Monroe County Master Gardener Association

stories and photos by Gail K.

Following my GPS; I had minimal difficulty reaching the Dirty Girls Flower Farm.  As I turned onto a gravel road my GPS suddenly hollers out-YOU HAVE ARRIVED!!!!

I guess so!!!  On my left a small field, full of colorful flowers

I arrived early; to take photos before the group arrived. 
The field still in the shadow of morning; with the night’s dew
still heavy on the grass.   Despite my wet feet, I stood in awe with my mouth open—-HOLY MOTHER OF COLOR!!  Where do I start???

Really- have you ever seen such colors!!!  I was promptly greeted by Gerri, the official Dirty Girl. 
She had some tasks to complete so I kept taking photos.  

You all know I like purple, any wonder I was drawn to this one-and then

OH-LOOK—- over there–that one- it reminds me of Chahuly art glass— 

SENSORY OVERLOAD!!!!

Gerri didn’t seem to mind my asking questions as I meandered around; going from row to row.

Above: Gerri removes a protective sleeve from one of her largest blooms.  She utilizes organic products & techniques; such as
companion flower or vegetable plants to help control insects and diseases.

Below: note the plantings at the end of each row.  

It isn’t an easy task, “meandering”- the 700 plants are in staked rows, with rope strung between to support the varying heights of the plants.

Also, care needs to be taken to ensure the stakes at the baseof each plant; which bear the name, does not get displaced.Talk about “tip toe thru the dahlias”   Fa La La la la…..

example: this beauty & its tag.  This association will be referenced in a later section of the blog  ……

Others begin to arrive; scattering through out the field-
wanting to closely exam the many blooms. (Kids in the candy store)

Gerri doesn’t mind the chatter & just keeps going about the business of taking care of her plants–

With the majority now present, Gerri reigns us in to her outdoor classroom & casually discusses the art of growing Dahlias.

Below: she uses a drip system to water; lacking a direct source, she explained how she uses a small pump to pull
water out of a tank and then push it thru the tubing system.

She took us up and down the rows; answering questions andexplaining the specific ins and outs of growing these unique
and fascinating flowers.

One major impact; the technique for getting “the best” bloom. This entails picking off side blooms and allowing “the leader”
to get all the energy to develop its bloom.

Having the right plant and using this technique will get you prize winning dahlias such as this:

after “class time”- Gerri stood by to answer questions she allowed us to freely roam about the plants.

Strolling thru the flowers, row by row; members ooh’d & ahh’d over the many colorful blooms. Many taking the time to write down the names of their favorites. ( Hi Linda )

They compared notes and discussed which ones they maybe interested in growing next season.

Throughout the morning, our host was snipping the longer
stemmed varieties.  We each got a bouquet to take home. What a pleasant surprise & such a thoughtful gift.

Truly a “hands on” learning experience on a new topic. Thanks
Milan Girls for suggesting the Dirty Girls Farm for a tour….I have never been so impressed with one flower; although I doubt
I will ever grow any; well maybe one. Thank you Gerri–

afterwards some of us stopped for a lunch before heading home; it was suggested we stop at the Red Rooster.

Great choice, an enjoyable meal (HUGE portions) and all
agreed the tour made for a great day- it was nice mingling asa group again.   I will share more flower photos in Part 3… g