Fleurs de Villes is thrilled to be presenting a pair of floral mannequins at this year’s edition of The Grand Stonehenge Dahlia Show, September 27-29th, 2024 at English Heritage's Stonehenge, on the famous Salisbury Plain. The Victorian-inspires floral mannequins, created by floral artists Featherstone and Fig & Bramble, will be on display within the site's stunning Visitors Centre.
With a focus on dahlias, this show represents the rebirth of a tradition that has its roots in the Victorian era, when Lady Antrobus, wife of Stonehenge landowner Sir Edmund Antrobus, invited the newly formed Salisbury Dahlia Society to put on a show “open to all England” at the prehistoric Stonehenge site. Crowds of up to 10,000 gentry and commoners paraded in their finery on the plain annually from 1842-1845.
These dahlia shows were more than just a display of gardening prowess; they were also social events, where members of Victorian society could mingle and admire the latest horticultural trends. The shows often featured a wide range of dahlia varieties, from the smallest pompon to the largest dinner-plate blooms, each carefully cultivated to showcase the gardener's skill.
The elegant and grand affairs also included cricket matches, brass bands, elaborate floral sculptures and prizes for the most spectacular blooms. The contrast between the timeless stones and the vibrant, ephemeral beauty of the dahlias created a spectacle that captivated visitors.
In the 19th century, dahlias became a common motif in Victorian art, appearing in everything from paintings and textiles to wallpaper and ceramics. One notable example of dahlias in art is found in the works of the French painter Henri Fantin-Latour, who was known for his exquisite still life paintings of flowers. Fantin-Latour often included dahlias in his compositions, capturing their beauty with remarkable detail and precision in the Realist style.
To understand why the dahlia was considered the most prized and exciting flower of the time, let’s look at its exotic history and symbolism.
THE HISTORY OF DAHLIAS
The story of the dahlia begins in the mountainous regions of Mexico and Central America, where it grew wild in a variety of forms. Indigenous peoples, including the Aztecs, cultivated the dahlia not only for its ornamental value but also for its practical uses. The tubers of some dahlia species were used as a source of food, akin to potatoes, while others were used in traditional medicine.
The dahlia first caught the attention of European botanists in the late 16th century. Spanish explorers, intrigued by the flower's vibrant colours and unique structure, brought it back to Europe, where it was named after the Swedish botanist Anders Dahl. The flower quickly gained popularity among European gardeners, who were fascinated by its ability to bloom in a range of colours, from deep purples and reds to bright yellows and whites.
LEGENDS AND SYMBOLISM OF DAHLIAS
The dahlia has inspired a variety of legends and symbolic meanings throughout its history. In Victorian England, where the language of flowers was a popular way to convey emotions, the dahlia became a symbol of dignity, elegance, and commitment. Its complex structure and variety of colours made it a favourite in floral arrangements meant to express strong feelings of love and admiration; it’s no wonder the Victorian-era Stonehenge dahlia shows were so popular.
In Mexico, the dahlia is considered the national flower and holds deep cultural significance. It symbolizes the country's indigenous heritage and is often associated with the vibrant, celebratory aspects of Mexican culture. The Aztecs believed that the dahlia had special properties, and its image can be found in various forms of folk art and design including traditional embroidery, pottery, and other decorative arts.
THE DAHLIA’S UNIQUE TRAITS
Dahlias are known for their incredible diversity. There are over 42 species and thousands of cultivars, ranging in size from petite, daisy-like flowers to massive “dinner plate” blooms that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. This diversity is due in part to the dahlia's unique genetic makeup, which allows for an extraordinary range of colours and forms.
Another fascinating aspect of dahlias is their classification. The flowers are grouped into several different forms, including cactus (with tightly furled petals), ball or pompon (round and whimsical), and anemone, each with its distinct shape and petal arrangement. Some cultivars have burgundy foliage that provides a pretty backdrop for the showy flowers. This variety makes dahlias a favorite among both casual gardeners and serious horticulturists.
Dahlias also have a unique biological trait: they are photoperiodic, meaning their flowering cycle is triggered by changes in daylight. This characteristic makes them particularly sensitive to their environment, blooming later in the season as the days begin to shorten, bringing a much needed shot of colour as fall approaches.
A MODERN-DAY FAVOURITE
Dahlia’s remain a favourite in modern gardens, with growers constantly adding to the colourful catalogue of varieties. In Paris, a specially cultivated dahlia with bright orange-red blooms was chosen to fill the parks and gardens of the city for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As Fleurs de Villes brings the spirit of the Victorian-era dahlia shows back to life, this year's Grand Stonehenge Dahlia Show will be a captivating celebration of both history and horticulture. Visitors can look forward to a stunning display that not only honours the rich legacy of this magnificent flower show, but also highlights the dahlia’s beauty and cultural significance in a truly iconic setting.
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