Fuchsias really do like a spell outside during the summer months If you have not already done so it is not too late yet, they particularly enjoy the late summer period with the dewy mornings. Select a sheltered area in dappled shade. If your situation is somewhat exposed make sure you use heavy clay pots or secure your plastic pots with hooks so your plants don't get blown over.

Some enthusiasts go to the trouble of putting their prize assets out during the day but bringing them back into the shelter of the greenhouse for the night.  Wind can play havoc with baskets too, not only damaging the foliage and later flowers, but also drying the baskets out very quickly as the season progresses, again select a semi-shaded rather than sunny position for the best results

Outdoors you also need finish planting your hardy beds  in early summer.

Remain vigilant and continue to inspect plants regularly for any early signs of aphid attack -
Pests tend to hide on the underside of the foliage, so do check your plants over thoroughly and regularly. Squash ALL intruders and spray if necessary - far better to deal with a small outbreak now than having a damaging invasion on your hands.

Be also on your guard for RUST - if spotted, isolate these plants to avoid it spreading, remove and bin infected leaves, or even the whole plant if badly infected.

Even if it has rained, do still check for watering. The crown and canopy of leaves acts as an umbrella in the rain, diverting water, so the compost around the base of the plant does not get wet.

The British Fuchsia Society is the national body for the UK with the object of furthering interest in the cultivation of Fuchsias.  A well established organisation that celebrated its Diamond Jubilee in 1998.
In addition to its individual Membership- which currently is well over 6000 -over 300 local societies are affiliated to it, including our own Scarborough & District Fuchsia Society.

Membership of the BFS gives entitlement to

• free entry to the annual shows organised by the Society and the right to exhibit in them free of charge.
  
• Free advice on all aspects of Fuchsia culture
  
• Copies of an Annual and several seasonal Bulletins by post each year. These are attractive publications, full of useful advice on fuchsia culture and news of activities and view points in the fuchsia world.
  
• There is also a free distribution of 3 rooted cuttings each year for members in the UK only whose subscription has been received by February 1st.
  

Further to the success of our experimental members fuchsia workshop in March the committee has decided that it is, with a little fine tuning, well worth repeating another year. Feedback was most favourable with members having enjoyed the evening not only because of the  knowledge gained but also because it turned out to be a very sociable gathering.
Please let us know which subject matters you would like to see included in the future.  The Society is there for you, we aim to please you, so let one of the committee members know your wishes at one of our monthly meetings and we will endeavour to oblige.