How appropriate it is that 1998 not only witnessed the celebration of sixty years of the BFS but also saw the launch of Fuchsia Research International, an organisation with a stated purpose to "study the Genus Fuchsia".
Pivotal to the work of Fuchsia Research International is the creation of a "Centre of excellence for the Genus Fuchsia". This centre is located at Margam Park, Port Talbot, South Wales and contains a definitive and expanding collection of species fuchsias displayed in an environment that reproduces their native habitats ("The Andean Flora"). Thus Margam Park will become the closest thing to a fuchsia hunting expedition that you can undertake without leaving Britain! However, Fuchsia Research International will be more than just a collection of species. The creation of a comprehensive collection of pre-1914 cultivars is planned. The establishment of such a historical collection would prove immensely valuable as not only will scores of threatened cultivars be saved from oblivion, but also "lost" varieties may well resurface as the collection is assembled. Study facilities will be available at Margam Park, enabling a proper scientific exploration of our favourite plant to be undertaken for the first time. In years to come, ordinary growers may well be able to enjoy new fuchsia cultivars with greater disease and pest resistance thanks to the work of Fuchsia Research International. The world's largest fuchsia archive is another of the attractions that will be on offer at Margam Park, giving members access to a wealth of literature on the cultivation, history and science of the fuchsia.
Two levels of membership of Fuchsia Research International are on offer. Associate membership, costing only £5 per annum, will gain you free visiting rights to Fuchsia Research International facilities at Margam Park, and you will have the satisfaction of supporting future fuchsia hunting expeditions and the deeper scientific study of the fuchsia. Full membership at £15 per annum is a must for anyone that takes his or her fuchsias seriously, as the additional benefits include receipt of a quality annual publication and regular bulletins that will take a refreshing in-depth look at every aspect of the fuchsia.
Fuchsia Research International is not set up in opposition to the BFS, but in order to offer enthusiasts insights into fuchsia culture, science and history that the BFS cannot supply. By joining you will be helping to establish the roots of the fuchsia's growing popularity into the next millennium.
