ticking over at 38°F and kept pest free. In spring when light levels increase naturally the plants "take off". Balanced feed is alternated with high nitrogen to retain good foliage. Fed at ¼ strength every watering during growing season, using high nitrogen feed in the early part of the growing season, a balanced feed as the season progresses and less frequent in winter). For standards it is essential to avoid high potash.
As well as the run down on his way of growing and numerous tips the talk was illustrated throughout with excellent slides. After the break a question and answer sessions, resulted in even more cultural advice. Though plastic pots are so much more convenient especially at show time when a clean pot replacement can so easily be provided, clay pots are making a come-back with exhibitors. The clay pots, being so variable in size, need to be scrubbed clean. The green algae comes off easily enough, but the white markings from leached out salts take some shifting! Made easy, according to Paul, when, after scrubbing, while the pots are still damp they are wiped with a cloth dampened with a little cooking oil. It will ensure that the white doesn't re-appear. A word of warning though don't overdo it, like the agricultural worker who used pig oil and was rather heavy handed, causing the judges to drop a couple of pots!
Another query, concerning potting, resulting in a warning. Never ever pot down, only pot up preferably from 2½" to 3½" to 5" to 6½" to 8" and 10". ((Second year triphyllas are shown in 6, 6½" pots, third year plants in 8" pots.) Otherwise if unable to move into a larger pot, remove a slice oft the roots, even in May/June and replenish with fresh compost, but stand in shady positions immediately afterwards for the plant to recover.
To finish off a resume of what Paul thinks of some of our favourite Triphyllas:
Thalia - probably the best, very good for beginners and still the one to beat.
Leverkussen - attractive before flowering as it shapes itself well, with sheer weight of bloom hard to beat. Its one fault that it drops blooms when moved due to change in humidity. The solution is to grow in same environment as the show venue, outside if a marquee, in greenhouse for  a hall.
Mary - lovely colour. Tricky. Difficult in early stages and doesn't do well as young plant, but improves year after year. Easy in fact when 3-4 years old so well worth persevering with!
Insulinde - probably strongest contender to challenge Thalia as top Triphylla. Always looks healthy with glossy appearance.
Bornemanns Beste - ever so reliable show banker.
Adinda - now dominating the 3½" class, though Oxtoby's Mandi is equally suitable and would perhaps make good bonsai too.
Chantry Park - ideal trailer for exhibition work, best for baskets.
Firecracker - slow grower. Rich foliage with lovely colouring makes it a great choice for the ornamental foliage classes, one to beat Tom West at last!
And Our Ted?? Difficult!!! As proved by the fake slide which showed a group rather than a single plant like on the other slides!
We definately got our money's worth on the night, Paul just about covered all aspects of Triphylla growing in a most entertaining way. However, further cultural advice can be read in Paul's book 'Growing and Showing Fuchsia Triphylla Hybrids' which can be obtained from the Society bookstall.

Mr. George Evans from Blackpool was the speaker at our May meeting, his talk entitled 'Fuchsias across the Board'. Though earlier hobbies, while living in the West Midlands, had included wood turning and dog training, after his move to Fylde fuchsias became a big part of his life. A first winner with Cambridge Louie evolved to becoming Chairman of the North West Fuchsia Society and National Judge.
George had a wealth of information to offer, covering a wide variety of fuchsia growing aspects, in summary:
A well-stocked toolbox is essential for showing. It should include a variety of coloured tape (like yellow which is easy to see and helps to protect the eyes), 2ft sticks, cutting knife, tweezers, tights (have give in them so unlike string won't cut into standard stems).
Propagation starts with selecting cutting material carefully and aiming as if every cutting in intended to be a show plant. It is important to start right and that way you'll be okay. George fills half sized seed trays with 7