All kinds of Dahlias are growing on Dahlia Hill. All shapes, sizes, colors etc. It is like a rainbow growing up from the ground. It doesn't take a lot of time to visit and is worth the time it takes to go see it. It is beautiful when all of the flowers are in bloom. Enjoy.
Let me start with -- this "hill" overlooks one of Midland historic and very busy parks -- Emerson park. It represents a heroic effort by some very determined dahlia people and civic-minded folks to make it happen. It is a showcase for the very large dahlia family which includes plants with blossoms as small as a dime to those bigger than a big dinner plate.I don't know how it's organized, other than it is and seems to run smoothly. In Michigan, dahlias are planted fresh every May or so, then the tubers dug in the fall, cleaned and stored for replanting. So it is labor-intensive, labor of love, thing. Being a Midland native and resident, it's fun to watch it as the season progresses -- with blooms probably peaking in mid-July and continuing through mid-September.It's close to Northwood University, the Tridge, the Alden Dow Home and downtown Midland -- which is looking mighty nice these days.If you love dahlias, you could spend hours. Otherwise, 20 minutes is probably enough. I wouldn't make a weekend out of it.I don't believe flowers are for sale -- but tubers are sold in the fall and perhaps at other times along with other dahlia stuff. watwatch to
Kind of nice to see a flower hill. It is a memorial to people and tells a story about the architect home at the top of the hill. There is art work along the path.
There is room for only a few parking spots, but you will not spend more than 15 minutes here. Bring your camera, as there are plenty of opportunities for photos. The blooms were in full peak in mid-September.
I loved all the beautiful flowers, the walk ways and the art work. It is a combination of art and nature. The name says it all it is a hill.
This Is a glorious local, state and national treasure. When the dahlias are blooming, allow time to savor the many varieties. If the few parking spots on the property are full, please note availability of many more parking spaces across West Main Street. Atop the hill are coneflowers and an art gallery. Outdoor sculptures are available for viewing all year.There is no admission charge.Volunteers plant and maintain the garden.
We recently visited Dahlia Hill in Midland on a week night evening. It was a beautiful evening to do so. We had a picnic supper with us but no picnic table! Seems to be there was one table located here before. There are some beautiful old large trees in the parking area, one of which is a stunning willow tree. Yes, that is where the picnic table belongs! Several tiered rows of gorgeous, well cared for and maintained dahlias to behold. We come a few times a season, to see the progress of these flowers, a favorite of my DH. There are gravel pathways every few rows, and you are suppose to stay on those gravel pathways (a sign indicated this). However, there are dirt pathways along each row and many people walk along these, also. You can't see all of the dahlias up close without doing so. They are getting too picky about this. But the display is wonderful; starting around 2nd week of August, lasting a month or so. A few benches scattered here and there. There are two small museum buildings at the top of the hill-used as offices, classroom/meeting rooms and an art museum. The artwork is that of one of the founders of Dahlia Hill. Free. The last 2 Saturdays of May, they will give away free tubers (you may have to purchase them now, they used to be free) of dahlias, tubers they cannot use for their displays. Spend a little while roaming among the rows (dirt pathways or not..LOL) of beautiful dahlias. Can management see about getting a picnic table in this park?? :)
I have been growing dahlias and love all the colours, shapes and sizes. When I read about Dahlia Hill, I knew that it was an adventure I had to take. Six hours and a two mile bike ride later, I was in Heaven. Ohhh, I now have my list for next year and can't wait to start buying tubers this winter. I was also a bit disappointed that I couldn't walk every row; however, I appreciate all the hard work that has been put into making this Gardena beautiful site for dahlia lovers. Many thanks to so many dedicated dahlia lovers and thank you for having a section of Wynns Dahlias. I have purchased many from them and felt it was a nice tribute to his wonderful contributions to the dahlia community.
We are friendly with one of the original "builders" of Dahlia Hill, the artist Charles Breed. When we walk or bike Midland's Rail-to-Trail we go by the Hill and often pause to walk it, especially when the dahlias are in bloom.
A quaint little stop with hillside of blooms. Some as large as dinner plates! Great location for group photos!