Mike Osborne    July 2010
An update on Cornish progress.
   Stithians Show has come and gone,with a crowd of in excess of 25,000. I did not enter, few problems with hospital attendance, but Andy Summers has done us proud, taking 1^st.,2^nd. and 3^rd. places in the begonia classes and best pot plant in whole show. Another first in the large hanging basket class completed a stunning day for him. A worthy winner,
I must say, with a cracking ICE MINT that would have made Margaret Watson proud. He is having a very good year with what must be said to be classy and quality begonias, shown to their best.  

   On to Camborne Show, another largely attended Show and for a change Andy did not "card"  However his better half Susan exhibited a nice VENUS (A), and took top honours with it, leaving my dear wife Joyce to take second with a ZIGGY (B) and third with a nice SCOTIA,which left Andy and myself out in the dark...but no matter, we put 8 good begonies on the showbench between us, and enjoyed every minute of a good show,
    Lastly a shot of yours truly, empty handed ,but still smiling (C).

    All the best from Cornwall,  Mike.

Derek Telford    July 2010

Mike Osborne     July  2010

   Just a few lines to let you know what is happening here in sunny Cornwall of late. We have kicked off our show season already. Our first one, MAWLA, was last Saturday,  Andy Summers, my "begonia buddy" and growing-showing mate, had 2 firsts, one in the self colour begonia class and the other in the picotee/bi colour class.  His CAN CAN was indeed a worthy winner and VENUS took the self colour class for him.  I managed a couple of seconds.
   Attached are a couple of photos of Andy's winners, we are keeping the flag flying for the N.B.S. and have a couple of shows in the next 2 weeks, will keep you informed.
   It has been a great June month for the greenhouse, plants doing very well, taken a load of cuttings (with I.R.W.s help) all coming along nicely.  I have a 9 year old tuber of WHISPERS which came from Dave Staines, it is magnificent, problem is I am afraid to move it, as last year I did damage it just taking it out of the greenhouse, so it stays put now, too gorgeous to show...what a dilemna!!
   Also enclosed a shot of the greenhouse taken on the last day of June - I do like that early start, the colours are very welcome early on, I am happy with my way of producing blooms over a protracted period, I think it is what I love most about Begonias, making the beauty last as long as possible, not necessarily growing TO show, but growing, enjoying and showing suits me very well.
 

   We had a good day at Praze show yesterday, Saturday 10^th. July.  I took best pot plant and a first with SCOTIA,  Andy had a second with MOONLIGHT, and my better half,Joyce, had a third with APRICOT DELIGHT.  Good to see the Ladies interested, and winning.

 I wish all members a great begonia season, above all, enjoy it whatever your mind-set.                        

Mike's greenhouse
last day of June

Phil Champion    January 2010

A.  Only 2 hours of snow & nearly 4 inches deep, by morning it was close to 8 inches deep. You can see the lights on over the heated bench where some November/December cuttings are still growing.

B. Approx 300 late cuttings taken since September & growing well (more cuttings?).

C. The last cuttings still on the bench under the lights.

D. My tubers ready for their final clean.

E.  Large tubers ready for storage, I may have a go at some pots next year.

F.  Another 200 cuttings ready for harvesting.

Mike Osborne    Cornwall    August 2009

THE LUDGVAN SHOW - I had a first in the following classes:
Three pots not exceeding 20 cms,with Orange Mrs Mc, Powder Puff, Bonny Brenda.
 One pot not exceeding 20 cms with Bonny Brenda.
One pot not exceeding 26cms with Coppelia ,and the cup for best pot plant in show.
Andy had 3 second places in the same classes, plus a first with a good hanging basket (all begonias).                                                                      

      Photo enclosed of the 3 pot class, Bonny Brenda is immediately behind them.  I am having a real winning streak, but finding transporting them is a worry. Also that some varieties "edge" after being exposed to strip lighting in a large hall, it does not seem to be so bad in a marquee tent with only natural light!!   More to showing than meets the eye, but enjoying the experience, still masses to learn, hope the nerves will stand it.

Geoff Porter    Northern Ireland    July 2009

A small pot of "Ruby Young" that  I won a pot plant class at the Belfast Rose week show, this weekend past.
 

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