Dahlia Mania

Whoopee, Dahlia Mania in The Wilbraham

Our Peter Wilson, of Little Wilbraham, won the MONTAGUE CUP at the Wisely Royal Horticulture Society. The Montague Cup was started in 1955

Peter’s win consisted of three firsts and a second. How good is that! Fantastic. This UK National Dahlia competition is held once a year in Surry and attracts entries from all over the United Kingdom and the world.

Peter as a newcomer to this illustrious event, could only enter as a novice competitor, classed as division C. This division has 17 individual classes. The first prize winners of these classes are judged together, with the resulting outcome of just one winner of the Montague Cup.

Previous to this year, 2016, the classes had been won by county winners. In just his first year Peter surpassed them all.

Peter’s dahlias which were the winners are Willowfield George, a relatively new comer, having been created by George Powley only three years ago.

In the judging process the dahlias are subject to very close scrutiny. They have to be the right size and when measured with the standard ring. If the bloom touches the ring, i.e. if it’s slightly too large, it is disqualified. The centres have to be virtually perfect and there can be no blemishes on the petals.

Peter will keep the cup until March and will have his name engraved on it.

A tribute to Stewart should be mentioned, Peters proud dad, who is very much a knowledgable dahlia enthusiast himself. Stewart Wilson has continually been there to help and encourage Peter through all his dahlia growing years.

Congratulations Peter, we are all so very proud of you.Congratulations Peter, we are all so very proud of you.

Wendy Craig