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tiBRArot^

Mellow-Mix

The Perfect Potting Mixture

For Your African Violets

No - Muss No - Fuss

Fool - Proof

Mellow-Mix is a proven formula, all organic, containing every ingredient
necessary for fast, healthy growth and maximum bloom. It is rich and
mellow, never cakes, never hardens and is fortified with Perlome for ideal
drainage. Ready now for your Fall and Winter potting program.

Trial Unit _ _ $1.35 Postpaid

3 quart unit _ _ 2.00 Postpaid

6 quart unit _ _ 3.50 Postpaid

12 quart unit _ 5.50 Postpaid

Suggestion Sheet Included

WE SHIP THE SAME DAY WE RECEIVE YOUR ORDER!

ORGANIC FLOWER FARM

P. O. Box 231 Sharon, Pa.

i

At Last . . .

KEM-POTS

a

— 'with that flair

for 'Violets

• white, pink, violet

• large

4” base

$1.50

• double fired

• medium

3” base

1.00

• completely glazed

• small

2” base

.75

• drainage hole

• saucer

(one size)

.30

Introductory Offer
Six-Piece KEM-POT Set
one each size
one each color
with matching saucers
$4.00

Designed to:

Train plant to grow wide and flat; eliminate pot-hugging
Support and hold leaves in a symmetrical position
Prevent petiole damage and rotting from rough, damp, or sharp edges
Use with either top, bottom or wick watering
Plant into for maximum growth and beauty or
Set into, to train, protect, and hide other pot
Blend with and emphasize the color of the blossoms
Glamourize the plants on which we work so hard!

For Introductory Offer outside California add $1.00 to help cover cost of packaging and parcel
post. All other orders will be sent C.O.D. for postage only. Address all mail orders, inquiries
regarding locations where available throughout California, dealerships and quantity purchases to:

MARIE KEMP

5547 Secrest Drive
Los Angeles 43, California

1

Our Cover: A71 artistic bouquet of
imagmary African violets painted in
luater colors by Until Wright, Natick,
Massachusetts.

OFFICERS

Mrs. James B. Carey _ President

3900 Garden Drive
Knoxville 18, Tennessee

Joseph D. Schulz _ 1st Vice Pres.
5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker _ 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Mrs. Edna Jones _ Rec. Secy.

3560 French Road
Beaumont, Texas

Albert Buell _ Corr. Secy.

P. O. Box 93
Eastford, Connecticut

Mrs. Arthur Radtke Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass t Editor
5 Center St., Bernardsville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Vera Covert, Anne Tinari

NEWS REPORTERS:

Daisy Jones, Catherine Shepherd,
Marie Dannemiller, Joy Hutson,
(Eng.), Charlotte Marshall

BUYER’S GUIDE;

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

The African Violet Magazine, is
published quarterly by the African
Violet Society of America, Inc., at 325
W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.
Second-class postage paid at Knox¬
ville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00 per
year. Office Address: P. O. Box 1326,
Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1961.

Irlcun Violet

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 1 SEPTEMBER 1961

'h * */7 AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

♦ , .. ^

, 4 What ^African Violet Am I?

, 6 An Educational Exhibit

8 Violets at Mental Hospital

9 Sulphur for Mildew

10 My Violets Take A 150 Mile Trip

11 How To Raise Club Funds

12 Watch Me Perk

14 Treasurer’s Report *

16 Violet; Visitarama

17 Starting Seedlings

18 To Clean A Plant

20 Why Commercial Membership?

22 Better Be Sure Than Sorry

23 Canvas Curtains for Too Much Sun

24 Spring Cleaning in September

25 Coral Gem

26 Repotting May Save Ailing Plant
28 New l^ork City Society Formed
32 Sugar for Nematodes

34 Mites It Could Happen to You
36 New Enchantment With Variegation
40 The Knights of the Knights and Ladies Club
42 The Long Way

45 A Local Society

46 From One to Six Hundred
48 A Friend Told Me

51 East Bay National Membership Drive

52 Watering, How and When

53 Recipe for Sterilizing Soil by Baking
66 Soil Sterilization

69 Thumb Pots — What Are They?

70 Propagating by Rooting Offsets

71 My African Violet Children

72 Making Containers Attractive With African Violet

Designs

74 What I Have Learned from Fluorescent Lighting

75 How To Start An Indoor Rock Garden

76 The Piantarium

77 An African Violet Pack for Retail Customers
81 At the Printers

84 More Humidity Needed

88 Raising and Grooming Plants for Show

96 New Varieties to Come

CONVENTION

29 California Quarantine Regulations
San Fi'ancisco — Fabled Setting
54 The National Show, Part II

97 When, How and Why of African Violet Troubles

98 Clinical Capers

100 How To Use African Violets in Arrangements

102 Awai'ds for 1961

104 I Like These Violets — Now

EVERY QUARTER

30 Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund
* Registiation Report
35 President’s Message
78 Your Library
80 New Affiliated Chapters

86 Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African
90 Question Box
92 Show News, andk Views
94 Club News

Violets

RESEARCH \

27 Gro-Lux Fluoresceiit Tube
105 Hybridizing With the African Violet Species

2

WE HAVE THE "TOO BEST"

(See new list on page 37 of the
June 1961 A. V. Magazine)

PLUS "HUNDREDS OF THE REST"

Try these "Newer Varieties of Special Merit"
Ardent Red, Black Watch, Cherry Red, Cotton
Clouds, Dabs ’n Splashes, Dresden Cloud, Fair
Elaine, Glad Rags Supreme, Gold Braid, Green
Shadows, Gumdrop, Heritage, Noble Birth, Pink
Jade, Rose Dust, Snow Ballet, Stained Glass,
Top Sail, Trifari, Wind and Sea. (See our ads
in previous issues)

Send dime for our "New Fall 1961 List."
Apply 10c credit on your order.

KROGMAN'S VIOLETRY

1325 Parkway Drive (So. 125) Brookfield, Wis.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

"TOP VALUE" in rooted cuttings, our speciali¬
ty, they will save you time, space and money.

"PLANTLET COLLECTIONS" latest of late
varieties. See our list. Try an order — 'you can't
miss!

The Select Violet House

P. O. Box 1444, Rt. 90 North

Youngstown, Ohio

BETTER PLANTING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum

moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula.

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food — no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
elements.

SPRAY Pest Control

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U -Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 ways!

BETTER FEEDING

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals,

12. Quickly available to plants.

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

SYSTEMIC CONTROL

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru roots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Other Aids & Club Materials

40. Free samples.

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss,

39. Peat Humus.

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42. Displays for
educational booths.

Wtl'pl/lMt

I Laborat

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

3

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

MODEL FH240
FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch.
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results — if so desired —
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50

New TABLE MODEL New

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

FOR^2~TUb1s~20~WATT^
MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Manufacturers
217 Broad Avenue

FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

□ MODEL FH240 $10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) $12.50

□ MODEL FH220 $ 8.90

□ Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name _

Address _ _ _

City - . . State _

What African Violet Am I ?

Virginia Spangenberg, Newton, N.J.

This question and answer guessing game
could be most entertaining for a club program
or a party. Questions should be written out
on individual pieces of paper so that every¬
one would have a set to study. After they
have answered the questions read the an¬
swers and let each person grade their own
paper. A lot of fun for everyone! A sample
question and answer is: I am a dismal lad.
The answer is Blue Boy. Answers are at the
close of the questions.

Questions:

I am top man in the navy.

I am the daughter of Buffalo Bill.

I am a musician with a large following.

I loved my Prince Albert with a royal heart.
The song writers say I sail and enchant lovers.
I am a ray that appears in the Southern U.S.
I am a sweet infant.

I am aged, cabbage, moss, tea, and wild.

I am a “tar” maid.

I am a famous British nurse.

I am a coward . . . and a sun-tanned miss.

I am bearded, German, Spanish, and Oriental.
I can hit a fly and slide home.

I have hobnobbed with a number of thieves.

I am a blushing young lady.

I am slightly Communistic, and a favorite re¬
freshment of movie goers.

I am a cartoon, a style, as well as grampa’s
pinup girl.

When I appear picnickers take heed.

I am a cold man in a tin suit.

Get caught under me and you will get
“smacked.”

Answers:

Admiral, Cody Girl, Pied Piper, Queen Vic¬
toria, Silver Moon, Dixie Moonbeam, Sugar
Babe, Old Rose, Sailor Girl, Edith Cavelle,
Yellow-Brown Girl, Iris, Cleveland Indian,
Ali Baba, Pink Girl, Pink Popcorn, Gibson
Girl, Thunderhead, Blue Knight, Mistletoe. •

GREENSAND

RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

•■The OEGANIC WAY.

Is The NATURAL WAY.’

Home of Organic Horticultural Supplies
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED Ae VEITH

3505 Moiart Ave. Cheviot P. O.

Cincinnati 11, Ohio

4

Of Special Interest To Advertisers!

Due to confusion concerning the deadline
dates, I would like to advise that these dates
mean that copy and complete information
must be in my hand by these Closing Dead¬
line dates. These are: Jan, 2nd for March
issue; April 1st for June issue; July 1st for
Sept, issue; and Oct. 1st for Dec. issue.

Floyd L. Johnson, Advertising Manager
183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua, N.Y.

SCOTSWARD VIOLET FARM

Fresh cut leaves of the following new varieties,

including some Convention re-

leases; 75^ each or 1

2 for $8.00. Minimum order $6.00. Please add $1.00 for

postage and packing,

. Ai

r mail 50^ extra. Specie

il delivery 55^ extra.

Angel Child

Flirt

Pam

Ardent Red

Frosted Red

Pearl

Blue Glade

Glowing Embers

Pink Halo

Bold Velveteer

Green Grace

Pink Jade

Bubbling Blue

Flans Brinker

Possessed

Caribbean

Iceberg

Red Fable

Carnation Frilled White

Impressario

Rosy Rhythm

Chatterbox

Jersey Mist

Saturn

Cluster Pink

Kings Ransom

Snow Ballet

Coquette

Lavender Caribbean

Stacey

Crystal Mint

Lisa

Stampede

Dancing Waters

Love Lace

Star Burst

Double Dogwood

Magic Flame

Startling

Eye Light

Miss Atlantic City

Swami Improved

Fair Elaine

Mizz

Two-Toned Shrill

Flair

My Date

Wanton Red

Flame Tip

Oriental Red

Young Love

Basic List, 1 960 and

1 961 lists available. Please send 4^ stamp and specify which

list is desired.

Hundreds of large and

small plants in bloom

and available at greenhouses.

Visitors always welcome.

Mrs. C. B. Ward

71

Hanover Road — FR 7-1132 Florham Park, N. J.

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED
We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song, Afterglo, Good
News, T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waverly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a list of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approximately 100 seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A^ — more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B-— from varie¬
ties having "girl type" foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C— from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D— from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM— -our best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a "no failure" $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35tli St. Indianapolis, Indiana

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or block finish, and 1 8^', 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices; 18" x 8V2" — $2.55

each or two for $4.80; 24" x 10" — - $2.85

each or two for $5.25; 30" x 10" - — $3.05

each or two for $5.95. Order by size and color.

VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40 — "$1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 1 Oc for 4 cards.

RIDGE'S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1.00, with full directions.

TROP I -GROWER — See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each or
6 for $14.40 postpaid.-

214" peat pots— 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. SI 2 Wausau, Wis.

5

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insecticides, Soil, Plastic Labels, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle _ $1.45

Mildex (mildew) _ 1.25

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1.40

Tropi-Grower _ 2.98

1 10 Greenplast labels _ 1.00

12 capsules sodium selenate _ 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate _ 3.30

100 capsules .sodium selenate _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide - 1.00

COMPLETE LINE WRITE FOR CATALOG
"Whatever you want — Wherfever you are"

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street Penns Grave 6, N. J.

The oldest and most reliable
African Violet Supply House

ATTENTION MEMBERS

Experiencing trouble and inconvenience locat¬
ing your African violet supplies? Not if you
first consult

THE GARDEN MART

Dept. AV.

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

— WRITE FOR LIST —

An Educational Exhibit

Mrs. Charles Bromley, Racine, Wisconsin

The educational exhibit at an African vio¬
let show is one of the main points of interest
as many people are interested in knowing
about growing African violets.

At our show, the table was covered in
white; as the tables for the specimen plants
were covered with pink, we used pink blos¬
somed violets on our educational table.

We had a large aluminum pie plate filled
with an African violet soil mix, and smaller
plates containing the various ingredients that
were in the mix, namely: peat moss, vermi-
culite, Sponge-Rok, bone meal.

A little dark bottle two-thirds full of
water contained a leaf that was rooting in the
water. A small plastic pot with Vi soil and
1/2 vermiculite contained a started leaf, an¬
other had a plantlet on the leaf, another was
a small plant waiting to bloom, and then
there was a lovely plant full of pink blos¬
soms.

We also had different products on display:
N.N.O.R. for spraying, sodium selenate, and
V-C 13. Literature was also available on how
to grow African violets.

It is necessary to have someone on duty
at this table at all times, as many people stop
to ask questions. •

With the Automatic Moisturizer (pat. pend.)

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Can be groomed to perfection in the new
Tropi-Grower Violet Pot.

The perfect Christmas gift for your violet
friends, or for specimen plants to groom in
preparation for the coming spring shows.

This new type pot affords controlled moisture,
high humidity and abundant root aeration.

TRANSPARENT PLASTIC COLLAR, the big¬
gest boon to help you grow your show plants.
Made of sturdy polystyrene, the Tropi-Grower
is 8 5/16" wide, 4 7/8" high. (Fully de¬
scribed on oppo§^e page, descriptive literature
sent with each pot.)

Color soft neutral green pot with black base.
Price complete $2.98 each postpaid. Special 3
for $8.25.

TINARI GREENHOUSES

Dept. A, V. Bethayres, Pa.

NEW PLASTIC TAPE MARKS
PLANTS OR LEAVES

Modern Marking Tape stays clean and readable.
Can’t smudge or smear because it’s protected
against water and dirt with a layer of trans¬
parent plastic! Write on it with ball pen or pen¬
cil of any color and your marking will be per¬
manently green, under the plastic, to match at¬
tractive green border of label. Sticks instantly
to any surface without moistening. Attach to
flower pots or fasten loosely around stems of
plants or leaves. Large 150” roll in self -dispenser
makes 100 markers 34” wide. Only 98c postpaid;
2 for $1.89, 3 for $2.75. Send 20c in stamps or
coin for 60-page illustrated catalog only (in¬
cluded free with order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 326 Oxford, Maryland

6

TAKE MUCH OF THE GUESSWORK
OUT OF GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS

NEW

TROPt-
GROWER

With the Automatic Moisturizer (PAT. pend.)

■ Plastic Collar Prevents Stem Rot

■ Creates Greenhouse Climate In Home
Constant Moisture, High Humidity

African Violets and other temperamental
house plants grow more rapidly and bloom
more profusely in the attractive, scientific¬
ally designed tropi-grower.

The new planter creates ideal growing con¬
ditions for tropical plants by providing
constant and controlled moisture, high hu¬
midity and abundant root aeration.

The tropi-grower’s unique Automatic
Moisturizer watering system supplies wa¬
ter and humidity to the plant constantly.
A controlled water supply is stored by a
block of absorbent material under the plant.

As needed, moisture is drawn up by capil¬
lary action into the pot and plant. Also, the
air space between the outer cup and the
peat pot holding the plant forms a natural
high humidity chamber.

The watering system supplements the nor¬
mally high moisture holding capacity of

the 3-inch round JACK POT peat moss pot
in which the plant is potted. The peat pot’s
porous walls aid plant growth by insuring
maximum root aeration.

A transparent plastic collar supports the
leaves, and shows them to the best advan¬
tage. By keeping the leaves from touching
the pot, the collar helps to prevent stem
rot and crown rot.

The decorative tropi-grov/er is beauti¬
fully designed and lends a tasteful com¬
plement to the beauty of the plants and to
any room decor. Made of polystyrene, and
finished in a cool green and Oxford grey,
it is 8%" wide and 4 ¥2" high. It is attrac¬
tively packaged in a polyethylene bag, with
complete instructions attached.

The unique tropi-grower, featuring the
Automatic Moisturizer watering and hu¬
midity system, takes much of the guess¬
work out of growing African Violets!

WILLIS-REYNOLDS CORR, Lebanon 17, Ind.

7

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES

Round Regular — White

11/4”

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100/$

2.75

2”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100, $

3.00

21/4”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100$

4.00

21/2”

25/$1.75

50/$3.00

100 $

5.00

3”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100 $

7.00

31/2”

25/$2.75

50/$5.25

100 $

9.50

4”

25/$3.75

50/$7.00

100 $12.00

Same price for 3” - 2M

4” white squatties.

Square

Pots — White

21/4”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100 $ 4.00

2 V2 ”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100 $ 5.25

3”

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

100 $ 6.00

31/2”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100 $ 7.25

4”

25/$3.00

50/$5.50

100/$10.00

Same

price for Red,

Yellow, Green.

Square Saucers

31/2” 25/$1.50 50/$2.75 100/$ 5.25

4” 25/$1.75 50/$3.25 100/$ 6.00

Black, White, Yellow, Red, Green

Round Saucers — Black Only

100 '$ 3.00
2V2” Pots
100 $ 4.00

100 $ 6.00

Squatties.

Utility Colors (Mottled)

#2

25/$1.00

50/$1.75
for 2”, 21/4”,

#3

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

#4

25/$1.75
for 31/2”

50/$3.25

and 4” Round &

Round

2”

21/4”

21/2”

3”

31/2”

4”

Regular ■ —

25/$1.00

25/$1.25

25/$1.35

25/$1.50

25/$1.75

25/$3.00

Same price for 3” - 31,;

50/$1.75

50/$2.25

50/$2.50

50/$2.75

50/$3.25

50/$5.50

- 4” squatties.
Colors (Mottled)

100,$ 3.00
100 $ 4.00
100 $ 4.50
100/$ 5.50
fOO $ 6.00
100 $10.00

21/4”

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100 '$ 3.00

2 1/2”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100 $ 4.00

3”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100 $ 5.25

3V2”

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

100,$ 6.00

4”

25/?2.00

50/$3.75

100/$ 7.25

“Bantam Flats’

’ —• Heavy

Plastic

for Seed or Cuttings
B. F. 90 — 2%” X 5” X 71/2” —

3/$1.25 6/$2.35 12/$4.50

B. F. 123 -- 2^8” X 61/4” X 8” —

3/$1.35 6/$2.50 12/$4.75

Plastic Markers

5V2” X — Pink, Orchid, Green, Light Blue
50/$1.25 100/$2.50

41/2” — ■ white only — 100 $1.25
Pencils — Waterproof — 20c each 6/$1.00

Sponge-Rok — 2 qt. bag — 59c plus 25c postage.
Granulated Charcoal — 12 oz. bag — - 39c plus
25c postage.

Miniature Greenhouses

Perfect for rooting leaves or starting seeds. Base
is heavy plastic with 2 racks and 12 1^4” pots.
Top is clear plastic with open and close ven¬
tilator and lifts off for easy potting. Base with
white or colored pots — $3.00 each.

On All Orders

Please add 10 per cent for postage and packing.
20 per cent to New Mexico, Colo., Wyo., N.
and S. Dakota, and all Western states.

Correspondence

POST-A-NOTES — Regulation size postcards
with spray of purple violets in upper lefthand
corner 40 cards to box. $1.10 postpaid.
VIOLET SELECT-A-NOTES— 24 Vellum French¬
fold Notes splashed with silver and blue violets.
Assorted captions to be inserted as you need
them for “Thank You,” “Best Wishes,” etc. 24
notes and envelopes — $1.25 postpaid.
STATIONERY — 20 decorated violet vellum
sheets — 20 plain sheets — 20 matching en¬
velopes — $1.25 postpaid.

SECRET PAL CARDS — 12 cards and envelopes
for 11 different occasions during the year. The
12th “Revealing Card” for the end of the year.
Box $1.50 postpaid.

"Please say you saw it in A. V. M."

MRS. N. B. WILSON

41 Love Sf. Austell, Georgia

“To Have A Friend, One Must First Be One”

Violets at Mental Hospital

Alice Watters, Lancaster, N. B., Canada

One of the nurses from the Provincial
Mental Hospital is very interested in African
violets and has called at my home several
times to see mine. One day she phoned and
asked if she might bring out three public
health nurses and a couple of patients to see
the violets. Of course I said yes. It wasn’t
long before two big cars stopped in front, and
as I looked it seemed to me there was just a
sea of faces peering out. The nurse came to
the door and asked how many I could ac¬
commodate. I told her to bring them all in.
Well, there were thirteen, and a couple of
them couldn’t have cared less but they were
awfully good. The others were very in¬
terested and asked quite a few questions. I
sent them home with an array of African
violets, and since then the members of the
Loyalist African Violet Society have con¬
tributed quite a number of plants to the wards
at this mental hospital.

Just this week Miss McCormack (the
nurse) phoned and said the violets are doing
beautifully, the patients tend to them them¬
selves, and, like many people, are prone to
water them too much. Miss McCormack also
said it is an odd thing - — the patients might
possibly harm other things, but never a plant.

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 No. Garden

Boise, Idaho

INTRODUCING . . .

JENNIFER JILL— Fluffy dbl. pink blossom with

deeper pink center

AZURITE— Attractive

single blue that really

holds its blossoms

Listing some old favorites and many new ones

we saw at 1961 Violet

Convention such as

GUMDROP

SNOW BALLET

HERITAGE

NEVER LOVELIER

FAIR ELAINE

CUTE TALK

DOLL DANCE

NIGHTSHADE

MAGIC FLAME

STAINED GLASS

Rooted Clumps

Stamp for List

MINIATURES

The Helen Montgomery Collection
plus many more. Also a few new
standard varieties.

Send Stamp for List

LOIS HOPPER

3940 Oak Kansas City 11, Mo.

8

Sulphur For Mildew

Hope Ireland, Flushing, New York

We all know that sulphur is a very messy
thing to use generally, but if you do have
mildew and wish to cure it with sulphur and
NOT have the mess, try this. Take a small
bottle or jar (such as face cream, silver or
copper polish come in) and fill it half full of
sulphur powder. Then take a large daub of
cotton and rub it over the sulphur, picking
up a small amount on the cotton. Gently blow
this from the cotton over your plants. A very
fine invisible mist will settle over the plants,
but it will be so little that it won’t show, and
it will cure the mildew without the mess. •

A Lasting Christmas Gift

Adele Tretter, St. Louis, Mo.

The time is near to start thinking about mak¬
ing up your Christmas list. Be sure to add a
number of memberships in the African Violet
Society of America, Inc., as Christmas gifts
this year. Your friends will enjoy your
thought throughout the year. Write for your
membership blanks.

Sincerely,

ADELE TRETTER, Chairman
4988 Schollmeyer Ave.

St. Louis 9, Mo.

Committee: Ann Stutko and Marion Hamtil

DO NOT STERILIZE

A

BLUE WHALE

. .£l»ad

(BLUE WHALE nourishes while

UJ

lfin°/^gSSAHiC

Whale

producing perfect texture in

S

, J _ /

the soil.)

i

Use BLUE WHALE

s

to REVITALIZE

your Sterilized Soil

BLUE WHALE will give balanced feeding which has produced some of the finest African Violets in
Britain and on this continent.

When you make your own compost using BLUE WHALE you save money with little effort, and get a
mix which suits your own climatic and plant conditions. Even a few tablespoons of BLUE WHALE to
the pot can revitalize the sterilized soil.

Write for Free Flyers: “Orchids”, “Chrysanthemums”, “Roses”, “Fuchsias”, the new “More and Better
Bloom”, “Six Steps to Better African Violets”, etc.

If you cannot get Blue and Liquid Whale from your Garden Store or Nurserymen, Acme will send
them post paid and duty free to the United States for the following prices. Due fo increosed Canodian
postage rates, Canadian prices are slightly higher.

Please add 15^ check and money order cashing fees.

LIQUID WHALE PLANT FOOD

Liquid Whale, 1 0 ounces, packed to mail at 1 pound -

Liquid Whale, 14 ounces, packed to mail at 1 Va pounds -

Liquid Whale, 28 ounces, packed to mail at 2 pounds -

BLUE WHALE SOIL BUILDER AND CONDITIONER

1 Bantam, approximately 1 0 pounds when packed, each
Sample pack, BLUE WHALE _ _

ACME PEAT PRODUCTS LIMITED OF CANADA

R. R. 2 — DEPT. AV91 — RICHMOND, B. C.

$1.00

$1.25

$2.00

$3.25

$1.00

9

My Violets Take
A 150 Mile Trip

Mrs. Bob Peterson, Denison, Iowa

The morning was peaceful and quiet, when
in walked my husband with the news that
we were moving a distance of 150 miles and I
was to start packing immediately. Little did
I know then what a job it would be. The
movers arrived and everything was loaded in
record time except my violets. I had placed
my best dishes in the car and left room there
for the violets.

When I think back now, it was a very
funny incident in my life. I found myself
and my 3 ¥2 year old son wheeling down the
highway with my car loaded with 60 violet
plants and 19 leaves started and labeled, each
in its own little vial. This may seem silly
to some people, but I know that a violet lover

NATURA MAGIC MIX

Fine for seed and cuttings, no damp off. 3 qts.
$2.00 postpaid. Other supplies, cutting list in
September, 4c stamp for list.

CECIL LACHER

Route 4 Freeport, Illinois

would understand. You just don’t trust a
man with your plants.

I never realized how many stops we had
ahead of us to refill each and every bottle.
At long last, after many sharp turns, curves
and very heavy traffic, I and my cargo arrived
safely at our new home. My first move was
to look at my precious cargo, and Lo and
Behold — what a mess! Many leaves were
broken off my plants and all 19 violet leaves
were accounted for, but they were not in their
labeled vials. As for the water, the box was
full but there was not a drop in any of the
bottles. A few did not survive their trip. It
will be interesting to see what grows from
each leaf. All the plants looked rather sick
for almost a month, but, to my surprise seem
to have recovered and to be as healthy as
ever.

I would like to end with a helpful hint
to all plant lovers: “Patience and Gentleness
will reward you ten times over.”

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Latest releases from leading Hybridizers.
Open Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Other days by Appointment
— No Shipping —

Mrs. Fred Boehart

716 Hay St. Woodstock, Ill.

Phone Federal 8-1395

FALL SHIPPING SPECIALS

Order now for fall shipping before cold weather. Mail orders will receive prompt careful attention.

A stamp brings you our complete price list, or you may order directly from this ad. Please add
$1.00 extra for postage. Minimum order $4.00, postage extra.

Your choice of these varieties — $1.00 each,

*STAINED GLASS — ■ Frilly white blossoms,
streaked and stained with red. Extremely
dark frilled foliage, red-reverse.

*HER1TAGE — Deep, dark purple double. Big,
bold and handsome.

*GUMDROP — Sparkling frilly pink double,
lovely dark, slightly wavy foliage.

*NIGHTSHADE — Dark blue-purple double.
Clusters- of lovely dark blooms, tailored
foliage.

*LA FEMME — - Deep rose-pink semidouble.
Very dark foliage.

CHIMES — Raspberry pink semidouble
blooms. Terrific bloomer.

ROXIE — Pastel pink frilled double, slightly
fluted foliage.

INDIANA WALTZ — Large frosty pink sin¬
gle, delicately edged with deeper pink.
Plain foliage, excellent bloomer.

(* Indicates variety is registered with African

rooted cuttings 85^.

*RED CROWN — Glowing wine-red double
blooms, glossy tailored foliage. Mature
plant will produce 20-25 flowers on a
single stem. Belongs in every collection.

*CHARM SONG ■ — Charming light blue dou¬
ble, with clusters of big, long-lasting blos¬
soms.

*GREEN DAWN — Distinct frilly green edge
on pretty pink double blooms. Beautiful
frilled foliage, red-reverse.

*WEDGEWOOD — Beautiful blue double, very
distinctive dark foliage. Outstanding and
lovely.

OLD STYLE — An old style purple single, but
brought up to date in performance. Huge
purple blooms, tailored foliage.

PAREE — Pink single blossom, slightly fluted.
Pretty glossy foliage, gracefully waved on
edge.

Violet Society of America.)

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSE

607 Hoffman Street Hammond, Indiana

10

How To Raise Club Funds

Dorothy Parker, Yucaipa, California

African violet clubs might be interested in
the purchase and sale of Violet Stationery and
Violet Notes, which are manufactured by the
Royal Stationery Company of 201 North 3rd
Street, Minneapolis 1, Minnesota.

Certainly anyone who loves African vio¬
lets will be thrilled with this stationery and
note paper, as it has a beautiful African violet
printed thereon. •

RED RED RED RED RED

Independence - Yellow stamens stand out
against frilled Holly type red flowers

Wonton Red — Extravagant unrestrained red¬
der red single. Holly foliage

Oriental Red — Big boisterous profuse freest
blooming red. Nice tailored foliage

— Open Doily and Sundays ™

Send name and address for descriptive folder

LYNDON LYON

14 Mutchler St. Dolgeville, New York

Phone 3591

now!

THE NEW ^ube Graft
WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUIE CRAFT, INC., DIPT. C

131! West 80th Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!
HERE'S REAL ECONOMY!

THRIFTEE

f

- j ^

1

-1*

■ ' ”

I] *

K|;

'■'stn:

»»■

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

Now

Available
in

COLOR!

utanwKiiBiciKijij!

IkfltaiHailtMKiMlIlH

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white

• Permanent— Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones— -end ot competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Mode by the makers of famous

LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They con be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser ond a
damp cloth.

ra?!»»r«f5W5a

THRIFTEE Markers ore a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plant
markers are required in quantity ot o
minimum prico!

THRIFTEE Morker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3” Thriftee Markers™7/16” wide;

4”, 5”, and 6’’ — 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.

Bo suro to specify color desired

otherwise, oil orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS

Far West: 1864 S. 120th St., SeatUe 88, Washington
Canada: C. A. Cruickshank, 1015 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Toronto 12, Ontario

11

SQUARE PLASTIC FLOWER POTS

Twenty-four pots 2" square for $1 postpaid!
Hold as much soil as larger round pots but
need less space for growing. Perfect for seed¬
lings, cuttings, and rooting African violet
leaves. 4 drain holes for better root growth.
50 for $1.75; 100 for $3.00: 234” size 24 for
$1.50; 50 for $2.75; 100 for $5.25; 334” size 24
for $2.95; 50 for $4.75; 100 for $9.25 postpaid.
Catalog included tells low prices, unusual hard-
to-find supplies. 60 illustrated pages. Send
20c in stamps or coin for catalog only.

THE HOUSE4 PLANT CORNER

Box 828 Oxford, Maryland

AGE OLD JERSEY GREENSAND
Natural POTASH and TRACE MINERALS. Con¬
tains no chemical additives. NATURALLY
CONDITIONS AND MINERALIZES YOUR
SOIL. For farmers, home and window box
gardeners. Does not harm or cake. Use any
season alone or as supplement to phosphate,
composts, peats. Odorless. Ask Dealer or Write:
NATIONAL SOIL CONSERVATION, INC.

Medford, New Jersey

FRESH

CUT LEAVES

Any

10 for $9.00

Bouffant Rose

Pink Ribbons

Conquest

Prince Albert

Dark Eyes

Paper Parasol

Evening Prayer

Soft Whispers

Keepsake

Singapore Sling

Mitzie

Sun Valley

Mr. Kip

Snow Queen

My Souvenir

U. C. Dbl. Blue

Persian Pink

Woody Woodpecker

Any

10 for $7.00

Angel Fluff

Green Goblin

Blue Flair

Green Frills

Blue Streak

Giant Jill

Blue Mist

Lavender Pearl

Cluster Pink

Never Lovelier

Clare De Lune

Nyla

Dusk

Orchid Premiere

Dbl. Dogwood

Oriental Red

Fair Elaine

Possessed

Felix

Stampede

Please include $1.00 for postage and packing.

Hundreds of other

varieties, list on request.

Make check payable to Doris Intile,

Visitors Welcome

DORIS' AFRICAN VIOLET CORNER

PI 8-5485

308 Franklin Sf.

Bloomfield, N. J.

Watch Me Perk

Ruth A. Lovell, Gardner, Massachusetts

After your show plants have had their
pre-show procedure, each week keep them
on the move, on the different benches, and
you will be surprised how they will perk.
There is just enough change of air, humidity,
light, etc. that it is surprising what they will
do; or, maybe just the moving makes them
feel you are taking a special interest in them
and they are saying, “There, see how much
more beautiful I am than when you were
letting me sit in one place for twelve weeks
like a dud!” •

Hi Hill Gardens

Route 1 Etters, Pennsylvonio

These are the plants that made such a ter¬
rific hit at the French Lick National Convention.

Look for the pictures and write up on Athena
and Ionic in the June issue.

ATHENA — Supreme, full double fringed white
with each petal edged in blue. Very prolific
huge flowers.

IONIC — Full double fringed, deep lilac

Supreme. Again, very prolific with huge
flowers held high.

DORIC — Huge pink single. 2 Vk'" blooms held
high over the plant extremely prolific, tail¬
ored foliage.

APOLLO — Huge double white with good light
blue edge, very prolific and about the fastest
grower of the group.

CORINTHIAN — Bicolored, blended blue and
white, fringed. Supreme, semidouble with
huge flowers.

OAK HILL MAID — Unusual shade of blue dou¬
ble. Deep girl foliage. A unique novelty
plant.

The following were released at the Na¬
tional African Violet Convention at Atlantic
City in 1 960.

DABS 'N SPLASHES — Red-orchid Fantasy type
double. Tailored foliage.

LADY BALDWIN—Supreme, full double,
fringed, deep blue huge blooms very prolific.

MY LOVE — Fringed, rose-lavender, semidouble
Supreme blooms held high.

KATHLEEN— Semidouble, shaded pink, wavy
foliage, very prolific.

Our mailing business is in rooted clumps. All
clumps $1.00 plus $1.00 handling. Minimum
order $3.00.

12

TRAVELING!

Stop and see our African violets
Latest Releases

Grown in U. C. Mix No Shipping

Visitors Always Welcome

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road N. Syracuse, N. Y.

5 minutes from Exit 36 NYS Thruway

X-Rayed Leaves Give Many Surprises

First you notice some baby plants have exciting
new foliage. Later you find unusual new traits
in different plants such as more yellow in
blossoms, huge blossoms, fringed edges, 2
sometimes 3 blossom stems per leaf axil,
variegated foliage, miniatures etc. Send a
stamped envelope for more information.

Elderkin's African Violet
Radiation Lab

2552 Broadway Toledo, Ohio

SHELLINGER'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

Fresh cut leaves 25c. Choice new varieties and
a close out special on the best of the older
varieties.

Stamp for List

VIOHA G. SHELLINGER

351 E. Works St. Sheridan, Wyoming

AFRICAN VIOLETS

We are propagating some 300 NEW and
PROLIFIC varieties. Established plants in 21^"
pots, 50c and 75c each. In Bud and Bloom
in specially prepared pasteurized Soil for Afri¬
can violets and house plants. Calla Lily and
choice Double Flowering Begonias. Supplies.

Visitors always welcome.

Easy to reach — Lincoln Hwy. Rt. 30 between
York and Lancaster. No Shipping. Free Parking.

Lockord's Flower & Gift Shop

Mountville, Pa.

ROOTED

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

A Post Card from You to Me
Brings our List by Return Mail

Dorothy K. Atkinson

1702 Grove Ave. North Chicago, III.

LIFETIME AND THRIFTEE PLASTIC MARKERS — NOW IN NEW COLORS !

LIFETIME plastic markers are ideal for use by the home or commercial grower or dealer to iden¬
tify and price plants, cuttings or seedlings. The large sizes are used in nurseries and conservatories for
identification of trees and shrubs. Tie-on tags give permanent identification to nursery stock and
perennials. Styles A and B are preferred by growers of African violets. LIFETIME markers are now

made in green as well as white. We will ship white if no color is mentioned.

THRIFTEE markers are flexible and priced to replace wooden markers for one time use. THRIFTEES
are made in green, blue, red, orange, yellow, and white. (8” size in green only.) Please give first and

second color choice and mention color NOT wanted. If no color is mentioned we will ship green.

Write on LIFETIME and THRIFTEE markers with ordinary soft lead pencils, or order our special
and waterproof pencils. The markings stay on until removed with a moist cloth and scouring powder.
LIFETIME and THRIFTEE markers will not disintegrate or decay and may be used over and over,
either indoors or outdoors.

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS

SIZES AND STYLES

Style

Postpaid

50

Quantity

100

Prices

500

A- — 4V4” vertical stake

A

$1.25

$5.50

— 2”x5” tee stake

B

$2.00

2.75

11.00

B4 — 4” T stake, removable tab

B4

1.50

6.00

C-— 6” vertical stake

C

1.50

2.25

10.00

D— •r’x2” horizontal tie-on tag

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

E— l”x3” horizontal tie-on tag

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F— -V^”x2” notched tie-on tag

F

1.25

5.00

H— 2V4”x8” tee stake

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J — 3”xl2” tee stake

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K— 4i4”xl8” tee stake

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P— -l”xl2” vertical stake

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

TIE-ON COPPER WIRES

INCLUDED

WITH D,

E, AND

F.

THRIFTEE FLEXIBLE COLORED LABELS

SIZE

100

125

250

500

1000

7/16’

’ X 3” vertical marker

$1.00

$1.60

$2.50

5/8”

X

4” vertical marker

$1.00

1.55

2.50

3.90

5/8”

X

5” vertical marker

$1.00

2.30

3.65

4.80

5/8”

X

6” vertical marker

1.15

2.55

4.10

5.40

5/8”

X

8” vertical marker

1.45

3.40

5.40

7.20

SEE INFORMATION

ABOVE

RELATIVE

TO COLORS

TRIAL ASSORTMENTS: No. 1~50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H — $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2 — 125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes — $1.00 postpaid.
AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A, $1.00; 1000 Style A, $9.50 postpaid.
DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or nther identification.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

Dept. S13

1126 ARTHUR ST.

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

13

NATURAL AND ORGANIC SOIL
MINERALS HEADQUARTERS

Fanning's Famous All-Purpose Blend
for "EVERYTHING THAT GROWS."
WILL NOT BURN. Try it on African
violets or any other type flowers,
lawns, and gardens. Available in 5,
10 and 80 lb. bags.

Write for Free Folder

Immediate Shipment

Fanning Soil Service, Inc.

4951 S. Custer Rood Monroe, Michigan

DELIA'S ORIGINALS

Handpainted Jewelry and China
African Violets Of Course
Your Favorite on Many Gifts
“You design it” “I’ll paint it”

Send stamped envelope for brochure
2506 Sacramento St., San Francisco 15, Calif.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC HUMIDIFIER
FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS

Gentle humidifying vapor for every leaf pore
to drink! African violets, Gloxinias, Gardenias,
other plants in dry rooms bloom gloriously
with proper humidity. Vaporizes nearly a gal¬
lon of water at one setting. Directional fins
deliver vapor to plants. Automatic safety shut
off control. Light in weight and completely
portable for moving from room to room. Un¬
breakable high-impact water reservoir. Just
lift lid to refill. Silent operation. Will benefit
you as much as the plants . . . gives all-night
relief from respiratory irritations due to colds,
asthma, bronchitis and sinus. Fully guaranteed.
AC current only. $12.95 postpaid. Send 20c in
stamps or coin for 60 page illustrated catalog
(included free with order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P. O. Box 827 Oxford, Maryland

Treasurer’s Report

STATEMENT OF

CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA,

Incorporated

Year ended December 31, 1960
RECEIPTS

Dues _ $59,661.79

Advertising _ 9,366.00

Research _ 1,936.28

Sale of back issues _ 805.73

Library _ 374.10

Binders _ 276.45

Convention income — net _ 199.36

Registration fees for new varieties 167.00

Judging school _ 79.00

TOTAL RECEIPTS $72,865.71
DISBURSEMENTS

Magazine and Members’ Handbook $43,490.45

Services and pay roll taxes _ 14,609.29

Postage _ 4,073.83

Supplies _ 2,716.29

Office rent, light, heat, etc. _ 1,793.17

Research _ 1,250.00

Long distance telephone _ _ 1,022.39

Binders _ 895.40

Equipment purchases and repairs 646.90

Library _ 288.45

Promotion _ 204.96

Auditing and tax services _ 150.00

Insurance _ 103.50

Judging school _ 60.82

Registration _ 37.99

President’s pin _ 35.60

Buyer’s Guide _ 25.00

Miscellaneous _ 17.00

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS $71,421.04
EXCESS OF RECEIPTS
OVER DISBURSEMENTS $ 1,444.67

PLANT MARVEL'S
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No harm
to bloom or foliage when used as directed. Won’t
stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to children
and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal insecti¬
cide. V2 lb. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

D«|if. Av29, 624 W. T 1 9th Sf.

Chicofo 28, Illinois

14

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTEfl

Use the first of its kind. A product that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c
sales tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

Box <425 Cleveland 34, Ohio

RUHM'S PHOSPHATE ROCK

"Noture^s Way" African Violet Soil

Potash rock — Limestone
Horn ond Hoof — Blood Bone — Cotton
and Fish meals — - Tobacco and Leather
dusts — Activo — Crgano ■— and Atlas
Fish Emulsion, etc.

10| Coin Brings Price List.

SOIL-CONDITIONERS

P. 0. Bex 3B4 Litflelen, Mess.

JH Lifetime ipirft ;fop
f LOWER LOVERS

Sturdy, heavy gauge all-steel welded. 40" high. Will
not tilt or tip. Holds 11 plants, 10 on revolving arms
extending outward 6" to 1 2" from center shaft. Arms
movable to any position to enhance beauty of display
and allow even sun and air exposure. Light weight.
Easily dismantled for cleaning. Antique black, white or
green enamel.

Specify color desired. Send check or morrey order; or
C.O.D, immediate shipment. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Circular on request.

— ORDER BY MAIL TODAY —

Only $14.95 Each, plus $1.00 for Patking ond Postoge
($2.00 for Canodo)

YIO HOLDA MANUFACTURING CO.

INC.

P. O. BOX 915 Dept. 1991 TOPEKA, KANSAS

Will Not Tip or Tilt

POSY SUZY
Reyolying Plant Stand

sturdy wrought
iron construction.
Colors black or
white.

iff:'

40 inches high; 24”
wide. Brackets
fully revolving.

10 sealed brasstone
pots included for
direct planting or
jardiniere use.

Packed one in
parcel post carton.
Easy one minute
I assembly. Plants
^ not included.

$11.95 each
Postpaid in 50
states and Canada.

G I FT WO R K E RS

805A Lindberg Dr. Kansas City 18, Mo.

Dealers, Jobbers and Mail Order operators,
please write us.

15

Violet Visitarama

Margaret Goehler, Los Angeles, California

JOHN and Mabel Gutridge, internationally
known master hobbyists of African violets,
took full advantage of the Southern California
way of life to change the pace of African
violet display by opening their charming
home and beautiful garden patio for a public
viewing of their own collection of magnificent
plants. This affair was held under the auspices
of the Los Angeles African Violet Society;
the members acted as hostesses and provided
a lovely refreshment table in the patio, high¬
lighted with fancy and delicious homemade
cookies and colorful fruit punch.

The throngs of visitors were spellbound
with the displays set up throughout the
house. The pink decor of the living room,
augmented with clouds of pink tulle, was the
setting for the huge plants covered with my¬
riads of bloom in varying shades of pink. The
dining room held only the deep blue and
purple violets, set off with drifts of purple,
violet and orchid tulle overlaid and entwined.
Even the kitchen, breakfast room and den
were filled with specimen plants of unbelieve-
able beauty. The glass enclosed lanai which
opens onto the garden was a veritable fairy¬
land. The guests were simply stunned as they
passed by 5 fluorescent carts thickly set

FCL 35c and 50c WELL PACKED

500 varieties under 4 years old. Many ’60, ’61
introductions. Send list of those you want, we’ll
price and return to you for your selection.
Minimum 20 FCL. (We print no list, too many
new ones added to often.)

ANN'S VIOLETS

7 34 E. 8th St. Tucson, Ariz.

This plant is called “Sister Alice” and is the award
winner for best seedling in Los Angeles 1959 show.

with perfect plants bursting with masses of
blossoms.

The 3 most talked about plants were: a
huge Vesta measuring 30 inches across; a
spectacular Bud’s Kimberly with black fring¬
ed leaves as large as your hand and a wide
diadem of ethereal double blue, white rimmed
flowers; and John Gutridge’s breathtaking
seedling named Sister Alice in honor of
Mabel’s sister. This plant was a fine flat grow¬
ing specimen with dark, pointed, mottled
foliage and frilly semidouble flesh-pink flow¬
ers with pointed petals and darker pink eyes.
This seedling won the trophy at our 1959
show. A ways and means booth and a section
for sale plants did a lively business all after¬
noon in the light, airy garage. The day was
a huge success and there can be no doubt
that our objective, of promoting and stimulat¬
ing interest in African violets as a hobby to
be lived with and enjoyed day by day in
the home, was fully realized. •

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The "Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20" x'52”) aluminum
trays for bottom watering. Provision is made for mounting* an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR-AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest quality
of all "apartment greenhouses.” You will be proud to show it to your
friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with which the
lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly 18” above the
trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two shelves.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the new book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for making
and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other plants by
artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95 postpaid.

We are in position td supply the light fixtures combining fluorescent
and incandescent light as described in this book as well as TIME-ALL
automatic controls, soil mixes, compost, plastic markers, etc. Ask for
price list.

Also available — Peggie Schulz’s book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.50.

HARVEY J. RtDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. SIT Wousou, Wis.

16

Starting Seedlings

Arndt’s Floral Garden, Troutdale, Oregon

1. Screen your rooting medium through
a coarse sieve. Fill a plastic cheese or refrig¬
erator dish to a depth of 11/2 to 2 inches.

2. Sprinkle the tiny seeds evenly on the
top of the screened medium.

3. Put dish in a new plastic bag and
fasten with a rubber band. Do not remove
unless to add a few drops of boiled water if
drying occurs. Keep just moist — NOT wet.

4. Place dish where bottom temperature
is at least 65 degrees, but not over 72 degrees.

5. Seeds will germinate best in subdued
light, but never sun. Violet seed germinate in
from 10 days to 18 months, so do not be
impatient!

6. When the seedlings have 2 leaves and
tiny root hairs are forming, prick them off
carefully and put into small pots of rooting
medium. Again cover with plastic until they
are 2 to 3 inches across. Remove the plastic
gradually and allow them to acclimate to the
house conditions.

7. Seedlings may be fogged with Maxi-
Crop after they are in the little pots, and
root fed when they are growing actively.

8. Then pot them in your regular mix. •

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Why buy just a leaf? We sell lovely plants in
21/2 inch pots of recent varieties for only $1.25
Write for variety list

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahoma City, Okla.

MARKERS

Lifetime —

41/2" — White or Green

100

$1.25 500

$4.50

200

$2.00 1000

$7.50

Thriftee 3'

X 7/16" Yellow, White, Green

250

$1.00 500

1000 $2.50

$1.60

Immediate

shipment, postpaid! No C.O.D.

Please. Won't you stop by and see our African

violets and

supplies? Sorry, no list.

Lyke's African Violets

East Bethany, New York

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leoves — Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants

New and Older Varieties
Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7 322

TONKADALE GREENHOUSES

NOW IS THE TIME TO

PLANT A HANGING BASKET
FOR A CHRISTMAS GIFT

From the originator of this unique
method.

African Violets grown by our method, give
better aeration of the root system and bet¬
ter watering by the use of a porous water¬
ing pot submerged in the soil with no
dripping of water on the floor. The basket
revolves on a swivel for ease in turning it.
A bird cage bracket or similar hook is used
to suspend the basket in the window.

It requires nine plants, preferably plants
out of small pots, just ready to bloom.
Single crown plants and varieties that don't
get too bunchy are recommended.

YOU FURNISH THE PLANTS AND THE SOIL

We ship one 9" wire basket, swivel and suspending wires, watering pot, two kinds of^.moss, and
instructions for $2.25 ea. or two sets for $4.00 postpaid. If desired, we can furnish an 11" bird
cage bracket to fasten on the window for .35^ ea. when ordered with the basket.

HOPKINS, MINN. 3739 TONKAWDDD ROAD WE 8-6480

17

LEAVES

PLANTS

CHOICE VIOLETS

Hi Hopes

Heritage

Chapel Boy

Ionic

Chatterbox

Magic Flame

Corinthian

Queen of Hearts

Fair Elaine

Shrill

Fury

Star Chimes

Gold Braid

Startling

Green Confetti

Trifari

Green Grace

Sweeter ’n

Gumdrop

Springtime

Rose Dust

25c Coupon with List — 15c

Open by

Appointment

Duality Violet House

2021 Union Blvd., S.E.

Grand Rapids 7, Mtch.

Phone

243-6651

CHAPEL HILL VIOLET HOUSE

Show and Gift Plants
For All Occasions

— - Visitors Are Always Welcome — -
Plenty of Parking Space

Hi Hopes
White Trumpet
Oriental Red
Frosted Red
Dbl. Pink Geneva
Gumdrop
Snow Ballet
Big Cree

Young Love
Ember Glow
Felix

Pastel Swirls
Heritage
Night Shade
Magic Flame
Trifari

SUPPLIES — including the Floor Flora Planter
Lamps, the Vio-Holda Plant Stands, Plastic
and Fibre Glass Trays, V-C 13, spray materials,
pots, saucers and our own mix of potting soil
that grows plants for blue ribbon exhibition.

Sorry We Do Not Ship Plants

DOROTHY A. JOHANSON

37 College View Hgts. (off Silver St.)
South Hadley, Moss.

Tel. JE 4-7592

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Vigorous plants grown in 214 inch pots —
75c, $1.00, $1.25, $1.50. Many new varie¬
ties. Soil, pots, labels, etc. Send for our new
Fall list.

VOLKMANN BROS.
GREENHOUSES

2714 Minert Street Dallas 19, Texas

To Clean A Plant

Margo Waff, Cary, North Carolina

Most of my plants are grown in natural
light. In the summer the windows are lowered
from the top and pushed up at the bottom
for air circulation. We live on a paved street
but there is dust and it settles on my African
violets.

I brush the leaves with a complexion brush
that has a handle, holding my left hand under
each leaf. Then I take the plant to the sink,
put plastic around the top of the pot as close
as possible to the main stem so the soil will
not spill out. I turn on the warm and cold
water, regulating it to lukewarm and test it
with my wrist, then I turn the plant to a 45
degree angle and let the water wash each

leaf. If water gets in the crown, with the
plastic around the pot you can tilt it until
the water runs off. If you do not use the
plastic, take a piece of paper towel and gently
remove any excess water.

The plants are not put back in the windows
or under lights until they are thoroughly dry.

By brushing the plants first, I do not have
streaked leaves.

In the winter I do not have this trouble. I
put containers of water on my registers (my
heat comes up out of the floor) to keep up
the humidity. •

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

Fresh cut or rooted cuttings. Old and new
varieties, variegated foliage, Episcias. State in¬
spected.

Stamp for List

RACHEL F. HUSEMAN

1312 N. 26th Quincy, Illinois

Exhibition Stock
Choice Varieties
Quality Fresh Cut Leaves
List on Request

HOPE IRELAND

104-63 42 Ave. Corona, N. Y.

18

RIENHARDrS AFRICAN VIOLETS

An African Violet Show Every Day of the Year

Looking for some really good new ones? We
recommend — Trifori, Stained Glass, Oriental
Red, Snow Ballet, Goody Goody, Fringed Bon
Bon, Blue Mist, Stor Talk, Wanton Red, My
Date, Dbl. Ruffles, Heritage, Pink Sugar,
Afterglo Supreme, Never Lovelier, Foir Elaine.

We try to carry a representative line of the
best new introductions of the various well
known growers plus a few seedlings of our
own. Plan a visit to brouse around. We feel
sure you will consider your time well spent.

— Complete line of SUPPLIES —
Distributors for SPONGE-ROK, buy at dealer
prices. Also distributor for KEMP SOIL

SHREDDER.

Located at 4463 West Seneca Tpk., Syracuse
15, N. Y. 2 miles west of City limits on routes
20N and 175. Telephone HO 9-3789.

FRESH CUT LEAVES

Be sure to see my fall supplement which in¬
cludes Heritage, Hi Hopes, Trifari and Stained
Glass, all priced to suit your violet budget.
State if you want basic list also. Stamp please.

MRS. N. PRINDLE

R. D. 1 Afton, New York

PURE PEDIGREE PLEASURE

— Perfection in Blooms ond Foliage —

Norlina

Little Smokey

Blue Promise

Irish Elf

Red 'n Gold

Oriental Poppy

Tananna

Fairyland Dream

Mad Streak

Touche

Golliwog

Wildwood Rose

Latest Fall releases

and 1961 Convention

beauties on our list

— ■ Stamp appreciated

ANNALEE VIOLETRY

29-50 214th Place

Boyside 60, N. Y.

DON’T MISS OUR NEWEST
Starry Skies — Gae Glory — Lady Estelle
Lady-in-Lace — Alice Judd — Gae Cascade
Pacemaker — Venetian Lace — Honey Bee
Stamp for List Closed Fridays

THE CONIBERS

5149 Ellicott St. Rd. Route No. 63

Batavia, New York

African Violets and Rex Begonias

21A” - 60c 3” - 90c 4” - $1.50 5” - $2.25

No shipping. Discounts to Clubs and Resale.
Open 9-5 Monday through Friday: other
hours by appointment.

HESCOCK'S GREENHOUSES

Blackford Ave. EL 6-6863 New Market, N.J.

CHOICE SELECTION OF FLUORESCENT GROWN AFRICAN VIOLETS

RITA LUCIANO

P. O. BOX 603 PHONE LO 8-0158 CRESSKILL, N. J.

TOUCHE — Very heavy ruffled wine red single. Cupped fluted golden variegated edged

foliage, red undersides _ $2.50

MAD STREAK — Huge blue pink dbl. With streaks and splashes of purple. Caressed

by a large white edge on the outer petals. Med. green foliage - $2.00

GAY DRUMMER — Dbl. dork violet, with green white edge that does not fade.

Tailored Supreme foliage _ $1.50

HOE DOWN — Large med. pink dbl. Med. green Supreme foliage - $1.50

HOI POLLOl — Dbl. cerise pink. Heart-shaped quilted foliage - $1.50

Tl AMO — Soft light blue dbl. Tailored Supreme foliage _ $1.50

SIE-LA-VIE — White dbl. Med. green pointed Supreme foliage _ $1.50

TALENT SHOW — Vibrant semidbl. violet ruffled blooms, variegated foliage - $1.25

DANCE CARD — Med. blue ruffled blooms on wavy variegated edged foliage - - - $1.25

CHIT CHAT — Vibrant dbl. fringed violet blooms, dork cut fluted foliage - $1.25

NOTE: THIS OFFER IS FOR ROOTED CUTTINGS. PLEASE INCLUDE $1.00 FOR POSTAGE AND
HANDLING. ALL SHIPMENTS SENT SPECIAL DELIVERY. FREE with each order $7.00 or more
REVERIE — Dbl. pink buds open like miniature roses.

19

Why Commercial
Membership?

Mary Meeds, Youngstown, Ohio

To have a Commercial Membership is ana¬
logous to hanging a sign on the door — Open
for Business, Come In!

Other advantages are:

— You are listed in the Commercial Mem¬
bers Section of the Members’ Handbook. To
have your business name and address thus
listed is the cheapest and best advertising you
can get for your African violets. All members
of the Society will know who you are and
where to find you. Additionally this is a prime
asset from a business standpoint as it is pub¬
lic acknowledgement of your business opera¬
tion and serves notice to the public that this
commercial grower does hereby offer to the
public his goods and services and will with
integrity stand behind the products, which are
offered for sale.

— Commercial Membership also establishes
your legal right to benefit from lower whole¬
sale prices for the plants and the supplies you
need in the operation of your business.

— Contacts with other growers through the
medium of our friendly Commercial Organi¬
zation is indeed helpful. This group meets for
a discussion of their particular problems and
interests at each National Convention.

— ^Any Commercial Member may reserve
space for a table display in the Commercial
Exhibit at the National Show. This is an ex¬
ceptional opportunity to introduce new varie¬
ties to an interested African violet audience — -
second to none.

— Commercial Members who do not parti¬
cipate in the Commercial Exhibit by having a
table, may enter individual plants in the Com¬
mercial Specimen Plant Division of the Na¬
tional Show. This is a new section of the Show
which has been especially set up for the Com¬
mercial Members to exhibit individual plants
on a competitive basis with other commercials’

plants. The Commercial Silver Cup is award¬
ed to the exhibitor of the best plant entered.

— The New Variety pages in the March and
September Magazines provide free advertising
to Commercial Members who wish to intro¬
duce a new plant through this medium.

— Those unable to contribute individually
to the Research Fund can be proud to say that
they have participated in this fine work
through their membership in the Commercial
Organization. Commercial Membership boosts
research.

— There is a certain prestige in owning a
Commercial Membership Card. Stop and con¬
sider. . . .

— The hobbyist who sells from his or her
home has the same privileges as the large
grower of African violets. The only distinction
made in the Society is the difference in the
amount of dues. No pressure is exerted: the
Society lets you decide into which category
you belong.

If you should be eligible for Commercial
Membership do join up with us by paying
your commercial dues. You might be surprised
to know how few commercial advertisers in
our Magazine are paying Commercial Mem¬
bership dues. Where can you get so much for
so little?

I wonder how many of us fully realize how
well-organized our National Society is. Six¬
teen years of effort and planning have been
put into its management and operation so that
we will have the best knowledge obtainable
toward improving the culture of our African
violets. I don’t believe that there is any Na¬
tional Flower Society anywhere that has done
as much for its flower during the time it has
been organized as our Society. Our African
Violet Magazine tops them all in types of story
material usable to all who are willing to read
and learn.

This is the first of a series of articles by
members of the Commercial Organization
which will be published in the interest of
Commercial Membership. — Editor.

BE FIRST in your group to own these most glamorous companions to African Violets —

COLUMNEA

FASTICA — Shiniest leaves you have ever seen with dark orange trumpet flowers. A medium grow¬
ing trailer.

MICROPHYLLA — Smaller, rounder leaves, smaller plant large orange trumpets.

SPLENDENS — Hanging shrub type, red-oronge trumpet blooms about 7.Vi" in size, borne freely along
the trailing branches. Very fast grower.

SPECIAL OFFER — All three above Columneas sent Air Post anywhere in the USA or Canada _ $6.00

Americans please note: Send Dept, of Agriculture permit with order. Get it from US Dept. Agriculture,
209 River Street, Hoboken, N. J.

MERILEES AFRICAN VIOLETS

Cowichan Station, B. C., Canada

20

“1000 Embossed Business Cards”

$4.50 — Postpaid in U. S. A.

Card Case included — Fast Service
Write for samples and Style Chart
FREE Catalog, low cost, quality printing

HOLLAND & CO.

262-17th Ave., Dept. AV, San Francisco 21, Calif.
California Customers add 4% Sales Tax

NEW VARrEGATEDS FOR FALL

Wafer Lily — — Double soft pink, round, lily-
pad leaves flecked with pink and tan.

Skylark - — Double medium blue, pointed wavy
striped leaves. Heavy bloomer.

Happy Ending — — Double orchid, pointed wavy
coppery foliage.

Fall list ready. Leaves shipped. Plants at home.

Champion's African Violets

Von Hoesen Road, Route 2 Clay, New York

Carefully Packed - Quality Leaves

New Varieties . . Rooted . . Fresh Cut
Catalog Free

Visitors welcome by appointment
Phone Ba 4-1534

^^right’s ^ioletry

4022-221 Street Bayside 61, N. Y.

SAINTPAULIAS HYBRID DAYLILIES

African violet plants, bloom size, labeled, as¬
sorted, our choice: 10 $4.95, plus 65c postage
and packing. Leaves: rooted, 10 $3.65, fresh cut,
10 $1.25, newer, 25c each, 30 , $6.00. Our list of
600 varieties 10c. Seed, $1.00 package, African
violet, also hybrid daylily. Fine 1 year size day-
lily seedlings from hand-pollinated seed, $1.75
dozen.

FFOULKES^

610 Bryan St., Dept. A. V. Jacksonville 2, Fla.

VIOLET GROWTH UNITS

Decoratively designed — Suitable for any
home or office location. Beautiful bright alu¬
minum construction; rustproof. Detachable
fluorescent fixture includes lamp, switch, line
cord.

(1-20 Watt Shoivn)

1-15 Watt (18 X 9 in.) — $1 1.95 postpaid*

1- 20 Watt (24 X 9 in.) — $13.95 postpaid*

2- 20 Watt (24 x 14 in.) — $17.35 postpaid*

*Add $1.00 in West.

POSTCARD BRINGS

CATALOG SHOWING:

• Fluorescent Fixtures.

• Fixture Kits, Parts.

• Other Growth Units.

6 to
48 in.
long.

SHOPLITE CO.

Phone: NOrth 7-6021

650V Franklin Ave., Nutley TO, N. J.

PROOF that qwtk, roo\s .
fastest, safest, surest!

. . . Please send me the $3.25 size of “gunk”,
rhe Product is miraculous my first try, the
leaves were well ruoteu ui 14 days. — MINN.

. . . Your A V leaf rooter is amazing. I like
it too for rooting suckers. Also, plants that begin
to show signs of root rot. I save just the centers.
About two weeks later there are fine healthy
roots. I now have several plants I thought I
was going to lose. — RHODE ISLAND

. . . Some months ago I ordered your concen¬
trate I was very pleased with results. Please
send me enough “gunk” for one gallon. — ^CAL.

. . . Find enclosed check for another gallon
of “gunk.” I have not lost a single leaf and had
two small leaves from a sucker in ten days. I
am more than pleased with results and am
certainly sold on your product. I have nearly
700 plants. Thank you for easy violet rooting.
—OKLAHOMA

... I have rerooted plants that have rotted
off at the soil level. It doesn't take long before
I have lots of roots and repot them. — ILLINOIS
... I have used your African Violet rooter
and had very good results. Will you please send
me two more bottles. — NEW HAMPSHIRE

qwtk

AFRICAN VIOLET
LEAF ROOTER

Available in a concentrate. An amount suf¬
ficient to moke 1 quart, $1.25; 1 gallon,

$3.25. Postpaid.

For sale bw

Nelson Farm Violets, RFD T, Athol, Moss.
Mrs. Karl Smith, 315 Gilford A., Laconia, NH
John Heckel, 105-21 -188th St., Hollis 12, NY
Mildred Downes, Suncook, P. O., Pembroke, NH

21

— SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT —
Presenf-ing ....

GRAM'S TROUSSEAU

Our New Beauty Which BLOOMS . . .
and BLOOMS ... and BLOOMS

Exquisite, large, pink and white semidouble
blossoms in great abundance over symmetrical
foliage.

Send stamp for catalogue of the newest in
U. S. and Canada

African Violets by MARGE

1722 Boston Post Rd. Milford, Conn.

LEAVES ROOTED CUTTINGS

STATE INSPECTED PLANTS

1 Yi Hours from Washington Bridge

Performance is a criterion for Advertising — Editor.

QUALITY LEAVES from

the HEART of AMERICA

'"Newest of New and Choicest of Old"

MANELTA'S: Blue Swirls, Heaven Sent, Tutti
Fruti, Capri

KAHLER'S: Leopard Spot, Honey Belle, Tahoe,
Blacky, Whispers

CHAMPION'S: Green Confetti, Keepsake,

Palomino, Pink Ribbons

MADISON'S: Christmas Angel, Flower Girl,
Pink Polka Dot, Blue Linda

VALLIN'S: Pink Carnation, Rosey Faces, Blue
Lou, Red Witch

FISCHER'S, GRANGER GARDEN'S,
RICHTER'S, Others

Stamp Please for List

£utie Q)unlap

5007 Chestnut Ave. Kansas City 30, Mo.

Belter Be Sure Than Sorry or
It Won’t Happen To Me!

Mrs, Eleanor M. Southey, Selukwe,
Southern Rhodesia

Not much it won’t! When the violet bug
bit me about 3 years ago, I went right over
the hill with enthusiasm, and in less than 6
months after the first of 20 leaves given me
showed signs of growth, I had collected an¬
other 60 odd varieties, either leaves or small
plants, commandeered the store room, installed
another window and put a transparent tile
in the roof of that room. I bought lovely
books, and read them from the front cover
right through to the chapters on "Pests and
Diseases” when I stopped. Those awful things
won’t happen to me, so why get all depressed
reading them — and I have been a professional
gardener! How stupid can one get? It did
happen to me, and with no mean vengeance —
MITE! Two lovely big plants were given me,
proudly put among my smaller stock, and the
show was delightful. Not for long. Hardly
five weeks later the trouble must have started.

Well, 18 months and about 180 plants
later, I think I have gained control by regular
spraying with Metasystox. It needn’t have
been that bad: why didn’t I read those chap¬
ters? A bitter lesson learnt, and now every
newcomer is banished to isolation and treated
on arrival. I wish I could forget the probable
picture my violets would have made by now
had I done the sensible thing. •

SWINGING ^'GARDEN-GATE"
PLANT RACKS

Enjoy the beauty of a window-full of bloom

Large size; 40” high
X 13” across the bot¬
tom. Removable fluted
trays. Will hold pots
with up to and inch
3” bottoms. Black
wrought iron. Hard¬
ware inch $14.95 pair.

New size; 24” high x
13” across the bottom.

3 trays on each rack.

$11.95 pair.

All orders postpaid
east of the Miss. Add
$1.00 postage per pair
west of the Miss. $2.00
Canada. No C.O.D.’s
please. Satisfaction
guaranteed.

Penna. residents add
4% sales tax.

ROULETTE PRODUCTS

Dept. AV
Kempton, Pa.

22

Canvas Curtains for
Too Much Sun

Mrs. X. R. RandalL Beaumont, Texas

Most of my African violets are on shelves
in front of windows facing south, and they
get the sun most of the day in the winter.
We had wooden roll-up curtains for the porch
before we spread out with the African violets
. . . these curtains had to go. It all happened
gradually, then I found the violets were get¬
ting too much sun.

Using the wooden curtains as a pattern,
we got plastic and hung it outside; it held the
heat, took up too much light, tore easily, and
lasted only one season. Then we decided to
try canvas, or cheese cloth, and it is just
right. These curtains last many seasons, when
properly cared for, are light, and are easy to
make. I have two curtains — one for four
windows, and one for two windows. They
may be hung under the eaves a few inches
away from the windows, or tacked to the
outside window frame. We used two small

NEW LIGHT WEIGHT
WATER-FOG VIOLET SPRAYER

Light as a feather! New plastic sprayer weighs
less than half a pound. Easy one-hand opera¬
tion. Will not tire you. Soft squeeze of handle
sprays clouds of fine water-fog mist. Moistens
leaves of African violets, Gardenias, all garden
and house plants. Promotes bloom and growth.
New colorful translucent polyethylene con¬
tainer is non-corrosive and unbreakable. Heavy
duty nickel planted brass parts in positive ac¬
tion pump. Precision built for long* uninter¬
rupted service. Manufacturer will repair or
replace with 1-day service, if ever needed.
Sprays water-fog, insecticides, fungicides, moth
spray, all garden and household sprays. Half-
pint size $5.45; Pint $5.95! Quart $6.45 postpaid.

UNUSUAL HARD-TO-FIND SUPPLIES AND
EQUIPMENT FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS. SEND
20c FOR CATALOG ONLY (Free With Order)

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

l?ox 825 Oxford, Maryland

size pulleys to each curtain and Venetian
blind cord; the cord is wrapped around a
two-pronged hook near the back door. The
curtains may be raised or lowered without
getting out on the ground.

The amount of time the curtains are down
depends on the position of the sun — it
gradually moves in and as gradually moves
out. If I am to be away from home for most of
the day I lower the curtains before I leave,
and I always roll them up at night. Some¬
times I forget — result: some burned leaves.#

ATLAS MAKES IT GROW

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS, “the original’’ Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
Non-burning, 100% organic ATLAS is ideal for
Orchids, vegetables, trees. Easy to use, eco¬
nomical, too. A tablespoonful makes a gallon!
200 lbs. raw fish condensed to every gallon.

At dealers everywhere. If not available, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart $1.90; Gallon $6.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No, 1 Drumm St., Rm. 349
San Francisco 11, Cal.

TRU-GREEN ORGANIC CHELATES

Nurseryman's Mix — A professional blend of
iron, zinc and manganese.

1 oz. Trial Pkg. _ 29c

8 oz. Basic Can _ $1.59

Tru-Green Iron

1 oz. Trial Pkg. _ 29c

8 oz. Basic Can _ _ _ _ $1.39

Drop us a card for your copy
of the Tru-Green Fiunger Chart

SPONGE-ROK SALES

2112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wis.

23

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3” — Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights . . . 4” & 6”

Ideal for Violet Shows — Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays
Price — - 6 for $5.00 Postpaid
Inquire for Price on Larger Quantities
To Clubs and Resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

7839 Transit Road Williamsville 21, N. Y.

ROOTED CUTTINGS
(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

3 Qts.-$1.10, 6 Qts.-$2.15, 9 Qts.-$3.15,

12 Qts.-$4.15

Beyond 4th zone please add 75c shipping
charge on dirt orders.

THRIFTEE PLASTIC MARKERS

Green, Red, Coral, Yellow, Blue, White or Mix

%" X 4" 125-~$1, 250— $1.75,

500 — $3.00 Postpaid

PLASTIC POTS OR SAUCERS

(Marbleized & Colors) (Block)

Pots — Round Reg.

R. Squat. Square

21/4”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

21/2”

25/$1.40

50/$2.55

3”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

31/2”

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

4"

25/$3.00

50/$5.50

100/$4.00

100/$4.75

100/$5.25

100/$6.00

100/$10.00

Round Saucers — Black Only

2" 25/$1.25 50/$1.75 100/$2.75

3'' 25/$1.25 50/$2.75 100/$5.25

4" 25/$2.00 50/$3.50 100/$6.50

Square Saucers — Black Only

31/2'' 25/$1.75 50/$3.25 100/$6.00
4'' 25/$2.00 50/$3.50 100/$6.50

Beyond 5th zone please add 75c shipping
charges on pot orders. A postcard will bring
complete listing of violets and supplies.

Violets By Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

— VISITORS WELCOME —

Spring Cleaning in
September

September is the beginning of the green¬
house year and an excellent time to give it a
good start toward a happy one. Remove all
dead plants, pots, and trash from under ben¬
ches; then scrub the benches. In dry weather
paint the greenhouse inside and out, if it is
needed. Use a paint consisting of white lead,
titanium, and zinc made especially for green¬
houses. If there is a workroom, clean it
thoroughly and throw away accumulated
trash.

All this will help to keep out insects and
prevent disease. Then, be sure to check
plants regularly and spray or fumigate at the
first sign of trouble. Learn to recognize
symptoms and use the correct remedy. Buy
plants from reliable sources only. Use steri¬
lized soil, keep pots and benches clean, and
throw away all dead foliage or discarded
leaves and flowers. Do not crowd plants;
permit free circulation of air. Avoid over¬
watering, especially at night when the tem¬
perature may drop and cause damage. The
watchword for a greenhouse full of healthy
plants is- “Clean and Prevent.” •

HyPDN^

AFRICAN VIOLETS

GET MORE BEAUTY AND BLOOMS FROM
YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS^ USING THESE

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in water and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings ana cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

10 ax. Pkg., makws 60 Galf., Pastpaid, $1.00

PANONeX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor¬
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

% Qf., 29c — 2 Qtf., 59t —■ 4 Qtc., 9tc

BUGONeX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

3 ox. spray bomb, 98c — I S ax. spray bomb, $1.89

THEONeX African Violet Book, Postpaid $1
Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

HYDROPONIC CHEMICAL CO.., INC., Copley 21, Ohio, U.S.A.

24

Coral
Gera

Joy Hutson, Luton, Beds., England

The accompanying photograph shows a 3
year old gesneria plant which has been iden¬
tified as Coral Gem.

When the tuber arrived from a friend in
America, it was no larger than a pea. In March
of 1960 the plant was repotted into a 6 inch
pot where it grew to a very fine specimen.
Too large for the window sill, the plant was
placed outside in an open position where it
has been thriving and blooming profusely in
spite of the bad weather with which it had to
contend.

The leaves are large and glossy. A pro¬
nounced network of veins is shown on the
underside of the leaf, which is of a paler
green. Petioles are sturdy and about the thick¬
ness of a pencil. The dainty, tubular, salmon-
pink flowers are almost 1 Vz inches long and
provide a maximum of beauty for a minimum
of effort.

Propagation by leaf cuttings in water is by
far the easiest and quickest method. In a
week or so roots will form at the bottom of
a swelling on the stalk — the swelling quick¬
ly forming a tuber. •

XXX WARNING XXX

If violets are crowding you out of your house
DON’T send for my Fall leaf-list. Trouble is I
have so many nice, new ones and only 25c each.
You are sure to want some! However, if you
insist, send a 4c stamp to:

MILDRED V. WOODS

6007 Bergenline Ave. West New York, N. J.

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Newest Designs In Plant Lights

CATALOG — of unusual and hard-to-find sup¬
plies, equipment and accessories for African vio¬
lets, Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas, all green¬
house and indoor* plants. 60 illustrated pages.
Everything from potting mixes and plastic pots
to large aluminum plant stands and fluorescent
lights. Largest selection any catalog specializing
in African violet supplies and equipment for
indoor plants. Send 20c now in stamps or coin
for your copy.

The House Plant Corner

Box 829 Oxford, Maryland

ASK FOR: SMITHES PLANTER MIX

ot your favorite
Voriety, Grocery, Seed
or Hordwore Store.

If r>ot ovoiloble
ORDER DIRECT
4 quarts $1.00
POSTPAID

ATTIICmN: Club Presidents
Write for FREE SAMPLES for door prizes

Smith Potting Soil Co.

2913 E. mil St. Tulle, Okie.

“HOW WE GREW AND SOLD 6,000 AFRICAN
VIOLETS A YEAR IN OUR BASEMENT”
Send for this New Book — $1.00 Postpaid
17 Years Experience
Growing Under Fluorescent Lights

HOMER H. GABERT

907 Birch Street Eau Claire, Wisconsin

NOW.. .FOR YOUR ^ioraCart

BEAUTIFUL
MOLDED FIBER GLASS

Size 19"x49 ' x 1 1/,'

THE ALL-PURPOSE TRAY FOR FLOWER GROWERS!

FITS ALL Jiora C^arU . . Interchangeable
on all models!

ATTRACTIVE NEUTRAL COLOR... Perma
nently molded-in to every tray!

LIGHT- WEIGHT AND STRONG ... Easy to
handle. ..Won't dent or break!

RUST-PROOF-RESISTS CHEMICALS. .

Impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY-TO- CLEAN SURFACE ... Washable,

hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN. ..For draining
...without removal of plants!

Price: 1 TRAY -$ 8.50 2 TRAYS- 16.00 3 TRAYS- 23.50

inc. 1311 West 80th Street
Pdrv Cleveland 2, Ohio

25

To Pertectiy Train
Your VINES and PLANTS
USE

Visitors Welcome Moil; RFD # 1, Athol

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipston, Moss.

(near Fox Run)

Shipping Plants and Leaves from State
Inspected Plants
Stamp for List

GUNK! Fastest, Surest, Leaf Rooter- — $1.25 PP.
U. C. Mix and our Organic Mix for growing
violets. Some nice new ones: Beth, Mitzie,
Confetti, Gumdrop, Heritage, Stained Glass,
Pink Riot, Green (Sonfetti, Red Witch, Black
Waves, Pink Poodle, Blue Lou, and the new
Manelta and West Series.

SUPPLIES for GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS

(Order from this ad, or send 10c for complete
list) For more complete list see our ad in June
issue. (Inside front cover)

“Nature’s Way” African Violet Soil. 18-lb: ?2.95
50-lb; $6.50 (We bill you for shipping

charges)

V-C 13 (for nematodes) 8 oz. bottle $2.75 ppd.
“P-40” (2% Sod. Selenate). Mix with potting
soil. 1 lb. with instructions $1.50 ppd. Zone
5 and beyond: add additional 15c postage.
Sel-Kaps (for mites . . . place capsule in each
pot) (2% Sod. Selenate) 48 caps. $2.20 ppd.
“Our Own” A. V. Leaf Rooting Mix’; 4 qt.
$1.50 ppd.

Panodrench-Insecticide for stopping leaf cutting
rot (damping-off) 1 oz. bottle $2.25 ppd.
BLUE WHALE Peat Moss: 10-lb. bag: $3.25 ppd.
Fumi-Soil Caps — Sterilizes soil chemically. No
need to bake soil, 24 capsules: $1.75 ppd.
African Violet Plastic Tubs (3” dia.) White,
Red, Dark Green, Lt. Green. 25/$2.65
50/$4.35 100/$8.50. Postpaid. Zone 5 &

beyond add 5% for additional postage.
SPECIAL: 6 Fresh-cut leaves (our choice) $1.00
ppd. 6 Rooted Leaves (our choice) $3.50
ppd. Zone 5 and beyond add 25c postage.
Minimum Order: $1.00. No COD orders. Send
check or MO. Send dime for list of African
Violets.

BERNARD GREESON Dept. S

3548 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee 11, Wis.

Repotting May Save
Ailing Plant

Edna Soderberg, Frederic, Wisconsin

In checking over your plants, is there one
or two that doesn’t look up to par? Are the
leaves dull, or the plant not growing or mak¬
ing any change?

Possibly the roots are not making contact
with the soil. So, try pressing your fingers
down over the soil to see if the plant is firmly
in place. If this is not the reason for the plant
not making any headway, it could be that it
has had too many generous drinks of water
or fertilizer: so the soil is waterlogged and
sour.

Lift the plant gently from the pot and re¬
move the soil. Then, swish the roots around
in lukewarm water. If the violet has a good
root system you should repot it in fresh soil
in a pot the correct size for the root system.
Do not replant in the same size pot if the root
system is reduced in size. Use a smaller pot.
To grow successfully an African violet’s root
system needs to penetrate the soil until the
entire ball of earth is filled with roots. Too
much soil in too large a pot will retard growth.

If your plants do not look right, do not wait
until they are half dead before you do some¬
thing. You may be surprised what a little
attention in time can do for an ailing plant.
I have had some that looked quite wilted, and
after they were repotted or reset they took
a new lease on life. •

YOU, TOO, CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING

AFRICAN VIOLETS

For two years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrated
food “elements needed for rapid, healthy growth
and bloom. Very easy and economical to use . . .
a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c package
makes 125 gals., $1.49 package makes 250 gals,
of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

nm MAgm

•• wstsr”

Dtpf. AV.1S, 622 W. n9fh St., Chieogo 28, III.

26

Gro-Lux Fluorescent Tube

Summary: Sylvania develops fluorescent
lamp designed to improve certain growth
aspects of plants; lamp provides desirable
peaks of energy specified by independent
researchers in plant growth.

Salem, Mass., June 11 — Sylvania Electric
Products, Inc., today announced the develop¬
ment of a fluorescent lamp designed to im¬
prove certain growth aspects of plants through
specific spectral energy distribution. Sylvania
is a subsidiary of General Telephone and Elec¬
tronics Corporation.

The lamp, called the Gro-Lux Fluorescent,
was designed by Sylvania’s Lighting Products

Division to meet specifications established by
botanists, growers and plant physiologists.
The lamp makes it possible to obtain in one
tube a balance of radiation which previously
was obtainable only by combining several
light sources. It provides peaks of energy in
the blue and red regions of the spectrum which
independent researchers consider the most
desirable for improved vegetative growth.

It is expected that the Sylvania lamp will
result in more efficient conversion of radiant
energy into chemical energy through the pro¬
cess of photosynthesis.

The Gro-Lux lamp is being used by re¬
searchers engaged in various growth studies.
It will be made available to other qualified
researchers after August 1st and will be avail¬
able commercially this fall. •

NEW LIGHTING BY FLORALITE

NEW! FIRST TIME!

A NEW DUAL LIGHT RAPID START FLUO¬
RESCENT FIXTURE for violets and other plants.
No Starters necessary. Can be used four ways,
as a 4 tube, as a 4 tube plus 2 incandescent, as
a 2 tube or as a 2 tube plus 2 incandescent. 48”
long with 151/2” Reflector. With 3 pink and 1
blue or 4 any color tubes. With Rapid Start
Ballast S28.00 Postpaid.

A Brand NEW 2 TUBE DUAL LIGHT RAPID
START FIXTURE. Extra Wide spaced. 734”
Centers v.dth 2 incandescent sockets. 48” long
with 13” Reflector. With Choice of 2-40 watt
Cool White, Warm White or Daylight Tubes.
With Rapid Start Ballast $18.00 Postpaid.

RAPID START DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE. A
combination of incandescent and fluorescent
lights made especially for African violets. 48”
long with 13” Reflector and 2-15 watt sockets.
Choice of 2-40 watt Cool White, Warm White or
Daylight Tubes. With Rapid Start Ballast. No
Starters Necessary, $16.00 Postpaid.

Cord and Plug included with any of the above.
16” LEGS FOR ANY FIXTURE $2.00 POST¬
PAID. ADJUSTABLE CHAINS TO HANG ANY
FIXTURE $1.25 POSTPAID.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by
Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 Re¬
duced to $4.30 Postpaid.

NOTICE! All 48” Fixtures supplied with RAPID
START BALLASTS, No Startfers are necessary.
NEW HIGH OUTPUT 40 watt 3100 Lumen Cool
White Tubes at no extra cost, give more light.
36” two and four tube fixtures available.

Floral Light Plant Cart with
shatter - proof plastic remov¬
able trays that never rot or
corrode. 2 tier $41.50. 3 tier
$51.50 F.O.B. Adjustable 2 or
4 tube Dual Light Fluorescent
Fixtures extra.

SEND FOR LITERATURE

FLORALITE

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays with remov¬
able inserts 12” x 18” x 23/3” high. Trays only
$9.30 doz. postpaid. 15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30
doz. postpaid. 12 trays and 12 inserts $18.00

postpaid.

NEW STARLITE GARDEN LAMP IN 2 SIZES
Like thousands of glittering stars reflected
through the perforated shade this Starlite Lamp
is a perfect setting for your violets, both use¬
ful and decorative. Black wrought iron finish.
Inside of reflector is white enamel. Rubber
tipped legs never mar or slip. Can be had with¬
out perforations. 2 sizes 18” high 13” wide and
32” long with 2-20 watt tubes or 18” high 13”
wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt tubes, with
cord, plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With 2-60
v/att sockets add $2.00. State choice.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED
to $9.25 Postpaid.

COMPANY

4124 1. Oakwood Rd, Telephone SO 2-1770 S, Milwaukee, Wis.

27

Magnificent African Vioiets

“Schultz

-Instant”

LIQUID PLANT FOOD

10-15-10

Remarkable ^'Starts and Feeds” Formula for
vigorous growth, profuse blooming! Just 7
drops of “Schultz-Instant” to a quart of water starts
growth and feeds all plants at controlled rate.
Instant acting. Non-burning. So safe, so pure you
can feed plants with every watering. Eliminates
need for having to remember when you last fed
your plants. 5^ oz. bottle with “Easy-to-Measure”
dropper: 500 wherever plants are sold.

If your dealer is not supplied, send 50« to Plant Shine Diw.,
Schultz Co., 404 S. 4th St.. St. Louis 2. Mn.

Free catalog lists African violets, books and
supplies, also bulbs and plants for pots and
garden. Leaf list 500 varieties for large stamped
envelope or 10c. New Introductions — Debbie
Moon, medium pink, darker eye. Slightly scal¬
loped leaf, medium green. Good flowering $1.50
Alice Mills An unusual medium blue with
dark silky green leaves $1.50. Please add 50c
for mailing.

CECIL HOUDYSHEL

Dept. A. V. La Verne, California

YOARS GREENHOUSE

BUNKER HILL, INDIANA

African violets old and new. September order
special: 6 doubles or 6 singles all different, no
choice $3.98 postpaid. Miscellaneous plants and
supplies. Sodium selenate 50c, V-C 13 $2.75.
Large plants at greenhouse. Send 10c for list.

PAULINE KUNTZ

Route 4 Winterset, Iowa

Leaves Rooted Clumps

— New For Fall Shipping —

KAHLER — El Torro, Sleepy, Raggedy Ann, Hoho

NAOMI WEEKS — Red N’ Gold, Pink N’ Snow,
Afterglo Supreme, etc.

HAGA — Dipsy Doodle, Wings, Big Bo, Pink
Dip, etc.

LYONS — Shrill, Hi Hopes, Ember Glow and
many others.

FISCHER — Rose Dust, Pink Jade, Gold Braid,
Kings Ransom, etc.

RICHTER — Stained Glass, Heritage, La Femme,
Gumdrop, etc.

GRANGER — Magic Flame, Fair Elaine, Hans
Brinker, Never Lovelier.

Many, many others send 5c for
descriptive shipping list

New York City Society
Formed

At the International Flower Shows held
in New York City’s Coliseum during the past
several years, there have been many inquiries
as to why there was no African Violet So¬
ciety in New York City. There are several
clubs in the suburban areas but none in Man¬
hattan proper.

On March 24, 1961, a group of fourteen
people met at the New York Athletic Club
to do something about the situation. The
Club’s facilities were made available through
the kindness of Howard Tickle of New York
City who entertained the group at dinner
prior to the business meeting. With Paul
Younger as temporary chairman, the group
went about the business of setting up a Con¬
stitution and Bylaws and making plans for
the new organization.

A second meeting was held on May 8th for
the ratification of the Constitution and Bylaws
and election of permanent officers. Paul
Younger of New York City was elected presi¬
dent by acclamation with Walter Hunt of
Staten Island as vice president, Mrs. Gertrude
Ferris of New York City as recording secre¬
tary. Mrs. Phyllis Saganich of Flushing as
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Laura Weber
of Flushing as treasurer and Mrs. Mignon
Pauley of New York City as historian. Mrs.-
Augusta Sarna and Jimmy Watson both of
New York City were elected directors. The
new society which will be known as the New
York City African Violet Society will affiliate
with the African Violet Society of America,
Inc.

Meetings will be held on the second Mon¬
day of each month, except July and August,
at 8 p.m. at the Henry Hudson Hotel on West
57th St., New York City, beginning in Sep¬
tember. The organizational group will be busy
during the summer, putting on a membership
campaign and planning an interesting pro¬
gram for the first open meeting to be held
on September 11th. Incidentally, programs
and workshops will be arranged for the par¬
ticular interest of apartment dwellers and
others who try to grow African violets often
under difficult “big city” conditions. •

IN MEMORY

Edith Waller, wife of Andrew J. Wall¬
er, of Los Gatos, California, passed away
May 24, 1961. She was founder and first
president of the Santa Clara Valley Af¬
rican Violet Society and on April 21st
had served as staging chairman for the
Society’s annual violet show. She was
an untiring worker in the club and gave
freely of her knowledge and help.

28

California Quarantine
Regulations

Constance Hansen, Lafayette, California

WHEN it comes the turn for California to
play host to the AVSA, Inc. at the Na¬
tional Convention to be held in San Francisco
next spring, the question as to the steps neces¬
sary for bringing plants in from out of state
will be raised, as there have been so many
tales told over the years of the difficulties in¬
volved.

At present there are a few simple proce¬
dures required due to the U.S.D.A. quaran¬
tine regulations for pests known to be present
in certain states, and one California quaran¬
tine restriction, which may be summarized as
follows:

1. Plants coming in from any state should
have a certificate of inspection from
your local agricultural inspector.

2. If you are bringing plants from any of
the New England states or eastern
states as far south and including North
Carolina and west to Ohio, there should
be a tag from your inspector certifying
freedom from Japanese beetle.

3. Plants from the following states: Ten¬
nessee, N. Carolina, Miss., Georgia,
Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, should
have a certificate of freedom from the
white fringe beetle.

4. Plants from the area including Con¬
necticut and New York south through
West Virginia should have a certificate
of freedom from the European Chafer
(a beetle).

5. A certificate of freedom from Oozonium
root rot is necessary on plants from
Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma,
Arkansas, and Louisiana.

6. Plants from Florida also should have a
certificate stating freedom from burrow¬
ing nematode.

The necessary certificates are not so complex
as they may sound, since they are all to be
obtained from your agricultural inspector at
the same time, and he will be familiar with
the regulations.

Plants which are shipped in to California
by rail, truck, or air will automatically be in¬
spected at the time they arrive in San Francis¬
co. If you bring them across the border by
car, the agent at the border inspection station
will ask to see them, and the proper tags will
facilitate entry.

The reason for these rules is that the most
effective and least expensive way to control
plant pests and diseases is not to let them get
started. Plant quarantine laws are an effort
to hold back invasion as long as possible.
Various colored maps are to be seen in the
Continued on Next Page — 1st Column

San Francisco — Fabled
Setting

Convention dates: April 26, 27, 28, 1962

Enthusiasm is mounting among members
of our Society in anticipation of the
National Convention in San Francisco next
April. For many it will be a joyful return to
their city of memories. To others it will be
a new and exciting experience to witness for
themselves the “storied” attractions of one
of the world’s famed cities.

San Francisco’s most irresistible appeal
seems to stem from that elusive quality we call
romance. Why has San Francisco romance
when so many other cities do not have it? The
answer may be in San Francisco’s poignant
history. The Golden Gate and San Francisco
Bay, one of the Greatest landlocked harbors
on earth, were first discovered by Don Manuel
de Ayala in his historic little San Carlos in
1775. Sir Francis Drake, the famous buccane¬
er sailing the Pacific two centuries earlier,
failed to detect the narrow opening or all
California might have been claimed for Eng¬
land. San Francisco is a city which sprang up
among the masts of deserted ships during the
Gold Rush days, a city whose frontier law¬
lessness gave rise to the Vigilantes of ’56, a
city which suffered devastation by earth¬
quake and fire and bravely rebuilt itself
upon its ruins.

Its romance is symbolized by the grave of
Concepcion Arguello in the churchyard of
Mission Dolores. The daughter of California’s
first Governor, Concepcion waited in vain,
not knowing that her fiance — Count Re-
zano — had died in Siberia and would never
return to her. San Francisco’s romance is the
stardust which caused a foreign newsman to
look at the cable cars and little old flats
clinging to the hills and say, “All things
considered, San Francisco is the loveliest city
in the world.” The jeweled lights of the city
seen from its hills, the postcard skyline, side¬
walk flower stands, steep streets, breath¬
taking views, the fog rolling in through the
Golden Gate and the bright sun on row upon
row of white houses and red roofs clambering
over the hills wave a magic wand of romance
over the visitor to San Francisco. It is this
aura of romance of a fabled city which will
give our Convention in the Spring its most
unusual attraction. •

MRS. REYNOLD’S PLANT STAND — The

December 1960 Magazine, page 52 has a story
by Mrs. Ralph Reynolds, Cresskill, N. J. The
stand may be purchased from The Coach
House for Gifts, Saddle River, N. J. for about
$75.00. This does not include the light. Direc¬
tions for attaching the light will be published
in the next Magazine. — Editor.

29

Report of Boyce Edens
Research Fund

Mrs. F. H. Rosebrock, Chairman
4243 S. 35th St., Arlington 6, Virginia

The following contributions for the Re¬
search Fund have been received:

Beatrice African Violet Society,

Beatrice, Nebraska $ 5.00

African Violet Society, Canton, Ohio 5.00

Magic Valley Saintpaulia Club,

Twin Falls, Idaho 5.00

The West Shore African Violet Society,

Avon Lake, Ohio 5.00

Palatine African Violet Club,

Palatine, Illinois 5.00

Saintpaulia Society of Tacoma,

Tacoma, Washington 5.00

The Central Connecticut

Saintpaulia Club 10.00

The African Violet Society of

Greater New York 15.00

The Green Thumb A. V. Club,

Attleboro, Massachusetts 2.00

First A. V. Society of Lake Charles,

Louisiana 5.00

Amethyst African Violet Club,

Kirkwood, Missouri 5.00

Madison Gardens, Madison, Ohio 25.00

California Quarantine Regulations — continued

offices of the U. S. Dept, of Agriculture illu¬
strating the progress of the tide of plant pests
across the country. Study of these maps gives
one a sense of the drama of the battles being
waged to hold back invasion.

By next spring growers in additional states
may be required to present certification of
freedom from certain pests, or there may be
new ones to be inspected for, but in any event
your inspector will have the information.
Since African violets are strictly house plants,
and most show plant growers are sticklers for
using sterilized soil and other methods of clean
culture, it isn’t terribly difficult to get a clean
bill of health for plants they will want to
bring into California. •

POST-CONVENTION TOUR TO HAWAII

A seven day tour to Hawaii is planned fol¬
lowing the close of the San Francisco Con¬
vention, Saturday night April 28th, 1962.
Cost is $466.52, based on 2 in a room.
Complete details will be in the December
Magazine. If information is needed earlier,
please write to: African Violet Society of
America, Inc., P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville,
Tennessee.

Registration Report

Helen Coleman, 4528 S. Wigger St.,
Marion, Ind.

Part I

The following applications for registration
have been received during the period from
March 15, 1961, through May 15, 1961.
Plant and Registrant

Avalon Blue (1205) B38dL; Pink Calypso
(PC38sL) 1206; Southern Sweetheart (1207)
WOC35sS, 3/24/61, Mrs. T. C. Fritz, 1533
Brightridge Drive, Kingsport, Tennessee.

Switzerland Sunset (1208) P35689sL,

4/21/61, Mrs. Irvin Furnish, 505 W. Main St.,
Vevay, Indiana.

Pink Passion (1209) P38sS; Angela (1210)
B39dS; Touch Me Not (1211) WBC359fsS; Top
Sail (1212) B359dS; Never Lovelier (1213)
OWX359dS; Wind and Sea (1214) BX3589dS;
Giant Blue Crest (1215) B38dS; Fury (1216)
OX89dS; Fair Elaine (1217) PX39dS; Pride
of Rochester (1218) WP39dS; Snow Ballet
(1219) W39dL; Ann Spencer (1220) PC29sL;
Hans Brinker (1221) BX39sS; Kings Ransom
(1222) R29sL; Heldie (1223) P38dL; Cortez
(1224) P39dL; Sweetheart Blue (1225) B39dL;
Spun Velvet (1226) PC89sS; Savannah
Sweetheart (1227) P389dL; Command Per¬
formance (1228) P348dL, 4/27/61, Granger
Gardens, Rt. 2, Box 220 Medina, Ohio.

Black Jack (1229) R389dL; 5/3/61, Mrs.
Lowell Mason, 421 S. Washington St., Siloam
Springs, Arkansas.

Ebony Echo (1230) B378dL, 5/3/61, White
Cloud Farm, Rt. 3, Carthage, Missouri.

Special One (1231) CBW368dL; Capri
(1232) X389dL; Valley Sweetheart (1233)
X38dS, 5/7/61, H. C. Parker, 34543 Ave. C,

po 1

Trifari, (1234) P369dL, 5/9/61, Ulery’s

Greenhouses, 1325 Maiden Lane, Springfield,
Ohio (per. Pricilla Landaker).

Baby Face (1235) P38dS, Mrs. Mildred
Bishop, 2801 Hartzer St., South Bend, Ind.

Shawnee Chief (1236) VR456sL; Shawnee
Blue Feather (1237) B3456sL; Shawnee Red
Feather (1238) R3569sL; Shawnee Pony Boy
(1239) VR3569SL, 5/17/61, Mrs. Susannah
Smith, 9615 Burnet Ave., Sepulveda, Calif.

Nightshade (1240) BP2dL; Gumdrop (1241)
P58dL; La Femme (1242) P35dL, 5/14/61,
Richter’s Greenhouses, 607 Hoffman St.,
Hammond, Ind.

Part H

The following name reservations have been
received during the period from March 15,
through May 15, 1961: Doric, Ionic, Corin¬
thian, Athena, Apollo, My Own, Touchdown,
Lavender Veil, White Stag, Sweet Grotei,
Racy Rebel, Stars ’n Stripes, Borealis, Happy
Hooligan, Glowing Fire, Tawny, Green Sheen,
Prince Russell, Prince Melody.

30

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^'Norse Fire Planr

This exquisite new flowering vine from Norway features small, dark green, oval leaves on a redd¬
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This exotic new plant

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Each

3 for

6 for

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$ 1.75

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Medium

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4 for

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12.00

22.00

Extra Large

10.00

f Plants is Guaranteed.

Orders of $10.00 and up

sent prepaid. On

add 15% east of Mississippi, 20% west of Mississippi, for shipping costs.

ROBERT CRAIG COMPANY

NORWOOD DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

DRAKE'S VIOLET SHOP

Rt. 1, Box 96 Hampshire, Ill.

Located in Pingree Grove, Ill. Look for our
“African Violets” sign far west end of village
one block north of U. S. Rt. 20. Closed Sat.
and Sun. except by appointment. Closed for
vacation Sept. 22 to Oct. 9.

Phone 464-8331 No Shipping

DONT PLANT
UNTIL YOU READ

THE MOON SIGN BOOK

FOR 1961

A comprehensive guide to better gardening
results. Tells you when to plant, how to deter¬
mine best planting and transplanting dates. No
garden enthusiast should be without this book.

Only $1.50

Llewellyn Publication Ltd.

8921 National Blvd., Dept. A.,

Los Angeles, Calif.

Miniatures Popular Varieties Supplies

Please Write for List

SPIDELL'S U. C SOIL MIX

The formula for this mix was developed by
the University of California Plant Pathology
Dept, after 14 years of research especially for
container growing. It is a very loose, well
aerated mix which produces large root systems
and diminishes the danger of root rot. All soil
is treated with V-C 13.

1 gal. . . . $1.25 ppd.

Add 50c over 1000 miles

5 gal. . . . $5.00 ppd.

Add $1.00 over 1000 miles

Spidell's African Violets

1380 Garfield St. Eugene, Oregon

— A Special To Clubs —

Your many letters praising my book “African
Violets and Their Family” has been appreciat¬
ed. This book which regularly sells for $3.98
is now offered to clubs at a very special rate:
10 to 19 books 50c discount per book, 20 books
or more $1.00 discount per book.

Mrs. W. H. Odom

411 E. Rea Marshall, Mo.

VIOLET PLANTER LAMP
from

Strawberry Hill Violets

156 Chestnut Street
Northampton (Florence), Mass.

You’ll love the quaint, Early American charm of
this delightful table lamp.

Antique reproduction of bone white wrought iron,
4 adjustable swing arm brackets for those extra
special plants, 21” high with charming hexagonal
chintz shade decorated with our favorite flower.
Hand painted metal 4” pot decorated with violets.

Lamp - $24.95 Prepaid — Pots - $1.59 Prepaid

31

Sugar for Nematodes

Mrs. C. C. Johnson, Walla Walla, Washington

WHEN a friend called me one evening to
ask if I had heard of the use of sugar for
nematodes, I had to answer negatively, and
I will admit I was a bit amused. My instant
thought was, “How gullible can one be?” My
friend then told me that a friend of hers had
heard this at a meeting in a nearby town.
After some conversation on the subject, we
both concluded that there must have been
misunderstanding.

The next morning, after mulling the thing
over in my mind for the larger part of what
should have been sleeping hours, I decided
that if some of the best known medicines were
of very simple origin, such as digitalis, peni¬
cillin, etc., then why couldn’t the answer to
the serious threat to African violets be just
as simple? Yet, it was with a sense of em¬
barrassment that I called one of the horticul¬
turists with the Department of Agriculture in
Walla Walla, and asked if he had heard of
the use of sugar for destroying nematodes. He
laughed and said, to quote, “That would be
too simple!” I told him that was my reaction
and that one of the things which bothered my
acceptance of the idea was that nematodes
were found on sugar beets. We concluded the
conversation and I put the matter out of my
mind.

About four that afternoon, Mr. Stam-
baugh, the horticulturist, called me and his
first words were, “You know I thought sugar
was too simple? Well' I just picked up the
periodical, Agricultural Research, for March
(Volume 9, No. 9) put out by the Agricul¬
tural Research Service of the United States
Department of Agriculture, and on the cover
in large print is “Sugar Kills Nematodes,” so
apparently the laugh is on me.” I was quite
excited and asked if he would lend me the
magazine, which he did.

The report was from USD A’s Horticul¬
tural Field Laboratory at Orlando, Florida.
It stated that they had used the sugar to test
the sugar’s value as a nutrient for increasing
populations of nematodes and of nematode¬
capturing fungi. Twenty-four hours later they
found a sharp reduction in the number of
nematodes in the soil samples. In follow-up
tests, sugar was added to nematode-infested
soils at the rate of five pounds per one
hundred pounds of soil and all nematodes
were dead within 24 hours. Some killing was
evident after ten minutes in soil containing
as little as 1,000 parts per million of sugar.
The possibility that a disease causing agent
was killing the nematodes was ruled out when
similar results were obtained when the soil-
sugar mixtures were steam-sterilized. Also,
nematodes thrived in a WEAK sucrose water
solution which showed sucrose itself was not
toxic to them.

The killing process is explained this way:
“Enough sugar is added to the soil to produce
a greater amount of dissolved solids in the
soil solution than in the cell fluid of the
nematode. Because liquid tends to move from
a less concentrated solution to one highly con¬
centrated, (osmosis), the body fluid moves out
of the nematodes and they die as a result of
dehydration. To prove this theory, nematodes
were placed in distilled water containing
sucrose or glucose in amounts ranging from
1 to 100 percent on a weight-volume basis.
Osmotic pressure in the solutions varied.
Within an hour all nematodes were dead in the
solutions containing 30 to 40 percent sucrose
or 10% glucose.

“Nematodes removed from the sugar solu¬
tions within 10 to 15 minutes and placed in
tap water usually recovered form and were
capable of movement but those removed after
15 minutes were seriously injured and even¬
tually died. The test was carried further by
adding sugar to samples of nematode infested
soil of varying moisture content. As the
amount of moisture went down, sugar con¬
centration and nematode mortality went up.”

Not having any nematodes, at least I had
none of the symptoms, shortening of stems
and leaves, limp or dying leaves, I thought I
would see what sugar would do to healthy
plants, that is, if it would retard growth. I
took small plants (from the mother leaf) with
good root systems and then planted them in a
5% sugar content soil. For new plants, I use
my soil mix with equal amount of vermicu-
lite until they are ready to be transplanted
into slightly larger pots. I weighed out a
pound of sugar and found that there was not
the proverbial two-cups-to-a-pound but
slightly more. Reducing this to teaspoons, I
found that approximately 5 V2 teaspoons
would give the 5%. I left the plants in the
pots two weeks. The soil was only slightly
damp at first and then I let it dry out as
much as I dared, before adding any more
water. I kept the little ones on the dry side
all this time, watering only when absolutely
necessary. I might add that I used clay pots
as the evaporation of moisture was more easi¬
ly acquired in the clay pot. The soil soured
somewhat as a mold formed on the top of
the soil after watering, which mold would
dry out as a glaze, and the pots had a black
mold on the bottoms and were sticky. But,
to my surprise, new leaves kept on coming
and the plants looked as healthy as one could
want. At the end of the two weeks I took
them from the sugar-soil and took off as
much of the soil as I could from the roots and
potted them in fresh soil. They went on as
before, as though they had not been subjected
to the saccharine diet.

The next step was to see how the soil
would affect the plants at 3%, and the soil
conditions which would arise. There was not
so much mold, but there was the thin glaze

32

on the top of the soil and there was not so
much black mold on the bottoms. For the 3%
I used about 314 teaspoons. Next, I intend to
try the 1 % which will be about 1 Vs teaspoons
of sugar to the pound. If there is not the
messy mold, I may leave the plants in it, as
of course, it will, eventually wash out, water¬
ing from the top.

I believe, if a plant were found to have
nematodes, I would water it the day before
and then put it into practically dry 5% sugar-
soil and would let it stay in the dry soil at
least 48 hours before watering again. Since
the life cycle of a nematode is from several
days to two weeks, I would keep the plant in
the sugar soil for from two-to-three weeks
before examining again. The damage to the
old roots would not disappear, but new roots
should grow and the plant should come back
to normal, providing the plant was not too
badly damaged from nematodes before treat¬
ing.

If you have a nematode problem, why not
try it? •

Feme V. Kellar

FERNE FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS
827 No. Main Harrisonburg, Vo.

THE NEWEST AND OLDER VARIETIES
GRANGER, LYON, and other
GROWERS VARIETIES
Write for list
Freshly cut leaves

Rooted leaves with small plantlets.

Plan a trip to see and take home from the
lovely display of African Violets. Highway No.
1 1 . Do not take Bypass.

FOR FALL SHIPPING

Maxine Mason's BLACK JACK, BLUE
RHYTHM, FAIRY TALES, BELLA
VISTA, and the exotic EMERALD
ISLE.

Our own EBONY ECHO, also HI
HOPES, FAIR ELAINE, ARDENT RED
and many more new ones from the
leading hybridizers from Coast to
Coast.

Stamp for List, Please

WHITE CLOUD FARM

Grand Avenue Rd. Carthage, Missouri

MADISON GARDENS

W. Middle Ridge Road, Madison,

Ohio

OUR NEWEST BEAUTIES FOR

1961

Your choice of any three for $5.00

FLOWER GIRL — Large dbl. white
flowers, tinted pink, wavy foliage

$2.50

CHRISTMAS ANGEL — Large dbl.
white flowers slight green edge,
semi-Supreme

$2.50

PINK COTTON TOP — Large dbl. pink,
semi-Supreme

$2.50

PINK POLKA DOT — Large electric pink
with polka dot markings, wavy
foliage

$2.50

BLUE LINDA — Large semidouble fused
blue flower, frilled petals edged in
deep blue, semi-Supreme

$2.50

JUNGLE DELIGHT — Cerise pink
flower gold edge on the petals.

