California Gardeners’ Club

THIS month we had a talk on Fuchsias My Way by Joy Craig, who shows her plants and is a judge at several major shows. This is a popular subject and we had a large turnout of members.

Joy told us how she got involved in fuchsias and let us in on her methods of growing; feeding (generally once a week, but show plants are fed daily!), pinching out, and the best way to keep plants over winter (do not prune in autumn, wait for the new shoots to appear).

She explained her way of taking cuttings. We were treated to slides of gorgeous faultless show-winning plants (and her elegant Burmese cats); I think it would be very difficult to replicate such perfectly shaped plants, absolutely covered with flowers. Mine certainly fall very short.

We also had a demonstration of how

to use a defibrillator by local paramedics; it is easier than you think as the machine talks you clearly through the steps for use.

Our next meeting is on May 7 and will be on Twelve Months of Colour, by John Negus.