This page contains details for the 2026 National Show. The table of contents provides quick links to each of the sections included here.
Schedule of Events
Thursday (8/27)
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Registration Available (Sheraton)
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Welcome Reception* (Sheraton)
8:30 PM – 11:00 PM: Hospitality Room (Sheraton)
Note: Cold Room / Storage Area Available (Fredrik Meijer Gardens) (more details to come)
Friday (8/28)
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Registration Available (Sheraton)
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Debrie & Miner Garden Tour meet at SheratonLobby*
2:00 PM – Midnight: Staging Blooms (Fredrik Meijer Gardens)
6:30 PM – 11:00 PM: Hospitality Room (Sheraton)
Saturday (8/29)
4:00 AM – 8:30 AM: Staging Blooms (Fredrik Meijer Gardens)
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM: Clerks Instructions (Fredrik Meijer Gardens – Downstairs)
8:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Judges Instructions (Fredrik Meijer Gardens – Ballroom)
9:00 AM – Noon: Judging (Fredrik Meijer Gardens – Ballroom)
Noon – 1:00 PM: Lunch (Fredrik Meijer Gardens)*
Noon – 5:00 PM: Show is open to the Public
1:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Slots for Radiant Forms Exhibit & Fredrik Meijer Gardens Tram Tour*
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Insect Presentation (Sheraton)
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Happy Hour (Sheraton)
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Banquet Dinner (Sheraton)*
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Award Presentations (Sheraton)
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Hospitality Room (Sheraton)
Sunday (8/30)
6:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast*
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: ADS Presentations (Sheraton)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Floral Arrangement Presentation – Fun Dahlia Design (Sheraton)
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM: Dahlia Virus Presentation (Sheraton)
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Dahlia Crushed Glass Art Class (Sheraton)*
2:45 PM – 4:15 PM: Hybridizing Presentation (Sheraton)
9:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Hospitality Room (Sheraton)
Monday (8/31)
9:30 AM – 4:30 PM: Vigor Cantrell Garden Tour meet at Sheraton Lobby*
* – Indicates registration is required for this event
Tours And Events Information
Debrie & Miner Garden Tour
Join us Friday, August 28th from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm for a bus tour to visit the gardens of Luke & Joni Debrie (WMDS Trustee and owner of Tree House Blooms LLC) and Jeff and Nikki Miner (WMDS President and second-generation grower). We will leave the Sheraton to tour both gardens. We look forward to showing you what works in our climate to help dahlias thrive. These two gardens have two very different soil types and two different methods to support dahlias. Lunch is included with this tour (more details on lunch will be provided closer to show-time).
Joni’s garden sports unique structures designed and built to handle a large number of dahlias. Her garden includes roughly 2,000 plants of named cultivars plus many seedlings in various years of trials. Joni grows a mix of show and cut-flower varieties, with no open-centered cultivars. Joni’s daughter, Madison, also grows dahlias and would love to show you her Mystery corner.
Jeff and Nikki have a gorgeous collection of show dahlias that are well-marked and organized, with hills that leave plenty of space for the plants to spread.
Vigor Cantrell Garden Tour Info
Enjoy the beauty of the Vigor Cantrell Dahlia Garden on Monday, August 31st from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. Visit Warren Vigor (Vigor fertilizer and former President of the Dahlia Society of Australia) and Rhonda Cantrell’s beautiful garden. This garden is one to remember. Learn how a mate from down under has combined his growing style with one from West Michigan to create this masterpiece. Enjoy the trip with acquaintances, new and old, anticipating what Vigor does to those blooms. Once again, lunch is provided with this tour.
Fredrik Meijer Gardens Tours & Exhibits
Chihuly Special Exhibit
There are three separate Chihuly displays at the garden. The first which is free is comprised of two pieces which are easily viewed on the ceiling of the atrium and café. A second display can be found as you explore the gardens where you will encounter monumental glass sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and stunning site-specific installations. Each work is thoughtfully placed to blend art and nature, creating moments of beauty and surprise throughout the landscape. Admission to the gardens are required to view these displays. The third display is inside the building and is a separately ticketed exhibition called Chihuly: Radiant Forms. This display highlights more than 40 years of creative innovation. Featuring iconic series such as Baskets, Macchia, Seaforms, Putti, Ikebana, Persians, Venetians, Cylinders, and Rotolo, the exhibition also includes original drawings that reveal Chihuly’s artistic process and inspiration. You must purchase a Radiant Forms ticket as part of registration to enjoy this exhibit as it is not included with the entrance fee to the park.
