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                                            NOTTINGHAM AND NOTTS

                                                    FUCHSIA SOCIETY 

June 2018 NEWSLETTER

 

What is happening in the Garden Centre: 

Garden Centres are buzzing at the moment, full of herbaceous and perennial plants.  Outdoor living is ever popular.  Bedding plants are on the wane as everyone has now potted up all their planters and hanging baskets. 

I have been on a few trips this year, courtesy of Long Eaton Horticultural Society and Derby Fuchsia Society.  There are always opportunities to buy those specific plants that you have seen growing so well in the borders.  Very tempting for the plantaholics amongst us! 

Also, if you visit any of the RHS shows, there are also the specialist nursery stalls with breathtaking displays, specific to fuchsias. This year I have seen: 

CS Lockyer

Roualeyn Nurseries

Fuchsiavale Nurseries

Bromac Nurseries

Potash Nurseries 

I always find these stalls interesting as they sell different cultivars than the ones you tend to find at Garden Centres. 

What is happening in the Garden: 

  • Fruit & Vegetables

My Beetroot – As mentioned last month, all seeds germinated.  I have now potted them up in their final positions, which for me is in containers and for the first time I am trying them in hanging pots, purely because I am running out of space.

Bob’s Beetroot – Bob decided to grow some beetroot, 5 seeds in a 9cm pot, on the kitchen windowsill.  He fed and watered them regularly and I have to admit they are looking healthier than mine.  I grew mine outside in one of my mini greenhouses and just watered them.  Bob has now handed the responsibility of growing on his beetroot seeds to me – what responsibility!

Tomatoes – Well! What a difference from last month’s report! I have over 12 small plants, differing in size and strength but I am quite pleased with the results so far.  I have given 2 to my mum and plan to give a couple to our Turkish neighbours, as realistically, I don’t need 12 tomato plants and once again, where would I put them all!

Pea Shoots  - were also successful, but unfortunately I haven’t harvested them, which is my own fault! Must do better next time!

Salad – Now that I have decided to use hanging pots for growing on veg, etc, I think I will try sowing lettuce, radish & spring onions directly into some spare hanging pots.  Watch this space! 

  • Perennials/Garden Shrubs etc 

Solomon Seal – yes, last month I predicted that my Solomon Seal would be decimated by sawfly. I was not wrong.  What I don’t understand is that we have had plenty of bird activity, feeding their young, why don’t they go for the sawfly! 

Sunflowers – I am quite pleased with my sunflower plants, I have potted them on into bigger pots and staked them.  I have given 2 to my niece for her children.  Unfortunately she had 2 but was damaged beyond recognition by their puppy!  My neighbour, who is taking more interest in gardening this year, has grown some from seed and had offered me some, but as I was growing my own I declined his offer.  However, he has grown them on the front, in a pot and they are doing a lot better than mine!

Asters, ‘giant mixed’ – I have been more successful with growing flowers from seed this year and was determined not to neglect them so that I get the benefit of these flowers in the garden. I potted them up in troughs and pots and have them dotted around my front and back garden.  You can imagine my annoyance when one morning, one pot of Asters had been totally destroyed by slugs!  I had run out of pellets so had to make an urgent visit to Bardills Garden Centre to replenish my stock! 

Petunias; Linaria; Cerinthe; Snapdragons – I have managed to grow all these from seed and potted them up in troughs. I am hoping that they will come good so that they can be sold at the show. You see, I have so many seeds, I was determined to make good use of some this year and in addition, Bob was able to get me some free troughs off Free Cycle, so hopefully, if the slugs keep away, (and I remember to water them!), I will bring them to the show. 

Hanging Baskets – This year I have been able to pot up 2 x hanging baskets using mainly my own plants grown from seeds. They are taking a while to establish, but they are not a complete disaster! 

