We are hosting the American Dahlia Society National Show for 2026! Save the dates for Thursday August 27th through Monday August 31st.
ADS National Show Registration
Show registration will be opening here on our websites on May 15th 2026.
Hotel Registration Information
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.
Flowers of the Year
Large Flower of the Year: Clearview Jonas
Small Flower of the Year: Baron Aunt Dorothy
Sponsored Blooms & 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
Rejman’s Polish Kid – $100
Shiloh Noelle – $250
Skipley Spot of Gold – $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 Section
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 16. 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 but may only enter one design per class. A 3”x5” index card may be displayed to explain how the design relates to the overall theme.
