On 25/06/2012 20:15, Sacha wrote:
On 2012-06-25 15:09:12 +0100, Spider said:

Hello Everyone,

I've been asked to look after and take cuttings of Fuchsia 'Violet
Szabo', which is apparently unavailable in this country and seems to
be generally rare. Does anyone know this plant or, better still, grow
it? I can't even find pics of it, let alone any cultural advice. It
would particularly help if I knew how hardy it was, so that I may
treat it accordingly.

The fuchsia belongs to a London school where Violet Szabo attended.
The school has a garden dedicated to her. The fuchsia has to be
protected during building works, and I have been asked. It is almost
irreplaceable, so I don't want to lose it, but at the same time must
build of fresh stock of it. No pressure then! :~[

I had a few Spanish lessons from her daughter, Tania, who lives - or
lived - in Jersey and ran a language school there. As far as I know,
she's still there. I remember seeing a showcase with her parents' medals
in it. It might be worth seeing if you can contact her to see if she has
this plant OR contacting Jersey's Parks & Gardens people to ask the same
question.





That's interesting, Sacha. Alas, I believe it is Tania who will return
to the school (after the big rebuild) and comemmorate the garden in the
name of her mother. It will be a big day for the school. Because of
this, I'm not sure it would be appropriate for me to approach Tania. It
is, however, worth remembering just in case I/the plant have an
emergency. I'm hoping all will go will, but I am concerned about how
hardy it is. I think this is going to be an interesting learning curve.

I won't be able to use the computer for a couple of days, so I'll look
in again on Thursday.

Thanks again to Sacha, and to everyone who has responded. It's been a
real help.

--
Spider
from high ground in SE London
gardening on clay