show 2

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

2006 -- Last year we were in the grips of severe water restrictions which we survived - this year has started with the good old South Easter (or Cape Doctor as it is known) positively roaring for ten days at a time. Sadly when the wind blows as it has been doing we have fires and this year there have been some really bad ones and many hectares of indigenous plant life is thought to have been lost for ever. The Cape has the most species of indigenous plant life in one area any where in the world, many of these species depend on fires to regenerate the seeds and it is quite miraculous to see new growth popping up after seemingly such destruction. The problem is that if these fires occur too often (more than every five years) this regenerative principle no longer works and certain species are lost. It is one thing to have fires started by natural means such as lightening but lately arson and just plain carelessness and irresponsibility is suspected - what are we doing to our planet?

As far as our Fuchsias go we can protect them against the wind but we cannot protect them against the general drying effect that the wind has on the atmosphere so misting is essential several times a day. Temperatures have been 25 - 30°C most days which adds to the drying out. Ah! well I guess problems are made to be solved.

June: Half way through the year already and we have had four seasons in as many weeks this past month - last week saw balmy almost tropical days with temperatures reaching 32°C but the last few days have seen very good rain and a considerable drop in temperatures. Our plants are looking good and most growers have pruned and are now watching for new green shoots before starting to feed nitrogen which will promote the green growth so allowing careful pinching to start in preparation for a well shaped plant producing amazing flowers. I have potted up the first lot of cuttings taken six weeks ago and am watching the latest lot start to root.

NOVEMBER is here and it is show time again - where has the year gone? We had good rains this past winter so we do not expect water restrictions this year but water is precious so "no restrictions" does not mean we can be extravagant with our water. The regular exhibitors and hopefully those who have never shown before are eyeing the weather and praying that nothing will spoil the plants that are showing potential that will please the judges.

March / April 2007 We have had some really horrendously hot weather with humidity like I have never known in Cape Town but now into April it is starting to cool down and most growers are starting to think of pruning their sad looking plants. Cuttings first tho' and we will see how disciplined we all are come out workshop meeting on Saturday -------SPACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!