The National Dahlia Society also works in conjunction with the Royal Horticultural Society towards the better appreciation of the dahlia. The instrument here is the Joint Dahlia Committee, composed of an equal number of members from both societies. This committee is responsible for the classification of the dahlia into its differing forms and sizes, but not for the actual listing of varieties in accordance with this classification which is done by the National Dahlia Society.

Modern varieties, without doubt, are really wonderful, both in formation and in the period and length of blooming. The majority of giant varieties have originated overseas, although we have several raisers of these varieties within the confines of the British Isles, notably that doyen of the dahlia, Mr Harry Stredwick, whose giants are famous the world over.

Certain members of this committee are responsible for the compilation of the National Register of Varieties, a register which is maintained to try to eliminate confusion and duplication of naming wherever possible.

Scotland also has its own society. This society, the Scottish National Chrysanthemum and Dahlia Society, organises at least one big show each year, usually at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, and also issues a classified list of varieties. This in the main is similar to that of the National Society but omits many varieties in the major list, adding a number of others of Scottish origin.

It is perhaps a pity that the National List does not include all of these Scottish varieties, but it is not possible for the N.D.S. Committee to classify varieties which they have not seen, so it is only these Scottish varieties which are distributed outside Scotland- and the majority of the worthwhile ones to become so distributed – which can he classified by the Classification Committee. It has been suggested there should be a scheme whereby Scottish blooms could be seen at a Scottish show for classification and perhaps selection for trial at Wisley.

Apart from this, different forms are also attracting the breeder, one of the most attractive being the deeply fringed cactus, of which Dentelle de Venise and Frills are outstanding examples. Then a chrysanthemum-like flower is being evolved, and this may also become popular. Orchid flowered types (in which the florets are involute, rather than revolute, so that the reverse colour is seen) have been known for manyyears but today theyseem to be enjoying more attention than they have ever attracted before. As nearly all these variations have blooms of comparatively small size, there seems to be no reason why some, if not all of them, should not become widely grown.