20 Feb Interview with prize winner, CB (2)

I’ve dabbled in streptocarpus, but only rarely grow these to show, usually only showing my fuchsias’.

My first show was the British Fuchsia Society Northern Show. I’ll have a go at all the various fuchsia classes (such as Bush; Basket/Trailing; Encliandra; Triphylla; Species; Standards) although I like bush plants the best.

‘My motivation initially was the challenge of growing prize winners, although I tend to grow too many as I like all the different types’.

My motivation now is because I enjoy it and I enjoy seeing friends at the various shows.

‘My first prize winner at the Knowsley Flower show was in 2004 for ‘Best in Pot Plants’ and I’ve won this category a number of times since’.

I’ve once won Knowsley’s ‘Best exhibit in Show’, in 2009, which felt brilliant. I enjoy the Knowsley Show as it’s small and everyone is friendly. I have exhibited at various other shows, such as The British Fuchsia Society’s Northern and Harrogate Shows and local ones such as Whiston, Halton and Southport. I like meeting the other growers, although sometimes not many enter the fuchsia classes (at the local shows) and it would be nice to see more.