While we are more or less stuck inside in this prolonged very cold spell (at the time of writing, January 1st!) it might be a good idea to make good use of this time, to compile a few top tens of our own and note down some 'challenging' New Years resolutions.
Even though many of these good intentions fall by the wayside sooner or later during the year (how often within a few weeks!!) that should not deter us from trying. Especially if instead of aiming to give up the likes (or vices) of smoking, drinking wine, chocolates and such like which sooner or later will prove too tempting, we try some fuchsia orientated ones!

1. Try and 'entice' a newcomer to fuchsia growing. A great way to starting them off on the road is by supplying them with a few free plants. So, when taking your cuttings this spring, do take a few extra and give them away to someone you think might enjoy having a go. Think back, wasn't this the way some kind person got you going in the first place? And look how much pleasure has ensued since.
   
2. With these 'freebies' leave a catalogue of your nearest Specialist Fuchsia Nursery and sing their praises i.e. regarding the excellent range of cultivars on offer, the warm welcomes and above all the invaluable advice freely supplied with the purchases. Specialist nurseries need our support to stay in business - if you want your Nursery to still be there next year you ought to give them a helping hand now.
   
3. No better way of encouraging a newcomer to the fuchsia growing world than by taking the time to listen to their queries and endeavouring to assist. What looks like a simple, even silly, question to an experienced grower can be a stumbling block for a beginner. Once they have been helped to overcome this initial hiccup they might repay a patient committee member by becoming an interested and active members of your Society.
   
4. Encourage beginners and novice growers at your Society to enter the Annual Show. Often people shy away from entering plants as they deem them insignificant, out of place on the show bench, while they are in fact beauties, brightening up their patios at home. These plants would have been an asset and talking point at the local show too - had they been there!  Most people need some nudging to have that first go, and so many, having once taken the plunge develope into real star growers, deriving such much pleasure and wondering why it had taken them so long to have a go in the first place. Remember how apprehensive you felt initially and now support the somewhat nervous new generation of beginners at your Society.
   
5. Listen to all the advice of monthly speakers and read all you can, but have faith in your own growing methods too - if it works for you, it is right for you and don't be tempted into grand scale changes, but take note and apply 'some fine tuning' where necessary.
   
6. Endeavour to keep your plants clean, by being vigilant from the onset and nipping outbreaks in the bud at a very early stage.  It really is so much easier to just squash a few greenfly e.g. between your fingers and thumb than having to resort to a whole programme of repeated sprayings later on in the season because you didn't take the time to inspect your plants regularly early in the season.
   
7. Tying in with the above endeavour to pick up and handle your plants as often as possible. It helps no end to ascertain whether you are watering correctly (plants can appear dry at the surface but be soggy way down in the pot, which a heavy pot will reveal), whether your plants are clean (remember the baddies hide on the underneath of the foliage) and will remind you to stop and shape the plants.
   
8. Get into a routine of turning your plants regularly (aided by a sticker on the pot or label which then all should face the same way) to avoid misshapen or flat-sided plants. This is also the time you can talk to your plants (if so inclined) or stroke them, which apparently, encourages compact growth.
   
9. Space your plants out and ventilate freely at every suitable occasion, which includes many wintry days, as long as it is dry and not too breezy.  Airflow between plants is most important. It helps to clear condensation to alleviate botrytis and other fungal conditions developing and your plants will develop better, more even and sturdier.
   
10. Enjoy your fuchsias - that's what it is all about!