Dahlias’ appeal

Press, 27 December 1980, Page 13

Dahlias’ appeal

The World of Dahlias. By Keith Hammett. Reed, 1980. 129 pp. Index. $13.95.

Redolent of mellow fruitfulness, public parks and earwigs, the dahlia seems to make clear demarkations m the horticultural world between_its enthusiasts and its dissenters. This book is written by an obvious enthusiast, yet one who is refreshingly unblinkered enough to recognise varying degrees of fervour in others. He has arranged his chapters beginning with the basics of definition, cultivation, classification of types, and so on, building up to the finesse of showing and breeding. “The World of Dahlias” is written in a factual, but interesting manner with clear diagrams and some colour photographs. As a former Englishman now living in New Zealand, the author has given the book a broad international flavour. The last part of “The World of Dahlias” contains an interesting chapter on dahlia botany and history, various tables, a glossary of jargon, and a bibliography which attests to the thoroughness of the work. For anybody who is excited by a set of judging rings, Australian neck stretchers, show ethics; Anders Dahl, or even has a back garden interest in dahlias, this book would provide a satisfying gift. — Thelma Strongman.