Last weekend was all about dahlias during the Holland Dahlia Event. Although it was a challenging season for the dahlias, the late flowering turned out to be a stroke of luck in the end, as there were plenty of flowers available for the event, says Ted Kortekaas.
The jury of the dahlia mosaics with chairmanTed Kortekaas (fourth from right)
Cycling routes along 110 mosaics throughout the region, the sunshine, and accessible dahlia gardens at Keukenhof Castle made this a great event, says Ted. "IT was all about dahlias, we were positively surprised by the large turnout and the beautiful weather. We even had to open a second car park at Keukenhof Castle, which has never happened before."
Number 1 in Lisse and the all-over winner
From Leiden to Haarlem
To see all 110 mosaics, visitors had to make a trip of about 60 kilometers. Ted says: "Around 10 communities participated. For the judges, it was also quite a big tour. The competition element does not apply to every participant. Taking part and having fun is also important. I am chairman of the jury that judged the mosaics. We went out with four teams of three judges, then we met to look at the photos and results of the mosaics. Finally, we chose the winners."
The Deer from Hillegom, winner Hillegom, Bennebroek and Vogelenzang (L); and the winner from Noordwijk and Teylingen, Family Kuiper from Warmond (R)
"These mosaics were made by individuals, associations, care institutions, schools and local entrepreneurs, a total of 110 participants. My team's route was mainly concerned with care institutions. We saw people's enthusiasm and the fun they have with it, which shows that this event brings people together and makes them happy in another way."
Stichting Sterkzaam from Lisse as the best care institution (L); and a prize for new entrant Het Smaakhuis in Lisse (R)
No shortages
"For the Holland Dahlia Event, dahlias were specially planted in cooperation with a group of dahlia gardens, which work specifically for this kind of events. Also in Lisse, there is a garden that specifically cuts flowers for among others the Bloemencorso in Zundert. Despite previous shortages, we were less affected by this because our event fell after the shortage. There is a supply-and-demand bank where dahlias are distributed for events, so to speak. Although there was a shortage of certain colors, all colors could be used," Ted says. "When it comes to dahlia type, only the Pompom dahlia is used. Mosaics may be supplemented 10% with other natural materials, but must consist of at least 90% dahlias."
From 10 to 13 October, the Duin- en Bollenvierdaagse takes place, which is also dedicated to the dahlia. Both the start and finish will be decorated with dahlias, and there will be several trial gardens where visitors can pick dahlias.
For more information:
www.hollanddahliaevent.nl