#United States #USPS #Burlingame #Dahlias #stamps

Celebrating the Beauty of Dahlias on New Stamps

This past weekend, the U.S. Postal Service made a colorful and floral splash at the WESTPEX Stamp Show in Burlingame, California, by unveiling its new collection of dahlias stamps. These beautiful stamps pay homage to the stunning dahlias, which are part of the Asteraceae family, a vast category that includes sunflowers, zinnias, asters, and daisies. Throughout history, dahlias have captivated gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike due to their remarkable diversity and brilliant displays of color.

The newly released stamp series consists of ten vibrant designs that showcase close-up images of dahlias featuring hues of pink, white, yellow, magenta, and red. Photographed in private gardens under natural light, these stunning images highlight the intricate details of the flowers and their pistils, providing collectors with a lovely glimpse of nature's artistry.

Dahlias hold a rich cultural legacy, as they are native to the regions of Mexico and Central America, where they grow wild and were once an integral part of Aztec gardens. In 1789, the director of the Botanical Garden of Mexico City sent seeds of these striking flowers to the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid, which led to their spread across Europe. They quickly gained popularity due to their hybridization potential and ease of cultivation, resulting in a variety of new types that can still be seen today. The enthusiasm for dahlias reached its peak during the Victorian era, with avid gardeners dedicating time to cultivate their colorful and dramatic blooms.

Once admired for their flamboyance, dahlias began to fade from popularity as many gardeners shifted towards planting less maintenance-intensive flowers. Despite this period of decline, they have experienced a renaissance in recent years. Collectively, both novices and seasoned gardeners are rediscovering the charm and beauty of dahlias, leading to their resurgence in the U.S. and around the globe.

The creative force behind these stunning stamp designs is Greg Breeding, an art director for the Postal Service, who collaborated with renowned photographer Denise Ippolito to capture these images.

Each daisies stamp is classified as a Forever stamp, which guarantees that they will always hold a value equivalent to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce rate. They are available in booklets of 20, as well as coils of 3,000 and 10,000 stamps. Collectors and fans of floral designs can also join the conversation online, using the hashtag #DahliaStamps to share their excitement about this new release.

For those interested in purchasing these lovely stamps, the U.S. Postal Service makes them accessible through their online store at usps.com/shopstamps, by calling 844-737-7826, through USA Philatelic by mail, or at Post Office locations nationwide. Additionally, there’s an opportunity to explore the USPS Officially Licensed Collection on platforms like Amazon for officially licensed stamp products.

The U.S. Postal Service, an independent establishment directed to be self-sustaining, maintains a commitment to serve every American community with reliable and cost-effective mail and package delivery services. Their mission is supported by a bipartisan Board of Governors, and they are currently executing a comprehensive 10-year transformation plan titled 'Delivering for America'. This initiative aims to modernize their postal network and enhance overall service and financial sustainability while upholding the USPS as one of America's most cherished and trusted brands.

Through the relentless effort to engage the public with fresh and appealing designs, the Postal Service continues to showcase the beauty that nature offers while maintaining an essential service that connects people. Don’t miss your chance to admire these beautiful dahlias stamps, perfect for sending love through the mail or adding to your collection.

For more information on this exciting release or the ongoing offerings of the U.S. Postal Service, visit their website at usps.com and stay updated with features on their social media channels.