Shiny wavy chocolate green foliage

$2.50

QUEEN’S BEAUTY — Large dbl. pink
flowers, chartreuse edge on petals,
wavy foliage

$2.50

PARADISE FLOWER — Amazon double
Fantasy flowers, semi-Supreme foliage

$2.50

Your choice of any four for $5.00

PINK LA FLAME — Large dbl. straw¬
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$2.00

PINK HONEY — Double blush pink
flowers, dark, wavy foliage

$2.00

CORAL LACE — Large single coral
pink frilled flowers, dark wavy
foliage

$2.00

AMISH MAIDEN — Large fluffy
:^illed blue flowers, Holly type
foliage

$2.00

FAIRYLAND DREAM — Creamy pink
flowers, med. green foliage

$2.00

VENETIAN BLUE — Med. blue flowers,
w'hite markings, wavy green foliage

$2.00

CHERRY DROP — Large semidouble
orchid flowers darker tips on
petals, semi-Supreme

$2.00

HAWAIIAN QUEEN — Large wine red
flowers frilled, semi-Supreme foliage

$2.00

INCA PRINCESS — Large single deep

blue fringed flowers, shiny wavy foliage $2.00

SIERRA BLUE — Light blue flowers.
Holly type foliage

$2.00

HEAVENLY STARS — Light moire blue
frilled flowers. Holly type foliage

$2.00

CHOCOLATE BLUE — Medium blue
frilled flower, dark wavy foliage

$2.00

BLUE MOIRE — Single medium blue
with water color markings, med.
green foliage

$2.00

TEA HOUSE PINK — Large soft jpink
double flowers wavy glossy semi-
Supreme foliage

$2.00

THORA — Large single slightly frilled
blue and white multicolor, med. green
foliage

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OL’ KING COLE — Fluffy dark blue
dbl., wavy green foliage

$2.00

BEULAH — Frilled rosette blue black
flowers, wavy foliage

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BLACK SAMBA — Purple fringed
flower, glossy Holly type foliage

$2.00

JAVA GIRL — Med. blue frilled flower,
wavy foliage

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BLACK THOR — Round deep blue
single slightly cupped flower on
med. green foliage

$2.00

ARABIAN BLUE — Large fluffy deep
purple flowers, wavy foliage

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BLACK WILLOW — Round huge deep
purple double flowers, plain
green foliage

$2.00

33

rl Mites —

Could Happen To You

Lorena Fowler, Omaha, Nebraska

I am hoping that my experiences will be
helpful to new beginners who are lovers of
the wonderful plant called the African violet.
Although I have always loved house plants,
I am really a beginner with African violets. I
had several but their names didn’t mean a
thing to me; what I purchased were from the
supermarkets and the five and ten cent stores.
They did fine for me; in fact, I still have a
pretty single deep blue that could be Blue
Boy. All who see it think it is lovely.

Well, to get to my subject. When the bug
bit me, it really took; I went overboard. I
spent a great deal of time and money in
acquiring nearly 350 varieties in the course of
1 Va years, plus books, etc. on how to grow
them. All the plants were doing nicely, were
so pretty and shiny — they seemed to thrive
under my wonderful love for them.

Now here comes the part that you hear
about so many, many times — “It can never
happen to me.” Well, let me say, IT SURELY
CAN.

I had a nice supply of young plants as I
just couldn’t throw away a single leaf. I put
an ad in our local newspaper as I wanted to
sell some of my precious plants to help pay
my expenses. I had 3 calls from the same
lady; she wanted to see me (now this is the
important part) in regards to her African vio¬
let plants. She asked me if I would be in¬
terested in buying any from her. She said she
was' working and couldn’t keep up the work
on the plants, etc., also her husband resented
her working in the basement in the evening.
She really told quite a story, and ended by
saying that if she couldn’t sell them she would
have to throw them out.

I spoke to my husband about her calls
and we decided to visit her. What I saw were
2 large 3-tier racks full of large and small
plants, and all looked good, so I decided on 4
plants. After coming upstairs, she asked what
I would give her for everything — racks,
lights, etc. as she was selling out completely.
My husband asked how much she wanted and
she said she would like $100 for the 2 racks,
6 lights, and the plants. It really did sound
as though she was giving up raising plants. I
wasn’t too sure, but I knew she had some
varieties I didn’t have. My husband asked
(Bless him, he knew how I loved African vio¬
lets) if she would take $50 and she said “sold.”
There I was — I really don’t know how many
plants, leaves, etc. there were, but I do know
that we spent all the next afternoon moving
from her basement what we thought were good

healthy plants. I did keep them separate from
mine but my basement isn’t too large and, of
course, I didn’t think there was anything
wrong, so perhaps I wasn’t too careful. Before
I realized it, I found that her plants were con¬
taminated with cyclamen mite, and a few of
mine became infested. What a mess!

Now the books, etc. I had on hand really
came into use. Yes, I had read them before,
but at that time they were just so many words;
now they had meaning to me. In Neil C.
Miller’s Pest Control Book I read about mites;
I was certain that was what it was. Also, I
read about them in Montague Free’s book,
“All About African Violets.” Our 16 year old
son brought home from our public library
the fascinating book, “1001 African Violet
Questions” edited by Helen Van Pelt Wilson;
I have since purchased that book.

I bought sodium selenate capsules and used
them very carefully just as the directions said.
All the plants received treatment once a week
for 4 weeks. I had several customers come to
buy plants but I wouldn’t sell any. I told them
I was very sure I had mites, that I was using
sodium selenate, and it was a poison.

It has been 6 months now since that un¬
forgettable day. I feel I have the mite trouble
licked. I spray with 50 per cent Malathion ac¬
cording to directions, also with Black Leaf
40. I fertilize with May Way Plant Booster,
Atlas Fish Emulsion and Hyponex, alternat¬
ing the three. I believe I get the best results
from Plant Booster.

My plants are in trays of sand. Since I
had so much trouble with mite, I am now
taking precautions against nematodes by using
V-C 13. All sand is treated in the trays; all
soil is treated that is to be used for potting.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure.

So, to all new beginners: please take heed
and digest what you read. It could happen to
you.

I often wonder how a lover of beautiful
African violets could do such a thing. And I
wonder if she did get rid of the mites in her
basement; I know she is back raising violets,
as I saw her and her husband buying violets
at our last African violet show. I hope that
you who read this will be careful where you
purchase African violets. Yes, there are those
of us who might have mites or nematodes and
sell but don’t realize we have them; when we
do find out, we do something to get rid of
them. I have no love for a person who knows
she has infested violets and keeps on selling,
thereby spreading the diseases.

I do enjoy our wonderful African Violet
Magazine and always take time out to read it
from cover to cover the minute it arrives. It
has such a beautiful cover, there are many
helpful experiences to read about, etc., etc. I
want to say thank you to all those who give
of their precious time to make such a grand
magazine available to us. •

34

The

Presidenfs

Message

<4^

Now that another summer has so quickly passed we are again enthusiastically
working on our next Convention which will be held at the Sheraton-Palace Hotel,
San Francisco, California, April 26, 27, 28, 1962. Do start making plans now to
attend. You are certain to enjoy every minute of this Convention.

My thanks and appreciation are extended to the cochairmen, Mrs. Constance
Hansen and Miss Edith Peterson, who have all the committees in full swing. They
are not only planning how they should fill the Convention schedule, but what
should be eliminated and their cooperation and energy is unequaled. With such
fine unity and zeal, only a successful Convention could be the final result.

When the Convention Time and Place Committee Chairman investigated the
possibility of a San Francisco Convention, secured the necessary information to
present to the Executive Board and it was voted to go to San Francisco, several
local clubs in Northern California decided to unite into a council. This group,
now known as the Northern California Council, was organized primarily to give
the National members a successful and outstanding California Convention.
Further objectives were to stimulate increased interest in growing fine horticul¬
tural specimen plants, creating artistic arrangements and plantings, and in pro¬
moting a membership drive to obtain new members for the National Society. Mrs.
Lillian Bragg, who is Regional Councilor for the West Coast Region, is doing a
superior job in promoting new National memberships. In fact the entire West
Coast has banded together to strengthen and enlarge the National Society and it is
their desire to present us with the best Convention ever held.

In order to make your trip more complete, plans for a seven day Post-Con¬
vention Hawaiian Tour have been arranged by the California Automobile Associa¬
tion for those who are interested. This tour will be filled with enchantment and
magic. You will find brief information in this issue; more details will be in the
December Magazine.

Behind the scenes, the National Officers and committee chairmen are dili¬
gently working on ways to render more efficient services to each of you. Your
suggestions will be welcomed.

I wish to urge all individual members and groups interested in giving awards
in the Amateur Division of the National Show to immediately contact the Awards
chairman, Mrs. G. P. McGraw, 4629 Elm St., Downers Grove, Illinois. Contribu¬
tions, also, are encouraged for the Boyce Edens Research Fund. These should be
mailed to Mrs. F. H. Rosebrock, 4243 South 35th Street, Arlington, Virginia.

I extend my best wishes for a complete and successful recovery to Floyd
Johnson who has been combating a lengthy illness. To date, August 1st, Floyd is
making a slow but progressive recuperation from hepatitis. By the time you re¬
ceive this Magazine I hope that he will be entirely well.

Again may I say, won’t you set your goal to attend the 1962 Convention in
San Francisco?

Sincerely,

35

Sissy Britches frill¬
ed blossoms and
beautiful dark ruffled
leaves with char¬
treuse ruching is
especially
attractive.

Lucile Kile
Knoxville, Tennessee

neu> enchantment with variegation

Cultured Pearl is
a variable plant in
both blossom and foli¬
age. Blooms may be
blue streaked with
white or bluish-
orchid.

36

^ Avid has been the interest in var¬
iegated African violets. Here Lucile
Kile dispells the myth which for so
long has surrounded their culture.

LET’S take a stroll down memory lane
and recall the enchantment of our
first days of African violet collecting
and growing. Back then our violets were
all blue, but no one cared. Each plant
had a different name and if we used our
imagination we actually could see that
there was a little different shade of blue
in the blossom or that there was a sligM-
ly different shape to the leaf. We trav¬
elled miles to trade leaves of our blue
varieties for leaves of someone’s else’s
blue varieties because theirs had a dif¬
ferent name. Sometimes we waited al¬
most a year for our new “treasures”
to bloom, and we believed that we could
see that they really were a little dif¬
ferent from the ones we had. As time
passed, the violet world became a most
exciting place to be as there were many
new originations resulting from very
intense hybridizing efforts. In fairly
rapid succession white ones, pink ones,
lavender ones, red ones, and then double
ones appeared. Remember Double Du¬
chess, which never fully opened her
blooms . . . but nevertheless, she was
a grand, grand old girl in her hey¬
day. Even the foliages were excit¬
ingly dissimilar: there were new vio¬
lets with plain leaves, girl leaves, round
leaves, pointed leaves, troughed leaves and
spooned leaves introduced. Can you remem¬
ber how many times a day you looked at
your first red-backed leaves?

Do you recall that we had the Fringettes
and variegated blossoms and the doubles
which fully opened — but still no double
pink? It was a year at least, after hearing
rumors of a double pink, before they were
offered for sale. I still recollect thinking
that Tonkadale’s never were going to ship
mine, but they were such a joy to behold
that they were well worth waiting for. More
choice too was now available in the beauti¬
ful variegated blooms in every color, except
pink . . . when along came Melody Air. Sur¬
prisingly new additions to the violet family
continued: the Stars, Genevas, Gold Laces,
chartreuse edges. Caravans, and one mustn’t
forget the cute little miniatures and the
gorgeous Supremes.

Through the years it has certainly been
exciting to grow so many different kinds.
However, after so long a time I suppose that
my African violet appetite became a little
jaded because I began to think of a new va¬

Printed Silk has heavily quilted, colorful girl leaves.

riety as just another double pink or another
single blue. I could no longer see the very
slight differences which once distinguished
them from each other. I know the hybridizers
are constantly producing superior new varie¬
ties which are stronger and bloom better
even though they look similar to existing
ones so I will continue to secure and grow
some of these new introductions with the
standard green foliage - — although they no
longer thrill me as they once did.

There is new enchantment now, in growing
the variegated and colored foliage plants.
Yes, I said colored. I was skeptical, too, at
first but now I’ve seen almost all the colors
of the rainbow in African violet leaves. Be¬
sides containing all shades of green, they
have areas of white, light cream, dark cream,
yellow, chartreuse and also, blush-pink, rose,
red and wine, and where the pink and red
overlap the green and cream it creates grey,
blue and even brown areas. These plants
are an everchanging panorama of color be¬
cause the intensity will brighten or fade with
age and cultural conditions. In many plants
the pink coloring starts at the base and grad-

37

ually spreads over the entire leaf, darkening
to red, and creating many diverse effects.
Besides all the beautiful colors, the patterns
formed by the variegation are almost unlimit¬
ed. Some leaves are variegated along the
edges, some in the center, some at the tip,
some at the base, while some are variegated
all over in little spots, others in big spots,
and some have a mixture of little and big
splotches. When the various shades and colors
are combined in the various patterns and
beautiful flowers are added for good measure
it is truly an enchanting new world of
violets, and the best part of it all is that
plants with variegated foliage are not diffi¬
cult to grow.

When I received my first variegateds I
also received instructions on growing them.
These were: plant in Black Magic, Grow
Lush, or a mixture which did not contain
rich organics, add lime and sawdust, grow
under pink fluorescent lights and feed with
Hyponex. Black Magic and Grow Lush were
not available locally; I didn’t have any lime
or fresh sawdust and I debated the feasibility
of buying two pink fluorescent tubes — since
I only had five variegated plants and I didn’t
know if other plants would grow well under
this type of tube. I took a good, long look at
these five plants and thought they weren’t
worth the extra trouble and expense. I de¬
cided that they would just have to grow in
the soil mixture I had and under the same
lights as other varieties or they would end
up in my trash can. I filed away the instruc¬
tions for future reference and to this day the
only part of them I have followed was, . .
feed with Hyponex.” I doubt that I would
have done even this had I not always been
a little partial to Hyponex anyway, and I
knew that it produced good results with my
other violets. Having as many plants as I do
I have not time to single out five or even
five hundred plants and give them special
treatment.

I planted the five variegated plants in the
soil mix I use most of the time: two parts
loam, two parts Canadian peat moss, and
one part vermiculite. Afterwards, I drenched
them with V-C 13, which is my usual practice
when repotting, and then placed them on a
table under the lights along with my other
plants. I have one daylight and one cool
white fluorescent tube per fixture.

Since then I have secured many other varie¬
gated African violets and must have grown
more than a thousand plants from leaf cut¬
tings. By actual count I now have 843 plants
with variegated foliage and many more plant-
lets ready to be removed from the mother
leaves. These plants and leaves are not kept
in any special place or treated any different
from my other plants. They are mixed in
among my other violets and watered, fed,
selenated, and sprayed at the same time as
all others. I feed my plants every two weeks

with Hyponex (one teaspoonful to a gallon
of warm water) with an occasional feeding
of Ra-Pid-Gro (same strength), after which
I skip a regular feeding. I use the Ra-Pid-Gro
when my variegated plants begin to look too
white, as I believe the stronger plant food
produces more green in the leaves. High
temperatures also seem to bring out more
green in the foliage. I have had some plants
produce several rows of solid green leaves
during the summer and was quite disappointed
at the time. Later, I realized it was a bless¬
ing in disguise because with the coming of
cool weather the new center growth was
again variegated and the plants were more
beautiful with the solid green leaves framing
the variegated center.

During the time I have been growing these
plants I have become curious as to why they
are variegated. In a recent article (Editor’s
Note: Sheldon Reed, Phd.; “Why Won’t They
Come True?”, African Violet Magazine, De¬
cember 1960, page 64.) Dr. Reed stated that:
“These varieties have defective plastids which
are transmitted in leaf cuttings and in the
egg, but not in the pollen. The plastids in tne
leaves are defective in that they produce
insufficient chlorophyll to give a normal
green leaf. Under some environmental con¬
ditions the plastids become more efficient and
the plant ‘reverts’ to its normal green color.”
1 didn’t know what plastids were so I looked
up the word and found this: “Plastids are
specialized bodies of protoplasm found in the
cytoplasm of some plant cells.” Now I didn’t
know about cytoplasm so I found this: “Cyto¬
plasm is all the protoplasm of a cell exclusive
of the nucleus.” The next thing to do was
to find out about protoplasm and I found
this definition: . . a'very complex semifluid

mixture of many different compounds found
exclusively in living cells. Protoplasm is the
basic material of life, it lives, grows, responds
to stimuli and reproduces itself.” I understood
very little of this so I started to read Botany.

In basic botany I began to learn the ground
rules that controlled life and growth of plants.
I found that all living plants are composed of
structural units called cells. Every cell con¬
sists of protoplasm which is a unit mass of
living substance surrounded by the cell walls.
The most important parts of the protoplasm
are the cytoplasm and the nucleus; in green
cells there are plastids in the cytoplasm and
these contain the green pigment chlorophyll.
Now, the term “defective plastids” made
sense. I realized why the portions of a leaf
which are made up of cells having normal
plastids will have chlorophyll and a normal
green color, while the parts which have cells
with defective plastids will have very little
or no chlorophyll — depending upon the de¬
gree of defectiveness. It had always been my
opinion previously that anything which was
defective was undesirable and should be dis¬
carded, but I have changed my mind after

38

Often the little plantlets of an established variegated
variety will show variegation when very small.

seeing what beauty the defects have caused
in these African violets.

I know many people have become dis¬
couraged with variegated plants for they
sometimes turn green and will not always
reproduce true. However, it is not uncommon
in other varieties of African violets for fringed
blooms to become plain, doubles to bloom
single, Genevas to lose their white edge, and
the chartreuse edges to be invisable, or for
variegated blossoms to become solid color.
Neither is it unusual for wavy leaved varie¬
ties to have several rows of plain leaves or
to produce baby plants with plain foliage.
Taking all of this into consideration, why
should we expect perfection from variegateds?
I have grown thousands of plants from leaves
and it is my opinion that our present strains
of variegateds reproduce true and remain
true at about the same rate as other varieties.
Therefore, I shall continue to grow them and
to buy more variegated leaved African vio¬
lets. I don’t feel that I shall ever think of
them as “just another double pink” or “just
another single blue” because even if the va¬
rieties are similar, it would be impossible to
grow identical plants or even two leaves ex¬
actly alike.

As I now look back in review over the past
seventeen years, starting with my early at¬
tempts at African violet culture and later
success which grew out of study and experi¬
mentation with them, I am just as intrigued
with variegated foliage plants as I was with
plain foliaged ones my first year. Today,
instead of trying to find the different shades
of blue in a blossom, I look at the pleasing
effects created by the blending of colors and
unusual patterns in the variegated foliage and
being absolutely fascinated by this, I can
hardly wait for the next exciting rows of
leaves to develop.

Yes, there is indeed new enchantment with
variegation. •

There seems to be considerable difference between
varieties with green leaves which sport variegated
and the ones which have been hybridized to produce
variegated foliages. The latter will usually produce
true. The plant above is a sport of the normally
green leafed Caravan Masterpiece.

The photographs, above and below, are later pictures
of the Caravan Masterpiece shown at the top of the
page. As it aged it produced only white leaves. When
any variegated plant loses too much of the green m
its leaves it will die.

For many years we have been a husband-
wife club with extra members of both
sexes needing a club affiliation being includ¬
ed. Our meetings are held in the evening.
This story, however, concerns just the men
of our group — many of them growers, others
with phases of the work and development of
violets — each to his own liking and all for
the good of the cause.

We thought others might be interested in
Men and African Violets, as they go about
their various businesses.

Barron Wyatt. Vocation: Material Procure¬
ment- and Quality Control Engineer. Hobby:
Very capable painter in oils, particularly
landscapes and faces. No professional painter
could do better than the Barron’s work in
High Valley, landscape, and Abandoned Child,
face. In the violet field, no assignment is too
large or too small in behalf of the club; he
is presently serving as vice president. An avid
student of soil testing and soil components,
plus helper to his wife, Irma, in potting, car¬
pentry for tables, electrician for installing
lights, debugging, fertilizing and soil mixing.
No one can extoll more on the beauty of a
blossom from birth to wither than “Buzz.”

David Bollinger, Jr. Vocation: Mechanical
Engineer. Genius at the drawing board, de¬
veloping new ideas for use by his fellow man.
Though comparatively new in violet growing,
he is a hard and willing worker in the club,
serving on committees with zeal to get things
done. His wife, Zo, accuses him of favori¬
tism to their first born, daughter Donna, but
it is a pleasure to hear Dave announce that
his Dresden Dream has stopped dreaming and

is producing the most gorgeous blooms, and
Pink Carnation is not a carnation, and how
come Emperor Wilhelm’s blossom does not
first have an iron cross design in the blossom
or leaf. Biggest thrill in plants is the first
sign of a baby plant from the mother leaf.

Charles Dedera. Vocation: Plant Manager
of a firm specializing in the manufacture of
steel and aluminum windows, greenhouses
and other specialty structures from metals.
Hobby: Building Hi-Fi sets in the living room,
to Mildred’s dismay, the sets work real well.
Charles’ greatest interest in violets is two¬
fold. 1, getting ribbons, regardless of color,
at our annual show in St. Louis; 2, developing
plants through seed propagation. He will, at
the drop of a hat, lecture excellently on the
philosophy of violet seed, accompanied by col¬
ored slides, on how to succeed through pol¬
lination from seed to blooming plant. He is
a master at the art of barbecuing chicken and
has gained the distinction of chief of the ro-
tisserie at the Knights and Ladies annual bar¬
becue. A real nice guy, a lover of African
violets, a go-getter on our membership com¬
mittee, and he does permit Mildred to wash
and sterilize the pots.

Kenneth Ross. Vocation: Production Con¬
trol Coordinator. Hobby: Ladies man, non-
pariel, especially to his wife, Ann. Newest
member of our club but is an eager member.
He is a student type and each development
and progress of a plant is a continuous delight
and mystery. Studious in details, he has the
assignment of the scales in weighing soil com¬
ponents that Knights and Ladies have for
mixing potting soil sold at our St. Louis Met-

40

ropolitan Show each year. A good working
member, willing to accept responsibility in
behalf of the club, and we are glad to have
him with iis.

Ed Mroz. Vocation: Diamond Setter and
Jewelry Designer. He will change a jewel
heirloom from 1800 design to 1961, or 1961
design to 1776 if you have the price. Hobby:
Exponent of Zoisia grass, fig trees and general
landscaping in his back yard. This changes
from year to year, sunken Louis XV bathtubs
with water lilies to tuberous begonias with
red spider. Some 25 years ago Ed raised and
sold tropical fish. One day he saw a Blue Boy
in a 10 cent store, purchased same for 5 cents,
brought it home to his wife, Florence, fed
the tropical fish to Mombo and Tiger, two
Mexican Chihuahua dogs, and has been grow¬
ing African violets ever since. Ed is currently
club treasurer, chairman of the yearbook com¬
mittee, and his favorite is growing African
violets in fir bark. He evaluates every avail¬
able commercial fertilizer according to plant
compatibility and passes his knowledge to
everyone interested. Ed and wife, Florence,
are truly delightful guests, good members and
wonderful hosts.

Aksel Gander. Vocation: Metallurgical En¬
gineering Technician in science of Welding
and Metallurgy. His first love is the applica¬
tion of heat to metals whether it be a plow,
boiler, ship, bridge, aircraft or space capsule.
Hobby: Gardening in general and African

violets. His gardening interests are in growing
things, but above all better than anyone else.
Having served the club 2 years as recording
secretary, currently in the second year as
club president, we think his ever present
humor is a ready delight while at the same
time no one can match his managerial ability
or qualities. His wife, Lillian, believes he
actually enjoys the bull work of building
tables, hanging lights, mixing potting soil and
rooting medium.

The Knights of Knights and Ladies African
Violet Club are invaluable. Their depend¬
ability in their hobbying is equal to that of
their vocation. Sure the Ladies are there with
the know-how but blessed are they to have
the Knights to carry on with the heavy work.
They give their Ladies the credit for much
that should be theirs. They are in word and
deed Knights in shining armor and each of
us, his Lady, ever feel the sense of pride that
we were his choice to imbibe his chivalry and
talents.

In the past 5 years these Knights have
mixed and bagged tons of potting soil as one
of our club projects for the annual Metropo¬
litan Society Show. They have the best time
doing this and to each Knight it is a privilege
to serve the St. Louis Metropolitan Society in
this way. Their love for their violets is ex¬
celled only in their love for their professions
and their Ladies. •

41

^^n^HEN I was talking to a very good friend,
one day early last summer, she told me
of the trouble she was having with her violets.
I told her she really did not know what trou¬
ble was and started to tell her some of my
experiences. She in turn told parts of it to

met the friend, Blanche Lindsay, mentioned
previously.

About 18 years ago a friend gave me my
first African violet. To me it was the most
beautiful of all house plants. Do you remem¬
ber S. ionantha? I haven’t seen one in years

The Long Way

Mrs. S. J. Delarue, Davenport, Iowa

Mrs. George Benner of Rock
Island, a professional grower
who grows beautiful violets
in just the right way, and be¬
tween them they have in¬
sisted that I write my story.
To tell it I must go back
many years and explain
that all my life I have
loved flowers and raised
or tried to raise them.
Even as a small girl I
always had a flower
garden. When we were
married 44 years ago, I
am an old lady of
70 now, the first
summer I started to
turn our back yard
into a perennial gar¬
den. How I loved it!
I would plan all
winter just what I
would order and
add to it when
spring came. I
had house plants
too, that were a
joy to care for.
When our only
child was very
young I started in
P.T.A., Woman’s
Club, and more gardening
to keep me so busy our daugh¬
ter would have a chance to
grow up without being tied to
my apron strings. It was in
1923 at P.T.A. that I first

but I still think it is very lovely. Then some
years later from some place I got a Blue Boy
and then I had both, a light and a dark blue
violet. I learned from a friend who was a
florist that I could start new plants myself
and in the course of the next few years my
window was filled with violets. My other
plants decreased in number as the violets
increased.

Twelve years ago in the middle of Feb¬
ruary I fell on the ice and was flat on my
back in the hospital for 3 months with a
broken pelvis. While there our florist friend
sent me another violet. It had the most
beautiful curly leaves and light blue blossoms,
the Blue Girl. I kept it for a few days but it
plainly told me it did not like the hospital
so I sent it home. Being flat on my back and
unable to move, I could not examine it. The
latter part of May when I returned home I
was so happy to see my plant had apparently
entirely recovered and looked lovely. After a
few days I managed to get it to the table so
I could sit and examine it and I was horrified
to see there was something wrong with it.
Each one of those lovely leaves had a white
streak down the middle. I tried everything:
plant food, loosening the soil, and moving it
to every window downstairs! It was really a
job to carry a plant around while walking on
crutches. Nothing took away that streak no
matter what I did but the plant thrived. It
got bigger and greener, more flowers and still
more flowers, and that terrible streak getting
wider and whiter. After many weeks of work
I finally called the florist. I had not phoned
before for fear he would think I had not
properly cared for it. I can hear him laugh
yet: that white streak was supposed to be
there, it was a new kind.

I found my gardening days were over as
complications made it impossible to get a-
round without a cane and stooping was out
of the question. I knew I had to drop club
work. For a number of years I had been

showing Boston Terriers in American Kennel
Club dog shows and of course that was
stopped also. I soon learned that the pain
which I was to live with the rest of my life
was easier if one could keep busy so I con¬
centrated on violets. I learned of different
varieties and soon had a dozen or more.
There was no room downstairs so a bedroom
was cleared and my violets moved upstairs.
I spent hours working with them. With 2
large windows, one to the north and one to
the east, my plants were lovely but it was
too good to last. With very little warning
I lost 75 per cent of my eyesight so reading
without a reading glass and sewing were out
of the question, and to make it worse my
brother came to make his home with us and
we needed the bedroom.

We had been reading about violets grown
under lights so my husband went to an elec¬
trical company to see what we should have.
The lights they recommended were installed
and my plants were moved to the basement.
In the begining they seemed to do very well.
The leaves were a lovely color and the plants
grew more rapidly but there were no flowers.
I had the tables moved out from the wall for
a better circulation of air but still there were
no blooms.

Within the next year I started to have
more trouble which meant the hospital again.
My poor husband did his best but my plants
really suffered. I found that no 2 people treat
them the same and he had very little time
to spend on them. He said it was because
they knew me — but I could not expect him
to talk to them like I did.

For the next 7 years I spent part of each
winter in the hospital. I would work all
summer and fall to get my plants started
again, only to come home and find my work
to do over again. One time most of the large
ones had the leaves broken off, many pots
were tipped over and the soil spilled on the
table. We found we had a mouse and he was
soon disposed of.

One winter the wife of our florist friend
sent me a tray of plants from the greenhouse.
The plants would not bloom and they did not
want to bother with them. I had a wonderful
time dividing and transplanting those plants.
Fortunately I worked on a table away from my
other plants. They had the queerest looking
roots I had ever seen. I had them laid out side
by side ready for potting and I sat and mar¬
veled at what man could do. Now violets not
only came in hundreds of varieties but they
had roots like tulip bulbs. A few days later I
was back in the hospital. When I came home
I found what my husband had been telling me
was true. All of these plants were dead. I
found later those nice little bulbs were nema¬
todes.

I think here is a good time to mention the

magazine. I learned about it and subscribed
in 1957. It answered all my questions if I
knew where to look. Up the street from me
is an invalid young woman who is confined
to her bed all but about 2 hours a day. Her
hobby is violets and she has them in a big
bay window she can see from her bed. We
visit a lot about our violets and when I want
to know something in the magazine she will
look it up for me. The index we have re¬
ceived was certainly planned for folks like us.

Now going back to me, I heard of a
Mr. Herbert Niemann, a grower of beautiful
violets, and we went to see him. May I say
that both Mrs. Benner, whom I met after I
did Mr. Niemann, and Mr. Niemann have
been so kind as to answer my questions and
tell me what I wanted to know. His plants
were a revelation to me and both my husband
and myself saw at once where my trouble
was: my lights had only one tube and his had
2 over each table. We immediately made plans
for additional lights. I was so happy in anti¬
cipation but it wasn’t to be. Early in the fall
my plants started to look queer. Even I could
see it, the centers got hard and tight and the
outside leaves curled around in the most
peculiar shapes. In the magazine it spoke
of cyclamen mites but where could I get them.
I had a few new ones but they came from a
reliable person so I just let it pass. Finally I
was convinced I really had trouble. I had
one plant I especially liked and on this Sunday
morning when I went to water them the
center of that plant was starting to curl. I
took 3 of my plants to Mr. Niemann and
asked if he would come outdoors and look at
them, but against my wishes he spread a
paper on his kitchen table and as soon as I
lifted the plants out he gave one look and
said cyclamen mites. I asked what I should
do and he said, “If they were mine I would
throw them all out.” I said, “That means all
of them.” I came home and emptied 60 flower
pots and then was so tired I had to go to
bed. I had my husband see what he could
find about the mites in the magazine and he
found an article that mentioned Neil Miller.
I wrote asking for help and enclosing money
for sodium selenate.

In a short time I had my answer with
enough selenate to start treatment. I put
on rubber gloves as it would be easy for me
to spill it, and every plant got a treatment.
I had potted leaves in Sponge-Rok, they were
treated, the Sponge-Rok put in the oven and
heated, the pans scalded with boiling water,
and my tables sprayed. I sat and looked at a
tray of new rooted leaves from Ten Hagen.
I decided if I was to do any good everything
had to be treated. I had some leaves I had
saved from the plants I destroyed and I put
some selenate in the water in the bottles.
No new plants were infected and I knew the

43

worst was over. Sure I lost a few of the
worst ones but I could have lost them all.

I cannot understand violet growers being
afraid to say they have had cyclamen mites.
My thoughts go back to my great grand¬
mother, a little Scotch woman from whom my
mother always said I inherited my green
thumb. She was telling me of Pioneer days.
She came here in 1844 and 'lived in a Log
Cabin. She said one of their worst pests
was bed bugs. She looked at me in that wise
way of hers and said, “Always remember it is
never a disgrace to get a pest, the disgrace is
in keeping it.” So I have never been ashamed
to say I have had mites, because I certainly
got rid of them.

Neither can I understand growers being
afraid to use selenate. We use many poisons
around our homes and none are dangerous if
carefully used. My plants will always get a
mild dose twice a year. My thanks to Mr.
Miller.

The weeks after the 4 treatments were
finished I had quite a few plants to put in
larger pots. I used soil treated with V-C 13
and carefully lifted the plants out so as to
lose none of the selenate treated soil and put
them in larger pots. I put all but 7 back on
the table when I went upstairs for something
and when I started down again I was met by
one of my little Bostons. She had the happiest
laugh on her face and something green hang¬
ing from the side of her mouth. My violets!
As fast as I could I got to the basement, only
to find she had taken all those 7 pots from
the table and there was not a leaf large
enough so I could tell what they were. It was
late on a Sunday evening and I could not get
a vet. I looked at my little dog, the last of
my show dogs, and decided I could not do a
thing for her. I put her in her kennel and
went to bed but not to sleep. I got up early
and went down to her. She was curled up
tight in her kennel and I thought her dead.
I opened the door and touched her. She raised
her head and look so surprised that I was up
so early and then stretched, yawned and
went back to curl up and finish her sleep.
All this after chewing up 7 violets that had
been treated with 4 doses of selenate.

I finished the last treatment just before
Christmas. The year before in the middle
of January I fell and broke my right wrist.
Just at the very same time this year I was
watering my plants when I blacked out, fell
to the basement floor and broke my right
shoulder. Again 3 weeks in the hospital.

I had cut the centers from the treated
plants but had no way of keeping them all
cut out but one. When I was able to work
with them again I cut out all but the largest
one and in a surprisingly short time my plants
were looking fine again. As the center leaves
grew out I took off the outer leaves.

m

'^SODIUM SELMNATE^t #

EXTBA

yoifvhre/planBmg_^,to m^f'soainxn,
selenate,, file ‘Extra Dilufe'^'Mpthbd’
safest wa;y. To,,^make this sc»lution dis¬
solve a y4"grfm capsule in a gallon of
"?warm water. Be sure4hat the selenate is
completely i dissolved.^ I’heri, with a 1
ounce ear syringe water in from tlie top

of the soil in the amounts as follows:
. " y ormcc to a 1 inch pot

1 ounce to a 3 inch pot
r^2 ounces to a 4 inch pot.

Eeminders ^ _

gogd 'heavy -rubber gloves '‘and

'"if,._any'^Ol;;;|ii?' soliition. Is- spil-led^nn
skin or- clothing wash off immediately.

Bb npt spill. , solutior| on'’"ioUage .or_
.petioles. If spillb^-^wfih^pfl^M' oiice.'

, For 4p-foetween\^, wa'teHlifs U|e^ pnl^^v
.^....plains, -wafer until fllSselenation pfogram

'^%^jgj^eep in,;in'lnd mi®- are' .micfo-scopic
and cannot be seen without the aid of a

"i^Sp|iiSodium<^' selenate^' must "^^be handled ,.x;'
■^5';; and used with .extreme'^'care ^as itIsjV.
^Jyery ^^oisonous J.chemicai';'_,^.Neither _ the'^-
.J{dry, material "hbr ,^ the .pelehaie' solution

S"‘ "should be allowed^^to j.come contact,

„ with \ the skm.%Wheri'' thO^^ solution
Jmadelupat should'^be' bottled hnd imy$|'
'-.^mediately ‘ labelled. -'‘'Poison Sodium -I;!,,:
^Selenate,” ,Do not leave it sitting -around, -v,-

'Solutloh outYof , the jeach of ',children,„-
y'irresporisible/'personSjf'ahd pets _ahd--pare'"
should be exercised to prevent';'ChiMren

not dispose of the. old or „ excess -solii-,^,^
.^j'tion'"'' where y could 'be'Jabsorbed >i,.by ^
-Jplants^'^hicE'mayJ'later ,bb' used food -i;:
.vby" humans or-, grazing animals,

Again I was happy in the thought that
next winter I would have blooms. Eight years
since I moved to the basement and. 8 years of
trouble. What a summer last summer was,
the likes of which I hope we never see again.
My husband thought if we kept the basement
closed, using the dehumidifier we would cut
down the humidity. We did but we also cut
out fresh air. The fan I kept running could
not supply that and suddenly every plant,
large and small, had mildew. Again I called
Mr. Niemann who suggested sulphur. I tried
to shake it on from a salt shaker but that
shoulder refused to co-operate. A dust gun
was no easier to use. My husband said he

44

would help me. I was called upstairs and
when I came down I found he had a large
duster and was dusting my poor plants like
he used to dust his tomatoes. Pumping sul¬
phur until the air was filled with it and the
plants a bright yellow. For weeks the sulphur
floated on the top of the soil when I watered.
I tried a fan, the hair dryer and a sprayer of
water, and finally gave up. But it did not
damage even the smallest plant, and the
mildew was gone.

By this time we were going in to fall and

1 thought something else would surely happen.
During the hot humid summer months I had
raised my lights and turned off one tube in
each. As it got cooler I lowered the lights and
turned on the other tube. I gave a mild
plant food and watched and waited. Finally
after 8 years I began to get buds. One plant
after another came into bloom but as most
of my plants were small they did not continue
to bloom as larger or older plants would.
January and February came, the months I
had gone to the hospital, and for the first
time in 7 years I stayed home. My violets
to me were beautiful, not show plants as I
cannot see to train them, but they had large
blossoms and lovely foliage.

I never try to advise anyone on what to
do and I show my plants to few people. I
know I have entirely too many on a table,
they would be better if they were further
apart. Blanche tells me I raise them like
babies but I have found it pays me to follow
a schedule. I keep a calendar on the post.
When I give plant food, lime, Fermate, or
spray with warm water I mark it ahead to
the next time it is to be given.

I always water early in the morning as
soon as my dishes are finished. They are all
watered by 8:30 a.m. I like to work with
leaves and have my own way of planting and
replanting. Maybe they would do as well
with less work but I like the work. I mix
my own soil and treat it with V-C 13. I use

2 kinds of plant food in mild solution alter¬
nating one to the other.

I have a table of tiny plants in 2 inch
pots with from 4 to 5 clusters of huge flowers.
All very ordinary but to me, after waiting so
long, it is really a miracle.

I open my basement windows and outside
door wide at night in summer and even in the
winter time, unless it is zero weather, I open
one for a short time. I hang a curtain in
front of it to keep the draft from the plants
and start a fan on the opposite side of the
room; in a very short time the air seems
fresher. I water the year round with rain
water, using a floating thermometer to be
sure it is 70 degrees in winter.

Well, that is my story. If you have had
the courage to stay with me and read all of
this, as you may judge, I really like violets.

A LOCAL SOCIETY

IS there interest in violets in your com¬
munity? If so, it’s time to form a club.

Find four or five enthusiastic growers,
both men and women if possible, and point
out the joys and advantages of banding to¬
gether to exchange violet ideas and experi¬
ences. Emphasize from the beginning the im¬
portance of belonging to the National Society.

Set a definite date and time for meeting
and organizing the club. Appoint a committee
to publicize the event, and urge all those
interested in African violets to attend.

When the group is assembled they should
select a temporary chairman to preside. Then,
choose a nominating committee whose respon¬
sibility it is to select officers and submit a
report at the next meeting on a slate of
officers. Prepare the rest of the program
carefully. If possible have a member of the
National Society speak. This talk should give
some idea of the pleasures derived from grow¬
ing violets and the advantages of belonging
to the African Violet Society of America, Inc.,
which may be explained as follows: member¬
ship includes the magazine which brings in¬
formative stories drawn from both amateur
and expert experience; the research com¬
mittee directs practical research leading to
the development of finer African violets
through better methods of culture; the annual
Convention and National Show provides the
opportunity for the membership to meet and
hear authentic accounts of new developments
in the Saintpaulia world and see a splendid
collection of plants — both new introductions
and established cultivars; there is helpful ad¬
vice, too, from the National organization on
programs, staging local shows, judging, plant
registration, plant names, and other problems
which arise in a local organization.

At the second meeting if the report of the
nominating committee is accepted the slate of
officers should be placed in nomination. The
new president when elected will then appoint,
or the club may wish to elect, a committee to
write a set of bylaws. Some brief informal
discussion may follow as to the amount of
dues, which vary locally. The time and place
for regular meetings. Meeting regularly is a
most important item in sustaining interest.
Infrequent meetings may lead to a loss of
enthusiasm.

A word about programs. Do not have
them too long, and unless questions are asked,
do not repeat the same old routine of soil,
culture and experiences — have variety in the
programs. As soon as good varieties with
outstanding bloom are grown, plan a show. It
is a thing of beauty, evidence of what has
been acnieved, and a source of great satis¬
faction to the hard and conscientious worker.

45

My first African violet was purchased 21
years ago at a five and ten cent store for
29 cents. That first plant was none other
than S. ionantha. The next one was Neptune:
I fell in love with its beautiful quilted dark
green red-backed foliage and its single purple
blossom. This is one plant I will always keep
in my collection, if possible. Then it was
Pink Lady and White Lady. By leaps and
bounds my collection grew. At that time
my violets were grown in daylight on glass
shelves in my breakfast nook windows. They
soon found their way to my kitchen windows.

When we built our present home 11 years
ago, a room was built for my violets. It is
finished in knotty pine (honey color). There
are 2 windows in this room. One of these is
an inside window which looks into my dining
room. It is a beautiful sight in the winter
months to sit in the living room, look through
the dining room and see all the beautiful
violets blooming. This window has 4 glass
shelves 12 inches wide and 74 inches long.
The shelves are held in place with bracket
fixtures like you see in department store show
cases. They are adjustable. Oh yes, there is
fluorescent lighting in this room.

Eleven years ago little was known about
growing plants in your home under fluores¬
cent lighting. A 2 tube 40 watt fixture was
installed over the shelves, plus one 40 watt
below. This did not give enough light so a
150 watt spot flood light was added on each
end of the fixture. These are swivel so I
can adjust them at any angle. The lights are

Photos show the far end of the violet bench in the
basement, also propagating case.

Irene Fleming, Toledo, Ohio

turned on at 6 in the evening and off at 7 in
the morning. The violets do beautifully.

The other window in this room faces the
north. It has 6 glass shelves. The setup is
the same except that I do not need the spot
floods as the plants get both daylight and
fluorescent light. These lights are also turned
on at 6 in the evening and off at 7 in the
morning. I often see cars stop, park, and
admire my violet window. Some folks even
come to the door and ask if they may come
in to see the violets.

Each of the shelves will easily hold 16
average size African violets in 3 inch pots.
What do I call an average size plant? One
which is 6 to 8 inches across. My plants
bloom profusely on these shelves in the win¬
ter months but when summer comes I move
as many as possible to the basement. A huge
maple tree in front of the north window cuts
down on the light they should receive. Then
too, the spot floods give off a great deal of
heat which sends the temperature sky high.
A tiny green bug comes through the screens
when the lights are on in the summer.

Now let’s go to the basement. Down a
flight of stairs into the recreation room, then
through a door to your right you will see a
bench made similar to a Floral Cart. It is
30 inches wide, 50 inches long and 52 inches
high, a 3 decker. The top and bottom shelves
each have a 48 inch commercial fixture sus¬
pended by chains so I can raise or lower it
to give the proper amount of light. Each
fixture has two 40 watt fluorescent tubes, one
cool white and the other a warm white. The
middle deck has 3 strip fixtures each with a
40 watt fluorescent pink tube. The pink tubes
do not give as much light as the other tubes
which is the reason for using 3 tubes. I find
some plants do much better under the pink
tubes; they make darker foliage. I never
could raise a good plant of Fischer’s Fire
Dance until I put it under these lights. Now it
measures I5V2 inches across and has 20 huge,

beautiful blossoms and is loaded with buds.
The foliage which I always had trouble with
is beautiful. I also have under these lights
a small Fair Lady with very dark foliage,
Redstone, Mighty Lak A Rose, Cydonia, Roseo,
Patent Leather, Fuschia Bride, Spring Velvet,
Desert Glow, Lucky Streak and Redderness.

Into the next room — the furnace room.
Here is a 3 decker which is 20 feet long, 36
inches wide and 52 inches high. These are
over-all measurements. Fifty- two inches is a
good height. The average person can see the
violets on the top deck. The first shelf is 9
inches from the floor with ten 40 watt fluo¬
rescent strip fixtures. These are installed in
a zigzag — ^ — — - — fashion which gives

more even distribution of light, I think. There
is 9 inches from the bottom of the tube to
the top of the 4 inch pots and 8 inches to
the top of the 5 inch pots. There is a Pink
Double One in a 7 inch pot on this shelf, and
it is only 6 inches from the tubes. They all
do very well. There’s good foliage and bloom.

The middle deck has galvanized trays SV2
inches deep which contain 2 V2 inches of
chicken grits. I keep these grits covered with
water which helps to make more humidity.
Each plant sits in its own aluminum saucer.
This deck has five 48 inch 2 tube commercial
fixtures suspended from chains. Here again
they can be raised or lowered for proper
lighting. The tubes are approximately 9 to
10 inches from the rim of the pots.

The top deck’s 5 fixtures are hung by
chains from the ceiling. Here each plant sits
in its own saucer. These saucers are partially
filled with grits, water is kept on the grits
but the plants do not sit in water.

A table 44 inches long and 23 inches wide
holds a glass candy case the same size. Two
strip fixtures which have 30 watt long thin
fluorescent tubes, one warm and one daylight,
are on an aluminum standard made by my
son. This case has 2 sliding doors on the
back. All of you no doubt have seen these
old style candy cases in grocery stores. Mine
came from my brother’s store attic. They make
ideal propagating cases.

You are wondering how long it takes me
to water? I have a Tube Craft Watering
Wand and a 2V2 gallon pail. All I need to do
is fill the pail, hang it on a hook from the
rafters and I am set. I only move and refill
the pail once. If I don’t pick off dead blos¬
soms, I can water in one hour or less.

My whole setup is on a timer. My lights
come on at 8:30 a.m. and go off at 8:30 p.m.
When it is almost show time, if I don’t have
enough bloom I set my timer to come on at
12:30 just after midnight and go off at 3:30
a.m. If I were to leave my lights on for
15 hours at one time the foliage would begin
to look yellow. Yes, they would regain their

natural color again during their rest period
but I prefer 12 hours of light then a rest
period, then 3 hours of light with another
rest period before they are on again for 12
hours. You need a day and night timer to do
this.

I am able to keep my humidity at 45 per
cent, thanks to my husband for the Manning
8z Bowman humidifier he gave me for my
birthday a year ago. It has a capacity of 8
gallons with a low and high speed. On low
speed I am able to maintain a humidity of
45 percent. Before getting a humidifier I was
bothered with mildew every spring and fall.
I have not had any mildew since.

My rooms downstairs are painted sunshine
yellow. The benches are painted sandtone
and the windows have natural color match-
stick drapes.

As to potting soil, I use Marie Danne-
miller’s recipe for organic, the U. C. mix for
some plants, and a mixture of one half or¬
ganic and one half U. C. for others. I don’t
get a good root system when I use just the
U. C. mix. By using one half organic and
one half U. C., I get a good root system, good
clear bloom and good foliage; and it does cut
down the cost. I have used organic for 4
years with great success.

I fertilize each time I water. I use a
soluble fertilizer, a 20-20-20. Instructions
call for one teaspoon to a gallon of water
once a month. I make a stock solution in a
gallon glass, jug and use one cup of the solu¬
tion to a gallon of water. I also make a
stock solution from one of the good African
violet fertilizers on the market. When this
gallon is used up I again use a stock solution
of 20-20-20. I water from the top, using warm
water. I draw water and let it stand for 24
hours so the chlorine will evaporate.

When I buy a new plant I immediately put
down a leaf in vermiculite just in case some¬
thing happens to the original plant. When the
cuttings are one inch in height I take them
off and plant them in organic in 1% inch
pots. When the pot is full of roots I trans¬
plant into 3 inch pots in a mixture of organic
and U. C. If I have several plants of the
same variety, I like to* put one in each of
the 3 mixtures. By doing this you can deter¬
mine which mixture will give you the best
foliage, growth and bloom.

I spray my plants once a month with Raid.
I like to fog the room at night, closing the
door. When using Raid be sure to hold the
can 18 inches from your plants.

If you are having success the way you are
now growing African violets, my advice would
be to continue with your method. Mine might
not work for you even though it has been
very successful for me.

If I have helped you in any way I am very
happy, so good violet growing to all of you. •

47

Mildred Bishop, South Bend, Indiana

1 That the top part of a glass coffee maker
inverted over a small plant makes a fine
miniature hothouse (of course the bottom part
of the coffee maker had been broken).

2 That a cardboard baggage tag with a string
on it is an excellent thing on which to write
a special formula — - especially a liquid one.
Then, tie the tag on the handle of the glass
jug. This is an excellent way to mark a sodium
selenate solution, or, in fact, any other mix¬
ture. Always write with a lead pencil as ink
will smear when water gets on it.

Sodiuiw Sclenotc \s
a poison ;

when Q uiolet b
VDaicrcd with a solu¬
tion oi sodium 5t\tn-
ote iheroot* ,UKe
up the e>e\tnote.
and ^hc plant's
SQP becomes
poisoned.

Th€n,u)lncn
mile5 scroich the
sorfoce oj the
tender \eaoes ond ked
on the Telensed sop
ihe^ ore hilled.

tt j!joo iaq and store, o
Sodium selcnots solution
4o not Keep ‘it too Ions or'it lo’ill
lose 'its et^cdiocncss osQhiUihtQi^ent.

3 That old sets of measuring cups and mea¬
suring spoons are good equipment to have on
the work table when repotting is being done.

That when mixing a large amount of pot¬
ting soil where tablespoon measures are called
for, to speed up the measuring: 4 tablespoons
equals Vd cup; 8 tablespoons equals 1/2 cup,
etc.

Th'is uJoy of re-
root'injTaii old
unsiafttla.lona
nected plant is
somocJn tQSler
them the fe-
rooUna in wdlcr
method. When
thestdlKptbduccs
QneuJtropof

roots there is
no period of
iransitiori qiltr
rooti na'nmoomg
the crtwrifrom water
to <\fouo\nnmed‘iorh.

4 That a good way to reroot an old plant
(African violet, of course) is to cut off the
long neck about 1 Vz inches below the last row
of leaves that is to be left on the plant. Then,
scrape the stalk (long neck) with a knife
blade all the way around. Prepare a 3 inch pot,
fill with regular potting soil which should be
rather wet. Take a small thumb pot and press
down into the center of the soil, making a
hole. Fill the hole with your favorite rooting

48

r

mix or with vermiculite, place the scraped
stem of the plant down in this. It will grow
new roots which will soon reach out into the
surrounding soil in the pot, and your plant
will be well on its way again and won’t need
repotting for several months.

That one of the best mixes in which to
start leaf cuttings is: Vz sphagnum moss and
1/2 Black Magic.

5 That a plastic bag over a small potted
African violet makes a cozy hothouse. But,
remember to have holes for ventilation, and
be sure to keep it out of direct sunlight.

6 That a small square (or round) piece of
screen wire is good to put in the bottom of
pots. It will serve two purposes: provide good
drainage, and be something solid to push on
when removing the plant and soil for trans¬
planting.

7 That a strip of adhesive plaster stuck on
leaf cuttings, with the variety name written
in pencil, makes a long lasting label. Inex¬
pensive too!

8 That when that special plant accidentally
gets a leaf snapped off and it has practically
no stem, it can be rooted very quickly in
Black Magic in a glass custard cup or a simi¬
lar shallow container such as a jello mold.

That after small plantlets are potted up
into regular soil, plant feeding should be
started in about 4 to 6 weeks, if growth has
begun.

That every plant should be repotted every
year, regardless of the potting medium. In
some potting mixes, twice a year might be
advisable.

9 That to keep suckers from growing where
a leaf is snapped off, break or cut the leaf
stem a half inch or more from the plant stalk,
then let it dry up before removing it. This
plan is also good when repotting after leaves
have been taken off. Let the scars dry before
setting a plant lower in the pot,

49

10 That when a violet has a root system too
long for the proper size pot, take a sharp
knife and slice off the lower part of the root
system. Then, plant it in the proper size pot.

That an African violet is somewhat like
a person. When we forget to give it plant food
on a regular schedule, we cannot expect it to
do well if we give it twice as much the next
time. The same is true in watering. After a
hot trip in a desert, a person doesn’t dare
drink all the water he wants, all at one time,
but a little at a time, and, of course, not too
cold.

11 That it is wise to be cautious of “new¬
comers.” Until we know they are healthy, it
is best not to mix strangers with your other
plants . . . make an unbreakable rule to
isolate all newly purchased or gift African
violets.

12 To not change your method of growing
African violets, if they are doing well for you.

That if every new idea is tried out as
soon as you read or hear of it, and more
than one thing is done at the same time —
it is very difficult to know just what it was
that made them bloom so much better all of
a sudden. Or, , for that matter, what it was
that really killed them!

13 That if African violets must be in a south
or west window during the summer months,
they will need a thin curtain or some other
protective material to tone down the hot rays
of the sun. However, violets still need a strong
light, even during the summer, to produce
good bloom.

tone down tWe rous
of the sun.

14 To never use water as soon as it comes
from the tap, especially if it is city water with
chlorine or other chemicals in it. Let the water
stand for several hours before putting it on
African violets.

That rain water is best for African violets,
but water collected in a dehumidifier is also
good.

Many folk have rain barrels. A rain bar¬
rel is fashionable equipment for ambitious
violet growers. Of course, if you haven’t ac¬
cess to a good strong watertight barrel, a
galvanized tub will serve the same storage
purpose. Your plant will love the rain
water! •

50

14

J -* -*’ ^ V ® ® ®‘ JS* ^ •S’ »#■"*’*

i; ::A^-vum/xu: y '. Am/uxi

' < ', ..... _■ -J J . . .J- . ., :,,.

EAST^-”

SISMonal

'1- : ,k-

membership

s'!*' iDRIVE;. ; -

J ; ; ; mi

-Xu

Beatrice Youngblood,
Oakland, California

Mrs. Bragg left and Mrs. Thomas right. Below, close-up of display by Mrs.
Anschutz.

Enthusiasm is the secret of success, and
enthusiasm for any project that promotes
an interest in African violets is an asset of
the African Violet Society of the East Bay,
Inc. With the 1962 National Convention sche¬
duled for April in San Francisco, the local
society made plans to conduct a National
membership drive, both in our own Chapter
and during our recent two day show. Re¬
gional Councilor Lillian Bragg and Florence
Shuey collaborated with Catherine Anschutz
in the preparations for the event.

An attractive arrangement, complete with
poster and violets was set up by Cathy at our
regular May meeting and a small plant of a
good variety was given to each member who
joined that day. Clever pink banks were also
given the first three new members in which
to start their National Convention expense
fund. The sales talks by Lillian and Florence
were most effective and seventeen National
memberships were obtained.

The display used at our meeting was set
up at the show, with several copies of the
African Violet Magazine and a large speci¬
men plant of Double Racy Red. As an incen¬
tive to join, a leaf of this plant was given to
each new member. Pearl Thorrias donated her
extra magazines and these were sold to in¬
terested visitors for fifty cents a copy.

Our members who assisted in the project
stressed the advantages of receiving the Na¬
tional magazine, the help and information
available for those interested in growing bet¬
ter African violets. The opportunity to attend
the National Convention was a good selling
point for us also. These subjects were again
emphasized during the three lectures and de¬
monstrations given on plant culture at our
show. We are fortunate in having a Garden
Center with a large downstairs Picture Room
seating 350 and equipped for slide programs
and lectures. The talks were well attended

and well received.

The final count showed 56 visitors had
joined the National Society, plus 17 from our
own group for a total of 73 new memberships.
All are looking forward to receiving the next
issue of the magazine.

Perhaps the results of our efforts will en¬
courage othel Chapters to share their ideas
on how they conducted a successful National
membership drive. Much of our success was
due to the enthusiasm displayed by those
participating in the project. •

51

how and when

ONE of the most confusing problems that
the African violet beginner faces is the
subject of watering. As one violet collector
happily started toward the door with her
newly purchased plants she turned with a
quick step, saying, “How often should I water
these plants?” Though I am asked this ques¬
tion many times each day, I find it impossible
to answer in one short sentence.

In growing African violets or plants of any
type, there are no set rules by which we can
be guided; only general rules of culture which
we must adapt to our own plants’ special
needs through careful observance. However,
brief watering advice is: African violets prefer
the soil evenly moist - — never soggy wet. Do
not leave the pot sitting in water. They should
be checked daily and if water is needed only
the right amount of warm or room tempera¬
ture water should be given. Violets are not
successfully grown when watered anytime.
They need to be given moisture only when
they need it. One must always consider the
general surroundings: atmosphere, light ex¬
posure, drainage in the pot, existing tempera¬
tures, soil analysis, and the type of container
the plants are grown in when determining
how much or how often to water.

Either top or bottom watering can be
used successfully by the home grower. I have
often watched customers gasp in amazement
to see one of the boys watering plants, in the
greenhouse, from directly overhead with a
hose. Many times this has called for a detailed
explanation, for knowledge has been spread
that African violets should never be watered
overhead; then I must gently convince them
to do as we say and not always as we do. I
remind them of the conditions which exist in
the greenhouse which allow us to use these
drastic watering measures without spotting
the foliage. One needs only to look above at
the glass that is well shaded in different
degrees of density at different times of the
year. Warm water is always used and the
greenhouses are hot and humid ... a jungle
atmosphere prevails, such atmosphere is not
desirable or possible in the average home.
Watering in the greenhouse is usually done in
the early morning hours, thus allowing foliage
to dry off with the rising day temperatures.

Under normal home growing conditions
top watering is preferred by many, especially
for young plants or small seedlings, as the
amount of water given can be more easily
controlled and used only in small amounts
when needed. It is advisable, also, to water
directly around the edge or rim of the pot

Anne Tinari, Bethayres, Pennsylvania

rather than in the center of the plant where
very tender growth is easily injured. This is
especially important when using plant food,
never risk watering in the fertilizer in the
crown of an African violet. Some varieties,
especially the double flowering ones, seem to
require more water than other types. So, for
best results, study your African violets and
observe their individual requirements.

If bottom watering is your preference,
always use warm or even hot water as it
cools rapidly. Use only the amount that the
plant will properly absorb within an hour or
two. If excess water remains in the saucer,
sponge it out. Do not allow plants to stand
in water any great length of time as the fib¬
rous roots become saturated and waterlogged.
If you choose to use the wick-fed pots, where
a proper reservoir for water is supplied, re¬
member to allow the plant reservoir to dry
between waterings: constant watering, even
by the wick method, can be dangerous. Many
new type pots are unique in featuring an
automatic moisturizer watering system; ab¬
sorbent material in these pots is used under
the plant to control the water supply.

Overwatering is without a doubt the
easiest way of inviting harmful bacteria and
botrytis. To strike a happy medium keep the
soil only slightly moist to the touch, never
saturated or powdery dry. Do not hesitate
to reverse watering occasionally as this helps
greatly to keep the salts and fertilizers in the
soil well distributed. By this I mean do not
always water from the top or the bottom.
Switch procedures now and then — and if
you like to water from the bottom — water
from the top for a few days, or if you prefer
top watering switch to bottom watering for
one or two waterings. It is beneficial to your
plants.

There is such a temptation to overwater
plants immediately after transplanting. Over¬
watering when transplanting is a mistake
often made, so do use water at this time with
special restraint. When transplanting, water
normally with a good plant nutrient, prefer¬
ably from the top, to settle the earth suf¬
ficiently around the root system. Give your
plants a chance to revive from the shock of
transplanting without having to survive over¬
watering as well. We find it is wise at our
greenhouse to use a little Fermate in the
water to combat mildew and fungus, which
can be especially troublesome at this time.

Good drainage plays a vital part in suc-

52

cessful violet growing. It is wise to use soil
that is porous enough to allow proper drainage
without it being too light in body. A soil that
is too sandy will drain too rapidly without the
water actually penetrating, and a heavy clay
soil retains too much moisture. Never cover
the holes at the bottom of plastic pots: plastic
pots need no material for drainage if a good
uniform soil mixture is used. The small holes
are so constructed as to allow for proper
drainage without the soil sifting through. In
using clay pots, where one large hole exists,
do not cover this over completely. Never
place a large piece of broken crockery or
material to cover the opening, instead fine
pebbles or finely broken crockery is more
suitable to allow proper drainage. Much has
been said about clay vs. plastic pots for
African violet culture. Clay pots are porous
in texture and permit some of the water to
evaporate through the pot walls, whereas
moisture may remain longer in the soil when
plastic pots are used. Both kinds are success¬
fully used - — ^ it is a matter of the individual’s
preference.

The appearance of an overwatered African

violet is a sad sight: the plant appears limp
and lifeless and the leaves hang limply over
the sides of the pot. Little can be done to
revive a plant that has been allowed to reach
such a state. Plants that do not receive enough
water many times give the same appearance.
If a plant has been left dry for a long period
of time it should be watered slowly to give
it time to completely absorb the moisture. Do
not soak a real dry plant for the lack of
moisture can injure the tender root system
and foliage and result in great damage and
the loss of the flower.

Top syringing or bathing of plants in the
home is beneficial in keeping the foliage firm
and clean. Always use warm water and bathe
plants only when the house temperature ranges
from 68 to 70 degrees or over. I would suggest
cleansing them in the evening so the foliage
will dry gradually without sun or strong
light striking it.

Study and learn your specific African
violet watering requirements, then be con¬
sistent and you will be greatly rewarded with
even more handsome plants and heavier
flowering. •

RECIPE FOR STERILIZING
SOIL BY BAKING

Carefully assemble all the ingredients
you wish to sterilize. Place them in a
large container and crush together with
the fingers until they are thoroughly
combined and uniform in texture. If it
is too dry add enough water to keep it
from dusting — larger amounts of mix
require more water. The water makes
it easier and more pleasant to work with
as it is screened. With the hands pro¬
tected by heavy rubber or cloth gloves
rub between the palms until it is well
combined. Then press it through a
screen. This screen may be made of
hardware cloth stretched over the open
top of a bucket or a permanent sifting
screen may be made if the hardware
cloth is tacked to a wooden frame. It
may be necessary to screen this several
times if the soil has a clay base as the
peat moss, etc, should be smoothly and
completely blended with the soil. Now,
it is ready to be sterilized. Put in a
porcelain roaster — - do not fill the pan
too full. Pour in enough water to wet
thoroughly ~ add enough water so that
it will come up to the top of the mix.
When you gently press down on it with
your hands some water should stand on
top. Check to be sure that you have it
wet all the way through and just to be

sure turn the mixture with a big spoon
and double check to see that there are
no dry pockets left in the bottom of the
pan.' If any are found more water should
be added. When the water is turned into
steam by the ovens heat this steam is
what sterilizes the mix . . . this is why
it is important to have plenty of water.
So, be sure it is covered with an ade¬
quate amount of water.

Platro the cover on the pan and bake
in a preheated oven at 275° for 1 hour.
Check at the end of the hour — the soil
should be actively steaming all over and
the top will have the appearance of a
smooth crust. The objectionable odor of
baking soil, so many violet folk do not
like, is considerably reduced if when the
mix is baked it is very wet. Remember,
there has to be enough water, before
baking, for the water to come to the top.

Take the pan from the oven and re¬
move the cover. Set aside in a safe clean
place for at least 3 days or more to let
the gasses escape. This aeration time is
important — do not use it immediately
as it needs to air. As the soil dries out
it will become lighter in color and be
filled with cracks. Care should be taken
to see that it is not contaminated. Stir
and turn as you press and crumble it up
with your hands. If the mix is not used
at once for potting cover the pan before
storing it to keep it sterile.

53

./'N

Reported

by

Joseph Schulz

IMISMiL

PART II

'5

fnd-ed

Commercial Division

SOME place I’m sure I’ve heard or read that
it is grammatically unforgivable to begin
a speech or story with an apology. I’ll just
have to be ungrammatical because I owe an
apology to you all and those people that
worked so hard on the National Show at
French Lick.

In describing the setting for the Show and
in telling of the delightful color harmony
that prevailed, I completely forgot to tell you
— about the gold colored stanchions and
chains that surrounded the display tables.
Also the sweet little nosegay of violets, deep
pink, purple or lavender with lavender and
purple ribbon streamers that adorned the
tops of the stanchions. I just had to add this
information because, though it doesn’t sound
like a great deal, it was most important to
the over-all enchantment and beauty of the
show room.

Daniel Webster, Roget’s Thesaurus, or
somebody is going to have to come up with
some new superlatives to help me to describe
the fabulous new violets the hybridizers pre¬
sent to us at each Convention. There appears
to be no end in sight, nor is there any indi¬
cation as to what we may expect next.

I believe the really big news this year was
the increase in size of the individual blos¬
soms, as well as the increase in quantity o^’
blooms on individual plants. Almost without
exception the plants displayed at French Lick
were loaded with tremendous blooms. Cer¬
tainly they could or did compare favorably
with the colossus Mr. Voorhees showed last
year. Another bit of interesting anticipation
is that the advent of the yellow African violet
seems easily within the realm of possibility.
In fact, rich cream colored blooms do exist.
So, get ready for the day that the yellows
hit the market.

I could sit around thinking of bits of “this
and that,” violet-wise all day, but that would
not get you the promised report or get the
material to our editor — so I’d best get on
the ball.

Always before we have gone back to the
entrance of the show room and started our
tour of the professional exhibits in a counter¬
clock-wise fashion. Just to be different and
to break the monotony of these reports, let’s
go to the exhibit fartherest from the entrance
and come back around the room in a clock¬
wise manner. Okay?

54

GRANGER GARDENS

HI HILL NURSERY

“Old Mother Hubbard went to the cup¬
board to get her poor doggie a bone, when
she got there the cupboard wasn’t bare, it
was filled with violets.” This parody of the
old nursery rhyme just naturally springs to
mind when we look at the first display. That
delightful young couple from Hi Hill brought
with them to the Convention a bit of “Bucks
County, Pa.” in the form of an antique wood¬
en cupboard. Certainly displaying violets in
an old-fashioned natural wood cupboard is a
novel idea. All the necessary equipment of
the cupboard was effectively placed around
the plants: hot pot holders, tea towels, iron
trivets, and trays. The shelves above were,
also, loaded with violets covered with huge
blooms.

Perhaps my personal liking for the Su-
premes or Amazons is responsible for my
enthusiasm over many of these plants.
Doric — This plant has been pictured in a
prior magazine, but it’s well worth mention¬
ing here. It is a monsterous single, deep pink
and very prolific with big, robust, regular
boy foliage in dark green. It is a flat grower,
a show plant and an addition of merit to
a class that has some excellent varieties.
Apollo — Huge white fluffy, full double
edged and shaded in navy blue. Lots of white
shows on these big round blossoms. Prolific.
Big, fat mint-green buds on pale stalks. Large
hairy, lightly quilted, serrated flat deep
forest-green Supreme foliage. Pale petioles.
Wonderfully flat growth. Perhaps the foliage
is a bit brittle but worth every bit of extra
care required. A must for the Supreme lover.
Dabs and Splashes — Shown last year. Lady
Baldwin — Another one shown last year.
Corinthian — A terrifically large fluffy, ruf¬
fled, shaded deep blue splashed with white.
A big, round, flat bloom. Big, plump green
buds on large pale stalks. Big, flat deep
grass green hairy Supreme foliage. Pale
petioles and reverse. I liked. Perhaps a sister
seedling to Apollo. Certainly similar in most
attributes and prolificacy is one of them. My
Love — An Atlantic City introduction. Kath¬
leen — Exhibited last year. Oak Hill Made
(Maid?) — - Big, and I do mean big, deep,
true blue double blossoms on bronze stems.
Bronze buds. Prolific. Huge, cupped and
overlapped girl foliage, green throat with
tints of red on reverse. Small and compact
plant yet it has robust foliage. Novel, new
and needs to be in any collection.

It will be hard to put the best commercial
display into words. Mrs. Eyerdom always
has a tremendous table and this year was
no exception. A rich shade of wine velvet
was used as the skirt. An off-white (I hope

— I could not decipher my notes) quilted
material was used to cover the stairsteps that
formed a pyramid. The Granger Gardens
name, in gold letters on a white background,
was centered at the top of the pyramid of
gorgeous colored violets in full bloom.

Loves Dream - — A prolific, large, ruffled,
single, deep orchid with an intense orchid
eye. Beautiful black-green, modern waved
foliage. Deep reverse and petioles. Nice
growth habit. I want. Estroda — Full large
double, ruffled orchid held nicely on bronze
stems. Prolific. Modern black, shiny Holly
type foliage. An exhibition plant. Magic
Flame — Large, exciting bright deep pink
full fluted double blossoms in profusion. Ex¬
cellent bright green, waved modern foliage.
An eye catcher among the deep pinks. Har¬
bor Lights — - Deep velvety blue, ruffled
single. Widespread petals gives this bloom a
different shape. Bronze stems. Dull bronze-
green modern shaped red-reverse foliage.
Flat growth habit makes this a prime exhi¬
bition type. Calypso — Large shaded laven¬
der and orchid single with an excellent white
edge. Top two petals dark. Prolific on
greenish-bronze stems. Dull, deep bronzy-
green foliage on long pinkish-bronze petioles.
Flat habit. A honey. Purple Larkspur — Deep
velvet orchid, ruffled, round full double
blooms of large size and in great number.
Bronze stems and petioles. Dark green mod¬
ern Holly type foliage with red-reverse. Good
growth habit. A nice one to get. Spun Velvet

— A sensational variety from the Atlantic
City Convention. Pink Calico — • Another good
one from last year. Butterfly Wings — A
sweet semisweet pea type single white with
brush stroke touches of lavender here and
there. Pale stems and green buds. Good flat
modified medium green girl foliage. This one
for me as it is a show plant for sure. Tall
Chief — Huge, medium blue, full double
blossoms held high on green-bronze stems.
Medium size fuzzy, regular boy foliage with
bronze-red petioles and reverse. Cartwheel
growth. Heldie — Huge, loose, medium pow¬
der pink with a pretty white edge. A double
pink Geneva type that is a whiz. Big, heavy
substance black-green, rounded, but quilted
foliage. Bronze petioles. Flat growth habit.
For me. Tall Talk — An excellent orchid

55

1

.7^\ r

50ng

J

a

PART II

Reported

by

Joseph Schulz

end-ed

Commercial Division

but

SOME place I’m sure I’ve heard or read that
it is grammatically unforgivable to begin
a speech or story with an apology. I’ll just
have to be ungrammatical because I owe an
apology to you all and those people that
worked so hard on the National Show at
French Lick.

In describing the setting for the Show and
in telling of the delightful color harmony
that prevailed, I completely forgot to tell you
— about the gold colored stanchions and
chains that surrounded the display tables.
Also the sweet little nosegay of violets, deep
pink, purple or lavender with lavender and
purple ribbon streamers that adorned the
tops of the stanchions. I just had to add this
information because, though it doesn’t sound
like a great deal, it was most important to
the over-all enchantment and beauty of the
show room.

Daniel Webster, Roget’s Thesaurus, or
somebody is going to have to come up with
some new superlatives to help me to describe
the fabulous new violets the hybridizers pre¬
sent to us at each Convention. There appears
to be no end in sight, nor is there any indi¬
cation as to what we may expect next.

I believe the really big news this year was
the increase in size of the individual blos¬
soms, as well as the increase in quantity of
blooms on individual plants. Almost without
exception the plants displayed at French Lick
were loaded with tremendous blooms. Cer¬
tainly they could or did compare favorably
with the colossus Mr. 'Voorhees showed last
year. Another bit of interesting anticipation
is that the advent of the yellow African violet
seems easily within the realm of possibility.
In fact, rich cream colored blooms do exist.
So, get ready for the day that the yellows
hit the market.

I could sit around thinking of bits of “this
and that,” violet-wise all day, but that would
not get you the promised report or get the
material to our editor — so I’d best get on
the ball.

Always before we have gone back to the
entrance of the show room and started our
tour of the professional exhibits in a counter¬
clock-wise fashion. Just to be different and
to break the monotony of these reports, let’s
go to the exhibit fartherest from the entrance
and come back around the room in a clock¬
wise manner. Okay?

54

GRANGER GARDENS

HI HILL NURSERY

“Old Mother Hubbard went to the cup¬
board to get her poor doggie a bone, when
she got there the cupboard wasn’t bare, it
was filled with violets.” This parody of the
old nursery rhyme just naturally springs to
mind when we look at the first display. That
delightful young couple from Hi Hill brought
with them to the Convention a bit of “Bucks
County, Pa.” in the form of an antique wood¬
en cupboard. Certainly displaying violets in
an old-fashioned natural wood cupboard is a
novel idea. All the necessary equipment of
the cupboard was effectively placed around
the plants: hot pot holders, tea towels, iron
trivets, and trays. The shelves above were,
also, loaded with violets covered with huge
blooms.

Perhaps my personal liking for the Su-
premes or Amazons is responsible for my
enthusiasm over many of these plants.
Doric — This plant has been pictured in a
prior magazine, but it’s well worth mention¬
ing here. It is a monsterous single, deep pink
and very prolific with big, robust, regular
boy foliage in dark green. It is a flat grower,
a show plant and an addition of merit to
a class that has some excellent varieties.
Apollo — Huge white fluffy, full double
edged and shaded in navy blue. Lots of white
shows on these big round blossoms. Prolific.
Big. fat mint-green buds on pale stalks. Large
hairy, lightly quilted, serrated flat deep
forest-green Supreme foliage. Pale petioles.
■Wonderfully flat growth. Perhaps the foliage
is a bit brittle but worth every bit of extra
care required. A must for the Supreme lover.
Dabs and Splashes — Shown last year. Lady
Baldwin — Another one shown last year.
Corinthian — A terrifically large fluffy, ruf¬
fled, shaded deep blue splashed with white.
A big, round, flat bloom. Big, plump green
buds on large pale stalks. Big, flat deep
grass green hairy Supreme foliage. Pale
petioles and reverse. I liked. Perhaps a sister
seedling to Apollo. Certainly similar in most
attributes and prolificacy is one of them. My
Love — An Atlantic City introduction. Kath¬
leen — Exhibited last year. Oak Hill Made
(Maid?) — Big, and I do mean big, deep,
true blue double blossoms on bronze stems.
Bronze buds. Prolific. Huge, cupped and
overlapped girl foliage, green throat with
tints of red on reverse. Small and compact
plant yet it has robust foliage. Novel, new
and needs to be in any collection.

It will be hard to put the best commercial
display into words. Mrs. Eyerdom always
has a tremendous table and this year was
no exception. A rich shade of wine velvet
was used as the skirt. An off-white (I hope

— I could not decipher my notes) quilted
material was used to cover the stairsteps that
formed a pyramid. The Granger Gardens
name, in gold letters on a white background,
was centered at the top of the pyramid of
gorgeous colored violets in full bloom.

Loves Dream — A prolific, large, ruffled,
single, deep orchid with an intense orchid
eye. Beautiful black-green, modern waved
foliage. Deep reverse and petioles. Nice
growth habit. I want. Estroda — Full large
double, ruffled orchid held nicely on bronze
stems. Prolific. Modern black, shiny Holly
type foliage. An exhibition plant. Magic
Flame — Large, exciting bright deep pink
full fluted double blossoms in profusion. Ex¬
cellent bright green, waved modern foliage.
An eye catcher among the deep pinks. Har¬
bor Lights — Deep velvety blue, ruffled
single. Widespread petals gives this bloom a
different shape. Bronze stems. Dull bronze-
green modern shaped red-reverse foliage.
Flat growth habit makes this a prime exhi¬
bition type. Calypso — Large shaded laven¬
der and orchid single with an excellent white
edge. Top two petals dark. Prolific on
greenish-bronze stems. Dull, deep bronzy-
green foliage on long pinkish-bronze petioles.
Flat habit. A honey. Purple Larkspur — Deep
velvet orchid, ruffled, round full double
blooms of large size and in great number.
Bronze stems and petioles. Dark green mod¬
ern Holly type foliage with red-reverse. Good
growth habit. A nice one to get. Spun ’Velvet

— A sensational variety from the Atlantic
City Convention. Pink Calico — Another good
one from last year. Butterfly Wings — A
sweet semisweet pea type single white with
brush stroke touches of lavender here and
there. Pale stems and green buds. Good flat
modified medium green girl foliage. This one
for me as it is a show plant for sure. Tall
Chief — Huge, medium blue, full double
blossoms held high on green-bronze stems.
Medium size fuzzy, regular boy foliage with
bronze-red petioles and reverse. Cartwheel
growth. Heldie — Huge, loose, medium pow¬
der pink with a pretty white edge. A double
pink Geneva type that is a whiz. Big, heavy
substance black-green, rounded, but quilted
foliage. Bronze petioles. Flat growth habit.
For me. Tall Talk — An excellent orchid

55

Geneva round and flat double. Deep white
edge. Bronzy, dark dull green foliage. Flat
habit. A dream. Southern Sweetheart — And
that is just what it is. A huge full double
bright rosy-pink. Nicely ruffled. Deep pink
eye. Medium green, waved, arrow-shaped fol¬
iage. Pale reverse. Flat growth habit. I’ll
take one now! Fury — - Shown last year. Shag
Supreme. Delightful. Ann Spencer — Named
for the Indianapolis lady that was Registra¬
tion Chairman at the French Lick Conven¬
tion. Huge cupped, medium pink on the pale
side. A gorgeous single with a faint white
fluted edge. Strong stems. Big dull bronzy-
green, red-reverse, heavy substance foliage.
As sweet as its namesake. Spring Song —
Full double pale shaded lavender Geneva.
Dull, bronzy, serrated, pointed foliage. Nice
habit. Big Cree — Imagine Fire Dance in
a ruffled version and you have something
of an idea about this bloom. Big and prolific.
Medium size, dull hairy, bronzy foliage with
crimped down edges. Bronze petioles and
reverse. GOOD. Snow Ballet — Huge, flat
double white with a tuft in the center. White
Pride type foliage. An exhibition variety.
Cortez — Deep red-purple double that is full
and fluffy. Texture like velvet. Bright yellow
pollen sacs make a sparkling contrast. A
crown of blossoms. Black, quilted, hairy,
heavy Supreme foliage with blood red-reverse.
Kiss ’N Tell — Full, fiery pink double with
a distinct ruffled chartreuse edge. Excellent
patent leather modern foliage. A dreamy one.
Fair Elaine — - Second best new commercial
introduction. Deep, bright pink full double
Geneva. Fluted white edge. Dull, deep green,
fuzzy, pointed boy type foliage. Big, bold,
with excellent habit. Heaven Sent — Nice
full double ruffled white. Good, pointed,
yellow, cream and mottled green variegated
foliage. Nice habit. Will grow into a big plant.
Highlighter — Nice full double rosy-pink
with a deeper eye. Excellent oak leaf girl
type foliage. Good habit. I liked. Sweetheart
Blue — A gorgeous, huge full double pale
blue. Good, medium green serrated, pointed
foliage. Flat growth. Forever White — Like
Snow Ballet only a single pure white. Has
Snow Prince been replaced? Night Shade —
Huge full double deep royal purple. A tre¬
mendous bloom. Medium size shield-shaped
black-green foliage on long petioles. Good,
good, good. Kings Ransom — A good deep,
deep orchid-red. Intense, deep plushy upper
petals. Dull regular black-green smooth edge
pointed foliage. A good show plant. Delft
Imperial — • A full, fluted, fat double medium
blue Geneva. Prolific. Exceptional bronzy,
deep green, modern, pointed and waved fol¬
iage. Don’t miss. Orchid Premier — Large,
shaded light orchid full double. Regular,
medium green boy foliage. Hans Brinker —
Big, bold, round, deep blue Geneva single
blossoms. Very deep green, flat hairy and
quilted, red-reverse foliage. A nice one.

Winifred Leigh — A true ruffled medium
pink Geneva single. Large size. Modern,
medium green foliage. Excellent growth hab¬
it. This plant was named for our daughter
and has my complete and definitely biased
approval. To me, it is almost as sweet as
she is and that is saying a great deal. Bold
Velveteer — Huge velvet purple blooms with
a heavy, ruffled chartreuse edge. Big, round,
hairy, bronzy, deeply serrated foliage. Differ¬
ent and a must. Tiffany — A cross-like shaded
velvet blue single with a shaded white rim.
Excellent modern foliage. Nice habit. Mardi
Gras — Similar to Purple Larkspur. I like
this foliage better. Eidelweiss — Big, round
medium blue with brush strokes of deeper
coloring radiating out from the prominent
pollen sacs. A single. Good deep green mod¬
ern foliage. OOOH! Freida Berman — Huge
semidouble to full double deep pink. Pale
bronze-green stems. Very cut-up, turned down
girl foliage. Open growth. Will not be too big.
I want. Young at Heart — Huge, full ruffled
double white blossoms splashed and shaded
with deep blue. Green buds on pale stalks.
Very good, waved, serrated, pointed medium,
green foliage. A goody. Florentine Lace
Deeply ruffled purple single. Very dull, very
hairy, rounded, crimped and deeply serrated
foliage. Looked like it was covered with
frost. This foliage is new and different.

WILSON BROTHERS

When it comes to the Classic Greek, I’m
way out, and that’s just what I’m confronted
with when describing the Wilson Brothers
display. This display, basically, was a tall
alabaster-white sectional background flanked
on the left by a tall white column. The iDack-
ground was set up like a sectional or paneled
screen that I’m sure you have seen on TV
or in the movies. The far right panel was
finished in a bronzy metalic with an em¬
bossed mask of some Greek hero (Don Wilson
told me who this was — someone connected
with music if I remember correctly). At the
far top left, protruding from the column out
across the display, was a box-like affair
which held three spotlights that flooded the
display with light from top to bottom. Three
shelves, built to conform to the construction
of the background, were staggered at three
heights. These shelves, covered with some¬
thing that gave the effect of black marble,
had holes in them that allowed the pots of
violets to rest on the rim edge thereby mak¬
ing the foliage flush with the shelf tops. On
the right upper corner of the display was a
sign proclaiming, “Violet Classics by Wilson
Brothers.” My description doesn’t come close
to describing the beauty of this display that
won the “Best Staged”,. Rosette.

Overture — Big, ruffled bright pink single
blossoms had a fiery red eye shading out
into each petal. Bronze stems. Excellent

56

waved, quilted, serrated foliage with the
strawberry characteristic. A huge show plant.
For me. Cheriee — Prolific, medium size
full double, deep cherry-pink. Cupped, quilt¬
ed, black, shiny foliage with red-reverse. A
big symmetrical plant. Concerto — • Big, blue
double blossoms on red stems. Big, scooped
shaped medium green, pale reverse foliage.
A huge plant. Orbit - — Big, medium blue
shaded Geneva double. Superior bronzy,
shiny, shield-shaped foliage. Hector — - An
older variety with round red-orchid single
blossoms on exceptional dark strawberry fol¬
iage. Sonata — A fluffy, ruffled, pinkish-
orchid double. Blossoms covered the crown
of the- plant. Good, quilted, deep green boy
foliage. A huge plant. A fine one for every¬
one. Chime — Pale powder pink lightly
ruffled single blossoms with a deeper eye on
bronze stems. Pretty, oblong, bronze, slick,
quilted, pale reverse foliage. A big show
plant. Best Man — Large, semidouble ruffled
and fluted mulberry-lavender blossoms. Simi¬
lar to Wilson’s Atlas. Gorgeous true Holly
foliage. Actually looks like Holly leaves. Shiny
and deep red-reverse. Atlas — ■ An older one
but still very, very good. Valley Girl — Big.
medium blue semidouble blossoms. Bronzy,
modified girl foliage. Flat leaf and flat
growth. Double Ruffles — A full crown of
deep blue semidouble blossoms adorned this
plant. Black, shield-shaped, shiny foliage,
Flat, cartwheel growth. A tremendous plant
in size and habit. You just can’t keep it from
making a show plant.

THE SELECT VIOLET HOUSE

Pretty pearl gray satin was used as the
skirt for Mary Meeds’ display table. Black
felt was used for the table top covering. A
yellow free form sign depicting the firm
name formed the back drop. The table top
was completely flat except for raised areas
on each side, back and front. Each year you
can tell Mary Meeds’ display, even if there
was no name on it, as it reflects her sweet¬
ness and friendliness always.

Sniffie — Round single white with blue
eye shading into each petal. Pale green stalks.
Arrow-shaped, medium green, dull, hairy
foliage. Pale reverse. Mandy — Pretty, deep
blue, round blooms on red stalks. A nice
single. Shiny, black modified girl foliage with
greenish-pink throat. Flat growth habit.
Seedling — Pale pink single shading out with
an intense red eye. Dull green, bronzy foliage
with pinkish-tan reverse. Nice habit. Tissue
Pink — Big, round, lightly waved pale pink
single. Bronzy stems. Bronze-green Holly
type foliage. I like!!! Seedling — Similar to
Tissue Pink but had round foliage on long
petioles. Seedling — Deep single pink. Black,
slick, hairy and flat foliage. Excellent habit.
I liked this very much. Seedling — Nice,
bright single pink. Profuse blooms on bronzy

stems. Variegated regular foliage. Very, very
pretty. Seedling — Raspberry-pink, round
cupped single with a deeper eye. Nice, small
girl foliage. Flat habit. Cute and I liked.
Seedling — ■ Small, double ruffled white blos¬
soms. Excellent, small, variegated yellow and
green waved foliage. Real pretty. I’d vote for
this one regardless of party affiliations. Patent
Leather - — Small, deep red blooms on red
stems. Elongated upper petals. Long, smooth,
shiny patent leather like foliage. It even feels
like patent leather. Bet you can guess some
of the parentage of this one. Sport — Huge,
full double white shaded with deep raspberry-
red. Deeper eye coloring. Small, medium green
semi-Supreme type foliage. Very pretty.
Seedling — Deep velvety red-orchid full
round double on bronzy stems. Nice regular
deep green foliage. Good growth habit. Seed¬
ling — Pretty, large, round raspberry shade
red single. Good, flat, round bronzy girl
foliage. Open growth habit. Sport ~ Medium
blue full double of nice size. Heavy substance,
deep green foliage. Good habit. Miniature —
Deep rosy-pink single. Small, regular girl
type foliage. Glowenda — Round, rosy-red
single blossom with faint green edge. Small,
hairy, semi-Supreme foliage on long petioles.
Ohio Traveler — Exhibited at Atlantic City
and was nice then too. Mint Glow-— Exhibited
at Atlantic City and previously pictured in the
Magazine. Still a very pretty and very sweet
violet. From Hi View: Gerry — Pale blue-
lavender full iiouble blooms held high. Flat,
modified, bronze toned girl foliage. Hi View
Seedling — Big, pale pink single with deep
raspberry eye shading. White Sail Sport —
Full double pure white that is Very nice. Pale
green regular boy type foliage. Seedling —
Shaded pale blue Geneva single with faint
fluting on petal edges. Light, grass green
regular foliage. Pretty.

MADISON GARDEN

You can always count on the Rand’s ex¬
hibit to reflect a flair for the ultra-modern
and this year was no exception. The skirt
for their table was lime-green taffeta that
was also used to cover the , stair-step table
top. On the top center step was a large blonde
framed portrait of the Madison Garden Green¬
house range and the Rand home. The por¬
trait was draped over the top, down the side,
and extending at an angle down to the cor¬
ner of the table with brilliant, glowing coral-
pink satin. Very striking and this coloring
made a delightful background for the violets.

Jungle Delight — A green edged raspberry-
red single blossom. Black-green Holly type
foliage. I liked. Linda — Huge, ruffled white
double etched and splashed in blue. Medium
green semi-Supreme foliage that is a trade¬
mark with the Rands. A goody. Atomic Gold
— ■ Brilliant, intense, deep red-pink full dou¬
ble blossoms with a green ruffled edge.

57

59

Bronze stems and buds. Excellent modern
Holly type foliage. Flat habit. This one for
me. Blue Ruffle — Ruffled and fluted deep
blue full double blooms with deeper eye
shadows. Excellent, deep green, dull, hairy
foliage of good substance and flat growth
habit. Marbles — A full double blue Geneva.
Medium green modern type foliage. Green
Gold — • A nicely ruffled, green edge on a
deep pink full double. Beautiful, deeply
crimped and notched black, modern Holly
foliage. This one I liked. Dew Drop -- Shaded
pink and white full double with green in
the heart of the bloom and around the petal
edges. Green buds. Light green modern type
foliage. Princess Rose — Full, flat petaled
deep pink double. Light, bronzy tinted flat
girl foliage. A nice small one. Mindy — Wide
white Star overlay on light blue single blooms
with a ruffled green edge. Regular light green
Holly type foliage. A very pretty one. Blue
Linda — Huge, shaded blue and white full,
ruffled double. Medium green semi-Supreme
foliage. Another in the pretty class. Ruffled
Velvet — Semidouble deep, plushy velvet
blue. Small, deepest green semi-Supreme
foliage. Nice. Heavenly Star — Ruffled light
blue single with a deep blue Star shading out
from the eye. Small Holly foliage. Teahouse
Pink — De.ep pink with an intense quality
in a full flat double blossom. Nice medium
green modern foliage. An exhibition plant
and I want one. Irish Rose — Full double
white. Small light green Supreme foliage.
Flat habit. Paradise Flowers — ■ Huge Rasp¬
berry Sherbet type double. Deep green semi-
Supreme foliage. A very pretty one. Pink
Polka Dot — Deep pink full double with
raspberry Fantasy markings. Good, regular
quilted foliage. Who could resist? Seedling — •
Full double white with mulberry-purple eye
shading and dots and splashes of the same
color. Makes a terrific contrast. Excellent
deep green, waved, dull foliage with pale
reverse. Send to me! Orchid Chiffon — Pale
orchid-lavender full ruffled double with deep¬
er shading. Dull, medium green Supreme
foliage with pale reverse. Flat growth habit.
Geisha Rose — Cupped sweet pea type pale
pink ruffled single with a big deep rose eye
shading almost to the petal edges. Waved,
serrated, pointed boy type foliage. Flower
Girl — Huge, loose creamy white and pink
shaded full double. Nice, light green, pointed,
waved, serrated foliage. Good habit. She is
pretty enough for anyone. Connie — Big,
loose, full, fluffy powder rose double. Excel¬
lent boy type dull bronzy-green flat foliage.
Good enough for me. Exhibition type. Blue
Hawaii — Deep royal blue ruffled single. Huge
size. Intense modern Holly type foliage. Ha¬
waiian Queen — Huge, ruffled, shaded velvety
orchid full double blooms. Small deepest for¬
est-green Supreme foliage. Flat habit. OP King
Cole — Prolific, deep, deep blue fuH double.
Deep green, modern Holly foliage. My Blue

Heaven — Tremendous, round medium blue
full double. Small, flat semi-Supreme foliage.
Coral Sea — Big, round very ruffled intense
rose-pink with deeper shaded eye. Excellent
black Holly type foliage. On my want list.
Java Girl — Ruffled, large, single deepest
blue. Black, shiny leather like Holly foliage.
White Rose — Similar to Irish Rose. Winter
Blue — Mottled blue and white full double
blooms. Small, flat deepest green boy type
foliage. Frilled Don Juan — Deep velvety
blue with dipped upper petals. Center lower
petal etched and ruffled in green. Heavy
substance Holly type foliage. Pink La Flame
— Bronzy buds and huge, full double deep
rosy-pink blooms. Modern, black Holly fol¬
iage. Frosted Blue — A full double medium
blue Geneva with green and white edges.
Small, deep grassy-green, waved, pointed
and serrated foliage. Cherry Drop — Huge,
shaded mulberry and white loose double.
Small, hairy, medium green semi-Supreme
foliage. Ooooooh! Thor — • A hit last year at
Atlantic City. Pink Honey — Ruffled, medium
oink full double. Small black Holly foliage.
Velvet Glow-Large, round, deep royal purple
single. Small, deep forest-green waved mod¬
ern foliage. Pretty. Emogene — ■ I said all
there can be said about this one last year.
I still want. Pink Cotton Top — Huge, fluffy
medium pink full double. Small, deepest,
dull green flat foliage. Very pretty. Sierra
Blue - — Blossom similar to Heavenly Star
but larger, more ruffled and much pollen
showing. Excellent patent leather Holly type
foliage. Habit good.

J. H. WEST & SON

What better way to introduce new and
exotic violet varieties than from a theater
stage: that is just what the Wests did. The
skirt and table top of their display were of
dull gold colored burlap sprinkled with gold¬
en stardust. The backdrop, like the wings of
a theater stage were wrought iron that sloped
from the center down and were backed by
the same gold burlap. Centered in the amphi¬
theater was a small revolving stage that
featured their three new window sill intro¬
ductions plus an easel with a plackard intro¬
ducing these plants. “Wests of Rochester,”
was featured above the stage. At intervals,
rising from the front edge of the wrought
iron backdrop and fastened thereto were
wrought iron pot holders, each holding a
gorgeous violet.

Cherry Frost Supreme — Big, Supreme
blooms of a full, bright intense pink double.
Big, flat round Supreme foliage. Scrumptious.
Rowena Supreme — Medium size mottled
purple and white double blooms. Deep grass-
green Supreme foliage. Gorgeous shape.
Cotton Clouds — Huge, palest blue billowy
and fluffy full double blooms. Good black
Holly foliage. For me. Sea Grape — Intensely
ruffled, full double deep red-orchid. Very

60

waved, deepest green quilted foliage. An
exhibition plant. Rowena Sport — Nice size,
white double splotched with deep blue. A
gorgeous variegated foliage plant. The regu¬
lar foliage is mottled and streaked green,
white and yellow. Flat habit. Tim Tam - — A
last year’s introduction. Noble Birth — - A
sprightly pink and white shaded full double.
Flat, dull green regular serrated foliage. Flat
growth habit. White Cap — ■ Full double, pure
white, nicely ruffled. Excellent, shiny, deep
medium green, waved and serrated foliage.
Flat habit and a gorgeous show plant. Seed¬
ling — Large, ruffled, full double white shot
and splotched with deep blue-purple. Green
stems and buds. Huge, deep, bright green,
shiny Caravan type foliage. Pink Crystal - —
Large pale pink single with cupped upper
petals on bronze stems. Nice bright green
pointed and heavily veined foliage. Good
habit. Southern Belle — Full double, pale
pink with deeper center tuft. Flat modified
oak leaf type girl foliage with a nice bronzy
tint. Platinum Puff Supreme (Sport) - — Huge,
full fluted double white with faint light or¬
chid shading. Green buds and blossom stems.
Very waved, serrated, and notched, hairy,
deep bright green foliage. A terrific plant
for exhibiting. Mountain Ice — A large, pale
mauve, ruffled single. Mauve colored buds on
green stems. Huge Caravan type deep green
foliage. Very ruched with reverse showing.
Long green petioles. A tremendously large,
plant. Cut Velvet Supreme — Imagine this
gorgeous deep red-purple, green edged double
with typical foliage in blackest-green and
flat habit. I liked it very much. Doll Dance
— Huge, full double white with green and
purple shadings and edgings in spots. Green
buds. Gorgeous deepest green, ruffled, ser¬
rated, quilted, pale reverse foliage. A luscious
exhibition plant. High Fever — Large, med¬
ium pink single with a deep rose-red eye.
Huge, deeply quilted, waved, slick-yet-hairy
foliage. Red-reverse and petioles. A very
pretty plant that is a shower for sure. Seed¬
ling — ^ Semicupped medium orchid single
with deeper eye and shading. Beautiful,
deeply serrated, shield-shaped shiny blue-
green, lightly waved, red-reverse foliage. A.
true show plant. High Fashion — Fluffy, full
double medium orchid on red stalks. Waved,
serrated, bronzy, shiny foliage. Red veining
underneath. Red stems and petioles. Beauti¬
ful habit. Fairy Fancy — Loose, fluffy white
double with faint lavender eye. Green stalks
and buds. Medium size, shiny, medium green,
quilted foliage. Flat growth habit. Noble
Birth Sport — A pure white version of the
original honey. White Swirls — Deep blue
semidouble with a pencil edge of white on
the lightly fluted petals. Brilliant, grass-
green, regular foliage. Flat habit. A pretty
combination. Finesse Triploid (Sport) — The
peachy-pink double blossom of Finesse with
the triploid substance. No change in foliage

or growth habit. Wedgewood Supreme — A
breath-taker! Imagine a Wedgewood Supreme.
No other changes. Colossal. White Coral —
Very ruffled, huge, loose double white. Faint
orchid stitching here and there. Large, bright
green Supreme fohage. Very quilted and
waved. At least Supreme substance. Green
buds, stalks and petioles. This one for me.
Golliwogg, Irish Elf and Smokey were pic¬
tured in the March ’61 Magazine.

F. M. HAGA & SON

Black grosgrain satin was used for the
skirt and table top. There were four stair¬
steps for displaying the plants. At the back
was a black, white lettered sign with the
Haga name. Featured in the center of the
display was a wicker basket filled with the
charming Norlina. This display looked as
friendly and charming as the Hagas really are.

Peach Dip — Nice size, light peach-pink
single with smaller upper petals that dip
over the pollen sacs. Small, shiny, yet hairy,
pointed, very serrated foliage on red stalks.
A real nice one to have. Blue Dragon Fly —
A pale blue Geneva, Dip type single. Nice.
Arrow-shaped, deep grass-green foliage on
long pale petioles. Royal Dip — A huge,
royal purple single with the Dip characteris¬
tics. Small, medium green quilted foliage.
Pink petioles. A gorgeous one. Pink Dip —
Bright pink fluted single with the deeply
dipped upper portion a cluster of pink petals.
Different. Bright, deep green, serrated, arrow-
shaped, quilted^ and shiny foliage. Rose Butter¬
fly — • Bright rose-pink double butterfly type
blooms. Small, pointed, bright green regular
foliage. Crew Cut — Palest pink double Dip
type blooms with small deep pink streaks in
the petals. Small, medium green serrated
foliage. Fancy Trimmings — Royal purple,
medium size, loose double blooms with a
very frilled bright grass-green edge. Large,
deep green, slick. Caravan type foliage with
the ruching and red-reverse. Pretty nice.
Golden Girl — Palest lavender-white, loose
double with green petal backs and green buds.
Good open bronzy girl foliage. Painted Butter¬
fly — An older plant but truly gorgeous.
Any collection without this plant is missing
something worthwhile. Lilac Jewel — Large,
full fluted double lilac-lavender. Pretty, small
bronzy, ruffled, pointed foliage. Carolina - —
A large single shaded blue Geneva. Black-
green modern Holly type. A nice one to have.
Peach Tuffy — Semidouble, rich peach-pink
with a large center tuft. Small, pointed
typical foliage. A nice large plant. Tar Heel
— Huge, full round, deep blue carnation
blooms held real high. Very shiny, quilted,
pointed foliage. Ora — ■ A light lavender-
mauve large fluffy double shot with white
here and there. Small, fuzzy, regular boy
foliage. Very pretty. Might be called a light
blue. Rose Dip — Large rose-pink single Dip
type. Gorgeous deep green pointed lily pad

61

foliage. Very good and very different. Snow
Girl — Round, loose double white with a
distinct green cast. Very pointed, medium
green rolled down (edges) girl foliage. Sweet
and pretty. Orchid Glaze — Full, double,
light orchid bicolor held high. Greenish,
sugary white ruffled edge. Deep forest-green,
waved and serrated foliage. Mottled red-
reverse. A gorgeous plant. Dipsy Doodle —
Huge, sugar frosted light lavender Dip type
bloom with a wide, deeper reddish-orchid
stripe down each lower petal. Excellent,
bronzy, pointed, serrated regular foliage. Ex¬
cellent habit. Blush Dip — Profuse, large,
blush peach-pink Dip type blooms. Large,
slick, quilted, flat-to-droopy edge foliage.
Really nice. Carolina Opal — Large, peach-
pink full double. A warm, inviting color.
Deep bronzy-green, arrow-shaped, quilted
foliage. Rita — A huge orchid-lavender bi¬
color double. Waved, bronzy, modern foliage.
Very good.

RICHTER’S GREENHOUSE

A gorgeous shade of apricot colored satin
was used for the skirt and table top of the
display of this friendly Hoosier firm. On top
of the table, black net with gold sequins was
used as an overlay. In the center, toward the
back, was an oblong step. Three gold columns
flanked either side of the oblong step while
the two center columns held the Richter name
lettered in gold on a black background. The
gold and apricot color that dominated this
display was a perfect foil for the coloring of
the pinks and purples that were featured in
their display.

La Femme — A warm deep pink semi¬
double of medium size. Pink center tuft. Deep
black-green, modern waved foliage with deep
red-reverse. A large show plant. Red Crown
— Deepest wine-red full double of excellent
substance. Flowers in great quantity. Excel¬
lent, quilted, regular foliage. Flat habit. A
sure show plant. Wedgewood — We all know
this striking beauty. Indiana Doll — A really
good, fluffy carnation type deep pink double.
Exceptional regular foliage. Will grow huge
and is most prolific. Stained Glass — Small,
ruffled white blooms shot with deepest
magenta-red spots and shadings. Held high
on red stems. Gorgeous black, deeply waved
and crimped edge, slick foliage with blood
red-reverse. Charm Song — Large, light blue
double in greatest profusion. Good standard
dark green foliage. An older but still
perfect variety. Alabaster — An older double
white that is still a heart warmer. Night
Shade — Huge, deep blue double blooms in
great quantities. Nice substance, flat and
quilted, deepest green foliage with mottled
reverse. A show plant with a future. Green
Dawn — Introduced a year ago or more and
still up there. Chimes — A large, full double
rosy-pink with lots of pollen sacs showing.
Held high. Deep green, fuzzy, nice substance

foliage. A flat plant. Heritage — Deep wine-
purple, full double on the large side. Bright
yellow pollen sacs stand out. Good, shield¬
shaped, deep green foliage. Flat habit, A
dream.

FISCHER GREENHOUSES

Pale lavender velvet, fitting in nicely with
the decor of the show room, was used for the
skirt, table top and the free form backdrop of
the Fischer’s display. A white velvet swath
was laid at random on the table top. In the
center of the free form background was a huge
white pallet rimmed in gorgeous violets of
different colors. A small lavender pallet with
Fischer Greenhouses lettered in white was cen¬
tered in the large pallet. Three large paint
brushes (wooden) extended up from the pallet
at the back. On either side were smaller pal¬
lets also rimmed with pots of violets and paint
brushes. Under the top smaller pallet and to
the left center of the display was a long white
planter holding pots of violets. Four large bub¬
ble bowls, each with a violet plant inside, and
other pots of violets were used on the table
top and were surrounded by the casually
draped white velvet swath. On either end of
the display table, sitting on the floor, was a
brass flower pot holder or tree, each one
holding six pots of that gorgeous variety Rose
Dust (March ’61 Magazine cover). Each hold¬
er was a column of gold, pink and green.

