Do we want our shows to only show pristine show plants, perfect in every detail or do we want to also display beautiful Fuchsias that are not considered perfect show specimans for the show bench?

 

 When walking round our shows I have often heard members of the public comment that they would never be able to grow plants such as they are looking at and I am wandering if the time has come to encourage members who do not feel that they are able to compete to display their plants. One of our aims in holding an annual show must surely be to bring in new members to the society and to do this I think we should also show plants that are still beautiful but not necessarily "winners" on the show bench.

 In the early years of our society, I am told by our founder, members went to enormous lengths  to set up stunning "theme" displays using all kinds of props such as wheelbarrows, fairies, bridges etc.

 I was interested recently to read two letters to the editor of the Fuchsia Annual 1996 (BFS) discussing almost exactly my thoughts. From these two articles it is clear that competition, certainly then, was a fierce business between only a few experts  and the writers were wandering if there was also a place at the show for those less proficient.

 Also in the SA FUCHSIA FANFARE  of Dec 1998 there was an article by George Bartlett - I quote just two paragraphs of his article.

"No - I am not against the superb plants which have become the accepted type on the National Show Benches. But are they the type of plants that the visiting public come along to see. Are they the type of plants that the visiting public will go away and be determined to emulate? Or are they the type of plants that the visitors will look at, admire, and then turn away saying that they could not possibly grow plants of that standard and will therefore never try.

I want people to be encouraged to grow Fuchsias. I want them to be able to go to a plant sale or Nursery and buy Fuchsias. I want them to know that they can grow very attractive fuchsias in pots or patio tubs, in baskets or in the garden, and know that they will be very happy with the results of their efforts."

 I know from personal experience that season after season as one increases ones collection confidence grows and sooner or later many who said they would never be able to show begin to realize - Hey maybe I can!!

 In 2005 we made a sort of start on this idea by introducing a new category to our show called "Show - off Fuchsia" ie any double flowered cultivar, any size pot or basket, which will be judged solely on the beauty of the flowers. The public were given the chance to win a prize by voting for their favourite displayed in that category.

 Next year I would like to take this idea further with innovative displays - lets have your opinions, comments and suggestions.

 Yvonne@fuchsiasoc.co.za