GREEN-fingered city residents are being reminded to dust off their trowels, dig out their seeds and compost, and start planting to ensure they can harvest their fruit and vegetables in time for the seventh annual Worcester City Flower Show.

The event is being held in Gheluvelt Park on Saturday, August 18.

Visitors to the show will be able get advice from local branches of the bonsai, fuchsia, orchid, cactus, chrysanthemum and dahlia and hosta societies, as well as the Worcestershire fungi group, Shropshire Sarracenias and the Worcester Bee Keepers.

People can obtain a notice of the show schedule from the website at worcester.gov.uk/flowershow, or collect a copy from various locations around Worcester.

Each week, your Worcester News will be featuring the societies that will be at the show to give you a taste of the treats in store.

NORTH WORCESTERSHIRE FUCHSIA SOCIETY

THE North Worcestershire Fuchsia Society was founded in 1977 with the aim of bringing gardeners together who appreciate growing fuchsias.

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month in Bromsgrove, with guest speakers on different aspects of growing fuchsias.

We have members from all over Worcestershire and surrounding areas. Everyone is welcome. The society has plant swaps and there is always someone to give advice and answer questions.

The society provides leaflets on many fuchsiarelated subjects, such as composts, taking cuttings, over wintering and many more.

As well as showing at the Worcester show we also show at the Malvern spring and autumn shows, the Bromsgrove Fair Day and the Kidderminster Agricultural Show. Our annual show is at Rowberry’s Nursery, Chaddesley Corbett, near Bromsgrove, on August 11 and 12.

For details, call the secretary on 01527 877662 or visit us at the Worcester Flower Show for a chat.

WORCESTER BONSAI SOCIETY

MANY people think of bonsai as being small trees which are stunted by planting in a small pot. Well, nothing could be further than the truth.

The literal meaning of bonsai does mean a plant in a tray or pot but the tree is not stunted, the growth is controlled by regular pruning, not just the roots but the leaves and branches as well so that the tree is healthy and in balance.

The practice originated in China but the Japanese formalised the art as it is today. Beginners tend to develop a fixation about the age of a bonsai but the skill lies in developing the appearance of great age in a few short years.

There are many beautiful bonsai that are only three or four years old.

The best way to find out is to come to a meeting of Worcester Bonsai Society, which meets on the second Tuesday of every month at Claines British Legion.

For more information, call Malcolm Styles on 07761 440078.