Cupid — A large, flared dull rose-pink
bloom with a large center blotch of deep
magenta-red and a very ruffled green-white
border. Very modern, deep green, smooth,
waved foliage. Spring Snow — Huge, pure
glistening white round and flared double.
Deep, dull green, flat roundish foliage. Pale
petioles and reverse. A pure white desire.
Imagination — - Gorgeous, huge, deeply fluted
and ruffled powder pink blooms. Modern,
round, bronzy Holly type foliage. Carnival
Full double blue Geneva with light petal
backs. A gigantic bloom. Nice bright green
regular foliage. Flat growth. Sweet Pea —
A very sweet pea type bloom of deep rasp¬
berry-magenta on the lower petals. Lighter
on the upper petals. A wide edging of frosty
raspberry coloring gave this variety a unique
colored but gorgeous blossom. Dull deep
green. Holly foliage with excellent growth
habits. Sugar Frosting — A semisweet pea
deep blue Geneva bloom. Dull green, ruffled,
hairy, serrated foliage. Excellent growth
habit. King’s Ransom — A delightful Detroit
introduction. Aristocrat — Huge, loose fluted,
shaded, deep mauve-lavender double blossoms
of tremendous size. Flat, waved, dull green,
small modern foliage. Bronzy-pink reverse.
Row on row of flat foliage. A goody. Confetti
— Medium size double white of heavy subst¬
ance. A medium blue center tuft of coloring
and a bit of shading out. Small, regular, bright
green foliage. A flat grower. French Poodle —

62

Rosy to pale pink square, rounded edge
blooms with deep, wide, bright, ruched edges.
Loose center crest has ruching too. Very
crimped down, dull, deep green Holly foliage
with dull pink-reverse. A difficult one to de¬
scribe. Believe there is some blood of Brussels
Sprout behind this one. Indian Maiden — A
medium size, deep red-orchid double with a
wide white stripe. A nice mottled bloom.
Small, deep grass-green, fuzzy, flat foliage.
Little Giant Pink — - A prolific older variety.
Ming Blue — Huge, and it is really huge,
deep plushy blue waved and fluted blooms.
Dull, bronzy-green, smooth, waved leaves.
Large size foliage and a big open plant. The
best I’ve seen in this class and a must if
there ever was one. Lavender Orchid — Very
large semidouble to double round shaded
lavender-orchid blooms. Small, dull bronze-
green regular foliage. Nice. Exotic Very
large, full double, very ruffled white with a
pale lavender-pink tint to the petal. Green
center tuft and green tint to petal ruffle.
Deep green, dull, pointed, serrated, waved
foliage. Excellent growth habit and a show
plant I want. Fiesta — Prolific, single, large,
deep blue with a large white stripe on each
petal. Small, pointed, dull green foliage with
pale reverse and petioles. Bouquet — A mam-
mouth, 2 inch plus, deep blue very ruffled and
waved double blossom. Each blossom a
bouquet. Excellent heart-shaped, ribbed,
shiny, heavy substance foliage. A must have.
Glowing Embers — A Detroit introduction
that is a honey. Pink Jade — - Extra large, pale
powder pink, flat semidouble. Green lacing
here and there on the ruffled petal edges.
Deep, black-green, dull, deeply quilted round,
waved, serrated, hairy foliage. A good, showy,
exhibition plant I need. Astronaut - — Huge,
deepest velvet blue, loose, semidouble lily¬
shaped blooms that hang like bells. Hairy,
waved, dull medium green foliage with green
reverse. Nice habit. New and different and a
swell one. Jersey Pride — - Exceptionally
large warm, powder rose-pink flared bloom.
Deep, deep ruching on petal edges. A smooth,
luscious color. Excellent, bronzy-green,
modern foliage. Large leaves with red-re¬
verse. Can hardly wait until this one is avail¬
able. Driven Snow — - Outstandingly large,
deeply crimped pure white full double. So
fluted and waved it looks like a huge puff
ball of crepe-paper. Deep, dull green, small
hairy foliage with pale petioles and reverse.
A goody. Gallion, Fire Dance, Sea Hawk — -
Older introductions (gee, I don’t think Gallion
is even available yet) but still most worthy
varieties. Cherry Red — Huge, round, deep
violet-red single. A good big red and a must.
Excellent bright green flashy regular foliage.
An excellent addition to the regular blossom
type class and any collection needs a plant
of this. King Neptune and Miss Atlantic City
— Still beautiful plants from the Detroit Con¬
vention. Toreadore — - Huge, deep shaded

orchid blooms like Bouquet. A deep red-
orchid eye adds depth of color at the center.
Nice, deep green, waved, quilted, pointed,
serrated foliage with pinkish reverse. Flat
habit. Just get it. Blossom Time — Large,
deep blue carnation or crepe-like full double.
Beautiful dull green, Holly type foliage. An
exhibition type plant you must try. Iceberg — -
Carnation type, palest mauve tinted white
full double. Mauve shading around eye. Deep,
bright grass-green, waved, serrated foliage.
Excellent, flat cartwheel growth habit. Gold
Braid — - Huge deep pink, full double with
bright gold braiding around petal edges. Good
black-green modern foliage. Flat growth
habit but not big. Very symmetrical. Rose
Dust — The March ’61 Magazine cover de¬
lightfully presents this variety without a word
from me.

LYNDON LYON

Pastel colors were used as the foil for the
scintillating brilliance of the blooms that
were as big as Lyndon Lyon’s grin when we
all stood in wonder at this display. Soft blue-
lavender grosgrain type (I did not recognize
the kind) material was used for the skirt and
the tilted table top. The backdrop was pale
yellow box pleated material just like the
skirt. A white sign with deep blue script writ¬
ing of the Lyon name and location was cen¬
tered in the middle of the yellow backdrop.
The slanted or tilted (up toward the back)
table top had holes spaced over the entire
length and bredth so placed that it created the
effect of an inclined plane of gorgeous color¬
ing that fairly drew you as a magnet would.

The Best New Introduction “Hi Hopes” was
described, as well as I know how, in the June
issue of the Magazine. Seedling GSB 9 —
Frosted and shaded blue-white semidouble.
Remember “Freckles” that was introduced
several years ago? Well, this could be the
double version. Good regular dark forest-
green heart-shaped foliage. Star Burst A
really huge single Fantasy Star in great quan¬
tities. Deep green, hairy but still shiny heart-
shaped, lightly quilted foliage. Blue Lace
Big, and I mean BIG round, ruffled semi¬
double mottled blue and white. Prolific. Deep¬
est green, hairy, quilted, smooth edge foliage
with pink-reverse. Nice size, flat growth. I
want. Pink Plume — A gigantic very ruffled
and fluted shaded pink and white Star. All
shades of pink were evident in this semi¬
trumpet shaped bloom. Nice big, ruffled
modern foliage that fairly glistened. A big
plant with excellent flat habit. Pretty enough
to eat and a necessity. RRA 9 — - A very large
frosted pink and white semi-Star. Definitely
new coloring here. Dull, hairy, heart-shaped
regular foliage. A nice one to add to any
collection. Star Talk — The largeness and the
brilliance of this rose-red Star with a darker
eye truly talks right up to you. Very nice re¬
gular green foliage. Very nice. Smoke Rings,

63

Cluster Pink, Big Blue, Sin Purple, Mizz, Tall
Tales, White Trumpet, Shrill and Double
Snow Squall. All these were shown at At¬
lantic City or have been pictured in previous
issues of the magazine. Rha O — A mammoth
21/4 inch or larger pale pink Star of a definite
dogwood-shape. Darkest green shiny foliage.
Flat habit. Just get. MIA O — A stupendous
pale pink full double. Bright, sprightly green
quilted slick heart-shaped foliage of the
strawberry type yet small. Very good habit.
A new one of this type that I DO LIKE.
Double Snow Squall Supreme — - A Supreme
of immense proportions in every way yet not
as prolific as the regular plant. RGB 9 — A
colossal rose-red double Star. Stands out like
a beacon. Darkest green quilted shield-shaped
foliage, with red-reverse. A nice big plant of
flat habit. Get. Blue Crisp — A whopper of a
a medium blue Star with deep fluting and
waving. Shaded sugary white edge. Good,
small deeply serrated, waved bright green
foliage with a hint of the' blossom ruching.
Very good habit. Blue Glade — A big full
double blue with a white splotch here and
there. Bronze-green pointed serrated foliage.
A nice one to have. RIB 9 — - A behemoth in
the violet world. 2V2 inch loose rosy-red
double of unbelieveable size and coloring.
Nice bronzy-green, round modified girl foli¬
age of open growth habit. Put this one on
order. GRH 9.- — A tiny bit smaller in size
than RIB 9 but it has more rose coloring and
is a round full double. Big, shield-shaped
bronzy, foliage with a scoop tendency, A big
plant and a must. GRI 9 — An immense rosy-
red Star with a deeper eye shading out. Nice
sprightly ovate foliage with shiny red-re¬
verse. An exhibitor’s delight. GRG 9 — - A
gargantuan pale rose-pink shaded loose
double Star. Excellent large, serrated, ovate,
quilted and veined, lightly waved foliage. Al¬
ready added to my want list. Pink Crisp — -
A good size striking red-pink flat Geneva
blossom. Foliage is a Holly dream. Cherry
Wine — Big, hot rose-pink full double. An
older variety but good and a show all by it¬
self. RDA O --- A strapping, deep royal blue
Star exhibiting big canary-yellow pollen sacs.
Bronze tone ovate, smooth edge, shiny yet
hairy foliage. A dream in dark colors. Pearl — -
An enormous blush-white single Star. Good,
rather small regular foliage. Ember Glow — ■
For a striking contrast this blossom fills the
bill. A new color in the Geneva class. A good
Racy Red color in a Star-shape with a pretty
pure white ruffled border. Deep, shiny green
waved, deeply serrated smallish foliage with
a slight scoop tendency. Mottled red-pink re¬
verse. Nice cartwheel habit. You can’t afford
to pass this one up. RRY 9 — -A big Racy Red
bloom. New small, deep green rounded,
quilted, rounded serration, veined foliage
with shiny blood-red reverse. Flat habit. A
good, improved Racy Red. RRE 9 — A shad¬
ed, medium pink semi-Star with a trace of

darker streaks. Starts to open very dark
pink. Bright, deep green quilted heart-
shaped foliage with flat habit. RGC 9 — A
leviathan in the violet world: 21/2 inches of
fluted medium to peachy-pink Star beauty
that opens flat. Deep green, ovate, smooth
edge, quilted foliage. A must in the best
class. RRZ 9 — A good Racy Red blossom.
New, small, heart-shaped, deeply quilted shiny
foliage. A new trend in foliage for this kind
of blooms. I want. SRZ 9 — A big, loose
double Pearl. Has same type, but heavier,
foliage as Pearl. On my want list.

ULERY GREENHOUSES

Paul Slough could not have choosen a more
striking way to display his featured plant,
Trifari, than the pure glistening white used
as a background for the brilliant, glowing-
rose-red of the Trifari blossoms. White was
used for the skirt and white satin covered
the three step table top. A large cerise-red
banner with the Ulery name and location,
monogrammed in white, was centered on
the skirt. Centered on the top step was a
milk glass compote that held a gorgeous plant
of Trifari.

Touch of Fire — The same brilliant rose-
red full ruffled double of Trifari. The foliage
is more Holly type than Trifari. Gorgeous.
Seedling X3 — Large peach-pink double.
Dark green, dull quilted foliage with red-
reverse and flat habit. Pink Reveille — Large
single, round fluted deep warm pink blos¬
soms. Deep, black-green ruffled serrated
Holly foliage. Seedling A1 — Large deep,
purple, very ruffled single blooms. Very
quilted, ruffled, serrated, rounded, deep green
red-reverse foliage. Flat growth habit. A
spectacular plant. Seedling — • A very fluted,
large, warm pale peachy-pink single. Foliage
similar to Seedling A1 but lighter green. A
dream that I want. Seedling — Very much
like Trifari in every way. Seedling — ■ Very
ruffled, warm pink full double. Bronze,
waved, serrated, red-reverse foliage. Cordu¬
roy Series — Small cupped red-orchid single
blooms. Large, deeply ridged pointed, heart-
shaped foliage. The ridges, running parallel
to the length of the leaf blade, were dark
green while the valleys between were a light¬
er green. Heavy substance. This foliage does
resemble corduroy. This is a break in foliage
type and could lead to many interesting
variations.

MEESE’S FLOWER SHOP

Pure white cloth was used for the skirt of
this exhibit. White also covered three small
stairsteps laid out on top of this small exhibit
table. A small sign identified the owner of
this group of plants.

Zip — Large, waved full double blue on
red stems. Medium size, deeply cupped like
lily pad, bronze-green shiny, quilted foliage.

64

Pink leaf reverse. Snow — Huge, smooth
double white without any hint of other color¬
ing. Mint-green buds and pale green bloom
stalks. Small, bright green,, quilted, cupped
foliage with pale petioles and leaf reverse.
Nice flat habit. Must add to my collection.
Paradise ■ — Exceptionally big, round full
double deep pink shaped like a rose bloom.
Layer upon layer of petals make the rose¬
like blooms which were held nicely on red
bloom stalks with bronze buds. Deep green,
quilted, small Supreme type foliage. Good
growth habit. Missy — A whopper of a rose-
pink full double. Blush buds on red stems.
Bronzy-green, scooped girl foliage with pink
splotched reverse. Flat habit. A honey. Reddy
— • Another version of Redderness. Placid —
A semidouble, cupped white with a tannish-
yellow eye. What could this mean? Small
black patent leather Holly foliage. Annie —
A high standing shaded double blue on red
stalks. Upper petals much darker. Flat, slick
modified girl foliage. A pretty plant on the
small side. Electra — An electric pink dou¬
ble. Foliage similar to Missy. Gorgeous and
appropriately named. Scoop — Deep medium
powdered pink full flat double blossoms on
bronze stalks. Very scooped, serrated, girl
foliage with white throat and pink leaf re¬
verse that shows a great deal. Very, very
nice. Three Cheers — Large, ruffled, full
double magenta-pink blossoms with bronzy
buds on bronze-red stems. Very bronze, slick,
scooped Holly type foliage with nice growth
habit. A goody and a must.

I never realized how appropriate the plant,
Three Cheers, really was for the ending of
this second phase of the French Lick Con¬
vention Show report. Perhaps many of you
are saying, “three cheers, this is the end of
the lengthy report.” At any rate, everything
must come to an end, good or bad, and this
is just that, the end of a report on the won¬
derfully good National Show.

I do hope that those of you who have had
the tenacity to stick with me through this
detailed report have found or will find some
measure of pleasure from the descriptions
of the very newest in our African violet
world — as seen through my eyes. If there is
just one reader who finds some pleasure in
this report, then my time and effort in col¬
lecting this data was not wasted.

Again I must caution you to please re¬
member that these descriptions are as I saw
the plants and exhibits. They in no way,
unless by acci(3ent, reflect the description the
originators might want to use.

As you all read this, the 15th Annual Con¬
vention is long past. It is definitely not too
soon to begin thinking about the 16th Con¬
vention. Our San Francisco Meeting will give
us the opportunity to find out if Horace
Greely was really right when he said, “Go
West, young man.” I’m making plans now
to see you all in San Francisco in ’62. Will
you be there? •

65

Experienced gardeners find it sound
practice to use only sterilized soil mix¬
tures for growing pot plants and germinat¬
ing seed. You can’t depend on any of the
incorporated ingredients — garden loam,
organic matter, or sand — to be sterile. Steri¬
lization kills soil-borne disease organisms
(bacteria and fungi), weed seeds, and vari¬
ous pests such as insects and nematodes. It is
a most important step in your sanitation pro¬
gram, and will aid you in growing healthy,
vigorous plants for your home. To avoid re¬
contamination, you should also sterilize all
pots, flats, and tools that you will use.

Successfully growing plants indoors is dif¬
ficult under the best of circumstances — so
why not eliminate as many hazards as possible
at the very beginning? Soil sterilization gives
a good measure of protection against plant ail¬
ments caused by organisms carried in the
soil. But don’t expect diseased plant materi¬
als to become healthy or to be “cured” when
planted in sterilized soil. Disease-producing
bacteria and fungi can sap the strength of
potted plants or even kill them, and insects
and nematodes often severely weaken a plant
through the damage they do to the root sys¬
tem. Damping-off fungi, almost always pres¬
ent in unsterilized soils, frequently rot seeds
and cuttings and cause young seedlings to
topple over and die. The use of sterilized
soil is one good precaution against damping-
off.

Sterilizing small batches of soil is a bother¬
some chore, but it is worth the effort. First,
put the soil to be sterilized through a coarse
sieve to pulverize it and to remove debris.
The soil should be sufficiently moist to stick
together when compressed in the hand, but
dry enough so that it crumbles apart readily.
You can treat a year’s supply of soil at one
time. After treatment, thoroughly air the soil
for a few days, then store it in tight con¬
tainers for later use.

Soil can be sterilized either by heat or
chemicals, although heat is usually considered
the most effective. Of the methods described
in this circular, select the one best suited to
your needs, or the one you can use with the
equipment you already have. Since steriliza¬
tion of soil by heat (particularly the oven,
pressure cooker, and steam methods) tends to
release nutrients, you should use some cau¬
tion the first few weeks in fertilizing plants
potted in heat-treated soil. Proper moisture
level is also very important in soil to be
sterilized with heat. If too dry, heating may
not be uniform and sterilization will be in¬
complete. When too wet, soil heats up very
slowly.

If sterilizing at home is out of the question,
your local greenhouse operator can probably
supply you with sterilized soil. He is likely
to have the proper equipment for this opera¬
tion, and may even be willing to treat soil
mixtures you have prepared yourself.

STERILIZATION BY HEAT

Oven Sterilization

Here is a method anyone can use, and it
is fairly satisfactory when directions are fol¬
lowed carefully. The soil should be loose
and moderately moist as described above.
Use a deep baking pan or roaster (aluminum,
glass, or iron). Do not put more than 3 or 4
inches of soil in the pan. Level the soil, then
cover the pan with heavy aluminum foil and
seal down the edges. Punch a small hole
through the center of the foil and insert the
bulb-end of a meat or candy thermometer in¬
to the exact center of the depth of soil.

Set the oven at 250° to 275° F., then check
the soil temperature at frequent intervals.
When it reaches 180° F., reduce the oven
setting to about 180° to 200° F. and keep the
soil in the oven for another 30 minutes. Then
remove the pan and let it cool. Avoid very
high oven temperatures — they burn organic
matter and humus from the soil and destroy
soil structure.

The main objections to the oven method
are the time involved, the tendency for the
soil to dry or “bake,” and the odor. If you
have a utility stove in the basement or laun¬
dry room, by all means do the job there. Use
a thermometer if at all possible. If you don’t
have the proper type of thermometer, a me¬
dium-sized potato can be used as a rough
guide. Put the potato into the pan with the
soil. When the potato is done, the soil should
be more than adequately sterilized.

Pressure Cooker

With pressure. Soil can also be sterilized
in a large home-canning type pressure cook¬
er. Put several cups of water in the bottom of
the cooker. Scoop the moistened soil mix¬
ture into shallow pans (no more than 2 to 3
inches deep). Level, but don’t tamp or firm.
Stack the pans on the rack inside the cooker,
separating each pan with lath strips for free
circulation of steam. Close the lid, but don’t
tighten the steam valve completely until all
air is forced out and live steam is escaping.
When the pressure has reached 10 pounds,
run at this level for 15 minutes, then turn off
the heat. Gradually open the steam valve,
and remove the pans of soil when they are
cool.

The main objection to this method is that
temperatures run very high in a pressure
cooker and may oversterilize the soil. For
example, at 15 pounds pressure the tempera¬
ture is about 250° F.; at 10 pounds, 239° F.:
and at 5 pounds, 227° F. But if the soil is too
deep in the pans, there is also danger that
the centers of the soil masses may not reach
a high enough temperature in the time al¬
lowed.

Without pressure. Here is another way to
use your pressure cooker that overcomes the
danger of excessive temperatures. Pour about
a gallon of water into the cooker. Use a rack
to hold the soil pans up out of the water. Put

66

in the shallow pans of soil (prepared as de¬
scribed above under “With pressure”) and
clamp on the lid, but leave the steam valve
slightly open. Apply sufficient heat to keep
the water boiling, and open the valve just
enough so that it holds in steam but prevents
any appreciable pressure from building up.
When live steam begins to be forced out, con¬
tinue to apply heat for another 30 minutes.
Again — keep the cooker closed and don’t
remove the soil until it is cold. (Caution: if
all the water boils away, your aluminum
cooker may be damaged or ruined.)

A large laundry boiler or kettle with a
lid is also satisfactory for this method. Keep
the lid on to hold in steam, but never clamp
it on so that no steam can escape. This could
lead to a serious explosion.

Hot Water

This is a poor method, being practical for
only a small volume of soil in a rather shal¬
low layer. It is necessary to use a pot or flat
that has good drainage and yet won’t let the
soil wash out. Have the soil mixture friable
and loose. Level the surface, and cover with
a piece of burlap. Drench with quantities of
boiling water poured through the burlap. In¬
sert a thermometer into the soil, with the
bulb near the bottom. Continue drenching
until the temperature reaches 180° to 200° F.
Allow to cool slowly.

Not only is a great deal of hot water used
in this method, but the soil ends up saturated
and badly puddled. A considerable amount*
of time is needed to get the soil dried out
enough for use, sterilization may not be com¬
plete, and nutrients are leached badly. Above
all, it is a messy procedure.

Steam

Your florist almost always uses steam for
sterilizing soil. This, by all odds, is the best
method — but it is seldom practicable in the
home. Don’t try it unless you are sure you
have the proper equipment and plenty of
steam. Sometimes one can tap into a low-
pressure home steam-heating system, or use
a portable steam generator of some kind.

For holding the soil, get a sturdy, tight
wooden or metal box of appropriate size
(perhaps 18 inches by 24 inches). Run steam
into the box through a heavy-duty rubber
garden hose. Insert the hose-end through a
small hole drilled near the bottom center of
one end of the box. Inside, let the hose ex¬
tend loosely into a piece of perforated down¬
spouting that lies on the bottom and runs the
length of the box under the soil. Have the
perforations fairly close together. It’s a good
idea, too, to drill a few small holes in the
bottom of the box to drain away condensation
moisture.

The soil in the box should not be more
than 10 to 12 inches deep. Too much soil takes
a long time to heat, and may be beyond the ca¬
pacity of your steam source. Have the soil

Circular 793 reprinted
with permission

moderately moist — about as moist as for
potting. Cover with a lid or piece of canvas.
When steam enters the down-spouting, it ra¬
diates uniformly out through the soil mass.

Check soil temperatures frequently with a
dairy-type metal thermometer or a long glass
alcohol thermometer. Leave steam on until
all parts of the soil have reached at least
180° to 200° F. and remain within that range
for 30 minutes. Don’t oversterilize by letting
temperatures build up much over this level

or by leaving the steam on too long. When the
soil is cool, it can be used immediately.

Sterilize clay pots, flats, and tools by lay¬
ing them on top of the soil and under the
cover.

Boiling

Soil is never sterilized by boiling. This
is one of the easiest ways, however, to steri¬
lize porous clay or glazed pots. First, wash
the pots thoroughly; then boil them for 30
minutes in water. Don’t put plastic pots in¬
to hot water unless you are sure they won’t
soften or melt. Although most tools should
not be put into boiling water, thoroughly
washing them in hot water with detergent is
helpful. Dipping in a formaldehyde solution
is also effective (see Formaldehyde — Liquid
form).

CHEMICAL STERILIZATION

Formaldehyde

Liquid form. You will find formaldehyde
easy to use and fairly satisfactory. This ma¬
terial can be bought at a reasonable price at
any drugstore. Sometimes known as formalin,
it contains 37 to 40 per cent formaldehyde in
water. This method of sterilizing soil, while
not as complete as the heat methods, is ef¬
fective against some bothersome fungi (in¬
cluding damping-off organisms) and bacteria,
soft and germinating weed seeds, and insects.
About 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of formaldehyde,
diluted with four times that much water, are
sufficient for one bushel of soil (32 quarts).
Use somewhat heavier dosages for very heavy
or mucky soils.

Have the soil moist and loose. Sprinkle
the diluted formaldehyde on the soil and mix
it in thoroughly. Put the soil into a box or
can, or leave in a compact pile. Put tools on
top of the soil, and cover tightly with a piece
of plastic or canvas to hold in all fumes for
at least 24 hours. The spot you choose for
this operation should be fairly warm, with the
temperature of the soil to be treated at least
65° to 75° F. Because the fumes are toxic,
keep well away from plants and animals. Re¬
move cover and air the soil by working it
occasionally. Be sure all fumes are gone be¬
fore seeding or planting into it.

Soil in a coldframe, seed flat, or unplanted
flower bed outdoors can be treated with a
formaldehyde drench to alleviate disease and
soil-borne pest problems. Work the soil loosely
and have it fairly moist. Add one gallon of
formaldehyde to 50 gallons of water, or one
cup to 3 gallons, and apply one-half to one
gallon to each square foot of soil. Cover the
treated area with a panel of canvas, plastic,
or sisalkraft paper, and leave on for two
days. This treatment is most effective when
the soil is warm. Uncover, and allow to air
for a week or two. Working the soil with a
hoe will help fumes to escape. Do no plant¬
ing until all formaldehyde odor is gone.

You can also use a formaldehyde solu¬
tion to sterilize tools and pots. Use one pint

of formalin to 10 quarts of water. Immerse
tools for about 5 minutes (pots twice as long)
in the solution, then rinse in tap water. Dry
tools thoroughly.

Dry form. Formaldehyde is also available
in powder form, containing about 15 per cent
of the active material. Obtain and use only
fresh dust. Mix 8 ounces to a bushel of soil,
or one ounce to 4 quarts. Work thoroughly
into well-moistened soil. Cover and handle as
described for the liquid form.

Other Soil Fumigants

These volatile or gas-forming materials
(chloropicrin, methyl bromide, carbon disul¬
fide, ethylene dibromide, calcium cyanamid,
sodium N-methyl dithiocarbamate dihydrate,
etc.) are important temporary soil-sterilizing
agents. Many of them contain either chlorine
or bromine. They are sold in various forms
and mixtures under several trade names, such
as DD, Dowfume, Iscobrome, Larvacide, MC2,
Mylone 85-W, Vapam, etc.

Although effective against certain types of
pathogens and pests, few of these materials
sterilize as thoroughly as heat or steam. All
of them should be used with great caution.
They have other limitations too. In general,
they can’t be used indoors or in other confined
areas. Chloropicrin (tear gas), for example,
is quite toxic to plants and discomforting to
animals and humans. Most other soil fumi¬
gants are extremely poisonous. Prolonged
aeration of the soil is usually required after
one of these fumigants has been used. The
time varies, but the soil may not be usable
for 5 to 20 days.

Use of these materials is not to be dis¬
couraged, but the home gardener will prob¬
ably seldom want to buy them except for
specialized purposes. They are most commonly
employed in outdoor garden, lawn, and field
soils. With proper precautions, they can also
be used for smaller quantities of potting soil.
Consult your extension specialist or farm ad¬
viser about available types and recommenda¬
tions for their usage. Always follow the manu¬
facturer’s directions explicitly. Keep these
chemicals off your skin and clothing.

Miscellaneous Chemical Aids

A number of different materials can be
applied as drenches around living plants to
aid in controlling certain soil-borne fungus
diseases. But don’t expect them to take the
place of soil sterilization and good sanitation
practices. Some of the fungicidal materials
useful as soil drenches are captan, ferbam,
nabam, Natriphene, Pano-Drench, PCNB
(Terraclor), Semesan, thiram, zineb, and zi-
ram. Use these materials strictly according to
the manufacturer’s directions.

As a precaution against damping-off of
seedlings, always treat seeds with a protec¬
tive fungicide before planting. (See Circular
796, “An Easy Method for Germinating Flower
Seeds,” available from 110 Mumford Hall,
University of Illinois, Urbana.) •

68

Mrs. Joern is pictured
with both, rooting leaves
and small plants in
thumb pots. She advises
those interested in try-
^ ' little

ing out these _

, pots to . always water
from the bottom, ~
never^. from the top,
as you will wash the
plant out of the pot.
She explains her tray in
tray method of bottom
^ watering which she
finds successful with
, . thumb pots in the > y,?
story below.

■ ■ ; ' V

Dorothy Joern.'---
^ Loretta, Wisconsin :

Thumb Pots -- What Are They?

That is what I am going to try to explain,
and also how I use them. Since Mrs.
Soderberg wrote the item, “Through The
Years,” which was published in the March
issue of the African Violet Magazine, I have
received many letters and had several callers,
each one asking, “just what is a thumb pot?”

I am rather surprised to learn that so many
people are not familiar with them. This little
pot is one inch high and one inch wide at the
top. It is plastic and is exactly the shape of
the 3 or 4 inch regular clay pots. It has
drainage holes in the bottom.

I find them very useful for planting seed¬
lings, leaves, and cuttings. By starting your
seedlings, or whatever you are starting, in
the thumb pot you will not have a setback
at transplanting time. I have often noticed
that when I use one large tray the roots
spread out so and even grow into another
plant’s roots. When you start transplanting
from the large tray into the 2V4 inch pots,
you really have to disturb the roots, and
often they will break off entirely. This, to
my way of thinking, retards the growth; I
have found that this sets the plant back 2 or
4 weeks and also there is some wilting with
it, plants have to be propped up, etc. This
is all extra work and time consuming. Now,
with the thumb pot this does not occur. The
roots are in a solid ball and slip easily from
the pot into the larger pot: no breaking of
roots at all, and no wilting.

My trays are the large 22 by 11 inch plastic
ones. The bottom tray holds the water; the
top tray has several holes made in the bot¬
tom by heating an ice pick or large nail and
when it is really hot, pushing it through the
bottom of the tray. In the top tray I place

as many pots as it will hold, which is 84. I
need never touch the pots as I just fill the
bottom tray with water and set the other tray
in it. I let it take up the water for about
one-half hour then I remove the top tray and
all the pots are watered at once, and from
the bottom. Never water from the top when
using these small pots as you will wash your
plant out of the pot.

I also use one-half strength fertilizer in all
the waterings, which is about twice a week.
I use vitamin B in many of the waterings.
My regular soil mix is used for all plants
whether starter plants or the large adult plant.
This mix consists of sand, peat, and woods
soil, to which I add Sponge-Rok and charcoal.

My plants stay in the thumb pots until they
are a good 2 inches high. By this time there
will be a tight mass of healthy roots. After
transplanting, I use Transplantone in all the
waterings for about 10 days or 2 weeks. I
do this with all my plants, large or small. It
seems to prevent, to some extent, the usual
wilting that follows transplanting.

I have enjoyed telling you about the thumb
pots and how I use them. I hope you will try
them and I am sure you will like them very
much. You may purchase them from Union
Products, Inc., Leominster, Massachusetts, in
1,000 lots.

Let me add that the violets are not the
only things that like these little pots. My
very pretty Rowdy Cat just loves to play with
them; they roll easily and make a noise on
the basement floor as they roll, and this seems
to give him great pleasure.

Good luck and good growing to all violet
lovers until we meet again. Who knows, this
may be in 1962 on the West Coast? •

69

IN the June 1960 issue of the African Vio¬
let Magazine on page 87 I gave a short
note about the propagation of African violets
by rooting offsets. These are also called suck¬
ers or crowns, and are often discarded. It
might be of interest if I enlarge a little on
this subject as I make constant and consider¬
able use of this method of adding to my stock
of plants, and only slight mention is made of
it in any of the books on African violet culture
that I have seen.

If you follow the usual custom of keeping
your plants to one crown, you will agree
that you rub off a great number of tiny out¬
growths, from some varieties more than from

others, and these are, of course, all potential

plants, each one an exact copy of its parent.
It does not affect your plant at all to let these
crowns grow till they have developed at
least four leaves, and the same can be done
with any offsets from below the soil level.
For crowns to be suitable for rooting, it is
best to allow their development until the com¬
bined length of the stem and blade of the
larger pair of leaves of the offset is from one
to one and one-half inches. It is now possible
to remove such an offset without damage to
the parent plant, and without leaving any
deformity after its removal. It can then be set
to root in any suitable leaf rooting medium.

To remove these crowns you will require
a fine pointed, narrow bladed knife, with a
handle at least 6 inches long, and the blade
not more than V4 inch wide and V2 to one
inch long. The one I use is a surgeon’s ‘Bard-
Parker’ scalpel comprising a ‘Bard-Parker’
number 7 handle and number 11 blade. This
type of knife has a handle with a special fit¬
ting to take the removable blade, so that there
is no problem about keeping' a sharp knife;
one simply puts on a new blade when re¬
quired. You may have a friend who can ad¬
vise you where to procure such a knife, or
your druggist may be able to help.

After first withholding water for a short
time to render the foliage less brittle, my
procedure is to hold up the plant in a good
light, and gently separate the leaves, slipping
the point of the knife, cutting side down,
right through the base of all 4 leaves of the
offset, between the parent leaf above it and
the one below it. If the knife point is entered
in the axil a little toward the stem of the
parent plant, and is pushed gently well
through the base of the offset, a cut can then
be made very gently downwards for a frac¬
tional distance, when a further gentle pressure

in an outward direction pushes the offset free
from the plant. It can now be gently removed
and set aside until all crowns on the parent
have been dealt with in a similar fashion. I
first choose the offset that looks the easiest
to take off, and then proceed systematically
to work round the plant until all crowns of
a suitable size are removed, any tiny ones
being rubbed off to tidy up, or left to grow a
little larger. Any offsets removed from below
soil level will usually be found to be partly
rooted. A large offset may need a cut from
each side, as well as a tiny upward one, to
free it properly.

In carrying out this operation, always re¬
member that in many varieties buds form

with a pair of leaflets, and, when small, such
buds cannot be distinguished from a crown.
However, it is generally the rule that out¬
growths formed in the first 3 rings of axils
are offsets, and those in subsequent rings are
flower buds. If this rule is kept in mind, you
should not destroy any buds, and some plants
will yield as many as 6 suitable crowns. You
will find that until you gain practice, and this
does not take long, an occasional leaf of the
parent plant may be sufficiently nicked at its
base to fall off. If this happens, it may be
used as a leaf cutting. Also, it will be found
that some offsets are in such awkward situa¬
tions that they cannot be removed success¬
fully without too much damage to them to
enable them to be set to root.

Crowns cannot be treated as leaves are.
Leaves ^should not be set in rooting medium
until a minimum of 30 minutes have elapsed;
offsets should not be allowed to dry and
should be set out as soon as each series is
removed from each plant, being then gently
watered in with room temperature water. I
have never had any problem with crown rot,
either in offsets or in parent plants, so I do
not bother to dust any cuts with sulphur or
Fermate, as is so often recommended. Also,
my experience with rooting hormones, after
many trials with different types over a long
period, has been that these are more likely
to lead to losses from what would appear to
be burning that results in stem rot, even with
fractional dusting (and this applies to leaf
propagation as well); I do not recommend
their use. My rooting successes are at least
99 per cent, without either anti-fungal dust¬
ing or the use of hormones, and my one per
cent losses are due to the attempt to root
either offsets too small really for success, or
so damaged in removal as not to succeed.

Propagation by Hooting Offsets

Phyllis E. Maxwell, Auckland, New Zealand

70

The propagating medium I use is U.C. mix
C, fertilizer I C (see the June 1960 African
Violet Magazine, page 86), with Fermate, 2
tablespoonsful per bushel. I use this in seed
boxes, setting the crowns 2 inches apart, in
rows 2 inches apart. The boxes are then placed
in a good light, in a warm spot, to await
rooting. Bottom heat speeds this process, if
you can arrange it, and the process takes 2
to 3 weeks, depending on the plant variety
and the season of the year. As soon as crowns
are rooted I feed them, as I do my plants,
with U. C. liquid fertilizer L.7. The flowering
stage is reached in 3 to 4 months, varying
again with the variety, and also with the size
that the offset was when it was removed. As

WHEN I retired because of health a few
years ago, the question was what could
I do. I did not have to work, but how could
I pass the time. My son-in-law suggested trop¬
ical fish, so I soon became the owner of a
number of tanks and about 100 fish. This
was not the answer, I wanted a challenge.

I had five or six African violets, and we
have humidity here, so I started raising vio¬
lets. I built bookcases the height of the win¬
dow sills at five windows. This was all right
in the winter months, but in the summer
there were too many trees. There were no
other windows to use as they were too sunny.
Being alone, it was no problem; 1 built
shelves, secured fluorescent fixtures — two
20 watt tubes. But I could not waste the
shelves, so more violets arrived. These did
not do so well, and having the advice of the
Magazine, I added more shelves and lights.

By now I was buying leaves from all
over, some were rooted, some not. I discover¬
ed these were real boys and girls, each with
its own individual character. I would read of
the success someone had with a soil mix, but
where, or where, was I to find a peck measure
or some of the ingredients? Atlantic City is
the end of the line! You just cannot find those
things here. Then I would a-violet-hunting-
go, maybe as far as 300 miles, believe it or
not, to find a brand new boy — and the dirt
in which he was growing would be packed
so hard one would think clay soil had been
used — it was not one bit fine and friable.
So I sent hither and yon for soil until I found
what I wanted for my children. If I were to
sell them, perhaps I would use a peck of this,
a coffee can of that, and a bit of something
else, all nicely baked with egg shells.

I always have some children that for one
reason or another are bad. These I experiment

soon as the young plants crowd a little in the
boxes, I pot them in Jiffy-pots in U. C. mix
D, fertilizer IID, with Fermate, 2 tablespoons¬
ful per bushel.

I propagate by leaf cutting and by rooting
crowns, all the year round as our Auckland
climate is so temperate that it is an easy mat¬
ter to keep my small propagating glasshouse,
and the basement where I grow my plants
under fluorescent lights, warm in winter and
cool in summer.

I am sure you will find, as I have found
over a number of years, that the method of
propagation by rooting offsets is a simple and
time saving means of producing exact replicas
of favorite varieties. •

with. If the various ideas in the African Vio¬
let Magazine strike me, these get taken over.
I like a soluble fertilizer; I am now using
Fish Emulsion twice a month. It is like cod
liver oil, but my kids are nicer looking and
more are blooming than I ever had bloom.
My lights are on a time clock 14 hours a
day. At least once a week they all get a nice
shower bath. I do this at night for my home
is the same temperature night and day. Now
when the trees are bare, there is the sun to
reckon with in the daytime; when it is good
and strong, I turn off my lights.

I prefer plastic pots of all colors — - they
make a very pretty picture. 1 only use two
sizes, the 2V2 inch and the 3 inch size. I have
about 200 plants. The only trouble 1 have at
the present time is rot. 1 am trying to decide
whether this is not caused by the plants get¬
ting too dry rather than by too much water.
I am about convinced that it is dryness.

I have no success with the dark leaves,
they just defy me no matter what 1 do.

I have not entered in any show as yet for
two reasons: I have had to contend with the
boaster all my life and that is what it seems
to me; then, I still preach every Sunday and
most shows don’t break up until late Satur¬
day night. To me every violet has a character,
just like the people 1 preached to for the past
30 years, and it is fun trying all kinds of
stunts on them to bring out their beauty.

It is good that the African Violet Magazine
only arrives quarterly for I start with Grand¬
ma and her cup of coffee in Chaff, and read
and re-read each article to see what is new
in tonics, sulphur and molasses, and especial¬
ly to dream of the day I may have a plant
like the ones on the covers. This year I have
a few children I think might take some kind
of beauty prize or at least a talent award. •

My African Violet Children

Rev. W. C. Bally, Pleasantville, New Jersey

71

Making

Containers Attractive
With

African Violet
Designs

WANT to be a Michael Angelo, or a
Picasso, a tinsmith, or a mechanic?
Here is an idea that can bring all talents
to use with enjoyment and satisfaction.
Take any tin can and with a pair of tin
shears cut as shown in the sketch. With
a flat file blunt the sharp and uneven
edges. A tuna fish can will spare this
challenge. The can may be painted ac¬
cording to taste, or if carried further, it
may be hand decorated with a pattern
and colors which will blend and harmo¬
nize with the colors of the room. When
finished it makes an excellent pot saucer
for your African violets.

Now, if you would like to have some
real fun, go to your nearest art or paint
store, and for less than $2.00 you can
get a tube of oil paint and a selection of
three sable brushes. Practice on any
sheet of paper until you get what you
want in degree of perfection. Try one of
the designs suggested here using it as a
template by cutting it out and drawing
around it on what you wish to paint.
When you feel ready be sure that the
wrist and arm have a comfortable rest
to steady the hand and fingers. Make
certain that the brush is saturated with
enough paint to fill the surface but not
so much that it will run and be hard
to control. If the first try isn’t what you
want wipe it off with turpentine and
start over again. There’s nothing to lose.
You may not believe it before you start
but when finished it will be a great deal
easier than you think, and the surprise
will be pleasant and gratifying.

It was pointed out in Winston Churc¬
hills short book on painting that when
he started out the sight of an unblemish¬
ed canvas held him in such awe that he
could never muster up the courage to
make the first stroke of the brush for
fear of ruining it. Not, until an artist
friend of his came by one day when he
was trying to paint and seeing what was
troubling him, she snatched the brush

72

out of his hand and with bold strokes
smeared the canvas with paint. It was
the start that brought him fame as an
amateur painter. From then on the joy
and love of color and beauty that he saw
became an absorbing interest of pleasure
and satisfaction that took him into an¬
other world of freedom from the many
crises of extraordinary pressures of re¬
sponsibility and the survival of a great
nation.

There is really no limit to this absorb¬
ing interest and the fun that can be had
even with an unpracticed hand. Confid¬
ence will come with experience. If it’s a
start that is needed look up some of the
illustrations in the African Violet Maga¬
zine, June 1960, page 62; Sept. 1960,
page 42; December 1960, page 64; March
1961, pages 36 and 50 to mention but a
few.

Take a piece of thin paper and trace
the drawings from the illustrations
shown or from any other magazine. Find
a clear glass mixing bowl or something
similar and paste or Scotch tape the
tracing on the inside of the bowl. Now,
you are ready to start painting with
illustrations as shown.

If one feels more adventurous but still
queasy about painting, then draw up
what you want on the outside of the
bowl. A soft pencil or Blaisdell black
China Marker will do the trick. Don’t
hesitate to rub off what is not wanted
even to starting over. Begin with a small
area and work at it a little at a time
and then lay the brush down and forget
about it. Go back later and it will be
surprising how many new ideas and
thoughts will come to mind. No one has
a monopoly on painting. A beginner has
the most fun of all because there is no
hurry and improvement starts at once.

When painting use a steady well sup¬
ported hand and use the brush boldly
and without tension. You don’t have to
please anyone but yourself. What looks
passable to you will come to be grace
and beauty to someone else.

It helps to have clean working space
and plenty of room to place the brushes
and the oils so that they will not be
touched to rub off or smudge the clothes
and hands. Turpentine is an excellent
fresh paint remover to eliminate spots
that appear from nowhere. Keep a clean
cloth handy or a paper towel and be
sure to clean the brushes thoroughly
after each waiting period.

Whatever happens don’t lose interest
because this is one hobby where prac¬
tice, yes mistakes, are beneficial and they
cost next to nothing, outside of time.

Best wishes for a great deal of plea¬
sure, interest and real enjoyment. •

73

What I Have Learned
From

Fluorescent Lighting

Martha M. Palmer, Norwich, Connecticut

My husband made a 3 tier aluminum violet
cart for me at Christmas time. It is just
like an indoor greenhouse for growing and
showing African violets or any other house
plant. It is so practical, perfect, and good look¬
ing! The swivel casters make it easy for me to
move it anywhere; I move it to the kitchen
sink when it is time to give the violets a
fine spraying of warm water.

After reading up on fluorescent lighting,
I decided about what I wanted. We had seen
and measured a Flora Cart, so work was
started in building the frame with tubular
aluminum. I had previously ordered 3 units
of fluorescent light fixtures, combining fluo¬
rescent and incandescent lights, from the
Tube Craft, Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio. These
fitted perfectly to the frame and our next

A side view of Mrs. Palmer’s violet cart shows a
well-planned and thoughtfully constructed set up.
Notice the incandescent lights.

A violet tree of mature plants.

move was to get our local tinsmith to make
3 trays to fit. They measure 21 by 48 inchjes
and are 1 inches deep. It is 16 V2 inches from
the fluorescent lights to the bottom of the
trays. I use one warm 40 watt and 1 cool 40
watt fluorescent tube and two 25 watt in¬
candescent bulbs to each tier or section. The
trays are filled with oyster shells which are
kept moist at all times for humidity. I use
warm water when I pour it over the shells. I
keep these lights on about 14 hours per day.
The cost of the lighting is 10c for a 14 hour
day!

This front view shows the spacing of the lights, both

fluorescent and incandescent, as well as the depth
of the trays.

74

I start my leaves as I always have in an
upstairs room, in a large flat or in a paste¬
board box lined very carefully with aluminum
foil. An old fish bowl is also a good way to
start leaves, putting on a Saran top to keep
it tight. As I take out each leaf with the small
plantlets attached, I put them in 2 inch pots,
setting them in long turkey feeders (t^ainted
white, and the corners soldered so there
are no leaks) filled with wet sand. When they
are large enough to separate, I put them on
the violet cart, and you should see them grow,
I use plastic pots; I like them better than
clay as they are lighter, cleaner, more attrac¬
tive, and require less water.

When I water my African violets, the
surplus water runs right through onto the
oyster shells and the plants do not get —
too wet. These violets on the cart are produc¬
ing handsome foliage and many blossoms. I
believe the darker colored violet blooms can
stand a longer period of light than the lighter
colored blooms.

I do not think fluorescent lighting is a cure-
all for all violet ills, but in my case it works
out very well. I am determined not to get
all cluttered up with violets everywhere in
the home. The violet cart holds approximately
150 plants, depending on size, but they are all
together in one place. I am still satisfied
with about 150 other violets in various
windows and those on 2 violet trees that have
natural light and are doing very well, with
beautiful foliage and plenty of gorgeous
blossoms. I do believe, however, that violets
grow faster under the fluorescent lights. Many
people claim they have a healthier color and
bloom more profusely.

I have learned that water spilled on the
violet leaves under the fluorescent lights does
not spot them as the sunshine does. All violet
growers know that water, light and a good
balanced potting soil are most necessary to
good violet blooms whether raised under
fluorescent lights or in daylight. I have found
the best routine for me is to feed the plants
on the 1st and 15th of each month, taking off
the dead stems and flowers, and changing
their positions so that they may even up their
growth and not get one-sided. Those that are
right against the outside, with the leaves on
one side hanging over, are most susceptible.
I know that I have them too close, especially
the larger ones, but by changing every so
often some of the leaves that are covered by
other leaves have more access to the light.
It is quite necessary to dust off the tubes
and light reflectors occasionally.

I believe I am learning, as we all do, by
trial and error, but am having a wonderful
time working at it. What a joy to stand back
and look at the violets and see all of their
different colored leaves and blooms! The
African violet is still the number one house
plant in my book. •

Pockets were gouged out of the rock.

How To Start An
Indoor Rock Garden

Katherine B. Walker, Tucson, Arizona

With permission of Sun-Times Daily Mews Syndicate

You may recall early last fall I mentioned
a new lightweight rock that is becoming popu¬
lar in both indoor and outdoor gardening. By
happy coincidence, I received a good-sized
sample chunk the same day I received a ship¬
ment of African violets. (The rock is widely
advertised, so you should have no trouble
locating a source for it.)

I had on hand a 14 inch clay saucer, which
just held the rock nicely. I gouged out 9 holes,
or pockets, in the top and sides of the rock,
making them about the size of a 2 inch pot.
By reaming around the holes with a heavy
screwdriver shank, I smoothed off the rough¬
est edges, fearing these might cause deteriora¬
tion of the leaf stems. As it turned out, this
precaution was unnecessary; the plants don't
seem to object to the rough rock as they do
to a rough pot edge.

Wear heavy leather gloves when working
with this rock. It is volcanic foam, and the
edges of its bubble-composition are as sharp
as razors. You may find the rock easier to
work with when it is wet.

I planted my new African violets gently
in the holes, filling in with extra soil where
necessary, but not pressing it in too firmly.
After the plants were in place, I sprayed the
whole thing with a fine mist, filled the saucer
with water, and set it in a moderately sunny
window.

Once a month a weak solution of plant food
is dribbled over the rock, and the saucer is
kept filled with water. Other than ample sun,
this is all the care the plants receive.

I wish each of you could see this magnifi¬
cent arrangement! It is a solid mound of fol¬
iage well over a foot high and almost 2 feet
in diameter. The luxuriant leaves completely
conceal the rock foundation. Individual flow¬
ers measure up to 2 inches and huge clusters
of blossoms top each plant ... do try massing
African violets on a rock. They will flower
bountifully, and make a lavish display. •

75

The Plantarium

The climate within the
glass enclosure of the
Plantarium is coa*^
trolled to approximate
natural growing
conditions.

The June issue of the African Violet Maga-
zine, Volume 14, Number 4, page 38, pre¬
sented a complete description of the Plan-
taiium: an automated type of portable indoor
greenhouse constructed and designed for the
economic cultivation and growth of African
violets as well as other types of house plants.

Another view of this display case shows
Mrs. Murray with a soil moisture meter which
she uses to determine the relative water con¬
tent of the soil before watering her plants.
This view indicates the comparative size of
the Plantarium in width, height, and depth. It
is obvious that all plants are within easy and
comfortable access for care as needed to pro¬

duce quality plants. Its portability, compact
and graceful design is obvious. It is a show¬
piece of excellence and efficiency with a great
deal of thought given for the ease, care and
attendance, of the popular house plant — the
African violet.

The Plantarium eliminates many variables
in house plant culture with measured control
of light, water, and heat to simulate ideal con¬
ditions for producing healthy growth. For ease
in xAfrican violet culture, for economy of
operation the Plantarium is a real growing
aid. The Plantarium is an invention of L. E.
Murray, 17 Retreat Close, Kenton, Harrow,
Middlesex, England. •

Some of the beautiful
plants in a section of one
of the glass houses.

AN AFRICAN
VIOLET PACK

FOR

RETAIL

CUSTOMERS

CONTINUING the trend of modern design
in container constructed of corrugated
fiberboard for the carriage of pot plants by
rail, comes a pack evolved especially for
African violets.

Designed by Messrs Bowater Packaging
Ltd. in conjunction with Messrs W. C. Wicks'
Ltd., African Violet Specialists, Nottingham,
England, this pack has a capacity of six,
seven, or eight pans in which the firm dis¬
patches their African violets: Drop down flap
to facilitate packing or unloading; a special
die-cut base for retention of the plants in
position during transit; hand holes for ease
of carrying; cellophane window to safeguard
the plants, and possibly satisfy the curiosity
of people interested in the “Fascinating Afri¬

can Violets,” as inscribed on the box sides,
together with an eye-catching silhouette sketch
of an African girl’s head on a motif back¬
ground of native shields. Last but by no
means least, the carton is strong enough to
stack head high.

The colour printing, in green and African
violet purple, combine to make the pack eye¬
catching withoTit being in any way bizarre.

Messrs Wicks report that the public re¬
action to plants delivered “nursery fresh” in
this new pack, has been most encouraging.

Unsolicited congratulatory letters, often
accompanied by repeat orders, have been a
source of inspiration and personal satisfaction
to the growers, packers, and administrative
staff alike. •

Your Library

Maisie Yakie, P. O. Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

It is with a deep sense of pleasure and
great appreciation that I want to tell you
about the best thing that has happened to
the Library — in a long time. Some two
years ago I talked with Mrs. W. F. (Neva)
Anderson of St. Louis about working with
the ladies in St. Louis in making up a slide
group on arranging African violets. This was
to be more than just the usual slide after
slide of arrangements. This was to be very
much different . . . and such it is. This pro¬
gram, after hundreds of hours of hard work
by many people, is now a reality and I am
so excited about it I just wish I could show
it to everyone who is even slightly interested
in arranging African violets. It is titled
“Arrange Your African Violets” and is very
definitely a Workshop Slide Group. It will
take the better part of two hours to show
this program and the time will vary, depend¬
ing on the amount of discussion by your
group. It is a detailed program on how to
make arrangements, corsages, centerpieces,
etc. and is well worth every minute of your
time to see it. The fee for this slide group will
be $2.50 due to the added cost of postage since
there are 153 slides in this group. There is
only one group of slides since all publication
rights are reserved.

We wish to express publicly our deep and
sincere thanks to the following:

The Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet
Society, Mrs. J. H. Lincoln, president; the
club members, Mrs. J. Eto, Mrs. Thelma
Usinger, Mrs. Wm. Nolle, Mrs. F. H. Rieber;
the non-African Violet Society members who
helped, Mrs. Edward Fischer, Mrs. J. L.
Bodine, Mrs. A. B, Mueller, Mrs. Herbert
Renner; Mrs. J. Max Hyde and Mr. Mike Kelly
of Stanley Photo Service; and last but certain¬
ly not least, Mrs. W. F. Anderson, without
whom none of this would have been possible.

We have new slide programs, including
those of the 1961 Convention, as well as:
Violet Wonderland — (slides taken at French
Lick) and Melody Lane - — (slides taken at
French Lick). All of these are different.

We wish to thank all of those wonderful
people who put on such a marvelous Con¬
vention at French Lick, and most especially
to those whose particular cooperation made
our work for the Library there such a plea¬
sure: Mrs. John Pope (that most cooperative
show chairman), Mrs. John Landaker (as
always, Prissy, your help is a delight) and
Mrs. Charles Stoehr (you did such a charm¬
ing job), as well as all the others who helped
us in so many fine ways. Please be assured
your kindness is well and long remembered.

Following is a list of all Library materials
now available. This is an up-to-the-minute
listing so send your requests now for the club
year ahead:

SLIDE PROGRAMS

CARTER’S GREENHOUSES
TINARI’S GREENHOUSES
SAINTPAULIAS IN REVIEW
VIOLET VISITING
THE VIOLET BEAUTIFUL
INSECTS, DISEASES, PESTS AND PROPA¬
GATION (slides only)

INSECTS, DISEASES, PESTS AND PROPA¬
GATION (slides to illustrate written ma¬
terial )

CHICAGO CONVENTION, 1952
NASHVILLE CONVENTION, 1953
ST. LOUIS CONVENTION, 1954
PITTSBURGH CONVENTION, 1955
MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION, 1956
KANSAS CITY SHOW, 1956
WHAT’S NEW

NORTH OF THE BORDER (slides taken in
Canada of plants grown there)

KANSAS CITY SHOW, 1957
ARRANGEMENTS FEATURING AFRICAN
VIOLETS AND AFRICAN VIOLETS IN
UNUSUAL CONTAINERS
POTPOURRI (slides of plants from Tonka-
dale’s, Lyon’s, Fischer’s, Madison Gardens,
Granger’s, Baxter’s)

MAGIC CARPET (slides of plants taken from
Lakin’s, Margaret Scott, Markley’s, Peter¬
son’s)

7 LEAGUE BOOTS (slides of plants from
Granger’s, Select Violet House, Buynak’s,
Richter’s, Tay-Bow, Haga, Griffin’s, Wil¬
son’s, Tinari’s)

OMAHA-BEACON OF THE MIDWEST (slides
of the 1954, 1955, 1956 shows of the Omaha
African Violet Club, donated by that club
to the Library)

CANADIAN VISIT (slides of plants grown
and photographed in Canada, but entirely
different from North of the Border)
KANSAS CITY SHOW, 1958
DOUBLE HEADER (slides of plants from
Lyon’s and Gent’s)

BEAUTIES BY FISCHERS (slides of plants
grown and photographed by this establish¬
ment, and donated to the Library by Dr.
Charles Fischer)

LAND OF ENCHANTMENT (slides of Fis¬
cher seedlings, Tinari and Ten Hagen’s
plants)

KISSING COUSINS (slides of the more popu¬
larly grown gesneriads)

KALEIDOSCOPE 1958 (available only to in¬
dividual members of the Society, and con¬
tains some 25 slides of 1958 introductions)
GO WEST, YOUNG MAN (slides of Califor¬
nia introductions grown and introduced by
Mr. and Mrs. Everett Hammond of that
state )

VIOLETS IN THE FLOWER CITY (slides of
arrangements from the Rochester Conven-

78

tion show, along with a schedule of that
show)

COULD YOU TELL ME, PLEASE (this is
the first program that covers basic know¬
ledge of violet growing, such as removing
suckers, potting plants, sizes of pots, etc.
It would be good help to beginners and a
good resume for more experienced growers)
BUYER’S GUIDE 1958 (slides used by the
Buyer’s Guide Committee for their program
at the Rochester Convention)

BUYER’S GUIDE 1959 (slides used by the
Buyer’s Guide Committee for their program
at the Detroit Convention)

GRANGER GARDENS 1959 (slides made at
Granger Gardens in 1959, all Granger in¬
troductions)

VIOLET TRAILS (slides made in 1959 show¬
ing varieties from Lyons, Taylor, Baxter,
Fischer, Violet House, Richter, Madison,
Tay-Bow, Spoutz, Haga, Wilson, Select
Violet House, Naomi, Tinari)

VIOLET COLORAMA (slides made in 1959
showing varieties from Wilson Bros., Dr.
Sheldon Reed, Tonkadale)

GIFTS FROM THE SEA (slides made in 1959
showing Fischer Greenhouses seedlings in¬
troduced at Detroit Convention)

AFRICAN JEWELS (slides made in 1959
showing varieties from Granger Gardens,
Naomi’s, Lyon’s, Krogman’s)

VIOLET FAIR (slides of arrangements using
African violets, as made by clubs in the
St. Louis Council area)

DETROIT CONVENTION 1959
SHOWS AROUND THE COUNTRY (slides
showing plants and displays from shows in
various parts of the country)

NASHVILLE SHOW 1959 (slides from the
Davidson County Show 1959)

ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION 1960
WEE TREASURES (slides showing miniature
varieties only)

HALF WAY TO HEAVEN (slides of arrange¬
ments using African violets from many
shows)

VIOLET GEMS (slides made at 1960 Atlantic
City Show)

THRU THE LOOKING GLASS (slides made
at 1960 Atlantic City Show)

ST. LOUIS SHOW 1960 (slides made of the
arrangement classes from this show)
FRENCH LICK CONVENTION 1961 (slides
made at the 1961 National Convention)
VIOLET WONDERLAND (slides made at
French Lick Convention)

MELODY LANE (slides made at French Lick
Convention)

ARRANGE YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS (a
WORK SHOP slide group on the tech¬
niques, elements, etc. of arrangements
using African violets) THIS SLIDE GROUP
ONLY $2.50.

LIBRARY MATERIALS
Program Packets — Program packets in
most instances are compiled magazine clip¬

pings, printed material gleaned from various
sources, and occasionally there is material
that has been written specifically for this
purpose or are copies of speeches, etc. Many
times different types of materials with a
common subject matter are grouped together.
They are designed not so much to provide
an entire program completely pre-planned
for you, as they are to help you with ideas
for working up a program or to provide
added knowledge on a subject.

No. 1 “Speaking of Operations” by Mon¬
tague Free (with pictures)

No. 2 Most Important Requirements of
Good Growing African Violets
No. 3 Grooming African Violets for Show
and Judging

No. 4 Leaf Rooting in Many Ways (lesson
1 of 9)

No. 5 Separating and Planting Babies (les¬
son 2 of 9)

No. 6 Soil and Pot Preparation (lesson 3
of 9)

No. 7 When to Pot Violets, Size and Water¬
ing Care (lesson 4 of 9)

No. 8 How to Groom and Fertilize (lesson

5 of 9)

No. 9 How to Make Violets Bloom (lesson

6 of 9)

No. 10 Why Violets Need Humidity and How
to Give It to Them (lesson 7 of 9)
No. 11 When to Remove Suckers on Violets
(lesson 8 of 9)

No. 12 How to Spray for Diseases and Bugs
(lesson 9 of 9)

No. 13 Seedlings and Mutations by Bob An¬
derson of Tonkadale’s

No. 14 Earhart Plant Research Lab (printed
folder giving information on how this
typical testing and research labora¬
tory operates)

No. 15 African Violet Culture and Miscel¬
laneous (large folder of magazine
clippings on a multitude of subjects)
No. 16 Dried Arrangements (clippings on
preserving flowers, making plaques of
dried flowers, etc.)

No. 17 African Violet Progress (clippings
from 1950 to 1956 on the yearly new
varieties)

No. 18 Colchicine (clippings and printed
leaflets on the use of this material)
No. 19 Fertilizers (clippings on fertilizers in
general and African violet fertilizers
in particular)

No. 20 Propagation (clippings on every phase
of African violet propagation and
general related information on this
subject)

No. 21 Gesneriads (clippings on many mem¬
bers of this family)

No. 22 Gloxinias (clippings on every phase
of this subject)

No. 23 Our Enemies — Pests and Diseases
(large number of clippings on this
subject)

79

No. 24 Plants Under Lights (clippings on the
general subject and also African vio¬
lets in particular)

No. 25 African Violet Show Aids (schedules,
arrangement articles, information on
the study of the Judges Handbook,
etc.)

No. 26 Gibberellin (clippings on this subject
related to plant growth in general)
No. 27 Installation Ceremonies
No. 28 Organic Growing
No. 29 Photographing Flowers
No. 30 History of the African Violet Society
No. 31 African Violet Species
No. 32 Begonias
No. 33 Geraniums
No. 34 Orchids

No. 35 Flower Arranging (clippings, etc., on
arrangements)

No. 36 Starting A Club? Here Are Some
Helpful Ideas, (clippings, articles, etc.
on various things pertaining to or¬
ganizing, maintaining and financing
a new club)

No. 37 Program Planning (typewritten ma¬
terial used in National Convention
workshops on this subject)

Miscellaneous — The Library has a great
many back issues of the African Violet Mag¬
azine that are for rental (not for sale). If
you want to use some particular issue please
write, giving volume and issue number. The
Library has many Year Book Packets, which
are collections of year books from numerous
clubs all over the country. Each year new
ones are added. Much good program material,
suggestions for programs, methods of presen¬
tation, etc. can be obtained from these Year
Book Packets.

The following books are in the Library
collection: Sunset Ideas for Building Plant
Shelters and Garden Work Centers; Complete
Book of Garden Magic — Biles; A Handbook
for African Violet Growers — Odom; How to
Grow and Bloom African Violets at Home —
Heinl; African Violet Handbook for Judges
& Exhibitors — Carey (first edition and re¬
vised edition); Greenhouse Gardening for
Everyone — Chabot (first edition); The Afri¬
can Violet — Helen Van Pelt Wilson (first
edition); African Violets — Helen Van Pelt
Wilson, (revised); Plant Magic — Haworth;
What’s New in Gardening — Pirone; Compost
and How to Make It; All About House Plants
— M. Free; Modern Gardening — Pirone;
All About African Violets — M. Free; Garden
Enemies — Wescott; Gardening in Your Win¬
dow — Hersey; Complete Book of Bulbs —
Rockwell & Grayson.

When making reservations for any of this
material please see that you have given us
the following information:

Club Name

Type of material desired (such as slides,

program packets, etc.)

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Reaume, 22454 St. Clair Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF GREATER
MONTREAL, CANADA, Mrs W. G. Att-
well, Pres., 519 Church St., Beaurepaire,
Quebec, Canada.

SUMMERLAND AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
CANADA, Mrs. Edith Craig, Pres.,

180 53rd Ave., Lachine, Quebec, Canada.

AFRICAN VIOLET GROUP #3, CANADA,
Mrs. R. H. Price, Pres., 1314 Argyle St.,
Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada.

THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS A.V.S.,
MO., Mrs. J. H. Lincoln, Pres., 6342 Gar-
esche Ave., St. Louis 20, Mo.

NAUGATONIC A.V.S., CONN., Mrs. Newell
Mallette, Pres., 171 Division Ave., Shelton,
Conn.

COLLIERVILLE, A.V.S., TENN., Mrs. O. C.
Dean, Pres., 137 Cooper St., Collierville,
Tenn.

AFRICAN VIOLET LOVERS CLUB, ONT.,
CANADA, Mrs. M. Hutchins, Pres., 56 St.
Clair Ave. Apt. 8, Toronto 7, Ont., Canada.

THIMBLE ISLAND A.V. CLUB, CONN., Mar¬
garet Farceot, Pres., Alps Road, Branford,
Conn.

TAYLORVILLE A.V.S. Unit #2, ILL., Mrs.
Naomi Sewell, R.F.D. 3, Taylorville, Ill.

HARMONY VIOLET SOCIETY, TEXAS, Mrs.
Geo. Goodin, Pres., 1655 Hawthorne Road,
Houston 6, Texas.

SEACOAST A.V.S. , N.H., Mrs. Morrill Paul,
321 Winnacunnet Rd., Hampton, N. H.

AFRICAN VIOLETEERS OF POMPANO
BEACH, Mrs. Nels Holm, 2600 NE 8th
Ave., Pompano Beach, Florida.

Date of Club meeting when material is to
be used.

Enclose amount required to cover materials
requested.

Where slides are requested, please give us
the following:

Three choices of slide programs.

At least two dates when you could use
the material.

This will enable us to better serve you
and will expedite the handling of your
request.

The above will help us^ to serve everyone
to the best of our ability and that is what we
are eager to do.

The Librarian is always appreciative of any
suggestions for ways to improve Library ser¬
vice, for suggestions as to types of programs
you want her to prepare for the Library for
your use, etc. Please feel free to write her
any time with such suggestions.

We hope that we are at least partially meet¬
ing the needs of the various clubs and please
be assured that such is always our aim. •

80

Walter Martin, Alice Harless, and Patricia Koontz
are pictured checking a file of addressed Magazine
envelopes before they go to the printer. Mr. Martin
is from the Office of the Superintendent of Mails.:
Knoxville, Tennessee.

Above, Ray Rhyne is pictured setting type on the
linotype machine. Below, after the editor has com¬
pleted the page layout pages are photographed for
offset printing. Clay England is shown with a flat of
8 page negatives stripped in ready to make a plate.

These are negatives which have been made from the
type forms. Page 36 of the March Magazine can be
seen very clearly. The African Violet Magazine is
printed by the Hubert E. Hodge Printing Company of
Knoxville, Tennessee.

at the printers

Above, Robert Bean is shown beside the offset press.
Each form is made up of eight pages. Below, A sheet
just from the press to be checked for uniformity of
color. Note page 36, March issue which may be quickly
distinguished from the other pages.

Robert Bean and Hubert Hodge check a sheet just
through the press. The African violet design on page
36 of the March Magazine is easily identified on the
lower left of the form.

Above, on their way through the folding machine.
Each 8 page section is folded to page size and
gathered with other sections to make up book. Below,
the Magazine after folding is now ready to be
gathered and stapled. Stack after stack is piled high.

Mrs. Gladys Huff, Mrs. Estelle Henderson and Miss
Pat Neal are gathering folded sections of the March
Magazine and arranging them so that all the pages

will be in the proper sequence.

Above, Paul Lones is photographed seated at the
machine stitching Magazines with wire stitch or
stapling with wire. Below, A stack of March Maga¬
zines at the cutting machine which have Just been
trimmed. Each Magazine is trimmed to 7 x 10 inches.

I

82

Here, Mayford Ogle is shown operating the cutting
machine. The large knife has just descended and an»-
other stack of March Magazines is trimmed to size
and is ready for the mailing envelope.

Above, two lift truck loads of Magazines. The one in
the rear carries Magazines before trimming and the
one in the front after trimming. Below, Mrs. J. J.
Talley is pictured inserting March Magazine in the
envelope in which it will be mailed.

Kenneth Hodge has the seemingly endless job of
packaging and labeling the many bundles of Maga¬
zines, with city and state, as required for second-class
mailing privilege.

Above, A rack of mail sacks. Sorting and placing the
Magazine in the mail bags is an important procedure.
Each bag must be labeled to go to the various dis¬
tributing points over the country. Below, Willard
Garrison and Lynn Turner loading bags in truck.

83

more humidity needed

Lucile Rainsberger
Lambertville, Michigan

Avery common complaint, during the win¬
ter months, is that leaves put down just
stand still and do nothing. This is particularly
true of the grower who has only a few plants,
but it is sometimes a problem for those who
have more than just a f^w.

Many and varied attempts have been made
to solve this problem. If you have a very
special leaf to root, one of the safest ways is
to put it down in a glass jar. An ordinary pint
jar will do. Also, you can use many of the
glass containers you bring home from the
grocery store and usually throw away. A jelly
glass of regulation size, is about right both in
depth and diameter for one leaf. Put about
two inches of your regular rooting medium
in the bottom. Dampen it just enough so that
it will hold the leaf upright. Make a hole in
the medium with something sterile the size
of a pencil. A very handy tool to keep just
for this is an old ball point pen which is no
longer useful for that purpose. Firm the me¬
dium gently around the petiole and set the
glass in a warm and light but not sunny
place. It is well to use vermiculite in your
medium for then you can tell when water is
needed; if the jar is tipped to one side, the
vermiculite moves when it needs water. Wash
the warm water down over the leaf to refresh
it and also to keep the medium firmed around
the petiole. A couple of weeks later, pull
gently on the leaf — if it does not give easily,
it is rooting. No harm would be done if you
did pull it up and then replaced it gently.
Now, it is time to begin watering with a very
dilute fertilizer solution — about every two
weeks. If you should be too generous with
your water, hold your fingers over the petiole
and vermiculite, tip the glass to one side and
pour off the excess.

You have probably tried putting a plastic
bag over your potted cutting. You can also
set it in a small plastic bag, leaving the top
open; or even sealing it completely if the
sun does not get to it. The idea in each case
is to increase the humidity.

If you root a dozen or more leaves at one
time, try a transparent plastic bread box
which is probably available at your variety
store. If you do not crowd your leaves so
they have difficulty getting light, you will
get small plants sooner. The bread box will
take two rows of leaves, about eight in each

row. Place your biggest leaves first so that
they will get light in spite of those in front
of them. Place your choicest varieties, or the
ones from which you are most anxious to
secure plants-, at the end where they will have
no leaves in front of them, for the added light
will bring them on more quickly. Place your
cover on, leaving a crack at each end for air.
The amount of fogging on the plastic top tells
you if there should be more air, or if there is
no fogging there is probably a need of water.
Leaves put down in this way come as quickly
as those put down during the peak rooting
seasons of spring and fall. One bread box of
leaves was put down during the middle of
Decem.ber; in six weeks, the first little leaves
appeared.

An order of very expensive new varieties
was received the first of October. These small
plants were not over 21/2 inches across. They
were allowed to sit as they were for about
two weeks in order to recover from their
journey. Then, one or at the most two leaves
were taken from each plant, ten in all from
six plants. As plants were wanted as quickly
as possible, these leaves were placed in 2 inch
pots. In this case an inch of regular potting
soil was put in the bottom of the pots, then
the pots were filled with vermiculite. If I
were doing it over again, I would use a
special rooting medium which gives consis¬
tently good results. The longer I use it, the
better I like it. It consists of: 1 measure steri¬
lized coarse sphagnum peat moss, 1 measure
sterilized coarse builder’s sand, 1 measure
medium size vermiculite, V2 part chick char¬
coal. I got this idea from an article by Joe
Schulz (Dec., 1958, “Those Evils — Root Rot
and Petiole Rot). I have cut down on the
charcoal but it isn’t necessary to do so. I like
this mix so much that all my young plants go
into it. (I am even using this medium for
potting cuttings when I divide them. Even
those with practically no root at all thrive in
it. Try it. You will like it too.) These potted
leaves were placed on a layer of coarse vermi¬
culite in one of the bread boxes and the cover
adjusted according to the fogging. These
plantlets were a nice size and ready to pot in
less than three months. Since they were not
crowded and had plenty of light, some have
not been divided in order to allow some tiny
plants to get bigger and stronger.

A transparent plastic crisper box for the
refrigerator can be used in the same way and
will hold at least twice the number of leaves
that the bread box will. However, the leaves

84

IV1€ bread box hiqb domed
top is cspecioll^/ 9000 because
I e cues often Qrou> otter -theu
ore p'Jt dexun. The high top
occommodales th\s.

A

3 -p ?

/

h

<

5

C\l

jL

Dont erouod leov^is. AHolu
room jot good \ight

may be a little slower in coming since less
light gets to many of them. When you take
some of the leaves out for division of plant-
lets, it is well to take all of them, unless, of
course, they are individually planted in pots.
Clumps not ready for dividing should be pot¬
ted up individually. For this purpose I use
the previously given mix. You will also re¬
move just the largest plants, leaving the small
ones with the mother leaves. These should be
potted and the young plants given time to get
larger. Even the leaves from which all plant-
lets have been removed should be potted if
you want more of that variety. Don’t remove
the roots; that just wastes time. One leaf will
often produce as many as three or four sets
of plantlets before you need to discard it. A
leaf of Evening Star produced 25 plantlets
before it was thrown away. It was still good
and would have produced more, but one was
seeing stars everywhere!

So, if you are having trouble rooting
leaves and getting your new plantlets quickly
in the winter, try increasing your humidity.
There are many different ways but especially
satisfactory is the bread box method. •

A uo'de
mouth
picKlcjQf or

Dam pom
Tootinq

modiom

enouQhto

hold 'wj"

Upright.

ToobnQ

ledium

id ball point pen ib handv too!

Clumps Tiol Teody diu-
idina should be poHed
iridluidaollu. Ihe mix i UKe
IS made oj

l-rr\easore steriU’z.e<i coorse.

Spbagouw nr\055.

l-msasut^ sieTiUzed coatse
buUdeTS
1- measure
vetmieu.
cho^'cciQl.

edlu-Tm
e. par

85

Paul Arnold, Binghamton, N. Y.

Gesueriads

COMPANION PLANTS

for African violets

COLUMNEA ‘GARFIELD 2’ is one of four
Columneas developed in Norway using C.
microphylla fertilized by pollen from C.
‘Vedrariensis’ and sent to the Garfield Park
Conservatory in Chicago. One of the four,
named C. ‘Stavanger’, which was recently
exploited by a commercial grower in Penn¬
sylvania, is perhaps better known. Termed
‘Garfield 2’ for want of a better name, the
subject of our photograph is a floriferous
Columnea with leaves resembling those of
the seed parent, C. microphylla, but somewhat
larger in size. The plant blooms in mid¬
summer. Photograph on right.

C^EPISCIA ‘MOSS AGATE’ was produced
by F. V/. Mitchell of Oklahoma City, who is
past President (1956-1957) of the American
Gloxinia Society, using seed of the ‘Canal
Zone Hybrids’ classification. The plant was
named and introduced in 1960 by House of
Plants after trials which showed that the
plant is extremely floriferous and a vigorous
grower. The bright green leaves of ‘Moss
Agate’ have an all-over pattern of silver vein-
ing and the flowers are of large size and
typical E. cupreata orange coloring. Photo¬
graph on left.

86

EPISCIA -EMBER LACE’ is a sport of E.
X Wilsonii, the pink-flowering hybrid which
results from crossing the blue flowering Epis-
cia lilacina with pollen from the orange
flowering E. cupreata. The plant appeared in
the cultures of the nurserymen, F. M. Haga
& Son at Charlotte, North Carolina who placed
it in the International Register in September
1958. Except for the pink, white, and occasion¬
ally bright green markings which occur ir¬
regularly on the leaves, ‘Ember Lace’ resem¬
bles the earlier Episcia ‘Pinkiscia’, which has
the same ancestry. The pink and white varie¬
gation is due, apparently, to lack of chloro¬
phyll, so it is impossible to propagate all¬
pink leaves and the variegation is rather in¬
constant in the plants, tending to disappear,
particularly under good cultural conditions.

^ COLUMNEA VERECUNDA deserves to be
very popular as a house plant and companion
to the African violets. It is compact in habit,
does well in a 4 or 5-inch pot, and may easily
be maintained by shearing or pinching. It
produces a great many bright yellow flowers
over a long period of time which contrast
with the rich red color on the undersides
of the deep green leaves. It is quite tolerant
of indoor growing conditions. C. verecunda
is native to Costa Rica. Above.

AT CHRYSOTHEMIS FRIEDRICH-
STHALIANA seed was distributed
in the United States after listing
by the American Gloxinia Society
early in 1955 incorrectly identified
as Alloplectus Schlimii. C. Fried-
richsthaliana plants grow 9 to 12
inches tall in a 4-inch pot after the
tubers are started into growth in
spring. Flowering takes place in
late summer. The plants have
thick, succulent, square stems
which wilt readily if the growing
medium dries out. The large calyces
are yellow or pale yellowish-green,
are five-lobed and appear almost
winged. The corolla is bright yel¬
low. Right.

Cora Spath, Baltimore, Maryland

ONE of the most gratifying experiences
possible is that of having an African vio¬
let that you have raised and groomed from
infancy take some prize in a showing. To
think that you alone have developed a plant
worthy of the honor of a trophy or ribbon is
truly rewarding.

In raising violets, either for show in my
home or on the outside, I try to limit the num¬
ber so that I can properly care for each indi¬
vidual plant. This I can do by raising only
those varieties that are truly my favorites.

The freshly cut leaves are planted in ver-
miculite in thumb-sized clay pots and half
emersed in a tray of damp vermiculite and
charcoal. After the small plant or rooted leaf
is formed, it is transferred into the next larg¬
er size pot which contains African violet soil.
As the plant grows larger it is moved into
increasingly larger pots. By using this method
roots are undisturbed and the plants begin to
bloom early. The plant can remain in the 3
inch pot the longest period of time. The trays
of vermiculite are kept at a proper degree of
dampness by adding hot water approximately
once a week.

Training the plants for good symmetry is
of utmost importance. Begin shaping the plant
when the first few leaves of the plant are
formed. I use small, toothpick size plastic
sticks to keep the leaves properly spaced. If
the leaves start growing up, flatten them
gently with the palm of the hand. If one is
patient and gentle, one can shape a plant in
almost any manner desired. If a leaf is broken
from a larger plant, leaving a large gap, near¬
by leaves are gently moved into the empty

White Pride from Mrs. Spath’s collection.

- —

space and held with plastic sticks. Plants
should be inspected on the average of every
third or fourth day for damaged leaves, spent
blossoms, suckers, insects, and disease. Suck¬
ers may be removed with a nut pick or other
sharp-pointed instrument. Often some of the
larger plants may need support for the leaves.

This support can be achieved by placing the |

plant in a large mixing bowl. These plants |

will, of course, need water more often. Using i

warm water at all times, water from the top j

and bottom, pouring off the excess water after 1

one-half hour. |

Feeding is started after the leaf has rooted. J

The rooted cuttings and small plants are fed
every 10 days with a half strength solution of |

such preparations as Plant Marvel, Miracle
Gro or Hyponex. The large plants, including
the Supremes, Duponts and Amazons are fed
weekly. This same routine is used the year !

round. J

For the control of insects and diseases, An- !

trol insect bomb for African violets is used ;

every 3 or 4 weeks, but is not applied directly j

to each plant. The spray should be used from j

a distance, of approximately 12 to 15 inches ;

over the area which the plants occupy. It is j

also wise, where artificial lighting is used af- i

ter dark, to spray the window screens of the ’

room with an insecticide such as Raid, to kill
insects attracted by the lights, ■

On the average of every 6 weeks plants are
cleaned by holding them on their side and :

spraying them gently with warm water. :

Plants may also be transplanted at this time
if clean pots are needed. The wet, dripping i

plants may be placed on newspaper or some |

88

Training plants for good symmetry is most important
if you plan to enter them in a show or have show
quality violets just for your own pleasure. Begin
early. Start shaping plants when they are small.
Plastic picks are very good to use for stakes to hold
the leaves and petioles in place. If leaves grow up,
gentle pressure from the palm of the hand will help

keep them flat. Inspect your trainees often. Shape,
train and press the foliage in the way you wish it to
grow. If a leaf is accidently broken gently and slowly
bend or pull the remaining leaves toward the empty
space to close the ugly gap. Hold them in place with
the plastic picks.

A mixing bowl makes a very excellent container for
large plants as the heavy outer leaves may rest easily
and without injury on the rim of the bowl. The size

of the bowl offers additional protection, too. These
plants are watered from either the top of the pot or
the bottom. Do not leave the excess water in the
mixing bowl: pour it off after half an hour.

An Antrol African Violet Houseplant Insect Bomb is
used every 3 or 4 weeks for pest control. Do not
spray the Antrol on the plants but over and around
them. Remember always to hold the can about 12 to

15 inches away from the violets. Apply lightly ~ do
not overwet plants or foliage will be burned. Use
short one second puffs and do not spray or leave
your violets in the hot sun or excessive high tem¬
peratures.

other absorbent material to facilitate cleaning
up. While these plants are drying, a 6 per cent
mixture of chlordane dust is mixed into the
trays of vermiculite. After the plants are dry,
the trays of vermiculite are dampened with
hot water and th.e plants placed in the trays
immediately. This procedure is carried out
about one month before show time, and An¬
trol within the next 2 weeks.

As show times nears, the fluorescent lights,
which are about 8 to 10 inches from the plants,
are used about 14 hours daily. Proper ventila¬
tion is also most essential, but the plants are
never left in a draft. In the summer months
when it is very hot, the house is closed early
in the morning in an attempt to maintain a
lower temperature. I also give them air dur¬
ing the winter by turning off the heat for
about 20 minutes and opening both the front
and back doors of the house.

To promote blooms I use superphosphate, p4
teaspoon to one quart of warm water, once
a week until the buds show color, which is
about 6 weeks from the start of the treatm.ent.
I allow 8 to 9 weeks to have a blooming plant.
On some varieties the bloom is small and it
will mature gradually. If you have a plant
with no buds, it is best to allow at least 10
weeks to prepare it for a show. In this man¬
ner you can be certain to have a blooming
plant for show.

I have my own soil mix and sterilize it my¬
self with Fumi-Soil Capsules made by Sher¬
man Laboratories. Covered galvanized cans
(the 20 gallon size) are well suited for the
job. After the soil is aired it may be replaced
in these cans for storage.

The thing tliat greatest facilitates my grow¬
ing of violets is the equipment designed and
built for me by my husband, Gus. At present
I have 3 stands, each with 3 shelves or trays
illuminated by fluorescent tubes. Two of these
stands can be enclosed by readily movable
wooden frames covered with heavy gauge
clear plastic, which enables me to maintain
high humidity hothouse conditions inside.
These 2 stands are located in a light and airy
portion of our basement designated by my
son and husband as the Violet Room. Here I
keep my soil, pots, sprays, and all of the other
equipment I have for caring for the violets.
My husband has also built carriers to trans¬
port my violets to shows.

My son Tom, aged 19, sometimes catches
me admiring my plants and saying those silly
little things that all of us African violet en¬
thusiasts are guilty of, and gives me that look
as if to say, “Oh well, she's really a goner
now.” I have, however, found out through his
friends that he is really very proud of both
me and the violets.

So you see that I strive to raise more beau¬
tiful African violets not only for myself and
the club shows, but for my family and my
home. •

89

Anne Tinari

Tinari Greenhouses

Bethai'res, Pa.

I am happy to have as my guest a member
familiar to many of you, Marie Dannemiller,
who was moderator on one of the excellently
planned workshop sessions at our 1961 Con¬
vention in French Lick, Indiana. Members
attending our National Meetings are well
acquainted with the wonderful workshop pro¬
grams. Question and Answer sessions are so
popular and the following are three questions
which were asked on Mrs. Dannemiller’s pro¬
gram which lack of time prevented her from
answering. She has been most kind to send
me her answers direct, for you to read. Many
thanks, Marie.

Q. “When hybridizers say they have im¬
proved a plant, just what have they improved?
The foliage, the blossoms, the flowering qual¬
ity, or what?”

A. I think when a hybridizer says he has
improved a plant, it means he has worked to
improve the substance and symmetry of the
foliage, strengthened the petioles to hold up
the leaves and worked toward producing more
blooms and better substance and size in the
blooms and with longer lasting qualities.

Q. “Many people tell about having two, and
sometimes three bloom stems to a leaf on
their plants; I’ve only had one that ever pro¬
duced more than one to a leaf. Does it take
special fertilization to accomplish this and
does it happen on young or 9ld plants?”

A. I believe the tendency of some plants
to produce more than one bloom stem per
leaf is inbred in many cases, I have had many
do so without fertilizing. Many of the mem¬
bers of our Organic Units tell of two and
three bloom stems per leaf and they attribute
this to their fertilizing programs which, in
many cases, consist of using several different
plant foods in their alternate feeding sched¬
ules. Some feed y4 to Vs strength of one
certain food, every week, others use 1/2 the
recommended strength of one certain food,
every 10 days to 2 weeks. BE CAREFUL not
to overfertilize, it can cause stunting which
looks very much like mite damage. Person¬
ally, I want the nourishment in my potting
mix. Nature’s Way,

Q. “What has been your experience with
leaves treated with radiation? Do you con¬
sider them worthwhile?”

A. I have had no personal experience with
radiated leaves to date. It would be most
interesting to all of us to hear from any
members who have had some personal ex¬
perience and were able to observe results
from them.

Q. I raise violets in a glass showcase, hu¬
midity is 50 to 70 per cent. They do not
bloom and show stunted and dwarf blossoms.
I use builders’ sand, manure, leafmold and
loam. Flowers have a sticky substance on
them, they do not open up but just dry up.
I use Black Leaf 40 spray and other violet
sprays twice a month.

Josephine Dauntain, Berwick, La.

A. May I suggest, your trouble seems to
definitely be lack of proper air circulation
and improper soil. Your soil combination may
be the entire cause. Begin by having your
soil tested, we find a pH of about 6.4 is about
right. In regard to humidity and temperature,
they sound ideal but improper soil could
cause them to be unbalanced. Spraying plants
in such close quarters may do more harm
than good . . . poor circulation of air could
prevent proper treatment.

Q. My plants do not have vivid blossom
color, what is wrong? Why do some plants
grow long thin leaves and others short and
close to the stalk? My flower stems are weak
and hang over the pot.

Mary R. McNeely, Floral Park, L.I., N.Y.

A. Color deficiency in the blossom may be
due to a soil content lacking in nitrogen and
phosphorous. Even though you use plant food
in your soil it may lack the proper ingredients
to produce sturdy normal growth. Light can
also effect bloom: too much or too little will
produce a pale blossom. Deficiency of any
necessary elements in the soil can be the
cause of frail bud stalks and tiny spindly
growing leaves. You would be wise to have
your soil analyzed, noting whether acidity
content is to blame. Many Agricultural Uni¬
versities maintain this service.

Q. I have been told one should never keep
violets in an open window. Are some violets
easier to grow and bloom for beginners? What
is meant by semidouble?

Pearl Innes, Sarasota, Florida

A. Violets should not be kept where there
is danger of being chilled or in the path of
drafts. However, when outdoor temperatures
rise to a warm 65 or 70 degrees — - there is
no reason why plants should not be in an
open window. In fact, much lush growth
occurs in the cool of the evening after a hot
day; you can almost see new fresh growth
develop.

Most violets which are floriferous and
possess an easily propagated flexible type
leaf are encouraging to a beginner. Amazon
and Supreme types should be avoided.

90

In regard to semidouble types, they repre¬
sent varieties considered double but have
fewer petals per blossom, such as Star Gazer,
Iris, Wedding Ring. Flowers are not fully
double such as White Pride or Lilian Jarrett,
but they are excellent show types as they
possess blossoms of longevity and bloom for
extended periods of time without blossoms
withering.

Q. We have a rather bad infestation of
mealy bugs in our hobby greenhouse, if pos¬
sible we would like to rid the house of these
pests without removing all the plants and
spraying each one separately. We have in
the greenhouse African violets, gloxinias,
Episcias and orchids. Would appreciate your
advice on how to rid the greenhouse of pests
and how to destroy the mealy bugs witbout
removing 700 to 800 plants.

Mrs. Louis Glenn, Porterville, Calif.

A. In regard to your trouble, I suggest you
use wettable Malathion which can be pur¬
chased, no doubt, locally at your garden cen¬
ter. Follow directions cautiously; gloves and
a mask should be used when applying this
material.

You may notice some damage will occur on
the open blossoms, this however would be of
a temporary nature as it is more important to
rid your plants of the mealy bugs. Parathion
could also be used by bomb and wand . . .
and is easy to apply, but do remember that
you must wear a gas mask and protective
clothing as this gas is very injurious if it
touches the skin or is inhaled. Greenhouses
must stay closed for 24 hours after gas is
used. Be certain to ask for specific instruc¬
tions where you purchase gas before attempt¬
ing to use it, as much would depend on the
size of your greenhouse and other details to
determine its safety.

READERS, can you answer these? I have
tried to send immediate help for members
having these problems but would appreciate
hearing from others who have encountered
the same difficulties and some of their solu¬
tions.

Q. I hope someone will be kind enough to
enlighten me as to what is meant by the terms,
SINGLE, DOUBLE, AND TRIPLE or TREB¬
LE, superphosphate. These terms are used all
the time in the African Violet Magazine. Yet
when you ask a nurseryman or garden sup¬
ply store they don’t even know what you are
talking about. It is hard to find superphos¬
phate at most of them. Where it is listed in
catalogs for sale it is listed as superphosphate,
so you have no idea of what you have bought.

Erma Sharpe, Oakville Sanatorium,
Memphis 18, Tenn.

Q. Can you give any good advice to grow¬
ers in North Louisiana on coping with sum¬
mer heat and its heavy toll on our beautiful
violets? We are in the extreme northwest
corner of Louisiana and summer temperature
is 90 to 95 degrees daily.

Mrs. Lee O. Frye, Jr., RFD Box 236,
Minden, La.

Q. I am looking for a black fly remedy,
free of Lindane or any other heavy gas odor,
as I am allergic to many sprays on the mar¬
ket with these ingredients. Is there a simple
remedy to get rid of these annoying pests?

Mrs. Earl Summers, Box 105,
Chinook, Montana

Q. I have purchased many plants of well
known varieties from different sources which
all possessed dark foliage with red-reverse.
But, after I grow them for a short time each
turns to a pale green color. No trace of under
leaf coloration. Plants are healthy and in
bloom, ample light is received from south and
west windows. They are fed periodically, but
alas, my beautiful colored leaves simply dis¬
appear. Would love to hear if others have
experienced this.

Mrs. Albert Stellrecht, Rt. 1, Box 87,
Spooner, Wis.

Q. Being interested in Episcias, I under¬
stand they require more water than violets,
but am wondering if it is characteristic for
leaves to be stiff and brittle. Plants receive
ample humidity.

Mrs. Herbert G. Osborn, Jr.
1704 Healey St., Champaign, Ill.

Q. What is the largest flowered double
pink or reddish-pink type known that is not
a Supreme. What other colors exist in the
doubles that are very large but not Supreme
types.

Mrs. Thomas Humble, 19151 Tyrone,
Detroit 36, Mich.

Q. Does anyone know where I can purchase
the variety Christmas Star? It has been de¬
scribed to me as having five single white
petals with a five pointed orchid star in the
center.

Mrs. W. M. Munley, 17 Martin Ave.,
Portsmouth, Va.

Q. I am interested in purchasing the Afri¬
can violets with the eight radiation induced
mutants, which appear on the front cover of
the June 1960 magazine.

Herman J. Lowenstein, Morgan Ave.,
Cor. Withers St., Brooklyn 11, N.Y.

Q. I am in search of Volume 13 No. 3,
March, 1960 of the African Violet Magazine.
Mrs. Clara Hutchens, 1693 Dyson St.,
Muskegon, Mich.

A. Any correspondence on the above
question or any of the ones following should
be addressed directly to the home addresses
listed.

Q. Does anyone wish to purchase back
issues of the Magazine? I have many volumes
up to Number 12 also Members’ Handbooks.
Esther Krabach, 37504 Willowood Drive,
Fremont, Calif.

Q. I have available back issues of the Af¬
rican Violet Magazine, copies in Volumes 8
to 10, for further information contact direct:

Mrs L. B. Mayer, 765 Harrison,
Sheridan, Wyo. •

91

Show Calendar

• The VI CLUB OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN,

will hold its second show on Oct. 21-22, 1961
at the Brightmoor Community Center, 14451
Burt Road, Detroit, Michigan. Mrs. Doris
Bloomer will be show chairman; Mrs. John
Cassidy, staging chairman. Doors open from
1 p.m, to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 21st. From 1 p.m.
to 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 22nd.

• The RACINE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY will hold its annual show Sept. 30th
and Oct. 1st, 1961 at Douglas Community
Center, 2221 Douglas Avenue, Racine. Doors
will open Sept. 30th at 2:30 p.m. Theme of
the show will be “Violet Time.” Mrs. Ed¬
mund Shultz will be show chairman.

• The SIOUXLAND AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY will hold its annual show March, 25,
1962, at the Municipal Auditorium in' Sioux
City, Iowa.

• The DECATUR AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY will hold its annual show in the
Y.M.C.A. building on October 21-22, 1961.
Mrs. Robert Blakeney will be show chairman.
There will be no admission charge.

• The NAUGATONIC AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY will hold its fall exhibit and plant
sale at the Gardenway Nurseries, 945 North
Street. Milford, Connecticut, October 14-15,
1961 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• The UNION COUNTY CHAPTER, New
Jersey, will hold its ninth annual African
violet show April 6-7, 1962.

Sli£!U) News and Views

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should know: No photos can be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, Route 3 Box 284, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

® The AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB OF
GREATER KANSAS CITY held its eleventh
annual show in the Little Theatre of the
Municipal Auditorium February 25-26, 1961.
The theme of the show was “Violet Wonder¬
land.” Best plant in the show was Kimberly,
exhibited by Mrs. W. Keith Meyers. Mrs.
Meyer’s plant of Strike Me Pink was second
best plant. Mrs. Albert Lefebvre won sweep-
stakes with 28 blue ribbons. Mrs. John T.
Buckner was next with 21 blue ribbons.

• The DAVIDSON COUNTY SOCIETY OF
AFRICAN VIOLET CLUBS held their spring
show March 2-3-4, 1961 in the third floor
activity rooms of the Cain-Sloan Store in
Nashville, Tenn. Theme of the show was
“African Violets and Dixie Melodies.” The
rooms were beautifully decorated to carry
out the theme. Mrs. C. J. Major’s plant of
Banner won queen of the show. Mrs. E. J.
Taylor won sweepstakes in specimen plant
division and also in the entire show, Mrs.
Robert Westmoreland was runner-up in
sweepstakes. Mrs. K. B. Everly won third
in sweepstakes of specimen plants and first
in arrangements.

» The MICHIGAN AREA AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY, by invitation of the Michigan
Horticultural Society, entered a display along
the Garden Path of Detroit Builders and
Flower Show in Cobo Hall Feb. 25th to March
5, 1961 with Mrs. Lauri Parssinen as chair¬
man and Mrs. Boyd Fairfax as cochairman.
The display was awarded the Horticultural
Society’s Rosette. The individual entries were
judged by African Violet Society judges and

many ribbons were awarded. Mrs. Ward
Cherry won the tricolor award given by the
Horticultural Society for the best plant.

• The ILLINOIS AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY held its sixth show and meeting
in Decatur, Illinois at Hotel Orlando, May
6-7, 1961. The theme was “Violets Around
the World.” Mrs Richard Hess, Park Forest
was sweepstakes winner, Mrs. Myrtle Carter
of Decatur was runner-up. Mrs. Carter also
had queen of the show, a plant of Shag. Mrs.
Betty Duvall, Bloomington, won the tricolor
ribbon in arrangements. Mrs. Charles Stoehr,
Greenwood, Indiana, was the guest speaker
at the banquet. Her subject was. “What in
the World Did I Do Wrong?” Mrs. Harry
Guymon, Decatur, was chairman of the show.

• “Violet Jewels” was the theme of the sec¬
ond annual show held by the FORT VAN¬
COUVER AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY on
May 5-6, 1961. Mrs. William Huttel won
sweepstakes; Mrs. Kenneth Rains won second.
Miss Dorothy Plum won a special award for
smallest plant in show.

• The LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET SOCIETY held its annual show
May 7, 1961 with the theme “Violet Wonder¬
land.” The Gold Rosette Award in the horti¬
cultural division went to Mrs. W. P. Cook.
Mrs. C. Venable had best plant in the show.
Mrs. D. D. Ricketts had largest plant and also
took sweepstakes. In the artistic division Mrs.
Fred E. Leggett won best arrangement, and
sweepstakes. A number of other blue ribbons
were given.

92

• The CLEVELAND SAINTPAULIA SO¬
CIETY held its annual show at Sterling Lind¬
ner Department Store, Cleveland, Ohio, May
8-9, 1961 with the theme “African Violets —
Mother’s Proud Possessions.” Show chairman
was Mrs. John W, Held; cochairman, Mrs.
James Taylor. Queen of the show was a plant
of Afterglow by Mrs. Charles Dautel; prin¬
cess of the show was a plant of Shag by Mrs.
Henry Loesch. Mrs. Dautel won sweepstakes,
Mrs. Loesch was second. A Select V i o 1 e t
House introduction. Beaming, was judged as
highest scoring plant and was entered by Mrs.
Dautel. Second was Melody Air by Mrs. Jean
Fisco. Best arrangement trophy went to Mrs.
Joseph Hodan. Mrs. Robert Dale displayed
an educational exhibit and Mrs. Henry Wink¬
ler was in charge of the plant sale. A number
of blue ribbons was won by Mrs. Dautel and
Mrs. Loesch for specimen plants. Mrs. Loesch
won the Gold Rosette Award. Judges were
Mrs. Mary Meeds, Mrs. H. V. Olds, and Mrs.
L. D. Grahn.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
THE EAST BAY, INC., held its third annual
show at Lakeside Park Garden Center in Oak¬
land, California, May 20-21, 1961 with the
theme “Enchanted Garden.” Mrs. D. R. Frazer
was chairman with Mrs. John Shuey assisting.
Mrs. Charles Dias was in charge of the staging.

Mrs. Robert Hanson won sweepstakes with
Mrs. Martha Gray as runner-up. Queen of
the show and largest blue ribbon plant went
to Mrs. Mortimer E r s k i n e for T-V Patio
Dance. Mrs. Hanson won the blue and gold
rosettes given by the Northern California
Council for three best registered western va¬
rieties. The red rosette went to Mrs. Gray
for her entry P. T. Pink Jade. A number of
blue ribbons were awarded for arrangements.
A membership drive netted 73 new National
members. Judges were: Mrs. Joseph Craig
and Mrs. Lorraine Lamb, of Santa Rosa; Mrs.
George Barta of San Bruno; Mrs. Charles
Boutell of Vallejo; Mrs. Marjorie Moore and
Minnie Hall of San Jose.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
CANTON, OHIO, held its ninth annual show
at the Canton Garden Center May 23, 1961.
Theme of the show was “May Rhythm” and
Mrs. Kenneth Cope was show chairman. A
plant of Angel Child won queen of the show
for Mrs. Henry Bircher. Mrs. Herbert Robin¬
son’s plant of Matchmate won the award for
princess of the show. The largest blooming
plant Vanity Fair was also entered by Mrs.
Robinson. Mrs. Ralph Hill won sweepstakes
and also entered the smallest blooming plant.
Student Prince. Mrs. Vincent Frank won the
most blue ribbons in artistic arrangements.

• The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
OF CARY, North Carolina, held its fourth an¬
nual show in Cary Town Hall. Theme of this
show was “Violets on Parade.” The Gold Ros¬
ette Award went to Mrs. T. M. Jones. Sweep-
stakes award went to Mrs. J. R. Atkins. Mrs.

H. J. Waff, Jr., won the tricolor for arrange¬
ments. Mr. H, J. Waff, Jr., won tricolor in
“Gay Nineties.” Largest plant in show was
Lavenda, entered by Mrs. T. M. Jones. Small¬
est plant, Clackamas Rattler was entered by
Mrs. J. R. Atkins. Mrs. Jones won tricolor in
shadow boxes. Tricolor went to Mrs. Waff for
theme of the show. Judges were Miss Ruth
Patton, Badin, N.C.; Mrs. Theo. Hinson, Al¬
bemarle, N. C.; Mrs. D. P. Whitley, High
Point, N.C. Mrs. H. J. Waff, Jr., was show
chairman.

• The WICHITA SAINTPAULIA SOCIETY
and the WICHITA FANTASY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held their fourth show March
4-5, 1961 with Mrs. L. L, Clerico as show
chairman and Mrs. H. Johnson cochairman.
Theme of the show was “Violets from Heav¬
en.” Mrs. Wm. M. Ratzlaff won a silver tray
for her queen of the show plant, Wedgewood.
Her plant of Lavenda won second. She also re¬
ceived a silver tray for sweepstakes. Mrs.
L. L. Clerico won second sweepstakes. A num¬
ber of others were blue ribbon winners and
an interesting table presided over by
Mrs. Zelpha Wickersham, Mrs. L. D. Vander-
ham and Mrs. Roy L. Benjamin gave educa¬
tional information. Judges were Mrs. E. F.
Dunlap, Kansas City, Mo., Mrs. Wesley Jar-
rett, Tonganoxie, Kansas; Mrs. T, E. Davis,
Pratt, Kansas and Mrs. Virgil Haney, Turon,
Kansas.

• The BORDER CITIES AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB presented its eighth annual show March
25-26, 1961 at Dom Polski Hall, Detroit, Mi¬
chigan. “Togetherness” was the theme and
Mrs. A. M. Leslie was show chairman, assisted
by Mrs. Bernadine Tanis, Mr. and Mrs, Ed
Gawel, Mrs. James Riddle, Mrs. Mary Fairfax,
Mrs. Walter Woodruff, Mrs. Dorothy Gray
and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Postler. Sweepstakes
went to Mrs. Marvin Newcomb.

• The LONE STAR AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Dallas held its first annual show
March 25-26, 1961 at the Singing Hills Gar¬
den Center. Mrs. J. E. Willis was chairman.
The National Purple Rosette Award went
to Mrs. Willis who also won the sweepstakes
trophy. Mrs. James F. Stubbs won queen of
the show and runner-up for sweepstakes, also
the tricolor award for best arrangement.
There were several other blue ribbons award¬
ed and Mrs. T. J. Stovall and R. D. McCain
provided the display that featured the club
name and theme of the show.

• The NAUGATONIC AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Shelton, Conn., held its first
show at Gardenway Nurseries in Milford. The
judges were Mrs. Mildred Nielsen, Mrs. Irene
Bobowick and Mrs. Emma Goldman. Mrs.
Marge Comboni and Mrs, Marge Fargeot were
cochairmen. “It’s Spring Again” was their
theme.

Due to lack of space photos and copy had to
be held for December. — Editor.

93

^^EUJS

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. 118th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Club News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for Dece^nber issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

The Bi-County African Violet Club, Illinois,

elected the following officers for the year
1961-62: president, Helen Beer; vice president,
Mrs. Jennie Castle; secretary, Mrs. John Tur¬
ney; treasurer, Mrs. Geneva Linbloom.

Officers for the Naugatonic African Violet
Society, Shelton, Connecticut are: president,
Mrs. Newell Mallette; vice president, Mrs.
Joseph Adams; treasurer, Mrs. John Prokop;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Alfred Com-
boni; recording secretary, Mrs. Ernest
Gorghes.

The group meets monthly at the Derby-
Shelton Community Center.

At the June 21, 1961 banquet meeting of
the Metropolitan African Violet Club, Wash¬
ington, D.C., the following officers were in¬
stalled: president, Mrs. Frank Ardai; first
vice president, Mrs. Albert Cooke; second
vice president, Mrs. Eleanor Huntemann; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Dorothy Lydon; cor¬
responding secretary. Mrs. Frank Pearson;
treasurer, Merwyn Schultz.

The Michigan Area African Violet Society
held its annual meeting in Leslie, Michigan
on April 29. The following officers were elect¬
ed for the coming year: president, Mrs. Boyd
Fairfax; vice president, Mrs. Ray Smits; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Ted Schuman; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Esther Pierce; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Violet Baur. An inspiring talk was
given on growing under lights by Darrell
Taylor of Lansing. The Society will have its
fall meeting on October 28th at 11 A.M. in
the parlor of St. Pauls Lutheran Church,
Flint, Michigan. The meeting will be fol¬
lowed by a luncheon and a guest speaker.

The North Shore African Violet Society of
Long Island, New York held a workshop and
panel discussions on potting, growing and
preparing plants for show, at their March
meeting. Many beautiful plants were donated
for their Easter gift to Manor Haven Rest
Home. This is done at Easter and Thanks¬
giving as a little note of cheer to various
hospitals and rest homes in the vicinity. The
officers for 1961-62 were elected at the May
meeting. They were: president, Mrs. Harold
Click; vice president, Mrs. Theodore Roxlau;
recording secretary, Mrs. Charles Manillo;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Russell Van
Houten; treasurer, Mrs. Herman Koster. All
were installed at the June meeting with Mrs.
Douglas Ireland serving as installing officer.
Summer activities included four workshops
conducted in July and August by the top win¬
ners in both horticulture and arrangements

at their last show in May. A picnic was also
held on July 15 where violets were hardly
mentioned, and pleasure was the pass word
for the day.

The Des Moines African Club #1, Des
Moines, Iowa, elected and installed its officers
for 1961-62, at the May meeting. They are:
president, Mrs. R. L. Keleher; vice president,
Mrs. Xen Lindel; recording secretary, Mrs.
Ray Fountain; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
E. E. Findlow; treasurer, Mrs. Howard Steele,

The Wisconsin Council of African Violet
Clubs held its annual spring luncheon at the
Sherman Avenue Methodist Church, Madi¬
son, Wisconsin on May 8th. The Countryside
African Violet Club was the hostess for the
day. Mrs. Thomas Ritchie and Mrs. Otto
Richter were the cochairmen for the lunch¬
eon. After the business meeting, the members
met for lunch in the beautifully decorated
dining room. Installation of officers was con¬
ducted by Mrs, James Dawson of Milwaukee.
The new officers are: president, Mrs. Ed
Toellner; vice president, Mrs. Theodore Rose-
nak; treasurer, Mrs. James Dawson; secretary,
Mrs. H. Hughes. Very interesting reports
were given by several members who attended
the National Convention at French Lick, In¬
diana.

The Milwaukee County African Violet So¬
ciety, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, celebrated its
eleventh anniversary with a spring luncheon,
held June 9th at the Mitchell Park Pavilion,
The club meets in the Pavilion on the second
Friday of the month. Each month members
participate in programs which are interesting
and educational. The club had three projects
for the past year: first, its successful spring
show; second, plant donation days at which
time over 250 plants were donated to shut-
ins; third, member participation in raising and
grooming “Command Performance.”

Officers for 1961 were installed as follows:
recording secretary, Mrs. Joseph Sipusic; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Fred Zaner; mem¬
bership secretary, Mrs. W. F. Lersch. Serving
their unexpired term of office are: president,
Mrs. James Dawson; first vice president, Mrs.
William Krogman; second vice president,
Mrs. George Sanford; treasurer, Mrs. Edwin
Foster.

The Treaty Towne African Violet Society,
Greenville, Ohio observed its annual birth¬
day with a banquet at the Zion Wakefield
Lutheran Church on April 26, 1961. There
were 34 members and guests present. High¬
lights of the evening were pictures of the

94

National African Violet Convention Show at
French Lick, Indiana.

The First African Violet Society of San
Antonio, Texas elected the following officers
for the coming year: president, Charles C.
Day; vice president, W. H. Atkinson; secre¬
tary, Mrs. Irma Crain; treasurer, Mrs. Thomas
Ratliff; Mrs. Crain, organizer and president
for the past year, passed the gavel to Mr.
Day at the April meeting. Mr. Day plans an
informative and interesting program for each
and every monthly meeting during the next
year.

The African Violet Society of Pioneer Val¬
ley, Massachusetts, at its annual meeting on
May 15 at The Oaks, Springfield, Massachu¬
setts, re-elected the following officers for the
coming year: president, Mrs. Harold Ricker;
vice president, Mrs. Charles Egan; secretary.
Miss Blanche Mecum; treasurer, Mrs. Carl
Johanson.

