Who We Are

The St. Louis Dahlia Society is here to bring people together around a shared love of dahlias. Whether you’re planting your very first tuber or have been growing for years, the goal is the same: to learn from one another, share what we know, and enjoy growing beautiful plants alongside a supportive community. Gardening can feel overwhelming at times, and this society is meant to feel welcoming, approachable, and encouraging.

Our History

The St. Louis Dahlia Society was originally chartered in 1938 and had strong ties to the Missouri Botanical Garden. For many decades, the society played an active role in dahlia education, exhibitions, and connection among growers in the region. It became a meaningful part of St. Louis’s horticultural community, bringing people together through meetings, shows, and shared enthusiasm for the flower.

In the mid-1980s, St. Louis hosted the only combined National and Midwest Dahlia Conference and Show, reflecting how engaged and active the society was at both the regional and national level. Over time, as leadership aged and fewer new members stepped into those roles, participation gradually declined. By 2018, the society became inactive.

A Return to the Garden

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people found their way back to gardening. With more time at home, growing plants became a source of comfort, creativity, and focus. Dahlias, in particular, drew in a new wave of growers who were excited by their variety, color, and challenge. That renewed interest brought fresh energy to the hobby locally and reopened conversations about what it might look like to bring the society back.

The Relaunch

In 2025, work began to thoughtfully relaunch the St. Louis Dahlia Society. Rather than jumping straight into meetings, the focus was on building a solid foundation first. That meant thinking carefully about how membership would work, how information would be shared, how meetings could be structured, and how to create systems that would support members long-term.

Taking the time to do this upfront was intentional. The goal wasn’t speed, but clarity and sustainability, so the society could move forward without constantly needing to rework or patch together the basics.

The Society Today

Today, the St. Louis Dahlia Society has a clear membership framework and a strong focus on education, shared knowledge, and community. Members have access to a private online portal, member resources, in-person meetings, and opportunities to participate in activities throughout the growing season.

Not everyone participates in the same way, and that’s completely intentional. Some members attend meetings regularly, others engage mostly online, and many do a bit of both. All experience levels are welcome, and there’s no single “right” way to be involved.

Looking Ahead

This relaunch isn’t about recreating the past exactly as it was. It’s about carrying forward the spirit of generosity, learning, and connection that has always been at the heart of the society, while building something that works well for today and into the future.

We’re grateful to everyone who has chosen to be part of this renewed chapter and excited to see where the St. Louis Dahlia Society continues to grow.