‘Breaston in Bloom’ – My niece and family have moved to Breaston and I kind of volunteered to help them with planting up troughs, hanging pots and planters etc as they felt they needed to support their local community who seem very dedicated to making their village bloom!  I have produced 2 troughs, one filled with plants all grown from seed, however, I was very self conscious that these may not be up to scratch and potted up another with ‘shop bought’ plants instead!  I was pleased with the 2 x planters, each housing a fuchsia as centre stage! 

  • Fuchsia Growing

I had a very small cutting, Max Coby given to me by Keith.  I had it out in one of my mini greenhouses and Bob decided that he would nurture it.  This was before winter set in last year, and he didn’t think it would survive a winter outside. It was put on the kitchen windowsill, watered weekly and feed weekly with liquid worm compost (wee) and I have to admit it is looking really healthy.  I have been pinching out but Bob has done everything else, including turning it on a regular basis.  It may even make the show bench! 

Cuttings – I have taken (as I normally do) far too many cuttings, but was determined not to forget them.  I putted up approx 24 cuttings.  Bob did mention how the sparrows enjoy hopping around the shelving where the cuttings are and inspecting the fuchsias.  I am not so happy now, as they have managed to overturn a couple of the pots if not more! I really do think nature is against me right now! 

I must concentrate on regularly feeding my fuchsias, and watering especially if this hot weather continues! 

  • Wildlife/Pondlife

We have been privileged to see young robins in the garden as well as young great tits.  Sightings of bees and butterflies are on the increase as I ensure that I plant more bee-friendly plants in the garden. 

I am constantly filling up the bird-feeders as the birds are very hungry at this time of year. 

Hedgehog sighting! – Marlene, a neighbour from the opposite side of the road came asking if we had a spare cardboard box.  I looked puzzled and she continued to explain.  She has regular hedgehogs visit her garden (as do quite a few neighbours on that side of the road), so sometimes she comes across a poorly hedgehog and the box is needed so that she could look after them and transport them to a local wildlife rescue point.  What I can’t understand is why we don’t get them? 

BFS ROADSHOW 2018

Please note that the above Roadshow will be held on Sunday 23rd September at Coronation Hall, Portland Road, Toton, Nottingham, NG9 6EE.  

** Please note the proximity of this BFS Roadshow, so put it down in your diaries.  Volunteers will also be required to help on the day.*** 

WANTED - RAFFLE PRIZES

Remember – the Society welcomes any donations that could be considered for the monthly meeting raffle. 

WANTED – TOMBOLA PRIZES

Again, we ask for any donations which will be suitable for our tombola which we hold at the Annual Show. 

WANTED - PLANTS

Not only do we welcome any plant donations to sell at our plant sales, but also would like donations to sell on our Plant stall at our Annual show in August. 

WANTED – CAKES AND PASTRIES

Also, to all those cooks amongst us – please bring any homemade goodies with you on the day. 

REMINDER – TROPHIES!

Can everyone bring their trophies to next month’s meeting (July) please in readiness for the show. 

PROMOTE! PROMOTE! PROMOTE!

Let’s make sure we reach every corner of the county this year! Word of mouth goes a long way, so tell all your friends and family about our show. If you know of an ideal spot for a poster, go to Keith – make sure there’s one there! Flyers, if you belong to another club, is it possible you can advertise our show at one of their meetings, by putting flyers on the seats or by posting one up on a notice board? At a local Post Office? Or Newsagent or Supermarket?  Posters should also be available at this month’s meeting – see Keith. 

HELPERS

If I haven’t managed to speak to you about support over the Show weekend, please, please, come to me at the meeting.  The show can’t function without your help.                                  

                                                                                                                                                       

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEW SCHEDULE check if there have been any changes.  WARNING – this year we have revamped the schedule.  It has been aligned, as near as we were able, to the BFS Annual show schedule; therefore, a majority of class numbers have changed.   

**Please, please ensure you obtain a new schedule.** 

 

Additional points to consider when GROWING FUCHSIAS FOR SHOW (taken from the Exhibitors, Judges & Stewards Rule Book & Guidelines):-

 

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TRIPHYLLA SECTION 

Plants that are named in the current Species list and eligible to be exhibited in Species classes may not be shown in the Triphylla section. 

