Burridge Bonsai Fuchsia Group
Solent Fuchsia Club has a Bonsai Workshop Group
The bonsai to the left is Magellanica Alba and was grown by Solent Fuchsia Club member, Peter Lewis.
It has won the bonsai class in each of these competitions and received the following accolades:
Solent Fuchsia Club Show 2006
BFS London Show 2006. The Blue Rosette (3rd Best in Show)
BFS Southern Show 2006 (Runner up Best in Show)
BFS London Show 2007
Since the last report, another three members have expressed an interest in joining us. Val, one of our new members is also a member of the Solent Bonsai Group and an experienced Bonsai grower, so she is keeping us ‘on our toes’ regarding correct bonsai procedures.
During the last meeting we were advised that unnecessary wiring was now to be removed to avoid marking the growing stems on plants which are not fully trained. Once the plant is able to sustain the required shape, wiring is best removed. We looked at the root system to decide if repotting was necessary or if it was just a case of removing the hard crusty surface top dressing.
My bonsai plants have been kept with my other fuchsia plants in the small greenhouse and heated just ‘frost free’. They have been just ‘ticking over’ and are now showing new growth which will be trimmed to keep the plant in the required shape and then given a weak feed. A few greenfly have been found and will be sprayed to eradicate them.
The cascade shape which was exhibited at our show last year has been reshaped. We then discussed how best to proceed with it this year. This shape is certainly challenging.
The windswept shape is several years old and is looking good. If things carry on at this rate, we may need a small table at the Show to stage a display.
Report by Mary Knight
Are you interested in growing fuchsias?
Need to know what that fuchsia is called?
Want to know how to overwinter them?
Interested in talking to and meeting other fuchsia growers?
Fancy going on organized day trips?
Then come and join us!
We always welcome new members.