Mrs. Fred K. Smith was re-elected presi¬
dent of the Omaha African Violet Club, Oma¬
ha, Nebraska. Also re-elected were: vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Leslie Jensen; treasurer, Mrs.
Frank Kucirck. Other officers elected are:
corresponding secretary, Mrs. May Gamble;
recording secretary, Mrs. L. A. Lenz. These
officers were installed at a luncheon at Birch-
wood Club.

To enable the new members to become
better acquainted, Mrs. Armand Ruel, mem¬
bership chairman of the Santa Monica Bay
Chapter, California, assisted by the executive
board members, held a coffee hour on June
31, in her home, for members that have joined
during the past year. This gave the members
a better chance to express their opinions on
what they would like to know about raising
African violets, and what phases they would
like to see covered more thoroughly at the
meetings. Also, they could give the board
a general idea of their potential abilities in
assisting the club at meetings and shows.
Members displayed seedling violets at the
June 6th meeting, that were planted in a
hybridizing class held by Mrs. Edmund O.
Sherer last year.

The newly organized South Country Afri¬
can Violet Society of Long Island, New York

elected the following officers: president, Mrs.
Milton Jepson; treasurer, Mrs. Vincent Smith;
recording secretary, Mrs. Carl Lange; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. John DeSant; his¬
torian, Mrs. Leland Fitts. Beginning in Sep¬
tember monthly meetings will take place in
the parish house of St. Paul’s Church in
Patchogue, on the fourth Tuesday at eight
o’clock.

The Violet Wheel Club, New York held

election of officers in February. The same
slate of officers was held over for a second
term. They are: president, Mrs. George Butch¬
er; vice president, Mrs. Marvin Williams; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. James Mackey; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Alta Freutz; corresponding secre¬

tary, Mrs. Price Stephenson. Programs for
the year were interesting, educational and
varied. The club enjoyed a lakeside picnic,
and a husband and wife Bandit Bingo party.
The 1960 show was a huge success. The theme
of the show ‘‘Portraits of Perfection” was
carried out to perfection.

The Winnipeg African Violet Society, Can¬
ada held its annual meeting in February at
which time the following officers were elect¬
ed: president, A. W. Sellers; vice president,
M. C. Jamieson, secretary, Mrs. N. Calder;
treasurer, Ken Barnes. During the evening
Mrs. K. Johanneson demonstrated how Afri¬
can violets may be arranged in corsages and
Ken Barnes stressed the importance of clean¬
liness in the growing of African violets. A
feature of the year’s efforts was the printing
of a booklet containing papers on violets
written by members and friends. This booklet
is given free to members of 1960 and 1961.

At the May meeting the Long Island Afri¬
can Violet Society, New York was proud to
again have Dr. Barke speak. He spoke on
hybridizing. The nominating committee named
their slate of officers and installation was
held in June. The awards for the show were
given out and the show committee reports
were read. Slides of the 1961 show, taken by
members were shown at the June meeting.
In July the annual picnic was held under the
supervision of Mrs. Frank Krameracher, and
a get-together for lunch was held in August.

The Border jCities African Violet Club, De¬
troit, Michigan held its regular meeting May
8th, 1961. The following officers were elected
for the year: president, Mrs. A. M. Leslie;
vice president, Mrs. Marvin Newcomb; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. John Cassidy; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Bernadine Tanis;
treasurer, Daniel Seibert. Slides of arrange¬
ments were shown, also slides of the National
Convention at French Lick. Mrs. Walter
Woodruff, retiring president, was presented
with a gold African Violet Society pin and
gavel.

The Whittier African Violet Society, Cali¬
fornia installed its new officers at the March
meeting. Mrs. Mildred McKeague was the in¬
stalling officer. New officers for 1961-1962
are: president, Mrs. Mary Dunlap; first vice
president, Mrs. W. G. Nelson; second vice
president, Mrs. Clara Sutter; secretary, Mrs.
Ruth Denney; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Elma Groves; treasurer, Mrs. Betty Caldwell.
Past president pins were presented to Mrs.
Phyllis Ferguson, Mrs. W. G. Nelson and Mrs.
Clara Sutter. Preceding installation, they all
enjoyed a jitney potluck lunch at which
everyone contributed their time and talents.

Because of lack of space in this issue Club
News and Show News and Views copy and
photographs have been held for the December
Magazine. — Editor.

95

Mardi Gras

Lilian Jarrett Supreme

Robbi

N

VARi E TIES
W

TO COME

Independence

MARDI GRAS — introduced by Granger Gardens, Medina, ■

Ohio. A full, heavily frilled double, warm deep orchid blooms. j

Almost too many blooms to a stem but they are held well |

above the foliage which is dark bronzy, wavy on top, with a ;

red underside. Makes a symmetrical plant.

LILIAN JARRETT SUPREME — - introduced by Tinari Green- j

houses, Bethayres, Pa. Very large, fully double peachy pink. i

Heavy Amazon foliage, heart-shaped leaf. Symmetrical flat
growth. An ideal show plant. |

ROBBI — introduced by Richter’s Greenhouses, Hammond, I
Indiana. Frilled semidouble blooms of clear medium blue.
Gracefully fluted foliage. Lovely large blossoms, very sym- j
metrical plant. Ready for release in spring, 1962. |

INDEPENDENCE — introduced by Lyndon Lyon, Dolge- j

ville. New York. The yellow stamens stand out against the sj

frilled double red Holly type flowers, making a striking con¬
trast. I

TUFFY — introduced by Meese’s Flower Shop, Falls Church, ji

Virginia. A large open-faced double bicolor that is vividly
marked. The curving petals give it a tricolor effect. A flat j!

growing plant with bronzy, round leaves that are red-backed. |

CRESTED CORAL introduced by Ulery Greenhouses, !
Springfield, Ohio. A delicate single ruffled coral color. A very
free bloomer. Symmetrical medium green quilted foliage. A
large compact grower. (NOTE: Ulery Greenhouses are whole¬
sale growers and shippers only and do not sell at retail or !

answer retail inquiries. Please order from your dealer. — ^Ed.) j

JA NENE — introduced by The Select Violet House, Youngs- j

town, Ohio. The blending color combination of magenta-rose |

flower is breath-taking. Many flowers per stem. Plain foliage. j

Good grower. ;

Tuffy

Crested Coral

Ja Nene

Convention Section

when, how and why of african violet troubles

The final meeting of the 1961 Convention
was held in Convention Hall at 9:30
a.m. on Saturday, March 18th. The An¬
nual Business Meeting and the report on
research by Henry Peterson preceded the
“piece de resistance,” a panel discussion
on the When, How and Why of African
Violet Troubles — a la carte. The moderator,
Mrs. Rr Mason Marshall from Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, introduced the panelist, all well-known
personages in the African violet world: Harry
Meese, Falls Church, Virginia; Mrs. Edward
Lotz, Cincinnati, Ohio; Frank A. Burton, Old
Saybrook, Connecticut; Lyndon Lyon, Dolge-
ville. New York; and Henry Peterson, Cin¬
cinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Marshall invited the audi¬
ence to ask questions about their problems
for the experts to answer, and the discussion
got into motion.

Variegated Foliage

One of the first questions asked was how
to keep variegated foliage variegated. This
is one problem for which as yet no sure cure
has been found. The panelists agreed that
neither the pH of the soil nor fertilization has
any effect on it. Since plenty of light and
cooler temperatures seem to give the best
results, light-temperature studies are now in
process, and the day may come when the
Research Committee will have something con¬
clusive to offer.

Cyclamen Mites

Alma W right said she is besieged with
questions concerning mites. What advice can
she give to a beginner who is suddenly con¬
fronted with the mite problem? Mrs. Lotz
said, “pitch the plants.” Mr, Meese recom¬
mended an all-purpose spray, Endrin. Since
mites have a life span of 3 weeks, spray with
a full strength solution once a week for 3
weeks. Endrin is a product of the Shell Oil
Company and may be obtained from the
American Liquid and Chemical Company,
Marietta, Ohio. A lady from the West Coast
said she had found Spider-sMite to be very
effective. This product is for mites only and
one spraying does a complete killing job. She
uses 11 drops of the product to one cup of
water and sprays every 2 months as a pre¬
cautionary measure. Spider-sMite will not
damage leaves or blossoms. It is manufactured
by Destruxol Products Company, Pasadena,
California.

Mealy Bugs

What to do for mealy bugs? One grower
said she knew of a case where they were in
the soil; the plants seem to do well as long
as the mealy bugs remain in the soil but

Reported by Beatrice Kuder
Bowling Green, Ohio

when they start to work up the stem, then
trouble begins. Aga^n Mr. Meese recom¬
mended Endrin, either pouring the solution
into the soil, or dipping the plant. Mr. Burton
suggested drenching the soil with either Lin¬
dane or Chlordane. Someone suggested a Clo-
rox drench.

Mildew

What can be done for mildew? All on the
panel agreed that the best preventive, and
cure, is good air circulation; this can be ac¬
complished by the use of small electric fans.
Water plants when the temperature is rising.
Blowing Fermate around in the room will
help in controlling mildew. Beware of sulphur
as it will burn the foliage. Several sprays
were recommended: Wonder Garden Spray,
Acti-dione and Mildex.

Thrips

For thrips Mr. Burton recommended a
DDT spray, and Mr. Lyon a general purpose
spray.

Yellow Edges on Leaves

The question was asked as to what causes
yellow edges on leaves. The answer: either an
overdose or a lack of boron. Mr. Peterson
said that if superphosphate is used, either in
the mix in quantity, or watered in, it will in
time tie up the boron and cause a boron de¬
ficiency.

Damaged Foliage

Pitted or scalded looking places on the
under sides of the leaves might be caused by
springtails.

One grower asked what caused soft spots
to suddenly appear on the leaves, sometimes
at the tip, sometimes in the center, yet the
petioles remained fresh and firm. She had
asked this question of the panel on the Friday
morning program and evidently had not been
satisfied with the diagnosis, so decided to
try again. Henry Peterson said it was prob¬
ably caused by foliar nematodes and suggest¬
ed that she read Neil Miller’s Pest Control
Manual.

Another grower said she had trouble with
the centers of some of her plants becoming
small and tight when under fluorescent lights;
when she transferred them to her greenhouse
they opened up. Several reasons for this con¬
dition were given: it could be a heat problem
in the house; a lack of proper air circulation
and ventilation; insufficient light or too much

Continued on Page 99 Second Column,

97

Marie Dannemiller, Moderator
Barberton, Ohio

Another Convention has come and gone,
old friendships renewed and new ones
made, and, once again, the panel type pro¬
gram has proved to be very popular and to
fill a definite need. Our amateur panel was
Friday morning, the professional one, Satur¬
day morning and both were very well at¬
tended.

Questions were numerous and it was grati¬
fying to have members of the audience join
in the discussions with the panel members.
We ran way over our alloted time and had
a number of questions we did not get to at
all, so, I am sending them to Anne Tinari for
her column.

“What is a remedy for mite?” “What is a
remedy for mealy bug?” RAID, House and
Garden Spray was recommended for both
by people who had used it effectively. Sodium
selenate was also recommended for mite, and
touching mealy bug with alcohol on a cotton
swab and repeating every day until no more
appeared, was another remedy.

Someone asked if anyone had any exper¬
ience with worm castings and an answer was,
they are excellent; (my own experience proved
nothing out of the ordinary).

“What would cause undersides of leaves
to have a pitted, rather scalded appearance?
I use Nature’s Way with a small amount of
superphosphate added, also Ovene in repot¬
ting.” Insects such as springtails might cause
pitting, but not the scalded appearance; (my
guess would be too much fertilizer, eight years
experimenting with Nature’s Way has proven,
to my satisfaction, that adding other fertilizers
is a waste of money and sometimes fatal to
plants).

“How can we keep the pink-leafed Episcia
Ember Lace from turning green, preserve the
pink?” Someone recommended V-i cup of wood
ashes to a bushel of soil, and then the dis¬
cussion went on to variegated plants and what
would keep them that way. One answer was
to water with a teaspoon of baking powder
in a gallon of water, another was to water

with a teaspoon of sugar in a gallon of water.
On Saturday morning, when Henry Peterson
gave his Report on Research, he told us that
neither acidity or alkalinity has ANYTHING
to do with variegated plants; this is expert
opinion, so, variegation must be in the plant
structure itself.

“What is the best water to use for water¬
ing violets?” The answers were as varied as
there are types of water, one uses well water,
another cistern water, some rain water. Water
with much iron is successful for one, while
I have two friends who lost all their plants
because of too much iron and neither grow
violets at all anymore. Another cautioned
that chlorinated water must stand overnight
for the chlorine to disappear; (Barberton
water comes from a large reservoir and is
chlorine treated — I draw my water from the
faucet and water at once and have no trou¬
ble). So it goes, what one can do, another
cannot, but isn’t that what makes violet grow¬
ing so fascinating?

One of the girls in our group asked what
would cause some leaves on several of her
plants to discolor at the edges and gradually
spread until the whole leaf was brown and
soft while the petiole stayed firm for several
days. No one on our panel or in the assembly
had an answer, but when she asked the same
question on the Saturday panel, someone ad¬
vanced the theory it was leaf nematodes. She,
of course, was horrified and upon reaching
home, examined them under her microscope
but could find nothing; she tested the soil
and found a slight potash deficiency. Upon
taking several plants from the pots, she found
a massive root system, and the soil practically
used up, when I asked if she had fertilized
lately, she remembered someone had given
her instant Vigoro to try and she had used it
on this group of plants. In looking back over
our “What’s Your Problem?” panel at Detroit,
this same question was asked and the answer
was “overfertilization,” September 1959 mag¬
azine, in case you care to check back. We feel
this answer definitely applies to Mary’s prob¬
lem, and she is busily repotting.

In the March magazine, page 84, I said I
was going to make my mix without sand —
I did, but I do not like it, so, am adding some
as I use it, guess I’m like the old fashioned
cook who keeps adding lard to her pie dough
until it “feels right.”

Panel Members Potting Formulas

Mrs. Dean (Pauline) Kuntz, Winterset, Iowa.
6 parts rich, black loam
3 parts peat moss, the brown, fluffy, im¬
ported type
2 parts fine sand
2 parts Sponge-Rok
2 parts dehydrated cow manure
To a bushel of the above mix, add a 3 inch
potful of fine white superphosphate. The loam.

98

peat moss, sand and cow manure must either
be baked or sterlized with CMorpicrin (tear
gas) to kill insects and fungi; Soilfume caps
are not effective against fungi, I NEVER fer¬
tilize when using the above soil formula.

Mrs. Wm. C. (Elinor) Rodda, Box 6, C3ssian,
Indiana

2 gallons black, sandy loam
1 gallon Millbum peat moss

1 cup Hoosier Blend
Va cup Hybro-Tite

Mix thoroughly, then I steam sterilize it. I take
4 parts of the above mixture and add

2 parts Sponge-Rok and

1 part vermiculite

Mix and use for any size violet. For Hoosier
Blend and Hybro-Tite, write for information
to — Fanning Soil Service, 4951 S. Custer
Road, Monroe, Flichigan

Mrs. W. B. (Myrtle) Green, 669 E. Davant
Ave., Memphis 6, Tennessee.

10 cans of brown peat moss '(these are 1 lb.
coffee cans)

3 cans sand

2 cans dehydrated cow manure
1 can Ruhm’s Phosphate rock

1 can HybrO“Tite potash rock (granite
dust)

1 can charcoal such as is fed to hens
*1 can steamed bone meal

4 Tbsp. Activo.

Wet the peat and pack into cans. Place in*
bottom of tub and add all other ingredients
on top, dampen and mix thoroughly. Let cure
ten days before using. I DO NOT sterilize.

* (Steamed bone meal comes ready to use,
it has already been steam processed to
remove the gelatin and glue content. Raw
bone meal has not been processed, is quite
odorous, takes much longer to break down
and is not recommended for indoor use.
Fred Veith handles all organic products,
see his ad in magazine.)

When asked how they start leaves, Elinor
Rodda said she uses:

Vs peat, Vs vermiculite and Vs Sponge-Rok.
Pauline Kuntz said her formula is:

Vs peat, Vs sand and Vs medium perlite.
Myrtle Green told us she stuffs a handful
of leaves into a glass of water, plants them
when she gets around to them and “the babies
Just HATCH right out.”

Clinical Capers was a great success, we
learned many things from one another and
we had SO much fun; who but Myrtle Green
would have plants that HATCH out? Although
we ran almost a half hour over our schedule
many people said they wished these panel
programs would last twice as long; it is a
wonderful way to become better acquainted
and to help each other with our problems,
and, as we wrestle with our daily problems,
please, every day, let us pause for that mo¬
ment of silent prayer for world peace. •

A iarsr size hulh syr¬
inge, that may be
IMiri'hased at a n y
oli'ers an
easy water carrier Jor
watering piuni^ on
high shrives atiti hard
to jiet plat es. II is a
time saver aiut lUs
e.t»u rages t‘ r water *

ins*

WHEN HOW and WHY— Continued

light; too much fertilizer.

Asked whether any harm could result from
using V-C 13 and ■ fertilizer at the same time,
Mr. Burton said he had used even more than
that: V-C 13, fertilizer, and sodium selenate
all at one time, and no damage had been done.

Someone asked why a foliar feeding of
Ra-Pid-Gro burned the leaves. Mr. Lyon said
he thought either the solution was too strong
or the spray was not fine enough. He recom¬
mended using one teaspoon of Ra-Pid-Gro to
6 gallons of water. He also said that his plants
are fertilized at every watering with one
teaspoon of Plant Marvel to 6 gallons of water.

Yellow Violet?

One of the panel members mentioned that
the dream of every African violet grower
may be realized in the not too distant future
and asked Mr. Meese to tell about one plant
in his display. Mr. Meese said he has named
this plant Placid. It has a pure white blossom
on very dark foliage, and he feels there is a
very good chance that yellow genes are pres¬
ent. So, who knows, that long-hoped-for yel¬
low African violet blossom may be just around
the corner.

Although interest was high, time did not
permit further discussion. Such a forum de¬
serves a place on every Convention program.
No grower, commercial or amateur, is without
problems, and it is a healthy arrangement
when they can sit down together and discuss
them. The commercial grower or hybridizer
can become more aware of what the amateur
wants in the African violets he or she grows,
and the amateur can benefit from, the wider
knowledge and experience the commercial
grower has in combatting the many troubles
that seem to be always present somewhere, •

99

Convention

Section

How

To Use

African Violets
In

Arrangements

This workshop program fea¬
turing African violets in ar¬
rangements was well worth at¬
tending. In a most pleasing
manner and with a minimum
of effort the guest speaker, Mrs.
Ray Thorn, Indianapolis, In¬
diana, deftly progressed from
one attractive arrangement to
another. Chosen to be photo¬
graphed were arrangements re¬
presentative of the many beau¬
tiful and harmonious ones
created at this interesting Friday
morning session.

Honorary Life Membership Certificate
to: Helen Van Pelt Wilson, Westport,
Connecticut.

Helen Wilson has long been the Society’s
faithful friend, publicist and devoted good¬
will ambassadoress. Her magazine stories and
books on African violets have been a valuable
asset to the Society; they have given prom¬
inence to the African Violet Society of Amer¬
ica, Inc., its address and amount of member¬
ship dues; all this effective publicity has re¬
sulted in many new members for us. In re¬
sponse to requests for Society information,
she has distributed hundreds of membership
blanks via mail to her reading public. She has
given generously to the Boyce Edens Research
Fund and was the guiding spirit behind the
largest gift to the Society for research.

In addition to her helpful influence and
assistance to the Society, Helen Wilson,
through her writing, has advanced the cause
of the Saintpaulia in other sections of the
world. She has stimulated and encouraged
this interest in the culture and propagation
of the African violet in such fashion and over

Awards for 1961

Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Chairman,
Downers Grove, Illinois

such an area — African violets have brought
pleasure to thousands who might never have
known them.

The Bronze Medal Certificate to:

Dr. Harold Moore, Jr., Ithaca, New York,
for his very worthwhile scientific contribu¬
tion to the Society. He has been generous to
a fault with his information, plants and ad¬
vice. We feel safe with his guidance, that he
is providing correct material and trustworthy
descriptions to print. Anything he has been
asked to do for the Society in this connection
he has done.

The Bronze Medal Certificate to:

Dr. Kenneth F. Baker, University of Cali¬
fornia, Berkeley, California. Dr. Baker is
editor of the excellent manual “The U. C.
System for Producing Healthy Container-
Grown Plants”, which contains a wealth of
material on soil mixes and is published at a
cost within reach of all.

Honorary Annual Membership Certificates
Were Awarded to:

Leonard K. Brewer, Southgate, Michigan,

for the interesting and beautiful African vio¬
lets he has hybridized.

Theodore Weston, Garden Editor, The
American Home, New York, N. Y., for his fine
story on African violets, which did much to
promote an increased interest in the African
violet.

W. P. Malone, Dallas, Texas, for his won¬
derful articles on soil which were written for
the magazine.

Ruth W. Alempi, of Station WRCA-TV,
New York, N. Y., whose excellent broadcast
on Saintpaulias did much to advance the cause
of the African violet.

Luella Marmaduke, Aliquippa, Pennsyl¬
vania, for her interest in helping the magazine
with stories and photographs.

Forrest Richter, Hammond, Indiana, for
his helpful assistance to the African Violet
Magazine.

Mr. and Mrs. C. F. Elderkin, Dayton,
Ohio, for their generosity and willingness to
share their fund of knowledge with countless
members of the Society who have asked their
advice on irradiated African violet leaf cut¬
tings and seeds.

Mrs. Walter Woodruff, Windsor, Canada,
and

Mrs. Earle Sponenburgh, Windsor, Canada,
for their promotion of the African violet in
Canada.

Joseph Schulz, Indianapolis, Indiana, for
his devotion to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc., and his willingness to under¬
take any job in the Society’s behalf.

Special Awards, Amateur Division, French
Lick Convention Show:

Alma Wright Affiliated Chapter Sweep-
stakes Awards: four silver awards to the four
sweepstakes winners who won the most blue
ribbons in specimen classes in shows spon¬
sored by individual clubs, state societies or
councils of clubs. Mrs. Glenn B. Hudson,
Westfield, N. ,J., Union County Chapter Afri¬
can Violet Society; Mrs. O. D. Fleming, Jr.,
Raleigh, N. C., Raleigh African Violet Society;
Mrs, Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio,
Glass City African Violet Club of Toledo;
Mrs. Albert Lefebvre, Kansas City, Missouri,
African Violet Club of Greater Kansas City.
Miss Magdalena Lauer, Santa Monica, Cali¬
fornia, Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the Afri¬
can Violet Society, was tied with Mrs.
Lefebvre but Mrs. Lefebvre won as a result
of a drawing of names.

Select Violet House Awards— $10 for best
Cottontail, $10 for best Honey, $5 for best
Sunset Strip, $5 for best Mint Glow. None
qualified.

Arndt’s Floral Garden — -$10 for best Ori¬
ental Music. None qualified. $15 for best
specimen of the Exotic Butterfly series. None
entered.

Tinari Greenhouses Award of an 8 inch
silver planter bowl on matching silver dish

102

to the best specimen of listed introductions.
Won by Mrs. George Saxton, Columbus, Ohio.
Variety: Lilian Jarrett.

Granger Gardens Award $25 for the best
specimen of the listed Granger introductions.
Won by Mrs. Mae Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana
Variety: G. G. Blue Nocturne.

Flower Grower Sterling Silver Plate
Award to Mrs. Charles Stoehr, Greenwood,
Indiana. In the Affiliated Chapter work,
Betty’s accomplishments have been many and
worthwhile. The persons she has helped learn
the proper culture of African violets are
legion. She has voluntarily given plants to
many persons to help them start growing
African violets. She has corresponded with
hundreds of people, along with personal con¬
tact, helping them with solutions to their pro¬
blems with African violets. She has been ac¬
tive in the parent Indianapolis African Violet
Club for a number of years. She served as
president of that club and has been instru¬
mental in conducting the annual shows held
in Indianapolis, sponsored by that organiza¬
tion. She was the guiding hand that formed
one Indianapolis African Violet Club. Betty
belongs to a number of African Violet Pigeons
and Robins. She unhesitatingly accepts judg¬
ing requests from all over the midwest and
east. She gladly accepts speaking engage¬
ments from local or state organizations in any
locale, where she passes on enlightening in¬
formation on African violet culture. Betty’s
efforts in behalf of the Buyer’s Guide are un¬
ceasing. This is a most worthwhile service
for the National members. Her ability to grow
and groom plants .gives her an excellent op¬
portunity ‘ to evaluate the worthwhile plants
tested under this program and to report
through the magazine for the benefit of all.
She was instrumental in the organization of
the Indiana State African Violet Society, was
the first president of that group and has been
directly concerned with the successful meet¬
ings of that organization.

Popular Gardening Sweepstakes Award.
Sterling Silver Bowl for the most blue rib¬
bons in classes 1 through 23, to Mrs. Mae
Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Tube Craft Flora Cart Award to the ex¬
hibitor of the three best specimen plants: 1
true purple, 1 pink and 1 white. Won by Mrs.
Mae Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

Smith Potting Soil Company Award of $25
to the most outstanding seedling or mutation
never before exhibited in a National Conven¬
tion Show. Won by Mrs. Lucile Rainsberger,
Lambertville, Michigan, with a seedling hav¬
ing slightly wavy light green foliage, fringed
white and pink striped single blossom.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $50
for the best registered named variety in
classes 1 through 23, to Mrs. Mae Trost, In¬
dianapolis, Indiana. Variety: Double Ruffles.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $25

for the best specimen plant in purple, to Mrs.
Mae Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana. Variety:
Coon Valley.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $25
for the best specimen plant in red, to Mrs.
Veda Roth, Peru, Indiana. Variety: Shag.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $25
for the best specimen plant in white, to Mrs.
Edna Bradshaw, Dublin, Ohio. Variety: White
Rock.

Indiana State African Violet Society
Bronze Plaque to the registrant of the best
registered named variety in classes 1 through
23 in the Amateur Division, to Granger
Gardens, Medina, Ohio. Variety: Blue Electra.

Illinois African Violet Society, Inc. $10
Award for the best artistic arrangement in
the Amateur Division scoring 95 points or
more, to Mrs. Charles Dedera, St. Louis, Mo.

Atlas Fish Emulsion Fertilizer Trophy for
the best composition in Artistic Division, to
Mrs. R. H. Rieber, East St. Louis, Missouri.

Madison Gardens $25 Award for the best
Fairyland White. None qualified, and Madison
Gardens asked that this $25 be given to the
Society’s Research Fund.

Research Committee Cross Hybrid Award,
sponsored by the Research Committee of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. $25
for the best entry in Class 28 resulting from a
cross of any genus of the Gesneria family.
Judged by the Research Committee and must
show that it is a successful cross genus hybrid
showing some characteristics of the other
Gesneria Hybrid. None.

Year Book Awards by the Society Library:
First Award $15 to the Tennessee Valley Afri¬
can Violet Club, Knoxville, Tennessee; Second
Award $10 to the Santa Monica Bay Chapter,
Santa Monica, California; Third Award $5 to
the Baltimore African Violet Club, Baltimore,
Maryland.

In addition, a special award was given to
Mrs. L. L. Kile, Knoxville, Tennessee, for her
beautiful exhibit of Saintpaulia species.

Also, a special award was given to Henry
Peterson, Cincinnati, Ohio, for his beautiful
exhibit of blooming Gesneriads. These exhibits
were educational and interesting.

The Society’s Sterling Silver Cup to the
best registered named specimen in the Ama¬
teur Division, to Mrs. Mae Trost, Indianapolis,
Indiana. Variety: Blue Electra.

Award of Merit Rosette to the second best
registered specimen, to Mrs. Veda Roth, Peru,
Indiana. Variety: Shag.

Honorable Mention Rosette to the third
best registered variety, to Mrs. Mae Trost,
Indianapolis, Indiana. Variety: Afterglow.

Gold Rosette Award for the best collection
of three registered named varieties, to Mr.
and Mrs. John T. Buckner, Pleasant Hill,
Missouri. Varieties: Sleeping Beauty, Blue
Electra and Blue Flag.

Continued on Bottom Next Page.

103

A panel discussion with Joseph Schulz as moderator

I Like These Violets -- Now

The following panel was introduced by Mrs.

Schadewald: Mrs. Lucile Kile, Mrs. Doro¬
thy Gray, Dr. Sheldon C. Reed, Miss Edith
Peterson, and Mrs. Clarence Kuder. Each
panelist was asked to pick out his five favorite
African violets in his collection and give the
reasons for his choice, also to tell how these
particular varieties performed for him. The
reports from each panelist proved to be very
interesting.

Mrs. Kile’s favorites were: Naomi’s After-
Glo, Calumet Beacon, Double Black Cherry,
Sissy Britches and Fischer’s Rose Dust. Her
reasons were stated individually as she gave
the name of each favorite; they are all on her
list as growing flat and symmetrical and
performing well. She said that Calumet Bea¬
con and Double Black Cherry are very good
show plants.

Mrs. Gray said she had no trouble picking
her number one favorite ■ — it was Dorothy
Gray; after that the selection became more of
a problem. Her second choice was West Irish
Elf, mainly because it is a. -good bloomer and
of window sill size; third was So Sweet; fourth
was Heritage because it grows flat; and fifth,
Tinari’s Zorro.

Mrs. Kuder’s first choice was Colorado
Night because it is a good heavy bloomer and
holds the blossoms for a long time, also the
blooms do not lose their color; the variety
grows flat. Second was Smugsy Wugsy, a large
double pink that does not require too much
light. Next was Purple Princess, a registered
variety that is a, heavy bloomer and has strong
bloom stems so that the blooms are held well
up above the foliage. It can take strong light,
and it grows very flat. Fourth was Star Inno¬
cence, another variety that holds its blooms
up well above the foliage. Crimson Challenge
was fifth; it is another registered variety that
is a very heavy bloomer, although the blos¬
soms have a tendency to fade quickly.

Awards for 1961

Continued

Purple Rosette Award for the second best
collection of three registered named varieties.
None qualified.

Society’s Commercial Awards:

Commercial Silver Cup, to the exhibitor of
the best registered named variety in Classes 1
through 13 in the specimen plant division for
nonhybridizing commercial members, to
Champion’s African Violets, Clay, New York.
Variety: Green Confetti.

Commercial Silver Trophy Cup for the

Reported 'by Charlotte Marshall
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Miss Peterson’s first choice was Cavalier
because it propagates very easily, also grows
well under either daylight or fluorescent light,
and is a profuse bloomer. Second was Fringed
Pom Pon; this one grows best in daylight if
it is to remain flat. Elegance was third choice.
Then, Double Pink Waverly because it is a
fast grower and grows flat and large. Last
came D’Amour; this is a single deep purple
that is a very vibrant color.

Dr. Sheldon Reed said that he would have
no problem if they had asked him to name
his favorite child. Since that was not the case,
his discussion would take more time and con¬
sideration; out of 800 violets it does take time
to pick just 5. He finally picked as num¬
ber one, White Pride Supreme because it has
large double white blooms on heavy Supreme
quilted leaves. Second, Northern Prize is an¬
other heavy bloomer that grows very symme¬
trically, but it is not as heavy as a Supreme.
Third, Pink Dream, a heavy bloomer that
blooms early. Fourth, Ann Bly, a Star that
has very large blooms and does well under
lights. He called his fifth choice Sucker C
but said Mr. Lyon introduced it as Ardent
Red. It is a large double Star, of a very vibrant
red, a heavy bloomer with sturdy bloom stalks,
and dark foliage. It grows very well under
lights.

Each panelist brought out the fact that
we all have conditions that vary as to climate,
lighting, watering, etc., and stressed that we
should keep this particular fact foremost in
our minds when reading about other people’s
growing methods.

It was very interesting to hear about these
favorites and the reasons for picking them.
I would like to add only this: “More Power
to Each of You.” •

best Commercial Exhibit Table, to Granger
Gardens, Medina, Ohio.

New Introduction Award— -a plaque to the
hybridizer of the best new introduction in the
Commercial Exhibit:

First to Lyndon Lyon, Dolgeville, New
York, for Hi Hopes.

Second to Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio,
for Fair Elaine.

Third to Lyndon Lyon, Dolgeville, New
York, for Ardent Red. •

104

RESEARCH

Interspecific Hybridization in Sointpoulio
Species

Species

amoniensis

a

i/i

3

•*-

a

o

u

difficilis

grandifolia

Grotei

ionantha

magungensis

orbicularis

tongwensis

velutina

shumensis

amoniensis

confusa

•

difficilis

•

•

\

grandifolia

•

•

•

k

Grotei

•

•

•

•

ionontho

magungensis

•

O

•

O

•

•

orbicularis

•

tongwensis

velutina

o

•

shumensis

O

O

O

o

•

o

O

•

o

o

\

Legend: ^ Hybrid obtained

Hybridizing
with the
African Violet
Species

Carl D. Clayberg
The Connecticut
Agricultural
Experiment Station
New Haven, Conn.

O Cross made, no hybrid obtained

IF any one expression were used to charac¬
terize the current assemblage of African
violet varieties, it might well be the word
“diversity.” Probably no other house plant
can boast of a comparable complexity of com¬
bined flower, leaf, and plant habit types.
Nevertheless amateur and professional breeder
alike are continually seeking new or improved
characteristics that could contribute to an
outstanding variety.

One source of such traits is to be found
in the African violet species. Among the nine¬
teen or so known, few if any would be con¬
sidered exceptional in comparison with the
ornamental varieties developed in the last
several years. Yet some of the species possess
traits, possibly not unique, but still worth
adding to the store of variability already
represented in Saintpaulia ionantha varieties.

Generally speaking, offspring from inter¬
specific crosses among plants are frequently
difficult or impossible to obtain. The experi¬
ments reported here originated from the de¬
sire to determine whether or not any barriers
existed to prevent hybridization among the
various species of Saintpaulia. Since the tests
are still underway, this may be considered
a progress report.

The species with which I have worked to
date include S. amaniensis, S, confusa, S. dif-
ficilis, S. grandifolia, S. Grotei, S. ionantha
(mostly ‘White Madonna’), S. magungensis,
S. orbicularis, S. shumensis, S. tongwensis, and
S. velutina. Although I have grown S. Goet-
zeana also, it has not flowered for me and
consequently has not been included in the
hybridization program. These species came

105

from several sources, mostly Dr. Harold E.
Moore of Cornell University and Mr. Henry
Peterson of Cincinnati, Ohio, to whom I am
indebted for generously providing the plants.

The experimental procedure has been to
intercross the species in order to obtain the
various possible hybrid combinations. Be¬
cause of limitations in time and facilities no
particular attempt has been made to get re¬
ciprocal hybrids; that is, both possible hybrids
between two parents (where one parent is
the seed parent of one hybrid and the pollen
parent of the other hybrid).

In most instances the crosses have been
readily accomplished with one or two polli¬
nations sufficing. However, one species, S.
shumensis, has proven extremely difficult to
hybridize with any of the others, regardless
of whether it is used as seed or pollen parent.
The chart shows my results to date.

In the crosses S. magungensis x S. confusa
(pollen parent), S. grandifolia x S. magun¬
gensis, and S. orbicularis x S. velutina cap¬
sules were set but either contained no plump
seed or else the seed failed to germinate. The
ease with which the parents of these three
crosses entered into other combinations sug¬
gests that these failures are not indicative of
any true barriers to crossability, and the
crosses have been repeated although the re¬
sults from this second crossing series are not
yet known. Furthermore, Dr. Reed informs
me that he has successfully crossed S. mag¬
ungensis with S. confusa.

The nature of the hybridization barrier
between S, shumensis and the other species
is interesting for several reasons and merits
further investigation. In the first place, S.
shumensis is one of the more horticulturally
valuable species because of its relatively few¬
er foliar hairs, its miniature growth habit,
and the dark violaceous eye of its flowers.

Secondly, the crossing barrier is not com¬
plete. I have obtained two hybrids with this
species: S. shumensis x S. orbicularis and S.
Grotei x S. shumensis. Dr. Reed has made
two additional species hybridizations with it:
S. shumensis x S. ionantha and S. magungen¬
sis X S. shumensis.

The S. shumensis X S. orbicularis hybrid
has been raised to flowering and is quite fer¬
tile. It sets seed readily upon self-pollination,
and from this seed most of a progeny of eleven
plants are likewise readily setting capsules
following self-pollination. The hybrid has also
been successfully crossed with a S. ionantha
variety. Consequently, despite the initial bar¬
rier to hybridizing S. ionantha with S. shu¬
mensis, it seems that by using hybrids already
obtained with the latter sjjecies, one would
probably have little or no trouble in trans¬
ferring desired characteristics from S. shu¬
mensis into S. ionantha varieties.

The results of my interspecific hybridiza¬

tion experiments thus far can be summarized
in a few words. Excepting S. shumensis, little
or no difficulty should be encountered in hy¬
bridizing the species I have used, with each
other or with fertile S. ionantha varieties for
the purpose of transferring into these the
desired characteristics of the species. Even
S. shumensis may be easily utilized through
the interspecific hybrids of it we already have.

What traits of the species might be worth
putting into present-day varieties? Enumera¬
tion of some attractive features I have ob¬
served in the various species might provide
ideas for those of you interested in breeding
with them.

With regard to flower characteristics prob¬
ably the greatest interest centers around new
colors, especially hopes for a yellow-flowered
African violet. The species I am familiar with
include only the colors blue, lavender, and
purple. Hence they do not offer a means of
achieving this goal. Unless a yellow-flowered
Saintpaulia species is found in the wild
not a very likely prospect — there are only
two possible sources of this color for African
violets.

One source might be the chance occurrence
of a yellow-flowered mutant (or sport). Our
knowledge of biochemistry tells us that the
various blue, purple, lavender, magenta, and
pink colors of African violet flowers are due
to pigments called anthocyanins, which are
also responsible for similar colors in the
flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of many
other plant species.

Anthoxanthins, xanthophylls, and carote¬
noids are the pigments that produce the
orange and yellow flower colors. The anthox¬
anthins are chemically very similar to the
anthocyanins and probably will be respon¬
sible for the color of any yellow sport en¬
countered in Saintpaulia. Since yellow flower
color is not presently known to occur in the
genus, however, the chances that it will arise
de novo are extremely small. The use of ir¬
radiation to speed up the mutation rate, as
discussed at your 1960 Convention by Dr.
Sparrow (Sparrow, Sparrow, and Schairer,
1960), could increase the probability of this
event.

A second source of yellow would be to
transfer this color into Saintpaulia from a
related genus by hybridization. The most like¬
ly candidate for this purpose is Petrocosmea
Kerrii, a plant showing strong resemblance to
African violets. Its flowers of white blotched
with yellow are borne above hairy leaves
arranged in a rosette. Despite recently re¬
ported differences in chromosome numbers
between Saintpaulia and Petrocosmea (Fus-
sell, 1958), their close relationship warrants
a determined effort to intercross them.

Attempts to hybridize African violets with
the yellow-flowered Episcia are less likely

106

of success because these genera are more
distantly related, botanically speaking. In ad¬
dition the principal yellow-flowered Episcia,
‘Tropical Topaz,’ is quite sterile for reasons
not yet determined.

As concerns flower color patterns, both
S. orbicularis and S. shumensis have pale blue
flowers with a dark violaceous eye. Although
dark-eyed varieties such as ‘Pink Miracle’ are
already available, it may be that transfer of
this characteristic from the species into a
dark-eyed S. ionantha variety will result in
even darker-eyed selections than we have at
present.

Hybrids thus far grown to flowering be¬
tween either S. shumensis or S. orbicularis
and the remaining species have all lacked the
dark eye. In addition, Dr. Reed has in¬
formed me that the dark eye of S. orbicularis
in hybrids with S. ionantha is simply inherited
as a recessive and is not due to more than one
or two genes. The S. shumensis x S. orbicu¬
laris hybrid possesses the dark eye, as do all
of its self-pollinated offspring I have grown.
Hence, the inheritance of the trait in these
two species is likely to be similar.

S. orbicularis bears its flower clusters on
long flower stalks or peduncles well above
the foliage. This feature could be of consider¬
able use in some of the double-flowering S.
ionantha varieties which have a marked tend¬
ency to hide their flowers down in the foliage.
Plants with double flowers borne on long,
erect peduncles have readily been obtained
from the cross S. orbicularis X S. ionantha
‘White Madonna.’

Much has already been done to modify
characteristics of plant habit in African vio¬
lets, and leading breeders have been engaged
in this endeavor. For example, utilization of
the trailing habit in S. Grotei has resulted in
Tinari’s Trailers, while the interest in minia¬
tures and semim.iniatures is exemplified by
Fischer’s Little Giant series.

Besides S. Grotei, S. magungensis and S.
amaniensis are also trailing, although to a
lesser extent. Hybrids between these three spe¬
cies and S. ionantha tend to be almost stem¬
less, similar to the latter parent. But in inter¬
specific crosses where a stemless parent other
than S. ionantha is used, trailing hybrids may
result. This is the case in the hybrid S. mag-
ungensis X S. orbicularis.

One of the principal reasons for developing
and growing hybrids of such plants as corn,
tomatoes, and petunias is to take advantage
of a phenomenon the breeder calls “hybrid
vigor.” A hybrid shows hybrid vigor when it
excels both of its parents in luxuriance and
vigor of growth, size and abundance of flow¬
ers, or yield of fruit or grain.

Although a number of the interspecific
Saintpaulia hybrids exhibit hybrid vigor, they
generally do so in an undesirable manner:

the production of an excessive number of
suckers in the crown of the plant. One way of
channeling this vigor into more attractive
results, such as increased flower production,
would be to have a plant type that suppresses
sucker formation. Such types are known in
other plant species. In tomato, for example,
there is a mutant called “lateral suppressor,”
which inhibits the growth of side shoots.

A plant of S. tongwensis I started from a
leaf cutting three years ago has yet to develop
a single sucker. Not having grown plants of
this species from many sources, I do not know
whether this feature is generally characteris¬
tic of it. If the trait is heritable it could be a
valuable one. Interspecific hybrids with S.
tongwensis as one parent have usually pro¬
duced an abundance of suckers, including
hybrids with S. ionantha ‘Painted Girl.’ Grow¬
ing self-pollinated progenies from S. tong¬
wensis hybrids would reveal whether the ab¬
sence of suckers is inherited as a recessive
trait and is capable of being used in a breed¬
ing program.

Regarding leaf characteristics many of the
species have rather unattractive leaf shapes.
And the leaf shapes of some are frequently
dominant in their hybrids, as is true in hy¬
brids with S. confusa and S. tongwensis. One
field worth further exploration here is the
interaction of mutant leaf characters in S.
ionantha, such as “girl” leaf, with the domi¬
nating wild foliage of the species. Hybrids of
S. ionantha “girl” varieties with particularly
the larger-leaved species like S. Grotei and
S. grandifolia, accompanied by deliberate se¬
lection for short-petioled and larger-leaved
hybrids, might result in some very interesting
varieties.

S. shumensis differs markedly from the
rest of the species in its upper leaf surface.
The erect hairs on this surface are of one
length, and not only are they longer than
leaf hairs in other African violets but there
are fewer of them per unit of leaf surface. In
the hybrids that have been obtained with S,
shumensis these characteristics show some
dominance. Transfer of them into S. ionantha
varieties, especially the glossy-leaved sorts,
is definitely worth an attempt.

These are just a few suggestions of fea¬
tures the species have to offer the interested
and willing breeder, as well as those who
eagerly await his introductions. Undoubtedly
further study of the species would bring to
light additional advantages besides those list¬
ed here.

LITERATURE CITED

Fussell, C. P. 1958. Chromosome numbers in
the Gesneriaceae. Baileya 6: 117-125.
Sparrow, A. H., R. C. Sparrow, and L. A.
Schairer. 1960. The use of X-rays to in¬
duce somatic mutations in Saintpaulia.
African Violet Magazine 13:32-37.

107

“S P O N G E - R O K '

The Rock That Breathes In Your Soil

. . . fhe permanent- growing medium for every horHcultural use
from seed germinotion to soil conditioning

SEED GERMINATION, CUTTINGS

Pure Sponge-Rok or mixed V2 with
peat moss is used extensively by
commercial growers. Reusable time
and again. Will not absorb an over¬
abundance of water.

PLANTERS & POT PLANTS

Used in combination with soil or
organic materials for plants grow¬
ing in containers. Found in most
private label planter mixes.

SOIL CONDITIONING

Used with soil around root ball
when planting and mixed in lawn
and garden soils to permanently
improve soil structure.

Packed in Vz and 2 Bushel Bags — Write for Samples and Prices

SPONGE-ROK SALES

2112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wise.

Dealers and commercial growers-write for prices on direct factory shipments

PLANTS — ROOTED CUTTINGS ™ LEAVES

Newest and Older Varieties
Write for List

MRS. COURT JOHNSTON

Route 1, Box 48 Carrollton, III.

IMPROVED NEW

White Cover— 1960 Third Revised Edition

“AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOR
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure, Afri¬
can violet arrangements, judges, judging, species,
gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules, and other
(helpful) up-to-date information. $1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

NOW . . . with NEW

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NOTE — The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy
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CLASS — Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1
white, any variety) scoring the highest points. Each
plant must score at least 85 points. These plants are
to be entered in the regular classes for true purples,
pinks, and whites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS —

1953 — Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954 — Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955 — Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956 — Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957 — Mrs. J. R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958 — ^Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959 — Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

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108

the newest of varieties

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STARTER PLANTS

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SINGLE VARIETIES

Q KINGS RANSOM

Clear pink, chartreuse
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□ MARS

Large red lavender . 85

□ MISS ATLANTIC CITY

Large raspberry pink . 85

□ RACY RED

Bright cerise red star . 85

Q ROSE DUST

Bright pink, frilled edging 1.25

□ MING BLUE

Giant, deep blue . 1.25

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Two-tone cerise pink .... .85

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□ DRIVEN SNOW

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Frilled, clear pink . 85

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Large blue, light edging . . .85

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edging . 85

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Frilled deep pink, gold
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Regal Gold deep royal purple edged in faint frilly gold border, red back foliage,
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Your choice at $1.00 each 4 for $3.50

Afterglow, America, Angel Lace, Arctic Snow, Blue Tango, Cherry Pink, Cydonia,
Double Inspiration, Fringed Pom Pon, Fringed Snow Prince, Holiday, Iris, Little
Jewel, Monaco Pink, Pink Geneva, Pink Polka, Purple Knight, Purple Star, Red
Glow, White Pride, White Tango, Star Gazer.

Orders of $3.75 or less add 45^ postal charges, over add 65<, West of Miss., 85^

We carry a full line of plastic pots, insecticides, plant
food and violet accessories described in our 1 961 catalog
free on request.

0|r|e|e|isi|h|o|u|s|e1^

BETHAYRES, PA.
Dept. A. V.

<=41 rican Violet

MAGAZINE VOLUME 15 number 2 December i96i

FREE— “BLUE LACE“ (PICTURED) IT'S WHAT'S UP FRONT!

Order now for Spring delivery and receive one rooted cutting of “BLUE LACE“
per each $5.00 order plus $1.00 for postage of the following:

PAUL BUNYAN — Lustiest big red flowery full
dbl. fabulous! R.C. $1.00

GREEN GOBLIN — -Mossy frilled deep wine dbl.

magic! R.C. $1.00

TYNAMITE — Tiny dynamite, a dbl. pink S.
shumensis f2. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 1 Above 3 for $2.50

VELVET BALL — Big full dbl. frilled deep wine,
extravagant! R.C. $1.00

LAVENDER PEARL-— Most delicate nearly
white dbl. profuse! R.C. $1.00

GLOWING — Giant flowers semidbl. medium
red, winner! R.C. $1.00

PURPLE FRILLS— Deep purple dbl. darker
edge, tailored foliage, impressive!

R.C. $1.00

Group No. 2 Above 4 for $3.00

OLD SILVER — Silvery white lightly blued, dbl.

Geneva, what how! R.C. $1.00

INDEPENDENCE — Lively as a fire cracker,
semidbl. red, what ho! R.C. $1.00

CHIRP — -Whitest white sparkling single, drk.

foliage, what do you know! R.C. $1.00
BLUE FLAIR — Thrilling frilled light blue, its
flowers never drop, whoops! R.C. $1.00
Group No. 3 Above 4 for $3.00

BLUE'N PINK— Giant dbl. light blue'N pink,
yellow stamens, wow! R.C. $1.00

RED'N LILAC — ^Big dbl. lilac'N red'N striped,
delightful! R.C. $1.00

GAY WITCH — New purple splashed big dbl.

pink, gay magic! R.C. $1.00

Group No. 4 Above 3 for $2.50

SPRING ROSE^ — Bright dbl. pink we need more
of, down boy! R.C. $1.00

CHARMER^ — ^Gayest spotted bright dbl. pink,
an angel! R.C. $1.00

BLUE ROGUE — -Dbl. blue on Clackamas, right
size leaf, rogueish! R.C. $1.00

RED ROGUE — Plum colored dbl. red compact
Clackamas, irresistible! R.C. $1.00

Group No. 5 Above 4 for $3.00

88 (Love and Kisses) — All pink & lovely &
white edged & dbl. & moonlight,

R.C. $1.00

WHITE LACE — Extravagant big dbl. white,
dream stuff! R.C. $1.00

SPRING — Delicate light pink full dbl. affec¬
tionate! R.C. $1.00

FUCHSIA VELVET— Intense dbl. red, compact,
masculine! R.C. $1.00

Group No. 6 Above 4 for $3.00

Shipping

This offer closes February 28. Minimum order is $5.00 plus $1.00 extra for postage, packing,
and Special Delivery. This offer is for rooted cuttings only. They will be shipped in the order
received as soon as weather permits. Shipping date April 15 to November 1st.

LYNDON LYON

14 Mufchler Sf. Dolgeville, N.Y. y/Q increose the size of the rooted cuttings

Phone 3591 on orders over $10.00

MERRY CHRISTMAS and A HAPPY PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Convention Bound . . .

KEM-POTS

— 'with that jlair

for Violets

• white, pink, violet

• large

4” base

$1.50

• double fired

• medium

3” base

1.00

• completely glazed

• small

2” base

.75

• drainage hole

• saucer

(one size)

.30

Introductory Offer

(cannot be repeated)

Six-Piece KEM-POT Set
one each size
one each color
with matching saucers
$4.00

Designed to:

Train plant to grow wide and flat; eliminate pot-hugging
Support and hold lea\es in a symmetrical position
Prevent petiole damage and rotting from rough, damp, or sharp edges
Use with either top, bottom or wick watering
Plant into for maximum growth and beauty or
Set into, to train, protect, and hide other pot
Blend with and emphasize the color of the blossoms
Glamourize the plants on which we work so hard!

For Introductory Offer outside California add $1.00 to help cover cost of packaging and parcel
post. All other orders will be sent C.O.D. for postage only. Address all mail orders, inquiries
regarding locations where available throughout California, dealerships and quantity purchases to:

MARIE KEMP
5547 Secresf* Drive
Los Angeles 43, Colifornio

1

Our Cover: An arrangement by

Ruth Carey featuring blossoms of

Snow Flurries an introduction of

Qiiixie Nichols. See Editor's Message

page 80.

OFFICERS

Mrs. James B. Carey _ President

3900 Garden Drive
Knoxville 18, Tennessee

Joseph D. Schulz . 1st Vice Pres,

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker _ 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Mrs. Edna Jones _ Rec. Secy.

3560 French Road
Beaumont, Texas

Albert Buell _ Corr. Secy.

P. O. Box 93
Eastford, Connecticut

Mrs, Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass’t Editor
5 Center St., Bernardsville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Vera Covert, Anne Tinari

NEWS REPORTERS:

Daisy Jones, Catherine Shepherd,
Marie Dannemiller, Joy Hutson,
(Eng.), Charlotte Marshall

BUYER’S GUIDE:

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

7

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

The African Violet Magazine, is
published quarterly by the African
Violet Society of America, Inc., at 325
W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.
Second-class postage paid at Knox¬
ville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00 per
year. Office Address: P. O. Box 1326,
Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1961.

^rican

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 2

DECEMBER 1961

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

^ 4

Records Help Avoid Confusion

' 6

Greeting Cards, Note Paper

< 9

Rooting Leaves

7 10

Grandmas Way with Flowers

i 12

How to Grow a Gloxinia

A 14

Sterilize Your Used Pots

n 16

Leaf Reactions

i 18

What Plants Eat

d 20

And a Package of Seed Started It All

■} 22

How I Plant in Plastic Pots

1 24

How to Raise Club Funds

26

My Hobby

36

Decorating with Living Color

38

Take It Easy

) 41

My Program on Propagation and Culture '
African Violets

of

46

A Rewarding Hobby

48

Mr. Charman’s Girls

49

About Arrangements

50

On Growing Irradiated African Violets

51

Inexpensive Hanging Basket

52

African Violets in Southwest Louisiana

54

Packing Leaves for Mailing

55

It Happened 14 Years Ago

56

Around the World with African Violets

58

Fluorescent Lights Must Be Clean

59

Hints from Mrs. Wood

60

Nematode Fright

62

Auto-Fed Nursery

63

My African Violets and I

64

My Jet Age Violets

65

Violet Bargains

68

What About Lime?

69

Success Through Nature’s Way

70

Automation

71

To Do

72

My 10 Most Dependable Performers

73

Educational Table

74

Installation

75

Variety Name Play

76

Kissin’ Cousin Fascination

78

To Plant Seed

79

We Moved to the Mountains

85

Knowing Soil

86

Some of My Experiments

87

From the Work Bench

88

A New Violet Tree

Slugs and Snails

89

New Purchases Should Be Isolated
Temporary Glass Shelves

90

Columnea Stavanger

Name Duplication

Magic Compost

93

Planting by the Moon

94

Poets Corner

107

Foliar Feeding

108

A Show is a Show is a Show

CONVENTION

29

Call for Meeting

The National Show

82

Hotel Reservation

83

Society Registration

84

Hawaii Post-Convention Tour

EVERY QUARTER

33

Drop A Name in the Pot

New Affiliated Chapters

34

Your Library

Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund
Registration Report

President’s Message

35

66

Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African

Violets

91

Question Box

96

Show News and Views

104

Club News

RESEARCH

109

Soil Moisture Levels and Growth of African

Violets

110

Fertilizer Levels for African Violets

2

VIOLET RESOLUTION: New Year resolutions do I
hear? . . . They’re always made this time of year
. . . I’ve resolved some violets have to go . . . Not
enough room for them to grow . . . Windows full
and tables too . . . Like the woman who lived in a
shoe . . . Now here is one that looks not good . . .
But it might grow with a little plant food , . . This
one hasn’t bloomed for a year ... I could toss it
out without a tear . . . But, then the plant is very
nice . . . Perhaps its better to think twice . . . This
one may have a touch of mite . . . But a spray should
make it soon alright . . . Crown rot has this one,
I’m sure . . . I’ll start it over in some water pure
. . . Resolutions — did you say? . . . What do they
mean by this I pray? . . . I’ll raise more violets, I
know I will . . There must be room on that window
sill ... To all our group a “Happy New Year!” . . .
With violets plenty to bring us cheer . . . May we
find the strength to do our best . . . Then trust our
Lord to do the rest.

Mrs. H. L. Gebhart,

Spring Valley, Ohio

Keep All Your Copies of The

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

IN PERMANENT BINDERS, TWO FOR $6.50
POSTPAID. EACH BINDER HOLDS TEN
COPIES. AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE IS
ATTRACTIVELY LETTERED IN GOLD ON
THE DARK GREEN COVERING.

Write to:

African Violet Society of America, Inc.

P. O. Box 1326
Knoxville, Tennessee

^tuKKipiaiit

BETTER PLANTING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum
moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 ways!

BETTER FEEDING

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants.

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula.

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food— -no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
elements.

SPRAY Pest Control

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

SYSTEMIC

PEST

CONTROL

S||xKiPS

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru foots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Other Aids & Club Materials

40. Free samples

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42. Displays for
educational booths.

I Laborat

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

3

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

MODEL FH240
FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results — if so desired —
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50

New TABLE MODEL New

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

^F0^2~TUb1s~20^ATT
MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch.
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Manufacturers
217 Broad Avenue

FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

□ MODEL FH240 $10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) $12.50

0 MODEL FH220 $ 8.90

Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name . — _ _

Address — _ _ _ _

City _ . _ State _

Records

Help Avoid Confusion

IN all garden and farm magazines, in all
talks on agriculture, great emphasis is
laid on records, all the way from the home
gardener with fifty square feet to the dairy
farmer with a herd of fifty cows. Even if
you are a beginner with a dozen plants, there
is a need for a record as many times a note¬
book with a few entries in it will save time
and confusion. It is impossible to remember
all the miscellaneous facts: blooming times,
characteristics of the plants, date and amount
of fertilizer used, date of propagation, a rec¬
ord of plants purchased and their source,
and best of all a record of gift plants or leaves.
A good New Year’s resolution would be to
have an available notebook hung from a nail
or in a nearby drawer so that when needed
you can give more systematic care to your
African violets.

GREENSAND

RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

ORGANIC WAY.

b The NATURAL WAY.*

Hom« of OrgaiUc Horticultural Suppliei
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED A. VEITH

350S Mozart Awo. Cbewlot P. O.

dnelmiatl 11, Oblo

ASK FOR: SMITH'S PLANTER MIX

at your fovorito
Voriety, Grocery, Seed
or Hordwore Store.

If not available
ORDER DIRECT
4 quarts $1.00
POSTPAID

ATTENTION: Club Presidents
Write for FREE SAMPLES for door prizes

Smith Potting Soil Co.

2St3 E. IMi St. TvIm, Okla.

4

'"Earl T. and Natalie N. Kolb send you the friendliest Christmas Greetings''

ROOTED LEAVES
WITH PLANTLETS

MAIL ORDER ONLY—Offer good only until February 15, 1962 - — Minimum order $5.00 plus
$1.00 for postage and packing. All $10.00 orders postpaid. Please list substitutes, so you may have
FREE cuttings. Orders will be filled in the rotation in which we receive them and ALL orders will be
acknowledged as to shipping date. Shipping begins April 23, weather permitting. Descriptive list

— send stamp.

Betsy Ross
Cherrie
Doll Dance
Gabriel

Grand Canyon
Green Confetti

Amazonia

Ambassador

Apollo

Ardent Red

Artcraft Geisha Doll

Belles of Ireland

Beth

Big Ten

Blue Crisp

Blue Heaven

Blue Lou

Blue Mist

Blue Tango

Blush ’N Sno

Bold Velveteer

Bunbu

Bustle

Cherry Red

Chocolate Brownie

Clackamas Rattler

Claret

Cockatoo

Confetti

Coquette

Crusader

Dancing Waters

Darien

4- Afterglow
■^Alabaster
Ali Baba
Amanda
Angel Child
Autumn Joy
Beau Ideal
Big Cree
Black Tips
Blackberry Fluff
Blue Blaze
Blue Chips
Blushing Beauty
Breathless
Burning Sand
Cerise Splurge
Charm Song
Chartreuse Fringe
Cindy
Cloud Cap
Command Performance
Constance Hansen
Coon Valley
Cotton Clouds
Dbl. Black Cherry

Green Fog
Green Hornet
lora

Isle of Capri
My My

Mary Sunshine

Dark Pedro
Dbl. Dogwood
Dbl. Pink Miracle
Dessert Splendor
Dom

Dr. Miller
Echo

Ember Glow

Evlo Indian Jewel

Fai Lee

Felix

Flirt

Fremont Rose
Gallion

Glowing Embers
Green Grace
Gum Drop
Heart O’ Gold
Hi Hopes
Holly Picotee
Howdy
Ionic

King Neptune
Lavender Caribbean
Lavender Spice
Lingo Supreme
Love’s Dream

Dbl. Racy Red
Divine Song
Dixie Spring
Dusty Dancer
Emily Sartain
Evlo Drifting Clouds
Evlo Sierra Snowflake
Explorer
~ Fair Elaine
Fairy Lee
Fandango
Fireball
Fire Dance
Fringed Nose Gay
Fringed Pom Pon
Gigi

Giant Blue Crest
Gilda

Goody Goody
Green Dawn
Hector
Hula Doll
Irresistible
Isle of Dreams
Jacob’s Coat

$1.00

Party Gown
Persian Brocade
Personality
Prairie Afire
Ruffled Pinafore
Silver Carnival

750

Magnolia Dream

Maverick

Mer Rouge

Ming China

Miss Atlantic City

Mitzie

Moanna

Mrs. Reed

Oriental Red

Palomino

Pastel Swirl

Pink Jade

Pink Love

Pixie Fire

Possessed

Red Fable

Reddest Star

Remembrance

Rococo

Rose Dust

Rose Top Not

Rosy Rhythm

Saturn

Sea Foam

Shrill

Sierra Cherry
Silver Crest

500

Jane Starr
Kathleen
Kimberly
Kiss of Fire
Lacy Girl Dancer
Lavender Shadows
Lilac Dale
Lingo

Magic Flame
Maline
Margaret C.

Mary Suhr

Meri Lee

Milady s Bonnet

Miss North Carolina

Mojave

Morning Mist

Never Lovelier

Orchid Smoke

Ordahlia

Panama City

Pepsodent

Pink Amour

Pink Fire

Pink Mahogany

Silver Shadows
Sugar
Vicky Lee
Wagon Wheels
Water Lily

Sin Purple

Sir Echo

Sky Scape

Soft Whisper

Sonja Star

Spanish Don

Stained Glass

Star Burst

Startling

Swami Improved

Tinted

Top Sails

Touch-Me-Not

Treasure Chest

Trifari

Tweed

U. Butterfly

U. C. Diane’s Delight

U. C. Peace

U. C. Peach

U. C. Pink Heaven

U. C. Jersey Mist

U. C. Watermark

Wanton Red

Whee

White Trumpet
Wisteria

Pink Miracle
Pink Passion
Pink Shasta
Pink Wing
Proud Beauty
Purple Duchess
Purple Frost
Putti Kat
Racy Red
Raspberry Twinkle
Red Crown
Rosy Ruffles
Shag

Smoke Rings
Star Majesty
Sweet Clover
Traveler’s Dream
I U. C. Royalty
-T Wedge wood
White Christmas
White Gold Lace
White Pride Supreme
Wind and Sea
Wintry Rose

KOLB'S GREENHOUSES

"Where Quality Counts"

725 Belvidere Road Phillipsburg, New Jersey

5

I SEND FOR YOUR CORY OF
^ THIS Sic 24 PACE
1^ CATALOa • MANY
VARIETIES IllUSTRAnD
IN COLOR •AFRICAN
P VIOLETS IN SLOOM

I fl9Pf. UP> POSTPAID

AND CUARANTEEP

y^ur
AFRICAN
VIOLIT
Catalog

SPOUTZ AFRICAN VIQLET
Greenhouses
34304 Moravian Drive
Fraser, Michijjan

ROOTED

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

A Post Card from You to Me
Brings our List by Return Mail

Dorothy K. Atkinson

1702 Grove Ave.

North Chicogo, III.

GiET MORE BEAUTY AND BLOOMS FROM
YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS/ USING THESE

BUSQNeX

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in v^ater and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings ana cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

10 oi. I*kg.f makvE 60 Gals.f — Posfpaldr $1.00

PANONeX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor*
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

V* Qf., 29e — 2 Qti., 5f« — 4 Qt*.# 99t

BUGONeX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

9 oz. zproy bomb, 08c — IS oz. spray bomb# $1.89

THEONeX African Violet Book, Postpaid $1
Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

HYDROPONIC CHEMICAL COr INC., Copley 21. Ohio, U.S.A.

Greeting Cards, Note Paper

Lucile Rainsberger, Lambertville, Michigan

Gibson has done it and Rustcraft is about
to do it, or may even have done so, too, before
this goes to print. . . . When approached, both
companies were very cordial to the idea of
using true African violets as illustrations for
greeting cards, note paper and other articles.
This is a need African violets lovers have felt
for some time. You probably have looked and
looked for just the right African violet card
for a special occasion or some wrapping paper
or napkins decorated with our favorite flower.
Both companies have promised that you will
soon be able to find these articles that you
have long wanted. Look for them! Note paper
by Gibson, using an African violet illustration,
is already on the market. Other articles by
both companies should appear at any time.

May we say a very big Thank You to the
gracious folks at Gibson and Rustcraft. We
hope these articles will sell so well you will
be very glad you granted our request. •

VIOLET GROWTH UNITS

Decoratively designed — Suitable for any
home or office location. Beautiful bright alu¬
minum construction; rustproof. Detachable
fluorescent fixture includes lamp, switch, line
cord.

(1-20 Watt Shoivn)

1-15 Watt (18 X 9 in.) — $11. 95 postpaid*

1- 20 Watt (24 X 9 in.) — $13.95 postpaid*

2- 20 Watt (24 x 14 in.) — $17.35 postpaid*

* Add $ 1 .00 in West.

POSTCARD BRINGS

CATALOG SHOWING:

• Fluorescent Fixtures.

• Fixture Kits, Parts.

• Other Growth Units.

SHOPLITE CO* Phone: North 7-6021

650V Franklin Ave., Nutley 10, N. J.

6 to
48 in.
long.

6

i

“1000 Embossed Business Cards”

$4.50 — Postpaid in U. S. A.

Card Case included — Fast Service
Write for samples and Style Chart
FREE Catalog, low cost, quality printing

HOLLAND & CO.

262-17th Ave., Dept. AV, San Francisco 21, Calif.
California Customers add 4% Sales Tax

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song, Afterglo, Good
News T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waverly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a list of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approximately 100 seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A— more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B—from varie¬
ties having “girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C— from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D— from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM— our best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a “no failure” $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC HUMIDIFIER
FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS

Gentle humidifying vapor for every leaf pore
to drink! African violets. Gloxinias, Gardenias,
other plants in dry rooms bloom gloriously
with proper humidity. Vaporizes nearly a gal¬
lon of water at one setting. Directional fins
deliver vapor to plants. Automatic safety shut
off control. Light in weight and completely
portable for moving from room to room. Un¬
breakable high-impact water reservoir. Just
lift lid to refill. Silent operation. Will benefit
you as much as the plants . . . gives all-night
relief from respiratory irritations due to colds,
asthma, bronchitis and sinus. Fully guaranteed.
AC current only. $12.95 postpaid. Send 20c in
stamps or coin for 60 page illustrated catalog
(included free with order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P. O. Box 839 Oxford, Maryland

Jl Lifetime Citft fov
f LOWER LOVERS

Sturdy, heavy gauge all-steel welded. 40" high. Will
not tilt or tip. Holds 11 plants, 10 on revolving arms
extending outward 6" ta 12" from center shaft. Arms
movable to any position to enhance beauty of display
and allow even sun and air exposure. Light weight.
Easily dismantled for cleaning. Antique black, white or
green enamel.

Specify color desired. Send check or money order; or
C.O.D. immediate shipment. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Circular on request.

— ORDER BY MAIL TODAY —

Only $14.95 Each, plat $1.00 for Potking and Postoge
($2.00 for Canodo)

YIO HOLDA MANUFACTURING CO.

INC.

P. O. BOX 915 Dept. 12121 TOPEKA, KANSAS

7

RUHM'S PHOSPHATE ROCK

"Noture's Way' African Violet Soil

Potash rock — Limestone
Horn ond Hoof ■ — Blood — Bone — Cotton
and Fish meals - Tobocco ond Leather
dusts — Active Crgono — ond Atlas
Fish Emulsion, etc.

10# Coin Brings Price List.

SOIL-CONDITIONERS

P. 0. Box 3a4 LMIoloo, Mon.

Free catalog lists African violets, books and
supplies, also bulbs and plants for pots and
garden. Leaf list 500 varieties for large stamped
envelope or 10c. New Introductions — Debbie
Moon, medium pink, darker eye. Slightly scal¬
loped leaf, medium green. Good flowering $1.50
Alice Mills — - An unusual medium blue with
dark silky green leaves $1.50. Please add 50c
for mailing.

CECIL HOUDYSHEL

Dept. A. V. La Verne, California

NEW LIGHT WEIGHT
WATER-FOG VIOLET SPRAYER

Light as a feather! New plastic sprayer weighs
less than half a pound. Easy one-hand opera¬
tion. Will not tire you. Soft squeeze of handle
sprays clouds of fine water-fog mist. Moistens
leaves of African violets, Gardenias, all garden
and house plants. Promotes bloom and growth.
New colorful translucent polyethylene con¬
tainer is non-corrosive and unbreakable. Heavy
duty nickel planted brass parts in positive ac¬
tion pump. Precision built for long* uninter¬
rupted service. Manufacturer will repair or
replace with 1-day service, if ever needed.
Sprays water-fog, insecticides, fungicides, moth
spray, all garden and household sprays. Half-
pint size $5.45; Pint $5.95! Quart $6.45 postpaid.

UNUSUAL HARD-TO-FIND SUPPLIES AND
EQUIPMENT FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS. SEND
20c FOR CATALOG ONLY <Free With Order)

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 838 Oxford, Maryland

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insecticides, Soil, Plastic Labels, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle _ $1.45

Mildex (mildew) _ ^ 1.25

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1.40

Tropi-Grower _ 2.98

1 10 Greenplast labels _ 1.00

12 capsules sodium selenate _ 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate _ 3.30

100 capsules .sodium selenate _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide - 1.00

COMPLETE LINE WRITE FOR CATALOG
"Whatever you want — Wherfever you are"

DOROTHY J. DpLBOW

149 W. Main Street Penns Grove 6, N. J.

The oldest and most reliable
African Violet Supply House

AFRICAN VIOLETS

BEST of OLD and NEW

— Send Stamp for List —

MARY 0. BLACKBURN

404 Montlieu Ave. High Point, N. C,

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or black finish, and 18", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated), Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V2" — $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 1 0" ~ $2.85
each or two for $5.25; 30" x 10" — $3.05
each or two for $5.95. Order by size and color.
VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 4D — $1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

RIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1.00, with full directions.
TROPI-GROWER — ^See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid,

2V4,” peat pots--40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2,29.
3” peat pots — -25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. D12 Wausau, Wis.

8

Rooting Leaves

Mrs. C. L, Hershberger, Lynnhaven, Virginia

I have tried a great number of ways to root
leaves and, for me, I have found the answer.
I use clay thumb pots. In each little pot goes
a rooting medium of Black Magic, a plastic
marker with the name of the leaf, and then
the leaf. I put about IV2 inches of Sponge-
Rok in my tray, then set the pots on the
Sponge-Rok. In this way I can keep my leaves
moist during all of the rooting period. •

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Newest* Designs In Plont Lights

NEW 1962 CATALOG — of unusual and hard-
to-find supplies, equipment and accessories for
African violets, Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas,
all greenhouse and indoor plants. 60 illustrated
pages. Everything from potting mixes and plas¬
tic pots to large aluminum plant stands and
fluorescent lights. Largest selection any catalog
specializing in African violet supplies and equip¬
ment for indoor plants. Send 20c now in stamps
or coin for your copy.

The House Plant Corner

Box 840 Oxford, Maryland

now!

THE NEW ^uhe Graft
WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C

1311 West 80th Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!
HERE'S REAL ECONOMY !

THRIFTEE

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

t' 'Hi

m-m

S ■■ 88KUBf:K»

bsaatBivBeiaa

hH- ¥m\

BBnBBBWMBB

Now

Available
in

COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

• Permanent-Attractive

• Better than oid-fashioned wooden
ones— end et competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available In 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Made by the makers of famous

LIFETIME MARKERS — your

guorantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a

damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Morkers are a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plont
markers are required in quantity ot o
minimvm pricel

THRIFTEE Morker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3” Thriftee Markers-™? /1 6” wide;
4”. 5’’, and 6” — 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.

Be sure to specify color desired

otherwise, all orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS

Clyde, Michigan

Far West: 1864 S. ISOth St., Seattle 88, Washington
Canada: C, A. Cruickshank, 1015 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Toronto 12, Ontario

9

Grandma’s
Way With Flowers

Edna Parker, Knoxville, Tennessee

IN a recent conversation with the editor of
the African Violet Magazine the talk drifted
to combating insect pests in the days before
we had such things available as chlordane,
lindane and Kelthane. Pictures of a by-gone
day flashed into my mind of porches lined
with geraniums, sultanas, and petunias. We
who grumble at the high cost of having run¬
ning water for the automatic washer should
be thankful that we don’t have to draw it
from a well or carry it half a mile from a
spring that is down at the foot of a steep hill.

Perhaps the high cost of toting enough
water to fill three wash tubs made the house¬
wife determined to use every precious drop
and thereby she unconsciously was protecting
her plants from insects. When the last of the
wash was billowing out on the line, the flow¬
ers were dipped first into the suds, then into
rinse and bluing waters and finally set back
in their places along the porch railing. The
porch was then scrubbed and the water ran
off to water the shrubs around the porch.

I began to think that Octagon Soap, that
old stand-by of our grandmothers, might help
our violets. I believe a good soapy spray bath
dissolves the waxy coating on mealy bugs and
gives the spray a better chance to get at the
pest. Recalling how grandmother prepared
her wash water, I cut into flakes one-fourth of

YOU, TOO, CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING

AFRICAN VIOLETS

For two y^ars the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
ynth Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrated
food 'elements needed for rapid, healthy growth
and bloom. Very easy and economical to use . . .
a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c package
makes 125 gals., $1.49 package makes 250 gals,
of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

KM M4SKEL

wafer”

D«p». AV.15, 622 W. 1 19th St., Chicago 28, III.

a large cake of Octagon Soap. To this I added
one pint of water and put it on the stove to
boil. ( I did not use an aluminum pan for I
remembered how the soap would discolor
this.) When all the soap chips were dissolved,
I took a teaspoon of this syrupy mixture and
added it to a quart of water. Then I sprayed
my plants with it, rinsed them twice in clear
water and set them out of the lights to dry.

When I have had calls for help from people
whose violets were infested with mealy bugs,
I have always carried some Dreft along with
my Isotox Garden Spray. Our editor tells me
that she hears from folks having trouble when
they used Dreft. There are two precautions
that I would suggest. The first is never use a
spray, plant food, or detergent bath when
your plants are dry. Secondly, be certain that
the proportions of 1 teaspoon of Dreft in three
gallons of water is mixed well and then
placed in a sprayer that has never been used
for another spray or plant food.

I have been able to clean up bad infesta¬
tions of mealy bugs with two sprayings of
Isotox Garden Spray. The second spraying
came ten days after the first because it takes
ten days for the eggs to hatch out. While I
think that the soapy spray dissolves the cover¬
ing of the egg cases, I would be certain that I
got rid of them with the second precautionary
spray ten days later.

Early gardeners did not have the snail
bait to rid themselves of snails and slugs.
They resorted to sprinkling of wood ashes
around the pots. That probably increased the
potash in the soil and resulted in stronger
plants as well as discouraging the slimy slug. •

OUR CHRISTMAS WISH FOR ALL
OUR AFRICAN VIOLET FRIENDS

“And the peace of
God, which passeth all
understanding, shall
keep your hearts and
minds through Christ
Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7

“Unto us a child is
born . . . and his
name shall be ...

Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6

ROULETTE PRODUCTS

Kempton, Pa.

“The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus
Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

10

NATURAL AND ORGANIC SOIL
MINERALS HEADQUARTERS

Fanning's Famous All-Purpose Blend
for "EVERYTHING THAT GROWS."
WILL NOT BURN. Try it on African
violets or any other type flowers,
lawns, and gardens. Available in 5,
10 and 80 lb. bags.

Write for Free Folder

Immediate Shipment

Fonning Soil Service, Inc.

495! S. Custer Road Monroe, Michigon

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Why buy just a leaf? We sell lovely plants in
21/2 inch pots of recent varieties for only $1.25
Write for variety list

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahoma City, Okla.

ATLAS MAKES IT GROW

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS, “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
Non-burning, 100% organic ATLAS is ideal for
Orchids, vegetables, trees. Easy to use, eco¬
nomical, too. A tablespoonful makes a gallon!
200 lbs. raw fish condensed to every gallon.

At dealers everywhere. If not available, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart $1.90; Gallon $6.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., Rm. 350
San Francisco 11, Cal.

PLANT MARVEL'S
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No harm
to bloom or foliage when used as directed. Won’t
stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to children
and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal insecti¬
cide. Yq lb. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

D«pf. Av29, 624 W. 119fh St.
Chicago 28, Illinois

AGE OLD JERSEY GREENSAND
Natural POTASH and TRACE MINERALS. Con¬
tains no chemical additives. NATURALLY
CONDITIONS AND MINERALIZES YOUR
SOIL. For farmers, home and window box
gardeners. Does not harm or cake. Use any
season alone or as supplement to phosphate,
composts, peats. Odorless. Ask Dealer or Write:
NATIONAL SOIL CONSERVATION, INC.

Medford, New Jersey

BEAUTIFUL NEW

FITS ALL iJ-lora L^arU . . Interchangeable
on all models!

ATTRACTIVE NEUTRAL COLOR... Perma
nently molded-in to every tray!

LIGHT-WEIGHT AND STRONG ... Easy to
handle... Won’t dent or break!

RUST- PROOF -RESISTS CHEMICALS..

Impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY -TO - CLEAN SURFACE . . . Washable,

hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN... For draining
...without removal of plants!

Price: 1 TRAY -$ 8.50 2 TRAYS- 16.00 STRAYS- 23.50

Rtmit by Ch«ch of Money Order FOB. Clevelend. Ohio
Ohio Residents add 3% sales tax

me. 1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

11

How To Grow 4 Gloxinia

Reprinted from the Master Gardener
LOXINIAS are exotically beautiful, long-
blooming plants that make ideal Christmas
gifts. Should you make a gift of a Gloxinia, or
should you receive one, take note of the fol¬
lowing suggestions on culture of this plant, in
order that the gift may be enjoyed the long¬
est possible time:

The pot should be placed in an east, south¬
east, or south window for wintertime grow¬
ing. The Gloxinia, however, prefers relatively
warm night temperatures, so if the window is
cold and drafty, the plant should be moved

Season’s Greetings
from

SHELLINGER'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

Quality fresh cut leaves 25c. Newest varieties
and best of the old.

Stamp for 1962 List

VIONA G. SHELLINGER

351 E. Works St. Sheridan, Wyoming

AFRICAN VIOLETS and EPISCIAS

Plants and Fresh Cut leaves. New and Old
Varieties.

Write for List

ERMA^S AFRICAN VIOLET SHOP

101 West 27th St. Sioux Falls, S.D.

away from it at night unless a temperature of
65 to 68 degrees can be maintained. A dry at¬
mosphere is not appreciated by Gloxinias, and
they simply will not thrive if the relative hu¬
midity is below 45%. Water the plant with
room temperature water when the soil has be¬
come quite dry; then soak it from top to bot¬
tom. Should you splash water on the leaves,
take time to blot it off or keep the plant out
of the sun until the water is evaporated, since,
like African violets, Gloxinia leaves will be¬
come spotted if strong sunlight strikes them
while wet. Feed the plant every two weeks
with a solution of Instant Vigoro, using a tea¬
spoonful to a quart of water and using this
solution in place of a normal watering. Feed¬
ing should be continued until the plant has
finished flowering.

After the last bud has opened, cut it back
to the last two leaves, decrease water until it
starts into growth again, or withhold water
entirely until the foliage withers, then store
the tuber until it revives of its own accord.
The tubers may be left in the pots and stored
in a cool corner of the basement. It is advis¬
able to sprinkle the pots with water once a
week to keep the tuber from shriveling. When
new leaves poke through, scoop out about an
inch of the topsoil and add fresh soil; then
bring the plant into the light to start its
growth once more.

Gloxinias are easy to propagate by cut¬
ting smaller leaves and rooting them in water,
sand or vermiculite. •

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay

Your choice of pure white, spring green, gay
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky blue
(We will ship green if no color is given)

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS

SIZES AND STYLES

Style

Postpaid Quantity
50 100

Prices

500

A — vertical stake

A

$1.25

$ 5.50

P— 2”x5” tee stake

B

$2.do‘

2.75

11.00

P4 — 4” T stake, removable tab

B4

1.50

6.00

C^ — 6” vertical stake

C

1.50

2.25

10.00

D^ — l”x2” horizontal tie-on tag

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

— l”x3” horizontal tie-on tag

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

— ^”x2” notched tie-on tag
H— 2i/^”x8” tee stake

F

1.25

5.00

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J— 3”xl2” tee stake

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K— 4i/^”xl8” tee stake

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P^ — l”xl2” vertical stake

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

Tie-On Copper Wires

Included

with D, E, and F.

THRIFTEE FLEXIBLE COLORED

LABELS

SIZE

7/16” X 3” vertical marker

5/8” x4” vertical marker

5/8” X 5” vertical marker

5/8” X 6” vertical marker

5/8” X 8” vertical marker

100

125

250 500

$1.00 $1.60

1.55 2.50

1000

$2.50

_ Sl.OO

3.90

$1.00

1.15

2.30 3.65

4.80

2.55 4.10

5.40

1.45

3.40 5.40

7.20

See Information Above Relative to Colors
TRIAL ASSORTMENTS: No. 1—50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H — $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2—125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes — $1.00 postpaid.
AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A, $1.00; 1000 Style A, $9.50 postpaid.

Ask for free complete folder showing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 ARTHUR ST. Dept. D13 WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

12

Made for Each Other!
African Violets and
Garden-Guide
Unbreakable Plastic
HOUSE PLANT
MARKERS

41/2” stake with detachable
name plate to identify
plants easily,
attractively, permanently!

Thin stem
design won't
harm flowers,
leaves or
root
structure.

Here's a brand new concept in house plant
markers that outmodes all others! So new! So
unique! So good-looking! So practical! , . . It's
a wonder it wasn't invented long ago! It is
the perfect answer to a long felt need — - so
exactly right, really, you'll want one for every
plant in your home!

LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL FEATURES:

• LIFETIME QUALITY: Reusable, year-after¬
year! On a use-basis, the most economical of
all! No replacing every season . , . your first
cost is your last!

• GUARANTEED: Impervious to sun, water,
extremes of heat or cold, and to garden
chemicals!

• ANCHOR-RIDGE prevents turning or twist¬
ing in loose soil!

• DE LUXE APPEARANCE: Graceful form,
color harmonized in two shades of garden green
to blend beautifully with foliage. Gives smart,
orderly effect!

• REUSABLE NAME PLATES: Super tough,
weather resistant plastic, held securely on stake
and properly tilted for good visibility and in¬
stant, easy reading! Name plates are readily
removable, interchangeable, reversible. Can be
erased as desired, making these name plates
reusable for years!

1 to 99 slakes with name plates, each 5^
100 or more stakes with name plates,
each 4]/%^

• Sold on a satisfaction guaranteed or money-
back basis.

• If your dealer cannot supply, send coupon
direct, please.

(DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED)

HARLAN E COMPANY

P. O. Box 516, Highland Park, IIL

- - -

I HARLANE COMPANY, Dept. AV-iai

, P. O. Box 516, Highland Park, IIL

I I enclose $ - (check or M.O.) for

I which please send me PREPAID items be-
i low: (no stamps, no C.O.D. please— minimum
I order $1.00)

I - stakes with name plates @ 5c each

I 1 to 99

- stakes with name plates @ 41/20 each

j 100 or more

I NAME _

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _

1 CITY _ _ ZONE _ STATE _

. . . NEW FOR SPRING . . .

All the latest varieties from

LYON, CHAMPION, HAGA,
RICHTER, WEEKS, GRANGER,
LANIGAN, etc.

Leaves Rooted Cuttings

Stole inspected Plants
A STAMP BRINGS THE LATEST LIST
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS BEFORE MARCH 1

African Violets by MARGE

1722 Boston Post Rd. Milford, Conn.

Only 1 V2 hrs. from the
George Washington Bridge

SEASON'S GREETINGS
from

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road N. Syracuse, N.Y.

5 minutes from exit 36 N.Y.S. Thruway

LIGHTED
3 TRAY
PLANT
CART

Black and aluminum, with 3 trpys and 2 light
fixtures, only $35.95. Use with or without
lights. All aluminum thin-slim fluorescent fix¬
ture for two 20-watt tubes instantly replaces
middle tray. Top tray light for 1 tube has
bright aluminum legs. Three 12"x30" trays
hold 60 plants. No-drip rolled edges catch
water. Rolls on wheels from room to room or
into the kitchen for watering! Durable baked
enamel Ebony black contrasts beautifully with
the aluminum. Fine-line gold decorations on
trays. 3414" high without lights, folds flat to
3" when not in use. Plant Stand without lights
$12.95, light fixtures $11.95 each, complete
cart with 2 light fixtures $35.95 postpaid and
insured. Catalog 20c stamps or coin (free with
order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P.O. Box 836 Oxford, Maryland

13

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES

Round Regular — White

114”

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100 $ 2.75

2”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100 $ 3.00

21/4”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100 $ 4.00

21/2”

25/$1.75

50/$3.00

100 $ 5.00

3”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100 $ 7.00

31/2”

25/$2.75

50/$5.25

100 $ 9.50

4”

25/$3.75

50/$7.00

100 $12.00

Same

price for 3” ■

• 31,2” - 4” white squatties.

Square

Pots — White

2 >4”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100 $ 4.00

21^2”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100 $ 5.25

3”

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

100 $ 6.00

31/2”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100 $ 7.25

4”

25/$3.00

50/$5.50

100, $10.00

Square Saucers

31/2”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100,$ 5.25

4”

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

100,$ 6.00

Black

only

Round Saucers — Black Only

#2

25/$1.00

50/$1.75
for 2”, 21/4
50/$2.25

100 $ 3.00
”, 2V2” Pots

#3

25/$1.25

100 $ 4.00

#4

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

100 $ 6.00

for 31/2”

and 4” Round

& Squatties.

Round Regular —

■ Utility Colors

(Mottled)

2”

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100 $ 3.00

21/4”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100 $ 4.00

21/2”

25/$1.35

50/$2.50

100 $ 4.50

3”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100/$ 5.50

31/2”

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

fOO $ 6.00

4”

25/$3.00

50/$5.50

100 $10.00

Same price for 3” - 31/2” - 4” squatties.

Square — Utility Colors (Mottled)

2 >4”

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100 $ 3.00

21/2”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100 $ 4.00

3”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100 $ 5.25

25/$1.75

50/$3.25

100/$ 6.00

4”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100/$ 7.25

“Bantam Flats” — - Heavy Plastic
for Seed or Cuttings
B. F. 90 — 2^/n" x 5” x 71/2” —

3/$1.25 6/$2.35 12/$4.50

B. F. 123 — 2%” X 6 1/4” X 8” —

3/$1.35 6/$2.50 12/$4.75

Plastic Markers

5V2” X 34” — Pink, Orchid, Green, Light Blue
50/$1.25 100/$2.50

41/2” — . white only — 100/$1.25
Sponge-Rok — 2 qt. bag — 59c plus 25c postage.
Granulated Charcoal — 12 oz. bag — 39c plus
25c postage.

Minioture Greenhouses

Perfect for rooting leaves or starting seeds. Base
is heavy plastic with 2 racks and 12 pots.

Top is clear plastic with open and close ven¬
tilator and lifts off for easy potting. Base with
white or colored pots — $3.00 each.

On All Orders

Please add 10 per cent for postage and packing.
20 per cent to New Mexico. Colo.. Wyo.. N.
and S. Dakota, and all Western states.

Correspondence

POST-A-NOTES — Regulation size postcards
with spray of purple violets in upper lefthand
corner 40 cards to box. $1.10 postpaid.
VIOLET SELECT-A-NOTES~24 Vellum French¬
fold Notes splashed with silver and blue violets.
Assorted captions to be inserted as you need
them for “Thank You,” “Best Wishes,” etc. 24
notes and envelopes — $1.25 postpaid.
STATIONERY — 20 decorated violet vellum
sheets — 20 plain sheets — 20 matching en¬
velopes — - $1.25 postpaid.

SECRET PAL CARDS — 12 cards and envelopes
for 11 different occasions during the year. The
12th “Revealing Card” for the end of the year.
Box $1 .50 postpaid.

''Please say you saw it in A. V. M."

MRS. N. B. WILSON

41 Love St. Aus*-ell, Georgia

"To Have A Friend, One Must First Be On^"

Sterilize Your Used Pots

Mrs. C. L. Hershberger, Lynnhaven, Virginia

I never reuse a pot without sterilizing it.
I have a gallon jar in which I have a strong
solution of V-C 13 and sodium selenate. After
I have washed the dirt away, I place the pots
in this solution for about 24 hours. I use tongs
to put the pots in and to take them out. For
me it works wonders. Both sodium selenate
and V-C 13 are a must. They surely save a
lot of headaches. •

Wishing you much happiness at
Christmas
and in the
New Year

MADISON GARDENS

Middle Ridge Rd. Madison, Ohio

MUST SELL AFRICAN VIOLET BUSINESS —

Flora Carts, light fixtures, trays, etc. Write
for information to:

MRS. J. A. JOHNSON

1336 Prospect Ave. Wausau, Wisconsin

"Nev'r-Drip'' Indoor Gordon Hose

For effective watering and fertilizing of Afri¬
can Violets or other plants without breaking
loaves, spilling or dripping. No Mop Up! 18"
hose and drip-proof nozzle quickly puts the
water where you want it under leaves, in bird
cage arrangements or any hard to reach flow¬
ers without damaging furniture or linens. 1/2
gal, unbreakable plastic container graduated
for accurate mixing of fertilizer. Hose clips
to handle when not in use . . . stores in small
space! Money refunded If not delighted. $1.98
postpaid. Most unusual and practical gift for
friends too!

WEBB INDUSTRIES, INC.

Box 9714 Clevelond 40, Ohio

14

CHOICE VIOLETS

Yes we have all the newest and best varieties
that you have heard and been reading about
plus the following new introductions.

Better Times May Melody

Dots Pride Miss Reny

Gay Ballet Monique

Green Ball My My

Happy Birthday Pink Crepe

Jade Mist Reny’s Ruffles

Magic Dream Ruffled Rose Dust

25c Coupon with List’ — 1 5c

Open by Appointment

Quality Violet House

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7, Mich.

Phone 243-6651

AFRICAN VIOLETS

New and Old -- Large and Small Plants
Prices from 40c to $1.25. None Higher.

Soil — Wonder Blend (my own) 2 qts. ■ — 75c
Plastic Pots — Fertilizer
Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
No Shipping Visitors Welcome

BILL^S GREENHOUSE

828 Waukegan Rd. (in rear), Glenview, Ill.
Phone PA 4-0339

. fs

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3” — Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Ideal for Violet Shows — Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays
6 for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

4927 Transit Road Williamsville 21, N. Y.

CHOICEST OF NEW VIOLETS

Sold here at house ... I do not ship plants.

THE MASTER LIST OF AFRICAN VIOLETS

from 1935 through 1961. This book will be
published by the Society, as a service to mem¬
bers, and sold at cost plus packaging, post¬
age, etc. It will contain plant names, and if
known the originator, registration and de¬
scription. Only a limited number of these
books will be printed. Ready early part of
1962.

Send for free list.

EVELYN MASON or DORA BAKER

372 S. Miss. River Blvd. 2182 Stanford Ave.
St. Paul 5, Minn. St. Paul 5, Minh.

Violet

Hanky

Imported from Swifxerlond

Violet bouquets in true-to-life colors on fine
batiste. Hand roiled hem. 13]/^'' square. Gift
envelope. $1.25 ppd.

D. H. BECKER

1378 East 8th St. Brooklyn 30, New York

Wallace Floral Mix
Wallace Mineral
Atlas Fish Emulsion
Golden Earth
Holy Cow!
Dandee Peat

THE PERFECT GIFT

for those who love to grow
"'Prize Winning" PLANTS.

Contact your Favorite Dealer or write for description on

different packs. We are happy to ship anywhere in the U.S.A.

WALLACE gift packs; WALLACE MINERAL CORPORATION

$1.98 - $5.98 170 West Virginia Ave. Denver 23, Colorado

15

UNBREAKABLE PLASTIC PLANT POTS

24 pots 2V2” across in Cream White or neutral
utility color for $1.25. Everlasting, made of
heavy shock-proof plastic. No sharp edges. 3
drain holes. Perfect for seedlings, rooting
leaves. 50 for $2.25, 100 for $3.95; 3” size 24
for $1.50, 50 for $2.75; 100 for $4.95; 4” size
24 for $1.95; 50 for $3.75; 100 for $6.95. Post¬
paid. Catalog 20c (free with order.) Tubs, sau¬
cers, unusual hard-to-find supplies.

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P.O. Box 837 Oxford, Maryland

PAULINE KUNTZ

ROUTE 4 WINTERSET, IOWA

Black Jack, Ebony Echo, Tahiti, Rose Butterfly,
Kiz, Ja Nene, Junie, Green Gage, Pinnacle,
Rajah, Velvet Venus, and many other brand new
ones for Spring shipping.

Send 5c for list which will be out in January.
If you have been a customer during past year,
your list will be mailed to you free.

Roofed Leaves For the Price Of
Fresh Cut Leaves If Ordered
Before Feb. 15, 1962

Water Lily

Skylark

Kings Ransom

Happy Ending

Delft Imperial

Trifari

Lilian Jarrett Sup.

Dipsy Doodle

Sesame

Raggedy Ann

Pink Poodle

Blush 'N Sno

Prince Albert

El Torro

Ionic

Cute Talk

Cherrie

Leopard Spots

Rosey Faces

Afterglo Sup.

Personality

Tahiti

Red Witch

Pink 'N Sno

Doric

Persian Brocade

Sunny Honey

China Sky

Touche

Pink Ribbons

Party Gown

Wildwood Rose

Essence Of Spring

Sleepy

15 Variegated

Varieties to choose

from. Hundreds Of Other Varieties,
List on Request.

DORIS' AFRICAN VIOLET CORNER
308 FRANKLIN STREET
BLOOMFIELD, NEW JERSEY
Pi 8-5485

Leaf Reactions

Two important chemical processes that go
on in green leaves are photosynthesis and
respiration. As a result of a complex series
of reactions plant leaves take carbon dioxide
from the air, convert it into starches and
sugars and liberate oxygen. In this way oxy¬
gen is restored to the air when it has been
used up by the breathing of animals and the
combustion of fuels. The energy to produce
these reactions is sunlight. Briefly respiration
consists of the utilization by the plant of sugar
which is oxidized to carbon dioxide and then
liberated to the air. These two processes are
complimentary to each other, •

"WATER 'N' WATCH"

INDOOR GARDEN

Let WATER 'N' WATCH pre-planted miniature
greenhouses add zest to your indoor gardening.
Each garden is planted with a wide variety of
fresh seed. Bronze-toned plastic planter has a
watering tray and ventilated dome to control
humidity. For gift shipments please enclose gift
card with order.

CHOICE OF THESE SELECTIONS^

African violets Gloxinia— slippers

Begonias Gloxinia — -large types

Episcias Miniature roses

Each planter $3.50. Growing Guide included.

Peggy Schulz, Inc.

Dept. V.

77 T 4 Fairfield Rd. N., Minneapolis 12, Minn.

16

AFRICAN VIOLET POTTING SOIL

PASTEURIZED TRACE ELEMENTS ADDED

THIS SOIL CONTAINS PEAT MOSS, PERLITE AND LIME. TO WHICH THE FOLLOWING
TRACE ELEMENTS, MANGANESE, IRON, COPPER, ZINC, BORON, AND MOLYBDENUM,
HAVE BEEN ADDED. IT HAS BEEN PASTEURIZED (180 DEGREES F. FOR 30 MIN.) TO
KILL ALL HARMFUL BACTERIA AND FUNG!. IT IS THE SAME SOIL WE USE FOR
GROWING PLANTS IN OUR GREENHOUSES. VOLUME NOT LESS THAN 520 CUBIC
INCHES WHEN PACKED ... (9 QUARTS).

$2.00 Postpaid

YOLKMANN BROS. GREENHOUSES oA^LATit texas

Send for Illustrated List — Ready in March

NEWEST WESTERN RELEASES

• Lucia Bride

• Marsha

• Lady in White

• Pale Fire

• Choice Miniatures

Send a stamp for our

spring list

MAXI-CROP:

Vb. pint _ _

80$: p.pd.

Pints _

$1.50 p.pd.

Quarts _ _ _

$2.50 p.pd.

Please add 10% E. of Minneapolis; S. of Dallas

Arndt's Floral Garden

Rt. 2, Box 336

Troutdale, Oregon

DELIA'S ORIGINALS

Handpainted Jewelry and China
African Violets Of Course
Your Favorite on Many Gifts
“You design it” “I’ll paint it”

Send stamped envelope for brochure
2506 Sacramento St., San Francisco 15, Calif.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Garden Calendar with space for your plant notes sent free upon request.

Please note price changes to partially compensate for increased postage rates.

LIQUID WHALE PLANT FOOD

Liquid WHALE, 10 ounces, limit one to a customer _

Liquid WHALE, 14 ounces, packed to mail at 1 14 pounds _

Liquid WHALE, 28 ounces, packed to mail at 2 pounds _

BLUE WHALE SOIL BUILDER AND CONDITIONER

1 Bantam, approximately 1 0 pounds when packed, each _

Sample pack, BLUE WHALE _ _

COMBINATION OFFER

1 14 ounce Liquid WHALE, and 1 Sample pack BLUE WHALE _

Please add 15$: to cover check and money order cashing fees.

$1.00

$1.25

$2.25

$3.60

$1.00

$2.00

ACME PEAT PRODUCTS LIMITED OF CANADA

R. R. 2 — DEPT. AVI 21 — RICHMOND, B. C.

17

What Plants Eat

As Reported to The Saintpaulians

At their January meeting, The Saintpaul¬
ians of Portland, Oregon, discussed fer¬
tilizers. Finding it interesting, they thought
other members of the African Violet Society
might like to read it too.

Nitrogen

Gives dark green color to plants. Promotes

rapid growth.

Nitrogen makes up nearly % of the air,
thus there is really no shortage of this ele¬
ment as a gas. It is colorless, odorless and
tasteless.

In the soil, nitrogen combines with living
organisms and the decomposed residues of
plants and animals which is called organic
matter.

There are many sources of nitrogen on
the market. The most commonly known are:
ammonium sulphate, sodium nitrate, calcium
nitrate, urea, ammophos, animal guanos, blood
meal and bone meal. There are many others
including liquid nitrogen, called anhydrous
ammonia, which is applied usually in irriga¬
tion systems. The liquid fish and whale ferti¬
lizers also contain nitrogen.

In fertilizer mixes, nitrogen is the percent¬
age named first. For instance, in a 6-10-4 mix,
there is 6 per cent nitrogen.

Phosphorus

In fertilizer mixes, nitrogen is the percent
in terms of available phosphoric acid. It is
the second percentage in a fertilizer mix, or
in a 6-10-4 mix, there is 10 per cent available
phosphoric acid.

Phosphorus stimulates early root forma¬
tion and root growth. With better root de¬
velopment, plant vigor is increased to where
the plant can withstand sudden changes in
weather.

Phosphorus gives rapid and vigorous start
to plants. Stimulates blooming.

Phosphorus is needed to change the starch
in plants to sugar'

Aids in balancing the mineral relationship
in the soil and this aids in increasing resist¬
ance to disease.

Sources of phosphorus are natural deposits
of phosphorus-bearing rock, iron ores, togeth¬
er with animal bones. Large deposits are found
in Idaho, Utah, Montana, Wyoming and in
some eastern states.

Phosphorus is available as phosphate rock
— finely ground rock in its natural state —
bone meal, superphosphate, ammoniated su¬
perphosphate, and there is some in the liquid
fish and whale fertilizers.

Potash or Potassium

In fertilizers this element is always stated
in terms of potash. It is the third percentage

in a fertilizer formula, or the 4 per cent in
a 6-10-4 mix.

Potash imparts increased vigor and disease
resistance to plants. It improves the quality
of plants, and also helps the development of
root systems. Potash is often called the alkali
of life because potassium-containing materials,
such as wood ashes, were the first fertilizers
used by man.

Potash is indispensible in the formation of
chlorophyll which is produced by the aid of
sunlight which brings about starch formation.

Sources of potash in mixed fertilizers are
usually sulphate or muriate of potash.

Calcium or Lime

Calcium promotes early root formation and
growth. It improves general plant vigor. Cal¬
cium influences the intake of other plant
foods. It occurs in soils in many different
minerals varying greatly in the proportion
of lime present. Calcium is used for correct¬
ing soil acidity or for sweetening the soil.

Calcium materials are carbonates (lime¬
stone), caustic lime, and by-products of blast
furnaces. Oyster shells make wonderful lim¬
ing materials when finely ground.

Iron

Iron is available as plant food in two
forms — ferric sulphate and iron chelate. Iron
chelate is relatively new and is used in both
Miller’s Booster Powder and Miller’s Whale
of a Fertilizer. Iron is used in the correction
of iron chlorosis — a yellowing of leaves.

Zinc

Zinc is linked with iron and manganese in
the formation of chlorophyll.

Magnesium

Magnesium (also known as Epsom salts) is
an essential part of chlorophyll. It regulates
the uptake of other plant foods and acts as a
carrier of phosphorus.

Manganese

Manganese increases the availability of
calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It aids
in synthesis (union of elements) of chloro¬
phyll and functions in photosynthesis (a pro¬
cess of green plants by which carbohydrates
are formed from the carbon dioxide and water
of the air under the influence of light).

Sulphur

Sulphur gives increased root growth. It
helps maintain dark green color and encour¬
ages more vigorous plant growth. It corrects
alkalinity of the soil.

Molybdenum

This element seems essential in nitrogen

utilization by the plant.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is one of the many soil con¬
ditioners. It is used primarily to improve seed
germination and seedling growth. It has shown
definite benefits where soil and moisture con¬
ditions tend to create a crust that hampers
germination and seed growth.

18

Humus in the Soil

Humus (also known as organic matter) act¬
ually has no chemical formula. It consists ol
vegetable and animal matter which has only
partly decayed but which has lost its structure
and has been changed over into a black sub¬
stance that, when added to garden soil, gives
the black color to it.

Humus is often called compost. It decom¬
poses slowly, releasing plant foods over a
long period of time. It improves the moisture
holding capacity of the soil. It brings about
mellowness and friability.

Since humus makes soil structure and
bears such a close relationship with the other
needed soil elements, it can be considered
one of the most important influences in gen¬
erating or developing soil fertility.

Water

As you know, water contains 2 parts hy¬
drogen and 1 part oxygen. Water is food and
essential to life of all living things.

Here in the United States we are blessed
with mountain ranges, covered with trees and
other vegetation and a network of large rivers
which supply us with water. In addition, we
have rainfall and snowfall to supplement the
needed moisture. Yet . . . we are not conserv¬
ing or controlling our water resources to the
best of our abilities. Water is becoming a
priceless item. •

THE FLOWER

ARRANGEMENT

CALENDAR —

1962

By Helen

Van Pelt

Wilson

The ideal Christmas present-— or for yourself!

This beautiful desk calendar has week-by-week
pages for noting engagements • — plus 57 exqui¬
site flower arrangements, selected from the
work of the most talented arrangers — both
here and abroad. You’ll find a full cross section
of today’s most important styles and trends.

It’s a year-round course in flower arranging — -
with themes for each season. $1.50 in gift box,
ready for mailing.

M. Barrows & Co

Inc., Dept. 86

425 Park Ave., South

N.Y. 16, N.Y.

— U. C. MIX —

BLENDED chemical ingredients. Formula IV (D)
and Formula V (D). Individually packaged for
1 Bu. or 1 Cu. Ft. (Specify Type and Size).

3 Units Postpoid $1.00
Larger Quantities Available

THE GARDEN MART

5108 Old Richmond Rd. Bellaire, Texas

<>»'' ROOTED CUTTING CLUMPS

Our originations, buy with confidence — we never substitute.

All cuttings shipped in the plastic pots in which they ore grown.
No root injury and no need to separate plantlets until convenient.

AFTERGLO SUPREME: Large red-pink dbl. on

flat girl fol. Blooms well _ $1.00

BAGDAD: Full dbl. Fantasy on deeply

scalloped flat girl foliage _ _ $ .75

BEAUTY TIPS: Light pink dbl. with dark red

tips. Afterglo foliage _ $1.25

BLUE CHIPS: Big bold deep blue on dark

foliage. Terrific bloomer _ S .50

BLUETTE: Frilly medium blue dbl. on dark

wavy foliage _ S .75

BLUE SAGE: Light blue frilied dbl. with

wavy foliage _ _ _ _ $ .75

BLUE SEA: Large blue splashed with darker

blue on open girl foliage _ _ _ $ .75

BLUSH ’N SNO: Heavy blooming peach-pink

full dbl. variegated Fair Lady _ _ $1.25

CINDY IMPROVED: Med. pink full dbl. on

notched variegated girl foliage _ $ .50

CLARION: Big ruffled med. blue full dbl. on

wavy shield-shaped foliage _ $1.00

CLARET: Frilled claret-red full dbl, on wavy

dark foliage _ $ ,50

DEIDRE: Fluffy deep red-orchid dbl, on

quilted dark wavy foliage _ $ .75

DOM: Very large orchid dbl. massive pollen,

on dark wavy foliage _ $ .50

FAI LEE: Fluffy dark blue full dbl. on unusual

pretty girl foliage _ $ .50

GREEN FRILLS: Fluffy blue and white dbl.

often green petals, wavy foliage - $1.00

J AVENE: Dark blue full dbl. on slightly

ruffled very dark foliage - $ .50

JOEL A: Two-tone blue-orchid on shiny, quilted,

dark wavy foliage - - $ .50

LILAC TIME: Fluffy lilac dbl. on pointed wavy

foliage _ $1.00

LOLITA: Large red-orchid bicolor on open

pointed girl foliage - $ .50

MIDNITE: Dark blue-purple ruffled dbl. on

nice dark shiny girl foliage - $1.00

MO ANNA: Deep red-orchid dbl. on dark shiny

wavy foliage - $ .50

NYLA: Very frilly, intense deep pink on nicely

waved foliage _ $1.00

PINK’N SNO: Bright pink dbl. on dark green

foliage var. pink and white _ $1.50

RED’N GOLD: Dark red-orchid dbl, nice golden

pollen, shiny tailored foliage _ $1.00

ROSY POSY: Deep pink, extra full, rose shaped

dbl. on flat girl foliage _ $ .50

ROYALEE: Frilly med. blue full dbl. with

heavy pollen on dark wavy foliage _ $ .50

SUGA: Nice magenta dbl. on flat, dark

velvety, slightly wavy foliage _ $1.00

SUMMER: Bright blue dbl. on dark glossy

foliage. Sure summer bloomer _ $ .50

TAN ANNA: Clusters of frilly two-tone lavender
dbls. wavy shiny foliage _ $1.00

TERMS* Minimum order $5.00; Your $10.00 choice $9.00; $20.00 choice
$17.50; $30.00 choice $25.00. All prices and terms are F.O.B.
Brockport. All boxes insured: via parcel post special handling 12c each
cutting (minimum fee $1.00); via air is 22c each cutting (minimum fee
$1.75). For Special Delivery please add 65c. Shipments will start as soon
as weather permits. NOTE: Offer ends February 15, 1962.

