Grower finds her roots with the help of dahlias

A Manawatū mother is immersing herself in the joy of growing a flower once cultivated by the Aztecs for food after turning her paddock into a sought-after display of dahlias. Emma True, of Halcombe, is entering her third season of flower growing and says her business, Dahlias & Co, has bloomed in more ways than she could have ever imagined.

What started as a little hobby she could do around her children has now grown into an almost full-time job of preparing for markets and supplying local florists. When the Manawatū Standard visited True’s picturesque rural property, she explained that it was a solo venture, backed by a supportive husband. But it was soon evident she had some help.

George, her six-year-old ragdoll cat, came prancing out and couldn’t get enough of the flower patch, posing for the camera and helping 9-year-old Pippa find the best picks. True said it was always a laugh when she went outside to do her pickings as the pair were often at her side.

But it was also a time where she could “switch off” and focus on something she loved. The benefits for her mental health were immense, and the bonds it had created within the family were a reward for their hard work too. True’s step-daughter Paige loved taking photos for Instagram, and Pippa had dreams of being a baker and growing mum’s flowers when she was older.