Sally Slaney, a member of the British Fuchsia Society and a life-long friend of Dame Vera Lynn, wanted to mark Dame Vera’s legacy in an enduring way. It was agreed that a stunning fuchsia would be a fitting tribute.

Sally, who put a message on Facebook last year with the request to create the flower, is delighted with the new creation.

“My mother, Doreen Mayston MBE, was a close friend of Dame Vera, and her daughter Virginia and I used to play together. The new fuchsia is really beautiful and a lovely tribute to someone who gave so much to our country.”

The fuchsia was hybridized by Sid Garcia, a committee member of the British Fuchsia Society. Sadly, he passed away last year, however, his wife, Vera Garcia, continued the project.

The fuchsia was cultivated by Carol Gubler from Little Brook Fuchsias in Ash Green, Surrey. Dame Vera Lynn has small and delicate pale pink flowers tipped with pale green edges.

“We are so touched by this tribute to my mother,” said Virginia Lewis-Jones, Dame Vera’s daughter. “My mother had a great love of gardening and flowers, and pale pink was one of her favourite colours so I know she would be delighted by the Dame Vera Lynn fuchsia.”

Virginia Lewis-Jones (left) and Sally Slaney (right). ©Susan Fleet

Carol Gubler, who is assistant secretary of the British Fuchsia Society, said, “The Dame Vera Lynn fuchsia will be available from Carol Gubler at Little Brook Fuchsias in Ash Green, Surrey from next year.”

A percentage of the sales will go to the Dame Vera Lynn Charitable Trust which supports several charities close to Dame Vera’s heart.

https://dvlcc.org.uk/

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