Since I do not show and am not a judge, just grow for the sheer pleasure of giving bouquets and watching pollinators, the poor stock I received online has got me thinking of trying to network local growers and doing local trades, since I live on an island. I will also probably join a dahlia society and attend a society sale. I used to love going to the Seattle Flower Show and buying direct from some of the growers there but with a sick cat i cannot leave, I like the idea of barter. Yes, it may be risky in terms of disease, but after what I experienced this year, I'm willing to risk it. I also loathe those opening day sales with a passion. It is not "fun" for me. Dahlia buying used to be fun. I want it to be fun again. I don't enjoy cutthroat anything.
