Southwest Idaho Dahlia Show Highlights
- Debra Flaming
- Sep 14
- 2 min read
Saturday, September 13th, was a day full of color, creativity, and community as my daughter Ashley and I loaded up her bouquets and made the 30-mile trip from Caldwell to downtown Boise for the Southwest Idaho Dahlia Show at JUMP.
Ashley entered two of her bouquets in the Dahlia Bouquets Presented in a Vase category, and one in the Seasons division, and she also created three market bouquets that were available for visitors to purchase. Her talent for blending colors and textures really shone through—each bouquet was a little masterpiece.
I entered 11 photographs spread across three categories: single flower, multiple flowers, and an animal with dahlias. Walking into the show, we quickly realized how many stunning and skillful entries were on display! It felt like being in a gallery of living art, each bloom and each arrangement reflecting countless hours of care and creativity.
Though we didn’t bring home any ribbons, the experience was rich in other rewards. We met so many kind people who share the same love of dahlias and artistry. My granddaughters were especially delighted, not only by the blooms but also by the fun atmosphere JUMP offers—so many sights and activities beyond the show itself kept them entertained.
One of the most meaningful moments came at the close of the event, when we were able to donate our bouquets to the Boise Women’s Shelter. It was wonderful to know that the beauty from our farm and garden would brighten someone else’s day, even after the competition ended.
We drove home tired but happy, hearts full of gratitude for the chance to share our flowers, photography, and family moments with others. As I reflect on the Southwest Idaho Dahlia Show, I am reminded that the true prize is not found in ribbons but in the joy of participating, learning, and giving. Whether it was Ashley’s bouquets, my photographs, or the simple delight of walking the displays with my granddaughters, the highlight of the day was in the connections we made and the smiles we left behind. From the competition floor to the women’s shelter, these dahlias carry beauty and joy far beyond the show itself—and that is a reward worth cherishing.
With gratitude and joy,
Debra Flaming
