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 have our Spring Show on the 8th of this month.

We will see how well everyone else’s daffodils and tulips have done!

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.

Our spring flower show takes place at California Ratepayers’ Hall in Finchampstead Road, Finchampstead on Sunday.

Doors open at 2.30pm, entry is 50p.

There will be refreshments to enjoy and, at the end of the

afternoon, a brilliant auction to enjoy.

For more details, log on to www. californiagardenersclub.co.uk or call 0118 977 1852.