Lectures & Seminars

A show-worthy dahlia doesn't happen by accident. Join seasoned growers Peggy Boruchow Arnette and Libby Eustis for a conversation rooted in the practical art of growing a bloom that's ready for the judge's eye. Whether you're starting from a tuber, a cutting, or a seed, this talk will walk you through the decisions and details that matter most — from soil amendments and staking to the small daily habits that separate a good bloom from a great one.

As part of the 16th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, the Bascom is pleased to host an educational talk and workshop led by Highlands growers Peggy Boruchow Arnette and Libby Eustis. Tailored for both novice and experienced growers, this engaging session explores the full arc of the exhibition dahlia—from the final weeks in the garden to the show table in the upcoming Single Bloom Competition.

Participants are encouraged to bring two or three dahlias from their own gardens for hands-on guidance in selection, evaluation, and staging.

The Bascom Clay Symposium returns for its 16th year in 2026, bringing together ceramic artists Alexander Thierry, Andrew Shaw, and Tiffany Thomas for a focused exploration of surface treatments in contemporary clay. Through demonstrations and shared dialogue, the artists examine how imagery, pattern, and material process shape meaning, memory, and expression in ceramic work.