Young Growers Shine at Sheffield’s Dewey Hall Dahlia Festival

The third annual Dahlia Festival at Dewey Hall in Sheffield took an unexpected turn last weekend as young growers showcased their talents, capturing the attention of the audience. The festival attracted over 200 entries, with seasoned gardeners and novice growers competing across ten categories for the coveted first, second, and third place ribbons.

This year marked a significant addition: a Junior Growers category for participants under twelve, who were judged on criteria such as size and color rather than the usual classifications. Young participants like six-year-olds Maeve Carroll and Theo Jordan, as well as eight-year-old Antonia Ketchen, received recognition for their impressive blooms. The festival celebrated not only their achievements but also the joy of gardening, encouraging children to engage with nature away from screens.

The atmosphere shifted dramatically during the awards ceremony as Wenonah Webster announced the winners of the prestigious Judges’ Choice and People’s Choice awards. Many in attendance expected the honors to go to established growers such as Maria Nation and Naomi Blumenthal, renowned for their exquisite dahlias. However, the Judges’ Choice went to eleven-year-old Ada Ketchen, sparking heartfelt applause and a sense of pride in the next generation of horticulturists.

Ada, who grew her award-winning dahlia at her family’s property in West Stockbridge, expressed her surprise, stating, “Wow. It is so cool that I won.” Her flower, a cultivar named ‘Bloomquist Jean,’ features soft orange petals that evoke the elegant feather cloches popular in the 1920s. The judges, including experts from the Berkshire Botanical Garden, noted that Ada’s bloom met their high standards with its fresh petals and nearly perfect form.

The judging panel, composed of experienced horticulturalists such as Barbara Bockbrader and Dorthe Hvid, remarked that their decision was unanimous. The quality of Ada’s flower, with its recurved petals, distinguished it from the competition. Her mother, who operates a flower stand called Aura in Great Barrington, noted that Ada was initially nervous about participating, illustrating the event’s friendly spirit.

The excitement continued as the People’s Choice award was revealed, with first-time entrant Rob Rose, a teacher at Berkshire School, winning alongside his son, Robert Jr. Rose expressed delight in participating, further highlighting the festival’s inclusive atmosphere where experienced and new growers alike could share their passions.

The event not only celebrated the beauty of dahlias but also fostered a sense of community and mentorship among participants of all ages. The festival concluded on a sweet note, with cupcakes decorated to resemble dahlias from Maeflour Macrons, adding a delightful touch to the weekend’s festivities.

As the attendees left, the enthusiasm for the next year’s festival was palpable, with many eager to see how this new generation of growers continues to blossom in the future.