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
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.
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.
