Affectionate acknowledgement above by flower personalities Gerard Oldfield and Graeme Davis.
This page is in special memory of the late, great John Woodfield of Canberra, who for the best part of 60 years passionately involved in flowers and vegetables—growing, breeding, promoting, and more. John passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 1st, 2024, in his late 80s. He is survived by June, his beloved wife and co-grower.
John’s impact on the world of dahlias was profound. A life member of the Dahlia Society of NSW & ACT. Since 1966, he began exhibiting at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the 1970s. His contribution to the dahlia community extended beyond growing—he was a mentor, judge, and ambassador. His knowledge and enthusiasm for dahlias have left an indelible mark on everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
A Special Tribute: John’s Walkthrough of the 2022 Dahlia Championships
We were fortunate to capture a special moment with John when he graciously agreed to do a video walkthrough of the 2022 Dahlia Exhibition at the Spring Flower Show hosted by the Horticultural Society of Canberra. Filmed by Brett Bramble of the Natural Growth Institute, this video offers a unique glimpse into John’s expertise and passion for dahlias. Featuring over 500 staged blooms, the exhibition was a breath taking sight, made even more special by John's invaluable insights and charming stories. His narration is filled with his characteristic wit and warmth, a testament to the affection everyone felt for him.
Watch the video below to experience the exhibition through the eyes of a true dahlia legend.
More About John Woodfield: A Life Devoted to Dahlias and Beyond
- The breeder behind the 'Woden' prefix
- 2010 Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for Service to the Community through the Horticultural Society of Canberra, where he was also a life member (https://hsoc.org.au)
- Life Member and Patron of the Dahlia Society of NSW & ACT:(https://dahliasocietynswact.org.au)
- Exhibited his garden in the Australian Open Garden Scheme - He had a well-organised, colourful garden packed with an abundance of roses, camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, daphne, viburnums iris, lilies, magnolias, pittosporums, small conifers, maples and holly as well as Dahlias!
- He exhibited roses, dahlias, daffodils, camellias and other flowers plus plenty of vegetables.
- John played and refereed Rugby Union at a high level.
John Woodfield was not just a dahlia enthusiast; he was a horticultural force. He introduced several notable cultivars, including 'Woden Whitelight' and 'Woden Surprise'. His contributions to the dahlia world were vast! Not only did serve as a show judge, writer, mentor and ambassador, he influenced the standards and judging rules of dahlias across Australia.
Other Notable Achievements and Honours:
- Dahlia Breeding: John’s passion for dahlias started in the 1960s when he moved to Woden Valley. His interest grew from hiding a back fence with dahlias to becoming a competitive grower who would go on to defeat some of the best in Australia.
- Exhibition Success: John was a very successful exhibitor at numerous shows & championships. He won his first championship at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in 1989, marking the beginning of many victories in this prestigious arena. In 2016, John made a significant mark by winning all four dahlia championships in Sydney & 34 championship ribbons, demonstrating his exceptional skills and dedication to the craft.
- Dahl Medallist: John was awarded the prestigious ‘Dahl’ Medal in 2022, recognising his nearly six decades of dedication to the dahlia community. This honour is given to a maximum of five living dahlia legends at any one time, highlighting his elite status in the world of dahlias. (https://www.dahliasaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Dahl-Award-2022-John-Woodfield.pdf)
- Mentorship: Beyond his achievements, John was known for his generous mentorship. He conducted training sessions at his home in Hughes, where he and June hosted judging and growing workshops, sharing their expertise with new growers. His dedication to nurturing the next generation of dahlia enthusiasts was evident in every aspect of his life. He was instrumental in mentoring new dahlia growers, fondly remembered for his famous line to Graeme Davis...
"THROW OUT THE REST, THIS IS YOUR BEST DAHLIA EVER!”
This cheekiness inspired the naming of ‘Wakefield Mentor’ by Graeme Davis in John's honour.
John’s legacy endures not only through the dahlia varieties he cultivated but also in the wisdom and enthusiasm he shared with the community. His life was a testament to dedication, a competitive spirit and a deep connection to the natural world.
John's influence on the dahlia community and his contributions to horticulture will be cherished for generations. His passing is a great loss, but his impact will continue to inspire gardeners across Australia and beyond.
Rest in peace, John Woodfield. Your life’s work will forever blossom in our gardens.