Tram Tours
The tour covers a large area of our 158-acre sculpture park and makes frequent slowdowns so the guests can fully experience the sculpture pieces. The narrator will provide detailed information about the marriage between horticulture and sculpture that we highlight onsite. This is a great opportunity to view the Chihuly displays that are integrated in outdoor spaces.
Dahlia Crushed Glass Art Class
When Sunday August 30th from 2:45 – 4:15 PM at the Sheraton
Spend a relaxed, creative afternoon with other Crafters at Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel and create a beautiful crushed glass suncatcher you’ll be proud to hang in your home.
No experience is needed. You will be guided step by step — from layering the crushed glass and sealing it with glossy resin. It’s simple, enjoyable, and surprisingly rewarding.
Everything is included. Just show up and enjoy the process. This is an afternoon to slow down, connect, and create something meaningful.
Speakers
Insect Presentation
When Saturday August 29th from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at the Sheraton
About the Session This session will focus on identifying common garden insects, understanding their life cycles, and reviewing effective treatment options alongside sound gardening practices. John Wise, a world-renowned expert in insect management, will discuss a range of approaches including chemical controls, natural solutions, and practical methods for managing infestations, with attention to slugs and cutworms, Japanese beetles, cucumber beetles, thrips, aphids, and mites.
About Our Speaker Dr. John C. Wise is a retired professor from the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Entomology, and is currently a Specialty Crop Advisor for Nutrien Ag Solutions. His primary research interest during his career at MSU was studying the performance characteristics of reduced-risk insecticides and biopesticides for control of fruit pests. He also investigated plant penetration attributes of pesticides, pesticide environmental fate and arthropod resistance. Wise has developed a wide range of Integrated Pest Management and Good Agriculture Practice straining programs, targeting large commercial farms as well as grower communities. As an international expert, Wise also provides organizational consulting with specialization in system-level problem solving and optimization of pest management programs. Dr. Wise is a member of the Entomological Society of America and serves as Section Editor for both ESA’s Arthropod Management Tests.
Floral Arrangement Presentation – Fun Dahlia Design
When Sunday August 30th from 1:30 – 2:30 PM at the Sheraton
About the Session Join J Schwanke of “Life in Bloom” for an engaging demonstration focused on dahlia flower designs, specifically tailored for our group. This seminar offers something for everyone, whether you are just beginning your journey in flower design or possess advanced skills. Attendees will discover innovative ideas that help build confidence, introduce new techniques, and provide challenges for those seeking to refine their expertise. J Schwanke is not only an exceptional designer, but also a captivating
entertainer who is truly a must-see in the world of Flower Design.
About the Speaker
J Schwanke is the host, creator, and producer of J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom, a flower lifestyle program on Public Education Television , PBS and Create TV Networks across the Nation. He serves as CEO of uBloom.com, the first online community for flower fans that welcomes both professionals and enthusiasts. J also hosts “Behind the Bloom” Podcast Nationally, and is the Executive Director of the Life in Bloom Foundation Inc. that provides funding and distribution- for the “Life in Bloom” Series, “Behind the Bloom” Podcast and the uBloom.com Website and Community.
Dahlia Virus Presentation
When Sunday August 30th from 1:30 – 2:30 PM at the Sheraton
About the Session This session will cover practical steps growers have used to reduce viral infections in their dahlias, including risk-based separation to mitigate viral transmission and cost-saving testing strategies. Attendees will leave with key actions to improve dahlia health.
Dahlia Hybridizing – a focus on specific characteristics
When Sunday August 30th from 2:45 – 4:15 PM at the Sheraton
About the Session This session will explore the art and science of hybridizing for specific characteristics such as size, form, color, and other unique traits. Join an accomplished panel of hybridizers as they share the challenges, surprises, best practices, lessons learned, and exciting successes they have encountered in their pursuit of the next great dahlia. Whether you are an experienced hybridizer or simply curious about the process, this discussion promises valuable insight, lively conversation, and plenty of inspiration.
