About US

Our mission is to promote and celebrate dahlias throughout Kentucky by fostering community, encouraging education, and supporting growers at every stage of their journey.

The Kentucky Dahlia Society

OUR STORY

People in community growing dahlias is nothing new in Kentucky–in fact, the Derrill W. Hart medal (a medal awarded by the ADS to a newly introduced dahlia variety) is named for a Kentuckian. While the Kentucky Dahlia Society in its current iteration is newly minted, the spirit of our group is established. We are excited to be an official part of the American Dahlia Society and to continue to grow a network of enthusiasts throughout our commonwealth.

ways TO GET INVOLVED

Our Mission

JOIN OUR CLUB TODAY

The Kentucky Dahlia Society welcomes your support and involvement. Join us in our mission to cultivate, exhibit, and preserve the beauty of dahlias. Your membership gives you access to members only events, education, and resources.

Join Us

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer with the Kentucky Dahlia Society and help something beautiful take root across Kentucky. As a new society, every helping hand truly matters- from organizing events and supporting workshops, to sharing growing knowledge, or simply welcoming new members.

Lend a Hand

ATTEND A PUBLIC EVENT

Experience the vibrant world of dahlias firsthand at our next public event, a perfect opportunity to meet local growers, swap tips, and find inspiration for your own garden. No membership is required to attend our shows, so bring a friend and discover the incredible variety that thrives right here in Lexington.

See What's Coming Up

meet the team

President

Heather barron

Heather Barron discovered dahlias as a teenager in West Texas when she grew Kelvin Floodlight for the first time. In 2020, Heather started Rolling Blooms, a dahlia-focused flower business and partnered with Carbajal’s Garden Center in Lawrenceburg. During dahlia season, she has a large display garden at the center and sells cut flowers. In 2023, Heather founded Kentucky Dahlia Enthusiasts as the first step toward creating an ADS recognized society in Kentucky. Heather lives in Lexington.

Membership Coordinator

Lauren Burke

Lauren Burke is the grower behind Memento Acres, a hobby dahlia garden in Versailles, Kentucky. Heading into her sixth year growing dahlias in 2026, she currently tends up to 2,500 plants and most enjoys hybridizing new varieties from seed. Lauren sells dahlia tubers and potted plants each spring at local markets, including Carbajal’s Garden Center and the Woodford County Master Gardener’s Plant Sale.

ADS Representative:

Shannon Daugherty

Shannon Daugherty is a Dahlia grower for Show and Florist blooms. She is headed into her 5th year growing dahlias in Northern Kentucky. Shannon grows mostly in raised beds but for the 2026 grow season is bringing in some compost to do some row growing. This year she is really dialling in what she needs to grow for the Cincinnati Market. Narrowing down her selection sounds easier said than done, especially with this fun group of growers. Shannon’s online journey, failure and some successes can be found on youtube if you search ONE HAPPY HEN.

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