NAOMI'S

P. O. Box 123 Brockporf*, N. Y.

19

And A Package of Seed
Started It All

Q)orothy c5^. ^oung

^937 Jutland (Avenue
Q)es oMoines ii, Borwa

New lists will be ready in
January — Send For Yours.

NOW IS THE TIME
TO ROOT LEAVES
FOR FALL
BLOOMING PLANTS

For Fastest, Safest, Surest rooting

qjunL

AFRICAN VIOLET
LEAF ROOTER

Available in a concentrate. An amount suf¬
ficient to make 1 quart, $1.25; 1 gallon,

$3.25. Postpaid.

For sale byi

Nelson Form Violets, RFD 1, Athol, Moss.
Mrs. Karl Smith, 315 Gilford A., Laconia, NH
John Heckel, 105-21 -188th St., Hollis 12, NY
Mildred Downes, Suncook, P. O., Pembroke, NH

Dorothy Parker, Yucaipa, California

SEVERAL years ago, shortly after my hus¬
band had returned home from the hospital,
time hung heavy on his shoulders as, the
doctor had given him orders to take it easy
for several months. One day he said, “Let’s
send for a package of African violet seed.”
I agreed, and as he had already found an ad
in a flower magazine, we immediately mailed
in an order. When the seeds arrived, he used
a shallow glass refrigerator dish and first
put in a layer of Sponge-Rok, then vermicu-
lite, then the seeds which he carefully dis¬
tributed over the moist vermiculite. This dish
was covered with another refrigerator dish,
and then we waited. In about seven or eight
weeks the small plants began to make their
appearance. As they became large enough, he
potted them; more plants kept appearing and
this potting procedure went on for some
weeks. During the months that followed, the
plants grew and what was supposed to be a
package of 100 seeds turned out to be 134
healthy, beautiful African violet plants.

It didn’t take us long to realize that we
must start doing something about supplying
humidity and more space for these plants
as they were rapidly taking over every space
we could find in oiir house. After several
consultations, we decided a greenhouse was
in order. Mr. Parker then completed plans
and started constructing our 10 by 12 foot
greenhouse. After a couple of weeks, the
building was completed and equipped with
a cooler, heater, and equipment to supply
humidity. We could hardly wait to move the
plants in and place them on the redwood
benches which had been carefully prepared.

What a thrill to start moving the plants
into their new home, and I am of the opinion
that if the plants could have expressed their
wish, they would have been happy to have
more space and the proper humidity and
temperature. It was only a very short time
until they took on a new look in their new
surroundings. They were rewarding us for
giving them such good care. Their foliage was
growing more beautiful and they were show¬
ing new buds, also the bloom was getting
larger. Each day brought a new thrill in a
different bloom and naturally we began pick¬
ing out our favorites. We set a few leaves so
that we could learn the fundamentals of leaf
propagation. It was our wish to learn all we
could and get as much experience as possible
before entering into the field of named varie¬
ties.

Each season of the year brought new prob¬
lems and new adjustments. Our vicinity has

20

rather dry air so it wasn’t long until we found
that the plants required too much checking
for moisture, so we decided to have galva¬
nized trays made the size of our benches in
an effort to increase the moisture. The nec¬
essary trays were acquired and moved into
the greenhouse. We used about an inch of
pumice stone in the trays and then treated
the stone with a solution of chlordane to make
sure no insects had slipped in to cause us
trouble later on. After making certain the
stone was thoroughly saturated, we then lev¬
eled the stone and patted it down so the plant
pots would set on top of the rock and not
down in the stone. The stone is kept moist
but not standing in water. We learned that
by setting the pots of plants on top of the
stone, they not only keep moist, as we use
clay pots, but also the moist stone helps to
supply humidity in the greenhouse. After
watching our plants and enjoying them, the
first year of our new hobby had slipped by
and we felt that we were ready to collect
some named varieties. Collecting new varie¬
ties would mean we would be giving up the
unnamed seedlings, but we easily found homes
for them and soon our collection was pro¬
gressing nicely. We found we were making
new acquaintances and also creating new in¬
terests in our community; many friends were
coming to see our collection and bringing
their friends.

In the meantime we had attended an African
violet show, and, need I say more? This only
added more to the fascination we already felt
for the beautiful plants, and by the next
season we had some show plants; and I had
joined the Pomona Valley African Violet So¬
ciety in La Verne, California, and was secre¬
tary for two years. During this period, at the
two shows held by this society, we won
sweepstakes award each year, as well as
other individual awards, which we treasure.

In the fall of 1959 many of our friends in
this district, who were interested in African
violets, thought it would be nice to have a
Society of our own as it was impossible for
them to drive the distance of 50 miles each
way to La Verne to attend the meetings as
I had been doing for the previous two years.
The Town and Country African Violet So¬
ciety was organized and I am now in my
second year as president of this organization.
Through this club we have created a tremen¬
dous amount of interest in African violets,
and have had two successful shows.

Mr. Parker has been crossing varieties for
the past several years, and has been working
with gloxinias, however we find the latter
takes up too much of his precious space that
he needs for his new seedlings. Even though
we have moved to another location and en-
larged our violet room, we have not changed
our method of keeping the violets on pumice
stone in trays. We find this method to be
most satisfactory in this climate and so easy

to keep sterilized as we can completely re¬
move the stone for a regular sterilizing pro¬
cess, and the galvanized trays can be taken
out for their regular cleanings.

We have now experienced a new thrill:
the registration of three new varieties which
Mr. Parker has created, which we have
named Capri, Valley Sweetheart, and Special
One. We have been informed that these reg¬
istrations will appear in the magazine.

Anyone interested in African violets is al¬
ways welcome at the Parkers’ where we have
several hundred varieties, and many of them
are the very latest. Plans are already being
made to attend the upcoming National Con¬
vention to be held in San Francisco in 1962.
We are convinced that African violets help
to form friendships which endure through
the years. •

ROOTED CLUMP SPECIALS

$1.00 each or any 12 for $10.00

Lilian Jarrett Sup.

Pinwheel

War Admiral

Green Confetti

Michael O'Shea

Star Talk

Pink 'n Sno

Pink Sugar

Clarion

Heritage

Red Fable

La Femme

Wanton Red

Stained Glass

Afterglow Sup.

Possessed

Giant Jill

Oriental Red

Tananna

Butterfly Green Coma

Cindy (Improved)

50c each or any 12 for $5.00

Driven Snow

The Kingfish

Iceberg

Glowing Embers

Lilian Jarrett

Gov. of Oregon

Ming Blue

Sheila

Fireball

Rose Dust

Bu-t-Star

Pastel Swirls

Bu-t-Prize

Golly Bee

Velvet Star

Blue Chips

Valiant King

Jack Frost

Wee Admiration

Blue Waters

Pink Patti

Impressario

Pink Polka

Star Chimes

Ardent Red

Frosted Red

Cherry Red

Whee

Pearl

Swami Imp.

Miss Atlantic City

Gee Whiz

Gold Braid

Pink Darkie

Dbl. Pink Geneva

Shrill

Dbl. Red Selections

Hi Hopes

Green Fog

Pink Cluster

Echo

Young Love

Butterfly Blue-

Jumbo Honey

Swallowtail

Bold Emperor

Pink Crisp

Please include $1.00 for postage and

packing ... we ship

Airmail whenever

possible. All orders

carefully packed

in pots. This SPECIAL OFFER good

until FEB. 28, 1962. 1961 Fall List

available.

PHILIPPA 1

L. YATES

Box 249 Comox

, B.C. Conodo

21

How I Plant In Plastic Pots

Marie Daimemiller, Barberton, Ohio

WE are told to never look a gift horse in
the mouth, so I didn’t when I was of¬
fered all of the plastic pots left in one of the
commercial exhibits at the Cincinnati Con¬
vention. As I was traveling by bus, Mr. Veith
kindly offered to bring them up the next time
he came this way. I had never grown anything
in plastic and hadn’t had good luck growing
in ceramic containers, but, nevertheless, I
planted some African violets in plastic after
I received them. I lost many in a short time,
especially the larger ones, so I put the plastic
pots away, hoping that someday I could learn
to use them properly.

Our club visited many growers in the area
and it seemed they were either growing their
stock in plastic pots or were going to change
over, so I started adding Perlite to Nature’s
Way to make it more porous, and I had better
luck with the smaller plants. About that time
Mr. Veith was considering handling Sponge-
Rok and he brought me a bag to try; I found

that by using some of the finer Sponge-Rok
instead of Perlite, and putting a little coarser
Sponge-Rok in the bottom of the pots to admit
air that I had very little loss with the smaller
plants. I then tried at least a half inch of the
coarse Sponge-Rok in the bottom of the large
pots and after the plants were potted I made
three air wells next to the pot edge with a
pencil and filled them with coarse Sponge-
Rok, permitting the air to circulate freely.

There were some very large plastic pots in
the collection and last month an orchid grow¬
er advised me to transplant all my orchids
into bark and plastic pots as he is doing, and
already mine look much better. Because I
had read so many warnings about overwater¬
ing I was afraid and had not been giving the
orchids enough water and they were begin¬
ning to dry up in their old pots.

Certainly anything planted in plastic looks
much better, is easier to handle, and there is
no slump concentration as on clay pots. The
pretty pastel pinks, yellows, aquas, along with
the whites and greys, are quite attractive on
my window shelves, and the contrasting col¬
ored pot adds to the pretty blooms above it. •

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

Available now with new Sylvania GRO-LUX Fluorescent Tubes** See September Issue of African

Violet Magazine, page 27.

A NEW DUAL LIGHT RAPID START FLUORESCENT
FIXTURE for violets and other plants. No Starters nec¬
essary. Can be used four ways, as a 4 tube, as a 4 tube
plus 2 incandescent, as a 2 tube or a 2 tube plus 2
incandescent. 48” long with 151/2” Reflector. With 3 pink
and 1 blue or 4 any color tubes. With Rapid Start Ballast
S28.00 Postpaid.*

A Brand NEW 2 TUBE DUAL LIGHT RAPID START
FIXTURE Extra Wide spaced. 734” Centers with 2 incan¬
descent sockets. 48” long with 13” Reflector. With Choice
of 2-40 watt Cool White, Warm White or Daylight Tubes.
With Rapid Start Ballast $18.00 Postpaid.*

RAPID START DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE. A combination
of incandescent and fluorescent lights made especially
for African violets. 48” long with 13” Reflector and
2-15 vi^att sockets. Choice of 2-40 watt Cool White, Warm
White or Daylight Tubes. With Rapid Start Ballast. No
Starters Necessary, $16.00 Postpaid.*

* Add $1.00 west of Rockies
** Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux tube

NEW STARLITE GARDEN LAMP IN 2 SIZES. Like thou¬
sands of glittering stars reflected through the perforated
shade this Starlite Lamp is a perfect setting for your
violets, both useful and decorative. Black wrought iron
finish. Inside of reflector is white enamel. Rubber tipped
legs never mar or slip. Can be had without perforations.
2 sizes 18” high 13” wide and 32” long with 2-20 watt
tubes or 18” high 13” wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt
tubes, with cord, plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With
2-6 watt sockets add $2.00. State choice.

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays with removable inserts
12” X 18” X 23/3” high. Trays only $9.30 doz. postpaid.
15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30 doz. postpaid. 12 trays and 12
inserts $17.50 postpaid.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED to $9.25
postpaid.

Legs for any Fluorescent Fixture $2.00 Postpaid. Adjustable chains to hang any Fluorescent
Fixture $1.25 Postpaid. New High Output 40 watt 3100 lumen cool white tubes can be furnished
at no extra cost, give more light. All 48 inch Fluorescent Fixtures include cord, plug, switch, tubes

and Rapid Start Ballasts. No Starters are necessary.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 reduced to
$4.30 Postpaid. Send for Literature and Prices on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd, Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

22

Leaves Rooted Clumps Small Plants

FLOWER HAVEN

Violets, begonias, other plants for house and

Many new varieties. Early leaf orders rooted
without extra charge. Stamp for list.

garden.

Natura Magic Mix for seed and cuttings,
supplies.

MRS. JAMES D. FOWLER

4c Stamp for List in February

651 Greystone Sheridan, Wyo.

CECIL LACHER

Route 4 Freeport, Ill.

'^NEW FOR '62

FLAMERI — A breathtaking hot pink, with edges of lettuce green lace.

Glowing masses of large blooms

in contrast to the dark wavy foliage.

For this and other distinctive varieties, write for free catalogue.

MERILEES AFRICAN VIOLETS

COWICHAN STATION, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

NOTE

All plants shipped to U.S.A. certified free of pests & disease by the Government of Canada.

SEASONS GREETINGS

HESCOCK'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

Hundreds of Varieties, Thousands of Plants

21/4”, 3”, 4”, 5”

from the HEART of AMERICA

Xutie Q)unlap

— The Price is Right — •

RETAIL AND WHOLESALE

5001 Chestnut Avenue

Visit our Greenhouses at Blackford Avenue,

Kansas City 30, Mo.

New Market, N.J., Route 28 to Dunellen,

South 2 miles — Phone ELliot 6-6863

— LAKE ERIE SERIES —

T962 Introductions

Lake Erie Whitecaps

SPOT THAT MITE!

Lake Erie Peace Port

with this 20x pocket microscope

Lake Erie Harbor Lights

You can be certain that it is mites, if you
have one of these new 20x power hand micro¬

Lake Erie Beacon

scopes with which to identify the pests! You
con find them on the outsides of the flower

Lake Erie Splash

pots.

This compound pocket microscope is 100%

Lake Erie Waves

American mode. Its 4 precision ground and
polished lenses give a clear and undistorted

Our Own

image over the entire field of vision. As in all

Hybrid Episcia Seedlings (Silver Crest)

standard laboratory scopes, the image is in¬
verted.

also

Higher or lower powered ''scopes" can be
found, but experience has shown that this 20x
powered "scope" to be just right for identifica¬
tion of the pests that destroy African violets.

Lipstick Vine — Columneas

Send 1 Oc for 1 962 Catalog. Apply 1 0c credit

Price . . .

on order.

United States and Canada _ $3.25 Postpaid

Foreign Countries _ $3.25 plus postage

BUYNAK'S

on 4 oz.

Send Check or Money Order to

3871 West 133rd St. V. M.

Cleveland 11, Ohio

NORMA B. BUTLER

126 Valentine Dr. North Syracuse, N.Y.

23

ROOTED CUTTINGS

(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

See September issue for pot prices or a post¬
card will bring complete listing of violets and
supplies.

— SPECIAL —

Pot Assortment — - State round or square
24 marbleized pots — $2.00 postpaid
Beyond 5th zone add 25^ shipping

Assortment consist of
21/4", 2/2", 3", 3/2", 4" pots

Violets by Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

— VISITORS WELCOME ~

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leoves — Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants

New and Older Varieties
Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7322

SANDY^S VIOLET SALON

Emerson Iowa

Freshly Cut Leaves — Small Plants
Rooted Clumps

DECEMBER SPECIAL

12 plants 2 Vi" pot size many blooming — -
only $5.50.

NEW VARIETIES: 40^ Freshly Cut Leaf:
GUMDROP, RED CROWN, LA FEMME,
STAINED GLASS, INDIANA DOLL, MISS N.
C., ALABASTER, SHAG, EDGE OF NIGHT,
NIGHT SHADE AND RED HEART.

OLDER VARIETIES: 250 Freshly Cut Leaf:
ALL GOLD LACE SERIES, ALL BUTTERFLY
SERIES, DIP SERIES, BIG LEAF VOLKERT,
FIFI, GOODIE GOODIE, GREEN BEADS,
BRIDGET, GOLD BAND, POTPOURI, CATHY
ANN, KATHY JEAN, SPOTLITE, WHITE
ORCHID AND HUNDREDS MORE!

Gift leaves with all orders.

Stamp for list hundreds of varieties.

12 Freshly cut leoves — your choice — $4.00
12 Freshly cut leaves — my choice — $2.00

Please add $1.00 for postage and handling.
Minimum order $4.00

How To Raise Club Funds

Daisy Jones, Memphis, Tennessee

OUR Memphis and Shelby County African
Violet Club begins a new year each Sep¬
tember — and in order to start off our club
with vim and vigor our president, lion Pair,
called a board meeting for the third week
in August. Fortunately, through budgeting the
previous year and money taken in from our
spring show, we have $245.00 in our treasury!
We make out our budget for the new year
and advise the chairmen the approximate
amount they have to spend.

You might ask how we build up our treas¬
ury? Each member pays local dues of $2.00
per year; each member buys a year book; each
member tries to have small plants to donate
for sale at our spring show; each member is
urged to bring in as many new members as
possible, some bringing in 2 or 3 during the
year others none. We usually have 45 or
50 paid members to start off the new year.

Our annual spring African violet show
is the one time that we make quite a lot of
money. We purchase about 200 small bloom¬
ing violets at 35c each plus postage; we in
turn have a plant sale table and sell them
for 75c, $1.00 and $1.25. We contact Samba
Soil Sales Company here, who manufacture
a wonderful soil for African violets; they
donate a lovely trophy for sweepstakes.

We had "African Violet Day" at the Mid-
South Fair, September 23-30th; this added
money to our treasury too.

We have quite a lot of expenses during the
year, but as long as we have a good president
we know that we are going to keep within
our budget and yet add more money to our
treasury. A good membership drive will bring
in more new members, and at $2.00 each it
helps to take care of some of our expenses.
Our one thought in securing new members is
to get those who really love African violets be¬
cause we feel that money does not mean
everything to us — we must have a Happy
Club.

ADVERTISERS — African Violet Magazine
We have only so many column inches of space
allotted for advertising and as a result of this,
advertising is given on a first come first serve
basis abstract of that advertising agreed by
contract.— Editor.

YOARS GREENHOUSE

Bunker Hill, Indiana

African Violets, Gesneriads — a general line
of the best pot plonts. Where to order unusual
seeds.

Sodium Selenate— 500 with stamped envelope.

V-C 13 — $2.75

24

KROGMAN^S VIOLETRY

SPECIALIZING IN NEWEST AND
CHOICEST VARIETIES

We have the 'HOO'" best as listed plus
''Hundreds of the Rest."

Send dime for list. Apply credit on order.

1325 Parkway Dr. (S. 125) Brookfield, Wis.

Miniatures Popular Varieties Supplies

Free 1962 Shipping List Ready
January 15

Many 1961 varieties, and lots more minia¬
tures, and other gesneriads. Complete line of
supplies including V-C 13 and Ra-Pid-Gro.

U. C SOIL MIX

1 gal. $1.25 ppd. — Add SO^zI over 1000 miles
5 gal. $5.00 ppd. — Add $1.00 over 1000 miles

Spidell's African Violets

1380 Garfield St. Eugene, Oregon

ATTENTION MEMBERS

Experiencing trouble and inconvenience locat¬
ing your African violet supplies? Not if you
first consult ■ —

THE GARDEN MART

Dept. AV.

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

— WRITE FOR LIST —

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c
sales tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

Box 8425 Cleveland 34, Ohio

SUPPLIES for GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS

(Order from this ad, or send 10c for complete
list) For more complete list see our ad in June
issue. (Inside front cover)

“Nature’s Way” African Violet Soil. 18-lb: $2.95
50-lb; $6.50 (We bill you for shipping

charges)

V-C 13 (for nematodes) 8 oz. bottle $2.7 5 ppd.
“P-40” (2% Sod. Selenate). Mix with potting
soil. 1 lb. with instructions $1.50 ppd. Zone
5 and beyond: add additional 15c postage.
Sel-Kaps (for mites . . . place capsule in each
pot) (2% Sod. Selenate) 48 caps. $2.20 ppd.
“Our Own” A. V. Leaf Rooting Mix'; 4 qt.
$1.50 ppd.

Panodrench-Insecticide for stopping leaf cutting
rot (damping-off) 1 oz. bottle $2.25 ppd.
BLUE WHALE Peat Moss: 10-lb. bag; $3.25 ppd.
Fumi-Soil Caps — Sterilizes soil chemically. No
need to bake soil. 24 capsules: $1.75 ppd.
African Violet Plastic Tubs (3” dia.) White,
Red, Dark Green, Lt. Green. 25/ $2.65
50 $4.35 100 $8.50. Postpaid. Zone 5 &

beyond add 5% for additional postage.
SPECIAL: 6 Fresh-cut leaves (our choice) $1.00
ppd. 6 Rooted Leaves (our choice) $3.50
ppd. Zone 5 and beyond add 25c postage.
Minimum Order: $1.00. No COD orders. Send
check or MO. Send dime for list of African
Violets.

BERNARD GREESON Dept. S

3548 N. Cramer St., Milwaukee 11, Wis.

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The “Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20” x 52”) aluminum
trays for bottom watering. Provision is made for mounting an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR-AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest
quality of all "apartment greenhouses,” You will be proud to show it to
your friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with which
the lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly 18”
above the trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two
shelves.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for mak¬
ing and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other
plants by artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95
postpaid.

We are in position to supply the light fixtures combining fluorescent
and incandescent light as described in this book as well as TIME-ALL
automatic controls, soil mixes, compost, plastic markers, etc. Ask for
price list.

Also available ~ Peggie Schulz’s “book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.75.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. Dll Wausau, Wis.

25

My Hobby

Mercedes Trickey, Alexandria Bay, New York

I have always loved flowers and learned a
great deal about outdoor plants even before
I started school. My father, who was then
gardener for the late Governor F. O. Lowden
of Illinois, and who owned one of our Thou¬
sand Islands, taught me. Since that time I
have gleaned everything I could about horti¬
culture in every form.

Lindley African Violet's

803 No. Garden

Boise, Idaho

Our 1962 Spring list will be ready in February.

Among those listed

are the following.

Azurite

Jennifer Jill

Heaven Sent

Rollo

Fair Elaine

Rosy Rhythm

Roxie

Hans Brinker

Cortez

Old Style

Artist Touch

King’s Ransom

Rooted Clumps

Stamp for List

— Advertisers —

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

The Editor and Publisher of the African
Violet Magazine reserve the right to accept
or reject and/or modify in any way all adver¬
tising copy which is submitted to the African
Violet Magazine for publication.

RICHTER'S ARE MOVING!

After December 1st our new mailing address
will be . . .

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSE

9529 Wicker Park Boulevard
Highland, Indiana

Our new greenhouses are located on
Route 41, 1 mile South of Route 6.
We will have one large greenhouse
devoted exclusively to African violets,
and plan to continue and eventually
to expand our program of hybridizing.
We will also still have violets at our
present location in Hammond until
further notice.

New price list ready In mid-January.

A stamp reserves your copy.

Richter's Greenhouse

607 Hoffman Street Hammond, Indiana

One day many years ago, I saw my first
African violet and immediately bought it. Of
course, it was Blue Boy. I knew nothing about
growing indoor plants, but decided to give
them a whirl. Next came Pink Beauty and
White Lady, and I was sunk. They were so
lovely. I still have plants of Blue Boy and
Pink Beauty, but White Lady has long since
departed.

By that time I wanted to learn more about
these fascinating little plants, and I joined
the National Society in 1949. I attended my
first Convention in 1950 at Philadelphia. For
me, ^Jth my small collection, the first sight
of all those different plants had me speechless.
I decided that it was too far to bring home
any plants, so I bought the collection of leaves
of Fischer’s Fringette Series. I still have plants
of the mauve and purple ones.

After that I really got the bug and began
adding new varieties, as my spare funds al¬
lowed. I now have hundreds in every con¬
ceivable spot in the house: in north and east
windows, in direct sun, even under tables
where they get no sun, and sometimes very
little light.

Working every day I do not have time to
mix my own soil, so I buy the packaged kinds,
adding humus, peat and vermiculite, with no
special formula but just until it feels right.
It does very well.

My biggest problem is keeping my African
violets wet enough. Our house has to be kept
very warm, and this winter the problem be¬
came very serious, and I knew I would lose
them all if something was not done soon.
Putting them in water seemed the only way.
Some of my friends, who had babies, saved
their baby food jars for me. These are won¬
derful for this purpose as the smaller tops
keep the plant leaves out of the water better
than if they were put in glasses. I washed
and sterilized these and proceeded to transfer
my plants from pots to jars. I put some char¬
coal bits in each jar to keep the water sweet.
It was an immediate success; I saved nearly
all and they are growing and blooming as
though it were the most natural thing in the
world. Now I am reversing the process and,
as I find time, I am potting them up.

A plumber friend of mine has made me
trays to fit my window sills, and these I am
going to fill with about one inch of chicken
grits, and after the plants are placed in them
the watering problem should be solved. I
shall do the same with all my pans.

I should like to replace some of the older
varieties that I have lost, if I could find a
seller of them, as I think it is too bad to
completely discard the old ones. After all,
where would the new ones be but for those
old ones?

Greeted in the morning, and at night after
a tiring day, by so many cheerful faces is
more than enough for the work they require.#

26

TAKE MUCH OF THE GUESSWORK
OUT OF GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS

NEW

TROPI-
GROWER

With the Automatic Moisturizer (pat. pend.)

■ Plastic Collar Prevents Stem Rot

■ Creates Greenhouse Climate In Home
Constant Moisture, High Humidity

African Violets and other temperamental
house plants grow more rapidly and bloom
more profusely in the attractive, scientific¬
ally designed tropi-grower.

The new planter creates ideal growing con¬
ditions for tropical plants by providing
constant and controlled moisture, high hu¬
midity and abundant root aeration.

The tropi-grower’s unique Automatic
Moisturizer watering system supplies wa¬
ter and humidity to the plant constantly.
A controlled water supply is stored by a
block of absorbent material under the plant.

As needed, moisture is drawn up by capil¬
lary action into the pot and plant. Also, the
air space between the outer cup and the
peat pot holding the plant forms a natural
high humidity chamber.

The watering system supplements the nor¬
mally high moisture holding capacity of

the 3-inch round jack pot peat moss pot
in which the plant is potted. The peat pot’s
porous walls aid plant growth by insuring
maximum root aeration.

A transparent plastic collar supports the
leaves, and shows them to the best advan¬
tage. By keeping the leaves from touching
the pot, the collar helps to prevent stem
rot and crown rot.

The decorative tropi-grov/er is beauti¬
fully designed and lends a tasteful com¬
plement to the beauty of the plants and to
any room decor. Made of polystyrene, and
finished in a cool green and Oxford grey,
it is 8%" wide and 4V2" high. It is attrac¬
tively packaged in a polyethylene bag, with
complete instructions attached.

The unique tropi-grower, featuring the
Automatic Moisturizer watering and hu¬
midity system, takes much of the guess¬
work out of growing African Violets!

WILLIS-REYNOLDS CORR, Lebanon 17, Ind.

27

"Frathel's Originafions"

Our new 1962 list is now ready, with it we
have reached our goal of giving you new
varieties that produce many blossoms, large
different blossoms with striking foliage that
grows well, foliage is different both in color
and shape.

Just a few of our new creations are "LATIN
LADY", "DREAM STUFF", "TURTLE DOVE",
and ever so many more.

Stamp for List Please
Also Many Lovely New Variegated Plants.

252 Cloy Ave. Rochester 13, N. Y.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

SPRING LIST FEBRUARY 1962

FERNE for AFRICAN VIOLETS

FERNE V. KELLAR

827 N. Main St. Harrisonburg, Vo.

Visitors welcomed. Highway No. 11.

Do not take bypass.

New Supplemental
VARIETY LIST
by John Coryell

$1.50 Postpaid

Adds over 2,000 names and descriptions.
The new and old lists combined $4.00 postpaid.
Send to:

JOHN CORYELL

Route 1 Arvada, Colorado

Visitors Welcome Mail RFD #1, Athol

Nelson Farm Violets

Phillipston, Mass. (Near Fox Run)

Plants — Rooted Cuttings — Leaves
(State Inspected)

Stamp Brings List

Order in Jan. or Feb. for best in clumps.

The new "Manelto" series has been added.

qujnJk. leaf Rooter $1.25 qt. — $3.25 gal.

(concentrate) It really works.

From all of us, Anna, Leila and all the little
RC's bursting out all over for Spring adoption.

List ready February 1, crammed full of all the
newest varieties from the leading hybridizers.
Four cent stamp please for list.

ANNALEE

VIOLETRY

29-50 214 Place

Bayside 60, N.Y.

1962 MOON SIGN BOOK

57th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen¬
sive guide to Lunar Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and exact times for best planting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Postpaid

LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS

Dept. AV.

100 South Wabasha Street
Saint Paul 7, Minnesota

OUR LIST OF FRESH CUT LEAVES

Available with over 100 new releases of the best
25 to 50c PER LEAF - NONE HIGHER

Over 800 VARIETIES for your selection of the newest and best of the older choices.

We carry the entire output of several well known growers.

ALSO A LARGE LIST OF MINIATURES
PLANTS FOR SALE AT VIOLETRY - NONE SHIPPED - 35c UP

SEND CARD FOR FREE LIST

To receive list immediately send 12c stamps otherwise we accumulate inquiries for bulk postage rates.

HILLHOUSE VIOLETRY

616 Columbia Street Dr. and Mrs. H. W. Schwartz Burlington, Iowa

28

I African Violet Society Of America, Inc.
I 1962 Convention

^ April 26, 27, 28, 1962, Sheraton-Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California

Call for 1962 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the African Violet
Society of America, Inc. will be held Satur¬
day, April 28 at 9:00 A.M. at the Sheraton-
Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California, to
transact the following business: 1) To hear
the report of Officers, Directors, and Com¬
mittee Chairmen of the Society; 2) To hold
the election of Officers and Directors; 3) To

transact any other business that may properly
come before the meeting.

Call for 1962 Board of Directors Meeting
Board of Directors Meeting, Sheraton-
Palace Hotel, English Room, Wednesday,
10:00 A.M., April 25, 1962. Please be present.
Sincerely,

Ruth G. Carey, President

African Violet Society of America, Inc.

THE NATIONAL SHOW

SCHEDULE AND AWARDS SOCIETY AWARDS 1962

FOR COMMERCIAL EXHIBITING

CLASS 1

All exhibits to be judged individually.
Blue first. Red second and White third.

CLASS 2 — Horticultural Perfection:

Best grown group of plants either new or
old varieties not less than 15 plants.

Blue Rosette first. Red Rosette second.
White Rosette third.

CLASS 3

Best staged exhibit.

Blue Rosette first, Red Rosette second.
White Rosette third.

CLASS 4

Seedlings actually hybridized by exhibitor
or released rights given exhibitor and
not previously exhibited or judged.

Blue first. Red second and White third.

CLASS 5

Sport or Mutant to have been discovered
by exhibitor or persons connected with
business. Not previously judged or ex¬
hibited.

CLASS 6

Only winners in Class 4 and 5 to partici¬
pate in Class 6.

Blue Rosette first. Red Rosette second and
White Rosette third.

COMMERCIAL SILVER TROPHY

The Commercial Silver Trophy will be
awarded to the best Commercial Ex¬
hibit of African violets in the Conven¬
tion Show.

NEW INTRODUCTION AWARD

A plaque to be awarded to the hybridizer
of the best new introduction.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THE

COMMERCIAL EXHIBITS CONTACT

African Violet Society of America, Inc.

P.O. Box 1326

Knoxville, Tennessee

THE SILVER CUP of the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. will be awarded to the best registered
named variety in Classes 1 through 27 in the Amateur
Division.

AWARD OF MERIT RIBBON will be given to the
runner-up or second best registered named variety in
the Specimen Classes 1 through 27 in the Amateur
Division.

HONORABLE MENTION RIBBON will be given to the
third best registered named variety in Classes 1
through 27 in the Amateur Division.

GOLD ROSETTE AWARD or first award may be given
to the best collection of three registered named varie¬
ties of African violets exhibited in the National Con¬
vention Show.

PURPLE ROSETTE AWARD or second award of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. may be given
to the second best collection of three registered
named varieties of African violets exhibited in the
National Convention Show. To win the Gold and
Purple Rosette Awards each of the three plants must
be point scored for blue ribbons, each plant reaching
a total of 90-100 points before they are eligible for
the Awards. Each blue ribbon may be counted on the
number of ribbons for Sweepstakes in the Specimen
Classes even though all of the three plants may not
receive blue ribbons.

COMMERCIAL SILVER TROPHY will be awarded to
the exhibitor of the best Commercial Exhibit table.

NEW INTRODUCTION AWARD is a plaque to be
awarded to the hybridizer of the best new introduc¬
tion in Commercial Exhibit.

THE COMMERCIAL SILVER CUP of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc. will be awarded to
the exhibitor of the best registered named variety in
Classes 1 through 15 in the Specimen Plant Division
for Commercial Members.

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION SWEEPSTAKES
AWARDS. Four sterling silver bowls to be given to
the four sweepstakes winners who are members of
the African Violet Society of America, Inc. and who
win the most blue ribbons in specimen classes in
shows sponsored by Affiliated Chapters, State Socie¬
ties, or Councils of clubs. The president or secretary
of the Affiliated Organization must sei^d in the name,
address, name of organization, number of ribbons
won, dates and places of shows to the Awards
Chairman, Mrs. G. P. McGraw, 4629 Elm St.,
Downers Grove, Illinois, by March 1, 1962. Only rib¬
bons won at shows between March 1, 1961 and March
1, 1962 will be counted. In case of a tie there will be
a drawing. The winners will be announced at the
Friday Night Banquet.

29

“WESTERN WONDERLAND”

THE NATIONAL SHOW

Sheraton-Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California, April 26, 27, 1962

SHOW SCHEDULE for AMATEUR DIVISION

SECTION I — Specimen plants, single blos¬
soms (Classes 1 through 28 must be single
crown named African violets).

CLASS

1. Dark Blues or Purples

2. Medium Blues

3. Light Blues

4. Reds to Violets

5. Lavenders and Orchids

6. Bicolors, Multicolored and Variegated

7. Pinks

8. Whites

9. Green Edged

SECTION II — Specimen plants, double blos¬
soms
CLASS

10. Purples and Blues

11. Reds and Orchids

12. Pinks

13. Whites

14. Bicolors, Variegated and Multicolored

15. Green Edged

SECTION III — Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, double blossoms
CLASS

16. Whites

17. Pinks

18. Purples and Blues

19. Reds and Orchids

20. Variegated, Bicolors and Multicolored
SECTION IV — Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, single blossoms
•CLASS

21. Whites

22. Pinks

23. Purples and Blues

24. Reds and Orchids

25. Variegated, Bicolors and Multicolored
SECTION V — Specimen plants, any type or
size of blossoms, any foliage

CLASS

26. Bright Reds (such as Racy Red, etc.)
SECTION VI — Specimen plants may be single
or double blossoms

CLASS

27. Novelties (albinos, variegated foliage,
miniatures, etc.)

28. Collection of three registered different
named varieties single crown plants. (See
Rule 13)

29. Specimen seedlings (never before exhi¬
bited at a National Convention Show)

30. Specimen plant African violet species
(such as S. Grotei, S. tongwensis, etc.)

31. Specimen plant Gesneriaceae Family
(Episcias, gloxinias, etc., cross hybrids)
'SECTION VII — Arrangements

CLASS

32. “Gold Dust Twins.” Small twin arrange¬
ments, not to exceed 7” of cut African violet
blossoms, other foliage permitted.

33. “Western Sunset.” Crescent arrangement

of African violet blossoms varying in color
from light to dark tones, other foliage per¬
mitted. Violets must predominate.

34. “Sunrise.” Arrangement of African vio¬
let blossoms from any miniature variety in
a crescent, other foliage permitted. African
violets must predominate.

SECTION VIII — Compositions
CLASS

35. “Study in Black and White.” Composition
of white African violet blossoms or plants in
a black container on a black base, other foliage
and white flowers permitted. African violets
must predominate.

36. “Nature’s Wonderland.” Composition of
African violet plant or plants using woodfern
and roadside materials, other foliage and
flowers permitted. African violets must pre¬
dominate.

37. “High on a Hilltop.” Composition of
African violet blossoms or plants using wood,
rocks, and other forest material, depicting a
forest scene.

38. “Suddenly It’s Spring.” Composition of
African violet cut blossoms combined with
other spring flowers, such as Lily of the Val¬
ley, Snow Drops, Forget-me-nots, etc., other
foliage and accessories permitted.

39. “Autumn Splendor.” Composition of Af¬
rican violet blossoms or plants with fruits and
grains, other flowers and foliage permitted.
African violets must predominate.

40. “Rhythm of the Sea.” Composition of
African violet plants and/or cut blossoms,
using shells, sea fans, coral, etc., other plant
material permitted.

41. “Family Album.” Composition of African
violet blossoms and/or plants in an old picture
frame, other material and plants permitted.
African violets must predoipinate.

42. “Beyond the Shadows.” Composition of
African violet blossoms or plants in a shadow
box.

43. “Rhapsody in Blue.” Composition of blue
African violet blossoms or plants arranged in
a musical setting, other material permitted.

44. “By the Golden Gate.” Original compo¬
sition, using African violet blossoms and/or
plants, other material permitted. Originality
unlimited.

45. “Men Only.” Composition using African
violet blossoms or plant in a container suitable
for a man’s study.

46. “Wagon Train.” Composition using Afri¬
can violet blossoms and/or plants depicting
a moving theme, other material permitted.

47. An arrangement suggesting the theme of
the show, “Western Wonderland.”

SECTION IX — Yearbooks
CLASS

48. Yearbooks (See Rule 14)

30

{S AMATEUR DIVISION — RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Entries must be made between 4:00 — 11. All entries in both Amateur and Com-

|-M9:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, 1962 and
® Thursday, April 26, 1962 between 8:00 a.m.
Sand 12:00 noon. Judging will be from 2:30
® — 6:00 p.m.

® 2. Plants arriving too late to be entered will
» be shown for exhibition only.
m 3. Only healthy clean plants will be accept-
® ed, and must have been in the hands of the
exhibitor at least three months.

Ml 4. An exhibitor may enter only one plant of
® each variety in Classes 1 thrpugh 31.
a 5. Each variety must be correctly named or
H subject to correction by the classification com-
® mittee.

R 6. The Society will afford all possible pro-
» tection to exhibits, but will not be responsible
ffi for any loss.

« 7. All plants entered in Classes 1 through 29
1' must be single crown plants.

(8. Only blue ribbon winners will be eligible
to receive Special or Society Awards.

9. If any entry is not entered by the owner,
the name of such person making the entry
i must be on the back of the entry tag.
j 10. Pots or containers with removable or
® separate collars will not be permitted. Those
2 with a flared edge will not be considered as
® having a support or collar. For uniformity
all pots must be covered with dull side alumi¬
num foil. Exhibitors are to print their names
on adhesive tape and attach to the bottom
of the foil covered pot.

SPECIAL AWARDS —

ALMA WRIGHT SILVER GIFT AWARDS
FOR AFFILIATED CHAPTERS. One gift to
the person whose name is drawn from the
winners of the Gold Rosette Awards and one
to the winner of the Purple Rosette Awards.
Only the names of Affiliated Chapter members
who have won the Gold and Purple Rosette
Awards from April 1, 1961 to April 1, 1962
are eligible. These will be presented at a draw¬
ing at the Friday Night Banquet, San Fran¬
cisco Convention.

ARNDT’S FLORAL GARDENS AWARD.

$10.00 Gift Certificate for the best arrange¬
ment using miniature violet blossoms, Class
34. $10.00 Gift Certificate for the best plant
in the miniature class in the Amateur show.
Class 27. $5.00 Gift Certificate for the second
best plant in the miniature class in the Ama¬
teur show, Class 27.

ATLAS FISH FERTILIZER COMPANY TRO¬
PHY to the arrangement best depicting the
theme of the show. Class 47.

EDENA GARDENS CASH AWARD. $10.00
for best plant Delectable; $10.00 for best plant
Elegance; $5.00 for best plant P. T. Pink Jade.
FLOWER GROWER STERLING SILVER
PLATE AWARD FOR AFFILIATED CHAP¬
TER LEADERSHIP. 1. This award to be given

mercial exhibits must be removed from 7:00
— 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 1962.

12. The show will be judged on the merit
basis and the decision of the judges will be
final. Only qualified judges of the Society
will be permitted to judge.

13. All amateur members of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc. will be per¬
mitted to enter in Class 28 to compete for the
Society Gold and Purple Rosette Awards. To
win these awards, each of the three registered
plants in the collection must be point scored
for blue ribbons, each plant reaching a total
of 90-100 points before being eligible for the
Awards. Each blue ribbon may be counted on
the number for sweepstakes in the Specimen
Classes. If all plants in the group receive blue
ribbons, then the exhibitor will receive the
Gold Rosette Award for the entry scoring the
highest number of points, and the Purple
Rosette Award for the second highest.

14. All club yearbooks entered in Class 48
must be sent to Mrs. Lorena McLaughlin, 5428
Rockwell Drive, North Highlands, California
not later than April 11, 1962. These books
must be no larger than 5x8 inches, being
the same books that all club members receive
and once entered become the property of the
Society, and will not be returned. It is not
compulsory for clubs entering yearbooks to
be Affiliated with the National Society.

AMATEUR DIVISION

to any individual member of an Affiliated
Chapter for outstanding leadership in promot¬
ing all phases of the Chapter’s activities in
accordance with the objectives of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc.

2. The Affiliated Chapter shall submit to the
Chairman of Awards, Mrs. G. P. McGraw,
4629 Elm Street, Downers Grove, Illinois, the
candidate’s name, address and list of accom¬
plishments not later than January 1, 1962.
GRANGER GARDENS AWARD. $25.00 for
the best specimen plant of Command Perform¬
ance, Top Sail, Snow Ballet.

INDIANA STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY AWARD. A plaque to the registrant of
the best registered named variety in Classes
1 through 27 in the Amateur Division.
INDIANAPOLIS AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
AWARD. $50.00 for the best plant of Coon
Valley, Atlas, Green Dawn, Alabaster, Ex¬
plorer.

MADISON GARDENS AWARD. $25.00 for the
best plant of Jacob’s Coat.

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNCIL
AWARD. Sterling Silver Bowl for the best
double white specimen plant.

PEGGIE SCHULZ AWARD. $25.00 for the
best Gloxinia specimen seedling. Class 31.

31

POPULAR GARDENING SWEEPSTAKES
AWARD for the most blue ribbons in Classes
1 through 28 a Sterling Silver Bowl.
RESEARCH COMMITTEE CROSS HYBRID
AWARD sponsored by the Research Commit¬
tee of the African Violet Society of America,
Inc. Members or non-members of the Society
will be awarded $25.00 for the best entry of a
plant or plants in Class 31 resulting from a
cross of any genus of the Gesneria family, as
Achimenes or gloxinia on the genus Saint-
paulia (African violet). This exhibit to be
judged by the Research Committee and must
give visual indication that it is a successful
cross genus hybrid showing some characteris¬
tics of the other Gesneria hybrid.

SELECT VIOLET HOUSE AWARD. $15.00 for
the best specimen plant of So Sweet, Melody
Air, Air Waves, Cotton Tail.

SHERATON HOTELS AWARD. $50.00 for the
most blue ribbons in Classes 1 through 28.
SMITH POTTING SOIL COMPANY AWARD.
$25.00 for the most outstanding seedling or
mutation in Class 29 never before exhibited
in a National Convention Show.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNCIL
AWARD. $25.00 for the best specimen plant
of the Saintpaulia species in Class 30.

STIM - U - PLANT LABORATORIES, INC.
AWARDS. Plaque and $50.00 for the best
registered named variety in specimen Classes
1 through 26. Plaque and $25.00 for the best
purple. Plaque and $25.00 for the best red.
Plaque and $25.00 for the best white.

TINARI GREENHOUSES AWARD. A Silver
Cup to the best specimen plant of Lilian Jar-
rett. A 6” lustre fixed silver planter bowl on
matching silver dish for the best specimen
plant of Double Pink Geneva, Green Fog, Fire¬
ball, Pastel Swirl, Zorro, Star Gazer.

TUBE CRAFT, INC. AWARD. A complete
Flora Cart for the three best specimen plants:
1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1 white, any variety
scoring the highest points. Each plant must
score a blue ribbon. These plants to be entered
in Classes 1 through 26.

YEARBOOK AWARDS given by the Society
Library for the best yearbook of any African
Violet Club. First prize, $15.00; second, $10.00;
third, $5.00.

SHOW SCHEDULE— SPECIMEN PLANT DIVISION for COMMERCIAL MEMBERS

All specimen classes listed below must be
single crown plants. Only Commercial Mem¬
bers who do not have an exhibit table in the
show are eligible to enter this division. All
plants entered in Classes 1 through 15 must
be single crown plants. Rules 1 through 12
of the Amateur Division will also apply to the
specimen plant classes for Commercial Mem¬
bers.

SECTION 1 — Specimen plants, single blossoms
CLASS

1. Blues and Purples

2. Reds, Lavenders and Orchids

3. Pinks

4. Whites

5. Bicolors, Variegated and Multicolored
SECTION II — Specimen plants, double
blossoms

CLASS

6. Blues and Purples

7. Reds, Lavenders and Orchids

8. Pinks

9. Whites

10. Bicolors, Variegated and Multicolored
SECTION III — Specimen plants, duPonts,

Amazons, and Supremes, double blossoms
CLASS 11. Any variety, any color
SECTION IV — Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, single blossoms
CLASS 12. Any variety, any color
SECTIOiy V — Specimen plants, any type or
size of blossom, any foliage.

CLASS 13. Bright reds (Such as Racy Red)
14. Green Edged

SECTION VI — Specimen plants, may be
single or double blossoms
CLASS 15. Specimen plants, novelties, (al¬
binos, variegated foliage, miniatures, etc.)

16. Specimen seedlings (never before ex¬
hibited at a National Convention Show)

17. Specimen plant African violet species
(such as S. Grotei, S. tongwensis, etc.)

18. Specimen plant Gesneriaceae Family
(Achimenes, Episcias, gloxinias, etc.)

THE COMMERCIAL SILVER CUP of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. will
be awarded for the best specimen plant ex¬
hibited by a Commercial Member who does
not exhibit in the regular commercial exhibit
table section.

AFRICAN VIOLET HOBBY EXHIBIT DIVISION — RULES AND REGULATIONS

The African violet hobby entries should
consist of linens, clothing, china, jewelry,
ceramics, drawings, paintings, etc. and must
have African violet flowers somewhere on the
article. Exhibitors may enter as many articles
as they desire.

All exhibits to be entered in the Hobby
Exhibit Division must be mailed to Edith
Abbott, 3301 Cutter Way, Sacramento, Cali¬

fornia by April 11, 1962 or you may send in a
reservation for space, giving information as
to kind of article and size. All breakable
articles must be entered in person on Thurs¬
day, April 26, 1962 between 8:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. and removed Saturday, April 28,
1962 from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. by the
same method as entries in the Amateur Divi¬
sion. These articles are for exhibition only
and will not be judged.

32

Drop A Name In The Pot,

Boy (or Girl)!

At this Merry Season the Salvation Army
Lads and Lassies on every street corner are
pleading with us to drop some money in the
kettle. We of the New Membership Commit¬
tee are pleading with you also to drop some
money in the pot . . . $4.00, to be exact,
which is the cost of a years’ membership in
the African Violet Society of America, Inc.,
and of course, the name of a new member to
go along with the $4.00.

With Christmas coming ever closer and
closer, it becomes more difficult to find just
the right gift for that “problem name” on our
list. May we suggest that you rest a few
minutes and analyze your shopping list. Per¬
haps that problem person is not a true African
violet hobbyist but does own several plants
which are doing just “so-so.” Think how much
information could be gathered from every
issue of our wonderful Magazine — and be¬
sides, the recipient would be mindful of your
gift four times a year. Do give this idea of a
gift membership serious consideration . . .

’tis an easy way to complete one's shopping,
as well as increase the growth of the Society.

Just as quickly as Christmas arrives so does
it slip away, and with its departure the
thoughts of many Club Presidents and Show
Chairman immediately turn to their African
Violet Shows, since some are held early in
the Spring. It is to this group the following
message is directed: The African Violet Socie¬
ty has much attractive and informative litera¬
ture that would be a real asset at your Regis¬
tration and/or Membership Booth. The ma¬
terial is free — ■ a postcard to me at the
address shown below is all you need send,
being sure to state the approximate number
of pamphlets, membership blanks, etc. re¬
quired. This, of course, would be dependent

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Reaume, 22454 St. Clair Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

PARMATOWN AFRICAN VIOLET STUDY
CLUB, Mrs. Henry Lessman, Pres., 4406
Snow Rd., Parma 34, Ohio.

LEVITTOWN AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
OF LONG ISLAND, Mrs. Frank Hoffman,
37 Pond Lane, Levittown, New York.

NEW YORK CITY AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Mrs. Phyllis Saganich, 57 Ave. “C”,
Mitchell Manor, East Meadow, N.Y.

MILE HIGH AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB, Mrs.
Carrie Seeber, Pres., 2381 Garland St., Lake-
wood, Colorado.

ALPHA AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB, Mrs. Al¬
pha Bishop, Pres., 426 East 1st, Claremore,
Oklahoma.

CHAIN-O-LAKES AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. Phyllis Has well. Pres., 815 South Ave.,
Rt. 1, Ingleside, Illinois.

SOUTH COUNTRY AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Mrs. Fitts, 41 Hewlett Court, Baby¬
lon, New York.

The beautiful new Affiliated Chapter Gold
and Purple Rosettes are now available. Please
make your request for the Rosettes thirty
days in advance of your show date. Given the
thirty days, we will be sure not to disappoint
you and you will receive them in plenty of
time for your show. We know you are going
to be more than pleased with the new Rosettes.

Your Affiliated Chapter Committee wishes
you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year
that will bring each of you health, happiness,
and all the good things in life. Also, this
seems the perfect time to thank you for your
cooperation during the past year.

Dorothy Reaume, Chairman
Committee Members: Betty Greenmiller,
Olive Foster, Dorothy Gray.

upon the average attendance at your show.
May I ask that you request this material far
enough in advance of your show date to allow
time for handling and delivery.

We of this Committee sincerely want to
wish you the very merriest of Christmases,
and may the New Year see many of ^your
fondest dreams come true, including ^arger
and more abundant bloom on your violets.

Also, we want to thank all of you for your
wonderful cooperation during the past year
in helping to increase the membership of the
Society: without your help our efforts would
have been futile. Please keep up the good
work, for then each of us may truly say “we”
had a part in making the African Violet
Society of America, Inc. what it is today!

Sincerely,

ADELE TRETTER, Chairman

4988 Schollmeyer Ave., St. Louis 9 Mo.
Committee: Ann Stutko and Marion Hamtil

33

Your Library

Maisie Yakie, P. O. Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

During this heart-warming Holiday Season,
let us give thanks for the many blessings we
enjoy each day. To each and everyone, MERRY
CHRISTMAS — HAPPY NEW YEAR!

In reading back over past editions of this
column, it is very gratifying to note how many
times we are able to begin by thanking one
or more of our good friends for their kind¬
ness and assistance. And this is so again: We
wish to express our grateful appreciation to
Mrs. W. F. Anderson, of Webster Groves, Mis¬
souri, for her gift to the Library of the slide
program which we are calling “PRETTY AS
A PICTURE.” This slide program covers the
arrangement classes in the 1961 St. Louis
show. This is another marvelous group of
slides by Mrs. Anderson, who has given us
so much pleasure and help with her camera
before. Thanks, also, to Mrs. Susannah Smith
and Mrs. Violet Hutchens, both of Sepulveda,
California, for furnishing us the transcript
of a very excellent program on “History of
Growth of the African Violet and the Begin¬
ning of the National Society.” This material
has been placed in the program packet on
the History of the National Society.

From the Southern Connecticut African
Violet Club, via Mrs. Emma R. Goldman, we
have a suggestion for a program which her
group enjoyed very much: Discussion on rec¬
ognizing diseases and cures for them. The
more actual specimens you could show the
better, and of course the Library also has
slides that would be helpful for such a pro¬
gram. With the show season practically on
us, a timely program would be “Preparing
Plants for Show.” The African Violet Society
of Staten Island found this to be one of their
most helpful and interesting programs, Mrs.
Estelle Kienzle tells us. Get someone to give
this who can demonstrate just how to groom
for various faults, such as a leaf out of place,
a too long neck, etc. This is a program that
nearly everyone can use, even the more
knowledgeable growers. The Triple Cities
African Violet Society, Binghamton, New
York, advises us that they particularly en¬
joyed a program on the outstanding hints
found in old issues of the African Violet Maga¬
zine. Two of their members spent a great deal
of time going through these back issues but
the entire club felt it was time well spent.
This program suggestion was passed on to us
by Mrs. Amos L. Main. We know from ex¬
perience just what a wealth of material is in
these back issues and when it is again brought
forward for presentation it is invariably in¬
teresting.

This is time again, though it hardly seems
possible, to remind you to get in your early
reservations for the San Francisco Conven-

Report of Boyce Edens
Research Fund

Mrs. F. H. Rosebrock, Chairman,
4243 S. 35th St., Arlington 6, Virginia

Union County Chapter African Violet

Society, Westfield, N. J. $10.00

Raleigh African Violet Society,

Raleigh, N. C. 10.00

Cedar Valley African Violet Club,

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 25.00

Tennessee Valley African Violet

Club, Knoxville, Tenn. 5.00

Milwaukee County African Violet

Society, Milwaukee, Wis. 25.00

St. Clair County African Violet Club,

East St. Louis, Ill. 5.00

First Rapid City African Violet Society,

Rapid City, S. Dak. 25.00

Glendale Chapter African Violet

Society, Glendale, Calif. 10.00

Mrs. J. E. Marmaduke, Aliquippa, Pa. 25.00

Registration Report

Helen Coleman, 4528 S. Wigger St.,
Marion, Ind.

Part I. The following applications for re¬
gistration have been received during the
period from May 15, 1961, through August 27,
1961.

Plant and Registrant:

MY HOPE (1236) B 39dS, 6/19/61; PER¬
KY’S BRIDE (1237) P34dS, John H. Ry-
mer, 17043 S. Ardmore, Bellflower, Cal.
MY OWN (1238) WX39dL, 6/20/61, Mrs. Jen¬
nie Spoutz, Spoutz Greenhouses, Fraser,
Michigan.

MARDY’S ELINOR (1239) P38dL, 8/12/61,
Mrs. Charles Milhaus, 221 Stucker Ave.,
Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

GRAND CANYON (1240) 078sfL, 8/15/61;
PINK RIBBONS (1241) P27sS, 8/15/61;
KEEPSAKE (1242) C78dfS, 8/15/61; PA¬
LOMINO (1243) B3789SL 8/15/61; DARK
EYES (1244) P378sL, 8/15/61; GREEN CON¬
FETTI (1245) B78dL, 8/15/61; PARTY GOWN
(1246) P78fsL, 8/15/61; SILVER CARNIVAL
(1247) C789sfL, 8/15/61; SILVER THREADS
(1248) C357dL, 8/27/61, Champion’s African
Violets, Rt. # 2, Clay, New York.

Part II. The following name reservations
have been received during the period from
May 15, 1961, through August 25, 1961:
Sierra Giant, Nimbus, Royal Hue, Moonstone
Girl, Tigress, Blue Tokens, Ugly Duckling.

tion slides. Your Librarian is planning to
thoroughly cover those West Coast beauties,
so make your reservations NOW. Remember,
a complete list of slides and other Library
materials is in the September, 1961, issue of
the African Violet Magazine. Check this list
and then send in your reservation requests
for slides, program packets, year books, etc.
SEE YOU IN SAN FRANCISCO! •

34

The

Presidenfs

Message

Dear fellow members:

As I come into each of your homes, it is pleasant to pause and express my
sincere appreciation for the wonderful association I have enjoyed with you during
the year. May the joy and peace of Christmas be yours at this festive season and
may the New Year bring you many blessings.

I realize this is the time of year when we put aside our daily routine, how¬
ever, I have so many things to discuss with you I must devote the greater part of
this message to Society activities and interests.

To those planning to carry or ship plants into California for either the
Amateur or Commercial Division of the National Show or for Commercial Sales,
please, may I urge you to read carefully the article, “California Quarantine Re¬
gulations,” on page 29 of the September 1961 Magazine. This is a most urgent
requirement and one I trust you will not overlook, otherwise, you will not be
permitted to bring your plants into California. If you are in doubt as to how to
proceed, consult your local agricultural inspector.

If you plan to exhibit specimen plants in the Amateur Division of the Show
please carefully read all the rules and regulations.

For those who plan to attend the judging school class, secure and study the
“African Violet Handbook for Exhibitors and Judges,” (white cover issue)
before coming to the class. You cannot become a good judge or even be able to
acquire and retain the necessary information if you do not take time for ad¬
vanced preparation. In the pink pages of this issue you will find your blank to
fill out and send in. If you desire to judge in the National Show, you will have
time to attend the judging school and take the examination but your time will be
limited; so be sure to come prepared. I regret that those who will have the honor
of serving as judges for the National Show will have to forego the Society’s
sponsored Tour of San Francisco as the time conflicts.

On behalf of the Society, as your President, I wish to express my thanks and
appreciation to Mrs. W. F. Anderson of St. Louis, Missouri and the many other
generous people who assisted in making the wonderful workshop slide program,
“Arrange Your African Violets.” It was a magnificent service — Thank You All!

In order to explain my failure to answer correspondence promptly our
daughter is planning to be married in the early part of 1962. While I will make
every effort to be prompt I know some replies will be delayed. Hope you will
understand.

In closing my last Christmas message to you, it is with deep humility and
gratitude that I hope my efforts of continued support and promotion of our
progressive and growing organization will measure up to the great honor the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. has bestowed on me.

Sincerely,

35

An inside window may be colorfully attractive with African violets in formal or semiformal living room
African violets. Fluorescent lights are hidden behind add warmth and interest. The fluorescent lights above
the scalloped strips of wood over the shelves. each shelf are concealed by wooden facings.

Metal strips for shelf adjust¬
ment that permit the shelves to
be raised or lowered to suit the
height and size of the plants,
for their light requirement,
should be used.

A breakfast nook room divider is an ideal spot for Any window radiator can be made more appealing
growing plants. Fluorescent lights installed under the by using it to support a shelf for African violets. Use
cabinets will provide the light they need. insulation as shown in sketch at left.

one small plant to more than three
thous-and was more than I bargained for
■^hat cold, November day, when I came home
with my first African violet, but the rewards
* have been many. The most outstanding, of
- course, wa|ji^that “All Expense Paid Seven
Week Olson Tour of Europe” for Ernie, my
husband, ai|d me in 1957 — actually paid for
out of the violets’ net profit after taxes!

Many people have asked, “How can you
work forty hours every week in the drug
store, manage a home, (our children are
grown), belong to the usual organizations and
do justice to the violets?”

My husband says I don’t neglect my book¬
keeping job. The answer is simple, TAKE IT
EASY!

■ Follow a few simple, basic rules:

1. The first and most important is to start
with a strong, healthy plant. Tactfully, but
firmly, refuse to accept that puny specimen
your "neighbor offers to you of the green
thumb, saying, “It won’t do a thing for me,
you can have it!” One invalid can contaminate
an entire collection.

2. Move your plants until you find the spot
they like best. Violets usually prefer a north
or east window. Howev^H trees, a porch, or
the reflection of the su^' on a nearby white
house may change the '%ght drastically. Too
much light will bleach fhe foliage, tt)o little

4^ produces lush, dark gr^n foliage but little
or no bloom in either p^se. They love the '

^ humidity of a kitchen window; unless you
cook with gas. Only a f®^ of my friends have
been able to conquer thafenemy. ’

Don’t be afraid to gme them light. With
storm sash, even in th^jcolder months we
have in Rochester, Indi&a, I was able to
keep mine on the windo\wills the y^ar round,
until they multiplied to ®ch an extent I was
forced to move them twthe basa^bnt and
install fluorescent lights^ An electee timer
turns them on at nine a.d^ and of eleven
p.m. It can safely be ineifeased tWh^Jtours if
you move white varieties ^ the e<^e^ of your
tables. One of our local fimni|U^€^de^lers^has ' ^
been happy to sell and deJi^^etf^ my ^asement
sturdy but outdated ext^^t^ , room
tables for five dollars eac^^,^| ey' periect
height for comfortable ^^'"eo^^ed "'’■p

with: heavy plastic they ^Sef'%r ylarsS^

Frosty and WinlMgre^^ (witfi^Jhe _
efeam^fVar legated leaves) on inverled straw-
befry pbxes to bring them closer to the liglit. - ^
They will repay^ you with a radiant splash.

Water regularly and always before noon,^-
#Man,t sits with weti:f^it
y;eo^mhdow,.l4e outsider'^^e^'te to

^4uri ^ly~like dnd rot. s^amfe^is trup m
Direct sunlfg^t on^^.# w4t leAf
dr a draft will cailse'^^ ‘I

*^^Jde^^han room^ffe^nlrature^ill _ J
often <%|lte.sanm Fluorescen^||#its not

.^"eause snots. Not ever^otie '^|i|'%#ee^but v'-V"

38 i

having learned many things the hard way, I
am convinced the soil should always feel
moist — ' the green thumb gives way to the
dirty thumb at this point. Periods of excessive
dryness will definitely shorten the blossom
stem and produce fewer and smaller flowers.

Watering with my garden hose attached
to a mixing faucet, and using a fingertip
control spray keeps the leaves immaculate
and they love it. Fresh rain water is won¬
derful if available but impractical for most
of us. “Softened” water is for the family and
never for the violets. Set your plants on a
layer of vermiculite in aluminum cookie
sheets, closed ends of course. The first cost
is a bit more but these trays will never rust,
they are light and we are looking for the
easy way. Never let them stand in water more
than two hours. Inch wide strips of an old,
thin, pink cotton blanket are my wicks to
siphon off the excess — yes, right on to the
cement floor of the basement.

4, Feed regularly. There are many good plant
foods and each has its dedicated followers.
Because of customer demand, we sell four
different brands and I have tried many more.
I always feed them from the top and agree
with many others that foliar feeding is highly
advantageous. Once a week in winter and
every two weeks in summer keeps them hurry¬
ing along to market. An ordinary six or eight
quart old-fashioned sprinkling can does an
excellent job. If mixed according to directions,
Plant Marvel will not leave a deposit of any
kind on your beautiful plants. It also pro¬
motes a tremendous root system which is the
first requisite for large and profuse blooms.
The plants you sell do not always go to a
home where they get the “tender, loving
care” to which they have been accustomed
and they literally starve. To guard against
this, I cannot recommend too highly, a ferti¬
lizer made from the waste of a sewage disposal
plant. It was first produced in Milwaukee
and christened Millorganite. Now there are
several brands and can be purchased at any
garden supply center. It looks like finely gran¬
ulated charcoal and is perfectly odorless when
used properly.

As I transplant, on top of a little soil in
the bottom of each pot, I add:

Vs teaspoon to 2y4 or 2% inch pot

V4 teaspoon to 3 or ZVz inch pot

% teaspoon to 4 inch pot
Cover with a very little more soil and set
your plant. It will not burn. This simple
precaution will carry a plant through at least
six months of feeding neglect. By that time
the careless owner has no doubt let the cat
knock it off the window sill or gone on vaca¬
tion and allowed it to die and will be back
for a new one. There is some good in every¬
thing.

5. Sterilize your soil. No one ever throws
away a garden after the first crop is harvested,

Alice Baxter, Rochester, Indiana

so save your soil when you are transplanting
and sterilize it one hour at 200 degrees. I fill
two large shallow, old cake pans, moisten and
cover with aluminum foil. After removing
from the oven stir to aerate, I like to add
one part new mix to three or four of the
used soil. Stir occasionally and do not use
for at least three days. Use any good house¬
hold antiseptic in the last rinse water for
your pots. I used to buy soil by the truck
load, mix and sterilize my own, but for the
last several years I have used Black Magic
African Violet Planting Mix with excellent
results. No crockery should be used in the
bottom of the pot with this mix. It isn’t
necessary, in fact, it interferes with absorp¬
tion of water from the trays. No need to
sterilize either and we add two more time
savers.

The directions on each small package say
to squeeze out the excess water after mixing.
Perhaps I am a bit Scotch, but I feel I would
be throwing part of the value of this mix
down the drain if I follow this procedure.
Instead, I add a bit more of the dry mix
until I have it the same consistency of your
early spring garden making soil. Using a clean
pot, lightly scoop it full of this texture. From
the center, press the mix firmly to all sides.
You can now shift from a smaller pot, a plant
that is in full bloom, with absolutely no shock.

Don’t discard vermiculite when you put
in a fresh supply. It makes excellent mulch
for your outdoor flowers and shrubs. Spray
regularly. Destruxol’s Spider-sMite is very
effective, also the high pressure bombs.

6. It is so easy to start violets from leaves
in water, vermiculite, or soil. Choose a mature
healthy leaf. Never waste your time on one
of the old outside leaves you should have cut
off and thrown away long ago. For the looks
of your plant sever it close to the soil. Make
a second diagonal slash, leaving no more than
a one inch stem if rooting in water, one half
inch if in vermiculite or soil. Several leaves
do better than one in a wax paper covered
cheese glass filled with plain water. Do not
use aluminum foil. Trim the cover so it ex¬
tends only one-fourth to one-half inch below
the rubber band that secures it.

39

In three to four weeks, depending on the !
variety and time of year, they all start more
quickly in the spring, thread-like roots will
appear. Do not be hasty — wait another four
weeks or until tiny plants are well formed.
Now they are ready for a 2^/4 or 21/2 inch pot.

Be sure to cover the leaves with 1/4 to 1/2
inch soil. Cover the mother leaf with an in¬
verted glass or a baby food jar to form a
private greenhouse for this tended baby that
has been accustomed to life only in a water
bath. Drops of moisture will collect on the
inside part of the time. In about ten days,
more or less, a sturdy plant will push its way
to the light. When it is approximately an
inch tall remove the glass and the parent
leaf. Shallow aluminum pans from your Sara
Lee coffee cakes make excellent containers
to fill with vermiculite or soil.

Space the leaves one inch apart in the
rows. A wooden tongue depressor or plastic
marker serves well as a divider between rows
if you have several varieties in one tray. It
keeps the more venturesome from barging
into a neighboring row and embarrassing you
when you give them the wrong name. Cover
the trays with a light weight sheet of plastic
from your dry cleaning and they will root
more quickly.

If you don’t want to be bothered with
either of these methods, just cut a good leaf,
allowing one-half inch for the stem. Pile a
little soil in front and back of the leaf. Make
it stand upright even if you have to prop it
with toothpicks or a pipe cleaner. Not even
a plant does well lying down on the job! Now
forget about it, and one day two to three
months later you will be delighted to see you
have succeeded. Wait until it is an inch tall
before transferring to a 2V4 inch pot. If you
want a violet to bloom quickly, never repot
it until it is crowded, then to just one size
larger pot.

Single crowns are more beautiful ... if
you have a sucker or double crown, separate
it with a firm cut from the mother plant. It
may or may not have roots. If not, set it
in a small pot, filled with moist soil. Cover
it with a glass and do not remove it until you
can see new growth. This is almost foolproof.
An old but treasured plant that has grown
up out of the pot can be made as beautiful
as a yearling. Wait until it quits blooming.
Carefully knock it out of the pot. It will be
root bound.

If this is your first operation, gather up
your courage, and with a sharp knife, cut
directly through the root system, halfway up
from the bottom.

Because you are discarding half the roots,
you must also discard at least half the leaves.
Reset your plant in the same size pot with
the crown just at the soil line and the pot
filled to one-half inch from the top. Water
gently the day before surgery, and immed¬

iately after, with a solution of Plant Marvel
to lessen shock. Cover with a widemouthed
glass jar or drop a plastic bag lightly over it
for two weeks.

7. Choose your pots carefully. I have found
plastic pots more satisfactory than clay be¬
cause mineral salts do not accumulate on the
rim. No fertilizer is wasted by absorption.
They can be cleaned in one-fourth the time.
Watering is less frequent. They are lighter to
work with and to ship. Plants in plastic pots
suffer less damage from furnace and air-
conditioner and bloom earlier. I personally
prefer the square plastic pots because they
are space savers, they stack and carry easier,
and they are more stable on a window sill.

During the seven weeks we were in
Europe, our son, who is also a registered
pharmacist, watered the violets once a week.
The timer turned on the lights and put them
to bed every night on time. When we returned,
they were more beautiful than ever. If our
vacation falls in the winter, he waters them
every five days.

Perhaps someone will say it is because I
have just finished one of those fourteen week
challenging Dale Carnegie courses that I am
so happy to visit and share with you anything
that has proved beneficial or a time saver to
me in this beautiful and profitable hobby of
African violets. Actually, I learned years ago
— I’m sure many of you have done the same,
■ — sharing our experiences with others will
help us to arrive at the best possible solution
of our problems.

Good Luck and Take It Easy. •

40

My Program on Propagation
and Culture of African Violet

Adele Tretter, St. Louis, Missouri

Plants in many stages of growth are pictured in Mrs. Tretter’s violet room.

My African violet hobby was started about
20 years ago when I was given a plant
as a birthday gift. I had always been inter¬
ested in growing house plants, but had not
seen an African violet before this time. Later,
I learned this one was named Blue Boy and
that there were other varieties of pink and
white. Inasmuch as this blue one had done
so well, I was encouraged to look for the
pink and white strains and about a month
later a Pink Beauty and a Snow Prince joined
Blue Boy on my window sill. It wasn’t very
long until I discovered that there was still
another called Red Head — - I knew I would
have to have this one for then I would have
them all. How little I knew then!

About this time I entered my 3 plants in
a local horticultural show. Naturally I knew
nothing about grooming . . . they were just
pretty blooming violets, all multiple crown
plants. (The old varieties seemed to be grown
as multiple crown plants.) I was awarded
a red ribbon as well as a white one. I’m sure
the judges had a soft heart and felt sorry
for me, or probably they too knew only a
little about this new plant and how to judge
it. It wasn’t long until a Blue Girl, Pink Girl,
and a Double Duchess joined the collection
for by now the “bug” had really bitten me.

Many times I wonder what I would have
been doing all these years if I had not been
given that first violet, for from that one plant
my collection has now grown to a thousand

or more plants. During the past year I have
given 25 programs, most of these being on
the general culture of African violets. At
present I have 3 requests for stories to appear
in magazines and bulletins. Since 1953 I have
held offices in African Violet Clubs and
Councils of Clubs. Now, I am New Member¬
ship Chairman for the African Violet Society
of America, Inc. and I am busier still (if
that were possible) trying to enlarge the So¬
ciety’s membership. All of this amounts to
practically a full-time job. Recently, after a
program, someone said “Why don’t you write
a story the way you give lectures?” This I
will try to do, although my program is with
35 mm slides.

I begin, by telling the group where, how,
and by whom this plant was discovered. I
explain when it was first introduced into the
United States; also when the first African
violet show was held in this country, and how
the African Violet Society of America, Inc.
was organized as a result of this first show.
Explanation of the phenominal growth of the
Society is also told as well as a brief resume
of the benefits derived from membership.
Naturally I always have a copy of the African
Violet Magazine with me to show to those
interested, and membership blanks ready to
be filled in after the program. These African
violet programs are usually given before gar¬
den clubs, church groups and various auxiliary
meetings.

41

Then, I start showing slides on the general
culture of the African violet and explain the
procedure as I go along from one slide to
another, such as: (1) take a leaf from a
healthy plant and cut the stem about 2 in¬
ches in length, (2) dip the end of the stem in
a root hormone powder, which helps to de¬
velop a much stronger set of roots, (3) lay
the leaf aside for one hour to heal over, then
place it in a bottle of water until it grows
roots about one-half inch long. Now, the

Dip cot lO
hoTTnonc pouoicr

"or stronger
sei of root^b

Select a young

[eof froTTi a

Keolth^ plant,

Lay osi3(?

1 hour

Then place 'tn
o bottle of cooler

to root Plant in
a Tooting mediunri
"Receipt gioen beloio

rooted leaf is inserted in a starting medium
which is a mixture of one quart of Terra-Lite,
Vd cup of granulated charcoal, and a large
handful of my potting mixture. The formula
for the potting mix is as follows: (A one

Startinq
Klediuny

l.CLUQTtTeTTal'ite

)^Cop Chorcool
Llprqchandjyll
Potting t^ix .

pound coffee can is used

ee

jb'f ql

ihcosur^

peat

5 M German or Canadian

5 M coarse builder’s sand

1 M commercial cattle manure

1 M commercial sheep manure

1 M rock phosphate

1 M rock potash

1 M granulated charcoal

1 M steamed bone meal

1 large handful Activo

Poor boil log .uJatet ooer
tine sand. Dn3i,n tOell b^ore
abdino other mqrcdi6nt-&
of pottinq mix -^OTTnolQ.

HoisUn
and tom
toitl for Viueet

Pour boiling water over sand, drain, and
add other ingredients. Moisten and turn daily
for one week. Store in covered container. Do
not use for 5 to 6 weeks. To 4 cans of this
mix, I add one can of Blue Whale or Elk-
Organic.

Potting Mix

Store intCouered
Conhoi’ner

Do not use for SorGuueeKs

ttin^ Mix

l^^Con bluetohole-

OR

Can OK- Organic

1

42

Most leaves are started in community pans
which are filled with the starting medium,

Most Leooes ‘Storted m CoTnniwi'hiT’o'o

however, really special leaves are started
under glass. Each leaf is planted in a 2 inch
pot filled with the starting mix, this pot is

The effect
of 0 Ttiin-

\otore. ^reen
hoose jor
special
Icoucs mriQu
be creotecT
^the p±
in pot pTO-
cedup? as
shoion ‘mthe
diaqrom.lj-
Sonctisused
be sore ‘it
is slerilijed

fTuaammm

put into a 3 inch squatty pot, and the space
around is filled in with sand or peat. It is
then covered with a jar. A leaf cutting started

Just like a
minioture
^’’eenhouse

Special Leooes under
glass or Bread Qpx
cnqde oij’ 'pfasfi'c

this way is seldom lost. Plastic bread boxes
make good propagators also, being just like
a miniature greenhouse — the boxes are the

type that hold a whole loaf of bread. Leaves
do not all sprout in the same length of time,
some take longer than others. They usually
develop multiple crowns which are divided
when they are about 2 inches high. The
single crowns are spaced about 3 inches apart

SepaTobe •multiple
croiuns uuhe-n i'toH.
plant 'in?ans 5“
QpQTt (jo'th S'! acting

in pans of starting mix; I find this lessens
the shock of being divided. When young plants
become established and begin to take on
growth, they are gently lifted from the Terra-
Lite starting mixture, allowing any mix that
clings to the roots to remain. Prepare 2 inch
pots prior to this by wrapping the edge with
aluminum foil. Place a small piece of broken
pot or a pebble over the hole in the bottom
and fill the pot with the potting formula,
level, then make a cavity in the center.
Place the young plant in this cavity and gent¬
ly press the mix around it. Then, tap to settle

Pebble QuCT hoi
promote
droinaqe,Qnd
preoeuts 501 1 P^'occ yoong planl

from s'ifting 'b coolfg-tfap

through. gcnVly to settle sod.

the soil so that the plant is firmly seated but
not tightly packed. When the plants reach
blooming size, it is time to change to a 3 inch
pot. Remove all suckers and small undersized
leaves. Plants may be moved undisturbed by
pushing on the broken crock, through the
bottom drainage hole, with an ice pick. I often
help Mother Nature a little by placing plastic
markers at leaves to push them a little to
either side to fill gaps in leaf formation if
the plant is not symmetrical.

43

Large plants may be rejuvenated usually
after shows to prepare them for the next
show season. This is done by removing sev¬
eral rows of leaves, then pushing the plant
from the pot and with a sharp knife cutting
away about one-half of the ball of roots.
Lower the plant into a pot so that all of the
neck of the plant is under the planting mix¬
ture. Always place a foil plate or cardboard

Tq prepare plant jor
next shouj seaso-p
ramooe seoerolrouJS
oj leooes

under the leaves for support as many times
the plant goes through shock for a week or
10 days. If the leaves are permitted to hang
limp all of them will not always come back,
but, if they are protected or “collared” dur¬
ing this time as the plant takes on energy
and begins new growth, the leaves will be¬
come firm again. Foil pie plates are very
good for this: just clip from the center in

Cut olum'inijVn p\e plot®
thot hole iQfc^c tnooc^h to sbp
undl'S'r bottom oj pest. Siprcod

por\ qport and brim up^rom

boHom uobl \\ soppoas Icaues /

with scissors until the opening is large
enough for the pot, bringing the plate up so
that the leaves rest on it. At various times
I have cut the entire root ball off and the
plant continued to bloom as it grew new
roots. Two weeks later when removed from
the pot the neck had a full covering of 2
inch roots. These plants were rerooted in the
Terra-Lite mixture I use for rooting leaf cut¬
tings.

Another imct'fT!
pvcpQOnq Vtc "PlaVe
dov t)Oppovt —

1. Cut bole uiiidV,

s6b5or& 5ma\.\erfV>Q'^

l&kc 0^ Pol top.

2. Cui RahioHy to
pot 5ize So ‘‘V v)D\\\

slip ouct top 0^ pot
S. C>cri(d oicVqI bocL
dor 'Bopport .

P\c Plate tn posHibn

■fo 5opport kaoC5> ojiners

plant 15 in shocK-

My plants are watered from the top, using
only enough water to moisten, not to soak
them. Bear in mind that more plants die of
overwatering than from not enough water.
One of the questions most often asked is,
“How often should you water?” No one can
answer this as it all depends upon your type
of heat, the weather or time of year, and
where you keep your plants, I have the forced
air type ' of heat and in the cold of winter
when the furnace is running full speed, my
plants in the basement need water almost
every day. In spring when we have a lot of
rain I water very sparingly, sometimes only

44

every 5 days. Always be sure to use warm
water! The plants on the window sills upstairs
need water almost daily. Everyone must ex¬
periment and learn the hard way, just re¬
membering not to keep the pots too wet or
to allow the plants to sit in water. My violets
in the basement are placed in pans of chicken
grits and this is always kept moist. Every 2
weeks they are fed with a good plant food, my
I favorites being Ortho-Gro and Plant Marvel.

During July and August the plants are left
j to rest — I do not feed at this time.

' African violets need as much direct light
as possible without direct sunlight. Plants
should never be left in a sunny window with¬
out some kind of protection such as tissue
paper, plastic, or thin curtains. A temperature
between 70 and 80 degrees is about right,
i When the temperature climbs above 85 de¬
grees they begin to suffer and under 65 de¬
grees will become dormant. In St- Louis our
I July and August weather is very hot, so I
usually close my basement windows around
noon and open them again in the evening.
They are left open all night — this helps to
keep the plants a little cooler. Always keep
a good circulation of air, especially in the
spring and summer. A fan blowing gently in
your violet room will keep the air circulating.

A monthly spraying with Isotox will pre¬
vent a great deal of trouble. However, the
best preventative is to isolate all new plants.
Do not bring garden plants or blooms near
your collection of violets. Some of the prob-
lenis to watch for are mites, mealy bugs,
thrips, aphids and nematodes. Mealy bugs
may be cleaned off with alcohol. Wrap cotton
on the end of a toothpick and dip this in

alcohol and clean the mealy bugs from the
plant. Rinse the plant in warm water and
then spray or dip it in the Isotox solution.
Spray every week. If you prefer to dip, wrap
a wet paper towel around under the crown

Plonts may be dipped in
insect Kilfinq solufion bj
CQfc^ulbj tocKing ondef

to Keep soil m pot

of the plant so that soil will not drop into the
pan of dip. Aphids and thrips may, also, be
controlled with Isotox spray. It is my ex¬
perience that the only sure cure for mite is
treatment with sodium selenate. In fact, after
a bout with this pest I give my plants the
sodium selenate twice a year. 1 enter my
plants in many shows, and when they are
treated with selenate I feel much safer. Nem¬
atodes are microscopic worms in the roots
which produce a swelling called root knot.
I would advise you to burn any plant having
this trouble. Do not try to save it as it is
useless. Poor or lack of proper air circulation
will cause mildew which may be corrected
by dusting with sulphur; and improving the
ventilation in the room.

I know you will say, “All this trouble to
grow African violets?” Well, you will not
run into these pests and troubles if you are
careful and have only a few plants. I know of
no other plant that can give you as much
pleasure as African violets. If given the cor¬
rect care they will reward you with bloom
the year round. When the days are long and
dreary, I go down to the basement and look
at all the beautiful and cheerful violet bloom
and always say they are well worth all of
the trouble.

I sincerely hope this article will be help
to someone. If just one person is benefited,
I will feel it was well worth my writing it.
The thought of preparing it came to me as
I was reading the many lovely birthday cards
in my mail today: most of them were from
the many friends I have made through these
African violets. They brought back memories
of that first plant of Blue Boy given to me
20 years ago. •

A Rewarding Hobby

VIOLETS started me on a very rewarding
hobby, and I have met some very nice peo¬
ple as a result of my violet tours. My mother
gave me my first African violet — - a Blue
Boy. It was a triple crown plant, and dividing
that plant was the starting point of my third
hobby, which I have enjoyed ever since. My
other two are: physical fitness and fishing.
When people ask me what I do to keep busy,
now that my children are grown up, I usually
tell them that I am looking for something new
in violets. When I started collecting, color was
what I was most interested in. My first order
was sent to Iowa; I ordered 15 leaves and
all of them grew except a white fringed
variety.

I started my first leaves in water, but since
then start them in vermiculite. I cut the
leaves at a slant away from the top, leaving
about 1 V2 inches of stem, and use a sharp
razor blade for this purpose. I also cut the
stem through crosswise twice at the bottom,
making a cut about Vs inch deep; I feel I
get more plantlets this way. I mark the leaves

Mrs. Harold A. Stein
Green Bay, Wisconsin

with adhesive tape and let them lay for an
hour to seal the ends. I use Pyrex bread pans
and fill them about half full of damp ver¬
miculite. The leaves are spaced and then
supported with rubber bands. Aluminum pie
plates can be used, with the outer edge sup¬
porting the leaves. When the plantlets appear,
I use half strength plant food for feeding.
When the plantlets are about an inch high,
they are transplanted to 11/2 inch pots; when
they outgrow these they are transplanted to
3 inch pots. Plants have to be fairly large to
require more than a 3 inch pot; they bloom
better if they are not overpotted. Small plants
in large pots cannot use up all the water and
often this is the cause of root rot.

I use both the clay and plastic pots. Both are
good, but plastic pots hold the moisture long¬
er, so be careful not to overwater. I water
from the top with warm water. When using
plant food, I make sure I have watered the

46

plants the day before, that is so I won’t burn
the roots of the plants. Also, I only use the
plant food every 8 to 10 days. I especially
like Fish Emulsion, Plant Marvel and Pokon;
I find that these dissolve the best for me.

My plants are washed once a month with
lukewarm water with a rubber clothes sprink¬
ler. I let the excess water run off by holding
the plant tipped sideways. Do not let excess
water stand in the crown. I drip-dry plants
on the kitchen table and after they are dry
they are sprayed with Isotox or NNOR. Be¬
fore I started the regular washings, I used to
brush the plants but found that the leaves
became bruised. Plants grown in the rooms
where family living goes on, need regular
washing and spraying to keep them disease
free.

I have used ready mixed soils and have
mixed my own. One caution: make sure that
any soil you use is sterilized. Mine is sterilized
by baking it in the oven for one hour at 200
degrees. Soil must be thoroughly dampened
before it is placed in the oven, and it should
be stirred occasionally. Let it stand for 8 to
10 days before using it.

My African violets are all grown in natural
light. With the gas furnace, my basement
isn’t warm enough in the winter for good
growth. It gets below 55 degrees and violets
like it much warmer than that.

All of my plants are on tables or violet
stands. My husband made me a novelty stand,
using a buggy wheel. It is enameled white,
and the base is a heavy piece of steel plate
that has been welded on. Attached to the
spokes are brackets that hold 3 inch pots.
These brackets are screwed on to the spokes,
spaced one on the outer edge and one on the
inner part of the spoke. This violet wheel
holds 16 plants, and it is very attractive look¬
ing with all different colored African violets.
My favorites are the doubles because the
blossoms hang on longer and wait for me to
pick them off.

When I was talking to one of my club mem¬
bers, she mentioned something she had heard
on television that might help others. As we
lost some plants and leaves, we came to the
conclusion that it was the aluminum pie tins
in which we had set our plants. These act
as reflectors and give the plants too much
light. Maybe this thought might be of help to
people who are troubled as we were.

In 1953 five of us who were interested in
African violets, organized the Green Bay Af¬
rican Violet Club. We meet the first Wednes¬
day of the month in members’ homes. We
have held several exhibits. We are members
of the Wisconsin Council, and are affiliated
with the National Society. Our council will
be glad to help any group in Wisconsin who
wants to get organized.

I have attended several National Conven¬
tions and enjoyed them very much. To those
people who have never attended: you have a

Tlte'Ieaf cuttings/''
and tl^en supported
> bands, Pyrex bread
good flats for
cuttings. C.lass is
clcun and doesn’t
tnre" to seep through
or

are spaced
t#-"^with rubber
^ pans make
rooting leaf
A easy |o keep^^
%'= allow rnois-
to table
:i shelves.

Sprinkling the^St^^g.
foliage with luke
warm water ^is hotter
'for 'my ' plants' tMn'^' ^
brushing. If leaves are ^
brushed too vigorously
they wHJ' be bTUised/
and may vfilt and die.
Brush very lightly with
a soft, soft brush
If^you do not care
to hathe plants. '

If you have
been using
aluminum pie
tbas for
saucers and
your violets^
seem to be
getting too
much light —

reflection may 16e causing this' damage. The
good strong light >so necessary in producing fast
growth and blossoms on African violets may if
refleeted/ from the polished surface of the alu-.
minum^ fee so increased as to fee too ferlght for
good growth. ''''

47

selecting leaves' to be'-'j
used as cuttings to pick i
I^J^a firm,,, healthy, inedium'-|
Wgljj^ . sized leaf of good green’s^
color. Remove it from' j
parent plant and j
iPjCfe:,-;; -Carefully' e«t the stein'^f
l^i^Json a slant leaving about 1
ifi. iiiches.'of petiole.^^,2
If the leaf a nW or;|
difhcult ,to secure " variety
you have purchased as a leaf ' i
,-v cuttiitg^^^ pay, special attenWbny
t not ’ to ; bruise the '! steMt^

h ^ r' . when trimming 'it"l,to'"''"|
f leugmi'll

After the petiole has b'een cut; to 1^4"lncijeWuF^i
back through the slanted end of -the stem, as I

shown in' the''^?|

■ .yiL?^L- diagram on , the

^ depth of I

n.' lyPf -r^lith Mch. " Cie'^'a""' 1

sharp razor blade
^ make a clean

-“'"Jr *Mfuise I

“ ■— -■--i tissues. “

Now, cross cut the
.-,«ll-,slanted stem again
'^^""*'^’'\.making this cut
also about 14 th Inch
^ deep. , I feel that
"p' leaf cuttings so pre-
^ pared produce
.s more ■ plantlets,

7ii*

“'p Do 'nor plant the leaFlm.
m mediately. It is best to wait

„ ^ .. for an hour to allow the cut

if/ P of ti»e petiole to seal.

. f ^rite,,the 'va^rlety'* name'"'on''Na

ff " 'Sk; “ i , small strip

Ir of adhesive

I 7” \ V. tape and

7J \ ',M^tIy\press

f / ,f^ '' ^ the tape to

/ ' I - the top surface ’ of
f I the leaf near the tip.

'V ' ~ . is '7 s "" This makes an iiirx-

^ i M'l pensive but reliable

marker. The adhe-
®i^’« tape, will not
m*U. 4 . damage the leaf if

\ xt is gently attached to
Vlf^ *'**0 surface hairs.

\(\f/t Don’t forget to use

X waterproof ink or
.. ^ pencil to write on the label

^ you water from the top—as I prefer to do.

Top watering is easier for me, I use both clay

and plastm pots and believe I can regulate the
amount of water more accurately if it is applied
on the top of the soil near the rim of the pot.*

thrilling experience coming. I wish I could
go to all of them. In closing, I can truly say
that some of the beauty of African violets
must rub off on people, as I always find them

so friendly. •

MR. CHARMAN’S GIRLS

Victor W. Charman, New York

Reprinted with per7nission of '

Greater Neiv York Society

I have been asked to write a piece for
“The Leaf,” pointing up a problem or prob¬
lems encountered by the male members of
our club. Now, as a mere male, I have never
had any special difficulties. Well, hardly ever.
Surprisingly enough, it is with the girls I have
my greatest problem, and yet it is with these
same girls I have had my greatest successes.

Some girls are difficult to handle. Take for
instance. White Madonna. In spite of my best
efforts, food, water, humidity, light, and
T.L.C. (you figure it out) she would not
respond with a bloom. Sure, she was very
attractive, she had a good shape, her foliage
was a delight to behold, but she would not
reward me with even one little bud, that
for which I so patiently waited, and on which
I had lavished so much attention.

Do you know what this precocious little
girl wanted? She wouldn’t tell me: I had to
find out for myself. I took her on vacation.
She is up at my cottage, looking out of a nice
large window facing the sea and she can’t do
enough for me. She is so grateful for the
change. She fairly blooms all over (the little
squirt!) I could wring her lovely little neck.

Then again some girls are coquettish. They
tease you. They primp up for you. They show
you their good points, and you think, “Well,
this is it; I really have a good one this time.”
So you look ’em over every hour, on the
hour for some sign of a bud. Suddenly, you
see your little bud a ’formin. A week or two
later, what is it? Nothing but a sucker. I
wonder now, who is the sucker?

Some girls have a tantalizing streak in
them, too. Take Velvet Girl, for instance. The
name belies her nature. You’d expect her to
be real cute, something you could cuddle up
to. But what does she do? She shows you
just one flower, and then says, “That’s enough
for this time - — you can just wait a while.”
Now, I ask you, what can you do with a girl
like that?

Then again, the names are misleading. You
think you have a girl, but on close examina¬
tion you have a boy! To suggest a few, — •
Bridesmaid (did you ever hear of a boy brides¬
maid?) Fancy Pants, Bernice, Blushing Maid¬
en, Baby Doll, and many others.

So you see folks, we males really have our
problems with the girls, but as the saying
goes, “We can’t get along with them, and we
can’t get along without them.” We love ’em
just the same. •

48

About Arrangements

Balance is the stability created by the
proper grouping of forms around a central
axis.

Proportion is the proper relationship of ma¬
terials, container, and the space where used.
Each part should be in proper relation to
the other.

The focal point is where all the main lines
come together, and is the center of interest
that draws and holds the viewer’s attention.
Texture can be rough or smooth, glossy or
dull, light or heavy. In plant material, some
foliage is light in substance and some heavy,
as are flowers. Dark-colored flowers seem to
have a heavier texture than light-colored
flowep. Some containers are glossy, some a
dull finish; some are of heavy material, where¬
as others are of light material like glass.
Plant material is considered: foliage, flowers,
berries, fruits, branches, seed pods, etc.

A container is the vase, dish, or other recep¬
tacle in which the plant material is arranged.
When choosing plant material and container,
they should both be of the same texture, that
is, heavy or large plant material requires a
heavy or large container, and they should
harmonize with each other.

Design is achieved by arranging all of the
parts so that the finished arrangement gives
a satisfied feeling of good planning.

Measure is the large or small, or long or
short, size of the materials.

Voids are the openings that appear between
the branches, flowers, etc.

Rhythm is the feeling of motion, and is ac¬
quired by a smooth transition from one part
to another, so that the design is easily fol¬
lowed.

The shape or form applies to the type of ar¬
rangement — - whether it is straight, curved,
square or round.

Scale is the relation of all parts to each other.
The silhouette is the line of the arrangement
formed by the branches, foliage and flowers
and the spaces between them.

Apparent weight is the impression obtained
from appearance and color. A dark, heavily
textured leaf appears heavier than a thin,
light-colored leaf; and a light-colored vase
appears lighter in weight than a dark-colored
vase.

Tone rhythm is the gradual changing of color
tone, from light to dark, or from one color
to another.

Measure rhythm is a graduation in the size
of materials used.

Measure balance is shown by fully opened
flowers at the base, partly opened ones
above these, and buds at the top.

Shape balance is achieved by having materi¬
als of the proper height and weight and a
container of a size adequate for the size of the

materials used, which combination will cre¬
ate stability.

Faults to avoid.

Do not overcrowd with too much material, as
the beauty of the individual flowers is spoil¬
ed, and the design becomes indistinct.
Crosscutting should be avoided, and no
branches or stalks should cross each other
above the opening of the container.
Flower-stepping is using flowers of the same
size and placing them one above the other.
Sandwiching is the inserting of an unrelated
flower of a different color between two
flowers of the same kind and color. A much
more delightful picture is obtained by using
groups of the same kind and color, also less
material is necessary.

Parallelism is the spacing of stems at equal
distances. Placing them at unequal intervals
avoids monotony.

Equal ranging is having the plant material
on the same horizontal level.

Spottiness occurs when flowers of the same
color are not grouped together but are dotted
here and there throughout the arrangement.
Lack of strength is caused by insignificant
foliage. Less leaves on the stems, plus larger
leaves of other plants, tend to make a strong¬
er appearance.

Fillers-in are flowers and foliage used to
hide mechanics — such as fern, baby’s breath,
etc. A more pleasing result is obtained by us¬
ing larger foliage and more flowers than by
using fillers-in.

Holes at the top of the container should be
avoided as they make the arrangement and
the container appear unrelated. Rounded
leaves, opened flowers, etc., used around the
top of the container, close the opening, and
make the arrangement and container appear
as one unit.

Poor graduation is caused by too quick a
transition from light to dark colors, from thin
to heavy branches, or in the form of the ar¬
rangement.

Poor transition results from poor graduation.
To acquire movement and rhythm in the de¬
sign, abrupt changes in color and shape, too
many or too great openings, and unnecessary
lines or forms, are to be avoided.
Considerations most necessary for a good de¬
sign are: a skeleton line pattern, an imagin¬
ary perpendicular axis, and the weight of
the design near the rim of the container.

If a large piece of cardboard, with a perpen¬
dicular line at the center, is placed in back
of the arrangement as it is being worked up¬
on, it will help considerably in obtaining the
necessary balance.

Teapot: The focal point is at the junction of
the handle with the body of the teapot, and
the majority of the plant material should be
in this area, with the lines flowing toward
the spout, giving the feeling of a visionary
line of pouring from the spout if the teapot
were lifted by its handle. •

49

C. and F. Elderkin, Toledo, Ohio

On Growing Irradiated African Violets

WE are interested in Radiation Biology.

Some people like to work with rats and
mice or fruit flies while our interest is Afri¬
can violets ... if our violets get away they
do not bother our neighbors, but they do take
up a lot of room. We thought we could sell
irradiated leaves at about the cost of pro¬
duction and our customers might tell us how
many plants each leaf produced and what
those plants look like. There are a lot of
wonderful people in this country who do
cooperate and keep us informed so we can
forget about the others.

This year after a long vacation we decided
to start more irradiated leaves. There will be
some new varieties but we would like to
continue tests on some of the others. It does
not really matter which variety gives our
customers the new colors and other new traits.

We have tried to explain previously why
African violets produce new varieties in pairs.
A few readers know all about DNA and how
the giant molecules of that chemical carry
the traits of African violets (or people) from
one generation to the next. Then, when radi¬
ation changes the arrangement of the atoms
at the time when new cells are being “born”:
one mature cell divides and makes two new
ones. According to theory both of these new
cells will be exactly the same, but if exposed
to radiation both new cells will be different
from the mother plant. Perhaps a whole mole¬
cule of amino acid intended for one cell would
be transferred over to its twin sister cell. You
can understand that the cell which gets the
largest number of amino acid molecules would
be up the scale: that is, it would have more
yellow in the blossom if it grew into a plant.

We have about 20 round robins flying
around the country gathering information.
This year we are organizing a new group, an
“inner circle,” so to speak, with a few robins
of people who like to study. Each member
of this inner circle will subscribe to a scien¬
tific periodical which gives the progress re¬
ports from scientists who are experimenting
with plants. These robins will be all business
and should keep their members a few years
ahead of other African violet growers. We
would like to have each member of these
special robins to represent an African violet
club — they would have some very interest¬
ing reports to give their clubs. If plans work
out these clubs are going to be able to show
some wonderful plants.

Science is a study of some of God’s laws.
There are many controls in Nature; without
those controls your African violet would grow

as big as a house, and a lot of other things
would happen. Could you create a better
world to live in? We are beginning to learn
how to have blooming African violets in 120
days or less after we start the leaf. We are
also beginning to learn how to produce plants
with over 1,000 buds and blossoms all of the
time. We are beginning to learn how to make
our violets produce huge blossoms. The secret
is just DIET. Any variety will do all of those
things.

Coming back to irradiated leaves — per¬
haps you would like to try that kind of work.
Perhaps we can give you the high points.
Select the varieties nearest to what you want
the next generation to be and pick off the
healthiest leaves. Be sure to kill all of the
bacteria and other microorganisms. Dip the
leaves in a good fungicide and keep them
moist to make the spores “hatch.” We like
to use a good antibiotic mixed with substance
“X” (a hormone found in African violets) to
dip the leaves in after the cuts on the leaf
stems are healed a little. Then, we let the
leaves recover with the stems in a pan of
water. The antibiotic will take care of some
of the microorganisms: that is microscopic
plants and there could be animals too. The
hormone starts growth processes in the leaf.
We usually give the leaves a little sugar at
this time, but that sugar can develop other
complications.

We do not know much about x-ray. It can
do quite a job on your hands if you are not
very careful. A friend of ours lost both of
his hands from exposure to too much x-ray.
We place violet leaves on long strips of paper
and pull the leaves under the ray, being care¬
ful not to expose our hands or the rest of
the body.

As the leaves have had a hard time we
give them more substance X and sugar be¬
fore planting them in vermiculite. The pans
of vermiculite are placed in other pans which
have a small quantity of material from a
uranium mine which has all of the uranium
removed that can be profitably extracted so
there is no chance to produce radioactive
leaves, but a few more mutations may be
produced that way. These leaves have had
a severe shock and some of them will die,
so they take some time to recover.

We notify our customers about when to
expect their shipment and ask them to buy
their vermiculite right away and to fill a
flower pot with some of this material. Then,
start two or three leaves of any variety that
is expendable to see if the vermiculite is
free from the toxic chemicals now being found

50

in some samples of that material. It appears
to us that this toxic chemical is an excess of
boron which is found in some deposits of
mica. Above 5 parts of boron in 1,000,000
would be toxic to newly planted African
violet leaf cuttings. It would be very difficult
for the manufacturers of vermiculite to test
for such a small quantity of boron, but you
can test it in about ten days with two or
three leaves. You could add a small quantity
of hydrated lime to vermiculite which appears
to be toxic, or return the material to the store
where you bought it. The lime would make
the boron unavailable to plants. A lot of soil
in this country has large quantities of boron
which is insoluble, so it is harmless.

The best container in which to plant leaves
would be an aquarium tank or you may wish
to plant them in a glass baking pan about
two inches deep — then you can see if you
have too much water in the bottom. You may
grow violets in water because oxygen from
the air can enter the water, but water satu¬
rated soil or vermiculite keeps out the oxygen.

Bacteria and fungus which attack violet
leaves cannot live if you grow violets where
the roots can get oxygen once in a while.
They are called anaerobic microorganisms.
(That means plants or animals too small to
see which can’t live in oxygen.) In the tele¬
vision shows the good guys ride on white
horses so you know who they are. Most of
the single celled plants are “good guys” for
they help the violet’s roots digest the nutrient
elements. Most of them like to live where
there is some oxygen in the soil. Your African
violet roots like some oxygen too.

When you purchase untreated African vio¬
let leaves you do not want a great number
of plants unless you have a lot of friends
to share them with. But, when you have ir¬
radiated leaves you will want to save every
leaf and make those leaves produce a lot of
plantlets because one plant in seven could be
a mutation or a different variety. Half of
those mutations would be valuable ....

In many cases the most valuable mutations
do not have as much vitality as their sisters
with more blue in their blossoms. So, the
strongest babies will crowd their weaker
sisters and kill them if you do not come to
their rescue. When plants are about 1 to IV2
inches tall, pick off the tallest plants and set
the mother leaf back to grow more’ plantlets.

There is a lot we do not know concerning
substance X. About 100 of the girls in our
round robins have tested this material under
their home conditions — with very good re¬
sults. When a mother leaf begins to show
signs of age just give her some of this hor¬
mone and she has a new lease on life. Also,
a little sugar and a little ammonia added to
its drinking water helps a lot, too.

I must not forget to mention that it is a
good idea to give your violet leaf cuttings
some plant food when you set them out in

How To

Make An

Attractive

Inexpensive

Hanging

Basket

TRY THIS IN YOUR GREENHOUSE

For that Episcia, trailing African vio¬
let, or gesneriad you may want a better
space for, use a hanging basket made
from a plastic pot. It is easy to make
openings in the rim of the pot with a
hot nail, ice pick or electric soldering
iron. A small chain or wire looped
through the three holes completes the
job. Water with care so that excess
water will not drip on other plants or
hang it so that it will drain onto the
floor. Square pots are especially nice
when the holes are made in the corners
and four chains or wires are used.

Remember 1 0
make the holes for
the chains far
enough away from
the edge so that the
pot rim will not
crack and break
off when the plants
increase in size and
weight. Though
more expensive a
plastic wick water¬
ing pot with an at¬
tached dish would
be stronger.

the vermiculite. Feed them about every two
weeks. If you do not want to rush them, we
suggest a plant food with about as much
nitrogen as phosphate and potash, but if you
want early blossoms start feeding something
like Plant Marvel as soon as you separate the
babies from the mother leaf. From, there on
you care for plants grown from irradiated
leaves just the same as you do any other of
your African violets. ®

51

52

I

il

i

I

The first African violets I ever saw were
3 that I got through an advertisement in a
religious magazine. They cost all of one
dollar. The descriptions were glowing, and I
was curious to see what to me was a new kind
of plant. In due time the plants arrived. They
had been badly packed, and the leaves were
covered with soil. I promptly gave them a
good bath, put them in saucers of water, and
placed them in my living room. I kept water
in those saucers faithfully, and although there
were several bright windows in the house, I
kept the plants in my dark living room. You
all know what happened to my first 3 plants.
They shortly gave up the struggle and died.

Several years passed and then it happened.
My office staff gave me 2 African violet
plants for my birthday. That was 5 years
ago. The lady who sold the plants to my girls
had a small nursery, and I was able to get
some help in the care of my 2 plants. As
soon as I learned how to care for them and
how to grow new ones from leaves, I was off!
Slowly but surely, little flower pots found
their way into every room in the house. Little
violet faces dared guests to disturb the guest
room. And Mabel, the maid, gave up looking
for saucers and little dishes, because she
knew they were in some bright spot, filled
with rooting leaves or suckers or little plant-
lets. Now, 5 years later, I have some 600
plants and over 100 varieties.

All of my plants are under fluorescent
lights, with incandescent bulbs added. On
the tables are metal trays, made by the local
sheet-metal shop, in which I use crushed
granite (chicken scratch) that I get from the
local feed dealer.

Having to rebuild my front porch recently,
I decided to convert it into a new room for
my violets. I put down a concrete floor and
enclosed the area with winter screen. With
the addition of a small panel heater, a sink,
and an air conditioner, I now have what al¬
most amounts to a greenhouse. My plants
are growing like mad in their new home, and
I have room to turn around in my house,
where the plants had all but taken over all
available floor space.

In this part of Louisiana, humidity is not
a problem. We are just about 30 miles from
the Gulf of Mexico, and our humidity is
usually between 75 and 95 per cent. In very
dry weather I keep the granite in the trays
damp. Watering from the top is preferable to
watering from the bottom because of the salts
in the water.

I have been lucky about insect pests be¬
cause I use Miller’s Millefol in the puff bottle
for dusting leaves and Miller’s Milledane for
soil. I dust the Milledane in the bottom of
the pot before planting and dust the tables
about once a month. With these 2 products
I have kept my plants healthy.

I do not try to mix my own soil as I do
not have the time. Instead, I buy ready mixed
African violet soil, usually combining 2 or 3
kinds until I have the soil texture I want.
Clay pots are my preference. For rooting, I
use shallow containers filled with vermiculite,
preferring clay saucers for this.

