Dahlia Masterclasses Onsite: Apollo Farm (2023 SEASON CLOSED)

 

2024 DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED. 

2023 DAHLIA MASTERCLASSES

Dividing and Storing Dahlias plus Dahlia Garden Set Up.

Dahlias should be divided every two to three years. This prevents them from choking, rotting and ensures they are healthy, and vigorous with many blooms. Tuber clumps can get large and difficult to manage if left in the ground for too long.

Masterclass Overview:

This masterclass is suitable for people with gardening experience who want to increase their practical skills and knowledge of dahlias. You will get hands-on tutoring from experts and the opportunity to discuss your dahlia and gardening questions with leading horticulture professionals.

 

Tickets: $250

Location: Apollo Farm, Waitakere, Auckland 0782

What you will learn and do:

  •  Practical training from award winning dahlia farmer, Joshua Hall PLUS world famous plant breeder and plant pathologist Dr Keith Hammett QSM who is on site to answer your detailed questions on all things dahlia related.

 

  • In the field training on digging dahlias, mounding, drainage, soil amendments, mulches and fertilisers.

 

  • Dahlia anatomy, history, genetics and botanical science information in class and online.

 

  • Access to online materials and educational videos for 90 days.

 

  • Pre-workshop self-questionnaire to identify skill sets, knowledge base, knowledge gaps, aspirations and objectives.

 

  • Post workshop exam on practical and academic dahlia botanical knowledge and practical skills.

 

  • Discussion and demonstration of a different range staking, netting, labelling plant and flower farm infrastructure.

 

  • Discussion and demonstration of the range of storage media, common problems, and the how and when of planting and potting up tubers in spring.

 

  • Dahlia tuber clumps from our breeding populations are provided for you to practice on without fear of damaging a valuable named cultivar.

 

  • All your dahlia questions answered by leading experts in horticulture.

 

  • Discussion of dahlia growing set ups: The home garden, flower farm and nursery infrastructure, objectives and best practices.

 

  • Planning your dahlia garden for maximum returns based on your objectives.

 

  • An opportunity to network with other flower farmers, horticulturists and serious gardeners.

 

  • Access to rare dahlias not available on the open market.
  • Lunch, morning tea, coffee, refreshments provided. Gluten free, vegetarian and meat lover options are catered for. Hearty home cooked country food and baking.

Testimonials:

 "Whether you are a new dahlia enthusiast or a seasoned horticulturalist you will take away a raft of knowledge about dahlias, their propagation and have had the opportunity to meet like-minded people. It was the perfect girls’ day out."

 -  Rachel Beckett - Curiosity Blooms owner and Rotorua Dahlia Club Member

 “The masterclass was exactly what I needed to level up at that time in my dahlia journey. I get asked a lot of questions about dahlias, both at my you-pick flower farm and as I’m selling dahlias and tubers at the Matakana Farmers Market, so it gives me confidence knowing with certainty that I pass on healthy tubers and sound advice to my customers. I gained new techniques and increased confidence in my practical dividing skills, as well as a chance to discuss any theoretical questions I had with the experts.”

 - Rebecka Keeling - Slow Blooms owner, Matakana