Members at their March meeting thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on talk, packed full of tips on propagating and growing Fuchsias.

Given by Derek Dexter, a prize-winner at shows including Hampton Court, we learnt how to achieve plants packed with flowers by cutting back in the autumn and spraying the woody stems with water in the spring to encourage shooting. Pinching out begins once 3-4 pairs of leaves appear on each stem and is repeated. The gardeners were fascinated to learn successful cuttings could be almost too small to see and most people took ones which were too large. Fuchsias may even be trained as Bonsai plants.

There is a huge choice of Fuchsias both tender and hardy with 30 thousand types originating from Africa and America. Derek recommended Orla Jane as a prolific and long-flowering hardy variety and mentioned Sophie Louise as one of his favourites.

Kilmersdon Gardeners are looking forward to their next talk ‘The Answer Lies in the Soil’ to be given by Dave Usher at 7.30pm on 13th April.

Diary Date, our Plant Sale is back! Saturday 14th May 10.30am – 12.30pm.

Visitors are warmly welcomed.

Claire Weeks