Garden Trends

Just recently I got around to planting the Fuchsia cuttings into small pots with potting soil. They seem to be quite happy in their new homes out of the water. I probably should have done this earlier but they seem to be quite content nevertheless. The hope is to have another Fuchsia hanging basket this year without having to purchase any plants.

It has been a fun experiment so-far and we’ll see how the Fuchsia’s continue to grow. Feel free to comment with any of your ideas, tips or experiences with this great colourful shade plant.

We are eagerly awaiting the gardening season of 2009. In anticipation I thought I would share some general trends that seem to be making the rounds this year. Similar to 2008 green gardening is in again. Using native plants that thrive in the areas natural conditons without much attention are always eco-friendly. Using rain barrels to water gardens are another way to reduce your ecological footprint. This may be more useful to water flowers that are covered by a overhang or deck roof.

Not only is eco-friendly a trend but so is wallet friendly so perennials are a great idea as well as planting your own vegetable and herb gardens if you have the space to do so. We are keeping our fingers crossed our fuchsia cuttings will end up turning out which will save us money as well. This year mixing vegetables and herb gardening seems to be a trend although one has to consider maintaining the size of the herbs as the root systems can get quite extensive.

Don’t be afraid to use colour and mix up your groupings as this year’s trend is to stay away from “cookie cutter” type layouts. Local is eco-friendly and in but I’m also seeing the term “worldly” as well so we’ll have to see how that pans out.  Keep it simple and keep it fun! We are looking forward to 2009!

I have taken some cuttings from some of my fuchsia plants (some are still flowering and it’s mid-November!). I said I would post as I go on how the cuttings are turning out. So-far things are looking quite positive. I have a few cuttings in glass jars and have put them on the window sill to get the most light. I have had to top up the water just once so far and have cut off the new leaves or buds once but need to do it again. As you can see in the picture the roots are forming and look promising– hopefully this trend continues!

We have been extremely blessed with our extra summer we’ve been having here on the West Coast.  For the most part the rain has held off and it has been great for us and the flowers.  Many flowers are still blooming including the Fuchsia I have. The forecast will be changing though and with that one wonders what to do with their Fuchsia’s.  You can still enjoy them for a little bit longer but just watch for frost.  You can winter them over in pots by cutting them down to approximately 6 inches above the soil.  Evidently the seed pods themselves are not necessarily that successful so if you are looking to increase the amount of Fuchsia’s you have next year the best thing is to take cuttings of them. In a forum at

http://www.gardenbanter.co.uk/showthread.php?t=83787

Kathleen Syson says to put the cuttings in a cup of water, topping up but not replacing the water until there are a bunch of roots and then pot them up in compost.  She puts them on a window ledge or in her shed.  I plan on trying that this year and I’ll take some pictures of it them hopefully growing roots and coming around next year *fingers crossed*. Click on the above link to see a discussion on using clippings and seed pods. Happy Gardening!

My Mum was over this afternoon for a cup of tea and as we were looking at the Fuchsia basket she started taking off the pods that were left from the flowers that had dropped onto the deck. Evidently taking these green pods off helps the plant, making it stronger and aids in further flower development. Just thought I would pass this helpful hint along. Thanks Mum!