STUART LOCKYER, of C S Lockyer Fuchsias, is unashamedly passionate about his specialist plants.

"I like fuchsias and I have always liked them," explained the straight-talking man.

The massive variety offered is obviously a great attraction. Large or small, hardy or tender, tiny blooms or huge blooms - the choice is immense.

Fuchsias could be everything from white to a colour spoken of as black, added Mr Lockyer.

Although, he explained, there was no such thing as a yellow-flowered fuchsia. The nursery itself has about 600 varieties of fuchsia and has created its own new varieties.

Fifty years ago Mr Lockyer was working with his parents marketing gardening 40 acres.

Then he had the opportunity to become involved with fuchsias and bedding plants and has never looked back.

"We gave up everything and grew only fuchsias," he explained.

This was at the family business in Kingswood.

And then, 32 years ago, they moved to Coalpit Heath, where the company has been based since.

The company's reputation has grown from strength to strength.

Mr Lockyer, who runs the business with his wife, Mary, and son, John, has picked up numerous medals at prestigious flower events.

This year will be his 42nd Chelsea Flower Show.

He has shown at Hampton Court, Gardeners' World Live and the Malvern Spring Show...to name a few.

Mr Lockyer said: "We hold the cup for Bristol Flower Show for best in show, which we have had on several occasions."

He also shows in Japan.

Six years ago a Japanese man picked up his card at a show and then visited the Coalpit Heath nursery.

Now Mr Lockyer and his wife travel to Japan each year to exhibit at a flower show.

He explained the Japanese adored English-style gardens and several other nurserymen and women were invited to exhibit at the show.

"Our costs are covered to go over and we are treated like royalty," said Mr Lockyer.

He sends plants to Japan to grow for the show, receiving regular pictures via e-mail to check on their progress.

As well as sending plants to Japan, Lockyer's also exports to Europe.

Despite being 79, Mr Lockyer has eagerly embraced advances in modern technology.

And, he is finding, the company is receiving a lot of orders via its website.

He still works "more or less" full-time and enjoys getting his hands dirty working with the plants.

He believes customer care is a vital part of the business, likes to greet customers personally and is eager to impart his knowledge about fuchsias to prospective purchasers.

"People should know about what they are buying to get the most out of their plants," he explained.

"There are ways of growing fuchsias other than a bush in a pot - ways such as hanging baskets, standards and pillars. All this can be explained."

Mr Lockyer is so passionate about fuchsias he often gives talks, as well as on his visits to Japan. During the season, the nursery will hold demonstrations as well as talks.

The company website IS at www.lockyerfuchsias.co.uk.