We were fortunate to capture several moments with John in a series of YouTube videos that offer a glimpse into his passion and expertise. In one standout video, filmed at Winkie Dahlias, John conducted a split test with UGF6in1 Liquid Fertiliser, applying 0.6ml to each plant in several rows, while leaving 2 outside rows untreated. The results spoke for themselves, with John noting a 20-30% increase in growth on the UGF-treated row. Ever the innovator, John commented in the video...
“Some people say it’s not broke, so I don’t have to fix it. I say, are you looking close enough, and can you make it gooder?”
A Global Dahlia Ambassador
John and his wife, Anne, travelled the world promoting and gathering information about dahlias for decades. Their commitment to learning and teaching took them to dahlia shows across the globe, including the American Dahlia Society National Show and the New Zealand National Show. Known for openly sharing their wealth of knowledge, they were regular speakers at many dahlia gatherings and meetings.
Despite extreme growing conditions in the Australian desert, where temperatures regularly exceeded 40 °C (104°F), John pioneered innovative methods to ensure success. He developed the pulse watering method, used Kaolin clay spray as “sunscreen”, and implemented white shade cloth for sun protection. These techniques allowed him to grow and exhibit dahlias in some of the most challenging climates.
Winkie Dahlias: A Legacy of Introductions
John and Anne began exhibiting dahlias in 1980, inspired by the memory of a large white dahlia grown by John’s grandmother. Over the decades, they introduced over 40 cultivars with the “Winkie” prefix, including the famous giant Winkie Colonel (AA ID R).
John was a dedicated exhibitor, and one of his proudest achievements was winning championships with all of his own introductions—a testament to his skill as a grower and breeder. His passion for dahlias extended beyond his own success; he worked tirelessly to promote the flower and its community.
One of John’s greatest accomplishments was uniting all the dahlia societies across Australia. His efforts led to the formation of the Dahlia Society of Australia, where he served as president from its inception until his passing. His leadership helped foster a sense of community and collaboration among dahlia growers nationwide.
John Menzel’s Journey: From Breeder to Mentor
John’s influence extended far beyond his own garden. His book, "Dahlias in Australia – The Winkie Way", has become a go-to for dahlia growers, detailing his best practices for cultivating the most stunning blooms. A life dedicated to learning and teaching, John was a mentor to countless dahlia enthusiasts, always eager to share his knowledge, whether through workshops, flower shows, or friendly chats.
Throughout his career, John bred some of the most impressive dahlia varieties that have graced show benches across Australia. His cultivars, introduced under the "Winkie" prefix, remain a staple in the dahlia community, with many growers attributing their success to John’s teachings and guidance. His approach to growing, marked by a mix of scientific precision and genuine love for the craft, has inspired generations of gardeners.
Other Videos Featuring John Menzel:
In addition to the Winkie Dahlias video, we were fortunate to capture John’s insights in several other videos:
- Judges’ Insights on Dahlias from the 2016 Autumn Flower Show
- A discussion about his renowned book, "Dahlias in Australia – The Winkie Way"
- An exploration of ‘Show Winning Cultivars bred by Winkie Dahlias’
These videos and more are available on our YouTube channel: NG Institute on YouTube.
The Winkie Legacy
John’s work at Winkie Dahlias became synonymous with excellence. Alongside him, his wife Anne was integral to their shared journey in growing and exhibiting dahlias, a passion she continues to uphold. After John’s passing, Anne has kept their legacy alive, carrying on the tradition of cultivating and showing their impressive dahlia varieties. Today, she continues to nurture an astounding 350 dahlias, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to their shared passion. You can still see the types of dahlias they cultivated and find growing tips on their website, visit Winkie Dahlias.
Their "Winkie" cultivars continue to be sought after by dahlia growers worldwide. Winkie Colonel remains one of the most admired dahlias, known for its strong growth and prolific flowering. Their ability to breed dahlia cultivars that not only look stunning but are also resilient made their work highly respected and Anne’s dedication ensures that their shared passion continues to thrive in the dahlia community.
John’s legacy lives on in the dahlia world, through the flowers he bred with Anne, the knowledge he imparted and the enthusiasm he ignited in those lucky enough to learn from him. His love for dahlias went beyond the blooms—it was a deep connection to the natural world and a drive to share his discoveries with others.
Honouring John’s Achievements
John Menzel’s contributions to horticulture were recognised with both the Dahl Medal (There can only be a maximum of 5 medals held by living recipients at any one time) and the Order of Australia Medal (OAM)—two of the highest honours in his field. These accolades reflect his exceptional service to the dahlia community and his unwavering commitment to advancing the art and science of flower growing. His influence continues to inspire not only dahlia growers but the entire horticultural world.
Rest in peace, John Menzel. Your legacy continues to inspire gardeners and dahlia enthusiasts across the globe.
For more insights into John’s journey and to watch our video series with him, visit our YouTube Channel.
Inspired by John's Results?
UGF 6-in-1 can help you grow 20-30% more flowers, just like the ones John cherished. Click the image below to learn more about this powerful plant booster...
