August Meeting

It was an exciting meeting, with the focal point being, of course, our Annual Plant Competition!

Nonetheless, we kept up with the usual activities… display plant and bloom contests, Fuchsia Lore,
plant sales, Lucky Draw, 50:50, Attendance Draw and of course… Tea Time!

We had a great “Show and Tell” this month!

Larry M. Larry brought a lovely, full Begonia plant which he had grown from a leaf, just this year. Larry also brought a Bird’s Nest fern, grown on a cutting board inside with bright indirect light.  There was moss and soil inside burlap. A ceramic spike inside is watered every other day (kept full).
Melanie G. talked about how to grow a standard Fuchsia, giving examples of Walz Jubelteen.
If she is using hanging plants, she will grow them to a taller stem than upright varieties. Melanie noted that her Double Otto, in the ground, dies back in winter and then comes back every year for her. Whiteknight’s Pearl has to be cut down to a reasonable size. Melanie also talked about the various specialty geraniums she brought.
Lorna H.  mentioned that red stems and leaf veins on a fuchsia indicate they can take more sun.
Ron K. mentioned that hardy fuchsias still need some protection over the winter in the first year or two.
Maggie B. spoke about her Tulip geranium from Australia. The Rosebud geranium, on the other hand, has smaller and denser petals.

  Display Table Winner: Fuchsia Deutsche Perle by Ron Kok

Our judge, Victoria Brookes,  noted that this plant had a large number of blossoms, all at the same blossom stage and spread out nicely.
There was no cutting or trimming needed.  Ron noted that this tree was 2 ½ years old. It is not hardy so is brought inside in the winter.

Bloom Contest: judged by Victoria Brookes
Winners:  Fuchsia – Double Otto by Melanie G., Begonia – Picotee (pink) by Nora B.,  Pelargonium –  Pink by Nora B.

Do you enjoy puzzles?
Here’s a fun (free!) puzzle link to explore.
I made the puzzle from one of our meeting photos! Try it out!