Dahlias are in full bloom at The Gardens at Lake Merritt

Chris Dix and Curtis Maxwell, experienced dahlia growers and members of the San Leandro Dahlia Society, are preparing for a competition show at The Gardens at Lake Merritt on August 30-31. Their cultivation efforts yield a vibrant array of dahlias, which they cross-pollinate to create new varieties, some of which are named after family members. The garden is maintained solely by volunteers, incurring costs of $500-$600 annually for materials like soil and fertilizer. Visitors can explore the colorful flowers and purchase bouquets during the show, with proceeds helping to fund garden care. Each flower is labeled with unique names that hold personal significance, reflecting the growers' connections to their families.

The event offers free admission, with parking available for $5. As the show approaches, Dix and Maxwell will prune the flowers deemed worthy for competition. Additionally, they aim to inspire local gardening enthusiasts by selling tubers in the spring for those interested in growing their own dahlias.