A few months ago I entertained the local
garden club with a demonstration of potting
and repotting African violets, and I believe
that I was able to get several of the ladies
interested in trying their luck in growing
African violets.

African Violets In

Southwest Louisiana

Bertha Doty, Rayne, Louisiana

As the author grows them from leaf cutting
to a well-developed plant African violets at
various ages and stages of cultivation are
pictured together on this large tray filled
with vermiculite.

Packing

Leaves

Pat Moss, Tulsa, Oklahoma

for mailing

Hobbies have a habit of growing! That’s
an understatement, if I have ever heard
one . . . especially African violets. There were
just a few at first for shelves on the sunporch.
From these, small plants. Then, of course, I
wanted new varieties. Each year I would
think, “this is all I will need.” But, in my
mind I knew it was not all I wanted. The
plants thrived and bloomed. More plants were
grown, and I finally realized I had to have
more room. My husband agreed, and we built
a two tiered fluorescent cart. Well, that was
what started it all over again.

After a few years the porch seemed so
small. I was outgrowing rooms like a small
boy outgrows shoes. It was difficult to show
the violets and have room to visit with my
violet friends. So, in the fall of 1959, I told
my husband (with my tongue in cheek), that
the porch was too small. We had a nice build¬
ing on the back of our two acres; at that time
it was being used for storing tractors and
tools. I had eyed this with a wishful thought
in mind for quite some time. Finally, in the
spring, I convinced my husband on the idea,
then I bowed my back and went to work.

We had to have water and gas brought into
the house; that was the most important and
expensive part of the remodeling. To save
some expense I decided to do most of the work
myself. Never having built a cabinet, I thought
it best that the carpenter should rough in the
sink so that the plumbers could get their
work done and get out. The carpenter did
that and also built a nice tool house on the
north front of the house. That was when I
took over. I built the cabinets, made the
benches, put wall insulation board on all the
walls, and put narrow lattice strips over all
the joints of the wallboard. Then I painted
the walls, benches and cabinets a delicate
peachy pink.

The benches are below the windows . . .
the windows are the full length of the build¬
ing on the north and south . . . they open
from the top . . . this lets the fresh air into
the room, without direct contact with the
plants. The extra light from the windows helps
a lot on cloudy days. During the summer
months, shading has to be put on the windows.

Our African violets are in trays filled with
granite chips which are kept moist. No water
stands in the trays. This also provides humid¬
ity for the plants during the hot dry summer
months, and also during the winter when it
is necessary to have the heater on. We have
one greenhouse heater that automatically con-

54

trols the temperature — daytime 70 to 75
degrees and at night the heater automatically
comes on when the temperature drops to 65
degrees.

After starting the remodeling in April 1960,
we finally moved the violets into their new
home in August. It was a bad time to move
them, and the violets felt it. After several
months of readjustment with lights, cooling
and humidity, they were right back to their
beautiful selves again. It was hard work, and
it took long hours to get this accomplished,
but it was worth it in every way. I now have
room to raise twice the number of violets,
and have a nice place to visit with my African
violets friends at the same time.

Many of our friends from towns and cities
outside of Tulsa, who had bought plants from
us, wanted us to start shipping leaves to them.
The requests kept coming in so finally we
decided to try it. We have been so pleased
with the letters received from them. “The
leaves are beautiful and arrived in perfect
condition” is a statement a new mail order
house loves to hear. You try your best and
hope so much that the package will arrive in
good shape. Then, when you hear from your
customers that they have, it is quite a satis¬
faction.

Here is the way we pack our leaves for
shipping. It is probably the same old story
to the more experienced shipper, but most of
the packing ideas came from the articles writ¬
ten for the African Violet Magazine. We use
wax paper sandwich bags — ■ the large size.
If there is too much bulk, the top of the bag
is cut off. Each leaf is wrapped with wet cot¬
ton on the cut end of the petiole. The name
of the variety is marked on the bag with a
grease pencil. The bag is then sealed with
adhesive tape. A piece of fiber glass insula¬
tion is cut the same size as the bottom of the
box in which the leaves are to be shipped.
This is placed in the bottom. The leaves are
then placed in layers in the box, each oppo¬
site to the other: this keeps the heavy part
of the leaves from crushing the lower leaves
in the box. A piece of fiber glass is cut to fit
the top of the box and placed inside on top
of the bags of leaves. This gives a nice cushion
and prevents the leaves from bouncing and
breaking; it also keeps the heat of summer
and the cold of winter from entei'ing the
package. It takes a little more time to pack
leaves carefully, but it gives a lot of satis¬
faction when you receive nice letters from
your customers.

When we placed our ad in the African
Violet Magazine, we were told that another
violet house had the same name. So, of course,
we changed our name to Pat’s Violet House.
We have a bowling team we sponsor and we
named the team “Pat’s Violets.” This gets a
few laughs and remarks like “shrinking vio¬
lets,” etc. We might have shrunk in bowling,
but not in African violets, you can be sure. •

It Happened 14 Years Ago

Virginia H. Wood, Nantucket, Mass.

H'l^TOULD you like one of these new plants?

VV It is an African violet,” said my friend’s
father 14 years ago. His hobby was horti¬
culture, he had just received these new plants
and he wanted me to try growing one. It was
exciting to have something different. It was a
Blue Boy, and I did have good luck with it.
At that time we grew them mostly by trial
and error.

One day when I was in Boston I saw a
pink one in a florist’s window, and that was
my second one. A white one came next, and
then I was really on my way to collecting
them. My son gave me Helen Van Pelt Wil¬
son’s “Complete Book on African Violets” and
this was a great help.

Growing violets is really only a hobby with
me, but I do a little selling now and then. I
have about 100 plants. I like the more natural
way of growing plants with no lights. My
experience has been that when a plant is
taken out from under fluorescent lights it
receives a setback and has to become adjusted.

I use sterilized soil, which I buy; and I
find the plants grow a better root system
in plastic pots. I have no regular growing
program. I spray all the plants occasionally
with warm water and use a good violet insecti¬
cide spray about once a month. Between times
I water my plants from the top when the
soil feels dry to the touch. My plants are
fertilized about every 2 weeks; I alternate
between Hyponex, Hytrons, and Stim-U-
Plant, for what one lacks the other may
supply.

We use some of my best blooming plants
at our Church Guild Easter Tea. On a table
at the side of the room is banked a lot of
plants, in front of which we put a dish of
colored Easter eggs. These are all watched
over by a big Easter bunny. Lavender or
yellow table cloths are used on the tables,
with an African violet centerpiece on each
table. This all looks very much like spring
and Easter.

Living on an island limits one in partici¬
pating in many activities — one cannot always
leave when planned. I have joined the National
Society and find a great many interesting
and helpful articles in the African Violet
Magazine. I have received new leaves and
plants from many of the advertisers. The Bay
State Society, of which I am a member, is
growing and has held some very good shows.
I have received much help from them and
have enjoyed meeting all the nice people.

My project for the future is to collect the
African violet species. I think it would be
interesting to see and have the parent plants
of our present day beautiful ones. •

55

Around The World
With African Violets

Mrs. D. E. Wagoner, c/o Capt. D. E. Wagoner,
U.S. Army Medical Service Group,

A.P.O. 331, San Francisco, Calif.

'DEING a career military family and en-
A-r thusiastic gardeners, both indoors and
out, presents numerous problems. However,
to partially compensate for these problems,
we have accumulated a vast store of friends
in many parts of the world with whom we
have exchanged plants and with whom we
still correspond after these many years. An
important job for any military family abroad
is to make friends among the local popula¬
tion for themselves and at the same time,
for the United States: a true people-to-people
program. We have found African violets an
interest-rousing plant wherever we go — one

easily propagated for gift giving; therefore
the ideal plant for our purposes. We find the
tiny plantlets a prized gift to all nationalities
and we have a set of standard growing in¬
structions which we give in the local language
to each new friend, A friendly interchange
of plants, ideas and visits invariably starts,
and we have won a new and lasting friend¬
ship. We estimate the number of plants, leaves
and plantlets that we have given away to
exceed 1,500. Here in Okinawa alone we have
exchanged or given away some 500 leaves or
plants in various stages. Listen to some of the
stories, some of our experiences, envy us if
you like but be grateful for the minor prob¬
lems of a stable existence.

Our first serious encounter with African
violets came about in 1952. We had often
eyed these charming plants but had decided
that they were too fragile for our nomadic
life. We were assigned to Camp Atterbury,
Indiana in the summer of 1952 and finally
located a fabulous house (still one of our
favorites). It was beautifully situated in the
rolling hills of Brown County, surrounded by
miles of virgin timber — complete with
breathtaking views. The owners, Mr. and Mrs.
Hamilton, had decided to move back to their
town house in Indianapolis and graciously
rented us their charming home completely
furnished. Among those furnishings were
three regal African violets. Mrs. Hamilton
gave us instructions on the care of all the
plants (the house was full of a variety) and
we happily set up housekeeping. Still awed
by the exotic violets we exhausted every
available library for literature to enable us
to care for them intelligently. One authority
stated that the soil should be constantly moist;
another expounded the theory that the top
of the soil must dry between watering. Clay
pots were banned by the third and these plants
were in fine, old, unglazed pots. Conflicting
information plagued us at every aspect of
culture. Taking a little from each of the ex¬
perts, we fell back on our own accrued ex¬
periences of gardening, watered when intui¬
tion dictated, fed them along with the other
plants, left the violets in the disgraceful clay
pots — and they rewarded us with cheerful
blooms for our two memorable years in Brown
County. We attempted no propagation there,
hesitating to disturb plants not ours.

Our next interesting episode with violets
occurred in Japan. Sent to Camp Zama, Japan
(near Tokyo) we started the familiar routine
of house hunting. Our find would be perfect,
or nearly so, in any location. Sold to us for a
song, it had been built by an American and
incorporated graceful Japanese architectural
ideas with the easy informality of American
living, it is still listed near the very top of
our many-housed existence. The living room
and dining room featured Philippine mahog¬
any panelling with a hand-rubbed wax finish.
A cathedral ceiling throughout used pine logs,

56

peeled carefully, polished to a rich glow, as
rafters. Outside our floor-to-ceiling windows
to the north floated Mount Fuji in all its
perfection. It was most comfortable living,
servant quarters attached with a husband
and wife houseboy-maid combination for per¬
fect service. Our gardening started soon after
the arrival of our furniture from the States
and our settling in. A flagstone terrace and
a garden, complete with blooming roses, siz¬
able pines and numerous other plants were
put in and made the frame for our private
view of Mount Fuji. At the far end of the
garden a split bamboo fence gave us airy
privacy. Following Japanese custom, we the
newcomers, made our calls, “two to the left,
two to the right”. In the second house on the
right lived a Japanese newspaperman, an
avid gardener, who insisted that we were free
to share any of the plants in his magnificent
gardens. An early and fast friendship de¬
veloped that continues to this day. We still
mourn the perfect “bonsai”, a miniature pine
and a charming dwarf Japanese maple, each
about a foot high that he had grown with
loving care and presented to us. We returned
them regretfully at the end of our tour be¬
cause of the danger of transporting them to
the States.

A trip to a greenhouse in nearby Tokyo
started us on the new accumulation of African
violets. Few in variety, but being propagated
and grown with the consummate skill which
the Japanese lavish on all growing things,
the long benches were mouthwatering. At
prices equivalent to 30 9: and up to a high of
60^, stern self-control was indicated. During
this period we became enamored of the ex¬
cellent and inexpensive china available in
stores throughout Japan. This is the china
manufactured for the discriminate taste of
the Japanese market only and is an extremely
distant relative of our dime store “Made in
Japan,” monstrosities that disgrace so many
American knickknack collections. The handle¬
less Japanese teacups with the fragment of a
design in sift blue or gray makes a tiny jar¬
diniere for a two inch pot with a healthy
young violet. Rice bowls, ginger jars, soup
bowls, graceful all, compete for your atten¬
tion, all for a few pennies each, and nearly
all capable of concealing a pot for proud
display. Potteries by the thousands through¬
out Japan turn out the exquisite Japanese
flower pots, each having received the indivi¬
dual touch at the potter’s wheel. Glazes are
subdued, warm brown, cool blues and greens,
neutral grays; all designed to complement,
not clash with, the plant they contain. Our
collection ranges in size from tiny ones smaller
than a teacup to one as vast as Grandfather’s
old iron butchering kettle back on the farm.
This collection now rests in safety back in
the States to await our settling down after
retirement. Our violets thrived in Japan in
the high humidity and managed to stay in

bloom most of the year in spite of the heat
in summer and the cold winters. Our home
was heated by an oil space heater and because
of the high cost of oil and the danger of
earthquakes this heater was turned off at
night. The house temperature dropped to the
forties each night and down to 36° one night
so we made an incubator from a large wooden
packing case. Our heating elements were two
one hundred watt bulbs, controlled by a room
thermostat installed near the top of the case.
In spite of the irregular hours this caused for
the violets, they thrived beautifully.

Throughout our travels we have stuck
with our favorite basic mixture for violets,
gloxinias and Episcias: one-third local soil,
one-third sand and one-third leaf mold. In
Japan we substituted rice hulls for leaf mold
and found that this worked well. Our ferti¬
lizers have been those readily available on
the local market with printed directions in
the local language. Our violets have always
been nameless waifs, when one moves every
two or three years, transoceanic moves, one
does not invest in $1.50 or $2.00 leaves or
plantlets. Oftentimes the advertisements in
the African Violet Magazine tempt us cruelly,

57

but we recall the heartache of giving up much-
beloved plants and resolve to wait for that
permanent home after retirement. Our new
start after each move comes from seeds or
leaves from friends; our entire collection is
given to friends and newcomers to the military
community when we move on.

Now in Okinawa, we have found nearly
perfect growing conditions and when we
first arrived almost no African violets. The
picturesque Japanese pines grow beside dwarf
palms in this semitropical paradise. The im¬
probable Oriental hills are covered with ban¬
yan trees, pines, bananas and the ever-present
hibiscus. Gannas, geraniums, poinsettias, lan-
tanas, Easter lilies and oleanders bloom in
happy confusion among a thousand less fa¬
miliar varieties. The huge turtle-backed tombs
dot many of the red-soiled hillsides, ranging
from the newly quarried, snowy white coral
ones to the ancient gray, weathered structures
bearing the weight of decades and containing
the bones of generations of Okinawans. Wea¬
thered farm houses of silver gray, unpainted
wood support vivid red tile roofs. On nearly
every roof sits a “shi-shi” dog of pottery,
to keep evil from the household. Originally
from China, these dogs were once the guard¬
ians of temples, now drafted for use by the
farmers. Each dog sits about 18 inches to
2 feet in height and presents an evil scowl
to the world at large. Rice, sweet potatoes,
sugar cane, pineapples and huge vegetables
fluorish in the stamp-sized fields. Much of
the heavy labor is done by the lady of the
house while the head of the house works at
another job for the cash to raise the family’s
standard of living. The grandmother keeps
the house and manages the children. A tiny
four or five year old is often called upon
to carry the latest baby on his back in a
neat cloth harness. Near town and villages
one notices the newer and more practical
concrete house for this typhoon-prone land,
but the tiny farm houses with their high
hedges of red hibiscus and heavy banana
plantations are the most attractive.

At the time of our arrival we found only
one nursery with African violets. This enter¬
prising nurseryman, Mr. Sesoko, to cope with
the many American requests for African vio¬
lets, had imported seed, all of it apparently
from Blue Boy. He had approximately 50
healthy, mature plants and had started leaf
propagation. An air trip to Japan and a
flying trip to the Osaka and Tokyo areas by
military planes renewed old friendships and
resulted in a fair collection of plants, plant-
lets and leaves which we held on our laps
for the return four-and-a-half-hour trip.

Hearing of violets in a nursery in Taiwan
we hitchhiked there by plane and did find a
sickly collection in one of the many nurseries
in the area of Taipei. Orchids were plentiful
and quite cheap on Taiwan, but our window
space is crowded, so we abandoned the urge.

Fluorescent Lights
must be clean to be Efficient

It is advisable to clean fluorescent
light tubes every 2 weeks to rt-move any
fiiju that may have formed on them
from water and du.st mixing when th.e
plants are sprayed. If this film is not
kept olf tJ\e tubes, they cannot give off
the rays they .should.

T have found that if J set my Episcia
Tropical 'fopaz (whuth is usually dif¬
ficult to get in bloom in a home} in a
container holding water, then cover it
with a plastic bag, the stern holding the
bud will lengtiien and the plant will
bloom much more readily. Tht- plant
isn’t sitting directly in the water but its
saucer, which is set in a larger one filled
with water, keeps the bi-ttom td the pot
dry until the moisture is there

Luella Marmadukt^
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Many of the justly famous Chinese potteries
have relocated to Taiwan, and visits to them
made our trip worthwhile. Graceful short,
flaring pots perfect for violets and beautifully
glazed were so tempting at 5^ each that we
brought back all we could possibly carry and
shipped back more. Unusual vases, pottery
lamps, carved wooden bases to elevate a
current favorite, all available at such low
prices that we went broke saving money.

Back on Okinawa we started propagating
to increase our stock. One of our great prob¬
lems here is the soil. In order to leaven the
rice paddy muck to a porous base suitable
for our gesneriads we have experimented with
everything available. Chopped straw, leaf
mold and vermiculite from the States (expen¬
sive postage!) and now finally, the chopped
sea weed, well dried, which seems to be our
best solution. How we envy you all with suit¬
able ingredients available at the nearest store.
Japanese vermiculite is now available here
and has been of great aid in rooting leaves. In
March of this year we were asked to review
several gardening books on our local Armed
Forces Network radio and television station
and to tell of our African violet raising. Fol¬
lowing this program we were overwhelmed
with requests for leaves from Americans and
Okinawans alike. We took names and tele¬
phone numbers and told them all that we
would request help from the States. Since
all of our military friends now growing vio¬
lets are overseas and our own home is on the

58

East Coast, we used the Members’ Handbook,
wrote several members on the West Coast,
explaining the situation and asking for dona¬
tions of excess leaves to be sent air mail in
small rigid containers explaining that we
would be happy to pay the postage. To date
we have received no replies, and because of
the time lapse assume that none will come.
Breaking 'a long-standing rule in our house¬
hold we ordered some leaves from Mrs.
Carolyn Rector, a grower in San Pedro, Cali¬
fornia, and thanks to her adventuresome spirit
and splendid understanding of our needs, are
now receiving leaves by air mail in splendid
condition. Mrs. Rector has been most helpful
in starting us in a large collection. For the
first time we can call our plants by a given
name, and such a wonderful experience it is.
After virtually stripping our plants we are
slowly filling all requests and will have the
best collection we have ever had.

From May until October the temperature
and humidity soar into the high eighties and
lower nineties. To make our home comfort¬
able we have installed three two-ton air
conditioners, and so our plants bloom nicely
the year around. Winter temperatures drop
down to around forty, but average in the
sixties. Cuttings are rooted in the utility room
where the heat and humidity combine to pro¬
duce fast and spectacular growth. We removed
the screen from a large porch and installed
fiberglass panels instead, it now contains some
four hundred plants of every description, two
parakeets, two canaries and a dining area. A
local glass factory produces bubble bowls,
hand blown. Many of our plants prosper in
these, and here the prices range from one to
two dollars for bowls approximately 16 inches
in diameter. An over-sized brandy sniffer is
also produced and these are wonderful for
violets.

Since our moving days are nearly over, we
plan on retirement in the next year or so, we
offer a suggestion. Surely local clubs have
some sort of swapping arrangement to help
out the newcomer, many of we professional
movers have no such luck. Is it possible to
establish a listing of individuals or clubs that
would agree to help the newcomer, any place
in the world, get started? Leaves can be sent
quite easily to overseas addresses in small
strong containers, wrapped in cotton, much as
they are sent within the States. We usually
receive ours from San Pedro in four or five
days. In exchange I am sure that service peo¬
ple would send in exchange small gifts from
the far reaches of the earth, things that would
be impossible to find in the States. We look
forward to settling down in the Eastern States
soon and joining a local club. Remembering
our own difficulties we shall contact garden
clubs on various military posts in the area
and arrange for meetings, much can be learned
from the world- wide gardening experiences
that these people have experienced. •

Hints From Mrs. Wood

Esther N, Wood, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania

I have been interested in flowers for many
years. It was no doubt handed down
through the family as it is said my great
grandfather had the first greenhouse in
Pennsylvania west of Philadelphia. Naturally
when African violets came along, I became
interested in them, too.

As time went on my violet plants in¬
creased and I had more glass shelves put up
at my windows. It was after World War II
and brackets were hard to buy. Following
that period we were traveling through Canada
and were able to purchase some there. Just
last spring I used the last brackets. They
are a reminder of the visit to our neighbors
across the border.

For a long time I mixed my own soil for
potting. I added a tablespoon of bone meal
and two tablespoons of fine limestone to a
quart of the soil mixture. It seemed to get a
little too compact; I suppose it needed more
humus. This year I potted my African violets
in commercial soil. I’m experimenting to see
which is best.

I like to do my repotting outdoors when
the weather is not too cold. At the same time
I can enjoy the twittering oF the birds and
the different tunes of the mocking bird who
arrived in anticipation of his winter meal of
holly berries. It brings one closer to nature.

I save the water that I use for boiling my
eggs and give it to the violets; I usually dilute
it with water so it will go farther. The plants
seems to thrive on it.

My loss in violets seems to be mostly from
crown rot. I know my trouble is due mostly
to letting them get too dry. Sometimes I am
able to save them by potting them in vermi-
culite. I like to use a clay saucer for this
purpose.

My interest had been waning somewhat,
partly due to illness in the family. One day
I walked into a five and ten cent store and
saw African violets in so many beautiful
shades of pink — my favorite color — that I
couldn’t resist buying some. I gave a few
away and went back the second time to buy
some more. Later on I attended the African
Violet Society Convention in Atlantic City.
When I saw all those gorgeous violets, I
couldn’t help bringing sonie home with me.
My interest has increased now, so I will con¬
tinue to have African violets. I don’t have
space for a large number of plants but I enjoy
looking at those I have. They have a beauty
all their own. •

59

IT’S not the nematodes that are frightened,
I AM! I was minding my violets business
as usual a few months ago when I was stunned
to discover a plant with root-knot nematode
infestation. I noticed one day that one of my
young, new plants — just coming into its
first bloom — appeared wilted and in need
of water. This plant was a little beauty: com¬
pact, leaves black and wavy. Would it, I had
been wondering, live up to the fine reputation
the hybridizer had given it? And would it
be a definite improvement over the old one
I had, similar to this?

It has never been my desire to grow a whole
LOT of African violets. My collection is small
and select and I have to be discriminating.

Water didn’t revive my poor, sick plant and
the next day I turned it out of its pot as Lizeta
Hamilton instructs us to do (March, 1961
A.V.M.) and found, to use her words “. . . as
pretty a picture of damage as you could ever
see — just like a string of beads.” Not round
beads, but oblong.

It was reasonable to suppose that if I had
one plant infested I had others that were. And
my reasoning proceeded onto the unhappy
possibility that I might unknowingly have
passed this dangerous pest on to the collec¬
tions of others. I telephoned those to whom
I had sold or given plants in the past few
months and instructed them to “Quarantine
your plant and watch it closely. If any trouble
develops I wish you would please bring it to
me so I can examine the roots.” Fortunately,
we never discovered any nematodes in those
plants.

NO doubt my experience is an old story to
many African violet growers. But I tell my
tale in the hope that others may be helped
to recognize danger signals in ROOTED CUT¬
TINGS and VERY YOUNG PLANTS. Had I,
myself, been more knowledgeable much of
my tragedy could have been averted.

True, I have always been scrupulously care-

Revis Abbott, Alamogordo, New Mexico

ful about soil sterilization, I grow my plants
“saucered,” I am never guilty of handling my
African violets after I have been gardening
outside. But as I look back I see examples of
gross carelessness in other areas: I neglected
to isolate my new stock and, worst of all I
didn’t give careful attention to one of my
violet children who was acting suspicious.

When I saw the nematode damage my mind
flew back to what I am sure was the first
danger signal and it had passed, unrecognized.
I had some leaf settings in a small fish bowl.
I was astonished and delighted one day to
discover a two-leaved plantlet had produced
a blossom! There may have been some other
factors involved here to explain the bloom.
However, the irregularity did make me pay
particular attention to this plant as it pro¬
gressed.

Like other growers, I have learned that
young African violet plants like their TO¬
GETHERNESS. When it is time to take them
from the mother leaf it has been my practice
to let them grow (and thrive) crowded to¬
gether in a community pan. They stay here
until such time, I fancy, as they become teen¬
agers and are clamoring for PRIVACY. At
this stage each gets his own room.

Since some plants progress at a faster rate
than others all are not ready to be potted up
at one time. And because space is always
at a premium, I used to be continually work¬
ing at consolidation — putting some of the
slower growing ones in THAT pan, moving
others to THIS pan. This bad practice, no
doubt about it, was the beginning of my
downfall.

The novelty plant was in due course moved
to a community pan and it may have been
removed to a vacant place in another pan or
maybe its brothers and sisters were, A few
weeks after the blossom was first noticed I
saw there was a large swelling in the main
stem just above the rootline. This was about
the size of a large pea. I remember thinking,
“If this were happening to human flesh it
would surely be called a tumor.” My ignor¬
ance amazes me but STILL I was not suspi¬
cious. In all of my reading about nematodes
I never came across such a symptom as this.

After the discovery of my infected plant
there began the tedious job of weeding out,
and quick, any other plants affected. I didn’t
dare wait until a plant looked “sick” to take
action. After all, the nematodes may be at
work 16ng before the top of the plant gives
notice. There was not one thing about the
appearance of the first sick plant to warn me
until the wiltihg set in. The crown looked
healthy and was making good growth. The
two opened blossoms looked good.

I collected a bunch of old newspapers, a
roll of tissue, my gooseneck desk lamp, tools
(including a spoon and a sharp-pronged kit¬
chen fork) and went to work. I do my Afri¬
can violet gardening at a long, tile-topped

60

counter in the kitchen. Several afternoons
in a row my husband found me there when
he returned from work. He greeted me each
time with a gleeful, “Well, how are you
and your TOADS getting along?”

I would spread a clean, dry, double fold
of paper on the table top and turn the plant
out of its pot onto this. I found I could work
best with a plant just slightly moist. I wrapped
a double fold of tissue around and under the
plants’ leaves, drawing them upward and
together slightly. This was to protect the
leaves from breakage and to keep the soil
off the foliage. Working under a strong light,
I would grasp the tissue-wrapped plant in
the left hand and with the right hand work
the soil loose from the plant with the fork,
searching for swellings on the roots. Some¬
times these were evident at first glance. At
other times I had to do considerable probing,
often finding no sign until I got into the
heart of the root ball directly under the
base of the plant. In some instances I found
only one or two swellings but always these
were large and unmistakeable.

When I found an infected plant, into the
garbage it went. Many of the plants involved
looked a little odd in the centers upon close
examination. But most of them looked as
healthy and fine as any plant you ever saw!

Whether I found nematodes in a plant or
not I was most careful not to contaminate the
next plant examined. I cleaned the paper,
tissue, and all soil particles off the table. I
washed my hands and tools vigorously with a
brush and soap before examining the next
plant.

At the end of my search two facts stood
out: (1) many of the diseased plants had a
bushy, sucker growth at the base of the plant
and (2) most of the diseased plants had an
enlarged main stem: the area between the
root system and the crown. This was not a
knot, merely an enlargement.

The dozen or so plants in which I found
no sign of nematode damage were put aside
by themselves with a red crayon mark -on
the side of each pot. (Saucered.) At the end
of one month I examined these roots again
and discarded. At the second and third month
intervals I did the same thing again. I was
able to keep only a few of the original dozen
but they have grown into healthy and beau¬
tiful bloomers and I feel it 'was worth the
time and effort.

My mature, larger plants are grown on a
cart in another part of the house from the
little fellas. After I examined several of the
big ones and found no involvement I gave up
the search there and concentrated on the
young plants.

Many of the diseased plants had been NEW
and EXPENSIVE. I just didn’t see how I could
afford to lose them so I took leaf cuttings
though I knew this to be strictly against the
advice of experts who write for the Magazine.

After a few weeks some of the leaves began
to look bad and I junked the whole lot. I
finally decided I couldn’t afford NOT to
throw them away!

There is no way of knowing where I picked
up the nematodes. I wouldn’t even tell my
best friend the name of the small nursery I
suspect because I could be wrong. And, in
any event, we all know for sure it is never
an act of CONSPIRACY when a nursery sells
unclean stock.

These are the precautions I will take from
now on: (1) I will buy distilled water. (This
will not be prohibitive because I grow a small
group of plants.) The rain water off the roof
COULD be contaminated by garden soil blown
onto the roof during a dust storm. (2) I will
give up the practice of marking fertilized
plants with toothpicks stuck in the soil of the
pot. (These were collected into a small box
after they had served their purpose and saved
for next time — particles of soil clinging to
the picks, of course.) Instead, I have cut some
red felt into small bits and I use a piece of
this on top of a leaf. (3) I will NEVER mix
plants from one nursery with those from
another nursery in community pans. If a
grower wanted to be REALLY prudent, of
course, all his leaf settings would be in indi¬
vidual pots. This seems like such a mountain
of work to me — it’s so easy the way I do it!
I probably won’t ever be willing to get that
cautious. Anyway, I will most surely manage
it so I won’t ever have to throw but ONE PAN
of African violets at a time in the future. For
a time there I was not sure I would survive
my hobby: it was somewhat like the tail
wagging the dog.

My unhappy experience was not far behind
me when the June, 1961 A.V.M. arrived and
I read Dr. Reed’s “Why Support Research”
with a new understanding. It occurred to me
that I had been able to bring about the elimi¬
nation of my particular pest because of the
research which has been done on nematodes.
And any future “pest control” which I will
be able to employ will also come out of the
education program which the researchers have
given us through the African Violet Magazine.

There is no African violet club in my town,
nor, I think, in the whole state of New Mexico.
There must surely be many non-club mem¬
bers in the African Violet Society, so I think
Dr, Reed could have gone further (in his
last paragraph) and said, “There are many
members who contribute nothing — because
they do not have the opportunity to contribute
through a club.” And I add, even a slight
response in THIS area could double our re¬
search support.

I am sending a small check to the Boyce
Edens Research Fund and while I realize the
area of research is broad ... I like to think
that my money will eventually be used to hit
a couple of those nematodes right between
the eyes! •

61

orX Hole at base plugged
lA/ith rolled WicK -< — '

Figure 1 — Approximate dimensions 2y<y inches high
absorbant earthen clay pot with a 3 fnch diameter.
Drill a % inch or inch hole at the base. Plug the
hole with a soft linen cloth rolled wick (wick about
\y> inches long) so that approximately 14 inch of it
is protruding out. Fill the pot with fresh water, float
charcoal pieces. This set-up will be the reservoir to
feed the soil and keep it moist. The rate of flow which
should be, drop by drop, increased or decreased by
tightening or loosening the rolling of the linen wick.
A drop every five minutes or earlier or at a more
delayed period can be obtained by tightening or
loosening the wick. The regulation of the rate of flow
of water, too, will depend on the climatic conditions
of the country. In the tropics, with quick evapora¬
tion, the rate of flow should be increased, likewise in
the temperate zones the drop delayed.

Auto-Fed Nursery

EXPLANATORY DETAILS OF SET-UP
FOR SEED GERMINATION OR
LEAF PROPAGATION.

Figure 2 — -Take a piece of soft linen cloth, approxi¬
mately 114 inches wide and 12 inches long, (the length
will really depend on how much of it you can roll
between the palms of your two hands) sufficiently
thick enough to pass it through the hole at the base
— not too tightly nor too loosely. It is advisable to
wet the piece of cloth before rolling. When plugging
the hole either from inside or outside, remember to
leave about I4 inch of the wick protruding out. The
balance of the wick which is inside the pot is suf¬
ficient to absorb the water from the reservoir and
send it down to the protruding 14 inch (more or less
it is a dripper) to feed the soil, moisten it.

Figure 3 — A large float bowl either earthen clay or
china (earthen clay preferable) approximately 2 or 3
inches deep and 12 or 14 inches in diameter. Place
three H inch high supports in the centre (these can
be either of wood or pebbles) on which you place the
water reservoir (Fig. 1). Now pack about 14 inch
granite chips, layer of sand 1 inch to act as drainage
and the balance with sieved potting mixture of peat
moss, garden soil and coarse sand. The packing
should be semitight. First wet it before sowing the
seeds. Sow the seeds and cover it very slightly with
finely sieved peat moss. For leaf propagation use
granite chips of different size layers instead of soil
mixture. Sketch B will show you^what I mean.

F.O.M. de Silva
Moratua, Ceylon

Fiq 4 SKETCH A ENLARGED
SECTIONAL VIEW

DIA

Plostic
Cover

..-J,

flG4

•FcnTmci mruRf-- -tight

PA.CKLD AfTtK TtACmG THE.

UiATCR.R€.St^VO\R m THL
CE.WTE.R On3

a.0ATlKl& CHARCOAL

-VUATCR ’R.LSIKVOIR

FRESH WAIER.

50fT LIHLH WICK POLLED

y4' QRAMiTL CH1P5

LAYER. OF r fOR DRAINACL

3 WOOD OT ■ptBBLLs/z HICK
TO support! HE 14ATERPE5EIWa\R

WICK TRCHRUOrnG

DROP OF
m fEED

WATER "REG UUIED
SOIL

SKLTCH

Figure 4 — Now enlarged and MliKbEPY FOR I.CA.F TRIOPA.CAI \0N
shown as Sketch A will

give you the idea of the set-up. fT

BAiAHCL Of WICK IN51DL
•PA53 THROUGH DRILLED HOLL

y G Cl! i PS LATER HIGH

/s" CHIPS LAYLR
LAVLK

3/8 CHIPS LAYE^ /£ HiGH

'^HE African violet and I met quite casually
A many years ago. I worked in a hospital as
a technician and one of my patients had a
pretty Blue Boy on her bedside table. I was
attracted at once by its lovely color and
violet-like appearance and eagerly asked her
the name of the plant and where I might buy
one. I purchased and gave this first violet
to my mother, who shared my love of flowers.
Blue Boy had a short life as neither mother
nor I had any knowledge of violet culture.

After I was married and in my own home
I bought another Blue Boy, and from this
beginning I have become an ardent violet
hobbyist. My interest led me to join two
local violet societies, The Rochester and
Vminity African Violet Society and The
Livingston County African Violet Club. I
also am a member of The New York State
African Violet Society and The African Violet
Society of America, Inc. I hold a card as an
accredited judge.

I learned to grow my own specimen plants
from leaf cuttings soon after I purchased my
first plant and I still take more pleasure from
growing my own plants than from buying
them. I feel that a baby that I have grown in
my own home is acclimated and grows much
better and produces a nicer, healthier plant
than one brought into my home from another
environment. I would rather buy rooted cut¬
tings than large plants. Growing plants from
seeds is most interesting, but I have found
that since seed pods produce so many plants,

I do not have room enough for this kind of
culture.

I have tried different rooting mediums for
leaf cuttings and find that the method that
works the best for me is this: I take a nice
green leaf (not an old, outside one) of the
variety which I wish to reproduce. I leave
about 11/2 inches of petiole on the leaf and
put it in just enough water to cover half of
the petiole. When the rootlets appear I plant
the cutting in well moistened vermiculite.
When the baby plants on the cutting are about
11/2 inches high, I separate them and plant
them in wooden flats filled with coarse vermi¬
culite moistened with warm water that has
plant food in it. These flats of baby violets
are grown in my basement under a fluores¬
cent fixture with two 40 watt daylight fluo¬
rescent tubes. The lights are approximately
8 inches above the flats. The timer is set for
14 hours of light a day. When the vermi¬
culite dries and needs moistening, I always
use warm water with plant food in it. The
little plants make fine, strong root systems
with this method and produce large, well¬
shaped plants much faster than if the baby
plants were potted in soil immediately. I
leave the plants in the flats until they are
quite good sized, sometimes they are budded
or have the first blossoms on before I pot

Carol B. Ace, Honeoye, New York

them. I have tried mixing my own soil and
this worked well, but at present I am using
a commercial, scientificially balanced African
violet potting mix which I purchase from
West’s Greenhouse in Rochester, New York.
I have been getting excellent results with this
potting mix.

I like unglazed pots best since they dry out
faster and I find there is less danger of over¬
watering and hence root rot. I cover the
rim of the pot with aluminum foil to protect
the leaves from bruising where they rest on
it.

I grow my large plants on glass shelves
in my sun parlor. This has a north, east, and
south exposure and excellent light, which
produces fine plants and large quantities of
bloom. I make collars of paper picnic plates
to support the leaves on my larger plants as
I have found that the light coming up through
the glass shelves has a tendency to draw the
larger and heavier leaves on large plants
down around the pots. This seems to be the
only disadvantage to glass shelves. I grow
my plants for show plants and wish them to
be symmetrical and rosette shaped. The picnic
plate collar keeps the large leaves up in place
until show time; it also protects the plant
while transporting it to and from the show.
It must be removed, of course, on being
entered in a show.

I love green growing things, especially my
violets. They bring beauty to my home and
happiness to my leisure time. Through the
years I have been growing African violets,
they have brought me many friends, both in
and out of the violet clubs.

My violets make me happy.

They fill my home with bloom;

I pass the winter hours
Working in my violet room.

My violets make many friends,

With strangers a common bond.

And violet clubbers old and dear.

All with the wave of a violet wand.

Just follow my example
And grow these violets shy.

You’ll find content and peace of mind
Like my violets and I.

63

My Jet Age Violets

Mrs. E. E. Hall

c/o Stars and Stripes

A.P.O. 175, New York, N.Y.

The proud pink blooms of Carolee and the
fluffy whiteness of Frosty sit in my apart¬
ment in Germany and look completely at home
in an old-fashioned setting of antiques. But
they would not be here if it were not for the
jet age. They came here a year ago on a Luft
Hansa with my Uncle Herman, who had them
packed away tenderly in the bottom of his
handcase.

It was an idea of my mother, Mrs. J. D.
Sinema of Twin Falls, Idaho, who wanted to
share with me the tremendous pleasure she
has had from her hobby of raising African
violets. I had written to her that in our wan¬
derings around Europe, we had never seen
violet varieties except the common single
purple and a few single pinks. Even in such
horticultural showplaces as the Frankfurt*
Palmengarten, where there are collections of
begonias and fuschias, the violet offering is
a few rangy purple plants that would not get
in the door of a violet show in the States.
(As I write this, I suspect that the Germans,
who love flowers and take hobbies very ser¬
iously, probably boast some champion Saint-
paulia collectors, but I have never heard of
them.)

First Mother had thought of airmailing
leaves to me, but she guessed rightly that I
would not have the patience to bring them

Mrs. is pictured with some of her

African violets at her home in Germany.

to blooming plants. Then, she began to think
of ways to mail small plants. When Uncle
Herman announced last year that he was fly¬
ing to Germany, he was picked as courier
instead of the postal service. I should explain
that Uncle Herman is 86 years old and well
conditioned by age to cooperate with such
feminine whims as toting plants.

Mother took ten new little plantlets, the
most sturdy from leaf settings of her favorite
varieties, and put them in potting soil in the
bottom of a carton used for processed cheese.

64

The box had been lined with metal foil. She
gave them two weeks to get established be¬
fore their trip across the Atlantic.

At departure time, the lid went on the
cheese box, the box went into the bottom of
Uncle Herman’s tote bag, his change of socks
and underwear went on top of the box of
violets and Uncle was cautioned for the last
time to hang onto the bag and keep it upright.
Twenty-eight hours later we greeted him at
the Frankfurt Airport and relieved him of his
cargo.

Being unfamiliar with German regulations
on import of foreign plants, we feared they
might have to be discarded at customs inspec¬
tion but no questions were asked. Traditionally
German officials are much more concerned
about coffee, chocolate and cigarettes. In fact
I once walked right by them with an armful
of wild heather picked at the London Airport.
This would have given apoplexy to a New
York customs inspector.

We took the violets home to our residence
in Darmstadt, where my husband works for
the newspaper Stars and Stripes and I am
a school teacher. The cheese box of tiny
violets sat for many weeks in my kitchen
window, thriving and expanding — except
for one casualty. When transplanting time
came, my husband, who doesn’t think much
of ivy and philodendron, but was very enthu¬
siastic about a house plant that might bloom,
personally saw to the purchase of pots and
soil from the local Blumenhaendler. The little
starts had arrived in June. Around Thanks¬
giving, they rewarded us with lovely flowers.

The next spring, it was time for us to make
a trip to the United States and the problem
arose — what to do with the violets? I decided
to take them to my classroom and trust the
generosity of the substitute teacher and the
cleaning woman to keep them alive for me.

On my visit to my home in Idaho, I saw
again my mother’s beautiful plants; I attended
the annual show of the Magic Valley Saint-
paulia Club and I visited the violet nursery
of Mrs. Sam Porter, president of the Magic
Valley Club. All this exposure to the beauties
of the plant made me eager and apprehensive
on our return trip to Germany to see what
had happened to my own little collection.

I found that there had been some Josses,
from overwatering I believe, but the plants
that survived were thriving and full of bloom.
It was disappointing that our slow travel to
Germany by train and ship and the necessity
of limiting hand luggage had prevented me
from bringing some new starts with me.

Orchid Prince is now making the best show
for me. He rates a fine container of antique
milk glass. I hope that among the American
service wives who are my neighbors, I will
discover a hobbyist with whom I may trade
starts. If not, I will have my fun looking for
pretty old pots for the plants that came by
jet. •

Violet Bargains

Lucile Raiusberger, Lambertvilie, Michigan

DON’T look for bargains in this African
violet business! They may exist, but us¬
ually what is thought to be a bargain just isn’t.
The so-called bargain may turn out to be one
of the most expensive items you ever bought,
or perhaps even the most expensive. The old
maxim holds true most of the time: you get
just what you pay for.

I thought I had found a bargain some time
ago. A supermarket was offering the 6 cubic
foot bags of Canadian sphagnum peat moss
at a much lower price than I was accustomed
to paying for my “tried and true” brand.
Just reading the label on the sack didn’t
convince me; I asked to see what the peat
moss looked like, then I decided to buy. How¬
ever, when I measured it out for my first mix
of soil, I wasn’t quite so happy as I found
that the texture was much finer than what I
had been using. I also had a new purchase of
builder’s sand, and I found that this too was
much finer than usual. The combination of
a fine peat moss and a fine sand certainly
spelled trouble. I remedied the situation
somewhat by obtaining a very coarse, gravelly
sand full of tiny stones. But even this did
not make the mix good — just better than it
had been at first.

Young plants, just potted in 2^/4 inch plastic
pots, remained so damp for so long that they
grew very slowly, if at all. It did not notice¬
ably affect plants large enough to be moved
into 3 inch pots or larger, perhaps because
they had well developed root systems. I am
now in the process of repotting the trays of
little plants that were put into the fine peat
mixture. A few did fairly well and can go into
3 inch pots. Some are too valuable as new
varieties to be thrown away so they are being
put back into the same size pots in a new,
coarse mix. Others, which are expendable, are
being thrown out. I don’t want any more such
bargains!

A 6 cubic foot bag holds a lot of peat moss
when you don’t like it. However, it doesn’t
seem to hold so much when it is satisfactory.
I never did use all of that “bargain” bag. I
hope my flowers outdoors like it better than
my violets in the house. From this experience
I have added to my store of knowledge. I
know that a violet mix needs both a coarse
peat moss and coarse sand ... at least mine
does. •

65

Paul Arnold, Binghamton, N. Y.

Gesneriads

COMPANION PLANTS

for African violets

‘HAROLD HYBRID’ GLOXINERAS. When

Gloxinera ‘Harold’ was backcrossed with its
seed parent, Sinningia eumorpha, in 1957 the
result was a group of second generation hy¬
brid Gloxineras showing considerable varia¬
tion in appearance, as might be expected. No
clonal reproductions of such backcrosses have
been mentioned in the literature and none has
appeared either in dealers’ catalogs or in the
Gesneriad Register. However, plants of this
parentage have been offered for sale under the
group name ‘Harold Hybrids’ since 1958.

In general ‘Harold Hybrid’ Gloxineras have
flowers of the “slipper” shape of Sinningia
eumorpha. Instead of having white hairs on
the white tube, the flowers of these second
generation hybrids very often are covered
with bright red hairs inherited from the
grandparent, Rechsteineria cardinalis. Occa¬
sionally, the flowers are not pure white but

X Gloxinera ‘Harold Hybrid’ pink.

are stained a faint pink color or pale laven¬
der. In almost every case the white throats of
the flowers contain the gold splotch and the
maroon or deep purple markings which come
and go in Sinningia eumorpha flowers.

Examples of the “pink” and “lavender”
flower forms of Gloxinera ‘Harold Hybrids’
are shown in the accompanying pictures. The
tube of the pink form is covered with white
and red hairs. The lavender-flowered sort has
short hairs of pale blue color covering the ex¬
terior of the tube.

X Gloxinera ‘Harold Hybrid’ lavender.

66

CHRYSOTHEMIS SP.? The subject of our
photograph has been grown in Florida recent¬
ly. Since it has flowers intermediate in size,
form, and color to the flowers of C. Friedrich-
sthaliana and C. pulchella, it is suspected of
being a hybrid between them. Breeding ex¬
periments to verify this supposition have no1
yet been reported.

CHRYSOTHEMIS is a genus of African vio¬
let relatives which grow from a tuber, like a
Gloxinia, Rechsteineria or the culinary potato.
They occur in the wild from Cuba, Jamaica,
through the Lesser Antilles to Panama, Colom¬
bia, Venezuela, and Brazil. Two identified
species are found in collections in the United
States, plus a third, unidentified form which
may be either a natural or a garden hybrid
between them. Chrysothemis plants are easy
to grow but the flowers are short lived and
more curious than beautiful. Pictured on the

COLUMNEA PERCRASSA is one
of the newest species to be identi¬
fied. Living material, unnamed, has
been distributed recently in the
United States by Mrs. M. C. Cogs¬
well of Hamburg, New York who
obtained it from an unascertained
source in Panama. Mr. C. V. Mor¬
ton of the U. S. National Museum
in Washington, D. C. diagnosed the
plant (Baileya, June 1959) from
material at the Smithsonian Insti¬
tution which had been collected in
Panama in 1941 by Paul H. Allen.
The flowers are fairly small in size
but numerous and the plant blooms
over a long period of time. The
color is dark reddish orange (Mun-
sell 7.5R 4/11). The fruits, as can
be seen in the photograph, are a
round, white berry. Photo right.

EPISCIA ‘CHOCOLATE SOLDIER’
has been a favorite since it was an¬
nounced by Fantastic Gardens of
Florida in 1953, as one of four
named cultivars obtained by cros¬
sing Episcia cupreata var. cupreata
with E. ‘Variegata’. ‘Chocolate
Soldier’ is a vigorous grower,
easily trained into attractive forms.
The large leaves are dark chocolate
brown color with a silvery midrib
and the bright orange flowers are
produced indoors under conditions
which will not produce flowers on
some other Episcias. Pictured on
the left.

What About Lime?

Lizeta Hamilton, Oradeli, New Jersey

YOU have guessed! This article is not for
you, the expert! It is for the couple down
the street from you. Someone has told them
their plants need magnesium. Someone else
has told them to use dolomite and calcium
carbonate limes. Someone else laughs and
says ANY lime will do! I am glad the experts
have turned the page, — and you and I can
try to find out about this lime business. Isn’t
it awful the way we are told to do things and
within a fifty mile radius no one knows if
they have the item or even what the analysis
on the bag means? At the end of this chat
with you I’ll give the source materials. If you
are only a little interested, get the material
and read for yourself.

African violets like a pH of from 6.0 to 6.5.
Lime controls this desired balance. Your Agri¬
cultural Agent can give you the pH of your
mix. You can also test quite accurately with
the Cornell Lime Test Kit from Cornell,
Ithaca, N.Y. or your favorite garden shop at
around two and one half dollars.

There are various kinds of liming materials.
I have seen nine or ten items listed: ground
limestone, quicklime, hydrated lime, chalk,
marl, blast-furnace slag, oyster shells, sugar
mill and paper mill waste lime. Ground lime¬
stone makes up 90% of all liming materials
in the United States — but the formula
varies! It may consist of only calcium car¬
bonate or calcium carbonate and magnesium.
It continues to be the preferred form of lim¬
ing material.

Lime corrects soil acidity, it supplies calcium
and magnesium to plants and improves soil
structure. It may also affect the availability
to plants of nutrients and other elements. It
may also affect micro-activity in the soil.

Calcium “assists root development, the move¬
ment of carbohydrates within the plant, for¬
mation of cell walls, seed production and
other processes.” Magnesium is “an essential
component of chlorophyll” — the green color¬
ing in plants. Magnesium is not usually as
important to plants as is calcium.

Calcitic limestones and their products con¬
tain very little magnesium. Calcite is pure
calcium carbonate. Continued use may lead
to a marked deficiency of magnesiuna.

Pure dolomite contains calcium and mag¬
nesium in the ratio of about 20:13 or 54%
carbonate and 46% magnesium carbonate.

Since any “hydrated” lime is faster acting
and used on quick growing truck crops it
does NOT have as long lasting effectiveness
as ground limestone — - I NEVER use it and
do NOT suggest its use.

The point is, you have been told to use
(A) “Lime” or (B) “Calcium Carbonate and

Dolomitic Lime.” To you in the A group I ask,
“Would it not be wiser to use a lime high in
both calcium carbonate AND magnesium
rather than be satisfied with just part of your
needs?” To you in the B group I would say
if an authority has figured out the need of
the two limes, use them in the proportions
advised. The two types of lime are indicated
since additional calcium carbonate is needed
where peat is used. And to the A and the B
groups I would say learn to read the analysis
on the bag. For instance Corson, Inc. at Ply¬
mouth Meeting, Penn, have a pulverized dolo¬
mitic limestone with 30% calcium and 21%
magnesium oxides. Corson Company has a
high magnesium lime with 45% calcium and
30% magnesium. Farber White Limestone Co.
of Franklin, N.J. has a limestone with 38%
calcium and 14% magnesium oxides.
Limestone of America at Newton, N.J. has:
Limestone with 66% calcium, 3% magnesium;
Calcite with 42% calcium, 2% magnesium;
Limestone with 42% calcium, 2% magnesium
and this group would therefore “fill the bill”
for calcium carbonate or ordinary limestone.

If you grab fruit and vegetables off the
shelf in your favorite market without under¬
standing the labels, you will have trouble
buying the right lime. The owner of a garden
mart 100 to 1 will not know himself nor will
his salesman — all they seem to want to
do is to sell. If you try, little by little it will
all make sense. Don’t let the salesman sell
you just anything.

Turn to your county agricultural agent, or
to your State College Agricultural Experi¬
ment Station. They are there to help you, and
this is one of the benefits derived from the
taxes you regularly pay. Each state should
issue a bulletin similar to the “New Jersey
Fertilizer and Lime Recommendations #578”
issued by N.J. Agricultural Experiment Sta¬
tion, Rutgers, The State University at New
Brunswick. It tells what plants require and
whether or not New Jersey soils provide it.
It tells as with magnesium, known to be de¬
ficient in New Jersey soils, at what rate to
apply. It also gives some helpful information
on Lime and its use.

Each state should issue a bulletin similar
to “Fertilizer and Limes” Inspection series
^72 — also from New Brunswick. This lists
the name of the manufacturer and the analysis
of the fertilizer and the same for lime. In the
process of learning this bulletin was helpful.

New Jersey also puts out circular #754
“100 Questions and Answers on Liming Land.”
This helped me considerably. This bulletin
was a joint undertaking of Maryland, New
York (Cornell), Ohio, Pennsylvania with New
Jersey and should be readily available from
the Agricultural Experiment Stations in these
states.

I also liked Farmers Bulletin #2124 on
“Liming Soils, and Aid to Better Farming”
(Continued bottom half next page.)

68

Success Through "Nature’s Way

^ Mrk Frauk Xiieatke
Racine, Wisennsin

My first African violet was a beautiful
plant of Blue Boy which I received as a
gift. When it stopped blooming I tried putting
it in the window, changing it from room to
room trying to get it to flower again. Finally,
in exasperation, it wound up in a north
window, and before long I was thrilled to see
it start to bloom again. Then, after having
success with one plant, I was anxious to see
if I could have as much success with others.
So, when Mother’s Day came along, I dropped
a few hints and one of my daughters gave me
a double violet. From then on I wanted more
varieties and colors and before long my win¬
dow shelves were crowded.

I attended all the violet shows possible and
when I saw the wonderful results some grow¬
ers were having with fluorescent lights, I de¬
cided that would be the answer to my pro¬
blem. Now my plants are grown in the base¬
ment under lights.

In 1953 I became a member of the Racine
African Violet Society and soon afterwards
the National Society. I have found the African

Violet Magazine holds a world of information
for violet growers, and read each issue from
cover to cover. It was through this wonderful
magazine that I first learned of Mrs. Danne-
miller’s way of growing violets. I have had
wonderful results using her method ~ Na¬
ture’s Way — and I am using it yet today.

My plants are sprayed with NNOR about
once a month, and just before show time. The
plants that I exhibit in shows are usually put
in the pots five or six months before the
show, as I feel it takes that length of time for
a plant to get going good enough to put up
enough buds and blooms to score. When my
plants need fertilizing I use Fish Emulsion,
but I don’t fertilize during the hot summer
months. My fluorescent lights burn 14 hours
a day, and I water my plants when the soil
feels dry to the touch.

I shall always be grateful for all the know¬
ledge I have gained through the National
magazine, and especially for Mrs. Danne-
miller’s articles, for without them I might
not be raising the beautiful African violets
that I do now. •

Lime continued

issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture
and obtainable from the Supt. of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washing¬
ton 25, D.C. for 15 cents. This bulletin is
particularly good for “The terms used in
liming” at the end — a most helpful glossary.
If you write, include an extra 5 cents for
leaflet #307 “How Much Fertilizer Shall I
Use?” A gardeners guide for converting tons
or pounds per acre into pints, cups, tablespoons
or teaspoons per row or plant. Will I confuse
you by mentioning that for 100 sq. ft. divide
by two for cubic feet, or 50 cu. ft. (the con¬
sidered depth of penetration is 6 inches)? That
was helpful to me.

There is so much more to say! If you can¬

not get your questions answered, write to me
-—but leave a three or four inch space between
your questions, that will save my time and
thank you for including a stamped addressed
envelope. I have really enjoyed hearing from
so many of you.

It is a chase to get just what you want.
Don’t give up! I trust this will help on lime
questions. We cannot give our violets a ten
course dinner every day and if calcium and
magnesium in the soil mix can be adequately
supplied to meet their needs WHY give our¬
selves another separate chore by adding mag¬
nesium separately? African violets are surely
tough to take all that is given them. Let’s do
what we should as simply as we are able. •

69

Victor Greiff, Irvington, New York

Automation

Reprinted from UNDER GLASS,, with permission

T a recent meeting of the New York sec¬
tion of the Orchid Society, Antonio P.
Guerrero spoke of his experiments over a
number of years, in mechanizing his orchid
greenhouse.

The clever and resourceful Mr. Guerrero’s
devices and experiments, as described in the
American Orchid Society Bulletins, January
and February 1956, should be of great interest
to anyone experimenting along these lines.

He experimented with:

Night and day thermostats
Carbon Dioxide supply
Humidity control
Misting

Circulating fan

Automatic spray watering

Clock control of automatic devices

He obtained satisfactory greenhouse oper¬
ation, without attention for weeks at a time.
He perhaps has carried automation far beyond
the interests of most hobbyists, but his articles
are well worth reading, if you are considering
“automating” your own greenhouse.

HUMIDITY AND COOLING

One of the most important discoveries Mr.
Guerrero made approximates the effect of the
“Humi-Cooler”; an evaporative cooler, used to
furnish and control greenhouse humidity and
summer cooling.

He found: that opening roof vents as con¬
ventionally practiced, to ventilate and cool
the greenhouse, is practically fatal to humidity
control, as we have previously observed.

Next: he found that evaporation of water
is the basis of effective cooling, and that air
circulation is an important feature for plant
growth and health.

The “Humi-Cooler” fulfills all these re¬
quirements: humidity, cooling, air movement
. . . especially if the cooler is so installed as
to provide year round use!

YEAR ’ROUND “HUMI-COOLER”

One convenient and effective installation
can be duplicated in most respects, by many
hobbyists who have a workroom attached to
the greenhouse.

In this installation, the Humi-Cooler draws
air from the workroom, and delivers it into the
greenhouse.

The apparatus must be adjusted for two
reasons: Summer and Winter. In summer, the
workroom door or window is left open, with
possibly a screen installed to keep out bugs.
This provides a source of dry outside air for
cooling.

The fan in the cooler blows the moist,
cool air into the greenhouse, and with the
roof vents “cracked” a few inches, positive,
gentle air circulation throughout the green¬
house is provided.

The door between the workroom and the green¬
house, shown as “X” on the sketch, is closed during
the summer, so only outside air is circulated through
the cooler, into the greenhouse.

In winter, the workroom door to the outside is
closed, and the door between the greenhouse and
workroom, marked “X”, is opened.

70

SPST NISHT thermostat

Clock regulates hours during which day thermostat
operates — from dawn ’til dark.

This way, the ‘^Humi-Cooler” acts purely
as a humidifier, circulating greenhouse air
repeatedly through the wet pads, increasing
its moisture content as high as desired, to
make up for loss by condensation and heat¬
ing.

This '‘closed circuit” can maintain any
humidity needed, for the most demanding ex¬
otics and orchids. The water supply to the
Humi-Cooler can be controlled by a Humidi-
stat, and the blower fan operated continuously
at slow speed, for air circulation. Many green¬
house plant ailments are reduced by this
gentle, positive air movement.

GREENHOUSE TEMPERATURES

Keeping your greenhouse at higher daytime
temperatures than night, has been shown by
recent extensive experiments to be favorable
to most plants, and absolutely necessary to
some.

This, of course, is what most people do in
their own homes: they keep the residence 10
to 15 degrees cooler at night.

The same thing is beneficial in a green¬
house, but it cannot be readily achieved with
the conventional day-night thermostats used
in homes.

One effective method of providing the 10
to 15 degree differential between night and
day greenhouse temperatures is to install two
mercury-bulb greenhouse thermostats. These
are connected in parallel, and the day thermo¬
stat is set at 15 degrees higher than the night
thermostat. The day thermostat is then con¬
nected in series with a time clock, so that
at the pre-selected hour in the morning the
day thermostat functions; and, again by the
time clock, is de-activated at dusk.

This, of course, need only be applied to the
heating thermostat, since the daytime ventila¬
tion thermostat should be set 10 degrees above
the higher, daytime heating thermostat set¬
ting.

TEMPERATURE ALARM

Mr. Guerrero also mentions the importance
of an independent, battery-operated tempera¬
ture alarm: this rings a bell, or flashes lights,
if the greenhouse temperature gets too high
or too low.

When the greenhouse is not connected to
the home, or where the heating unit is inde¬
pendent of the house heating system, a tem¬
perature alarm is an inexpensive “insurance”
device. •

To Do

Mrs. George R. Bishop, Princeton, New Jersey

1. Buy from growers of established repu¬
tation.

2. Don’t be carried away by your enthu¬
siasm at the greenhouse and bring home more
plants than you can care for!

3. If an amateur, don’t buy a plant just
because it is beautiful. It may require more
experience in successful growing than you are
capable of. Result — discouragement. If
starting a collection, ask help in selecting
plants that are sturdy and easily grown.

4. Be wary of accepting gift plants unless
you know by whom and where they are from.

5. Use only sterilized soil. As my collec¬
tion is small, I buy mine from a firm of
established reputation.

6. Do not have more plants than you can
care for properly, or a number that you can¬
not keep without crowding. With insufficient
space plants cannot develop properly.

7. Personally, I prefer clay pots. Do not
use too large a pot. On the other hand, do
not have roots entirely potbound. Of the two
extremes overpotting is more harmful.

8. Buy single crown plants unless you
enjoy dividing plants. The multiple crown
plant, no matter how attractive when pur¬
chased, sooner or later is an awkward, un¬
satisfactory one which needs dividing.

9. For watering — I boil tap water and let
it stand overnight. Incidentally, I have not
found water treated with water softeners used
in this way harmful. I generally water from
the top.

10. When plants are flourishing I use half
strength solution of fertilizer about every two
weeks.

11. Spray plants once a week with warm
water; once a month with a good insecticide.

All my plants are grown without artificial
light on window sills having north and east
exposures, and are on trays of moist oyster
shell chips. Last summer I rested them
and removed all buds from July 1st to Sep¬
tember. In the late spring I had repotted
the larger plants, removed the outside leaves
(pinch off some roots if not healthy looking),
and returned them with good soil to three
inch pots. In the autumn I had good plants,
ready to bloom. Whether it was due to this
treatment, I do not know, but I have had
my best violets and more flowers this year.
I will follow the same plan next year, as I
like to keep my plants in three inch pots.

As you see, there is nothing new in the
things I do. They are what I have found most
practical from reading of Magazine, books,
and talking to others who are successful. •

71

Mrs. Charles Dautel, Gates Mills, Ohio

AS I am always interested to hear what
other African violet fanciers favor in the
way of varieties, I thought some of you might
like to know which varieties are my favorites.
Perhaps I can pass on a new name to you that
you would enjoy growing as much as I do.

I like to grow plants for show, as well as
for my own pleasure, so I am more interested
in symmetrical growth, good blooming quali¬
ties and dependability than I am in exotic
blossoms, variegated foliage or very ruffled
leaves. I do not keep a plant that suckers,
hugs the pot, or grows very upright. All of
these listed below have the features I admire
in a violet, and as well as making good show
plants if desired, are very nice “Home Com¬
panions.”

P. T. BURMA RUBY. This one heads the
list of my choices at the present time, and if
a variety should come along to take its place
at the head of the list, it would have to be
a dandy! It has been a little over two years
ago that I saw this plant mentioned on a mail
order list. The description said, “mahogany-
red single” and I probably wouldn’t have
ordered it if the description had not gone on
to say, “makes terrific plant”. When the plain,
black-green leaf sent up 10 healthy, symmetri¬
cal babies, I was very pleased, but still not
overly impressed. The little plants grew very
fast, and in what seemed an incredibly short
time, many buds had formed. When the first
blooms opened, I knew I had something out
of the ordinary. The blossom was such a deep
red it was almost black, but as it aged the
ruby-red color appeared, giving it brightness
as well as depth. The blooms are just about

the longest lasting single I know of, so very
soon the plant becomes a ring of fiery red-
black blossoms, on good sturdy stems which
hold them up well above the foliage. This
plant responds beautifully to disbudding be¬
fore a show, but don’t stop disbudding too far
ahead, as the buds seem to appear almost
overnight when you stop. It is a prolific
clump producer, one leaf having given me
16 baby plants twice. I have crossed it with
other varieties, and it seems to be a good
seed setter, and so far all the babies are very
symmetrical, and very dark-leaved, just like
their maternal parent.

FAIR LADY (Naomi). Running a close
second to the above is this gorgeous creation.
It has flat, dark girl foliage that carries a
lovely, healthy sheen. The blossoms are a
luscious light pink double with darker pink
marks on the backs of the petals. With good
care, this plant can be literally dripping with
bloom.

ANGELA (Granger). I have been growing
Angela only a little over a year, but wouldn’t
be without it. It has plain, quilted, medium
green leaves, and delightful light blue double
flowers in abundance. The variety grows a
little more compact in the greenhouse, but
still makes a nice plant under lights. It re¬
sponds well to disbudding, but like Burma
Ruby, can become overbloomed by show time
if you stop too soon.

CORINNE. I don’t know whose origination
this is, but the hybridizer is to be congratu¬
lated. It is a small growing plant with plain,
unquilted medium green leaves with silvery
backs. The plant becomes almost smothered
in good-sized double pure white blossoms
with green centers and green buds. It blooms
when quite small, and is a fast grower. This
would be an ideal variety for those of you
who do not have too much space.

COTTON CLOUDS (Vallin). This plant
has beautiful black, wavy, nondropping leaves,
and grows very large with proper care. It
has large, wavy, pale blue flowers which shade
out to a blended white edge. The pollen sacs
make an attractive eye in the center. A ter¬
rific bloomer.

AFTERGLO (Naomi). There will always
be a soft spot in my heart for this variety,
as I won queen of the show with it at our
local show this year. Even if this had not
happened, it would be one of my favorites.
It has black girl foliage something like Fair
Lady but instead of light pink blossoms, it
has deep red-pink ones. Neat growing and a
good bloomer.

ROYAL BOUQUET. Here is another fav¬
orite whose origin I do not know. I have a
suspicion it might have come from Granger
Gardens. It has wavy, purple, double blooms
by the dozens, and medium green slightly
wavy quilted leaves.

UBANGI (Coleman). This plant has not

72

been with me for more than a year, but has
already won a favored place. The black green
quilted leaves are spooned Vz” deep, and have
rosy backs. The many single blossoms are the
most intense blue imaginable, and have a
suggestion of white where the top petals join
the lower ones. The size of the blossoms is
almost incredible, especially for a non-
Supreme, and they are long lasting.

FAIRMOUNT (Anderson). This is a truly
worth-while variety. Nicely tailored olive
green plain foliage. Many large two- toned
light lavender double slightly ruffly blos¬
soms. Very vigorous.

SEPTEMBER SONG (Granger). It is hard
to stop with 10, but since this is supposed to
be a list of 10 dependables, we will close
with this gorgeous navy blue double, with
almost black ruffled foliage. As a rule I do
not care for very ruffled leaves, but this plant
holds its leaves up better than most, and they
do not droop around the pot. The combination
of the black leaves and the intense, deep blue
blossoms is truly beautiful.

Others that came close to making the top
ten with me, and would certainly be in the
top 25 are Alabaster, Dixie Moonbeam, Doll
Eyes, Drops o’ Wine, Meteore, Sarnia, Slick,
Sweet Susie, Valor and Naomi’s Zorro.

There are several varieties that have not
been with me too long, that look very promis¬
ing. After further observation some of them
might replace some of my old favorites. At
the head of this list is Haga’s Lavender Shad¬
ows. Black-green, quilted, regular leaves. It
has round, semidouble light lavender-pink
flowers with deep rose-lavender shadows in
the center of the blossom. Bronzy stems and
greenish-tan buds. Very prolific.

Granger’s Fancy Free has charming peach-
pink blossoms on red stems. Light green quilt¬
ed leaves.

Lyon’s Gay Blade has very large lavender-
pink Fantasy double blooms on small, neat,
plain leaves.

Heart ’O Gold has deep purple double blos¬
soms with pointed petals and large yellow
eye. Very nice dark, wavy foliage.

Vallin’s Pink Snowball gives a very deli¬
cate color effect. Plain light green leaves are
topped by many pale pink double flowers
with deeper pink eye.

Quink is another good spooned variety.
Rounded, dark green quilted leaves, that roll
up and show the red backs. Dark blue double
blossoms.

Red Rose has deep rose-pink wavy blos¬
soms with silvery petal backs. Nice round,
deep green slightly wavy leaves.

Snowking is a Supreme plant with medium
green, round, plain “strawberry” leaves. The
white bloom is single, very large and with
good heavy texture.

As we are all on the lookout for a good
variety we don’t have I hope this will help
some of you to add something worth-while
to your collections. •

Educational Table

Elsie Rockenfield, San Francisco, Calif.

For the educational table at the San Fran¬
cisco flower show in August 1960, the San
Francisco African Violet Society had for its
theme the hybridization of the African violet,
showing by specimen plants and printed detail
the various stages of growth of a seedling.

Two years ago some small seedling plants,
one or two inches high, of the same variety
were distributed to the members as part of
our January program, to see how soon bloom¬
ing plants could be obtained and how many
varieties this particular cross would produce.
This was called “Trudy project.” The parent
plants had been self-crossed and at blooming
stage produced medium blue, rather small
flowers, with deeply ruffled dark foliage.

For the educational table we secured from
our members their best seedling plants from
this hybridization. There were: medium blue,
white, blue and white variegated, a light pink,
and a dark pink. The foliage wgs mostly
dark green and varied from slightly ruffled
to deeply ruffled. In this exhibit we showed
the two parent plants in the center of the
table, elevated on stands. On each side we
placed the offspring seedling plants, all in
bloom, with narrow ribbons attached to the
parent plants, indicating origin. All exhibits
were plainly described on white cards printed
in black; also on a separate card attached to
the center stand a brief outline was given for
the culture and propagation of African violets.
To tie in with this idea and add to the general
interest, there were arranged along the front
edge of the table, various propagating
methods: first a seed pod in a plastic box,
then a tray of one inch seedlings, and other
trays and pots showing steps of growth. Also
displayed were methods of starting cut leaves.
Thus the public could see how the many new
varieties of violets are started and grown.

For background interest, a number of seed¬
lings grown by members, were placed advan¬
tageously and described on white cards, to
indicate first bloom.

During the 2V2 day show, thousands of
people passed the exhibit and the attendant
on duty was plied with questions, mostly hav¬
ing to do with general growing problems.
While there are comparatively few lay hybri¬
dizers of African violets, we believe this
exhibit stimulated interest and made many
new “converts” to the growing of this fasci¬
nating house plant. It seemed to our com¬
mittee a worthwhile project in view of the
intense interest displayed; also, it won second
place in the Educational Exhibit Class, which
was most gratifying. •

73

INSTALLATION

Pearl Thomas, Walnut Creek, California

Will the incoming officers please stand up
facing your members?

Mrs. - , you have been honored by

your African Violet Society by being elected
to the office of President for a second term.
For the past year you have worked in coopera¬
tion with your members and this Society has
made much progress: I’m sure you will go on
to bigger and better things. As a symbol of
your office I’m presenting you with this little
hammer. In using it be sure you hit your
nail (idea) on the head and do not bruise or
hurt someones feelings, by a miscue. Always
keep in mind the gifts of appreciation, kind¬
ness, interest, loyalty, understanding, en¬
couragement, and tolerance. By keeping these
seven words ever in mind you will be giving
all these things and a portion of yourself to
your members and guests.

Mrs. - , you have been elected Vice

President. At times you may think your duties
are not very active but you must ever be on
the alert to give a helping hand to your sister
officers and store up ideas for your Society.
The possibilities of your office is without
limits. As a token of your office I’m present¬
ing you with this little glass container, writ¬
ing pad and a sharpened pencil in order that
you will be sure to jot down on paper the ideas
that come to you. Do this the instant they
come to you lest you forget the idea the
“STILL SMALL VOICE” gives to you. Now
date this memo and place it in the jar. You
will be surprised how many wonderful ideas
have been given to you when you look at
them at the end of the year.

Mrs. - , you have been elected to the

office of Corresponding Secretary. This is an
interesting office to hold and many little duties
will fall to your lot. Many things you will
have to do which are not planned. As a token
of your office I’m presenting you with this
little box of stationery you will in the course
of your service find it a pleasurable duty to
write little notes to members who have been
inconvenienced by an illness or perhaps they
may need a gay little note to remind them of
all the good things they are missing by not
attending the monthly meetings. And of course
you will also send out notices of meetings.

Mrs. - , you have been elected as

Recording Secretary. Your duties are interest¬
ing because you will be recording the thoughts
and ideas of your fellow members. You are
investing your time in doing for others and
in the years to come a complete record will
be established of the many activities of your
Society. As a token of your office I’m pre¬
senting you with a pen I hope this pen will
help you to record the valuable thoughts
and ideas presented at your meetings and it
is also a reminder to do it well and faithfully.

Mrs. - , you have been elected Treas¬

urer. Your duties are very trustworthy and
exacting. You will be called on to receive
your Society’s yearly dues and other sources
of income. Also to pay out money for various
expenses and also to give an account of such
expenditures. So you will (in a way) keep
your hands on the purse strings. As a token
of your office I’m presenting you with this
coin purse which contains a bright new
penny. No doubt you will find this tiny purse
much too small to hold all the money it will
be your duty to handle, but it will hold the
chicken feed.

I now declare these officers duly installed
and God be with you, inspiring you and help¬
ing you in the minutest detail. •

YOO, HOO, over
here! Just a potful

Variety Name Play

Frances Miller, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Cathy Reed was a lovely lady from the
Emerald Isle. She was pretty as a picture, all
aglow, starry eyed and innocence itself. She
wore a calico dress with buttons n’ bows, a
ruffled pinafore, fancy pants with pink frills,
red slippers and in her red cap was a blue
feather.

Now Cathy had a love affair with a big
boy named Will Hayes. He was a sailor boy
and she was this sailor’s sweetheart. He sailed
the high seas and loved the sea breezes and
the sea foam. He was seventeen, her first
beau, and looked like the famous “Blue Boy.”
He wanted Cathy to come to America and
settle with him in lovely Oklahoma with its
delightful April Showers, or in Iowa in the
heart of America or in the Old South where
Dixie moonbeams cast blue shadows and in¬
digo buntings sing so sweetly. He would grow
gardenias for her, and forget-me-nots and a
rose pink bouquet. He would raise blue¬
berries, celery and lettuce, brussels sprouts
and watermelons. She hated to leave her isle
of dreams, its shamrocks and the river Shan¬
non. But, one wintry night she decided on
short notice to become a sailor girl and
crossed the shining waters of the blue Paci¬
fic. She was sweet sixteen, bashful and beam¬
ing, as she took her powder puff from her
vanity case and watched the laughing waves
and the dancing waters under clear skies.

It was nearing holiday time, for decorations
and pink popcorn, noels and Madonnas, icicles,
glitter and holly. She knew Will was true
blue and that she would get a warm welcome
and might even become a June bride with
chapel bells and lots of glad rags. Their

friendship was ideal, he with his manly valor
and a flair for mischief, and with her fashion
and rosy dimples, she was his pride and joy.
She loved flirtations, but he knew in a flash
theirs was true love.

So Cathy arrived, a blushing beauty with
a modern air about her. “Three Cheers, hon¬
ey,” he shouted in his marine lingo. “Hi ya,
babe?” He was hog wild to see his most pre¬
cious sweetheart. Cathy was breathless, a
blushing girl, and she knew that gaiety, and
glorious happy days lay ahead. “Goodie,
goodie,” she shouted, “remember me?” She
had faith in the rosy future her proud bow
had promised her.

So in her Sunday best, a printed silk chif¬
fon dress with sequins, pink petticoats and
pink pearls, Cathy ended up with a wedding
bouquet, a wedding veil, a wedding ring and
Easter Wedding with real bridesmaids it was
a great day and they were a bride and a
bridegroom to marvel at. This precious girl
and her prince charming settled in Minneapo¬
lis, Minnesota, where they enjoyed the north¬
ern sunshine, and after each autumn a new
snow would add intrigue to the northern splen¬
dor. Their laughter and constant love attested
to the harmony and happiness of a bountiful
life, and they would always have happy mem¬
ories of their honeymoon.

And here is a dark secret: there will be the
sweetest attraction, come springtime, ten
baby fingers, an angel child or a little imp,
a bit o’ heaven for this happy fella and lucky
lady, and good news for the whole U.S.A.
They are tickled pink, but don’t you bet the
wee one will be a cry baby? I believe so. (146
variety names used.) •

75

By the time this story reaches you readers,
if it ever does, it will have been a full
ten years since I began “falling in love with
the Kissin’ Cousins.” With each year and each
new plant, the love grows and the fascination
becomes stronger.

First came S. Grotei. By what route did
Grotei reach me? I’m ashamed to say it, but
I’ve forgotten. I think a slip of it arrived with
a group of leaves sent me by dear Lauretta
Littig, who was in charge of the “Question
Box” of our Magazine at that time. I was a
beginner with violets, as well as the Cousins,
in those days, and the Question Box depart¬
ment saved the violets lives many times.
Lauretta sent me a number of new leaves in
that year of ’52 and encouraged me to keep
trying. Heavens, if she could see today what
her good advice and influence led to; a regu¬
lar jungle in our house.

To return to S. Grotei — after the slip was
rooted in water it was planted into the soil
mix I was using for violets. It grew nicely
and soon bloomed, and over a period of ten
years I’ve started dozens of new plants of it.
Some of the plants have been trained up on
a small trellis, some have been allowed to
trail around and down over the window ledge,
and once I had some of it growing in a small
strawberry jar planter hanging in the win¬
dow. For the past year two slips of it have
been growing in water in a wall planter. These
haven’t bloomed while growing in water but
they have stayed nice and green and continued
to put forth new growth. S. Grotei grows and
blooms best in an east window or a shaded
southwest window. It doesn’t do well under
the fluorescent lights for me and this plant
isn’t what I’d term a prolific bloomer, but it
is well worth having in a Cousin collection.

Second came an Episcia, or Flame Violet as
it was advertised in 1953. I think it is Episcia
reptans (formerly E. fulgida). All ads and
pictures of it fascinated me so I just had to
have a plant. One day in the fall of ’53 a slip
of it arrived in the mail. Oh happy day, and
bless little Helen’s heart. Helen was a sweet
next door neighbor at that time, she had
ordered the slip to be mailed to me. She took
one look at my new Flame Violet she had
surprised me with and immediately exclaimed,
“it’s leaves look like an old toad.” Before the
plant ever bloomed Helen had to move away
and so never saw what a beautiful thing it
grew to be. In our letters back and forth over
the years we still refer to that Episcia as
“Old Toad”; such an unapt name for such a
beautiful Cousin, Again I potted the plant into
my regular violet mix. I’ve since learned that
what I use for violets is considered quite a
“heavy” mix: it is made of garden loam,
fine sand, any kind of manure available, and
leaf mold. Good leaf mold is becoming hard
to find even in these mountains we live in and
so for the past few years I’ve been adding a
bit of Black Magic Planter Mix to each pot

of other mix. All has been baked, V-C 13
treated, fermate added and carefully stored
away in tightly covered containers.

Well, anyway, the Episcia grew and grew
until finally a special table had to be built
for it. Then, it was moved over under my
husband’s reading light: an old style bridge
lamp having three 100- watt bulbs. The table
brought the Episcia plant up to about twelve
inches from the bulbs of the lamp. When the
original “Old Toad” was four years old I
decided to root new starts in water and was
surprised by how easily they rooted and soon
I had starts of it to give to everyone. By this
time the original plant had grown to a mam¬
moth size because I kept laying runners of it
up into the soil, putting a small rock on them
until they rooted and in turn made runners.
Once a year the whole plant was lifted to
papers in the middle of the living room floor
and then gently shifted into a bit larger
pot. What a job! Since getting the fluorescent
lights I’ve tried growing the Episcia under the
lights but it doesn’t seem to like this as well
as the bridge lamp so it is again back under
the lamp and blooming. Eight years of fasci¬
nating pleasure from “Old Toad,” not a hard
plant to raise; just particular.

Three years ago came Aeschynanthus Lob-
bianus. Articles and pictures of him were just
too tempting. At the same time Streptocarpus
articles began making an impression and I
was becoming more curious about them. Fin¬
ally, 1 ordered seed of both and along with
that seed came a free packet of mixed gloxinia
seed and a packet labeled Naegelia. I have
since learned that the Naegelia is now called
Smithiantha. Whether the ones I have are
S. cinnabarina or S. zebrina or something else
I have not been able to decide. They have
grown nicely and have beautiful foliage, but
I have had trouble getting them to bloom: A
combination of light and humidity I suspect.
They do not like my fluorescent lights either
and are now in a northeast window which
seems to suit them better.

The Streptocarpus* and gloxinias did fine,
in fact almost too well. You know what hap¬
pened? I only planted a few seed from each
package, but in no time at all it seemed like
I was having a struggle to keep my head above
the growth. All but four of the gloxinias and
two each of the Streptocarpus and Smithian-
thas were finally weeded out.

With the Aeschynanthus seed it was a dif¬
ferent story. I planted new starts of it over a
period of a year, until the seed gave out, and
never a plant did I get. Possibly I was too
impatient with them as I’ve since learned
that the seed sometimes takes as long as six
months to sprout. At the end of what seed I
had I gave up and decided to order slips of
Aeschynanthus. While at it, I ordered two
slips so I’d be sure and have at least one
plant live. By then, I was thinking he must
be a hard one to raise. Both slips grew and

76

grew and have had many starts taken off
of them. One original plant in particular did
well and Ted finally had to weld up a trellis
for it. .Now, the trellis is almost completely
covered by vine and blossom. Sitting here
writing this I can count fifteen fully opened
blossoms and three other groups of buds com¬
ing along. This vine is also in a northeast
window; have never tried it under the lights
except when it was first planted as a young
slip. It too, is in my “heavy” potting mix and
seems very happy with it. The problem right
now is that the plant is needing a larger pot
and how am I going to shift it and the trellis
to another pot? This Cousin is truly a “love”
and everyone who sees it, also, becomes fasci¬
nated by it. He is slow to start but, once
established, seems to enjoy his new home and
repays regular care with shiny new growth
and bright red blossoms.

Meantime, while IVe been sowing seed and
weeding out, a friend has been bitten by the
Cousin bug also. We have exchanged seed,
slips, leaves, growing condition hints, soil mix
recipes and so forth. Hence my Cousin col¬
lection grew with a leap about a year ago
when we last exchanged starts of what we
then had. Another Episcia joined my group; a
silvery leafed one with no name or identifi¬
cation to date. The dainty little vine Episcia
dianthaflora joined us, also Columnea glori-
osa. I had a bit of struggle getting that little
Columnea fellow to root and start; finally
turned a glass over the slip planted into soil
and that did the trick. Now it is doing fine,
has four runners about six inches long and
the runners themselves are making runners.
It and Episcia dianthaflora are such dainty
little vines — - I hope they will soon bloom.

Petrocosrnea Kerrii joined the family at this
time too and my, my, he was a problem for
awhile. Of all the newcomers, he came the
nearest to dying. Mainly from lack of water
I now know. I began going through all the
back issues of the Magazine in search of in¬
formation about him, came to Vol. 12 No, 3
and Emily Hunt’s article about him. When I
read that he likes his feet wet most all the
time, why I knew I’d been letting him all but
die of thirst. The friend that gave me the start
of him searched for information and learned
that Petrocosrnea Kerrii wanted more water
than any other Cousin or violet would dream
of using. Now my pot of it looks husky and
Tm sure there will be a bud soon (just has to
be). I admit there is more than one plant in
the pot but let’s let well enough alone for
the time being and try dividing them later
on when we are all better acquainted. Can’t
risk killing all of them with division after
they had such a struggle to live.

Since the original Streptocarpus were still
doing fine this spring the interest and temp¬
tation grew that I try some more of them so I

Mrs. Theo Lamach, Mullen, Idaho

TO PLANT SEED

Use a glass refrigerator dish about 4
by 8V2 and 3 inches deep with a loose
fitting cover. Fill the dish to a depth of
IV4 inches with coarse vermiculite; then
spread a thin layer of fine vermiculite
on top ^ peat moss or finely chopped
sphagnum moss may also be used as a
growing medium. A little artificial
drainage in the form of a few pieces of
ft charcoal in the bottom is beneficial. If
you wish you may place a small tube
(rolled piece) of aluminum foil in the
center of the^ dish as an ‘‘inspection
\ hole” to see if the tiny seedlings are be¬
ing overwatered.

With care, empty the dust-like seeds
^onto a piece of white paper. The seed
pod may have several hundred seeds or
only a few. Sprinkle the seeds over the
top of the growing medium as evenly as
possible. Then, gently tap the dish
against the table to settle the seeds and
growing mix. Water sparingly. Seeds
will not germinate if kept too damp.
Tiny plants will appear in a week or so
t or may not show for several months.

Place the covered dish in a warm,
light place. Do not permit the growing
medium to dry out: keep it lightly and
evenly moist but never soggy wet and
always drain off surplus moisture should
the mixture get too wet. Use a mild
liquid plant food as soon as the second
set of little leaves appear. Transplant the
tiny seedlings into a leaf rooting medium
before the dish becomes too crowded —
a toothpick is fine for lifting the little
plantlets when transplanting them.

Reminder: Occasionally lift the lid of
the refrigerator dish and wipe out the
excess moisture and also air the dish
out. This prevents damping-off.

ordered seed of the Rexii hybrids and planted
a few again. Some of them are peeking their
heads up in the planter. Incidentally, the
planter is an old china cup with a hole bored
in the bottom and filled with charcoal, coarse
sand and a small amount of planter mix. A
clear piece of plastic is stretched over the
top so that the inside is almost airtight. The
original Streptocarpus plants all had pink
blossoms but I am hoping for something dif¬
ferent in color in these new babies. Also
planted in the cup is a few seed of the slipper
gloxinia. A couple of them have sprouted.
After having tried the larger gloxinia it
seemed I must try some of the slipper type — -
don’t you know? ?

Must report one bit of misfortune in this
collection though: I lost my bulb of Sinningia
regina (Brazilian gloxinia), but have another
on order for fall and sincerely hope to have
better luck with it. Perhaps if there was any¬

thing to the old fallacy of thirteen being an
unlucky number, one might say Sinningia
regina was the thirteenth in the collection,
and that is why I lost it. But actually it wasn’t
the thirteenth because in the first group of
seed was also a packet labeled Mauranda (or
creeping gloxinia). Does anyone know what
it is or anything about it? I’ve never come
across an article about it I’m quite sure, that
is, unless it was under some other name and
I didn’t recognize it. Anyway after trying a
few plants of it I disposed of them as unsatis¬
factory for home growing. The leaves kept
drying and dropping off so badly due to a lack
of humidity I felt. It grew like mad though,
vining and running every place. Now I’m be¬
ginning to wonder, did I give it a fair trial?
Maybe I’d better find the remaining seed and
try it once more . . . wonder if the seed is
still good . . . tsk, tsk.

To complete the Fascinating Family (for
the time being), I must have one with yellow
blooms so this last spring I ordered a rooted
slip of Columnea tulae ‘Flava’. It came from
Buell’s of Eastford, Conn. I’ve never received
a healthier or more thrifty looking start of
any plant from any grower. The plant wasn’t
slowed up one bit by its long trip by mail
or when I gently shifted it into a bit larger
pot. It seemed to adjust to house living condi¬
tions and keep right on growing. To date, it
is under the fluorescent lights and seems to
like them fine. Hope it shows a bud soon.

I do have one complaint about most of the
Cousins: their unpronounceable names. Please,
Vera or our Editor, publish a list of the most
complicated names “broken down” as a dic¬
tionary would print them. I do dislike not
being able to correctly pronounce the name
and except for our nickname of “Old Toad,”
I don’t approve of Flame Violet or Lipstick
Plant or Poorman’s Orchid for so many of
these beautiful Cousins. I do like their true
names if only I could be sure I am pronounc¬
ing them correctly.

To Vera Covert and her “Chaff from Crick-
en Farm” I must give a lot of credit for a
great deal of my increasing interest in all of
these plants. Each and every one she writes
of in her articles just sounds so tempting that
the challenge to try “just one more” gets me.
Her article in each magazine is almost the
first one I read to see what she has to say
about Cousins “this time.” When I first start¬
ed with these Cousins I had decided I’d not
care for any having tubers, rhizones or corms:
ones that needed storage over a rest period.
Now that the gloxinias and Smithianthas have
gotten through two rest periods and were not
half the trouble I’d expected why I’m willing
to try more — maybe even some Achimenes
and more gloxinias . . . the double gloxinia
must be gorgeous.

Thirteen Fascinatin’ Kissin’ Cousins, I love
each and everyone of you. How can I stop
collecting now? •

78

WL MOVED TO MOUNTAINS

Mrs. Edward H. Busch,

Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado

My hobby of raising African violets could
very well be entitled “I Moved to The
Mountains.” This was when my luck changed;
for several years I had tried an African violet
on occasion but with no Tuck at all. I had
a friend with such lovely ones that I drooled
each time I looked at them, and finally de¬
cided that surely I could grow just one. She
offered to start me out and bought me a little
wire shelf for my kitchen window. Three little
violets were put on the shelf. All I can say
is: they did not die. The Business and Profes¬
sional Women’s Club had a white elephant
auction and I bought one more. Then, we
moved to the mountains. The thermometer
reached 101 degrees the day we moved and
the little violets looked awfully sick when we
reached our new home. They immediately
adapted themselves and started growing, and
in no time at all they were blooming. They
were older varieties but good ones. Azure
Beauty has bloomed well over 3 years now,
continuously.

My husband is very interested in flowers
and flower culture and soon became interested
in the violets. We now have from 500 to 700
plants at all times. We try to add about 15
varieties each year. We have done some cross
pollinating; no outstanding results, but such
fun.

Our method is similar to all amateur grow¬
ers but a few things might be of interest.
Leaves are rooted in Zonolite in a wick-
watered planter. This has proved by far the
most satisfactory method. The Zonolite stays
at an even moisture, hastening the showing
of new plants. We use a 12 inch planter and
can easily put down 12 to 14 leaves. When
the little plantlets are at least an inch high
they are again put in a wick planter, in a
clump along with the mother leaf, in our
potting mix. We use 2 parts peat moss, 1 part
sand and 1 part good garden soil, along with
a plant food, powdered charcoal, B-1, trace
elements, etc. to make a very satisfactory
mixture. They are in this until they are large
enough to be planted individually in 2V2 inch
pots. Perhaps this is a little slower method
but we find we have less loss of tiny plants
when we let them stay together this way.

All of our mature plants are grown in
natural light. We do have a wonderful hot¬
house table. My husband designed and built
this, also several other tables for our plants.

Mrs. Busch’s mature plants thrive in natural light.

The hothouse table has controlled bottom
heat, with the use of heating cables. Air
temperature is controlled by incandescent
bulbs and the light is furnished by fluores¬
cent tubes. These are all controlled by thermo¬
stats. We do our propagating here and also
put the small plants in when they are first
potted. Before we had this, we placed our
planters of leaves in plastic bags, closed the
bags and put them in a warm place. If a large
plant is repotted we place it in or under a
plastic bag for a week or so and the results
are amazing. It seems they need the extra
humidity to prevent shock. We have several
large sheets of plastic that we use to cover
our tables when going on a trip. They will
keep fine for 10 days to 2 weeks. We do have
cool weather here in summer as our altitude
is 7,700 feet.

We use both clay and plastic pots, how¬
ever we prefer the clay and will probably
not buy more plastics. True they need water¬
ing less often, but the plants can so easily
become overwatered in the plastic pots. We
have flat aluminum bread pans that hold from
6 to 12-2 V2 inch pots and when we pot the
baby plants they are placed in these pans.
They seem to do better in groups and are
so much easier to water. This method pro¬
vides a little more humidity, we believe. We
do not add any extra humidity to our house
for our African violets. We did not plan to
sell violets but so many have admired them
and asked to buy one that we do sell some.
In taking them from our home without excess
humidity, they continue growing beautifully.
In fact, we have seen our plants in other
homes growing and blooming even better than
they did for us. They do not have to make
such a drastic adjustment as they do if taken
from the heavy humidity of a greenhouse
to the dryness of most homes.

Our leaves are planted with about 1 V2
inch stem, cut on a 45 degree angle, and

79

dipped in Rootone. We use the Moon signs for
planting and potting. I cannot say that my
husband believes in this 100 per cent, but
the results have been so good that we do use
them. We use Cancer and Libra; Cancer is
preferred for putting down leaves, but both
signs are used for potting as time does not
always permit getting it all done in the Libra
sign.

African violets are not difficult to grow
if a few do’s and don’ts are followed. Do use
a good light potting mixture. Do give them
lots of light but not direct sun. Do feed a
good balanced food at least once a month,
preferably every 2 weeks. Don’t overpot —
if you want blossoms keep them in small
pots. Don’t overwater. Water well, from top
or bottom, then wait until the top soil feels
dry before watering again. Don’t use cold
water ever. They like a warm drink.

For truly beautiful violets, give them a
nice warm shower at your kitchen sink. A
little spray attachment on your faucet does
a beautiful job and the results will amaze you.
The leaves look so clean, and many varieties
have a waxed look. The secret in showering
your plants is to let them become perfectly
dry before putting them back in strong light.
If placed in strong light while the leaves have
drops of water on them, they will spot.

We have started several ladies on an Afri¬
can violet growing hobby and have been told
of their success by following our suggested
do’s and don’ts, and that it was easy. •

STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THE ACT OF AUGUST
24, 1912, AS AMENDED BY THE ACTS OF MARCH
3, 1933, JULY 2, 1946, AND JUNE 11, 1960 (74 STAT.
208) SHOWING THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT,
AND CIRCULATION OF

African Violet Magazine published Quarterly at Knox¬
ville, Tennessee for October 1, 1961.

1. The names and addresses of the publisher, editor,
managing editor, and business managers are:

Publisher — African Violet Society of America,
Inc., P.O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Editor — Alma Wright, P.O. Box 1326, Knoxville,
Tennessee.

Managing editor and Business manager — None

2. The owner is: (If owned by a corporation its
name and address must be stated and also immediate¬
ly thereunder the names and addresses of stockholders
owning or holding 1 per cent or more of total amount
of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names
and addresses of the individual owners must be given.
If owned by a partnership or other unincorporated
firm, its name and address, as well as that of each
individual member, must be given.)

African Violet Society of America, Inc., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tennessee.

3. The known bondholders, mortgagees, and other
security holders owning or holding 1 per cent or
more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other
securities are: (If there are none, so state.)

None.

4. Paragraphs 2 and 3 include, in cases where the
stockholder or security holder appears upon the books
of the company as trustee or in any other fiduciary
relation, the name of the person or corporation f9r
whom such trustee is acting; also the statements in
the two paragraphs show the affiant’s full knowledge
and belief as to the circumstances and conditions
under which stockholders and security holders who
do not appear upon the books of the company as
trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other
than that of a bona fide owner.

5. The average number of copies of each issue of
this publication sold or distributed, througli the mails
or otherwise, to paid subscribers during the 12 months
preceding the date shown above was: (This informa¬
tion is required by the act of June 11, 1960 to be
included in all statements regardless of frequency of
issue.) 15,800.

Alma Wright, Editor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of
October, 1961.

Grace S. Foree

(My commission expires June 30, 1964)

From the Editor

WS-Q o>r ^ ^ v«> I

About the Front Cover — What a day ... to make this picture! The
outside temperature that August afternoon was around 98 degrees and
inside at least 110 with the hot, bright flood lights. No wonder the tips
of the buddleia grew limp and fell “out of line’’ just when the camera
was snapped. Ruth Carey was upset about this when she saw the

ektachromes but I thought her arrangement beautiful — - drooping
buddleia and all. So, I decided to print it. Never having acquired any
flower arranging knowledge I just enjoyed the pretty picture as it was,
and hope that you will do the same. Don’t you think the colors are soft
interested in knowing about this arrangement Ruth gave me the following
statistics: “It is a line design measuring 11 1/2 inches tall using the frilled white blossoms of Snow Flurries,
white buddleia and silver lace vine. Plantin lily foliage accents the point of interest and Scotch broom

foliage forms the height of the design. The small, shallow copper container is 4^/4 inches across and IV2
inches in height on a black base IV2 inches tall and 3 inches wide.’’

Maisie Yakie has asked me to tell you that Jack’s father passed away in October after a serious illness.
Though she tried she was not able to keep abreast of all her correspondence and responsibilities at that time.
We both trust that you will understand ....

Also, a correction is in order concerning the omission of Mrs. Krogman’s name from the list of Judging
School Teachers on page 115 Special Issue, Vol. 14 No. 5, African Violet Magazine. Mrs. William Krogman,
1325 Parkway Dr., Brookfield, Wisconsin is a qualified teacher and she should have been listed as such.

Hope that you have noticed that we are working very hard to improve the quality of your Magazine. Many

good stories are planned for March. Marcha Latwen, Evelyn Richardson, Dorothy Young, Carol Turner, and
Dorothy Alloway, to mention but a few, will have articles in this issue.

Another December is here and it is once more my pleasure and privilege to extend to you, one and all,
cordial greetings from the Knoxville Office. Margaret Travis, Alice Harless, and Pat Koontz join me in wishing
you a very Merry Christmas and Happiness throughout the New Year.

and lovely? For the benefit of those

Sincerely,

nPTArrw nw DOTTED LINE

I

GIFT MEMBERSHIPS

A year’s membership in the African Violet Society of America, Inc. makes a wonderful
gift for every occasion — ^birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, holidays, or as an appreciation
gift for club speakers.

A gift card (you may enclose your own) will be sent to the recipient of your fine gift.

MEMBERSHIP DUES

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS . . . Individual members pay $4.00 per year (a year may be any
twelvemonth period).

COMMERCIAL MEMBERS . . . All persons or firms who annually sell one thousand or more
African violet plants or leaf cuttings of the same; or who manufacture or sell fertilizer, dis¬
ease and insect-control materials and equipment, tools, or any other merchandise pertaining to
or applicable to growing African violets shall be commercial members. They shall pay $13.33
per year (a year may be any twelvemonth period). Of each annual dues so paid, all sums in
excess of $4.00 shall be applied to the Research Fund of the Society.

RESEARCH MEMBERS . . . Research members pay at least $20.00 for each twelvemonth
period of membership, and at least 85% of each membership paid shall be applied to the
Research Fimd of the Society.

SUSTAINING MEMBERS , . . Sustaining members pay at least $10.00 per year (a year may
be any twelvemonth period).

LIFE MEMBERS . . . The payment of $66.66 or more shall entitle any person to life mem¬
bership, and life members shall be exempt from any further dues.

MEMBERSHIPS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

The Society is happy to welcome members from all parts of the world. Application for mem¬
bership should be sent direct to the Treasurer. Remittance for membership dues, by check,
draft or postal money order, should be made payable in United States funds.

DETACH ON DOTTED LINE

AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC.

Convention and Annual Meeting

Sheraton-Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California, April 26, 27, 28, 1962
HOTEL RESERVATION

Sheraton-Palace Hotel
San Francisco, California

Please reserve the following accommodations for the African Violet Society of America,
Inc. Convention:

Single Occupancy _ $9.85 _ _ $11.50 _ _ $13.50 _ $15.00

Add $4.00 for double occupancy

Suites _ _ _ $25.00 _ _ $35.00 _ $45.00 _ $75.00

Plus 3% City Tax

If room at rate requested is unavailable, one at nearest available rate will be reserved. All
rooms with bath, television and radio.

a.m.

Date Arriving _ Hour _ p.m. Date Departure _

NAME _ _ _ _ _ _

ADDRESS_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

CITY _ _ _ STATE _

Rooms will not be held after 6 p.m. unless stated above.

SPECIAL MENU NOTICE

_ Chicken _ Crab Friday Luncheon (Check preference)

_ _ Lobster _ Prime Rib Beef Friday Banquet (Check preference)

Detach this Hotel Reservation and mail to: Sheraton-Palace Hotel

Market at New Montgomery Street
San Francisco 19, California

Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. E. H. Thomas,

_

REPORT OF THE NOMINATING

DETACH ON DOTTE

DETACH ON DOTTED LINES

I

ADVANCE REGISTRATION BLANK
CONVENTION: April 26, 27, 28, 1962
Sheraton-Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California

fl

I

I

I

NAME.

ADDRESS.

Registration for the entire Convention, including the Show, Thursday Dinner Meeting, Friday
Luncheon Meeting and Friday Banquet Meeting is $24.50.

Please send your reservation in before April 11, 1962. If you cannot attend the entire Con¬
vention, please check below the meetings you will attend. We MUST know definitely how
many to prepare for.

One registration fee admits both husband and wife when either is a member.

_ Registration fee for entire Convention _

_ Registration fee for one day only _

_ Registration fee for one single meeting _

_ Thursday Dinner Meeting _ _ _

_ Friday Luncheon Meeting _

_ Friday Banquet Meeting _

$6.50

3.50
2.00
6.00

4.50

7.50

Sign and send your reservation in not later than April 11, 1962 to the registration chairman:

Mrs. Millie Blair, 213 Alhambra Avenue, Vallejo, California

Reservation will not be honored without remittance. Please assist the committee and sim¬
plify registration by sending check or money order with your reservation. Your tickets,
badges, program, etc., will be ready on your arrival. If circumstances make it necessary to
change your plans, contact the registration chairman before April 18, 1962, and your money
will be refunded.

MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC.

tour — $3.10
Thursday, April 26, 1962
2:30 to 5:30 P.M.

See the Bay Area from Twin Peaks . . .
lovely homes and gardens in St. Francis Wood
and Sea Cliff . . . Golden Gate Park . . .

Detach and mail to IVI

I _

I ADVANCE REGISTRATION
I FOR JUDGING SCHOOL

‘ Sheraton-Palace, San Francisco, California,
Thursday, April 26, 1962. Class will be held
I from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Cafe Grill,
with the examination in the afternoon from
I 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Registration fee, $1.00.

NAME _

^ ADDRESS _

Cliff House, overlooking Seal Rocks and
the Pacific . . . Chinatown . . . Coit
Tower on Telegraph Hill . . . Fisherman’s
Wharf. No reservations will be accepted after
April 11, 1962, and reservations may not be
canceled after April 18, 1962. Remittance
must accompany reservation.

;. Blair, address above.

Sign blank on left and send your registra¬
tion fee of $1.00 to Ruth G. Carey, 3900
Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tennessee not
later than April 10, 1962, if you wish to attend
the school. Make registration fee check pay¬
able to the African Violet Society of America,
Inc. To obtain the most from attending the
class please study the Handbook and list of
registered African violet varieties found in
the Members’ Handbook before coming to the
class. This is especially important if you plan
to take the examination.

I ATTENTION QUALIFIED JUDGES:

I All qualified judges who plan to attend the
1 San Francisco Convention and desire to judge
I in the National Show, please fill out blank
I and send to Mrs. James B. Carey (RUTH G.),
I 3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tennessee
' not later than April 1, 1962. Please state if you

I
I

are an arrangement judge of National Council
flower shows in addition to being a qualified
African Violet Society judge.

NAME _ _ _ _

ADDRESS _ _ _

I

83

Hawaii

Post -Convention Tour 1962

Out of the enchanting, legendary past . . .
Hawaii is calling you! This magnificent
group of islands in the middle of the blue
Pacific are famous for sun-drenched Waikiki
Beach, tropical sunsets, Polynesian pageantry,
hula skirts, little grass shacks, snow-capped
volcanoes, and of course, the famous land¬
mark, Diamond Head.

This is your rare opportunity to visit Hawaii
at a low cost bargain (only $466.52 per person)
on your Post-Convention Hawaii Tour, ar¬
ranged by the California State Automobile As¬
sociation.

You’ll feel the magical spell of the island
from the first moment you set foot on her
hospitable shores. You can smell it in the
heady scent of flower leis and hear it in the
rhythmic songs of the Island.

You’ll be staying at one of the, Sheraton
Royal hotels: Princess Kaiulani, contemporary
luxury in a lush tropical setting. Built on the
site where the romantic Princess Kaiulani
listened to Robert Louis Stevenson’s stories,
the hotel also has a sparkling azure swimming
pool surrounded by unbelievably colorful and
fragrant flowers.

The second night is a Luau Party in front
of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel which overlooks
the beach and Diamond Head. The Hawaiian
Feast features rum punch, exotic foods and
Samoan, Tahitian, and Hawaiian entertain¬
ment.

On Monday you’ll visit downtown Honolulu,
The National Memorial Cemetery in Punch¬
bowl Crater, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s
Grass Hut at the Waioli Tea Room for a de¬
lightful lunch. After lunch you’ll return to
Waikiki via Punahou School and the impres¬
sive University of Hawaii.

Your motor tour on Tuesday, May 1, on the
Island of Hawaii begins with a tour of Hilo,
orchid capitol of Hawaii, Liliukalani Park,
Rainbow Falls, orchid and anthurium nurse¬
ries and a stop to observe the art of Lauhala
weaving.

Then on the same trip you will visit Hawaii
National Park which houses the great volcano

Kilauea, home of the Hawaiian Fire Goddess
Pele. You’ll visit the forest of giant tree ferns,
the awesome Lava Tubes, Halemaumau Fire-
pit, sulphur banks and steam cracks.

Luncheon stop is at the famed Volcano
House. After lunch the drive will continue to
the Black Sand Beach at Punaluu, then past
the 1950 Lava Flow arriving in the quaint
village of Kailua, Kona in old Polynesia.

A drive around the historic Kona area, the
next day, visiting Kealakekua Bay, the City
of Refuge at Honaunau, the Buddhist Temple,
coffee plantations and mill, the painted church
of St. Benedict, Coral Grotto, Keahou Bay and
Machado’s Rock Garden. You’ll hear many in¬
teresting legends from your congenial native
driver-guide.

For dinner you’ll be at the Garden Island of
Kauai at the gracious Coco Palms Hotel on
Wailua Beach in all its tropical serenity and
grandeur. You will always remember the
thrill of seeing so many cute thatched roofs.
And as evening shadows fall, the torches are
lit, and the conch shell sound calls everyone
to a big feast.

A motorboat excursion on the Wailua
River starts off the next day. Then far up
the river, the boat is beached and you walk
to the rare and beautiful Fern Grotto (Ever¬
green Cave) to view the fantastic scene of
thousands of ferns growing downward from
its roof. The Holo-Holo-Ku Heiau and Opakiaa
Falls are next on the agenda on your sight¬
seeing tour.

After lunch you will drive around the south
and west sides of the island. Kauai’s panora¬
mic beauty will unfold before you as you
drive through charming little towns, along
ginger and hibiscus-bordered highways to
Waimea Canyon — Grand Canyon of the Paci¬
fic and 4,000-foot Kalalau Lookout for a
breath-taking sweep of the Island’s lush vege¬
tation.

So ladies, pack up your cotton dresses (buy
a muumuu there) and you men bring your
happiest aloha shirts for a trip you won’t for¬
get. The climate is semitropical and averages
around 74 degrees in April and May.