Plants in Triphylla classes must have typical Triphylla shaped flowers and may be axillary or terminal flowering. Each flower cluster should have open flowers as well as buds. 

More than one plant may be used to produce an exhibit that should look well balanced from all sides and be entirely covered with an abundance of healthy foliage and flower. N.B. Please consult the current BFS Show Triphylla list for plant eligibility in this section. Plants in this section must be correctly named. 

What the judge will be looking out for in particular: - 

Flowers - will be appraised on their state of freshness. A fresh flower is one that has not been damaged, and on which the stigma has not wilted or died.  On some cultivars the colour of the corolla may fade over its life cycle, providing the flower is still fresh this will not be considered a cultural fault.  Prematurely opened buds detract from perfection and are obvious in that they are normally immature and smaller than other flowers on the plant and therefore unacceptable.

Foliage – exhibits should be covered with an abundance of clean, healthy leaves. Foliage that is damaged, showing signs of ageing, wilting or is not of good size detracts from perfection.

Cultural Proficiency – a Triphylla should display a uniformity of growth, without signs of damage.  The shape should be of uniform proportion, but more open and natural. Some evidence of training to control the shape should be evident. And consideration should be given to the exhibits natural growth pattern. There should be clear signs of health and vigour, with branches covered with good healthy foliage and an even distribution of flower typical of the cultivar.  There should be growing tips and evidence of buds to compliment the open flower, where this is typical of the cultivar.  There should be no sign of pests or diseases.  Labels, ties and supports should be minimal, neat and unobtrusive. 

Interconnecting supports constitute a framework which is not allowed

Presentation – exhibits should be presented to show their best qualities with flowers in full view. All fruit/seed pods should be removed, and nectar and pollen cleaned from the leaves.  The compost surface must be free from other plants, debris and decorative top dressing.  Pots should be clean and undamaged. N.B. Fresh compost may be used for top dressing. 

POINTS SYSTEM:

 

Flower

30

Foliage

30

Cultural Proficiency

30

Presentation

10

 

Points will be deducted for anything that detracts from perfection.

 

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FUCHSIA SECTION

 

Bonsai is a living art form, which possesses elements of composition, balance, perspective and colour. A Fuchsia Bonsai should resemble nature in miniature. 

JUDGING GUIDELINES: 

The exhibit must be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. 

Exhibits are not to be picked up by the judge. They are viewed, preferably at eye level as the exhibitor has presented them and viewed from the front only. Should an exhibit be obscured by another exhibit, this should then be removed and replaced by a Steward. 

It should have the feeling of depth and look to be bowing to you without the branch tops pointing directly towards you. 

The trunk and main branches should be visible.  The branches should not touch or rest on another branch and they should have their own individual space and be clearly seen. 

When judging Fuchsia Bonsai normal judging criteria is used, but it must be secondary to the Fuchsia Bonsai criteria. 

What the judge will be looking out for in particular: - 

Flowers - will be appraised on their general state of freshness, but should only be viewed as enhancing the shape and form. (The flowers should not be judged alone as a total unit.) The flower should not overwhelm the exhibit either in size or quantity.  The number of flowers open should be in proportion to the size of the exhibit.  Species and Encliandras should have fruit/seed pods left on.

Foliage – Leaves will be appraised for their health and cleanliness. Foliage that is damaged, showing signs of ageing or wilting detracts from perfection, but in general the foliage will be smaller than normal.  The size of the foliage must be in proportion to the exhibit.

Cultural Proficiency – Exhibits in this section should conform to a bonsai shape, with evidence of training to achieve the desired form.  There should be clear signs of health and vigour, the branches should have good healthy foliage. In this section it must be considered that bonsai do not require an abundance of flower.  There should be growing tips and evidence of buds to compliment the open flower.  There should be no evidence of pests or diseases. Any bonsai wiring must be unobtrusive.

