February 8th, 2023Those bloomin’ beautiful begonias

For the third year, the Tuberous Begonia Garden in Ashbourne is open in February and March for its annual Tuberous Begonia and Fuchsia Show.

Now part of the gardener’s calendar, Peter Harris and Jesse Exiner put on this show due to Peter’s passion for tuberous begonias. His interest has been lifelong, after started in the nursery industry at the age of 14.
Jesse said while the show was not just for viewing, with people able to buy tuberous begonias which will flower until May. “There will be hundreds to choose from as either hanging baskets or as a standard plant. And each plant comes with a naming right, as no two plants are the same – making them the perfect gift.
“There are so many colours and shapes of blooms, it’s hard to choose but these beautiful shade-loving plants will brighten up the inside of your home, verandah or porch – bringing joy and happiness year after year.”
To make looking after your tuberous begonias easy, Jesse has recorded a three-minute YouTube video: Tuberous Begonia Maintenance Tips. In his video, Jesse shows every stage of growing the tuberous begonia, and how to feed, water and store them over winter. Each plant also comes with a written maintenance suggestions.
Another shade-loving, and a well-loved favourite, is the fuchsia. Peter and Jesse will have about 50 varieties on show which are also for sale.
“Fuchsias are very popular again because of their shade-loving qualities and their beautiful flowers with so many variations of colour,” Jesse said. “A suggestion sheet for placing and maintaining your fuchsias is supplied with each purchase.”
The show is free to enter with carparking at the rear of the property. The show opens from 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, on the first weekend in February, until the first weekend in April. Unfortunately, due to Covid, there are no public toilets available on the property but they are nearby at Woodend or Trentham.
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