Don’t miss an excursion of a lifetime —
sign up for the Post-Convention Hawaii Tour
TODAY, and your dream of a South Sea ad¬
venture will come true!

Foreign Travel Department

California State Automobile Association

150 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco 2, California

Name _ . _ Address.

City _ _ _ State _

84

Knowing Soil

Nellie S. Loucks, Orange, New Jersey

WHAT is soil? This we must know: with¬
out soil there would be no life as we
know it; there would be no trees, no grass,
no plant life of any kind; and, of course, no
flowers; surely no African violets. What is
soil in its relation to African violet plants?
Why in all the writings is the importance of
proper soil stressed?

Good nutritious soil must contain many
substances, some in greater amounts, some in
lesser amounts, and some in minute quanti¬
ties. What was the beginning of soil? The
refuse of the rocks after eons of time - — mil¬
lions and millions of years — caused by the
waters and the rocks washing and grinding
each other. Lichen, the minute plant life,
was the first plant life as we know it.

The upper portion of the earth’s solid crust,
to a depth of a few miles, has been estimated
to consist, to the extent of about 98.3 per
cent of 8 chemical elements. They are, in
order of decreasing abundance, oxygen, sili¬
con, aluminum, iron, calcium, magnesium,
potassium, and sodium. The first four com¬
prise, respectively, 47 per cent, 27 per cent,
8 per cent and 5 per cent of the earth’s crust.
These elements do not occur free . for the
most part, but to some extent as simple com¬
pounds such as oxides and carbonates.

The late Julius Hensen, German chemist,
writes that chemistry shows that at least 18
different minerals and gaseous elements en¬
ter into the composition of organic matter
in measurable quantities. It is well known
today that manure or commercial fertilizers
do not contain all of these.

Researchers have found, and have reason
to believe, that many soils lack magnesium
and that it is an important element in plant
food. What appears as a shortage of phos¬
phorus is really a lack of magnesium; these
elements are closely related and plants do not
use the phosphorus without the magnesium.

Magnesium stimulates the growth of soil
bacteria, increases resistance to disease, de¬
velops greater yields, and brightens colors.

Copper is a trace element and has recently
been recognized as one of the many minor
trace elements essential to plant growth. Some
researchers believe that copper is important
in the synthesis of chlorophyll.

Lack of molybdenum causes neurosis of
the leaf edges, that which is the holding and
directing of the various parts of the leaf. It
is somewhat like the nervous system of the
body, directing and holding together the dif¬
ferent parts and thereby helping them to work
together.

Iron — - chlorosis results from the lack of
iron in plant life and will cause the blanch¬
ing or etiolating of plants. Our older mem-

VVinduw-yruwn plants often need some protec¬
tion in the wintertime ayainst wiudowpane
frost and cold to prevent damagre. Cardboards
from shirts, that come from the laundry, are
very effective for this ptirpose. They are easy
to use as they may be quickly slipped in be¬
tween the plants and the glass. When not in use
they may be stacked to take up little storage
space.

bers will recognize this as being similar to
the old-fashioned green sickness in people,
which today we call anemia.

Cobalt — lack of this trace element can be
responsible for poor growth of plants.

Boron — lack of boron will be found to be
responsible for the discoloration of plants.
The lack of this minute trace element can
cause much distress.

From what do we derive nitrogen? From
organic matter: as organic matter decays ni¬
trogen is set free in a form that is available
to plants. Nitrogen is necessary to the
functioning of every cell of the plant and is
needed for rapid growth. A lack of nitrogen
is indicated by a lightening of the green color
of the leaves.

Temperature of soil: this may very greatly
affect the plants which grow in it. One of the
principal effects of low soil temperature is
the reduction of the rate of water absorption
by the roots. Actively transpiring plants may
undergo serious water shortage even when
their roots are in soil containing abundant
water, if the temperature of the soil is very
low. The soil temperature depends upon a
great many factors, chiefly the air, the inten¬
sity of the sunlight, the color of the soil {dark
soil absorbs heat more readily than light col¬
ored soil), the physical nature of the soil, and
the amount of humus in the soil.

All of these elements, and perhaps many
more, help to give us our very good soil that
is so necessary for perfect plant growth. •

85

of My Experiments

Mrs. M. C. Millard

Turlock, California

I am not a very old African violet grower
(IV2 years) but I am trying, and, as every¬
one advises, trying to work out my own
problems in my own surroundings. I really
do enjoy all the hints, advice, etc. from every¬
one, in the African Violet Magazine. I read
them over and over and can hardly wait for
the next issue! (Mrs. Millard wrote this article
in the Fall of 1960. — Editor)

I found a “soil replacement” that has
worked wonders in the lush growth and the
color of my leaves. It is called Gro-Lux; it is
composed of earthworm compost, exfoliated
vermiculite (sterilized), shredded peat moss,
vitamins, growth substances, organic iron, etc.
It is put out by the Agricultural Specialties
Inc., Canon City, Colorado.

I have put plants in this “soil,” and you
can hardly believe your eyes as to the change
it makes in the plants overnight! They stand
up so straight, and in a short time are so
green and pretty! The ones I have had in it
the longest are in my east windows, and they
keep on blooming and budding. The small
plants grow much faster in it and are a
much darker green.

It is such a fine black material that it
would seem it would pack, but it is very light
and friable. I have been using plastic pots
lately. I put a layer of sphagnum moss, then
a layer of chicken granite grits in the bottom
of the pots before adding Gro-Lux, and they
have very good drainage. The only objection I
have to the Gro-Lux is that, being so fine, it
gets on the lower stems when they are watered
and makes them ugly but so far it doesn’t
seem to damage them.

I transplanted some of my Mother’s small
plants that were so dry and near dead that
I had no hopes for them, but they are the
darkest green now and look so pretty. They
are growing so fast you can just see them
grow!

The sad part of all this is that I am afraid I
won’t be able to get any more Gro-Lux here as
the dealer who sold it doesn’t seem to be very
anxious to order any more. I think a friend
and I bought about all he had- She is as happy
with it as I, and we hope to get more.

So far I haven’t enough sunshine or light,
I suppose, in my south and west windows, so
I still haven’t the bloom I should have there.

Last winter I nearly lost all my violets
with crown rot as my house is so damp (win¬
dows steam from gas furnace) and my clay
pots were covered with mildew all winter. I
tried everything and finally saved most of
the crowns by repotting them in pans of
coarse vermiculite, but so far, even though
they have grown, look nice, and have such
a pretty green color, they have had no buds
or bloom. I believe part of my trouble last
winter was not enough ventilation, too. I
thought of using a small electric fan but it
seemed like too much wind, so I was afraid
to use it. Here we have a lot of fog in the
winter and have had as many as 6 weeks at
a stretch of high fog where the sun never
gets through, so that isn’t much help to get
violets to bloom, or to keep the moisture down.
Summers are terribly hot. I have an evapora¬
tive cooler in the summer and the violets
love that! I guess that without it they prob¬
ably would cook!

I have a lot of small plants I have grown
from leaves that are budding and some that
are blooming. I have wonderful luck getting
leaves rooted in small bottles of distilled
water, with about 2 drops of Liquid Ortho-
Gro fertilizer in it.

I have tried sprinkling earthworm castings
(not Gro-Lux) over the top of the soil in the
small pots and can see an immediate greening,
too. I would love to see some articles in the
African Violet Magazine on experiences with
earthworm castings as I believe they would
be a complete fertilizer and would not burn.
In this Gro-Lux, I don’t believe any additional
fertilizer would be required for a long time,
if ever, between repottings.

Of course this is just my experience, and
so far it has worked for me. How the plants
will do this winter remains to be seen, but
I am still hoping and keeping my fingers
crossed!

I keep my pots in plastic trays, in Sponge-
Rok, but don’t keep it moist all the time. I
water my plants and the Sponge-Rok at the
same time. I drain the plants in the sink,
then the Sponge-Rok takes care of any water
that drains out after the plants are put back
in the trays. I have one of the 4 tray stands
with plastic pans in my south window, with
two 30 watt fluorescent tubes and reflector
over the bottom tray where there is little
light. I keep my small plants under the lights.

I have 62 plants, in various stages. I am
hoping to try some rooted leaves of the 3
Oriental Series plants written up on page 80
of the June 1960 issue of the African Violet
Magazine. I might as well have some pretty
leaves if I cannot have many flowers! Of
course, as with most African violet “bugs,”
we never know when to stop!

So much for some more ideas that may
be of help to someone — I hope. •

86

Vieuj 5hbuin^
Axle Strop
on Cart Lc^

Hcrduare

Cloth

Half Round
Inside frame

Removable. "Plywood^^. — k / Wooden

—A Versatile Plant Cart

The sketch above shows a plant cart or
potting table on wheels that has many uses. It
may be a work table or with the plywood top
removed a screen for sifting lumps from pot¬
ting soil or peat moss. Pots or leaves of plants
may be washed and conveniently left to drain
or dry — then wheeled where needed. With
the top on plants may be set out for special
attention, spraying or moving to another lo¬
cation.

The cart should be about 36 inches tall over¬
all. Cross bracing as shown helps to support
the screen and keep the frame strong. Hard¬

ware cloth or screen may be purchased at any
hardware store. The screen frame should be
a size to set down in the frame of the cart and
recessed so the soil or peat will not spill when
screened. A second screen at the bottom may
be the same size or different to accommodate
the needs and desires of the worker. Enlarged
section shows the general idea. The wheels
and axles may be salvaged from a small
wagon, tricycle or other discarded toy. The
axle is mounted on the legs with a metal
strap for bearing or a large, strong U-shaped
staple.

The cover should be cleated to keep it in
position when moving or from falling off
while working on plants.

CIRCULAR FLUORESCENT-
32 WATT- RAPID START- COOL^
WHITE- AVAILABLE AT MOST
ELECTRICAL SUPPLY STORES.

bend the Vz brass conduit
TO SHAPE SHOWN IN SKETCH.
AND ATTACH TO UPPER ARH
WITH CLAN|P-(SE£ DETAIL A-A}-

This permits sso’* rotation

AND Allows THE COmUlT T0 8E

concealed behind THE top plant.

PICTURE HAS MOyniTINC
WHICH HAY REQUIRE ENLAR<5INC
slightly to RECtEVE Va CONDUIT
t^JHSTRUmONS FOR WIRING 4
INCLUDED^ WITH LIGHT FIXTURE.

if^^/'oRNAner^TAL stand

ILLUSTRATED IN THE

DECEMBER iq6D MAiSAZlNE

CLAMP

D^5L^A-A LAMP CORD

— More About
Mrs. Reynolds Stand

DIAGRAM LEFT — Much in¬
terest was created by the beauti¬
ful plant stand pictured with
Mrs. Ralph Reynold’s story in
the December 1960 Magazine on
page 52. In response to many
letters of inquiry about how the
fluorescent light was attached
to the stand Mr. Reynolds has
come to the rescue with this
information. The stand may be
purchased from The Coach
House of Gifts, Saddle River,
N. J. for about $75.00. This does
not include the light.

Gus Reissner, North Bergen, New Jersey

When you make a violet tree from a coat
rack, first take off the hooks and replace them
with screw eyes, 2 on each side (2 are needed
for each plant holder) and 7 inches apart —
that makes 4 screw eyes for each 7 inches. I
made 6 layers, or room for 24 plants. Small
screw eyes were purchased at the dime store.

The 3 1/2 inch glass custard dishes were
used and were painted gold on the outside.
Plastic dishes are even better.

I used No. 10 wire that is a little heavier
than that used in wire coat hangers. Turn the
wire on a rolling pin and have the ring over¬
lap. Put a little wire or cord on the overlap
so the ring cannot get bigger and allow the
dishes to fall out. If you use heavier wire, it
cannot get bigger. The wire should be long
enough so that after the ring is made the
remainder will form the arm and bent piece
to be put through 2 of the screw eyes. These
arms will swing around, permitting the plants
to fit nicely.

This tree could be made to accommodate
48 plants by using all 4 sides of the rack, and
there would be no chance of it tipping over.#

Trouble With
Slugs And Snails

Jack H. Kelly, Augusta, Georgia

I hope if you have had snail or slug trouble
that this little report will help you. I am
writing about a new product that I have
tried, and it has done away with these pests.
I have not since seen any springtails, either,
around the damp pots or peat moss in the
pots. The product is Die-Slug and it is made
by the Triangle Chemical Company of Macon,
Georgia. It contains 20 per cent Metaldehyde
and 0.5 per cent Dieldrin with 79.5 per cent
Inert ingredients. I have tried the pellets
too but they caused too much mold.

In working with Die-Slug, I have used
it, both as a spray and as a dip, on plants with
and without blooms. The only thing that was
hurt was the old blossoms that fell off as I
was dipping the plants. I mixed five teaspoons
of Die-Slug to a gallon of warm water and
applied both the dip and the spray in late
afternoon after the sun had gone down. The
temperature was 86 degrees at the time I
made the last test. In addition I tried a solu¬
tion of six tablespoons to three gallons of
warm water, subwatering a tray filled with
sand and my pots in the sand: I also have
watered plants, pots and trays. All violets
came through these tests in good shape and
snails and slugs are gone.

Die-Slug is easy to work with and it seems
to mix and get along with just about every¬
thing. I have used it with sodium selenate
(Extra Diluted Solution) and have sprayed
my violets three times with a mixture of
Malathion and Kaptan. To date I have tested
and tried this experiment every way with
four different soil mixtures, and I can say
my experience indicates that this product (by
this company) is safe to use on any type of
plants or soil. However, I do want to remind
you to always observe caution and read the
labeled directions on the container thought¬
fully and when you try a new product, go
easy, as chemical companies do oftentimes
change their Inert ingredients. If you are
not aware of this you may have difficulty.

My quest for information on how to con¬
trol or eradicate slugs and snails started
when I was given the “1001 African Violet
Questions” book and could not find the an¬
swer to the snail problem in it.

I would like to thank Alma Wright, whom
you all know, also Mr. H. E. Johnson, presi¬
dent of the Triangle Chemical Company, who
helped me and who is really interested in
knowing all about our National Society and
its Magazine. If I may be of further guidance
to anyone please let me know and I will try
to assist as best I can. My address is 1323
Hickman Road, Augusta, Georgia.

Hoping all plenty of pretty violets! •

88

New Purchases
Should Be Isolated

Alice B. Gruber, Modesto, California

Like many others who have hundreds of
African violets, I started out with Blue
Boy also. I had violets in every room in the
house. One day my husband remarked that
“either we are going to have to move out or
the violets will have to move.” I could see
they were beginning to bother him so I sug¬
gested we get a glass house. I had no intention
of ever selling them, but my hobby has grown
into a nice little business. We had a glass
house built that was 18 feet by 18 feet but
have had to add 9 feet more to it as we did
not have enough room. We still need more
room but we manage as I don’t want any more
work than I have already.

I had a good start; moved all of the violets
out of the house. I purchased leaves, plants
and rooted leaves from all over the United
States. It is so hard not to order when you
get the many lists of new plants and see them
in the African Violet Magazine.

I bought a shipment of plants from outside
California. I never isolated them at all — a
very important item. Our inspection depart¬
ment inspects everything growing that comes
into the state, but they made an error on
this shipment; or I might say that African
violets were so new at the time that they
didn’t know just how to examine them. How¬
ever, I had a pink Uncle Bob and when it
bloomed it was a gorgeous plant: large pink
blossoms with a deep red center — the kind
of red we are all looking for in an African
violet. I thought I had something new and
different. I picked out the suckers with a pair
of tweezers, as I like to have all my plants
with single crowns, and then went around
doing the same to the other violets, and I
spread the pest all over my glass house. Each
day they looked worse. I called the inspector
and told him something was wrong with my
plants and asked if he would come out and
examine them. He took a couple of flats to
the office and put them under the large micro¬
scope. They looked down on the plants instead
of pulling them apart and examining the
center leaves underneath; they could find
nothing. Then I called a friend of mine who
knew all about violets, and she came over
and told me I had cyclamen mite, which I had
suspected all along. She also told me she
wouldn’t sleep that night, knowing I had
these pests. I told her she should sleep because
I was not going to lose any sleep over them.

I got a nursery fumigator to come out and
he showed me how the little pests were
scratching the leaves. Under his microscope
they looked about one-eighth of an inch long;
five or six of them on one plant — a couple
of them were dead I had killed them with

Improvised or temporary glass shelving for a small
window may be made simply and quickly by using a
chain as a holder for the shelves. The chains are
hung from hooks spaced to accommodate the length
of the shelf. Be sure to get the glass thick enough
to support the pot and plant weight and space the
chain width close enough lengthwise so that it will
hold the glass without bending. Jalousies make nice
shelves for little pots. Cross links are cut to suit
the width of the glass as shown in the sketch. These
may be wired if the links do not hold together
securely enough.

a spray. He told me I could control them my¬
self with the spray I had, but I told him I
didn’t want to do it, that I wanted him to
come and spray them good. The next day he
came out with a large tank, put on a mask,
and went to work. He just soaked everything
in the glass house with Parathion. My violets
looked terrible: no blooms, and all covered
with a white coating of Parathion. I couldn’t
go into the glass house to work for 7 days,
but I could go in and water in about 3 days.
I turned the spray on everything. My heaters
are controlled and my cooler turns on from
the outside of the glass house, so everything
went along all right. I threw out at least 500
plants that were injured in the center. We
had to clean all the trays and repaint and
wash the shelves. We have had no trouble
since.

To keep pests away, I now use Kelthane,
and Endrin. I still spray occasionally with
Wonder Spray. Endrin is dangerous without
a mask but it is very good. I spray regularly
with either Endrin or Kelthane once a month.
I also grow other gesneriads as well as a few
orchids, and spraying with an oil spray is
very beneficial. ®

89

Columnea Stavanger

Another member of the interesting gesner-
iad family is now on the market. It is Colum-
nea Stavanger, U.S. Plant Patent #2073. Its
introducer, the Robert Craig Company, Nor¬
wood, Delaware County, Pennsylvania, says:
“We feel that it is one of the most satisfactory
plants to arrive on the American market in
some time. As you know, Columneas were
almost unknown commercially in America:
the few varieties grown were collector’s items.

“In 1957, Mr. Magne Haualand of Stavan¬
ger, Norway, the hybridizer of Columnea
Stavanger, wrote to us and asked us if we
would be interested in introducing this plant
to the United States and Canada. We accepted
with pleasure and received our first stock in
1958. Columnea Stavanger is a hybrid; C.
Microphylla, (also known in Norway as C.
Gloriosa Diminutifolia) is the seed parent; C.
Vedrairiensis is the pollen parent. C. Micro¬
phylla is a native of Costa Rica; C. Vedrairien¬
sis is itself a hybrid. The cross between the
two produced about 25,000 seedlings of which
Mr. Haualand chose Columnea Stavanger
to propagate. Stavanger is the official botani¬

cal name registered in 1953. ‘Norse Fire’ plant
is used in this country as a common name,
for sales appeal.

“ ‘Norse Fire’ is a lush vine with small,
oval, dark green leaves on a reddish woody
stem, very close jointed. It has a lush and
graceful habit of growth and breaks easily.
During March and April, it produces an ex¬
quisite, scarlet, honeysuckle shape trumpet
between 3 and 4 inches in length. When prop¬
erly grown, the plant blooms so profusely that
it gives the impression of a scarlet waterfall
or a bank of fire. It is a lovely and dramatic
plant in flower, but we are pleased to note,
in passing, that it is receiving great public
acceptance for its beauty as a foliage plant.

“Columnea Stavanger is easily handled and
has proved to be an excellent house plant.
Culture is, not unexpectedly, very similar to
that for African violets since both are gesner-
iads. However, C. Stavanger requires cooler
temperatures during the budding period.

“It was first shown in the Florists Clubs
and Shops during the Spring of 1960, at which
time, rooted cuttings were sold to commercial
growers throughout the country. In 1961,
Columnea Stavanger was sold through the
florists shops on the East Coast. We have been
accepting mail orders on it recently until
nationwide distribution is complete.”

Name Duplication Magic Compost

Many of the overworked show chairmen
and registration committees at show time will
agree with Lucile Rainsberger on the subject
of name duplications. Some names have been
given to as many as seven different plants,
in some cases by prominent growers who
should know better. If one is about to pick
a name for a new plant, it only takes five
minutes or less to look in the Variety List and
see if the name is already in use.

Another cause of complaint is the sketchy
descriptions in some dealers’ lists. I quote
from one in front of me as I write: “The
glorious blooms are borne well above the
handsome foliage. This plant will win a prize
for you at the show.” That is all! But we would
also like to know what kind of leaves it has,
and what color those glorious blooms are, and
whether they are single or double. So we have
to use up our time and postage stamps to write
to the grower and ask him. Sometimes he
answers and sometimes he doesn’t. One grower
who did answer said he had no time to write
letters — that I could come to his greenhouse
and see what color they were. Since that was
clear across the continent from where I live
I wasn’t likely to bother him much. It wouldn’t
take much more time to write the description
as, “The glorious blue double flowers are
borne well above the handsome tailored
leaves.” — by Sharp I. Zandeers

To most gardeners the creation of a good
compost has always been like magic and now
it has become a reality. The compost pile
needs a periodic turning to break down the
organic material otherwise it often takes years
to become dark and crumbly and available to
plants. This is an unpleasant labor some¬
times beyond the strength of the gardener.
Now there is an easy way to contend with
the problem. Make the compost heap in the
usual way with alternating layers of vegetable
fibre and soil sprinkled with lime or fertilizer.
Keep the top of the pile level or slightly
depressed in the center to collect water. Finish
with a thick layer of soil and water thor¬
oughly. Over the top spread a sheet of plastic,
black polyethylene, large enough to cover and
leave at least a foot on the adjacent ground.
Cover the ground flap with earth to create a
seal. Black polyethylene permits gases to
pass through, but no moisture. The pile will
not become stagnant yet the black color will
absorb the heat from the sun, hastening de¬
composition. Start the pile at the spring
or fall cleanup. When the pile has been built
to the desired height cover it and leave it
alone until the following spring or fall. The
resulting compost will be loose, fluffy and
immediately valuable for both yard and
window sill plants.

90

Anne Tinari

Tinari Greenhouses

Bethayres, Pa.

I am delighted to receive so many letters
with comments and useful suggestions on
former questions; also your kind and personal
remarks on your enjoyment of the Magazine
and especially this column. It is good to have
a gratifying, participating audience.

Once again the Holiday Season ushers in
an opportunity for displaying your finest in
African violets. Have you discovered the thrill
of creating a beautiful arrangement in your
own home with a plant you have personally
grown? The June Magazine cover, arranged
by our gracious president, is a shining ex¬
ample. Sprigs of holly and Christmas green¬
ery may easily be substituted in a setting of
this manner for a Christmas centerpiece. My
personal choice in violet arranging is to use
the whole plant. One I especially like is a
decorative lamp possessing a cup base which
holds several plants — how beautiful the
violets look. The light is beneficial and at the
same time shows the delicate violet colors in
a festive array of living beauty.

May the blessings of the Christmas Season
be with you and your loved ones, with a hope
and prayer for a bright and peaceful New
Year.

Q. I have crossed several varieties of vio¬
lets, waiting long days for the seed pods to
ripen. I followed planting instructions care¬
fully. The seeds germinated and came up with
two tiny leaves. Then, everything stopped:
they simply die. I have watered with fermate
and sprayed with African violet spray, tried
growing with and without a lid to no avail.
It is so disheartening after the time involved.
I have grown violets successfully for 20 years
but am unable to grow seedlings. Will be
grateful for your help.

Lucile Campbell, Houston, Texas

A. Your starting medium or soil may be
one source of trouble. We find an excellent
medium that is almost fool proof for seed is
to use about 99 parts clean bar sand and one
part Michigan peat. Mix medium thoroughly
— any glass dish with cover is suitable for
planting. Water the medium in dish and
allow to stand for several days being careful
that soil is only slightly moist when the seed
is sown. Now, press very lightly, maintain
temperature of 75 to 80 degrees. It is wise
to keep lid on container only until you note
germination is under way, this is usually
within two weeks. They should be ready to
transplant after six weeks. Seedlings, as a

rule, are quite vigorous. The very tender
center growth must first be established thus
spraying and feeding are unnecessary until
a few weeks after transplanting.

Q. I have used a packaged soil mixture for
my plants and find hundreds of little thread¬
like white transparent worms in the pots. 1
am told this particular soil is rich in organic
matter and find it is not sterilized. What
should I use to get rid of these pests? I have
tried several insecticides but they seem to
thrive on them.

Barbara R. Vosburgh, Tulsa, Oklahoma
A. May I suggest you try Optox insecticide
to rid what, no doubt, is springtails in their
many various stages of development. These
insects thrive in the moisture-retaining ma¬
terials such as you mention in your letter.
Use 20 drops of Optox to 1 pint of warm
water, watering well around the rim of the
pot about twice a week until they begin to
disappear; then water once a month. Much
of this trouble can be avoided if you make
a practice of sterilizing your soil mixture.

Q. I grow my violets in an old school bus
under fluorescent light (one daylight, one
standard white) and I have a fan which
provides constant ventilation. Plants grow
rather close and often are misshaped, petioles
touching the pot rim become soft and rot off.
Outer, older leaves become brittle and shiny,
resembling mite, though I have never found
any on the plants. Could I be overfertilizing?
I have been feeding every 10 days; my loss is
heavy. Please send suggestions.

Gertrude Grim, R.D. #1, Bernville, Pa.
A. It is quite possible you are overfertilizing
from the description of your plants; excess
salts in the soil also hinders normal growth.
Many times this can cause lower leaves to
wilt and feeder roots to become damaged.
Make certain you are using a loose, porous
soil that does not pack, drains quickly, and
which permits the necessary circulation of
air to the developing root system. Heavy soil
is detrimental to proper drainage. In regard
to mite: don’t take chances as it is possible to
be harboring some without seeing this micro¬
scopic pest, use an insecticide periodically.
Brittle deformed leaves are positive signs of
mite damage. An overabundance of fluores¬
cent light can also hinder plants; 15 to 18
hours a day are sufficient. Plant distance from
light of 12 to 14 inches is most suitable. Dur¬
ing the warm months try to spread plants so
that proper ventilation prevails among them.

91

Q. I have a 15 x 30 foot greenhouse. Violets
grow and bloom profusely but as blooms age
they turn reddish and are soft and squashy.
If one falls on a leaf it eats a hole right
through; this can happen just overnight. I
have no trouble with mildew so am at a loss
to understand my trouble. Windows of my
greenhouse remain open day and night dur¬
ing the hottest days. I run a water cooler
fan, benches are filled with sand and kept
moist, and treated with V-C 13. I have sprayed
several insecticides without results.

Mrs. Gwen Eggerton, Meridian, Miss.
A. It is quite a normal and natural pro¬
cedure for blooms to fade and get mushy,
especially during the hottest months of the
year where excessive warmth and high hu¬
midity add to the problem. The best remedy
is to keep plants as clean as possible during
these troublesome periods, removing wilted
blossoms daily during damp rainy season,
particularly where moisture gathers in great
excess. Keep the house well ventilated at all
times and space plants a little further apart
than during the cold winter months. Water
sparingly and use fermate often to dis¬
courage any fungus.

Q. I am installing a heating cable in my
violet room to be used exclusively for seeds
and cuttings. At what temperature should
the thermostat be set for best performance?
Mrs. Harold Rainsberger, Lambertville, Mich.
A. The temperature would depend on the
type cable being used. The cable should come
with specific directions from the manufactur¬
er. There are mainly two types. The lead cov¬
ered cable radiates 6 or 7 watts per ft. and
should be used on proper voltage power,
usually of permanent installation which re¬
quires a specific thermostat control. The plas¬
tic covered type cable can be produced to take
as little as 21/2 watts per ft. This is a much
lower powered unit and naturally gives off
much less heat making a thermostat unneces¬
sary. Most seed and cutting beds produce best
results at a temperature of about 75 degrees.
However, if cables are to be thermostat con¬
trolled be certain to find out which type you
have installed.

Q. Could you tell me which violets have
the largest blossoms. I am referring to the
flowers themselves without regard to plant.

Mrs. E. Mae MacLaughlin, RD # 1,

Perkionenville, Pa.

A. Thunderhead, America, White Pride Su¬
preme, Lilian Jarrett Supreme, Isle of Dreams,
Hi Hopes, Pink Polka all have very large
blossoms; in the Star types Purple Star, Ann
Bly. Many of the older duPonts had excep¬
tionally large blossoms but are seldom grown
commercially today as they are very slow
growing and lack the profusion of blooms
that our more recent cultivars excell in.

Q. Have you any particular prescription for
dormant plants? I’ve tried egg shell water
without noticeable success.

Nancy de Levy, 1 Sta. Monica 21, Mexico 12
D.F.

A. May I suggest a good plant food to be
used about once every two weeks? Liqua Vita
or Hyponex are only two of the many excel¬
lent ones on the market that are properly
balanced to add needed nutrients to supple¬
ment those flushed out in constant watering.
Egg shell water may work well in some cases,
but it is such a hit or miss proposition; even
the odor is enough to discourage constant
use. More prolonged light may also help. Try
placing some plants under your reading lamps
at night or supplementing some added hours
of artificial light.

Readers have sent in the following answers
to former questions used in this column.

Mrs. Douglas H, Ireland of Flushing, New
York writes to Mrs. Earl Newton, Hawley,
Minnesota: Glass window shelves may be pur¬
chased from any glass shop as found in most
towns. Have “triple thick” glass cut to desired
dimensions, and request either ground or
beveled edges, as preferred. Both are safe.
Suitable shelf brackets are generally avail¬
able in hardware stores.

To Mrs. A. B. Holman, Santurce, Puerto
Rico: In regard to soil pH: this subject makes
a wonderful conversation piece as pH is of
great concern to those who grow in the lab¬
oratory or under near ideal conditions (no
one grows under optimum conditions). What
may prove an optimum pH for certain nutrient
levels would, not prove an optimum pH for
other levels.

What’s in the soil? The Saintpaulia is a versa¬
tile and adaptable plant. Better results might
be obtained with a more complex formula,
but peat and vermiculite; or vermiculite alone,
works. Saintpaulias will grow in a pH of 5.5
to 7.5 and peat meets this requirement. Prob¬
ably the greatest danger in a low pH growing
is a phosphate /iron lock-up which results in
iron deficiency symptoms. Control: Use less
phosphate or add ground limestone to raise
pH. Remedies: Use chelates; leach and feed
with a fertilizer lower in phosphate. (Chelates,
if available is sufficient to do the trick.)

If you do not use too much phosphate at
present, you will naturally not encounter this
problem, so no change in fertilizer should
be necessary, except perhaps a slight increase
in frequency of usage. Violets will grow in
peat and vermiculite. Have Faith!

From Mrs. Louis Glenn, Porterville, Calif.
Dear Mrs. Tinari: Was very disappointed
when I received your letter thinking it nec¬
essary to spray each plant individually, the
under sides as well as tops. However, I tried
it the easy way first . . . just spraying tops
and found it did rid plants of mealy bug.
From Mrs. C. B. Cerney, Cleveland, Ohio:
N.N.O.R. may be obtained from Mrs. John
Slivka, Fayette, Ohio.

From Wm. P. Malone, Dallas, Texas to Mrs.
A. B. Holman: In regard to growing plants

92

in a mixture of peat and vermiculite: from
experience this is an excellent medium for
growing all size plants and you do not have
to change your fertilizer as to kind. However,
you will need to exercise some caution as to
the quantity of fertilizer given at one time.
In my use of this mixture I have found it
necessary to give only half the quantity of
plant food, but feed plants just as often.

One other caution is that it will be necessary
to feed lime with the fertilizer in small quan¬
tities. If you use an organic fertilizer add %
teaspoon of lime to the plant food, or feed
separately if you wish, in one gallon of water.
If you use an inorganic fertilizer use half the
quantity of lime. Organic fertilizers increase
the acidity and this is the reason for using
more lime. This is slaked lime. Another solu¬
tion to the problem is to mix with the peat
moss and vermiculite, at the time they are
rnixed, two tablespoonsful of slaked lime to
each 5 gallons of soil in a packed container.
Luck to you and your plants.

From Mrs. George Abbott, Alamogordo, New
Mexico:

Dear Anne: In answer to Vera Covert’s ques¬
tion in June issue — you and she should go
back to the March issue 1960 for answer to
her query. Dr. Went, Director, Earhart Lab.
for Plant Research presented a detailed paper
on this which, condensed, is: it is unexplain¬
able but, the African violet is quite unique
in its requirement for a lower day than night
temperature.

A. I agree the article is a splendid source
of information.

Readers, can you answer these:

Q. Where can I purchase leaves of Racy
Red, Joan (white) and Boo-Boo (a frilly
pink)?

Mrs. Albert Kloppenberg,

901 East 7th St. N., Newton, Iowa

Q. Can anyone who has had experience in
growing African violets in Styra-Soil please
tell me how to keep them in bloom contin¬
ually? Mine bloom sparingly and the lower
set of leaves turn yellow.

Mrs. Omer Blair,

24 Berry Street, Peabody, Mass.

Q. I am looking for back issues of the Afri¬
can Violet Magazine. (Please contact Miss
Berggren direct.) Volume 2 Nos. 1, 2, 3, Vol¬
ume 3 Nos. 3, 4, Volume 4 Nos. 1, 2, Volume
5 Nos. 2, 3, Volume 8 Nos. 1, 2, 4, Volume 9
Nos. 2, 3.

Margaret Berggren,

1722 Boston Post Rd., Milford, Conn.

Q. Does anyone wish to buy back numbers
of the African Violet Magazine? I have avail¬
able Volumes 1 to 5, in various numbers.
Please contact:

Louis Rhodes, 319 Kent Ave., Metairie, La. •

PLANTING by the MOON

Carl L. Weschcke, St. Paul, Minnesota

When we plant by the Moon we are using
the Moon’s influence to help a plant grow to
its best — ■ an influence as natural and factual
as the Moon’s power over the ocean tides.

You may easily prove to yourself that
Lunar Planting really works. Plant some seed
when the Moon is in Cancer, the most fruitful
sign of the Zodiac, and then a day or two
later when the Moon is in Leo, a barren sign,
plant some more of the same seed and make
a record of the difference in growth.

Of the twelve signs of the Zodiac, Cancer,
Scorpio, Pisces, Taurus and Capricorn are
fruitful, as is Libra, which is mainly used for
flowers.

Just as important as the Moon’s Signs are
its Phases. Use the increasing Phases (New
Moon and First Quarter) for annuals to pro¬
duce fast top growth. For biennials and per¬
ennials use the decreasing phases (Full Moon
and Last Quarter) to produce deep root
growth.

For planting we must use the Moon’s posi¬
tion in relation to the earth for the Moon is
an earth satellite and we plant on the earth.
Most common almanacs give only the position
of the Moon in relation to the constellations
of stars, while the MOON SIGN BOOK gives
the exact time the Moon enters each of the
signs in terms of the earth.

Dates given in black type indicate more
fruitful signs than those in lighter type. Dates
underlined are in the increasing phases, while
those not underlined are in the decreasing
phases.

Moon’s Phases and Fruitful Signs in 1962:
January 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 18, 19, 25,
26, 27, 28, 29; February 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10,
11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28; March
1, 2, 5, 6, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,

25, 28, 29, 30; April 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11,

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30; May 3,

4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22,

23, 26, 27, 30, 31; June 3, 4, 5, 10,^11, 12, 13,
14, 15, 18, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28; July 1, 2,
8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25,
28, 29, 30; August 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 16,

17, 20, 21, 24, 25, 26; September 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,

8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29,

30; October 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18,

19, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29; November 2, 3, 6, 7,
1^, 11, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30;
December 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21,
22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31. #

93

I visited my friend Eva . . . And what did
I see there . . . Orchid Sunset with dozens of
blooms ... It doesn’t seem quite fair . . . For
I raised you right from a baby . . . With
tender loving care ... I fed you and watered,
you often ... I can’t see how you’d dare . . .
To flaunt all those blossoms before me . . .
When I worked so hard for you . . . And all
you sent forth in return . . .Was just a flower
or two ... So discouraged, I gave you to Eva
. . . And I guess it’s plain to see . . . That you
love your adopted mother . . . Much more
than you ever loved me.

Izetta Larrabee
Bath, Maine

THE LAZY VIOLET
I am a lazy violet,

I sit in my little clay pot.

My leaves are as green
As any you’ve seen.

But blossoms, I have not.

Way down inside the heart of me
My sleeping blossoms stay,

’Til tender care, some light and air
Will wake them up someday.

Then they’ll grow and grow
’Til they will show
Above the lovely green.

And burst into a beauty rare
That perhaps will make me a Queen.

Martha M. Snow
Salt Lake City, Utah

INCURABLES

My doctor I did go to see ... In hopes that
he could find ... A violet fever remedy . . .
Before I lost my mind . . . He said he knew
of none for sure . . . He had no pill or powder
... I’d have to find my own true cure . . .
Although I begged him louder ... I went to
see a friend of mine . . . Who hadn’t got the
bug . . . Her sills are bare, she likes them

fine . . . No soil mix on her rug . . . This
didn’t suit me too well though ... It almost
looked quite weird ... I hurried home, I had
to know ... If new buds had appeared . . ,
On pondering the problem more . . . I’ve come
to a decision . . . There is no hope for me in
store . . . My treatment needs revision . . .
You have to want to find a way . . . For cur¬
ing violet fever . . . That’s why I’m sure I’ll
always stay ... A violet eager beaver.

Elinor Kunda
Lebanon, Pa.

AFRICAN VIOLET COLLECT

Let us gather up the sunbeams
Lying all about our path.

Let us keep the wheat and violets
Casting out the pest and chaff.

Let us thank Thee Heavenly Father
For Thy blessings every day
And strive to help each other
Along life’s lone pathway.

Katherine Musgrave
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

MY FRIENDS

My first violet came from a friend
When African violets became the trend.
Planted in plain garden dirt.

Nothing I did to it seemed to hurt.

I watched and coddled and then — ^Oh joy!

A blossom appeared — a plain Blue Boy.

To me it was beauty beyond compare
As I watered my plant with loving care.

Since then I have violets galore
And ever I’m seeking more and more.

Each new one added to my collection
Seems lovelier — ^more near perfection.

God has taken my friend away

But her memory lingers with me each day.

In the faces of these, my little friends
And the peace and pleasure their presence
lends.

Irene Sinema
Twin Falls, Idaho

THE WAITING GAME

They talk about the “waiting game”

I thought I’d never play it.

But after raising violets
I nevermore could say it.

For what we do with violets

Is wait and wait and wait

For seeds to sprout, and buds to bloom,

And leaves to propagate.

Appointments must be kept on time,

And so must every date
But for the love of violets
We simply sigh and wait!

Mrs. John Baumel
Sparta, Wisconsin

94

FLOWER GIRL

A ruffled baby violet
Is blooming on the window sill
A conch shell is its bassinet,

Its lullaby, the wren’s long trill.

I feed and tend it with a will.

And never let myself forget;

For gratefully its blooms distill
A fragrance, sweet as mignonette.

And crowd each other till they spill
Their ruffles on the floor — - and yet
The brave new buds are coming still!

Mildred Rapp
Cincinnati, Ohio

MAIL ORDER VIOLETS

While looking through my magazine, one
evening dark and damp ... I found they’d
send me lists of names, if I would send a
stamp ... I wrote to all the growers, they
answered without fail . . . And so there was
an avalanche, of never ending mail ... I
read the words but wished that I could rather
see the flower ... I tried to visualize the
blooms, for hour after hour . . . Which one
would really fill the bill, which ones were the
most striking? . . . There surely must be doz¬
ens here, I’d find were to my liking ... I read
of all the blossoms bright, of blue, of white,
of peach ... I think I’ve solved my problem
now, I’ll order one of each!!

Elinor Kunda,

Lebanon, Penn.

DILEMMA

Eeny . . . meeny . . . miny . . . moe . . .

Is this “Pawnee” or “Bubblin’ Joe?”

This must be “Blue Blaze,”

But, on second thought,

It could be “Tea Rose” or “Huguenot.”

Where are my markers?

This makes no sense.

“Oh Junior dear ...... You WHAT?

You built a fence?”

Count to ten . . . don’t warm his pants . . .

But why did he choose the tiny plants?

“Lotus Suntone” or “Afterglow?”

Eeny . . . meeny . . . miny . . . moe.

Irene Fredette
New Haven, Conn.

THE POT OF GOLD

’Twas once a little crisp green leaf . . .
Given to me by a friend . . . Methought its
life would be quite brief ... So sure was I,
’twould fade and bend ... A week went by
and there it stood . . . As perky as could be
... A month went by and still it stood . . .
Very sturdy, very green . . . For another
month or two . . . My leaf just seemed to
thrive . . . With light, and food, and water
... I kept that leaf alive . . . Then, one day,
what did I see . . . Could I believe my eyes
. . . Little shoots, not one but three . . .

What a wonderful surprise ... You see
that’s how it all began . . . And one plant
led to two . . . Quite soon I was a Violet Fan
. . . Getting plants both old and new . . .

Now some folks say, “They are just plants
. . . Agrowing in a pot” ... To me they are
all treasures ... I love them all a lot . . . And,
when I see a rainbow . . . And dream of its
pot of gold ... I do not dream of jewels . . .
Or money hard and cold . . . But, there,
instead I see a pot . . . All shiny gold outside
. . . Just ladened down with rich brown earth
. . . Where violets abide . . . Pink and orchid,
red and blue . . . White and variegated too
. . . Single, double, curly, plain . . . Each
one bearing its own name . . . They are my
dearest treasure . . . They bring me boundless
joy ... I get happiness without measure . . .
From my violet girls and boys . . . You,
too, can find this pleasure ... If you’ll fill
a pot of gold . . . With leaves and blossoms
for your treasure . . . Not bright jewels or
cold gold.

Composed by Mrs. Ruth M. Tranmer for

Mrs. Margaret C. Ratter,
. Taunton, Mass.

PERFECTION

I tried to make some violets
By forming them from clay
And firing in a red hot kiln
The way Ceramics say.

I also tried the camera
To capture all their charm.

But nothing can compare at all
With Nature’s wondrous arm.

For Nature has a magic touch
That comes from God’s great power,
And we mere mortal men
Can’t duplicate a flower.

Mrs. John Baumel
Sparta, Wisconsin

LAMENT

Summer has fled.

And Autumn’s over.

My lovely pinks get

Mauver and mauver.

Irene Fredette
New Haven, Conn.

IT’S A HABIT

First a little plant we buy
Then a broken leaf we try,

Soon blooms fair
Are everywhere.

Because of this new Habit.

Let’s just start one more leaf we say,

A few more small ones won’t be in the way.
But, as they grow and bloom,

Even though we’re lost for room.

Getting more and more is a real Habit.

Martha M. Snow
Salt Lake City, Utah

95

Show Calendar

9 The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA will hold its
ninth annual show March 30-31, 1962 at the
Professional Women’s Clubhouse, Inglewood,
The show will be open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
on Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
Saturday. Admission is twenty-five cents.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB OF
OMAHA will hold its annual show at the
Joslyn Memorial in Omaha, March 18-19,
1962.

• The JAMESTOWN AFRICAN VIOLET

CLUB of Jamestown, New York will hold its
ninth annual show April 28-29, 1962 in the
Mongolian Room, Hotel Jamestown, James¬
town, New York. The show will open on the
28th at 1 p.m. and close at 10 p.m. On the
29th it will be open from 12 noon until 8 p.m.
The theme will be “Fairyland of Violets.”
Mrs. Murray Smith will be chairman and Mrs.
Sigurd Flyger, cochairman.

• The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
of Dallas, Texas will hold its eighth an¬
nual violet show at Lambert Landscape Com¬
pany, 3800 Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas,
April 7-8, 1962.

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should knoiu: No photos tan be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, Route 3 Box 284, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

• The LONG ISLAND AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY held its seventh annual show April
22-23, 1961 with the theme of “Cascade of
Violets.” This was represented by a lovely
waterfall surrounded by African violets. Mrs.
Joseph King won the Gold Rosette Award
and also the queen of the show. Mrs. Frank
Krumenacher won second best in the show
with a plant of Blooming Fool. Mrs. Betty
Prescott won sweepstakes in horticulture and
Mrs. Culver Davis won sweepstakes in ar¬
rangements. Mrs. Sybil Hogan was chairman.

• The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET STUDY
CLUB of Ashtabula, Ohio, held its fifth an¬
nual violet show April 28-29, 1961 with the
theme of “In the Garden.” The outstanding
feature of the show was a fountain, rock
garden plants and shrubs intermingled with
African violet plants. Mrs. Gordon Conley
won queen of the show with a plant of Mau¬
mee Vespers. Mrs. John Torma won sweep-
stakes with 11 firsts, 14 seconds and 9 third
prize ribbons. Mrs. Walter Cox assisted Mrs.
Ellis Reese, who was general chairman.

• The BERGEN COUNTY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held its fourth annual show
and plant sale at the Civic Center, Ridgefield
Park, New Jersey, April 27, 1961 with the
theme “It’s Raining Violets.” Miss Josephine
Jamke of New Milford won the sweepstakes
award and,Mrs. Howard Dengler of Hasbrouck
Heights won the silver plate for best plant
grown under natural light. Mrs. Ralph Rey¬
nolds of Cresskill won both queen of the show
and best Supreme for her plant of Solo Artist,
a variety produced by Mrs. Rita Luciano, a
member of the club. Mrs. Richard Fallerman
was show chairman. The judges were Mrs.
Edward Burns; Mrs. Edward Kooman and

Mrs. Lucille Laughlin.

• The TOWN AND COUNTRY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY of Painesville, Ohio, held
its second violet show April 28-29, 1961, with
the theme “A Touch of Spring” which was
depicted by a large driftwood tree sprayed
pink, studded with African violet plantlets
and dainty birds of many hues. Mrs. William
Jones was chairman, Mrs. Stewart Bradel,
cochairman. Many table arrangements pro¬
vided interest to those attending the show
and special awards went to Mrs. Stewart
Bradel and Mrs. Lynde Steckle. Luncheon
and patio table settings won blue awards for
Mrs. L. C. Steckle and Mrs. Robert Crabbs.
An educational display table by Mrs. Henry
LaMuth and Mrs. Ben Fisher won a tricolor
award. Judges were Mrs. Mary Meeds, Mrs.
H. V. Olds, and Mrs. Roy Beveridge.

• The UTICA AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY’S recent show gave awards to com¬
mercial, amateur and decorative classes. A
plant of Lilian Jarrett won queen of the show
in commercial class; runner-up went to White
Pride; junior queen. Racy Red. These were
entered by C e r r i Flowers, they also won
sweepstakes. Clarence Sheppard was second
for sweepstakes. Cerri Flowers had best seed¬
ling and smallest plant. Largest plant in bloom
was Mire, by Mrs. Fred Heinrick. In the
amateur class Mrs. J. A. Coyle, Jr. won queen
of the show with Hi Hopes and runner-up to
queen with Fascination. Junior queen was
Faberge, by Mrs. William Walters, and Dou¬
ble Pink Cheer entered by Frances H. Jenny,
was runner-up. Mrs. Obediah Abraham won
sweepstakes, Mrs. William Walters was sec¬
ond. Smallest blooming plant was Racy Red
entered by Mrs. Williams. In the decorative

96

class Mrs. J. A. Coyle, Jr., won best arrange¬
ment, runner-up, and sweepstakes. Runner-up
to sweepstakes was Mrs. Joseph Yehle. Mrs.
Obediah Abraham won the Lyndon Lyon
Award.

• The MICHIGAN AREA AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held its annual show April 29,

1961 in Leslie, Michigan with Mrs. Lisle Goff
as chairman, Mrs. Mary Stanton, cochairman.
Darrel Taylor, chairman of staging did a work
of art with the theme “Showers of Violets.”
Mrs. Ward Cherry won queen of show and
sweepstakes. Cash awards were offered by
East Suburban Club, Detroit; Border Cities
of Detroit; Dorothy Gray, East Detroit; Violets
by Newcomb, Inkster; Granger Gardens of
Medina, Ohio, and Madison Gardens of Madi¬
son, Ohio.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Utah
held its eighth annual show on April 9-10,
1961 at the Prudential Federal Savings &
Loan Building, Salt Lake City, Utah. The
theme was “Western Round-up of African
Violets.” Mrs. Naylor won the award of merit
for queen of the show, Wedgewood. Mrs. Con¬
ger won a gold cup for her T-V Vallinpink,
also sweepstakes. There were a number of
blue ribbon winners in the horticulture sec¬
tion and also in the artistic section. Mrs.
Jones won the tricolor ribbon, a gold cup and
sweepstakes in the artistic section. Mrs. Nay¬
lor won a gold cup. Mrs. Clay Robinson re¬
ceived a gold cup for her theme table.

• The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
of Louisville, Unit #1, held its annual violet
show April 13, 1961 at the Shawnee Women’s
Club, Louisville, Ky. Their theme was “A
Tisket A Tasket, Come See My Violet Basket.”
A long tiered table covered with pink burlap,
on which the many specimens were displayed,
occupied the center of the room. Around the
walls were 15 tables, also covered with pink
burlap. These tables held the arrangements
of violets featuring a basket.

• The UNION COUNTY CHAPTER of New
Jersey, held its eighth annual African violet
show and plant sale April 21-22, 1961 with
the theme “Violets Fantasy.” Mrs. J. Fred
Brenner was chairman. Mrs. C. B. Ward of
Florham Park designed the beautiful stage
setting. Mrs. J. Fred Brenner won a blue
rosette for best arrangement. Mrs. Glen B.
Hudson won sweepstakes and queen of the
show, also runner-up. Mrs. Norton Brown, of
Maplewood won novice sweepstakes.

• The GREAT SOUTH BAY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY held its third annual show
April 15-16, 1961 at the Center Moriches
High School Auditorium. Mrs. Harry Hill of
Manorville was show chairman. Mrs. William
Lucas won most of the top honors: queen of
the show, runner-up to the queen, largest
plant in show, and sweepstakes in arrange¬
ments. Mrs. Harry Hill won sweepstakes in
horticulture. Judges were Mrs. John Nirmaier,
Mrs. R. Colyer and Miss Alberta Steinert.

• The CAPITOL CITY and SACRAMENTO
SAINTPAULIA SOCIETY held their tenth
annual show in the Sacramento Garden and
Art Center April 15-16, 1961 with the theme
“The Parade of Violets.” Mrs. Sally Hertel
won queen of the show with Double Black
Cherry. She also won the SSS sweepstakes,
largest plant in show and advanced amateur
sweepstakes. Irene Anderson won first; Na¬
dine LaDue, won second; Mrs. Evalyn Hall
won third for the Northern California Coun¬
cil rosettes for the best registered western
varieties.

Advanced arrangement sweepstakes went
to Mrs. Pauline Duart; the novice arrange¬
ment award was won by Ruth Morris; the
special award for men was won by Lewis
McLaughlin. A number of awards were given
in the novice class.

• The MOHAWK VALLEY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY, INC. presented its ninth an¬
nual unjudged exhibit at the Schenectady
Y.W.C.A. on April 15-16, 1961. The theme of
the exhibit was “Heavenly Violets.” Mrs.
Frederick Theilemann was general chairman.
Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Fulton’s “Cara-Mia”
earned the title Star of the Show for being
the best plant exhibited.

• The WACHUSETT AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Gardner, Mass., held its fourth
annual show April 19, 1961 in the Colonial
Hotel. “Violet Colorama” was their theme.
Mrs. Ruth Lovell served as chairman. Miss
Marjorie Adams as cochairman. Queen of the
show, a plaht of Blue Modiste, was awarded
to Mrs. Elizabeth Nelson of Phillipston. More
than 300 violets were entered in the show.

• The CRUSADER AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Greater Delaware Valley held its
fifth annual show April 7, 1961 in the house
of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Norwood,
Penna., with Mrs. John L. Ricker as chair¬
man. “Royalty on Parade,” was the theme
and 61 royal-named violets were displayed
on the theme table. A large center table held
specimen plants and a novelty table held 22
baskets, ranging in size from 2 inches to a
fireside basket. Juniors had a special table,
for their plant display. Mrs. John Tench was
in charge of the propagation table. Punch
and cookies were served to all visitors.

• The UPPER PINELLAS AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY, Largo, Florida, held its sec¬
ond African violet show on March 20, 1961
with the theme “Any Time is Violet Time.”
Mrs. Harry H. Peterson won queen of the
show with her plant of Crusader. Mrs. Louis
Bly won the sweepstakes award and Mrs.
Andrew Suder won second sweepstakes. The
judge, Mrs. David Buchta, Racine, Wiscon¬
sin, gave two special awards. One went to
Mrs. Vernon Gould for her propagation and
educational display. Mrs. Henry Whitesell re¬
ceived the other for the focal centerpiece, a
grassy patio with a fountain banked with
African violets and surrounded with palms.

97

• The TORONTO AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY held its first violet display May 16,
1961 in Glebe Road United Church, Toronto,
Canada. A pink and white May pole surround¬
ed by eight lovely plants, plus several arrange¬
ments by individual members, gave much
delight to the large number of persons attend¬
ing the display.

• With Mrs. W. H. James serving as show
chairman, the CEDAR VALLEY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY held its tenth annual show
in Noelridge Park Pavillion, Cedar Rapids,
Iowa, April 30, 1961. Theme of the show was
“Time Out For Violets.” Staging chairman,
Mrs. G. Williamson presented a table of
beautiful flower arrangements depicting the
show theme. Queen of the show, with a plant
of April Love, was won by George Wessale.
The National Gold Rosette Award was won
by Stanley Nemec, with plants of Blushing,
Cherry Ice, and Dorothy Gray. Mrs. R. Mason
Marshall won sweepstakes award, a silver
bowl presented by Mrs. Williamson. Mr. and
Mrs. Stanley Nemec received an award for
their interesting educational display.

• The PARADISE GREEN SAINTPAULIA
CLUB held its sixth annual show April 22-23,
1961 at the Garden Exchange, Trumbull,
Conn. “Our Rainbow of Violets” was the
theme, depicted by a huge rainbow made of
strips of crepe paper. At one end was a pot
of gold which contained a large African vio¬
let. A woodland scene with a pool in the
center and masses of African violets around
it represented. growth in the woodland.

• The DES MOINES AFRICAN VIOLET

CLUBS held their seventh annual show April
22-23, 1961 at the Waterworks Filter Plant.
“Violet Rainbow” was chosen as the theme
and was staged by Mrs. George Ilstrup. The
National Gold Rosette Award went to Mrs.
Ray C. Fountain as well as sweepstakes. She
also showed the largest plant, the plant with
the most beautiful foliage, an outstanding
exhibit in the artistic division and won the
rainbow queen award. Runner-up for sweep-
stakes was Mrs. Earl Williams of Prairie City,
Iowa. Artistic sweepstakes award went to
Mrs. George Ilstrup. Mrs. Milo Thornton was
runner-up. Judges were Bill Smithson, Mrs.
Lutie Dunlap, Mrs. R. Mason Marshall and
Mrs. Fred Williamson. Show chairman was
Mrs. Ted Cutler with Mrs. R. L. Keleher as
cochairman.

• The METROPOLITAN AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB of Washington, D.C. held its annual
show April 22-23, 1961 with the theme “Violet
Artistry.” Double Blue was best plant in
show. Double Black Cherry was second and
Satin was third.

The Gold Rosette Award was given for
plants of T-V Vallinpink, Cavalier, Red Wing.
The Gold Rosette Award for Commercial Ex¬
hibit went for plants of Zorro, Melody Air,
and Santa Maria. The Purple Rosette Award
went for plants of Valor, Bearning and Cru¬
sader.

• The SANTA CLARA VALLEY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY assisted by the HEART’S
DELIGHT AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY, held
their show April 21-22, 1961 in the auditorium
of one of the leading stores, The Emporium.

l-~At the Tennessee Valley show Hazel Bradburn Sharp, left, and Ruby Eaves, right, with their prize-winning
'Y' Myers, Kansas City show and her plant of Kimberly. 3— Mrs. Ray G. Fountain at

with her plant of Raspberry Fringe. 4 — Mrs. Henry Loesch with trophy won on plants
at the Cleveland show. 5— Pictured at the Upper Pinellas Society show are Mrs. Herbert Mason, left, and Mrs,
Harry H. Peterson, right, who is holding Crusader. 6 — “A Touch of Spring” theme of the Town and Country
show, Pamesville, Ohio.

1 — ^Left, Mrs. Gordon Howes, right, Miss Doris Steiner at the Paradise Green Saintpaulia Society show. 2- —
Pictured at the Springfield Society show are Mrs. G. A. Reynolds, left and on right, Mrs. Charles Wilson.

3— -Left to right, Mrs. Edith Sorenson and Mrs. L. C. Morgan with Mrs. Sorenson’s plant. Fairy Tales. 4---

Shown with trophies won at the Bergen County Society show are, from left, Mrs. Howard Dengler, Mrs.
Ralph Reynolds, and Miss Josephine Jamke. 5— Mrs. Carmen Cerri, left and Mrs. David Ellis, right, with a

display at the Utica Society show. 6— At the Pioneer Valley Society show Mrs. Nicholas Boccasile, Mrs. Harold

Ricker, Mrs. Carl Johnson and Mrs. Malcolm Ross were photographed with some of the prize-winning plants.

Minnie Hall was chairman, Edith Waller was
staging chairman. Queen of the show was
Pacific Redwood, also best California variety
and first council award. It was entered by
Mrs. Melvin Tallmon who also won the Na¬
tional Gold Rosette Award; princess award;
third council award; best first bloom and
trophy for sweepstakes.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Sta¬
ten Island held its second annual show on
April 22, 1961 at St. Marks Methodist Church,
Pleasant Plains, Staten Island. With a total
of 308 plants entered, there were a number
of award winners. Queen of show was Wedge-
wood, entered by Paul Younger. The National
Gold Rosette Award went to Mrs. Catherine
Punt for Wintergreen, Kimberly, and Double
Pink Cheer. Princess of show was Double
Black Cherry entered by Mrs. Evelyn Stock-
ert. Best of New York state origin. Flash of
Alliance, by Mrs. Frances Strobach. Second
best. Star Chimes of Alliance, by Mrs. Cath¬
erine Hunt. Novice award. Cavalier, by
Charles Garrod. A plant of Mischief, entered
by Theodore Etgen won best entry by a man.
Sweepstakes went to Mrs. Frances Strobach,
for most blue ribbons. For most trophy cups,
Mrs. Catherine Hunt. A number of arrange¬
ments also won blue ribbons.

• The POMONA VALLEY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held its eighth annual show
at LaVerne, California, April 17-18, 1961 with
the theme “Galaxy of Stars.” Mrs. Mabel
Rathbone of Norco, was chairman. Mrs. Flor¬
ence Munro, of Pomona, won sweepstakes,

also a trophy for the best single flowered
specimen D’Amour. Mrs. Mary Dunlap, of
West Covina, won queen of the show with
Double Orchid Sunset. She also won a trophy
for best double flowered specimen. Mrs. Mil¬
dred McKeague, of Upland, won a trophy
for a theme of the show composition. Mrs.
Rosa Ward, of Fontana, won a trophy for
best specimen plant in section 3 and 4. Judges
were Mrs. Irene Courson, Long Beach; Mrs.
Orlena Gerichs, Glendora; Mrs. Marie Has¬
kell and Mrs. Esther Sherer, Los Angeles;
Mrs. Dorothy Powell, Inglewood and Mrs.
Faye Wills, Bellflower.

• The GLASS CITY AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB held its fifth annual show in the Trilby
Methodist Church, April 20-21, 1961 with the
theme “Panorama of Violets.” Mrs. Clarence
Kuder took the National Gold Rosette Award
with her plants of Valor, Purple Princess and
White Madonna. The Ohio state award went
to Mrs. Carl Fleming with Pink Wing, Blue
Electra and Giant Snow Prince. She also won
queen of the show with Star Innocence and
largest in show with Pink Double One, which
was 27 inches across. Mrs. James Baker won
two of the special awards with Pink Master¬
piece and Maumee Vesper. Mrs. James O’Neil
won the Irene Fleming silver bowl for the
best gift seedling. Mrs. Fleming took sweep-
stakes with 30 blue ribbons.

• “Spring Enchantment” was the theme the
TREATY TOWNE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY* of Greenville, Ohio, chose for its vio¬
let show April 22-23, 1961, in the assembly

99

room of the Courthouse, Greenville, Ohio.
Queen of the show award went to Mrs. Walter
Bogan with a plant of Angel Child. Sweep-
stakes award went to Mrs. Carl Meyer.

• The GLENDALE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Glendale, California, held its third
annual show March 24-25, 1961 at the
Y.W.C.A. Show chairman was Mrs. Adeline
Pondella, assisted by Mrs. Josephine Litton.
A plant of Dorothy Gray, by Mrs. Dorothy
Ratliff, won queen of the show. Masquerade,
by Mrs. Louise Hart won princess of the show.
Mrs. Hart also won sweepstakes. Best ar¬
rangement trophy depicting theme of the
show, “Rainbow of Violets” went to Mrs. Ade¬
line Pondella. She also won best miniature
arrangement and tied with Mrs. Josephine
Litton for best arrangement in the show. Mrs.
Bernice Gunther won a cup for her best col¬
lection of miniatures. Mrs. Cecil Houdyshel
showed a beautiful display of new varieties
of violets.

• The ninth African violet show sponsored
by the MILWAUKEE COUNTY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY was held April 29-30, 1961
at Wauwatosa Recreational Building. Mrs.
Arthur Geisler was show chairman and Mrs.
Zachary Thorne, staging chairman, Mrs.
James Dawson is president. History was made
at this show with a plant raised from a cut¬
ting that won the queen of the show award
two years ago and took the same award this
year. Mrs. Richard Wais won the award with
Year’s Beauty. Sweepstakes, single blossom
plants, and gesneriads, went to Mrs. Joseph
Hinton. Sweepstakes runner-up, club project,
and first introductions went to Mrs. Zachary
Thorne. First time exhibitor, Mrs. James
Zaner. Miniature arrangements, Mrs. Law¬
rence Hill. Arrangements over 6 inches and
niches, Mrs. Raymond Rody. Best container,
Mrs. Arthur Geisler. Mrs. Walter Rittel, best
screen. Best table, Mrs. Joseph Sipusic. Best
commercial display, Mrs. William Krogman.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of In¬
glewood, California, presented its eighth an¬
nual show April 28-29, 1961 with the theme
of “Hearts and Flowers.” All decorations fea¬
tured this motif, many Styrofoam hearts being
used and all plant labels were pastel colored
hearts, trimmed with violets. Mrs. Ellen Cal-
don took sweepstakes with 22 blue ribbons.
Mrs. Mildred Gilker won queen of the show
with Careless Love. Mrs. Betty Cobb won
princess for her White Pride Supreme. Mrs.
Ruth Swenson had the best theme of the
show arrangement and Mrs. Ellen Caldon had
the best general arrangement. The Southern
California Council rosette went to Mrs. Ellen
Caldon for her P. T. Golden Gate, an intro¬
duction by Pearl Thomas of Walnut Creek.
Mrs. Caldon also won the educational exhibit.
Mrs. Dorothy Powell was show chairman.

® The WEST END AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
of Baltimore, Maryland, held its seventh an¬
nual show at Westview Community Hall, May

5-6, 1961 with the theme “Royal Family of
Violets.” Mrs. A. F. Tarr, Sr., was show chair¬
man, assisted by Mrs. John Kern and Mrs.
George Fromm. Queen of the show was Rich¬
ter’s Wedge wood entered by Mrs. William
Gray. Sweepstakes trophy went to Mrs. A. F.
Tarr, Sr., and the outstanding arrangement
trophy went to Mrs. William Gray.

• The eighth annual show of JAMESTOWN
AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB was held April 29-
30, 1961 at Hotel Jamestown. Its theme was
“Spring Dreams” and Miss Myrna McKinney
served as show chairman, Mrs. Richard Aim
as cochairman. Mrs. Sigurd Flyger won the
National Gold Rosette Award with her plants
of Kimberly Supreme, Blue Nocturne Su¬
preme, and White Puff. She also won queen
of the show with Modernaire, and court of
honor award. Sweepstakes winner was Mrs.
Arthur Agnew with Mrs. Flyger as runner-
up. Mrs. George Hall had largest blooming
plant, Mrs. Agnew the smallest blooming
plant. Mrs. Arthur Silvernail took junior queen
with Blue Wonder, also runner-up to junior
queen with Light Redderness. In the decora¬
tive class Mrs. Clawson won queen; runner-
up went to Mrs. Agnew. Mrs. H. Elroy Pratt
took New York state award with Isle of
Dreams; Mrs. Hall the Mary Meeds award
with Beaming. Lyndon Lyon award to Mrs.
Flyger for Big Blue. Granger Gardens award
went to Mrs. Hall for Faberge. Judges for
horticulture were S. W. Bobbett, Syracuse,
N.Y., Mrs. Nelson J. McMahon and Mrs. Nel¬
son L. Wheaton of Hamburg, N.Y. The deco¬
rative class judges were Mrs. Lee Hilton,
Sinclairville, and Mrs. William Rhubottom of
Greenhurst, N.Y.

• “Violets at Home” was the theme chosen
by the WINDSOR AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Windsor, Connecticut for its first
show held on April 8, 1961. Many visitors from
surrounding towns enjoyed the horticultural
display and the fine educational exhibit. Ar¬
rangements featuring African violets were
staged against a background simulating dif¬
ferent rooms in a home, including a living
room corner with a large curtained bay win¬
dow banked with violets, and a dining room
with formal tea table, from which tea was
served to guests on “the patio.”

• The TOWN AND COUNTRY SAINTPAU-
LIA CLUB of Denver, Colorado, held its sixth
annual show in the Tower Lobby of the Den¬
ver U.S. National Bank on April 15-16, 1961.
“Violets to Treasure” was the theme. Queen
of the show, also the largest plant in the show
was Jubilee, entered by Mrs. Emil Enstrom.
Mrs. John Coryell won sweepstakes and also
entered the smallest blooming plant, Debbie
Lee. Mrs. Rutt and Mrs. Evans, of Fort Col¬
lins, served as judges. Mrs. Emil Enstrom
was chairman and John Coryell cochairman.

• The SPRINGFIELD AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Missouri, held its annual show
at Burge Protestant Hospital Fountain Plaza

100

1-— Mrs. Olive Lawson at the Lawrence Society show. 2— Left to right, Mrs. Mary Dunlap, Mrs. Florence
Munro, and Mrs. Mildred McKeague admire the trophies that were won at the Pomona Valley Society show.
3 — Pictured in front of the show theme “Rainbow of Violets” are some of the winners at the Glendale Society
show. Reading from top to bottom, Mrs. Louise Hart, Mrs. Josephine Litton, Mrs. Adeline Pondella, and Mrs,
Bernice Gunther.

Room, April 15“16, 1961 with the theme
“Melody Of Violets.” Mrs. Charles Wilson won
both in horticultural and artistic arrangement
division with her plant Annalacea, taking the
best plant of the show. Mrs. G. A. Reynolds
was runner-up. Mrs, W. W. Whiteley was
show chairman.

• The PIONEER VALLEY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held its show at the Forbes &
Wallace Store, Springfield, Massachusetts,
April 7-8, 1961 with the theme “Violet Show¬
ers.” Mrs. Carl Johanson was chairman. The
National Rosette Award went to Mrs. Johan¬
son for her three registered varieties; Mrs.
Johanson also won queen of the show and
runner-up to the queen. Mrs. Ricker won the
founders trophy for the largest number of
blue ribbons, Mrs. Irwin Franklin won an
award presented by Buell’s Greenhouse for
the best arrangement; Mrs. Obie Rogers won
the award from Tinari’s Greenhouse for best
plant of their varieties.

• The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY

of Dallas held its seventh show April 8-9,
1961 at Lambert’s Landscaping Company.
“Any Time Is Violet Time” was theme of the
show. The National Gold Rosette Award went
to Mrs. Edward E. Bone. The Purple Rosette
Award went to Mrs. Vernon G. Cox. Mrs.
R. B. Watson’s plant of Cindy won queen of
the show. Mrs. J. R. Millikan won sweepstakes

in horticultural division and Mrs. J. D. Ship-
man won sweepstakes in the arrangements.
Mrs. Christine Osborn won the best arrange¬
ment for depicting the theme. Mrs. Cox won
second in sweepstakes and best small plant.
Mrs. J. C. Allen won in the artistic arrange¬
ments.

• The SANTA MONICA BAY CHAPTER
held its show May 5-6-7, 1961. Mrs. L. P.
Zitzman was winner of the Gold Rosette
Award with her plants of Lilac Dale, Wedge-
wood, and T-V Vallinpink. Mrs. Charles J.
Leland won the California Council award
for the best California introduction with Mr.
Rymer’s My Hope. Mrs. Zitzman won sweep-
stakes and the Armacost Perpetual Trophy
for the best collection of Armacost plants, as
well as a section award for Blaze. Second
in sweepstakes went to Mrs. Burton. A num¬
ber of other awards were given for arrange¬
ments, educational exhibits, best miniature
collection, best novice exhibit, best theme
arrangement and best house grown plant.

• The LIVINGSTON COUNTY AFRICAN
VIOLET CLUB held its tenth annual show
May 14, 1961 at Geneseo, New York. Mrs.
Elmer E. Ace, of Honeoye, New York was
show chairman. The theme was “Violets and
Tea.” Tea and cookies were served from a
decorated tea table and the decorative classes
emphasized the letter T.

1— Left, Mrs. William Huttel, right, Mrs. Kenneth Rains with prize plants at the Fort Vancouver Society show.

2- — Holding their trophies won at the West End Club show are Mrs. A. F. Tarr, left, and right, Mrs. William
Gray. 3~Mrs. O. D. Fleming, Jr. holds her Gold Ribbon Award won at the Raleigh show.

Lewis Cook, Gainesville, N.Y., won queen
of the show with Isle of Dreams. Mrs. Olin
Owen, Livonia, was second with Kimberly.
Mrs. Roy Nichols took junior queen with Pink
Cushion and Mrs. Magdalyn Hoar, Rochester,
was second with Doll Dance. Lewis Cook
took sweepstakes in culture classes and Mrs.
Hoar was second. In artistic classes Mrs. El¬
mer Ace won queen and sweepstakes with
Mrs. Magdalyn Hoar second in both.

• The ST. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET SOCIETY held its ninth annual
violet show May 6-7, 1961. Mr. and Mrs.
Aksel Gander were chairmen, Mr. and Mrs.
Charles Dedera, cochairmen. Ribbons were
awarded to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dedera for
Fascination and Wintry Nite; Mrs. J. F. Ham-
til for Blue Eyes; Mrs. W. L. Fortin with
Violet Beauty; Mrs. Theodore Irwin with
Double Sensation, Star Pink, and King Nep¬
tune; Mrs. Bruce Smith with Princess Peggy
and Coquette; and Mrs. F. A. Gettinger with
Chartreuse Wonder. Queen of the show went
to Mrs. A. T. Tasch for After Glow. First and
second maids of honor to Mrs. Theodore Ir¬
win for Double Innocence and Fringed Pom
Pon. Mrs. Irwin also won sweepstakes. Mrs.
J. P. Moriarty had best miniature with Bronze
Elf. Special awards were given to Mrs. V. J.
Kunz for her arrangement, “A Living Picture,”
and to Mrs. W. F. Anderson for “By Candle¬
light.”

• The BEATRICE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY held its ninth annual show in the
Municipal Auditorium with the theme “Vio¬
let Chatter.” Violet plants were placed on
tables set in semicircle around the main
floor. Several special tables featured a May-
pole, a brass basket filled with violets, a
large rock with violets growing out of it, and
a religious table.

• At the 1961 show of the COLUMBUS
AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY, Mrs. George
Saxtan won the National Award with plants
of After Glo, Pink Riot and Lilian Jarrett.
Also the Ohio state award with Lavender
Beauty, Pride of Rochester and Crimson Chal¬
lenge. Mrs. Saxtan’s plant of Night Lance
won queen of the show and also took the
Hulda Evans award for best blue and the
Frances Olson award for her best origina¬
tion. Mrs. Lee Howard’s plant of Angel Child
was princess of the show and her plant of
Lavenda was largest plant.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
WASHINGTON, PENNSYLVANIA, held its
fifth annual show May 2, 1961 at First Presby¬
terian Church. Mrs. Fay Eakin was chairman.
Theme of the show was “Calendar of Violets.”
Mrs. Wm. Shaffer’s depiction of the theme
won her a tricolor ribbon. Judges were Mrs.
Stewart, Mrs. Deitz, and Mrs. Douglass of
the Pittsburgh Violet Club.

• The NORTHSIDE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas,
held its second annual African violet show

April 20, 1961 with Mrs. Fred Gilliland show
chairman. The theme of the show was “Violet
Fun for ’61.”

The Gold Rosette Award winner was Mrs.
Blanche Clevidence. Mrs. Zelma Pierce was
sweepstakes winner. A number of blue and
red ribbons were awarded. Judges were Mrs.
H. H. Thompson, Mrs. John G. Howard, Jr.,
and Mrs. Clyde Burkett.

• The FIRST HALIFAX AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY OF H A L I F A X, NOVA SCOTIA,

held its seventh annual show on May 13, 1961.
Best plant in the show was Fringed Snow
Prince, it was also the best single; it belonged
to Mrs. M. C. De Lege. The best double plant,
Faberge, belonged to Mrs. A. J. Boudreau.
The most artistic arrangement was won by
Mrs. M. C. De Lege, and Miss Anna J. Mclnnes
had the best collection. A trophy for most
blue ribbons went to Mrs. E. J. Vickery. Mrs.
W. T. Tyner, St. John, New Brunswick, judged
the show

• The LONG BEACH AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY held its annual show in Norway
Hall, Long Beach, California, April 15th and
16th, 1961 with the theme “Violets For Friend¬
ship.” Mrs. Clarence Wilson served as chair¬
man. Mrs. Clarissa Harris won sweepstakes
and her plant. After Glo won princess of
the show. Mr. Clarence Wilson won the tro¬
phy for educational exhibit and his plant of
Double Black Cherry won queen of the show.
Mrs. Ethel Thalheimer had the most unusual
container and Mrs. Kate Pryor had best ar¬
rangement. The Southern California Council
award went to Mr. John Rymer for his plant
of Double Clarissa Harris.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB OF SHERI¬
DAN, WYOMING, held its sixth annual show
April 18, 1961 at the Episcopal Parish Hall.
The theme of the show was “Showers of
Violets.” It was featured with a huge watering
can tilted above a table covered with green
grass. Out of the spout ran ribbon streamers
of various colors to represent water. Violets
were fastened to the streamers. The other
end of the table held a skeleton parasol cov¬
ered with streamers and violets. Mrs. Ray
Jenrich arranged the theme table assisted by
Mrs. Roscoe Lamb and Mrs. O. B. Wilson.
Mrs. Ivan Byxbe was chairman, Mrs. Wilson,
cochairman.

O The FIRST RAPID CITY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY, of Rapid City, South Dakota,
held its second annual show May 6, 1961. The
theme chosen was “Centennial Parade” as
this was South Dakota’s centennial year.

Mrs. R. F. Brittain made up a display that
depicted 100 years of Dakota history. Mem¬
bers wore centennial dress or replicas thereof.
Mrs. Carl Reinhold was show chairman.

• The LAWRENCE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Lawrence, Kansas held its show
April 8-9, 1961 with the theme of “Moments
to Remember.” Mrs. Ralph Lawson was chair¬
man. Judges were Mrs. William Lefebvre,

102

W. M. Smithson, and Mrs. Lutie Dunlap from
Kansas City. Mrs. Forrest Hopper of Kansas
City and Mrs. Austin Turney of Lawrence
judged the arrangements and Mrs. Y. Y. Young
and Mrs. F. S. Deem judged the antiques.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
SAN FRANCISCO, participated in the annual
San Francisco Flower Show held in the Gar¬
den Center in Golden Gate Park, August 24-
27, 1961. Theme of this show was “Around
the World with Flowers? Mrs. Alice Black
was chairman, assisted by Delia Symonds and
Irene Hendricks.

Sweepstakes in the beginners class went
to Mrs. Maria Hardman; in the amateur class,
to Mrs. Alice Hamai; and in the advanced
amateur class to Mrs. Alice Black. A plant of
Kimberly, exhibited by Mrs. Alice Hamai,
was the largest plant in the show. Shaffer’s
Sensation exhibited by Mrs. Alice Black was
the smallest plant in the show. Judges were
Messres Millie Blair, Lorraine Lamb, Eve.
Craig, Florence Shuey, Mary Talevich. Mrs.
Evelyn Nienstadt was Division Manager.

• The RALEIGH AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIE¬
TY, RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA held
its sixth annual show in April, 1961. The
theme was “Violets in North Carolina.” The
show chairman was Mrs. O. D. Fleming, Jr.
Mrs. Fleming won the National Gold Rosette
for her plants of Oriental, Wedgewood, and
Coon Valley. She was sweepstakes winner in
the specimen plant section and also won the
tricolor ribbon for her plant of Calumet
Beacon. Mrs. Russell E. Wood was sweep¬

stakes winner in the arrangement section.
Mrs. H. E. Springer won a tricolor ribbon in
the horticulture display. Judges were Messres
R. R. Blackburn, D. P. Whitley, J. T. Lumley,
Graham Egerton, and Miss Carmen Jones.

• Mrs. Hazel Bradburn Sharp won four silver
awards in the TENNESSEE VALLEY AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET CLUB show in Knoxville, Ten¬
nessee April 14, 1961. She not only entered
the best plant. Mistletoe, but the second best.
Shining Prince, and won most blue ribbons
in horticultural classes, and first prize in a
class for yearbook cover designs. Mrs. L. L.
Kile won the second most blue ribbons. Mrs.
Roy Walker won an award for the best seed¬
ling or sport, and Mrs. Lawless had the best
plant entered by a nonmember. Mrs. Mack
Eaves won the National Gold Rosette for the
second consecutive year on her plants of
Richter’s Wedgewood, Golden Gate, and Dbl.
Black Cherry. Mrs. W. Z. Mynatt won the
National Purple Rosette. In a class depicting
the theme of the show, “Violets in Song,”
Mrs. Mynatt won first prize and Mrs. W. J.
Cowart, second. The educational table was
prepared by Mrs. Clyde Trobaugh. Judges
were Messres Paul Gillespie, George Martin,
Sue Watson.

• The first South Florida Invitational African
Violet Show was held at Simpson Garden
Center, April 16, 1961 by the AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY OF MIAMI, FLORIDA. Queen
of the show was won by Mrs. Salvatore
Maiorana for her plant of Cindy. The sweep-
stakes rosette was awarded to Mrs. John D.
Chesnut.

l_Mrs. L. P. Zitzman’s Gold Ribbon Award plants, Lilac Dale, Wedgewood and T-V Vallii^ink, at the Santa
Monica Bay Chapter show. 2— A display at the First Rapid City, South Dakota show. ^

Santa Clara Valley show is a display stand designed by Edith Waller and constructed by Mr. Waller. 4 Theme
exhibit at the Mohawk Valley Society show. 5-— Mrs. C. Venable’s plant that won be^ m the show
at the Little Rock Society show. 6 — These plants won the Gold Ribbon Award for Mrs. Edward E. Bone
at the First African Violet Society of Dallas show.

^^EUIS

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. 118th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Club Neu/s contributions: For Sep-
teinher issue, June 1st; for Dece7nber issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

The Jamestown African Violet Club, James¬
town, New York voted, at its March meeting,
to sponsor a booth at the Jamestown General
Hospital Summer Fair to be held June 28th
and 29th. Mrs. Vernon Burmeister presided
at the business meeting. Schedules for the
spring violet show were distributed. At the
April meeting final plans for the violet show
were made. Mrs. Lavern Clawson, chairman
of the nominating committee, presented the
following slate of officers: president, Mrs.
Vernon Burmeister; vice president, Mrs. Mur¬
ray Smith; recording secretary. Miss Myrna
McKinney; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Richard Aim; treasurer, Mrs. Floyd Burrows.
Mrs. Arthur Agnew, retiring treasurer, re¬
ceived a gift of appreciation for her work.

The Davidson County Society of African
Violet Clubs, Tennessee elected the following
officers for the coming year: president, Mrs.
Sewall Jackson; vice president, Mrs. L. C.
Gross; recording secretary, Mrs. K. B. Eberly;
treasurer, Mrs. Charles Bradley; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. Gordon Turner. The club in¬
troduced work shops, with all nine clubs of
the society participating, in the programs this
past year and found them very worth-while.
Featured were demonstrations in grooming,
repotting, and soil preparation as well as
classes in arrangements.

The Lone Star African Violet Society of
Dallas, Texas met at the home of Mrs. Earl
Bowden on May 18 for the installation of
officers for the coming year. Installing officer
was Mrs. T. J. Insall, who used as her theme
the Yellow Rose of Texas, presenting each
new officer with a yellow rosebud. New offi¬
cers are: president, Mrs. James F. Stubbs,
vice presidents, Mrs. D. H. Herring, Mrs. A. B.
Helton and Mrs. Lane Davis; recording sec¬
retary, Mrs. Gerald Clore; corresponding sec¬
retary, Mrs. J. B. Tomson; treasurer, Mrs.
J. E. Willis.

The Union County Chapter, New Jersey

ended a very interesting and successful year
with its annual smorgasbord luncheon on
May 18th at the Scotch Plains Baptist Church.
“Some of the programs which were particul¬
arly interesting were a tour of Mrs. C. B.
Ward’s greenhouses, at which we had an ex¬
ceptionally good attendance, and a talk on
flower arranging by Mrs. P. H. Oppenheimer
of Fanwood, just before our show dates. We
also had several educational programs and
two ‘little shows.’ Little show winners were

Mrs. Joseph Noll, Mrs. C. B. Ward and Mrs.
W. D. Earnest. It was also interesting at one
meeting to see slides of the National Show
at French Lick and also some new slides of
our own show from the previous year.” Con¬
tributions this year were made to the Youth
Consultation Service, Westfield, N.J. and the
Deborah Hospital for Chest Diseases, Browns
Mills. Mrs. Glen B. Hudson was awarded one
of the Alma Wright Affiliated Chapter Sweep-
stakes Awards at the National Show for hav¬
ing received the most blue ribbons at a local
show.

The South Shore African Violet Society of
Seaford, N.Y., under the leadership of the
president, Mrs. Henry Luhman, brought its
first season to a close with a combination
luncheon-business meeting on June 21. The
first project for fall is to take part in the fall
flower show of the Seaford Garden Club.
“Although this is a small group we are work¬
ing hard to have an attractive exhibit. The
show will be held at the Seaford Methodist
Church on September 21, 1961.”

The Cheer African Violet Club of Michigan
held its second annual dinner and observed
its eighth birthday at the June 1, 1961 meet¬
ing. The following officers took over their
new duties at this meeting: president, Mrs.
R. Kinney; vice president, Mrs. J. Fancher;
secretary, Mrs. R. Curto; treasurer, Mrs. R.
Naylor.

The following officers were elected at the
May meeting of the Siouxland African Violet
Society, Sioux City, Iowa: president, Mrs.
C. N. Parsons; vice president, Mrs. C. R. Leon¬
ard; secretary, Mrs. Stanley Leveiller; treas¬
urer, Mrs. E. D. Scharles. These officers began
serving in June, 1961.

The Illinois African Violet Society installed
the following officers for 1961-62: president,
Mrs. Harry Bell; vice president, George Judd;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Lucy Ater; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Lester Rebman; treas¬
urer, Miss Alice Johnson.

The Pioneer African Violet Society of Nor¬
folk, Virginia, observed its ninth birthday
at the May meeting. The following officers
were elected for the year 1961-62: president,
Mrs. J. H. Miller; first vice president, Mrs.
Ben Dowe; second vice president, Mrs. L. L.
White; recording secretary, Mrs. J. T. Lum-
ley; corresponding secretary, Mrs. George
Schreiner; treasurer, Mrs. Ruth Sadler. “We

104

have several meetings through the year when
we have oral judging of the specimen plants
and arrangements brought to the meeting.
This is helpful to our members to be better
informed on judging. For several years our
Society has had the same therapy project —
giving financial aid to the program of the
Visually Handicapped. The money we give
is used to buy talking records of the Books
of the Bible. Mrs. Irene Branham, employed
by the Society of the Visually Handicapped
of the State of Virginia, visits our Society
occasionally and reports how she has used
the funds which we have given her. We, who
have eyes to enjoy the beauty of our violets,
bring joy to those who are less fortunate.”

The Racine African Violet Society, Racine,
Wisconsin elected the following officers in
January 1961: president, Mrs. Edmund
Schultz; vice president, Mrs. Charles Brom¬
ley; second vice president, Clara Jensen; sec¬
retary, Mrs. H. L. Hughes; treasurer, Mrs.
E. E. Tessneer. The Society will observe its
ninth birthday on October 27, 1961. The new
officers will stage this years’ show which
will be held in the Douglas Park Community
Center on September 30 and October 1st.

The African Violet Society of Miami, Florida
elected the following officers for the coming
year: president, Mrs. Salvatore Maiorana; vice
president, Mrs. Harold Woodward; recording
secretary, Mrs. John D. Chesnut; correspond¬
ing secretary, Mrs. Anthony Miller; treasur¬
er, Mrs. Clem Liebler.

The First African Violet Society of Louis¬
ville, Ky., Unit #1, met on June 14, 1961 at
the home of Mrs. Eugene Wenz and the fol¬
lowing officers were elected for the coming
year: president, Mrs. Eugene Wenz; vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Helena Ellingsworth; recording
secretary, Mrs. J. L. Zurschmiede; correspond¬
ing secretary, Mrs. T. M. Wade, Jr.; treasurer,
Mrs. George Kanzler.

The Fort Vancouver African Violet Society,
Vancouver, Canada elected the following of¬
ficers for the coming year: president, Mrs.
Kenneth Rains; vice president, Mrs. Harold
Hillwertz; secretary, Mrs. Harry Plum; treas¬
urer, Mrs. William Huttel; historian. Miss
Dorothy Plum.

A very successful show and plant sale was
held in May. Mrs. Richard Pederson will be
show chairman for next year. A judging school
was held in June with members from Port¬
land, Oregon and the following Washington
cities, Seattle, Tacoma, Longview and Van¬
couver.

The following officers were elected by the
African Violet Society of Muscle Shoals Area,
Alabama: president, Mrs. V. E. Lund; vice
president, Mrs. A. J. Bergbauer; second vice
president, Mrs. F. C. Headrick; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. J. T. Landers; recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. P. A. McMichin; treasurer, Mrs.
John Alston.

Members of the Toronto African Violet So-

Left to right, Mabel Johnson, Vi Passman, Elizabeth
Rosenak, Vi Dawson, Edna Buchta, Charlotte Toellner,
Josephine Tenney, H. Hughes, and Napa Besserdick.

ciety, Canada, closed their most successful
season with a social evening on June 20, in
Gleve Road United Church, Toronto, Canada.
The following officers were elected for the
1961-62 season: president, Mrs. E. I. Hamilton;
vice president, Mrs. T. Beynon; secretary, Mrs.
T. Konops; treasurer, Mrs. C. Mortson. Meet¬
ings are held the third Tuesday of the month,
at the above address, and all persons in the
area interested in African violets are invited
to attend.

The African Violet Society of Staten Island,
New York, elected and installed the follow¬
ing officers for the coming year: president,
Mrs. S. Frederick Hall, Jr.; vice president,
Mrs. Joseph Bedell; recording secretary, Mrs.
Harry Moylan; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Walter Hunt; treasurer, Mrs. Carolyn Mullick.

The Harmony African Violet Society, Boise,
Idaho installed its new officers at the annual
June luncheon at Hill House. They are: presi¬
dent, Mrs. W. T. Kirtley; vice president, Mrs.
L. F. Koehler; treasurer, Mrs. A. J. McPher¬
son; recording secretary, Mrs. E. T. Biwer;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. A. B. Vestal.
Mrs. C. O. Miller, a past president, conducted
the installation and presented each new offi¬
cer with a corsage. “A past president’s pin
was presented to Mrs. B. F. Lindley, our
retiring president. Our new year begins in
September with a picnic in the hills to ob¬
tain soil for a new soil and potting project.”

The African Violet Society of Pioneer Val¬
ley, Massachusetts, at its annual meeting in
May re-elected the following officers for
the 1961-62 year: president. Mis. Harold
Ricker; vice president, Mrs. Charles Egan;
secretary. Miss Blanche Mecum; treasurer,
Mrs. Carl Johanson. At the June picnic the
president announced her new committees for
the coming year.

The Alpha African Violet Society of Clare-
more, Oklahoma elected the following offi¬
cers to serve for the coming year: president,
Mrs. Alpha Bishop; vice president, Mrs. Har¬
ley Swan; second vice president, Mrs. Olive
Brown; secretary, Mrs. Rue Kelsey; treasurer,
Mrs. J. W. Keeter.

105

At a recent meeting of the Mohawk Val¬
ley African Violet Society, New York, the
following officers were elected: president,
Mrs. Benjamin Smith; vice president, Mrs.
Frederick Theilemann; secretary, Mrs. Roy
Armstrong; treasurer, Mrs. E. R. Spitler; fi¬
nancial secretary, Mrs. Dominick Nicolella.
The Society meets the fourth Monday of each
month in St. Andrews Church Hall on Sacan-
daga Road in Scotia, N.Y.

For the year 1961-1962, the officers for
The Happy ’Ours African Violet Society, Haw¬
thorne, New Jersey, include: president, Mrs.
Ruth Hopper; vice president, Mrs. Lizeta Ham¬
ilton; secretary, Mrs. Edna Baker; recording
secretary, Mrs. Pearl Vernooy; treasurer, Mrs.
Kitty Lamken. On June 1st, the last meeting
of the summer, the president, secretary and
historian were installed. The new officers
have already chosen their committee chair¬
men, who are now organizing their groups in
preparation for a wonderful year ahead.

The Christmas Projects chairman, Mrs.
Laura Fuller and her committee are preparing
to make a “Very Merry Christmas” for the
children in the Paterson, New Jersey Orpha¬
nage.

A new club organized this year in Houston,
Texas is the Harmony African Violet So¬
ciety, with eleven charter members. The club
will be limited to twenty members. Meetings
will be held in members’ homes the first
Friday of each month. Officers elected to
serve the first year are: president, Mrs. George
Goodin; vice president, Mrs. C. E. Mandeville;
secretary, Mrs. L. N. Pattillo; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. W. R. Hammann; treasurer,
Mrs. C. L. Mathews.

Several interesting speakers have given
programs this year and members are looking
forward to hearing Mrs. George Vallin of
Beaumont, Texas as one of the speakers next
year.

The Town and Country African Violet Club
of Kokomo, Indiana elected the following
officers for the coming year: president, Mrs.
Evan Cardwell; vice president, Mrs. Herman
Hedrick; secretary, Mrs. D. Hughes; treasurer,
Mrs. Goldie Samuels.

At the June meeting of the Rockford Afri¬
can Violet Club, Rockford, Illinois the follow¬
ing officers were elected for the coming year:
president, Mrs. Oscar Rosene; vice president,
Mrs. Carl Lindstedt; treasurer, Mrs. Charles
Riley; secretary, Mrs. George Anderson.

The Rockford Club has been affiliated with
the National Society since 1952.

The First African Violet Society of Ham¬
mond, Indiana elected the following officers
for the coming year: president, Mrs. Chester
Walther; vice president, Mrs. B. E. Koon;
second vice president, Mrs. M. C. Piliskey;
recording secretary, Mrs. C. W. Nofflett; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Russell Lewallen;
treasurer, Mrs. A. B. Whaley. Installation will
be held at the September meeting.

The First African Violet Study Club of
Miami, Florida installed the following officers
at the April luncheon meeting held at Tylers
Restaurant on April 13: president, Mrs. Dolly
Tracey; first vice president, Mrs. Rita Mason;
second vice president, Mrs. Gertrude Ander¬
son; secretary, Mrs. Jessie Traenkle; treasur¬
er, Mrs. Peggy Milnes. The tables were beau¬
tifully decorated with blooming violets and
the retiring president, Mrs. Inez Rogers, pre¬
sented each person with a small violet. The
new officers were installed by Mrs. Rogers.

The Wachusett African Violet Society of
Gardner, Massachusetts held its annual din¬
ner meeting at the White Pillars in the Peter¬
sham on May 18, 1961 with 20 members and
friends attending. The following officers were
elected: president, Mrs. Elizabeth Nelson;
vice president. Miss Judith Lajoie; secretary,
Mrs. Elizabeth Zekonis; treasurer, Miss Hazel
Curtis. The past president, Mr. Stanley Ken-
dig, received a standing round of applause.

Some eighty persons attended the annual
meeting and banquet of the Chenango Valley
African Violet Society, New York, held on
June 12, 1961, at the Oxford Inn. The Society
is affiliated with the African Violet Society
of America, Inc. Mrs. Lyman Wright, re¬
tiring president, presided.

A violet corsage was at all the places at
the banquet tables. These were made by
Shirley Halwig. Mrs. Wright was presented
a past president’s pin from the society by Mrs.
Robert Schipper, president-elect.

Installation ceremonies were conducted by
Mrs. Wright, seating Mrs. Robert Schipper as
president; vice president, Mrs. Leo Cushman;
recording secretary, Mr. William Burdick;
treasurer, Mrs. Harry Salisbury. The banquet
tables were beautifully decorated carrying
out the theme of “Olden Times”. Guest speak¬
er of the evening was Mrs. Naomi Weeks of
Brockport, New York and with her was Mrs.
Robert Nelson of Windowsill Gardens of
Hamburg.

The African Violet District Council of Nor¬
thern Illinois held its June luncheon at the
Michigan Shores Country Club in Wilmette,
Illinois.

Lovely violet plants from the Urban-Subur¬
ban Club were used as centerpieces on the
tables and each guest at the speakers table
was presented with a violet corsage by Mrs.
Walter Grill, the retiring president. After a
delicious luncheon Mrs. Grill welcomed the
guests. Then, she presented to the group the
Merit Plaque that was awarded to the Council
at the Chicago World Flower and Garden
Show by the Chicago Horticultural Society.
The award was based on the outstanding
beauty of the booth, the faithfulness of the
women who guarded all week, and the cour¬
tesy and willingness demonstrated by an¬
swering questions on African violet culture.

The new officers are: president, Mrs. Ruth
Stockbridge; first vice president, Mrs. Ethel

106

Witner; second vice president, Mrs. Kay Ken-
neley; secretary, Mrs. Dorothy Kupor, treas¬
urer, Mrs. Grace Rowe. Mrs. Lloyd Lamm
conducted the installation. Guest speaker for
the afternoon was Mrs. Hotchkiss of Peoria.

The Jamestown African Violet Club, James¬
town, New York held its June meeting at
the home of Mrs. Richard Aim. A picnic
lunch was served. Each member was pre¬
sented with a plant of “Heritage”, to be used
as a project for the 1962 show. The president,
Mrs. Vernon Burmeister presided. Mrs. Mur¬
ray Smith was appointed in charge of the
yearbooks. She has as her committee, Mrs.
Burmeister, Mrs. Charles Wuertzer and Mrs.
Albert Swanson.

At the July meeting the club met with the
Gowanda Club as guests of the Niagara Fron¬
tier Club, at the Evengola State Park. Mrs.
Frank Kalmback, Buffalo, New York was
chairman of the affair. Mrs. John Windecker,
president of the New York State Society, was
a guest. The club entertained their husbands
and guests at the August meeting. Forty-eight
members and guests were present. Mrs.
Charles Wuertzer, hospitality chairman, was
assisted by Mr. Wuertzer, Mr. and Mrs. Bur¬
meister, Mrs. Murray Smith and Mrs. Paul
Seeley. Prizes for the evening were won by
Mr. Roy Cook and Mrs. Loren Swanson.

The Santa Clara Valley Club’s officers were
installed at the June meeting with Mazie Cros¬
by hostess of a potluck luncheon held at Le¬
gion Hall. A lovely floral installation was
conducted by Mrs. E, E. Hammond of Irving¬
ton. Officers installed were: president, Made¬

line Gonzales; vice president, Mazie Crosby;
secretary, Marjorie Moore; treasurer, Mary
Geraci. Mr. Hammond gave a short talk on
plant registration and presented a beautiful
plant of Nu Hope as a door prize. The club
has planned a busy year ahead with all ener¬
gies directed toward the National Convention
and Show in San Francisco.

A new club has been organized in the north¬
eastern part of Illinois. It is called the “Chain
O’ Lakes African Violet Club.” The officers
are: president, Mrs. Phyllis Haswell; corres¬
ponding secretary, Mrs. Eleanor Hanchon, re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Emma Sorrenson;
treasurer, Mrs. Nina Allanson. Meetings are
held every two weeks visiting each member’s
home and her violets. Once a month meetings
were started in September. Discussions on
soil, water, food, light, and etc. are scheduled
for each monthly meeting. The Christmas
meeting will be a party at the president’s
home.

Twenty-four ladies attended an African
Violet Tea at the home of Mrs. E. Fisher,
Downsview, Ontario, Canada. Proceeds of the
tea were donated to the African Violet So¬
ciety of Ontario.

A double pink African violet named Dorothy
Gray was the door prize and was won by Mrs.
J. McDermott; an Aynsley English bone china
cup and saucer went to Miss M. Hamilton.

After the guests had viewed the many Afri¬
can violets in Mrs. Fisher’s basement green¬
house, they were served tea and home-baked
goodies. Mrs. Fisher was assisted by Mrs.
Elsie Rose and Mrs. Marjorie Wills. •

Foliar Feeding

Gwen Eggerton, Meridian, Mississippi

In the story about my African violets,
I mentioned that my “special” plants —
which I had selected for show grooming
— were given a foliar feeding occasional¬
ly. We know that plants do absorb nu¬
trients through their leaves, and experi¬
ments have proven that this also aids
the roots in absorbing nutrients from the
soil.

There are several high-analysis fertili¬
zers on the market that are safe to spray
on the leaves of African violets. Ra-Pid-
Gro, Folium, Instant Vigoro and Liquid
Whale are four brands that I have used
for this purpose, with no harmful results
to the foliage or flowers. Most of the
concentrates that are safe to use as foliar
sprays may be mixed with an insecti¬
cide, and two jobs can be done as one.
I have used Malathion with all four of

the above mentioned fertilizers, and only
a few of the older blossoms showed any
spotting.

On the premise that too little is better
than too much, I use a weaker solution
than that recommended by the manu¬
facturers. In a 16 ounce capacity electric
sprayer, I put a scant V4 teaspoon of
fertilizer, add enough warm water to fill
the container, and spray a fine mist
above the plants so that it just seems to
drift down on them. Of course, I can do
this only after the sun has gone behind
the trees in the late afternoon, but since
the leaves can absorb the nutrients quite
rapidly, they have done their work be¬
fore darkness comes, and the plants get
the full benefit of the fertilizer.

A foliar feeding every second or third
week, instead of my regular fertilizing
routine, seems to revitalize my violets;
the leaves take on a satiny sheen, and I
can almost see them grow.

A word of caution: Never use a fertili¬
zer for foliar feeding unless it is recom¬
mended by the manufacturer.

107

In this first show many multiple crowns
were shown; “International Rules” were
largely ignored. Comments from experienced
show chairmen would he gratefully accepted
by Mrs, W. H. Colgnhoun, 5110 Willow,
Vancouver, B. C. Canada. Right, this un¬
posed photo shows how anxious the public
in Vancouver is to buy plants.

A Show Is A Show Is A Show

Many have laughed at Gertrude Stein’s
poem with the lines, “A Rose, is a Rose,
is a Rose.” Yet, in not describing her own
roses, she allows her readers to think of roses
which have formed important memories in
their own lives. I think of Mother’s moss
roses, of a certain white rose, and of hybridi¬
zers of roses.

Think of the shows you have attended.
What makes one different from another? Do
you prefer the intimate or the colossal show?
I have attended hundreds of shows and the
ones which are memorable in a delightful
way are those whose members think of plants
first, people second, and themselves last of all.

Such a show was the first all-gesneriad
show held by the Vancouver African Violet
Society. The executive and the working mem¬
bers seemed joyful with the enormous task of
assembling plants for the show. Because of
inexperience, such as not getting tags on the
entries as they were brought in, a great deal
of labour was required — it was always
available. Perhaps no one there knew “prece¬
dent,” but the result was charming.

The president, Mrs. W. H. Huffman, intro¬
duced Eileen Laurie, the well-known com¬
mentator for The Canadian Broadcasting
Corporation. It was she who got the first
Vancouver African violet group together by
invitation over her broadcast June 28th, 1953.
She commented how pleased she was to open
the first annual show with its beautifully
grown and displayed African violets and other
gesneriads. The only note of sadness was the
great regret that their first president, Mrs.
J. W. Stewart, who had been such a driving
force and inspiration to the club, had passed
away in May, 1958.

The Vancouver African Violet Club had
exhibited with other societies but this indi¬
vidual effort was successful in so many ways

that there will surely be an annual African
violet show in Vancouver from now on. Many
members brought their plants only to “help
out” and were pleasantly surprised to find
themselves with prizes. One of the husbands
remarked that they couldn’t take their prize
home for there was no room — violets every¬
where.

Attendance was excellent and, best of all,
pledges of membership were received from
former strangers as well as ex-members. The
show was a success financially . . . for all
the commercial displayers were generous with
door prizes and members and commercial
growers provided plants for sales which were
sold so fast that more plants were purchased
wholesale for further profits. One of the
happiest places in the show was the plant
booth. It is my experience that it gives the
cause of African violets a great boost when
there are blooming plants, as well as named
and rooted leaves for sale. That first enthusi¬
asm continues if a plant becomes one’s own.
It is an old natural law that many have a
tendency to love what they care for. What
a conversation piece that first violet is! What
a bargain a well-grown plant is! Where else
can one find a bouquet with recurring bloom,
velvet foliage, and restrained habits!

The club was fortunate in having Lydia
Lengert, as show chairman, for she loved the
challenge and successfully substituted imagi¬
nation, innate ability, a wonderful way of
inspiring others to want to work and immense
labor on her own part, for previous exper¬
ience. Yes, the generous folks who worked
for the success of the show were well reward¬
ed by the response of the viewers. Each
visitor was welcomed by someone before they
left. This show had an atmosphere to be
remembered: an atmosphere of charm, of hos¬
pitality, good will toward the winners, co¬
operation among the members, and immense
relief that all had gone so beautifully.

So, do be brave, smaller clubs, wherever
you are. Have a First Show of your very own
to remember!

108

RESEARCH

Soil Moisture Levels and Growth
of Afriean Violets

John W. Mastalerz

Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University

Experiments on a wide variety of flori-
cultural crops have demonstrated that
larger, heavier, higher quality plants with
greater numbers of flowers can be produced
in a shorter period of time when soil moisture
levels are high. Restricting the supply of water
for greenhouse plants delays flowering and
results in smaller plants of poorer quality
than the abundant use of water.

High moisture levels, however, require soils
that are porous and well-drained, but yet
retentive of moisture and nutrients. To pre¬
pare soil mixtures of this type, the quantity of
organic matter and coarse aggregate used in
relation to a particular soil type is of major
importance. The simple act of placing a good
garden or field soil into a container changes
its moisture retention and drainage charac¬
teristics. To offset this change to an undesir¬
able physical character, large quantities of
sphagnum peat moss and an aggregate like
coarse sand or horticultural grade perlite
should be used. For African violets, the pro¬
portion of organic matter to soil and sand
may range from 33 to 50 per cent.

In this experiment, a number of soil mix¬
tures were used; however, no difference be¬
tween soil mixtures occurred and only the
effect of soil moisture levels are presented.

Methods

Plants of the variety, Santa Maria, were
donated for this experiment by Frank Tinari,
Tinari Greenhouses, Bethayres, Pennsylvania.
On January 4, 1957, they were transplanted
into four inch pots containing different soil
mixtures. The soil mixtures were compared

with the standard soil mixture of 3 parts silt
loam, 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, and 1 part
coarse sand. Superphosphate and ground lime¬
stone at the rate of 2 ounces each per bushel
were incorporated into the soil mixture. Pots,
benches, and the soil mixture were steam
pasteurized prior to potting.

The plants were grown at a minimum night
temperature of 70° F. in a greenhouse shaded
to maintain no more than 1,000 f.c. of light
during the brightest part of the day. A soluble
20-20-20 fertilizer was applied every two
weeks at the rate of 3 lbs. per 100 gallons
of water.

Two moisture levels were initiated on Janu¬
ary 18, 1957 and continued until the plants
began to flower. The experimental period was
approximately two months in length. For the
high moisture level, plants were watered each
day regardless of need; for the low moisture
level, plants were watered every third or
fourth day depending on the rate of soil dry¬
ing.

Results

The effect of two different moisture levels
on the weight and number of days to flower
are presented in Table 1. When water was
applied every day, African violet plants were
heavier (91 grams) and flowered 15 days
sooner than plants that were watered accord¬
ing to need. These results are in agreement
with the results of other experiments with
geraniums, roses, and carnations. Restricting
the water reduces growth and delays flower¬
ing. Good soil mixtures are essential if high
levels of moisture are used.

Table 1, Moisture levels and the growth and flowering of African violets, variety Santa
Maria.

