The Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers was formed on November 18, 1984, around the common goals of:

Many members have difficulty understanding the difference between the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers and the American Dahlia Society and why they both are very important to the success of a local dahlia society.

Local dahlia clubs come under the umbrella of the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers. The present number of clubs in the Federation is fourteen, eleven affiliated and three associated. Each local club has one representative on the Federation Board, ensuring that each club has an equal say in what happens at the Federation level. The Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers conduct two very informative workshops per year (spring and summer), publish a regular newsletter and Dahlia Annual with a membership roster, exhibitor division standings, allotted exhibitor numbers and a list of all designations for Federation judges.

The purpose and objectives of the Federation are:
1. To provide an organization of dahlia societies and common goals for Northwest dahlia hobbyists who grow and exhibit dahlias.
2. To provide leadership in dahlia culture and improve, through experiments and research, the quality of exhibition, garden and cut flower cultivars.
3. To educate and train dahlia judges through field experiences and workshops.
4. To support a trial garden with financial assistance and expertise.
5. To promote inter-society communication by proposing solutions for common problems.
6. To provide yearly publications dedicated to the latest advances in dahlia culture and dahlia news around the world.
7. To encourage the free exchange of new ideas and methods concerning dahlias and support such innovations as merited.

The fifteen affiliated and associated dahlia societies which comprise the Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers comprise the membership of the organization.

The Federation of Northwest Dahlia Growers, in turn, comes under the umbrella of the American Dahlia Society along with all other Dahlia Society conference groups in Canada and the United States.

The main objectives of the American Dahlia Society are:
1. To stimulate interest and promote the culture and development of the dahlia.
2. To establish a standard nomenclature.
3. To test out new varieties and to give them such recognition as they deserve.
4. To study the diseases and insects of the dahlia and find remedies for same.
5. To disseminate information relating to the dahlia.
6. To secure uniform standards for judging dahlia shows and to give exhibitions when deemed advisable.

When you have a membership in the American Dahlia Society, you receive an Annual Classification Handbook and four interesting Bulletins (books) per year. Membership in the American Dahlia Society is a prerequisite for new and promoted judges.

Whether you are actively involved in a dahlia society or not, you may be interested in supporting one or both of these very important links in making all local clubs a very successful, knowledgeable and progressive organization.