimore.

A plaque commemorating Nick Koenig as "America's Dahlia King" is located inside the flower bed. The flower bed is maintained to this day by members of the Koenig family. A park bench that sits on the top of the park steps was purchased in memory of Katherine Fisher, one of Nick Koenig's daughters.

Dahlia tubers that are dug up in the fall from the flower bed are divided and then replanted the next spring.

The additional tubers that develop during the growing season are then "adopted" by individuals at the Kickoff of the Dahlia Challenge* with the promise that they will make every effort to grow dahlia at home.

At the end of the summer all the adoptees meet at the New Baltimore Farmers Market and bring a sample cutting (or potted plant) of their blooms for the Dahlia Challenge Judging*

The blooms are judged by members of the Koenig family and other selected judges with prizes are awarded for several categories ~ with winners receiving a 'prize' gift from the NBFM!

Attention Dahlia Challenge Contestants:

The 'Kick-off' of the 2024 Dahlia Challenge will be held at the Annual 'Plant & Flower' Day (Mother's Day too!) ~ on May 12th, 2024.

*To sign up...visit the NBFM Tent at the corner of Washington & Front Streets between 10:00 am - 1:00 pm to complete an entry card, pick out your Dahlia tuber and take it home to plant.

Two expert dahlia growers will be on hand this Sunday to give advice on the planting and care of these superb flowers. Haile Dane And Sue Hollenbach will be handing out the tubers from 10:00am until 1:00pm or until they are all gone. 

~ HOWEVER ~

You can also complete an entry card & purchase your own Dahlia tuber to plant and bring back to be judged.

Bring your grown flower(s) back to be judged.

Entries can be cut flowers or potted *see below

The Judging will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at the Main NBFM Info Tent at NOON with winners announced and prizes distributed immediately on site (located within the market at the Intersection of Washington & Front Streets).

The actual Challenge will award prizes in 5 categories.

The Categories are: the biggest flower, the most petite flower, the most colorful flower, the most unique flower and Elsie's Choice (Best in Show) with honorable mentions in each category.

So Meet Me At The Market this Sunday!!!

Cuttings and live specimens (no photo entries) will be accepted at the Dahlia Challenge table between 10 am & 11:45 am.

^ALL entries MUST arrive no later than 11:45 am^

You will be able to retrieve your Dahlia to take home at 1 pm.

The Judging will be held at the Annual Kids & Family Day on September 29th at the Main NBFM Info Tent at NOON with winners announced and prizes distributed immediately on site (located within the market at the Intersection of Washington & Front Streets).

Cuttings and live specimens (no photo entries) will be accepted at the Dahlia Challenge table between 10 am & 11:45 am.

^ALL entries MUST arrive no later than 11:45 am^

You will be able to retrieve your Dahlia to take home at 1 pm.