Bullington Gardens is blessed to have many wonderful volunteers who give their time, love and hard work in an effort to keep the gardens beautiful for our many visitors and students. This month we are highlighting Brian Killingsworth as our Volunteer Hero.
Brian Killingsworth first noticed Dahlias when he was stationed in Germany during the Vietnam war. This seemingly random event would spark a life-long love affair with dahlias. Brian owned and operated a commercial dahlia farm in Georgia where he hybridized dahlias. After he sold his farm and moved to a condo in Hendersonville, Brian was unable to grow his beloved dahlias in his new home. One visit to Bullington Gardens changed all that and a perfect partnership bloomed.
Six years later, Brian has earned the nickname the “Dahlia Lama” for creating Bullington’s Dahlia Garden. Full of a stunning array of blooms, including his own hybrids from his farm in Georgia with the name “Creekside.” Brian has over a dozen hybrid varieties he has named. His most recent and popular variety is “Creekside Michael,” a collarette.
He leads a contingent of volunteers who lovingly tend the dahlia garden each year ensuring visitors a vibrant show. He’s also the inspiration for our yearly fundraiser, Wine & Dahlias.
The next time you visit Bullington Gardens and see the gorgeous dahlias blooming, tip your hat to Mr. Brian Killingsworth, the Dahlia Lama of Bullington Gardens.