Meals
Thursday Welcome Reception
The Welcome Reception will be held at the Sheraton. We will be serving: Warm Artichoke Dip, Buffalo Chicken Dip, Beer Cheese and Hummus served with warm bread, tortilla chips and Crudite. We will also have chocolate covered strawberries, mini cheese cake, macarons and mini dessert shooters. A cash bar will be available serving beer and wine.
Saturday Lunch
Saturday Lunch will be held at Fredrik Meijer Gardens. The box lunch options are: Chicken Salad Sandwich, Turkey Sandwich, Authentic UP Pasty, & Vegetarian Michigan Cherry Salad w/ Cherry Maple Vinaigrette. The box lunches also come with a drink and dessert. You will make your selection as a part of your registration.
Saturday Banquet
Our Banquet is being hosted by the Sheraton. We will be having a buffet meal that includes the following meal options: Mixed Green Salad, Warm Rolls and Butter, Chicken Parmesan, Seared Beef Tenderloin, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Chef’s Vegetables and dessert. A cash bar will be available throughout the meal. Volunteers will be available to assist with carrying plates to tables. Please note any dietary restrictions when registering so that we can do our best to accommodate.
Sunday Breakfast
Sunday’s breakfast will include: Scrambled Eggs with Shredded Cheese and Salsa on the Side, Bacon, Hashbrowns, Seasonal Fresh Fruit and Berries, Assorted Muffins and Breakfast Breads and French Toast. Served with Assorted Juices, Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, and Hot Tea.
Hotel
A block of rooms for the 2026 National Show will be available at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport. Book your hotel rooms right now at the special show rate by visiting this registration link: Book your room for the 2026 National Show– or by calling the Marriott Central Reservation number 1-888-236-2427 and reference group code “WMD”. If you require special accommodations such as a handicap accessible room, please contact the hotel directly at 616-957-1770.
The excitement for the show has most of our room block at the Sheraton full! If you plan on staying Saturday night only, there are rooms left at the Sheraton. If you plan on staying more than just Saturday night, please book at one of the back-up hotels that are less than a mile away from the Sheraton.
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
5430 28thSt Court SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
To make a reservation, please call 888-236-2427 and request the “West Michigan Dahlia Society” block.
Holiday Inn Express North
5405 28thSt Court SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546
To make a reservation, please call 616-265-3333 and request the “DSB” block rate or click on the link here.
Exhibiting Details
Exhibiting Blooms
Please view the Show Schedule to see the most up to date information about exhibiting in the National Show. The Show Schedule is coming soon.
Flowers of the Year
Large Flower of the Year: Clearview Jonas
Small Flower of the Year: Baron Aunt Dorothy
Sponsored Varities & Categories
Sponsored Varieties & Prize Amount
Carl – $300
Clearview Irene – $150
Hart’s Bonnie – $100
Jo Jo’s Morphette – $50
Liz Evangelista – $50
Marcella Louise – $300
Nikitas Meggos – $100
Rejman’s Polish Kid – $100
Shiloh Noelle – $250
Skipley Spot of Gold – $50
Wild Side Sven – $50
Zorro – $150
Sponsored Categories & Prize Amount
Best Clearview Introduction – $100
Best Floating Waterlily – $75
Best Junior Bloom – $50
Best Novice Arrangement – $50
Best Market Bunch – $150
Best Single Midwest Origination – $50
Best Triple Midwest Origination -$50
Interested In Sponsoring a Variety?
Please email Kathy Stevenson at westmidahlia@gmail.com and include:
1. The name of the variety you would like to sponsor
2. The award amount you wish to contribute.
Checks with the sponsored amount can be mailed to Kathy at
3543 Raven SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Make checks Payable to West Michigan Dahlia Society.
Artistic Design – The Great Lakes State
Class 1: Michigan – The State of Two Peninsulas
Michigan stands out as the only state featuring two peninsulas, known as the upper and lower peninsulas. The state’s motto, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you,” inspires this category. Exhibitors are tasked with creating a dahlia design using two containers that connect in unity to represent this theme.
Class 2: Michigan’s Coastline
With over 3,000 miles of shoreline, Michigan boasts the longest fresh-water coastline in the world. Participants should design a dahlia arrangement that evokes a beachy atmosphere, utilizing elements such as water, driftwood, and sand.
