Fuchsias—in a New Cycle
Membership Ideas
Elsie Sydnor
The rainy season has arrived in California. Roads are slick, leaves coat flowerbeds and lawns and the days are too short! But ‘Cricket’ and ‘Cardinal’ still surprise me with a few waxy, bright flowers. ‘Lottie Hobby’ cares nothing of winter; it sends out sturdy upright branches and dots them with tiny, bright lights. Membership Ideas
Elsie Sydnor
After the holidays comes the beginning of another cycle of growth and rebirth in the garden. First comes pruning, then comes pinching and fertilizing. Before we know it, new fuchsias will be showing promise of a new season.
A Branch’s year reflects the same cycle. At the end of the year there are parties and time off from the usual programs and activities. With a new year, Branch leaders need to plan “pruning, pinching and fertilizing” of another kind. What sort of “fertilizer” will give the Branch a jump-start? Would a pruning demonstration at a nursery attract some attention? Would a phone tree call “pinch” people to come to the next meeting?
Looking at new ways to keep people growing with the fuchsias takes some imagination and planning. This year San Jose Branch has started a mentor program. Diana Ellis has paired up novice growers who have asked for extra help with more experienced growers. We are also giving each member a notebook to hold monthly handouts that will cover the various aspects of growing. Santa Clara Valley Branch has been successful with workshop type programs for pruning, taking cuttings and planting mixed baskets.
All of these ideas take willing volunteers to help make them happen. I have three clipboards that I rotate at general meetings so members can sign up for various activities. An up-to-date membership list, complete with phone numbers and e-mail addresses, is essential for every member. People can arrange for sharing rides, planning treats or covering for each other in an emergency.
The Bergquists make bookmarks advertising Vallejo Branch meetings and activities. They always have a few with them that they can give to friends and strangers alike. Dean Aspinwall prints out announcements of activities and sizes them so he can print four to a page. He takes them between club meetings so we all know what other groups are doing. Keep trying to get listed in the local paper. Sometimes you will get lucky and what a difference it can make!
If someone suggests a new idea, give it a try. It may just be the “fertilizer” that is needed!
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