Presentation – The container should be clean, undamaged and of bonsai style. The exhibit should be free from all weeds and debris with a natural looking surface.  Moss is permitted but should not extend up the trunk. Figurines are allowed, but must be in proportion to the exhibit.  The whole exhibit should be presented at its best to attract attention. Bonsai stands may be used.

 

POINTS SYSTEM:

 

Overall Appearance

30

Trunk and Roots

20

Branches

20

Foliage & Flower

15

Overall Shape

10

Container

  5

 

 

DERBY & DISTRICT FUCHSIA & GARDENING CLUB 

Derby will be holding their Annual show on Saturday 18th August 2018 (a week after ours) at Swarkestone Nursery, Lowes Lane, off Barrow Lane (A5132) SWARKESTONE, Derby, DE73 7GD. 

ANYONE INTERESTED IN SHOWING - PLEASE CONTACT JAYNE

Staging is between 3.30p.m and 5.30p.m on Friday 17th August and on Saturday from 8.30a.m to 9.45a.m.  

The show is open from 12.30p.m – 5.00p.m and it also includes an exhibition by the Derby & District Bonsai Association.

 

NEWSLETTER 

If anyone wants any item included in the Newsletter, please let me know, either at a meeting, or phone me on Tel: 0115 8758928, or email: jayne.daykin@ntlworld.com  I will gladly include any article or event in the Newsletter.   

Also, if anyone would rather I send them an electronic copy, please let me know. 

Remember: It is YOUR newsletter. 

FUNDRAISING 

The easiest way for all internet users to help raise funds for our Society is simply by every time you search the Web you use easysearch. Easysearch combines results from Yahoo!, Windows MSN Live Search and Ask.com in one simple search, the address is http://nottsfuchsia.easysearch.org.uk  Please try it and encourage others too. Don’t forget if you make any purchases on the internet, to go through our webshop to make sure we receive commission from the retailers (currently over 2000 well known retailers), the address is http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/nottsfuchsia

 

26th June

Monthly Meeting: Rod Young talking on Bonsai

 

14th July

Long Eaton & District Horticultural Society SUMMER Show - held at the United Reformed Church, Midland Street, Long Eaton.  10.00a.m to 4.00p.m.  ADMISSION FREE

 

24th July

 

Monthly Meeting: Chris Woolston  - Show Talk

 

11th & 12th Aug

Nottingham & Notts 46th Annual Show – at Attenborough Village Hall, Attenborough Lane, Attenborough, Nottingham (sat nav NG9 6AB). Open to the Public: Saturday: 1.30p.m – 5.00p.m. Sunday: 9.00a.m – 4.00p.m.  ADMISSION £1.00

 

18th Aug

Derby & District Fuchsia & Gardening Club Annual Show - at Swarkestone Nursery, Lowes Lane, off Barrow Lane, (A5132), SWARKESTONE, Derby, DE73 7GQ. Open to the Public – 12.30p.m – 5.00p.m.  ADMISSION FREE

 

19th Aug

BFS Midland Show – at Palmers Garden Centre, Lutterworth Road, Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire, LE17 5DR. Open to the public from 12.00p.m – 4.00p.m. ADMISSION FREE

 

28th Aug

Monthly Meeting: Mike Davey on Plant Propagation

 

8th & 9th Sep

Long Eaton & District Horticultural Society Autumn Show - held at the Coronation Hall, Portland Road, Toton, Nottingham NG9 6EE - 2.00p.m to 5.00p.m on the Saturday and 10.0am to 3.45p.m Sunday. ADMISSION FREE

 

 

 

Remember our next meeting

Will be

Tuesday 24TH July 2018

 

CHRIS WOOLSTON

 

Talking on SHOW TALK

 

 

  

WANTED  

If anyone has been searching for a long lost fuchsia, then why not ask your friends at the society!  The Noticeboard will now be on show at our monthly meetings, and at the bottom of your newsletter, there is a form.  Complete and attach to the noticeboard. Simple!

 

WANTED

Wanted:

 

 

 

 

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Contact:

 

 

 

 

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