***In celebration of my aunt’s brave battle with cancer, $5 from every tuber sold be donated to cancer research, honoring her fight and the strength of countless others*** This charming pink dahlia, now stepping into its fourth year, has quietly grown into something truly special. Its petals gently fade toward the tips, revealing a warm, creamy center that seems to glow from within. From the very beginning, I’ve felt that this bloom carried a story waiting to be told. When my Auntie Maribeth was recently diagnosed with cancer and began her journey through rigorous chemotherapy, Sean and I found ourselves thinking about strength in a deeper and more personal way. Auntie Chubby as she is lovingly known in our family is one of those rare souls who leads with kindness and never judgment. She and my Uncle Gary have a gift of bringing people together. Some of my favorite memories are at their gatherings because there is always great food and a live band playing (my dad and my Uncle Gary are part of the band), and yes, me singing right alongside them. It is with deep love and admiration that we are naming this bloom Roe Maribeth, in honor of a woman whose strength runs deeper than words. Like her, this dahlia stands resilient, unfolding layer by layer, reminding us that beauty and hope exist even in the most difficult seasons. As she faces this battle with courage and grace and on the days when she feels tired, discouraged, or ready to give up, may this dahlia remind her of the light within her—the same way the creamy center of this dahlia glows from the inside out. A quiet reminder that even when the edges feel worn, the heart remains strong and full of light. When this variety is released (currently scheduled for spring of 2027), a portion of the proceeds will be donated to cancer research, in honor of her fight and the fight of so many others. Auntie Maribeth, this dahlia carries your name, your strength, and your light. May it always remind you how deeply loved you are and how many hearts stand beside you.