Class 3: Michigan’s Forests
More than half of Michigan is covered by forests, with leaves serving as a symbol of these woodlands. Exhibitors are to use foliage and creative leaf manipulation in their dahlia artistic designs.
Class 4: Michigan Agriculture
Michigan is widely recognized for its agriculture, including fruits, vegetables, and grains. Dahlias designs in this class should incorporate any of these agricultural elements.
Class 5: Tribute to Frederik Meijer Gardens
Frederik Meijer Gardens in Michigan is a world-class art destination, currently hosting the “Chihuly at Meijer Gardens” exhibit. Participants are invited to create a dahlia design that pays tribute to this notable exhibition.
Class 6: Novice Designer’s Tribute to Frederik Meijer Gardens
This class is designed for exhibitors who consider themselves novice designers, those who feel they have not yet gained sufficient experience to compete with seasoned participants.
Participants are encouraged to draw inspiration from one of the following outdoor gardens when creating their dahlia designs as a tribute to Frederik Meijer Gardens:
- Japanese Garden: This garden exemplifies traditional Japanese landscaping principles and offers a serene environment that fosters contemplation and a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
- Children’s Garden: Created to both inspire and educate, the Children’s Garden features interactive components that engage young visitors, sparking curiosity and wonder about gardening and the outdoors.
- Michigan Farm Garden: Highlighting Michigan’s agricultural legacy, this garden replicates a classic farm atmosphere, complete with cultivated crops and rustic features.
Class 7: Youth Design
This class is open to junior participants under the age of 18. Young designers are invited to create a dahlia arrangement inspired by any of the themes or guidelines presented in Classes 1 through 6. This provides juniors with the opportunity to explore a variety of concepts, ranging from Michigan agriculture and tributes to Frederik Meijer Gardens to novice interpretations of outdoor garden spaces. The aim is to encourage creativity and engagement among youth, while allowing them to select the class theme that resonates most with their interests and abilities. Identify which class theme on entry tag.
Rules and Regulations
The artistic design competition is open to all interested participants. To enter, individuals must register in advance by contacting Kathy Stevenson at kastevenson2@aol.com. Each participant is limited to a total of three (3) entries. We would encourage you to enter in three different classes although that is not a requirement.
Floral Design Requirements
Each floral design must be crafted by the exhibitor submitting the entry. Dahlias are required to be the predominant flower in every arrangement. The use of artificial plant materials is strictly prohibited; however, dried flower materials are permitted. Exhibitors are not required to grow their own flowers or plant materials for their designs.
Arrangements must not exceed 24 inches by 28 inches in size. There is no restriction on the height of the entries. Wire may be used to stabilize the flowers, but it should remain hidden and not be visible within the arrangement.
Entry Logistics and Liability
Exhibitors are responsible for providing and labeling all containers and materials used in their designs, ensuring that labels are placed out of view. The Western Michigan Dahlia Society (WMDS) will not be liable for any loss or damage to entries, although every effort will be made to protect them.
Show Procedures
All entries must be in place by 8:30 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026. Entries are required to remain on display until the conclusion of the show on Sunday, unless special permission is granted by the Show Chair. Exhibitors are responsible for removing their entries after the show has closed.
Awards and Judging
The first-place winner in each category will compete for the distinction of “Best Overall Artistic Design of Show,” which will be featured on the Honor Table. Judging will be conducted by National Garden Clubs Accredited Judges, with each class being judged separately.
Entry Limits and Additional Information
Each exhibitor is permitted to submit up to three designs in total. A 3”x5” index card may be displayed to explain how the design relates to the overall theme.
ADS National Show Registration Types
There are four registration levels for the show.
Full Registration Full registration includes the Welcome Reception Thursday at the Sheraton, Lunch at Fredrik Meijer Gardens on Saturday, the Banquet Dinner Saturday night and a welcome bag.
Partial Registration Partial registration includes Lunch at Fredrik Meijer Gardens on Saturday, the Banquet Dinner Saturday night and a welcome bag.
Limited Registration Limited registration includes Lunch at Fredrik Meijer Gardens on Saturday and a welcome bag.
Kids Registration This is for children age 18 or younger attending the show with an adult. Kid’s registration includes Lunch at Fredrik Meijer Gardens on Saturday, the Banquet Dinner Saturday night and a welcome bag.
Banquet Only This registration includes the Saturday Banquet only.