Exactly 360 prized dahlia tubers from the recently concluded horticultural exhibition in Neuss are being handed out to the public in exchange for voluntary donations. The giveaway begins Saturday, October 17, at 2:00 PM at the former East Entrance plaza on Langemarckstraße 1. This allows home gardeners to claim mature rootstock directly from the show’s raised beds.
The botanical drive provides public access to three prominent flowering varieties alongside surplus perennials and stakes. Because quantities are limited, organizers have confirmed that the distribution operates on a first-come, first-served basis until supplies run out. This allows visitors to secure a piece of the garden show for their homes.
Collector Varieties and Surplus Stock at Eingangsplatz Ost
The distribution event is organized in partnership with the local volunteer initiative Grünes Herz Neuss. Visitors heading to the Langemarckstraße site must supply their own transport bags, crates, or boxes to carry their plant material home. The rootstock inventory features three specific decorative cultivars lifted directly from the fairgrounds:
- Red Runner: Crimson-purple blooms suited for late-season color.
- Gelber Vulkan: Vibrant yellow cactus-type with spiky ray florets.
- Snow Storm: Pristine white ball-dahlia form with dense symmetry.
Beyond the core stock of dahlia tubers, staff are offering leftover herbaceous perennials, garden plants, and structural bamboo canes. The exact assortment of accompanying perennials depends on active clearance work across the beds.
Essential Overwintering and Tuber Preservation
A frequent misconception among casual growers is that tender tuberous perennials can safely remain in backyard soil year-round. In regions with freezing winters, uninsulated rootstocks quickly freeze and rot underground, ending their lifecycle before the next season starts. Tubers must be stored in a frost-free environment throughout the winter months before replanting in the spring to ensure healthy blooms.
Securing long-term blooms from exhibition stock requires immediate cold-season preparation before spring planting resumes:
- Inspect the tubers, brush away excess soil, and ensure the root crown remains structurally intact.
- Pack the stock into ventilated boxes filled with dry peat, wood shavings, or sand to prevent dehydration.
- Store the container in a dark, dry, frost-proof room with consistent cool temperatures until the final spring frost passes.
Transition into a Permanent Municipal Park
The botanical giveaway marks the physical wrap-up of the Landesgartenschau showcase as the site transforms into a civic park. The grounds officially reopen to the general public on Monday, October 19, operating daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry remains entirely free through the North, South, and West gates via designated walking paths.
Because urban landscape crews are actively reshaping the terrain into a permanent recreational reserve, selective sectors will stay cordoned off until scheduled completion in spring 2027.
Key Takeaways for Gardeners
- Arrive early with sturdy containers to collect plant material before stock depletes.
- Keep tubers stored in a cool, frost-free zone until spring ground temperatures warm up.
- Plan future visits around designated park gates as public conversion continues through 2027.
Share your experiences with us and let us know your favorite overwintering tips in the comments below.
