Meeting Activities: Speaker, Flower Show

Click here for Flower Show Details. Flower Show entries need to be in place by 6:30pm.

Guest Speaker: Mike Parrish

Topic: The World of Dahlias (the ins and outs of growing them)

Mike will share the secrets of growing dahlias, from choosing among their dazzling range of colours, sizes, and forms to mastering seasonal care. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or simply curious about adding these spectacular flowers to your garden, you’ll come away with practical tips and inspiration to help your dahlias thrive.

Mike will also share highlights of the activities of the Hamilton Dahlia Society, which hosts monthly meetings (virtual in winter, in-person during summer) and has members from across Canada and beyond.

p.s. - the name of the giant bloom in his photo is Islander!

BIO

Mike Parrish is the President of the Hamilton Dahlia Society, which has members spanning the entire country and a few members in the USA. 

He started growing dahlias for pleasure and soon thereafter caught the competitive bug; he has now been growing dahlias for over 20 years. He is a senior dahlia judge through the ADS and the local judging Chair. He also belongs to the Canadian Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society.  Mike has exhibited at the American National Show in the past and won top honours with exhibits in the Court of Honour.  He is a member of the American Dahlia Society and was the Canadian representative on the Judging Curriculum Committee to develop on-line judging modules.  Annually, he exhibits dahlias at five different shows in southern Ontario throughout August and September.
Professionally, Mike is a Paediatric Anesthesiologist at McMaster Children's Hospital.  His passion for dahlias allows him time outside to connect with nature when he's not working in the operating room.