Treatment

Average Fresh
Weight Grams

Average Dry
Weight Grams

Average No. Days
To Flower

Low Soil Moisture

Water every three days

53.1

2.5

56

High Soil Moisture

Watered Daily

91.0

4.7

41

Average 60 plants per treatment

109

Fertilizer Levels for African Violets

John W. Mastalerz

Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University

IN the production of many greenhouse plants,
soluble fertilizers are applied at the rate
of 2-3 pounds of a 20-20-20 or a 25-0-25 per
100 gallons of water every two weeks during
the winter months (October through Febru¬
ary) and every month during the summer
months (March through September). In a
relatively new method, a dilute solution (4-6
ozs. of a 25-0-25 or a 20-20-20 per 100 gallons
of water) is applied each time the plants are
watered. Superphosphate and ground lime¬
stone are incorporated at the rate of 2 ounces
each per bushel of soil mixture to supply the
phosphorus and calcium required by plants.
These programs, based on extensive research,
are designed to maintain high fertility levels
of N-P-K in the soil medium.

Because research on the fertility levels for
African violets is limited, a program to de¬
termine optimum fertilizer levels for this
group of plants was initiated as part of a
Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Sta- •
tion Project on the nutrient requirements of
greenhouse flowering plants. A preliminary
report of one of the initial experiments with
African violets is presented in this paper.

Methods

The varieties Pink Geneva, Santa Maria, and
Sailor Girl were used in this experiment.
Plants in two inch pots were donated by
Frank Tinari, Tinari Greenhouses, Bethayres,
Pennsylvania. On June 17, 1959 they were
transplanted into four inch pots containing a
mixture of 1 part silt loam, 2 parts peat moss,
and 1 part coarse sand. Superphosphate and
ground limestone at the rate of 2 ounces each
per bushel were incorporated into the soil
mixture. The pots, soil mixture, and green¬
house bench were steam pasteurized before
transplanting.

For this experiment, the African violet
plants were grown under white fluorescent
tubes at a constant temperature of 70°F. The
lights were on for 18 hours per day and
produced 600-700 foot candles at the tops of
the plants.

Fertilizer treatments were initiated July 13,
1959 and continued until December 16, 1959

when the plants were photographed and har¬
vested for determination of fresh and dry
weights. A soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer at the
rate of 1 lb. or 3 lbs. per 100 gallons of water
was applied every two weeks and every six
weeks during the experimental period. Tap
water was used as needed between fertilizer
applications.

Results

The effect of two rates and frequencies of
fertilizer application on the growth (fresh and
dry weights) of three varieties of African vio¬
lets is presented in Table 1 and illustrated in
Figure 1. The heaviest and most vigorous
plants were produced by applying 3 lbs. of a
20-20-20 per 100 gallons every two weeks
(Treatment #3). The foliage was dark green
in color, succulent, and flowering was abun¬
dant. The application of the 1 lb. level every
two weeks (Treatment #1) or the 3 lb. level
every six weeks (Treatment #4) resulted in
plants of comparable size and quality, but
slightly inferior to those at the 3 lb. rate
applied every 2 weeks. The plants were not
as dark green in color, they were slightly
smaller in size, but flowering was as abun¬
dant as it was in Treatment #3. The poorest
plants were produced in Treatment #2 with
1 lb. of 20-20-20 applied every six weeks.
These plants were small, lacked vigor, pro¬
duced few flowers, and severe nitrogen de¬
ficiency symptoms were expressed in the
leaves.

It would appear that the 3 lb. rate was near
to the maximum for the variety. Pink Geneva,
and almost so for Sailor Girl. For these va¬
rieties, growth was comparable when the 3 lb.
rate was applied every two weeks or every
six weeks. Under the conditions of this ex¬
periment, African violets tolerated rather wide
differences in fertilizer levels.

More experiments are planned to study a
wider range of fertilizer levels applied at
different frequencies under greenhouse con¬
ditions and with fluorescent lights. A new,
ion-exchange resin which has a wide margin
of safety and is incorporated into the soil
mixture before potting is also under inves¬
tigation. •

110

Figure 1. Fertilizer levels for African violet variety Sailor Girl.

#1 — -1 lb. 20-20-20 per 100 gallons every two weeks

#2 — 1 lb. 20-20-20 per 100 gallons every six weeks

#3—3 lbs. 20-20-20 per 100 gallons every two weeks

#4—3 lbs, 20-20-20 per 100 gallons every six weeks

Table 1. The effect of fertilizer levels on the growth of African violets, varieties — Pink
Geneva, Santa Maria and Sailor Girl.

Pink

Geneva

Santa

Maria

Sailor Girl

Treatments

Fresh

Weight

Grams

Dry

Weight

Grams

Fresh

Weight

Grams

Dry

Weight

Grams

Fresh

Weight

Grams

Dry

Weight

Grams

1. 1 lb. every
two weeks

156.2

6.52

154.7

7.35

129.6

5.80

2. 1 lb. every
six weeks

104.2

4.22

110.1

5.28

124.8

5.32

3. 3 lbs. every
two weeks

160.5

6.94

202.7

8.26

153.6

6.40

4. 3 lbs. every
six weeks

163.4

6.97

158.9

7.64

146.1

6.26

Average of six plants per treatment

“S P O N G E - R O K”

The Rock That Breathes In Your Soil

. . . fhe permanent growing medium for every horticultural use
from seed germination to soil conditioning

SEED GERMINATION, CUTTINGS

Pure Sponge-Rok or mixed V2 with
peat moss is used extensively by
commercial growers. Reusable time
and again. Will not absorb an over¬
abundance of water.

PLANTERS & POT PLANTS

Used in combination with soil or
organic materials for plants grow¬
ing in containers. Found in most
private label planter mixes.

SOIL CONDITIONING

Used with soil around root ball
when planting and mixed in lawn
and garden soils to permanently
improve soil structure.

Packed in Vi and 2 Bushel Bags — Write for Samples and Prices

SPONGE-ROK SALES

2112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wise.

Dealers and commercial growers-write for prices on direct factory shipments

PLANTS — ROOTED CUTTINGS — LEAVES

Newest and Older Varieties
Write for List

MRS. COURT JOHNSTON

Route 1, Box 48 Carrollton, III.

IMPROVED NEW

White Cover— 1960 Third Revised Edition

"AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOB
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure, Afri¬
can violet arrangements, judges, judging, species,
gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules, and other
(helpful) up-to-date information. $1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

NOW . . . with NEW

Enjoy the Finest in Indoor Gordening!

World^s Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Radio-Start Fluorescent Liahts!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practical unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African Violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and get
strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW every
Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded fiberglass
trays . . . lightweight and strong, easy to keep clean
and impervious to moisture, ' chemicals or weather!
Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays, $57.00;
2 Trays, $44.50. (Light Fixtures additional.) Rugged
lifetime construction of satin aluminum tubing. The

Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.
1 troy — $8:50; 2 troys — $16.00;
3 troys — $23.50. F.O.B, Cleveland.

NOTE — The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy
to again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete
unit) as an award at the National Convention to be
held in San Francisco, Calif., April 26, 27, 28, 1962.

CLASS — Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1
white, any variety) scoring the highest points. Each
plant must score at least 85 points. These plants are
to be entered in the regular classes for true purples,
pinks, and whites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS —

1953 — Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954 — Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson. Tennessee.

1955 — Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956 — Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957 — Mrs. J. R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958 — Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959 — Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green. Ohio.

1960 — Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer, Brightwaters, New York.

1961 — Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis. Ind.

large heavy duty A" diameter rubber-tired, ball bearing
swivel casters makes it easily movable, even over heavy
carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with Combolite fix¬
tures designed especially for flower culture, combining
incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved superior to
either one alone! New Rapid-Stort fluorescent lights.
No storters gre necessary!

ORDER TODAY . . .

Send check or money order.
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts, accessories and Tips on
Indoor Gardening!

(Sift™.

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

112

GROWING, GROWING, GROWING!

NEW 1962
INTRODUCTIONS

Miniature Orchid

Small and slightly cupped
white blossoms with or¬
chid mar'-'ings in center
areas, somewhat resem¬
bling tiny orchid flowers.
Small foliage, slightly
waved and reddish under¬
neath. A prolific bloomer.

Spring Snow

Outstanding pure-white,
giant, single flowers. A
heavy flowering hybrid
with plenty of vigor, and
our best single white to
date.

Exotic

A superior double white
with giant, deeply frilled
flowers, and attractive
bright pollen centers. A
strong grower with gen¬
tly waved foliage.

Blossom Time

Huge, fully ruffled, royal
blue double blossoms
accented by bright yel¬
low pollen centers. A
heavy flowering medium
grower with well tai¬
lored, beautifully waved
foliage. A nice addition
to any collection.

Growers and Hybridizers of America’s Finest African

Won't you join our ever-growing list of sat¬
isfied mail-order customers? Each year we
add hundreds of names to our list, and during
1962 we again hope to increase this number
by offering you and other Violet enthusiasts
the finest of new and old violet introductions,
plus several new companion plants.

Our pledge of continued service is backed
by over ten years of sending “Violets by
Mail." During this time we have made suc¬
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Throughout 1962 we will continue to produce
and offer only the best Violet varieties backed
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At Fischer greenhouses you can always be
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• Highest Quality

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SEND FOR OUR FREE 1962
COLOR FOLDER

(Customers of record need not request. Your
copy will be in our first 1962 mailing)

Isclier

GREENHOUSES

DEPT. V.M, LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY
Violets producing over 150,000 plants annually

Wi\t

from

TINARI'S

LET THERE BE LIGHT FOR A CHEERY XMAS!

The Junior Growing Lamp (see photo above) makes a cherished gift that will provide light
and ideal growing conditions for your favorite African violets long after the gay festive
season passes. No gift is more appreciated by plant lovers.

Lamp comes complete with 20 watt tube. Light can be placed over any table top,
tray or convenient growing area being 14" high x 10" wide, giving a lighted area of
about 18" X 28." Colors in leaf green or wrought iron black. (Please state color choice)
We can ship anywhere in the U.S.A., $12.75 postpaid.

ORDER DIRECT FROMc-THIS AD for immediate shipment to help solve your holiday gift
list problem.

"1001 African Violet Questions Answered by Twelve Experts" — by Helen Van Pelt Wilson
$4.95 each, P.Pd.

"Theonex African Violet Book" — Good cultural' ,and propagation hints. $1.00 each, P.Pd.
Plant Stakes — A 4]/2" Vertical Stake 100 for $1.40 P.Pd.

4

21,4” Mottled plastic potsr$3.50 per 100 P.Pd.

3 ’’ Mottled plastic pots, squatty tubs, $4.75

per 100 P.Pd.

4 ” Mottled plastic squatty pots, $12.00 per
100 P.Pd.

3 ” Mottled plastic saucers, 100 for $5.00

P.Pd.

Mottled plastic saucers, 100 for $6.25
P.Pd.

Rooting Powder 35c — 2 oz. jar $1.35 P.Pd.
Optox Spray-~-l oz, 60c— 6 oz. $1.35 P.Pd.
Liqua Vita — 8 oz. Bottle 75c P.Pd.

Antrol Spray Bomb — 6 oz. $1.25 P.Pd.

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can be placed at any angle. The holders are cups 314" wide x
1 14" deep of heavy durable black plastic, which will not leak.

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# BETHAYRES, PA.
Dept. A. V.

imU

25 CUP VIOLETREE

A new edition of Carolyn
K, Rector^s famous hook on
the care^ feedings and
breeding of African violets

The most popular guide to African violet grow¬
ing has been revised to keep pace with rapid
developments in new species and new fertiliz¬
ers, insecticides and other chemicals.

Carolyn K. Rector has thoroughly up-dated
the Sunset book How to Grow African Violets.
New copies will be ready for delivery April 20.

Through popular demand the book has been
published continuously over the past ten years
and has undergone two major revisions.

The first portion of this handy guide is de¬
voted to the growth and care of African violets
— with clear, simple, specific information on
all phases of environmental control. It an¬
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of artificial light, soil preparation, etc. Both
novice and expert will find the hundreds of
tips on cultivation of great practical use.

From there it takes one beyond, into the
realm of experimentation and breeding for
characteristics which are desired. In this book
is all of the information needed to hybridize
your own African violets.

Then it goes into the explanation of species,
with a completely new section listing impor¬
tant new developments in violet varieties. This
portion contains descriptions of many new
types providing wanted characteristics.

How to Grow African Violets is a book that
is vital — almost indispensable — to everyone
who grows these fascinating plants.

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6 famous plants in full color

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Menlo Park, California

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Lue Hale, The Friendly Gardener of Canada Sponsors
A High Potency Broadcast By The Blue Whale

Dear Friends: On this, my first broadcast to you from Lulu Island, just over the border from the
State of Washington, I want to tell you part of the story of my life and how it has affected the lives
of gardeners all over this continent. The General Manager of Acme Peat Products Limited of Canada
deplored the waste of dry and liquid fertilizers, which when applied to a plant, gave a lift and then
leached away out of the reach of the plant's roots. He conceived a method by which the finest Cana¬
dian Sphagnum Peat Moss could be filled with the solubles made from the entire whale (baleen,
bone, marrow and all). The product, BLUE WHALE Impregnated Peat Moss, was the result. It
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— which does not leach as other liquids —■ because the gelatin and rich protein-filled glue obtained
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One of our boosters in California (name upon request) sells
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thing you discover, philosophically or horticulturally .

YOURS FOR SERVICE,

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P. S. I will be pleased to send my calendar to you and your
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^ LIQUID WHALE PLANT FOOD ^

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The above prices are postpaid and duty free. Postage rates for letters to Canada same as for U. S.
ACME PEAT PRODUCTS LIMITED OF CANADA, R.R. 2, Dept. AV32, Richmond, B. C.

Our Cover: Valor, an intro¬
duction of Richter’s Greenhouses,
from the collection of Lucile
Kile.

OFFICERS

Mrs. James B. Carey _ President

3900 Garden Drive
Knoxville 18, Tennessee

Joseph D. Schulz _ 1st Vice Pres.

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker _ 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Mrs. Edna Jones _ Rec. Secy.

3560 French Road
Beaumont, Texas

Albert Buell _ Corr. Secy.

P. O. Box 93
Eastford, Connecticut

Mrs. Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass t Editor
5 Center St., Bernardsville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Vera Covert, Anne Tinari

NEWS REPORTERS:

Daisy Jones, Catherine Shepherd,
Marie Dannemiller, Joy Hutson,
(Eng.), Charlotte Marshall

BUYER’S GUIDE:

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

The African Violet Magazine, is
published quarterly by the African
Violet Society of America, Inc,, at 325
W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.
Second-class postage paid at Knox¬
ville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00 per
year. Office Address: P. O. Box 1326,
Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1962.

Iriccin

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 3

MARCH 1962

34

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103

104

108

21

91

11

18

22

35

64

98

100

105

109

110
111

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

Symptoms

Saintpaulia Goetzeana
A Charmed Life
Plant Names
Safety First
Sulphur for Mildew
Chemical Fumigants
Violets in Vermont
Why?

Isolate All New Plants

People Are So Kind

Brief Guidance for Violet Troubles

“African Violets” by Carolyn Rector

Urban-Suburban Club Project

Strawberry Jar: My Way

Use More Charcoal

A Husband’s Nightmare

Educational Exhibit

Boiling Softened Water

Violets Versus People

Violets and Vacations Are Compatible

Our Violet Classics

Something . . . Had To Be Done

More Fun With African Violets

A Fascinating Hobby

Growing African Violets Under Artificial Light
My Way of Grooming and Growing African Violets
African Violets? What Are They?

Growing African Violets in Wisconsin
More Work and Less Worrying
Central Florida Educational Exhibit
Arrangements As I Make Them
The Problems of a Recruit
Pots! Pots! Pots! Pots!

Five Weeks Without a Violet Sitter
My Blunderings in Violet Land
Organizing a Local Club
Creative Ideas with Violets
Pests They’re Only Human
Violet Observations
Show Plants
Episcia Display
The Buyer’s Guide
My Violet Story

Greenhouse Cooling for More Effective Summer Use

Ideas From Here and There

Six Years of Violets

Our Arrangement Won

Letter From Joy Hutson

A Unique Violet Stand

Violets in Flathead Valley of Montana

Raising Violets in Arid New Mexico

How I Became A Grower of African Violets

Violets or Babies

The African Violet Story — British Version

Violets and Romance

Success with Wick-Fed Plastic Pots

New Varieties to Come

Spot-That-Mite !

Composition of Fertilizer

Lavender Elfin Girl Also Lived in a Shoe

Violet Visiting Manners

Our Show Plan

We’ve Done It Before and We’ll Do It Again In ’62
Violets Travel to a Show
Living Organisms and Soil Fertility
CONVENTION

Program — 1962 Convention
Minutes — 1961
EVERY QUARTER
Your Library

New Membership Committee Report

New Affiliated Chapters

Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund

Registration Report

President’s Message

Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African Violets

Show News and Views

Question Box

Club News

RESEARCH

Research With Lights

In Quest of Yellow

Puissance de Hydrogen

2

From the Editor

V vat

WSlq

About THE MASTER LIST OF AFRICAN VIOLETS; From time to time
the Society has considered the publication of a Master List of African
Violets and after due consideration the rights to Carolyn Rector’s
Variety Lists were acquired. These are serving as the foundation around
which extensive research is being conducted to make the Master List
as complete as possible. Mrs. Rector will be listed as chief compiler.
At present, our plans are to first publish a list of as many African
violets from 1935 through 1961 as can be found, giving the plant name,
originator, and description; then, to print a supplement each year for
the next 4 years which will contain cultivars introduced during that year,
names of other cultivars not recorded in previous lists, and any corrections - which need to be made. No
definite publication date can be given at present. If you wish your name placed on the waiting list we will
be glad to do so as only a limited number will be printed. The Master List will be sold at cost plus pack¬
aging, postage, etc. and we do not know the price as yet. Sorry, our time will not permit answering letters
about the list. Reservations will be acknowledged.

Sincerely,

Glsl

%

BETTER PLANTING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum
moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 ways!

BETTER FEEDING

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula.

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food— no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
elements.

SPRAY Pest Control

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

SYSTEMIC CONTROL

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru roots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Other Aids & Club Moferials

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus.

40. Free samples

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42.

Displays for
educational booths.

I Laboral

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

3

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch.
Underwriters approved,

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results^ — ^if so desired —
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50

New TABLE MODEL New

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

” foiT 2~TU b1s”2o"watt

MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch.
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Monufaeturers
217 Brood Avenue

FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

□ MODEL FH240 $10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) $12.50

□ MODEL FH220 $ 8.90

□ Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name _

Address _ _ _ _

City _ State _

Symptoms

Quick recognition of the symptoms of any
disease in African violets and other house
plants is important in correcting troubles be¬
fore they make much progress. There may
be telltale signs of fungus, insect pests, or im¬
proper management; and either fall or spring
may bring trouble to African violets.

Leaves rotting at the plant stem or pot
rim and falling, discoloration of leaves, lack
of bloom, and an unthrifty, dull appear¬
ance of the foliage, will let us know that
something is wrong.

Overwatering, overfertilizing, changing
the location of a plant from a dark spot to
sudden light, lack of plant food, and the
need for repotting, can cause difficulties.

Proper use of fertilizers according to in¬
structions; a regular precautionary spray pro¬
gram with fungicides or pesticides; and the
provision of a good African violet soil, good
light, sufficient humidity, and proper water¬
ing, will help to avoid troubles and keep our
violets healthy and blooming. •

GREENSAND

RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

‘Dm ORGAtnC WAY.

b TIm NATUBAL way."

Home of Organic Horticultural Supplies
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED A. VEITH

3505 Mozart Ave. Cheviot P. O.

Cincinnati 11, Ohio

ASK FOR: SMITH'S PLANTER MIX

at your favorite
Variety, Grocery, Seed
or Hardware Store.

If not available
ORDER DIRECT
4 quarts $1 .00
POSTPAID

ATTENTION: Club Presidents
Write for FREE SAMPLES for door prizes

Smith Potting Soil Co.

2513 E. 19»h St. Tulsa, Okla.

4

“S P O N G E - R O K’’

The Rock That Breathes In Your Soil

, , . the permanent growing medium tor every horticultural use
from seed germination to soil conditioning

Sponge-Rok is a volcanic, silicous rock exploded by an exclusive process in modern furnaces to form
pure white pellets of sponge-like appearance. Each pellet is a myriad of tiny ceils that will hold
water, air and plant foods for hungry roots. It can be mixed with earth, peat moss, charcoal, and
countless other ingredients to assist plant growth. It is widely accepted as the finest material
known for aeration, drainage and insulation against extreme temperature changes. Sponge-Rok is
completely sterile for all forms of fungi, bacteria and organic matter are destroyed in its manufacture.
Packed in V2 and 2 Bushel Bags - — Write for Samples and Prices

SPONGE-ROK SALES

7112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wise.

Dealers and commercial growers — write for prices on direct factory shipments

PLANTS — ROOTED CUTTINGS — LEAVES

Newest and Older Varieties
Write for List

MRS. COURT JOHNSTON

Route 1, Box 48 Carrollton, III.

IMPROVED NEW

White Cover— 1960 Third Revised Edition

"AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOB
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure, Afri¬
can violet arrangements, judges, judging, species,
gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules, and other
(helpful) up-to-date information. $1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

NOW . . . with NEW
Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.
1 tray — $8.50; 2 trays — $16.00;
3 trays — $23.50. F.O.B. Cleveland.

Enjoy the Finest in Indoor Gardening!

GET A

^ioraC^clri

World's Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Rapid-Start Fluorescent Lights!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practicol unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African Violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and get
strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW every
Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded fiberglass
trays . . , lightweight and strong, easy to keep clean
and impervious to moisture, chemicals or weather!
Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays, $57.00;
2 Trays, $44.50. (Light Fixtures additional.) Rugged
lifetime construction of satin aluminum tubing. The
large heavy duty 4" diameter rubber-tired, ball bearing
swivel casters makes it easily movable, even over heavy
carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with Combolite fix¬
tures designed especially for flower culture, combining
incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved superior to
either one alone! New Rapid-Start fluorescent lights.
No starters are necessary!

NOTE — The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy to
again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete unit) as an award
at the National Convention to be held in San Francisco, Calif.,
April 26, 27, 28, 1962.

CLASS — Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1 white,
any variety) scoring the highest points. Each plant must score at
least 85 points. These plants are to be entered in the regular
classes for true purples, pinks, and whites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS —

1953— Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954 — Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955 — Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956 — Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957— — Mrs. J. R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958 — Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959 — Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

1960 — Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer, Brightwaters, New York.

1961 — Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Ind.

ORDER TODAY . . .

Send check or money order.
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts, accessories and Tips on
Indoor Gardening!

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street

Cieveiand 2, Ohio

5

WINDOW GARDENERS

Your
AFRICAN
VIOLET i
Catalog I

I5EMD FOR YOUR CORY OF
1^ TMI$ BIG 24 PACE
CATALOG • MANY
VARIETIES IlLUSTRATER
IN COLOR •AFRICAN
9 ^ VIOLETS IN BLOOM
■ 4 $14Pf.UP>POSTFAI0

SPOUTZ AT'RICAN VIQLET
Greenhouses
34304 Moravian Drive
Fraser, Michijjan

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED
We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song, Afterglo, Good
News, T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waverly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a list of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approximately 100 seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A— -more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00: Mixture B— -from varie¬
ties having "girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C— -from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D — ^from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM — ^3ur best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a "no failure” $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

6ET MORE BEAUTY AND BLOOMS FROM
YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS, USING THESE .

MJIfiUi Tttafl

im mm

BUGONeX

HYDROPONIC CHEMICAL CO., INC., Copley 21, Ohio, U.S.A.

«« HypaN^^o”
AFRICAN VIOLETS

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in water and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings and cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

10 02. Pk0.r mokoB 60 Galf.# — Pottpaldr $1*00

PANONcX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor¬
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

% «t., 2V« — 2 Qti., Sf« — 4 ati., tie

BUGONeX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

5 ox. spray bomb, 9 tc — IS ox. spray bomb# $1.69

THEONoX African Violet Book, Postpaid $1
Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

Saintpaulia Goetzeana

Vera Covert, Amsterdam, New York

The leaf of S. Goetzeana was calloused
when I gave it to Maggie, She took it home
and set it in a small pot containing half coarse
vermiculite and half Sponge-Rok. It was
placed in her propagating case where the
temperature is about 70 degrees and the hu¬
midity a constant 85 per cent, with 14 hours
of light from two 20 watt fluorescent tubes
placed 20 inches above the plant material.

The leaf had not been dipped or treated
with rooting powder. It was watered with
fertilizer whenever Maggie fed the started
babies in the case. Young plantlets appeared
in about 8 weeks. S. Goetzeana is a slower
grower. The babies are very small. In Octo¬
ber they were transferred to a bench with
mature plants, where the light is about the
same distance, the temperature about 70 de¬
grees and the humidity 80 per cent. They are
growing slowly but nicely. •

VIOLET GROWTH UNITS

Decoratively designed — Suitable for any
home or office location. Beautiful bright alu¬
minum construction; rustproof. Detachable
fluorescent fixture includes lamp, switch, line
cord.

(1-20 Watt Shdivn)

1-15 Watt (18 X 9 in.) — $11. 95 postpaid*

1- 20 Watt (24 X 9 in.) — $13.95 postpaid*

2- 20 Watt (24 x 14 in.) — $17.35 postpaid*

*Add $1.00 in West.

POSTCARD BRINGS

CATALOG SHOWING:

• Fluorescent Fixtures.

• Fixture Kits, Parts.

• Other Growth Units.

6 to
48 in.
long.

SHOPLITE CO. Phone: North 7-6021

650V Franklin Ave.# Nutley 10# N. J.

6

Grow Prize Winning African
Violets the Safe and Easy Way

Let us do the work and produce the Growing
Media. YOU have fun . . . just supply the
Plant, Loving care, proper light and humidity
. . . . And watch your plants grow to prize
winning Quality.

Walloce Minerof— -A mineral and trace element
mix for feeding and balance.

n pd. box $T.OO 5 pd. box $2.00
Golden Earth — Ready to pot — - potting mix,
nothing to add. Will not pack or sour.

T pd. bog $1.00 3 pd. bog $2.00

Holy Cow — Top quality dehydrated manure.
Clever pink package. Makes excellent gag gift.
5 pd. bog $2.00

Dondee Peot— German type peat, rich and
dark, ground to specifications with high
analysis.

4 pd. bog $1.50

Mognite — Low Nitrogen, High Phosphorus
Fertilizer with trace elements.

1 pd. box $1.00 5 pd. box $2.00

Wolloce Florol Mix — More economical and
heavier type ready to pot — potting soil.

3 pd. bog $1.50

Packing and shipping charges included.

All Walloce Products are tested and proven.
Send for one or all today.

Wallace Mineral Corp.

170 West Virginia Avenue
DENVER 23, COLORADO

Adjustable MICRO-LITE Illuminator

for your “SPOT-THAT-MITE"

20x Pocket ^'MIKE"

To provide the good
illumination necessary
when using your 20x
pocket microscope, I am
offering this brand new
illuminator which at¬
taches instantly to the
pocket “MIKE.” This
ever-ready light proves
extremely effective
wherever the available
light is inadequate or
obscured.

By focusing directly on the
field of view, it increases
image brightness and depth
perception.

Both the microscope and
light may be removed in¬
stantly from the adapter for
separate use. The light takes
two standard longlife, pen-
light batteries and standard
bulb, which are included.
Price — MICRO-LITE (with
batteries) and adapter and
“SPOT - THAT - MITE” 20x
“MIKE” — U. S. and
Canada .... $5.95 postpaid.
Foreign — Please add post¬
age.

MICRO-LITE (with batteries
and adapter) . . . $3.00 ppd.
(For Microscope price etc. see African Violet
Magazine, December 1961 page 23).

/I Brighter Image is
a Better image

Send check or money order to

NORMA B. BUTLER

126 Valentine Dr.

North Syracuse, N. Y.

For years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrat¬
ed food elements needed for rapid, healthy
growth and bloom. Very easy and economical
to use ... a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c
package makes 125 gals., $1.49 package makes
250 gals., of rich liquid food,

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No
harm to bloom or foliage when used as directed.
Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to
children and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal
insecticide. 5 oz. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

Dept. Av29, 624 W. 11 9th St.

Chicago 28, Illinois

YOU, TOO,
CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING
AFRICAN
VIOLETS

PLANT MARVELLS
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

A

(H igm uuiieri"

To Increase the Pleasure of Gardening

1

RUHM'S PHOSPHATE ROCK

'Nature's Way' African Violet Soil
Potash rock — ■ Limestone

Horn and Hoof — Blood — Bone — Cotton
and Fish meals — Tobacco and Leather
dusts — Active - — Organo — and Atlas
Fish Emulsion, etc.

10^ Coin Brings Price List.

SOIL-CONDIJIONERS

P. O. Box 384 Littleton, Moss.

— Advertisers —

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

The Editor and Publisher of the African
Violet Magazine reserve the right to accept
or reject and/or modify in any way all adver¬
tising copy which is submitted to the African
Violet Magazine for publication.

NEW LIGHT WEIGHT
WATER-FOG VIOLET SPRAYER

Light as a feather! New plastic sprayer weighs
less than half a pound. Easy one-hand opera¬
tion. Will not tire you. Soft, squeeze of handle
sprays clouds of fine water-fog mist. Moistens
leaves of African violets, Gardenias, all garden
and house plants. Promotes bloom and growth.
New colorful translucent polyethylene con¬
tainer is non-corrosive and unbreakable. Heavy
duty nickel planted brass parts in positive ac¬
tion pump. Precision built for long* uninter¬
rupted service. Manufacturer will repair or
replace with 1-day service, if ever needed.
Sprays water-fog, insecticides, fungicides, moth
spray, all garden and household sprays. Half¬
pint size $5.45; Pint $5.95! Quart $6.45 postpaid.

UNUSUAL HARD-TO-FIND SUPPLIES AND
EQUIPMENT FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS. SEND
20c FOR CATALOG ONLY {Free With Order)

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 853 Oxford, Maryland

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

insecticides. Soil, Plastic Labels, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle _ $1.45

Mildex (mildew) _ 1.25

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1.40

Tropi-Grower _ 2.98

1 10 Greenplast labels _ 1,00

12 capsules sodium selenate _ _ _ 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate _ 3.30

100 capsules .sodium selenate _ _ _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide .. 1.00

COMPLETE LINE WRITE FOR CATALOG
"Whatever you want — Wherfever you are"

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street Penns Grove 6, N. J.

The oldest and most reliable
African Violet Supply House

AFRICAN VIOLETS

BEST of OLD and NEW
— - Send Stamp for List — •

MARY 0. BLACKBURN

404 Montiieu Ave, High Point, N. C.

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or black finish, and 18", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V2" — $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 10" - — $2.98
each or two for $5.50; 30" x 10" - — $3.49
each or two for $6.50. Order by size and color.
VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40— $1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

RIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1.00, with full directions.
TROPI-GROWER— See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid.

21/4” peat pots — 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29.
3” peat pots — 25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. M22 Wausau, Wis.

8

A Charmed Life

Mrs. George R. Bishop, Princeton, N.J.

One of my White Pride Supremes has a
charmed life, I am sure. First, a friend let
it fall and broke it. Then, as it was beginning
to look like a plant again, a Venetian blind
came down on it!

But today, a year later, it is 12 inches across,
in bloom, is a beautifully symmetrical plant,
and looks lovely in one of the new Kem-Pots.

Don’t tell me that African violets aren’t
hardy. •

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Newest Designs In Plant Lights

NEW 1962 CATALOG of unusual and hard-
to-find supplies, equipment and accessories for
African violets, Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas,
all greenhouse and indoor plants. 60 illustrated
pages. Everything from potting mixes and plas¬
tic pots to large aluminum plant stands and
fluorescent lights. Largest selection any catalog
specializing in African violet supplies and equip¬
ment for indoor plants. Send 20c now in stamps
or coin for your copy.

The House Plant Corner

Box 854 Oxford, Maryland

now !

THE NEW Cf^ube Graft

WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C

1311 West 80th Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!
HERE'S REAL ECONOMY !

THRIFTEE

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

Now

Available
In

COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

HttnttaiRW-Miia

• Permanent— Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones — -end of competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Made by the makers of famous

LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economicol THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be eosily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a
damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Markers ore a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attroctive plont
markers ore required in quantity of o

minimum pricel

THRIFTEE Morker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3” Thriftee Markers— 7/16” wide;
4”, 5”. and 6” — 5/8” wide)

Send your check ond we pay postage.
Be sure to specify color desired
otherwise, all orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS

Far West: 1864 S. lEOth St., Seattle 88, Washington
Canada: C. A. Cruickshank, 1015 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Toronto 12, Ontario

9

FRESH

CUT LEAVES

Ann Spencer

Happy Hooligan

Athena

Heldie

Black Jack

Highlighter

Blue Rhythm

Imperial Princess

Blue Lace

Ice Flow

Bella Vista

Persian Carpet

Chi Am

Persian Swirls

Calypso

Remember Me

Cloud Mist

Red Carnation

Chloe

Red Witch

Chatterbox

Rosita

Fiamma

Tutti Frutti

Fashion Plate

Valerie

Fairy Tales

Victorian Veil

Gay Feather

Well Now

Dream Castle

Desert Splendor

Numerous variegated varieties to

choose from, hundreds of other varie¬

ties. List on request.

Qforii’ African Violet Corner

308 Franklin St.

Bloomfield, N. J.

Phone PI 8-5485

Plant Names

In Latin, genus means tribe or family.
Therefore, the generic name, or genus, serves
a plant as a surname serves a person. The
specific name, or species, can be compared
to a person’s given name. The generic name
may stem from its origin or growing habits,
or from the name of its discoverer. The Saint-
paulia, commonly called African violet, was
named for Baron St. Paul, the first European
to find it in Africa. The specific name is
sometimes given as S. ionantha, meaning
violet flowered. •

ROOTED CUTTINGS

(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

See September 1961 issue for pot
prices or a postcard will bring com¬
plete listing of violets and supplies.

Violets by Elizabeth

3T3T Montrose Rockford, Illinois

— VISITORS WELCOME

ROOTED CLUMPS — 75^ each
(these have plantlets)

Ardent Red

Dark Mistress

Mandy

Rollo

Annie Kim

Ember Rose

Moline

Spring Rose

Blue Guard

Echo

Never Lovelier

Spanish Don

Blue Glade

Forever White

Orchid Glaze

Soft Whisper

Bells of Ireland

Fairyland Dream

Pink Sugar

Smoke Rings

Beth

Gabriel

Panama City

Snow Ballet

Blushing Beauty

Gladrags Sup.

Pink Baton

Sea Grape

Blackberry Fluff

Fland Embroidered

Putti Kat

Shrill

Blue Lou

Ffi Flopes

Pam

Sin Purple

Beau Ideal

lora

Pink Riot

Slick

Big Blue

Jacob's Coat

Possessed

Sweetheart Blue

Betsy Ross

Jane Starr

Pink La Flame

Savannah Sweetheart

Chartreuse Fringe

Lav. Pink Girl

Pink Fandango

Tim Tam

Conquest

Lisa

Pink Calico

Tall Tales

Cluster Pink

Lav. Pearl

Pixie Fire

T rifari

Cotton Clouds

Loves Dream

Persian Pink

Tall Talk

Doll Dance

Milky Way

Prairie Afire

Venetian Blue

Dbl. Racy Red

Mitzie

Queen's Beauty

Young Love

Desert Splendor

Mizz

Ruffled Pinafore

Limit 2 of a variety per order. $1.00 handling charge on all orders up to 15 rooted
clumps, over 15 add 50^ per ten. Orders to be sent parcel post, Special Handling,
and varieties in this ad will be ready April or May. For complete listings (which
Includes many miniatures, Longifolia and variegated leaved types) send self ad¬
dressed and stamped envelope. Special Delivery 50?: extra. Iowa customers only
add 2% state sales tax.

Dorothy A. Young

2937 Rutland Ave. Des Moines 11, Iowa

10

Your Library

Maisie Yakie, P. O. Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

It simply does not seem possible that it is just
about time to begin packing for another wonderful
African Violet Society Convention! Before we know
it, we will be greeting old friends and making new
ones in San Francisco. The tired, happy idiots with
the cameras grinding away all night long after the
show is closed will be your Library Committeemen
busily “shooting” the slides you will be enjoying all
this year and next, depicting the beauties of the San
Francisco Convention. This is being written in Decem¬
ber and even now reservations are coming in for the
San Francisco Convention slides. So, you had better
get yours in the mail today. More on this in the June
and September issues.

An idea for a good program comes from Mrs.

Edward M. Pollard (Indianapolis African Violet Club
No. 1) who tells us that the program her club en¬
joyed most one year was one on the “1001 Questions
and Answers” book compiled by Helen Van Pelt
Wilson. This took the form of a study of each chapter
followed by a good, spirited discussion. You can bet
that not everyone agreed with the answers in the
book, but that is what makes a good program.

A sure-fire idea to spark a club and get us all busy
sprucing up our violets is to have a guest club join us
for a meeting! At such a time of course you want to
have an outstanding and interesting program and
what could be more interesting than one of the good
new slide programs from the Library (Floyd Johnson
will be sending me a bill for advertising in the AV
Magazine). I get hundreds of letters each year saying
how much the slides are enjoyed by all. We have
worked hard and feel that we can proudly give you
outstanding slide programs.

With spring and summer approaching or virtually
here, if you are a southern belle, why not plan a field
trip to some nearby greenhouse? It would be better
if this could be to some violet grower but if such is
not possible there is still much to be learned and en¬
joyed from any greenhouse that features house plants,
etc. Plan a picnic lunch if the weather is warm
enough or have a lunch somewhere along the way
either before or after your visit. But do make prior
arrangements with the owner of the greenhouse. They

I

ATLAS FISH EMULSION
for BETTER AFRICAN VIOLETS

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
For vigorous growth, fine texture of foliage and
profusion of rich colored blooms on your Afri¬
can violets, use non-burning, 100% organic
ATLAS! Only 1/4 teaspoon per quart lukewarm
water every 10-14 days. Try it — buy it today
and see the difference.

At dealers everywhere. If not available, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart $1.90; Gallon $6.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., (LOGO - Room 460)
San Francisco 11, Cal.

will appreciate it and you will get a good deal more
from your visit because they will be expecting you
and will be prepared to give you more of their time
and attention.

Please remember that a complete listing of slides
and other Library materials was given in the Septem¬
ber 1961 issue of the AV Magazine and it is planned
that a revised list will be published in the September
1962 issue. Also a listing of the rules will be given.
Please GIVE US AT LEAST SIX (6) WEEKS PRIOR
REQUEST NOTICE. Thanks so much for your con¬
tinued interest and support. See you in San Francisco.

NATURAL AND ORGANIC SOIL
MINERALS HEADQUARTERS

Fanning's Famous All-Purpose Blend
for "EVERYTHING THAT GROWS."
WILL NOT BURN. Try it on African
violets or any other type flowers,
lawns, and gardens. Available in 5,
10 and 80 lb. bags.

Write for Free Folder

Immediate Shipment

Fanning Soil Service, Inc.

4951 S. Custer Road Monroe, Miehigon

.FOR YOUR Jiota (^art

eEAUTIFUL NEW

MOLDED FIBER GLASS

Size 19" *49" * 1 '/j-

THE ALL-PURPOSE TRAY FOR FLOWER GROWERS!

FITS ALL ^iora . . Interchangeable

on all models!

ATTRACTIVE NEUTRAL C0L'0R...Perma

nently molded-in to every tray!

LIGHT-WEIGHT AND STRONG ... Easy to
handle. ..Won't dent or break!

RUST- PROOF - RESISTS CHEMICALS . .

Impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY-TO-CLEAN SURFACE... Washable,
hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN ... For draining
...without removal of plants!

Prict: I TRAY -$ 8.50 2 TRAYS- 16.00 3 TRAYS- 23.50

Rtmit b, Chtck or Mon», OrOtr F. O. B. CI.V.»l«nij.^Ohie

tmc. 1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

11

DIE-SLUG

Metaldehyde Emulsion
Fortified with Dieldrin

Kills Slugs and Snails in Flower Beds, Gardens
and Greenhouses.

See Article page 88, Volume 15, Number 2,
African Violet Magazine.

PRICE POSTPAID

1 Pint . $2.00

1 Quart ..... 3.00

1 Gallon .... 9.00

Distributorships Available
Manufactured in U. S. A. by

TRIANGLE CHEMICAL COMPANY

P. O. Box 1501 Macon, Georgia

Safety First

Perhaps safety is talked and written about
so much that familiarity breeds contempt. But
the careful gardener practices safety in the
use of insecticides and fungicides because
they contain chemicals poisonous to human
beings and animals. A few general rules should
always be observed. Store all such materials
away from children, irresponsible persons and
animals, if possible in a locked cabinet. Keep
chemicals in their original, properly marked
containers. Dispose of all empty containers
carefully, either by burning or by means of
the city sanitary service. Above all use the
pesticides strictly in accordance with the
manufacturers’ warnings and directions. •

RIENHARDT'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

An African Violet Show Every Day Of The Year

Episcias Pink Ivy Specimen Plants Starter Plants

NEWEST VARIETIES —

Anne Spencer, Heldie, Tiffany, Highlighter, Avecita, Atlas, Possessed, Old Silver, Gay Witch,
Party Gown, Independence, Afterglo Supreme, Blush 'N Sno, Sierra Sky, Fancy Leaf Newan.
We make periodic buying trips and try to carry the best of the new introductions from well
known growers. You may see them all in bloom and be able to buy something in all of them;
from a leaf to a blooming plant, depending on our supply. Come in and look them over.

Complete line of SUPPLIES - — - Distributors for Sponge-Rok, Lifetime Markers,
Kemp Soil Shredders, buy at dealer prices.

Located at 4463 W. Seneca Tpk., Syracuse 15, N. Y., 2 miles west of City limits, on routes 20N
and 175. Telephone HO 9-3789.

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay

Your choice of pure white, spring green, gay
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky blue
(We will ship green if no color is given)

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS
SIZES AND STYLES

A — -4^” vertical stake
P— 2”x5” tee stake
P4-— 4” T stake, removable tab
C-— 6” vertical stake
D — ^l”x2’* horizontal tie-on tag
E — l”x3” horizontal tie-on tag
F- — %”x2” notched tie-on tag
H— 2i^”x8” tee stake
J— 3’»xl2” tee stake
K-— 4i/^”xl8” tee stake
P — l”xl2” vertical stake

Postpaid Quantity

Prices

style

50

100

500

A

$1.25

$ 5,50

B

$'2700

2.75

11.00

B4

1.50

6.00

C

1.50

2.25

10.00

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F

1.25

5.00

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

Included

with D, E, and F.

3LE COLORED

LABELS

100

125

250 500

1000

$1.00 $1.60

$2.50

_ $1.00

1.55 2.50

3.90

$1.00

2.30 3.65

4.80

1.15

2.55 4.10

5.40

1.45

3.40 5.40

7.20

SIZE

T/16” x 3” vertical marker
5/8” x4” vertical marker
5/8” X 5” vertical marker
5/8” X 6” vertical marker
5/8” X 8” vertical marker

See Information Above Relative to Colors
TRIAL ASSORTMENTS: No. 1—50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H — $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2—125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes- — $1.00 postpaid.

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A, $1.00; 1,000 Style A, $7.95 ppd. (To June 15).
Ask for free complete folder showing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

Dept. M23

1126 ARTHUR ST.

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

12

Sulphur For Mildew

Luella Marmaduke, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Use a cotton swab or cutex, slightly damp¬
ened, dip in jar of Flowers of Sulphur, swab
under the leaves next to the stalk. This leaves
just a small amount of sulphur, and as the
flower stalks grow out you will neither see
the sulphur on the flower nor on the top of
the foliage, yet the plant is free from mil¬
dew. I have used this method for a long time.
Even if mildew shows up just before a show,
you can still do this and no one is the wiser.

Mildew is more prevalent when the plants
are in the basement, especially after the fur¬
nace has been turned off. •

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

OUR NEW ORIGINATIONS
FOR 1962

Catalog has complete descriptions.
Please send 4^ stamp for your copy.

NAOMI'S

P. O. iox 123 Brockporf, N. Y.

SWINGING ^'GARDEN-GATE"
PLANT RACKS

Enjoy the beauty of a window>fuH of bloom

Large size: 40” high
X 13” across the bot¬
tom. Removable fluted
trays. Will hold pots
with up to and inch
3” bottoms. Black
wrought iron. Hard¬
ware inch $14.95 pair.

New size; 24” high x
13” across the bottom.

3 trays on each rack.,

$11.95 pair.

All orders postpaid
east of the Miss. Add
$1.00 postage per pair
west of the Miss. $2.00
Canada. No C.O.D.’s
please. Satisfaction
guaranteed.

Penna. residents add
4% sales tax.

POULETTE PRODUCTS

Dept. AY
Kempton, Po.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leove$ - — Roofed Cuffings — Smoll Plants

New and Older Varieties
Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7322

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3” — Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Ideal for Violet Shows— Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays
6 for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

4927 Transit Road Williamsville 21, N. Y.

CHOICEST OF NEW VIOLETS

Sold here at house . . . ! do not ship plants.

13

PLASTIC

POTS . .

. SAUCERS . .

. LABELS

Round Regular . . ,

, Shipped Assorted Colors

Red, White, Green, Blue, Black

, Yellow

IV4”

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100/$ 2.80

2”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100/$ 3.00

21/4”

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100/$ 4.00

21/2”

25/$1.75

50/ $3.00

100/$ 5.00

(2i^»

available

assorted colors

or all

mottled soft green)

3”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100/$ 6.95^

4”

25/$3.75

50/ $7 .00

100/$12.00^

*Soft

green only

Square (Soft Green only)

2 1/2”

25/$1.75

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.00

3”

25/ $2.00

50/$3.75

100/$ 6.95

4”

25/$3.75

50/$7.00

100/$12.00

Round Saucers 5/8” deep (Black)

Fits up to 3” pot

25/$2.00 50/ $3.75 100/$ 7.25

Round Saucers (Shipped assorted colors)
No. 2 (2-34” fits pots to 2V2”)

25/$1.35 50/ $1.85 100/$ 2.95

No. 3 (3-3/4” fits pots to 31/2”)

25/$1.75 50/$3.25 100/$ 6.25

African Violet Plastic Tubs (Squatty)

Red, White, Dark Green, Light Green

25/$2.40 50/$3.95

Plastic Labels

100/$ 7.75

‘Lifetime” 4^2” white
‘Thriftee” %” x 4” green

100/$1.25
125/$1.00

“Economy” 1/2” x 3” white 200/ $1.00

Add 10% for postage on all orders. Zone 5
and beyond add 15%. Min. Order $2.00. Send
dime for complete supply catalog.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. MAV

3548 N, Cramer Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

Chemical Fumigants

When soil in large quantity is needed —
the ideal way to rid it of undesirable orga¬
nisms is by steam. Not many gardeners are
equipped to do this, however, so they must
resort to chemical fumigants. Among these is
chloropicrin, sold under various trade names.
It is a general purpose fumigant to be used
when the soil temperature is 60° or higher.
Place six inches of soil in a drum or barrel
and sprinkle one ounce of the chemical over
it; continue the layers to the top, with the
soil the last layer. Cover tightly and let stand
two days. The soil must be thoroughly aerated
before using.

Methyl Bromide, sold under various trade
names, is equally as effective. Treat the soil
as recommended above, but use one to two
ounces of 26% material for each cubic foot
of soil. Confine the gas which is formed for
six hours, then aerate the soil. •

MANY VARIEGATED VARIETIES

AFRICAN VIOLETS

By Newcomb

860 Sherbourne Drive Inkster^ Michigon

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

RITA LUCIANO

P. 0. Box 603 Cresskilb N. J.

New And Prolific 1962 Spring Releases

REVERIE— Clusters of huge double pink blooms open and look like miniature,
roses. Flat growing modified girl foliage.

DOTTED SWISS— Double blue with white dot on each petal. Tailored foliage.
FADS 'N FRILLS— Orchid-pink fringed Fantasy double. Wavy foliage.

FRENCH BLEU— French blue fringed single. Variegated foliage.

FROSTY GLO— Pure single white. Supreme foliage.

HAPPY VENTURE— Ruffled soft pink double. Scalloped girl foliage.

JEWELLED COLLAR — -Double blue with green edge. Tailored foliage.

MY DARLING— Huge cherry-pink double. Dark green foliage.

MY PLEASURE^ — -Lovely double orchid bicolor. Tailored foliage.

PARISIENNE — -Frosted pink double. Dark tailored foliage.

WORK-OF~ART — Fuchsia double. Green-black tailored foliage, small growing.
BLUE SHIMMER— Shimmering blue-white single. Semispooned round quilted
foliage.

Roofed cuttings or small plants
@ $1.50

Plus $1.00 Postage and packing

NOTE: On orders of $10.00 or more we will include, roofed cuffing of plonf named in memory of
DORIS LEIGH.

Minimum order from this price list $5.00

14

Made for Each Other!

African Violets and
Garden-Guide
Unbreakable Plastic
HOUSE PLANT
MARKERS

41/2” stake with detachable
name plate to identify
plants easily,
attractively, permanently !

Thin stem
design won't
harm flowers,
leaves or
root
structure.

Here's a brand new concept in house plant
markers that outmodes all others! So new! So
unique! So good-looking! So practical! . . . It's
a wonder it wasn't invented long ago! It is
the perfect answer to a long felt need — so
exactly right, really, you'll want one for every
plant in your home!

LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL FEATURES:

• LIFETIME QUALITY: Reusable, year-after-
year! On a use-basis, the most economical of
all! No replacing every season . . . your first
cost is your last!

• GUARANTEED: Impervious to sun, water,
extremes of heat or cold, and to garden
chemicals!

• ANCHOR-RIDGE prevents turning or twist¬
ing in loose soil!

• DE LUXE APPEARANCE: Graceful form,
color harmonized in two shades of garden green
to blend beautifully with foliage. Gives smart,
orderly effect!

• REUSABLE NAME PLATES: Super tough,
weather resistant plastic, held securely on stake
and properly tilted for good visibility and in¬
stant, easy reading! Name plates are readily
removable, interchangeable, reversible. Can be
erased as desired, making these name plates
reusable for years!

1 to 99 stokes with nome plates, each
1 00 or more stakes with name plates,
each

• Sold on a satisfaction guaranteed or money-
back basis.

• If your dealer cannot supply, send coupon
direct, please,

(DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED)

HARLANE COMPANY

P. O. Box 516, Highland Pork, III.

HARLANE COMPANY, Dept. AV-121 1

P. 0. Box 516, Highland Park, ill.

I enclose $ _ (check or M.O.) for I

which please send me PREPAID items be- ,
low: (no stamps, no C.O.D. please— minimum I

order $1.00)

- stakes with name plates @ 5c each I

1 to 99 .

- stakes with name plates @ 4V2C each *

100 or more j

NAME _ _ _

ADDRESS _ '

CITY _ ZONE _ STATE _ |

SAINT PAULI A
from

ST. PAUL

Variety is the spice of life
Send for free list.

DORA BAKER or EVELYN MASON

3182 Stanford Ave.
St. Paul 5, Minn.

372 S. Miss. River Blvd
St. Paul 5, Minn.

Violet

Hanky

Imported from Switxerlond

Violet bouquets in true-to-life colors on" fine
batiste. Hand roiled hem. ISVz" square. Gift
envelope. $1.25 ppd.

D. H. BECKER

1378 East 8th St, Brooklyn 30, New York

SQUARE PLASTIC FLOWER POTS

Twenty-four pots 2" square for $1 postpaid!
Hold as much soil as larger round pots but
need less space for growing. Perfect |or seed¬
lings, cuttings, and rooting African violet
leaves. 4 drain holes for better root growth.
50 for $1.75; 100 for $3.00; 23,^ ” size 24 for
$1.50; 50 for $2.75; 100 for $5.25; 3^4" size 24
for $2.95; 50 for $4.75; 100 for $9.25 postpaid.
Catalog included tells low prices, unusual hard-
to-find supplies. 60 illustrated pages. Send
20c in stamps or coin for catalog only.

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 852 Oxford, Maryland

15

My collection of African violets with Rosary Plant (ceri pegia woodi) in foreground.

Violets In Vermont

Dorothy Alio way, Woodstock, Vermont

SUB-ZERO temperatures do not seem ideal
conditions for growing African violets, but
some of the loveliest violets that any African
violet fan could yearn for are growing by my
southern exposed picture window. I was in¬
troduced to African violets about five years
ago when my husband gave me one for Eas¬
ter. It was unnamed, but a very pretty single
purple. He purchased the plant from a woman
who grew them at her home; and after that
first introduction to violets, I became a fre¬
quent visitor (and purchaser) there. Then, af¬
ter visiting florists, and receiving leaves from
friends, my collection gradually increased.

I keep most of my “lovelies” on a table
near my picture window through which they
receive warm morning sun, which is just
right in winter but I filter the sunlight in the
summer so as to prevent the discoloration of
the African violet leaves. A few plants are
even kept on the window ledge, and although
some collectors put cardboard between the
window pane and plants to keep them from
chilling (this winter it is chilly in Vermont;
last night the temperature dropped to 25 de¬
grees below zero), I do not offer this pro¬
tection to my lovelies as the baseboard heat¬
ing system lies just under the window ledge,
and this in combination with the storm win¬
dows affords ample warmth.

The soil in which my plants thrive is a
prepared mix sold locally at Fountain’s
Greenhouse. I have used Black Magic soil
with good results, but find the soil I now use
equally as good.

Watering my lovelies occurs a few times
each week, the water being distributed from
the bottom. For a fertilizer I use Black Mag¬
ic Blossom Booster, on which the plants
thrive. I first introduced my plants to ferti¬

lizer by administering it every two weeks
(applying it from the top), and after profuse
bloom occurs I cut the dosage to about once
every five weeks.

Shower time for my African violets is
once a month; I use a fine spray syringe and
tepid water, then I blow on the crown of each
plant to remove any excess water. After
showering, they are put in their regular places
to dry overnight, away from any light.

I have rooted leaves by just snipping a
healthy one from a strong plant and placing
it in warm water. I find that by placing just
a few drops of diluted fertilizer in the water
in which the leaf is placed, it roots sooner.

At the present time I have a small collec¬
tion (approximately 35 plants) but it is the
right size for a woman who has four small
children to care for. The Divine Gardener
knows I yearn to have a larger collection,
and, with His help, some day I plan to expand
living space to make room for more lovelies.

I enjoy my African violets more than I
can express in this article. To me they are
my “friendship plant” as whenever I hear
of a friend who is sick, I can separate a mul¬
tiple crown or plant a rooted leaf, and I not
only have visited and cheered the sick, but
in most cases I have made a wonderfully hope¬
less violet addict out of the receiver.

My eight year old son rooted a leaf and
planted same as a gift to his teacher last year.
There is nothing like indoctrinating the young
into the African violet world — a wonderful
world it is!

The African Violet Magazine is my cons¬
tant source of improvement in caring for my
plants, and all the ads therein make me yearn
for far away violets with sweet sounding
names.

Woodstock, Vermont, is a haven for tour¬
ists in our cool, refreshing summer air and
for skiers on our cold, snowy slopes in winter.
In this corner of our town, on the Morgan
Horse Farm, we not only have moonlight, but
. . . Violets in Vermont. •

16

Why?

Luella Marmaduke, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

Did you read the article on research, writ¬
ten by Dr. Reed, that appeared in the June
1961 issue of the African Violet Magazine?
Did it bring questions to your mind, too? Even
before completely reading the whole of it, I
thought to myself:

Why have I been willing to accept so much
without realizing the cost? No, I had never
sent even one dollar for all the research on
African violets. We have red, white, pink,
blue, purple and multicolored, single and dou¬
ble varieties. WHY? . . . because someone
else was willing to give of his time or work
for so little, that I might have them. Why I
even have one variety called Lemon Drop;
and, yes, it has a definite yellow since fully

— New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube —
Now Available

NOTICE! We can now supply NEW SYLVANIA
GRO-LUX TUBES as described on page 27 of
the September 1961 issue of this Magazine.
6-40 Watt 48” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each — $14.10
6-20 Watt 24” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each — $13.20
Packed 6 in Shipping Carton. NO LESS SOLD.
Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube. We
Pay the POSTAGE.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Oak Creek, Wis.

grown. This would not have been possible
without research.

Why have these persons so willingly given
to produce something new? Is it just so that
you and I would be pleased? Not exactly, but
if they hadn’t taken this to heart, you and I
would have lost interest long ago if all we
had was a table of single blue plants, all with
the same foliage.

Why would we attend Conventions if there
was nothing new to entice us? Would we go
to the bother of having someone care for our
dog or our violets and maybe our husbands
while we went to the show, if we found
nothing new when we got there?

Why, I just felt guilty when I finished the
article, so I mailed a check immediately. Then
I did feel that I had earned all the colors I
saw as I looked over my African violets.

Why, I even have one plant of Blue Electra
that has real pink in the foliage. I am keeping
my fingers crossed and hoping that because
of research maybe it will stay.

Why don’t you join in, too? Let’s all send
in a dollar or ^lore to Myrtle Radtke,
Treasurer, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn.,
and designate that it is for research. Let’s
all be surprised when the issue of our maga¬
zine comes out at a later date that tells us
all what we have done.

Why, it might even mean a gorgeous yel¬
low some day. Who knows? •

NEW FOR '62 FROM RICHTER'S

BOLD ONE- — Bright wine-red double blooms held high above tailored foliage.

COED — -Clear light pink double, with good clusters of bloom on strong stems. Quilted foliage.
DELILAH— “Vivid raspberry semidouble fringed bloom, beautiful frilled foliage with red-reverse.
FANCEE— Raspberry fringed single, shaded deeper toward edges. Blossoms are held on strong stems
well above handsome quilted foliage. Very pretty.

LI LI-— Creamy-pink double, strong tailored foliage. A really dependable performer, always in bloom.
PRISM— -Fringed Fantasy type double, with streaks and splashes of color. Glossy dark frilled foliage,
red-reverse. Outstanding!

REBEL^ — -Deep purple double of excellent size and substance. Dark quilted foliage, which shapes
up beautifully. Do not miss this variety for a potential show variety.

SEA CHANTEY-— Exceptionally bright blue fringed double, slightly frilled foliage. Excellent.

TINA— Huge pink full double. Supreme foliage, a big proud beauty.

Now in good supply — our popular 1961 releases:

CHIMES NIGHTSHADE

GUMDROP STAINED GLASS

HERITAGE INDIANA BELLE

LA FEMME ROXIE

You may order directly from this ad. Strong young plants $1.00 each, rooted cuttings 85^ each.
Minimum order $4.00, plus $1.00 extra for postage.

A stamp brings you our spring 1962 list of many more varieties, old and new. Order early for best
selection. On pick-up orders you will find best selection at our Hammond greenhouses.

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSE

9529 Wicker Park Boulevard
607 Hoffman Street

Highland, Indiana
Hammond, Indiana

17

GUANO

(From the coves in old Mexico)

'The best friend a pot plant ever had"
100% GUANO - thoroughly sterilized,
is preferred by users who want the
best. Simply dissolve and water your
house plants and garden flowers. If
dealer can't supply send $1.50 for 16
oz. can, postpaid.

BAT GUANO COMPANY

812 S. Main

Bryan, Texas

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES

This List Cancels All Previous Lists & Circulars

21/4

21/2

3”

31/2

4”

21/4

2//2

3”

31/^

4”

31/2

1 ¥4
2”
21/4
21/2
3”
31/2
4”

Square
” 25/$1.40

” 25/S1.65

25/ 1 1.95
” 25/$2.20

25/$3.30
Square Pots —

” 25/Sl.lO

” 25/S1.40

25/S1.65
” 25/S1.95

25/$2.20
Square Trays
” 25/S1.65

25/S1.95
Round
” 25/$1.10

25/S1.40
” 25/S1.50

” 25/S1.65

25/$2.20

Pots — White
50/S2.50
50/$3.00
50/$3.60
50/$4.15
50/$6.00

(Utility) Mottled

25/$3.00

25/$4.15

50/

50/

50/

50/

50/

— Black
50/$3.00
50/$3.60
Pots — White
50/$1.95
50/$2.50
50/S2.75
50/$3.00
50/$4.15
50/$5.75
50/$7.70

100/$ 4.40
100/$ 5.75
100/$ 6.60
100/$ 8.00
100/$11.00
Colors
100/$ 3.30

4.40

5.75

6.60

8.00

2”

21/4’

21/2-

3”

31/2’

4”

Round Pots — (Utility) Mottled

25/$1.10
25/$1.40

50/$1.95
50/$2.50
50/$2.75
50/$3.00
50/$3.60
50/ $6 .00

100/

100/:

100/

100/

Only

100/$ 5.75
100/$ 6.60

100/$ 3.00
100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.50
100/$ 7.70
100/$11.00
100/$13.50
Colors
100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.40
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.75
100/$ 6.60
100/$11.00
Only

>1.50
25/$1.65
25/$1.95
25/$3.30

Round Plastic Saucers — Black
#2 for 2”, 21/4”, 21/2” Pots

25/$1.10 50/$1.95 100/$3.30

#3 for 3” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.40 50/$2.50 100/$4.40

#4 for 31/2”, 4” pots or tubs

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$6.60

Plastic Tubs (Squatties)

3”, 31/2”, 4” — White or Utility Colors — Same
price as pots.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION — Pint $1.00; Quart
$1.90; Gallon $6.25.

WATERPROOF PENCILS — 25c; 5 for $1.00.
WHITE PLASTIC MARKERS 41/2” long 100/$1.25
PLASTIC MINIATURE GREENHOUSE
8” long - 6” wide - 5%” high. Top clear plastic.
Base heavy white. Open and close ventilator. 2
racks, 12-1 V4” pots. $3.30 complete.

New Addition — Larger Size Plastic Pots
Round Pots — • #5 - 5” x 5”

' ‘ 50/$8.75 100/$16.50

X 6”

50/$12.50 100/$23.50

■ X 334”

50/$8.75 100/$16.50

X 41/2”

50/$12.50 100/$23.50

POST-A-NOTE — Regulation size post cards with
spray of purple violets in upper left hand corn¬
er. 40 cards to box $1.10,

VIOLET-SELECT-A-NOTE— 24 Vellum French¬
fold Notes and envelopes decorated with blue
violets and silver. Assorted captions to be in¬
serted for the occasion ” for “Thank You.”
“Best Wishes,” etc. Note size, 31/2x41/2, box $1.25.
POSTAGE — Please add 10%to New Mexico.
Colo., Wyo., No. and So. Dak., all states on West
Coast, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.

MRS. N. B. WILSON

41 Love St. Dept. A.V.M. Austell, Georgia

25/$4.55
Round Pots — #6-6’
25/$6.50

Round Tubs — #5-5’
25/$4.55

Round Tubs — #6-6’
25/$6.50

Me And Pa’s A’comin
T’ Californey

“Didja hear what I sed, Californey? Me and
Paw’s a’comin’!!! You’re a fer piece out thar
so I hollered loud as I could. Paw sed if’n I
hollered any louder all of them hogs of Uncle
Luke’s would be over’n our field.

Soon as we heered you all wuz havin’ a big
violet shindig, Paw and me started savin’ all
of the egg money so’s we could make the trip
to the big city. (Them ’dad-burned’ hens ain’t
been laying so good lately . . . but we’s a
hopin’.)

Adele (she’s the Chairman of this here New
Membership Committee) asked me (Marion’s
my name) to remind you all that if’n any of
your kinfolks or neighbors was a’plannin’ to
make the trip, they’d better hike right into
town to get a $4.00 money order and join the
National Society. That’s all it costs to jine
up, ya know, and after the big shindig’s over,
you get the violet magazine four times a year.
That’s a real high-toney magazine too, all
printed on slick, shinylike paper — not like
them mail order catylogs! Adele says when
you walk into that big hotel, them ladies at
the Registration Desk ask to see your mem¬
bership card. (The card comes to you’uns
soon’s you pay your $4.00.) And if’n you
don’t have a card they won’t give you no loot
bag, or even let you peek in. So be sure to
tuck your card in the valise.

Cuzzin Alice, is a’plannin’ on cornin’ with
us and soon’s I git this here note off’n to you
all, I gotta drop her a line so’s she won’t
fergit to send in her $4.00. Anyway, she’s
been after me to send my buttermilk biscuit
receipt so I’ll jest take care of everything
with one postage stamp. Widow Burger (she
lives up the road from us) is thinkin’ about
using some of her dear husband’s insurance
money and makin’ the trip too. It would do
the poor soul a lot o’ good . . . she’s been
a’grievin’ so much. I told her them thar Con¬
ventions is a peck of fun, and after the trip
is over she’ll git that magazine all year.
’Course, she don’t read so good but she could
look at the purty pitchers.

Well, it’s about time for the postman and I
gotta git that note off’n to Cuzzin. Jest be
sure to git all of your kinfolks and friends to
jine up quick like as they can if’n they’re
countin’ on goin’ to Californey. You’ll know
Paw and me when we arrive . . . Paw’ll be
wearin’ his new overalls and I’m gona bring
my egg basket to hold all the loot, and jes
in case I buy some of them purty violets.

Be lookin’ fer yez!”

Your Cuzzin, Marion
NEW MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE:

Mrs. Fred Tretter, Chairman

4988 Schollmeyer Ave., St. Louis 9, Mo.

Ann Stutko and Marion Hamtil

18

Isolate All New Plants

Grace Gillespie, Chattanooga, Tenn.

All new plants coming into my home are
placed aside for observation for 2 weeks.
When I am sure that they are out of shock
and have no evidence of disease they are re¬
potted into fresh soil and given a sodium
selenate capsule. •

CHOICE VIOLETS

Our 1 962 Master Catalog is now ready. Many
of the OLD RELIABLES plus a wide selection
of NEW VARIETIES are included as well as
hard to find ORGANIC supplies.

Our ^'SHEEN GLO'^ African Violet Soil Mix
based on 20 years of experience is now avail¬
able in quantities.

2 qt. bag — 75^; 5 qt. bog — $1.50
25c Coupon with List — -15c

Open by Appointment

Quality Violet House

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7, Mich.
Phone 243-6651

TRAVELING!

Stop and see our African violets
Latest Releases

Grown in U. C. Mix No Shipping

Visitors Always Welcome

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road N. Syracuse, N. Y.

5 minutes from Exit 36 NYS Thruway

SPRING GLAMOUR

BLUE 'N PINK — giant baby blue and pink
double with profuse yellow stamens.

88 (Love and Kisses) ■— frilly white edged
delicate pink semidouble Star.

WHITE LACE - — pure white double very pro¬
fuse bloomer and vigorous grower.

— OPEN DAILY AND SUNDAYS —

Send name and address for descriptive folder

LYNDON LYON

14 Mutchler St. Dolgeville, New York

Phone 3591

qunh

AFRICAN VIOLET
LEAF ROOTER

1 Quart $1.25 (concentrated) 1 Gallon $3.25 Postpaid

PROVEN FASTEST • SAFEST • SUREST by hobbyists

Order from a grower listed below. Visit them I They
raise only the finest and latest varieties

Nelson Farm Violets (Philllpston), Route 1, Athol, Mass.

Mrs. Korl E. Smith, 115 Gilford Ave., Laconia, N. H.
John Heckel, 105-31~188th St., Hollis 12, N. Y.

Mrs. Percy Downes, Pembroke St., Pembroke, N. H.

GLOXINIAS, TOO

Sphinq i& tits.
vaAq bsiiJt tirm
bo Aooi

Gpuam Oiobd
btavsA

19

KROGMAN'S VIOLETRY

SPECIALIZING IN NEWEST AND
CHOICEST VARIETIES

We have the^'lOO" best as listed plus
"Hundreds of the Rest."

Send dime for list. Apply credit on order.

1325 Parkway Dr. (S. 125) Brookfield, Wis.

African Violef Growing Supplies

V-C 13 (for Soil Nematodes) 6 oz bottle, $2.75
ppd. Zone 5 and beyond add additional 15c
postage.

Fumi-Soil Capsules (no need to bake soil. Use
on all potting soil along with V-C 13) 24
caps, $1,75 ppd.

Pano-drench stops damping off (rotting) of leaf
cuttings, 1 oz bottle $2.35 ppd.

Tru-Green Organic Chelate Blend stops yellow
leaves and trace element hunger, 8 oz can
$1.75 ppd.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. MAV

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

Send 10c for complete growing supplies catalog

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets. $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c
sales tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

Box 8425 Cleveland 34, Ohio

— WATCH FOR OUR NEW OFFER —

You can depend on ''SOMETHING NEW" and
amazing in varieties of African violets to come
out at our National Convention. Plan to attend
or read your Magazine. Our circulars will have
the latest varieties. Stamped envelope please.

The Select Violet House

Box 1444 Youngstown, Ohio

ATTENTION MEMBERS

Experiencing trouble and inconvenience locat¬
ing your African violet supplies? Not if you
first consult — •

THE GARDEN MART

Dept. AV.

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

— WRITE FOR LIST —

SAINTPAULIAS HYBRID DAYLILIES

African violet plants, bloom size, labeled, as¬
sorted, our choice: 10/ $4.95, plus 65c postage
and packing. Leaves: rooted, 10/$3.65, fresh cut,
10/$1.25, newer, 25c each, 30/$6.00. Our list of
600 varieties 10c. Seed, $1.00 package, A. V.,
also hybrid day lily. Fine 1 year size day lily
seedlings from hand-pollinated seed, $1.75 doz.

FFOULKES'

610 Bryan St., Dept. A. V. Jacksonville, 2, Fla.

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The “Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20” x 52”) aluminum
trays for bottom watering. Provision is made for mounting an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR- AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest
quality of all “apartment greenhouses.” You will be proud to show it to
your friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with which
the lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly 18”
above the trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two
shelves.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for mak¬
ing and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other
plants by artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95
postpaid.

We are in position to supply the light fixtures combining fluorescent
and incandescent light as described in this book as well as TIME-ALL
automatic controls, soil mixes, compost, plastic markers, etc. Ask for
price list.

Also available — Peggie Schulz’s book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.75.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. M21 Wousau, Wis.

20

People Are So Kind

Phyllis and Ernest Fisher, Downsview, Ont.

Reprinted with permission from Chatter

During the summer of 1960 we had the
pleasure of meeting a lady from Los
Angeles, California. She was on a visit to a
friend in Toronto, so while she was here she
enjoyed a visit to our Violet House. As she
was looking around, as all violet-lovers do,
she asked if we had a variety named Alaskan
Waters, one of which had won a coveted prife
for her. After we replied in the negative, she
informed us that on her arrival home she
would send us a leaf because the plant was
so beautiful. We thanked her and assured her
that we would let her know when we re¬
ceived it.

Some time later we had a card from the
Customs Office to say that they had a parcel
for us, and would we pick it up immediately
as it was “perishable.” Imagine our surprise
when we opened the box and found three
lovely little plants (all properly inspected),
one of Alaskan Waters, one of Vickie Ann
and the other Western Symphony. We really
were thrilled, and we sent our “thank you”
letter at once. We would again like to thank
Miss Garbutt, and to remind our readers that
this is another incident which ever tells us
that people are so kind. •

Visif'ors Welcome Moil RFD#1, Athol

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipston, Moss, (near Fox Run)

Plants — Rooted Cuttings — Leaves
(State Inspected)

Extraordinary new varieties from our well
known Hybridizers, including MANELTA'S
PERSIANS and her new Strawberry Foliage.
Stamp brings list.

GUNK — leaf rooter (Concentrate) 1 Qt.
$1.25 PP — 1 Gal. $3.25 PP.

(Closed Mondays except by appointment)

Phone Athol CH-9-4949

OUR NEW INTRODUCTION

CRINKLED CREPE — Single medium pink with
petals of the bloom that actually curve inward
slightly, giving a crinkled appearance. Soft
bronze foliage.

RASPBERRY BEAUTY — Double raspberry
bloom with fringed edges, dark foliage slightly
waved.

STAR IMPERIAL — A deep wine single fringed
Star. The edges of the petals are so fringed
when the flower is open the fringed edges turn
backward.

Rooted $1.00 each plus $1.00 postage.

For Descriptive List Send 3c Stamp.

KOLB'S GREENHOUSES

725 Belvidere Road Phillipsburg, N. J.

— ATHENA —

As pictured in LIFE MAGAZINE

Also, pictured in the September issue of Flower and Garden and in the September issue of the
African Violet Magazine, $2.00 each. Supreme full double, heavy fringed, white with each petal
edged in blue, huge flowers.

THE FOLLOWING PLANTS $1.50:

IONIC — Full double heavily fringed, deep lilac Supreme.

APOLLO — Huge double white with good light blue edge, very prolific.
CORINTHIAN— Bicolored, blended blue and white fringed. Supreme, semidouble.
DORIC — Huge pink single (Pictured in the Sept. 1960 African Violet Magazine
— "'New Varieties to Come'" page 52.) IVa" blooms held high over the plant,
extremely prolific. Tailored foliage.

MY LOVE — Fringed rose-lavender, semidouble, blooms held high over the plant.
Ail plants, except Doric, have the newer Supreme type foliage — the leaves are not as thick as
the older Supreme varieties. They are very prolific bloomers, producing huge ruffled flowers as
only the Supremes can ....

THESE PLANTS WELL ESTABLISHED IN 2 INCH POTS IN BUD
Minimum order two plants plus 50< postage. 50^ extra for Special Delivery.

We ship mid-May to mid-November the weather permitting.

Between York and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Exit Harrisburg “West Shore"
of Turnpike — Drive toward York — Watch for sign 216 miles.

ar

ilenJ

~7 ETTERS, R. D. #1
/ PENNSYLVANIA

Open Daily and Weekends, September through June.
July and August open Daily and Weekends by appointment.

23

Protect Your Violet From MITES

99% Sodium Selenate; 12 capsules, $1.65; 28
capsules, $3.30; 100 capsules, $9.45 (all

postpaid).

“P-40” (2% Sodium Selenate) mix with potting
soil: 1 lb, $1.50 ppd.

“SEL-KAPS” (2% Sodium Selenate capsules) 48
capsules, $2.20 ppd.

“DUPONT MITE SPRAY” (50% Malathion) 4 oz
bottle, $1.75 ppd.

“NNOR” safe effective spray for all violet pests;
1 oz. bottle, 50c ppd.

“ENDRIN” a highly effective Mite Spray for
African violets: 4 oz bottle, $1.25.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. MAV

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

Send 10c for complete growing supplies catalog

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES — fresh cut, rooted
cuttings, plantlets, over 50 varieties variegated
foliages, Episcias. State inspected.

Stamp for List

RACHEL F. HUSEMAN

1312 N. 26th Quincy, Illinois

JUST RELEASED!
Fresh-Cut* Leaves Only

Blue Shimmer
Dotted Swiss
Fads 'N Frills
French Bleu
Frosty Glo
Happy Venture
Jewelled Collar
My Darling

My Pleasure

Parisienne

Picture

Reverie

Shenanigans

The Contessa

Thistle

Work-of-Art

Per Leaf

$1.00

Any 5 — $4.00 Any 10 — $7.50
1 Each of Complete List - — $10.50

Stamp for List of Other Offerings

Harriette Landon

194 Prest-on Street Ridgefield Pork, N. J.

Diamond 2-7767

Please include $1.00 for postage and
packing.

Brief Guidance

For Violet Troubles

Elynore Bogin, Long Beach, New York

WE, of the Long Island African Violet So¬
ciety, were very lucky to start our sea¬
son with a lecture on “African Violet Diseases,
Insects, Their Control and Prevention”, by
Professor Harvey Barke, Associate Professor
of Horticulture at the Long Island Agricultural
and Technical Institute in Farmingdale, Long
Island, N.Y.

His information was of such interest that
we had copies of the following salient points
mimeographed for our members. We feel that
the members of the National Society would
also benefit from them.

DISEASES

Crown Rot ... is a fungus carried in the soil.
Control — Captan, Ferbam spray, Terraclor
for soil.

Gray mold or Botrytis ... is air-borne. It
attacks most foliage. High temperature and
high humidity contribute to it.

Prevention — Be watchful of excess humidity,
cool temperatures at night, late day water¬
ing.

Powdery mildew ... is air-borne, attacks
through breathing pores of leaf, grows fast.
Control — Phaltan, Mildex (a trade name for
Karathane).

INSECTS AND RELATED FORMS
Nematodes . . . knots develop in roots, there
is a yellowing off-color foliage, plant is
stunted and cannot grow.

Control — is extremely difficult. Treat soil
with chemicals, Nemagon, V-C 13 or Vapam,
which is relatively safe to handle.

Mealy Bugs . . . small, white cottony insects.
Control — - must be through contact. Malathion
Spray is good but must be bought at reli¬
able sources and indicate on label that it
is safe for African violets. Sometimes the
solvent used with it can do more harm.
Good coverage is essential.

Aphids ... or plant lice are sucking insects.
Control — easy to control with Nicotine, Lin¬
dane or Malathion Spray. Must be through
contact.

Thrips . . . cause deformation, a pitting and
silvering of the back sides of leaves.
Control — with stomach poison, Malathion
Spray, Lindane or D.D.T. Thrips are rasp¬
ing, sucking insects.

Springtails . . . are harmless. They feed on
organic matter.

Control — through drenching soil with Mala¬
thion or D.D.T.

Symphyllids (Centipede) . . . are harmful.
They do not hop as do the Springtails, they
chew roots.

Control — drenching soil with Malathion or
D.D.T.

24

Cyclamen Mite . . . stunted growth, deformed
center, leaves become gnarled. They do
damage early in buds.

Prevention — spray weekly with Rotenone
which is relatively non-toxic to man and
other warm-blooded animals.

Control — - Kelthane or Endrin sprayed at 2
to 3 week intervals — 1 Ve to 2 tablespoons
per gallon.

There are also the Systemic Chemicals such
as Demeton (Systox), Schraden (Pestox,
Ompa). These are very toxic and rubber
gloves must be used. Soil must be moist, as
dry soil is not good at time of application.

PROFESSOR BARKE’S FIVE RULES
FOR CLEAN PLANTS

1. Inspect and check plants frequently

2. Isolate suspicious looking plants

3. Don’t handle suspicious plants and then
touch healthy plants

4. Inspect new plants and watch carefully
for pests

Follow a regular spray program. A com-
bination of Malathion and Lindane once
a month should take care of plants as
they hit insects through both stomach
and contact. •

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES
300 new and old varieties. Send dime for list.
Only fresh-cut leaves shipped. Prices: 10c to
$1.25, — Plants and rooted clumps available at
violetry. Minimum Order: $2.00. OUR CHOICE
SPECIAL 8/$2.00 ppd.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. MAV

3548 N. Cramer Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 No. Garden

Boise, Idaho

1962 Spring

List Ready Now.

Among those listed are the following:

Azurite

Jennifer Jill

Cloud Mist

Indiana Belle

Fair Elaine

Rollo

Roxie

Hans Brinker

Cortez

Old Style

Artist Touch

King’s Ransom

Rooted Clumps

Stamp for List

— DREAM STUFF —

The new varieties for Spring

The Persian Series Pink Orbit
Decca Dotted Swiss

Athena Blue Capri

Aurora Clarion

Many, many variegateds, pinks and
reds and bicolors, and oodles of darl¬
ing miniatures on our Spring List.
Please send stamp for list.

ANNALEE VIOLETRY

29-50 214th Ploee Bayside 60, N.Y.

Plastic PLANT STARTER

for: African Violets - Gloxinias

Patent Pending

1 Plastic Plont Starter 2 In Use 3 The Result

Available in 4 different colors: Yellow, Pearl, Black, Blue.

HOW TO USE PLASTIC PLANT STARTER: Select 4 healthy, mature leaves from plants. Fill a
water glass with water. Place Plastic Plant Starter over glass. Insert one leaf in each opening. Keep
stems under water at all times. As water evaporates, just add more water. When roots are to
1" long, place in your favorite potting soil.

You will be delighted with this neat, compact Starter which eliminates the old fashioned, wet, soggy
paper and string method. Priced at only SOji each, postage prepaid.

Send your orders to:

PLASTIC PLANT STARTER

P. O. Box 44 Alexandria, Minnesoto

25

African Violet Potting Soil Ingredients

Greensand (potash): 4 lb, $1.00. Bone Meal: 6
lb, 85c. Charcoal: 2 lb, $1.25. Ruhm’s Phosphate:
4 lb, $1.00. Dolomite Limestone: 4 lb, $1.00. Fish
Meal: 2 lb, 75c; 25 lb, $4.50; 50 lb, $8.50 (10%
nitrogen. Also good for all outside garden
crops). Hybro-Tite (potash): 4 lb, $1.00. Vermi-
culite: 8 qt. $1.25. Sponge-Rok: 432 cu. inch,
$1.35. Blue Whale Peat Moss: 10 lb bag, $3.25.
Elk-Organic (Soil Naturalizer) : 4 lb, 65c. Blood
Meal (10% Nitrogen): 2 lb, 75c. Ropco (Soil
Inoculant. A long lasting organic plant food):
2V2 lb, 98c. All of the above prices are NOT
postpaid prices. We will bill you for postage.
Minimum order $2.00 plus postage.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. MAV

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin
Send 10c for complete growing-^ supplies catalog

SAINTPAULIA WILD SPECIES
DRAKE'S VIOLET SHOP

Route 1, Box 96 Hampshire, Ill.

Look for our sign on U. S. Rt. 20 in Pingree
Grove, III. Open Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. and Sun. by appointment.

Phone 464-8331 Clubs Welcome

FERNE V. KELLAR

Feme for African Violets
827 No. Main Harrisonburg, Vo.

The newest and older varieties

Granger, Lyon, Kohler, Haga, and other
Growers' Varieties

Write for List
Freshly cut leaves
Rooted leaves with small plantlets

Plan a trip to see and take home from the
lovely display of African violets. Highway No.
1 1 . Do not take Bypass.

African Violets” by Carolyn Rector

With a new edition of AFRICAN VIOLETS,
sporting a new four-color cover and published
in time for the San Francisco Convention,
Carolyn Rector’s down-to-earth book cele¬
brates its tenth anniversary.

First published in 1951, it was so enthusias¬
tically received that it was reprinted five
times and republished in England by Bland-
ford Press. A revised edition was issued in
1956 and it in turn passed through several
printings. Now, Mrs. Rector has once again
revised her popular book. This new edition
brings the reader up to date on cultural prac¬
tices that have advanced since the book’s last
revision. It contains more drawings, a new
chapter on Saintpaulia species, and additional
detail scattered throughout.

Mrs. Rector is well known to hundreds of
African violet fanciers around the world, with
whom she maintains a voluminous correspond¬
ence. She was at one time president of the Los
Angeles Branch of the African Violet Society,
and is the original compiler of The Master
List of African Violets to be published by the
National Society. She has introduced many
prize- winning, registered varieties, notably:
Hermosa, Navarro, Silver Field, Silver Moon,
Skywajonan, Sunset Lane, Charm Song, Con-
stancia, Evan Song, Interlude, Moonhawk,
Starsong, and Might Do.

stamp for 1962 list listing over 400 older and
newer varieties. Many variegated foliages.

Fresh Cut Leaves . . , Rooted Clumps
Small Plants

SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!

SANDY'S VIOLET SALON

Emerson Iowa

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube - Available

NEW STARLITE GARDEN LAMP IN 2 SIZES like
thousands of glittering stars reflected through the per¬
forated shade this Starlite Lamp is a perfect setting
for your violets, both useful and decorative. White or
black wrought iron finish inside of reflector is white
enamel. Rubber tipped legs never mar or slip. Can be
had without perforations. 2 sizes 18” high 13” wide
and 32” long with 2-20 watt tubes or 18” high 13”
wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt tubes, with cord,
plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With 2-6 watt sockets
add $2.00. State Choice. With 2-20 watt Gro-Lux tubes
add $2.00.

“GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS” By Fred¬
erick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95. Now $4.30 Post¬
paid.

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays with removable in¬
serts 12” X 18” X 2%” high. Trays only $9.30 doz.
postpaid. 15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30 doz. postpaid. 12
trays and 12 inserts $17.50 postpaid.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED to
$9.25 postpaid.

Send for Prices and Literature on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

26

Urban - Suburban
Club Project

Georgia Farina, Chicago, Illinois

For the third consecutive year the Urban-
Suburban African Violet Club has given
African violet plants to the inmates of the
Swedish Covenant Old Peoples Home. As
representative of the club, I visited these peo¬
ple individually, talked with them about their
way of life, brought them news of the outside
world and a gift African violet to be cared
for and nourished into bloom and growth for
months to come ... a substitute better than
medicine in some cases.

A woman of 85, crippled with arthritis and
confined to the building, was just wondering,
“If anyone would come today” when I walked
in with the box of plants. After looking them
over carefully she chose a small one that
would sit on her window sill that she could
care for from her chair. Can you imagine what
that bright banner of purple did to cheer this
flower lover?

Another lady, who in the 3 years I have
been visiting the home has increased her
number and varieties just as you and I, insist¬
ed on giving me a rooted leaf. Sharing room
with someone is one thing, but sharing your
half of a room with a table of violets means
something else: a love of flowers and a zest
for life under any circumstances, at any age.
Another’s violet of last year had bloomed its
best at Christmas time, “Just like a bouquet,”
she said. She carried it around and showed
it to all.

At the present time there are 97 inmates,
some quite senile. To one I mentioned having
been there before and she pointed out that
she had been there 9 years and had never
gotten a violet before. One lady salvaged a
leaf from her dying plant, rooted it and has
a blooming plant at the present time. A wom¬
an of 80 who had recently broken her hip,
in her words, “After all these years . . was
just watching the cars go by from her win¬
dow as she had no work to do. She said, “If
I could only get out I would buy some flow¬
ers.” What a happy face she had when she
picked out her plant.

The Rev. and Mrs. Jacobson, aunt and uncle
of the Administrator, said it was truly Christ’s
work to remember them. If you could have
seen the tears of joy, for such a little remem¬
brance, I believe you too would share your
violets in a similar manner. •

FREDAS WONDER MIX

So named because it contains 7 basic ingredients
for the growing of fine show violets. No orders
sold for less than 10 lbs. at 40c per lb. Satis¬
faction is guaranteed. Order direct from this ad.
Postage not included.

FRED'S YIOLETRY

505 3rd Ave. Sheldon, Iowa

NEW WESTERN INTRODUCTIONS;

• Jade Princess • Bongo Beat

• Circus Boy • Choraleer

Send a stamp for our spring catalog describing
these and many more. You will love Grace
Arndt's spicy descriptions!

KELTHANE: for mites, $2.25 p.pd.
KARASPRAY: (Mildex) for mildew,

$1 .00 p.pd.

MAXI-CROP: (Liquefied Seaweed)

Vi pints ..... 80^ p.pd.

Pints ...... $1.50 p.pd.

Quarts ..... $2.50 p.pd.

PLEASE ADD 10% E. of Minneapoiis/S. of
Dallas (for the extra postage).

Arndt's Floral Garden

Rt. 2, B@x 336 Troutdule, Oregon

Miniatures Popular Varieties Supplies
Write for Free 1 962 Shipping List Now

* * * ANNOUNCEMENT * * *

We are happy to announce that we have
purchased all remaining stock of Mrs. Sophia
Baker including new varieties from all major
hybridizers as well as many of her own new
introductions. Mrs. Baker has discontinued com¬
mercial growing and we will introduce her new
varieties each spring — ■ starting with some
beauties this spring.

SFIDELL'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

1380 Garfield Street Eugene, Oregon

"Newest ©f New,

Choicest ©f Old Vorieties"

MAN ELTA'S-— Persian Giant, Persian
Pastel le, Persian Sunbeam, Band¬
master, Heaven Sent, Lilac Fringe

PARKER'S— Valley Sweetheart, Spe¬
cial One, Capri, Fringed Apple
Blossom Supreme

Arndt's, Granger's, Kohler's, Madison,
Naomi, Richter

Fresh Cut Leaves Only
Stamp Please for List

£utie Q)unlap

5007 Chestnut Ave. Kansas City 30, Mo.

27

Strawberry Jar: My Way

Mrs. Arthur McNinch, Cameron^ West Va.

One of my most interesting experiments
with unusual containers was with a large
strawberry jar. This was five years ago when
the house was full of violets. They were
everywhere: in the hall, bedrooms, windows,
hanging shelves, basement windows, and in
long bread pans, even a planter under the
parakeets cage! There were so many new
varieties; the seedlings were coming into
bloom; and friends would bring new leaves
to start. The so-called “violet bug” was really
running wild!

In the midst of all this profusion and con¬
fusion, I fell and fractured my ankle. On my
return from the hospital, I found I must get
rid of a great number of plants as I could
not take care of them for a while. I began
to plan how best to aid the situation, to save
the better plants, and plan for the closest
arrangement so I could care for them from
a wheel chair.

After study and thought I figured the old
strawberry jar was one idea, so I asked my
son, who had just returned from overseas
duty, to assemble the needed supplies for
“Operation Space Saver.” He took the jar
and put a layer of oyster shells in the bottom,
then small pebbles for drainage, and finished
with plain old garden soil; it was very rich

ROOTED CUTTING CLUMPS

VALIANT KING — Huge, deepest black-plum
frilled blossoms, outstanding. 750
LILIAN JARRETT SUP. — Large peach-pink
dbl. on symmetrical, Amazon foliage — a
show plant. 750.

ICE BERG — Largest free flowering white single
to date, heavy bloomer. 650
CHERRY RED — Showers of cerise red blooms
held high over medium green leaves. 650
PASTEL SWIRLS — Chartreuse fringed pink and
cream full double, lovely wavy foliage. 650
GOVERNOR OF OREGON — Giant fringed
purple Supreme. Heavy bloomer, makes a
lovely plant. 650

PINWHEEL — ^Large single white striped and
banded with blue, wavy light green foliage.
750

BLUE WATERS — Big, big, medium blue Star,
blooms and blooms, medium size plant. 650
ROSE DUST — Deepest pink flowers with lighter
frilled edge. Wavy medium green foliage,
lovely. 650

HEADLINER — Largest bright pink single to
date on good Girl foliage. 650
TERMS: Orders carefully packed in plastic pots
and sent Airmail whenever possible. All plants
Government Inspected before shipping. Please
add 500 for postage and packing. 1962
SPRING LIST available.

PHILIPPA L. YATES

Box 249 Comox, B. C. Canada

Lavender Lady in the strawberry jar.

in humus, black sandy loam, well fertilized
with both barnyard and commercial fertili¬
zers. It wasn’t baked or fumigated in any
way, but I put small plantlets in the jar
openings and they grew abundantly, with no
disease or trouble in any way.

In the five years those original little plant-
lets have grown so large and so beautiful; it
just seems they tried to grow and bloom to
make up for my accident. Just about every
rule of violet culture was broken, but still
they grew. Now I am well and can walk, but
I still cherish this Strawberry Jar of Violets. •

“NATURE’S WAY A. V. POTTING SOIL” is the
mix featured in an article in Dec. ’56 and Mar.
’61 issues of A. V. Mag. 5 lb: $1.50 ppd. Zone 5
and beyond add 30c additional postage. 18 lb:
$2.98; 50 lb: $6.50; 100 lb: $12.00. We bill you
for postage on all amounts over 5 lbs.
NITRA-GROW A. V. POTTING SOIL. 5 lb: $1.50
ppd. Zone 5 and beyond add 30c additional
postage.

BERNARD GREESON

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wis.

KOEB ERLE'S

African Violets Sterilized Soil

Formula No. 7 — ■ '"my own” sterilized soil
has 7 important ingredients for more prolific
bloom and healthier plants. Try a bag and
you'll want more. 5 lb. bag, $1.50 postage
prepaid.

Broad Run Rd., Rf. 4 West Chester, Pa.

YOARS GREENHOUSE— Bunker Hill, Ind.

Located 1 mile S. W. of McGrawsville
African violet plants, large or small, cuttings,
50c and 75c. Specimens, $1.25 and up at green¬
house. General line of house plants, extensive
selection at greenhouse. Sodium Selenate — 50c
with stamped envelope; V-C 13 Nemacide, $2.75
repaid. Soils for all plantings at greenhouse,
upplies. Stamped envelope for 1962 list. Phone
Amboy Exchange 5-7696.

28

Use More Chareoal

Charcoal is a common form of carbon¬
ized wood which has many good garden
uses. An understanding of its properties and
functions will be helpful in the correct appli¬
cation of it, especially to house plants.

Charcoal itself has no food value. Its most
important use to plants lies in the ability to
collect and conserve ammonia. This remark¬
able function is one of the marvels of science
and nobody has been able to explain it. If
pieces of charcoal are in the soil it will be
found that roots will cling to it to absorb the
collected ammonia. When organic fertilizer
begins to decompose, one of the first products
given off by the bacteria is ammonia gas.
This gas is extremely volatile and easily
escapes but if a grain of charcoal lies next
to a grain of fertilizer, it will absorb eighty
times its own bulk in ammonia and will
hold it for the use of the plant roots. It is
the ammonia forming capacity of bone meal,
fish meal, natural manure, compost, and such
organic fertilizer that we pay for, and the gas
should not be allowed to escape.

Charcoal has other equally valuable pro¬
perties. It is the world’s most perfect purifier.
It acts as a continuous factory for the destruc¬
tion of injurious acids. Wherever evil organic
gasses are given off, charcoal will absorb the
odor. A sprinkling of charcoal over the com¬
post heap or over the freshly fertilized lawn
will not only prevent odors but will conserve
the ammonia. For house plants it has many
good uses. It sweetens the soil, saves ferti¬
lizer, and checks damping-off of seedlings. It
affects the soil texture and quality and neu¬
tralizes overly large doses of acid plant food.
It encourages root growth of plants grown in
water, and helps to keep the water fresh.

Some authorities say that at first we
should use as much charcoal by bulk as
organic plant food, but as it is almost in¬
destructible, does not decay or wash away,
we can use less as time goes on. •

NEW FOR '62

Flameri, Hi Hopes, Tonkodole, Heritage, Stained Glass, La Femme and many other gorgeous
African violets. (Also descriptions of Episcias, Columnea, Ruellia, etc.)

NEW CATALOGUE NOW BEING MAILED

Contains: Description of varieties, Growing hints, Secrets of soil composition.
Treatment of pests and diseases. Ventilation, humidity, watering instruction.

Write To:

MERILEES AFRICAN VIOLETS

Cowichan Sfafion, B. C.

CANADA

Note: All plants shipped from Canada certified free of pests and disease by Canadian Government.

^^Frafhers Originations^'

OUR NEW VARIETIES
ARE MOST REWARDING.

IF YOU REALLY WANT SHOW TYPE
PLANTS TRY OURS.

NEW BEAUTIES SUCH AS ^'EARLY MORN,’’
"ROYAL SECRET," "SEA SILVER," MOST
EXOTIC COLORS. ALSO IN VARIEGATED
PLANTS, YOU NAME A COLOR WE HAVE
IT WITH LOVELY VARIEGATED FOLIAGE.

STAMP FOR 1962 LiST PLEASE
252 CLAY AVENUE
ROCHESTER 13, N. Y.

. . . GAYER THAN SPRING TIME . . .

Advanced Releases and Newest
Varieties From

LYON, WILSON, HAGA, RICHTER,
WEEKS, LANIGAN, GRANGER,
LUCIANO, CHAMPION

Leaves Rooted Cuttings

State Inspected Plonts

A STAMP BRINGS THE LATEST LIST

African Violets by MARGE

1722 Boston Post Rd. Milford, Conn.

Only 1 V2 hrs. from the
George Washington Bridge

29

NEW PINK VARIEGATED

FIRE BRAND — Double ruffled dark
pink with lighter edges. Round
variegated foliage.

Fresh cut Leaves shipped
Spring List ready including other variegateds,
old favorites and the best of other growers.
Plants available at home. Visitors Welcome.

Champion's African Violets

Von Hoesen Roiqid, Rt. 2 Cloy, New York

Located in Syracuse area, 4 miles west of
Cicero, 1 mile north of Route 31.

F* M, Haga & Son
Offer for 1 962
DIXIE NUGGET
GREEN SLEEVES

Send Stannp for Complete List

5033 Doris Aye.
Charlotte, N. C.

Phone KE 7-0838

— NEW FOR SPRING —

The beautiful heavy blooming large double
flowered Shangri-La's in four varieties. Show
plants. New varieties of Granger, Lyon, Ulery,
Champion, Kahler, Haga, and others. All in
rooted cuttings with plantlets. State inspected.
We ship.

Send for free listing.

MAE'S VIOLETRY

4301 11th Street Des Moines 13, Iowa

A HUSBAND’S NIGHTMARE

African violets, I’ve been told,

Grow all over Africa wild and bold.

And here in this country, they are all
the rage.

But the woman who grows them should
be in a cage!

My wife bought a small plant, only the
one.

Decided to grow more, to see how ’twas
done.

She planted a leaf, and in no time at all.

Had a beautiful violet, so green, fresh
and tall.

She bragged to the girls, how, with one
little leaf,

She could raise a fine plant, without
trouble or grief.

They talked it over, and each one agreed.

To take a small leaf, to tender and feed.

As each cutting grew they traded
another,

’Til they filled up the kitchen and
parlour, Oh, brother!

With plants on the tables, the stairs and
the bed.

Oh, where are the husbands, the men
that they wed?

But husbands are brainy, they’ll never
be beat.

They’ve gone into hiding — strategic
retreat.

A man must do battle, be man or a
mouse.

To prove to his wife, that he’s head of
the house.

And so, anticlimax, he’ll hitch up his
jeans,

And cook up the violets, and serve them

as greens! _ Jim Rogers

Rooted Clumps Leaves Small Plants

PAULINE KUNTZ

Route 4 Winterset, Iowa

TROPIC ISLE — heavy fringed dbl. ivory infused
with purple tracery; heavy purple fringed out¬
lined in green; exotic!

BLACK JACK — huge frilled rose-purple; heavy
blackish leaf evenly scalloped; heavy bloom¬
er.

EBONY ECHO — huge frilled midnight-blue;
center leaves have wide border of cream and
chartreuse.

GRAND CANYON — variegated foliage of
green, cream, pink and wine; huge heavily
frilled lavender bloom.

RAJAH— large dbl. velvety purple with lighter
edge; smoky-plum on lower petals, all
fringed in green.

DIXIE NUGGET— huge flat frilled white bloom
so heavily overlaid with green that it ap¬
pears more green than white; show plant.

Many more such as Pink ’N Sno, Christmas

Angel, Dainty Ruffles, Prairie Flower, Green

Gage, Heaven Sent, Emogene Sup., etc.

Stamp for shipping list.

30

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Send a 3c stamp for free list of African violets
— ■ plants, leaves and rooted cuttings. Also
house plants, begonias, and Episcias.

MRS. T. C. BEE

Route 3, Box 120 Newnon, Georgia

"ROYAL MOUNTAIN PEAT POTTING SOIL"

has been field tested and found superior for
African violets.

Send $1.00 for 1 ]/2 lb. (140 cu. in.) bag ppd.

Dealers: Let us put our soil in bags bearing
your own brand.

ROYAL PEAT MOSS AND SOIL CO.

P. O. Box 53 Aspen, Colo.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Vigorous plants grown in 214 inch
pots ■— 75^, $1.00, and $1.25. Many
new varieties. Soil, pots, labels, etc.

Send for our new Spring African
Violet List.

VOLKMANN BROS.
GREENHOUSES

2714 Minert Street Dallas 19, Texas

New Vallin beauties, Fair Elaine (G), Snow
Ballet, Magic Flame, Never Lovelier, Stained
Glass, Hi Hopes, Trifari, Shrill, Prairie Afire,
Diedre, Tananna, Dbl. Black Wine, Fuchsia
Velvet, Black Witch, Green Confetti and 40
other variegated varieties.

Stamp for List Closed Saturdays

MRS. LEO SPENGLER

15 West Preston Ave. Orlando, Florida

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube' '' - Available

Described page 27, September 1961 issue African Violet Magazine.

6-40 Watt 48^^ GRO-LUX at $2.35 each. $14.10 6-20 Watt 24^^ GRO-LUX

at $2.20 each. $13.20. Packed 6 in Shipping Carton NO LESS SOLD. We Pay

the POSTAGE.

A NEW DUAL LIGHT FLUORESCENT FIXTURE for vio¬
lets and other plants. Can be used four ways, as a four
(4) tube, as a four (4) tube plus 2 incandescent, as a two
(2) tube or as a two (2) tube plus 2 incandescent 48-^A
inches long 15-V2 inch reflector. Choice of pink, blue,
cool white, warm white or daylight fluorescent tubes.
With RAPID START BALLAST. $28.00 Postpaid.*

EXTRA WIDE SPACED DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE

inch centers with 2 incandescent sockets, 13 inch re¬
flector 48-3/4 inch long with 2-40 watt tubes. $18.00
Postpaid.* With Rapid Start Ballast Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight tubes.

DUAL LIGHT a combination of incandescent and fluores¬
cent lights made especially for African Violets 48 in.
long, 13 in. reflector, 2-40 watt tubes. 2-15 watt sockets
with Rapid Start Ballast $16.00 Postpaid.* Choice of
cool white, warm white or daylight tubes.

* Add $1.00 west of Rockies
** Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux tube in above
fixtures

Legs for any Fluorescent Fixture $2.00 Postpaid. Adjustable chains to hang any Fluorescent Fixture
$1.25 Postpaid. All 48 inch Fluorescent Fixtures include cord, plug, switch, tubes and Rapid Start
Ballasts. No Starters are necessary.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 reduced to
$4.30 Postpaid. Send for Literature and Prices on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

31

Educational Exhibit

Mildred A. Filson, Wethersfield, Connecticut

At the 1961 Spring show of the Central
Connecticut Saintpaulia Club, the educa¬
tional exhibit was attractively arranged on
long tables at the right of the entrance to the
hall and opposite the section where the Afri¬
can violets were exhibited.

Active demonstratipns and discussions were
in progress continuously, such as: potting
small plants taken from the mother leaf, re¬
potting plants to larger containers, repotting
plants with crooked necks, long necks, and
shallow root systems; cutting leaf from a plant
and inserting it properly in a rooting medium;
spraying plants for cleanliness and insect
control.

There were also exhibits of soil mixtures,
sprays, fertilizers, markers, and rooting
mediums, and information was given regard¬
ing them.

Fertilizers were: Feralon, Atlas Fish Emul¬
sion, Ortho-Gro, 10-5-5, New Plant Life,
Ovene, Plantabbs, Ra-Pid-Gro, New Era,
Stim-U-Plant, Plant Marvel, superphosphate,
Hyponex, Hytrous, and dehydrated cow
manure.

Sprays and powders for insect and disease
control were: Plant Marvel, Black Leaf 40,
Red Arrow, N.N.O.R., Optox, Malathion,
sulphur, sodium selenate capsules, V-C 13,
Fermate, and tobacco dust. To use the
sprays, we had on display: bottle sprayers,
tank sprayers, sprinklers, and a syringe type
spray.

Boiling Softened Water

Mrs. George R. Bishop, Princeton, New Jersey

I suppose extra caution is the reason for
my boiling softened water. Princeton water
is hard and has a generous supply of chlorine.
In my home we have used the Culligan water
conditioning system for some years.

Although I have been told by experienced
growers that allowing chlorinated water to
stand 24 hours before using will allow the
gas to evaporate and make the water safe
for plants, I have gone a step further, although
without any knowledge of chemistry, and boil
the water, thinking perhaps in this way to
get rid of more of the additives.

What has particularly interested me is that
after reading so much about the disastrous
effects of water softeners, I have not noticed
any bad results with my African violets. Over
a period of 5 years I have noticed no dif¬
ference in the plants, watered in the summer
with unsoftened water and the rest of the
year with softened water which has been
boiled. •

Also shown were a pot edge waterproofer,
and aluminum foil collars. Markers made
from plastic, metal, wood and adhesive tape
were shown.

As there is no end to the ideas regarding
soil mixtures, we talked about the basic in¬
gredients such as humus, garden soil, sand,
Zonolite, chicken grits and pebbles.

Additives from experimentation and as pre-
ventatives are: sphagnum peat, Sponge-Rok,
Bacto-Michigan peat, ground limestone, char¬
coal, Fermate, bone meal and tobacco dust.

Plastic trays were used for rooting leaves
in a starting medium. Other methods pre¬
sented were water in colored bottles or just
water in a glass jar with a collar. Information
was given regarding rooting leaves in sand
and vermiculite, sphagnum, a mixture of peat
sphagnum and sand, a mixture of sphagnum,
Zonolite and sand, and a mixture of soil and
sand.

We showed a few aids such as a trowel,
African violet scoop, Transplantone, Rootone,
and all types of pots.

Our visitors were greatly interested in a
table of books and magazines. Of course the
African Violet Magazine was on display, also
books on African violets, magazines contain¬
ing articles about African violets, year books,
a current program, and a book on varieties
(new and similar types) were on display. One
of our members remained at this table and
answered such questions as how to subscribe
to the African Violet Magazine, and how to
join our Central Connecticut Saintpaulia
Club. •

Violets Versus People

Mrs. C. L. Hershberger, Lynnhaven, Virginia

While working in my greenhouse the other
day, unconsciously I began to compare my
violets with people. Before I knew it, my
imagination was running away with me. I
wonder if you have ever had such thoughts?
I compared foliage, .blossoms, slow growers,
fast growers and the stinkers that we hope
one day will behave.

My thoughts went like this: the fat, the tall
and the droopy, the beautiful, the meek and
the bold, the humble, the demure and the
saucy, the multipliers, the average and the
stingy, the darkies, the variegated and the
plain.

Slowly I came back to the beginning of my
thoughts. In a way African violets really are
like people except that they don’t talk.

Have you ever had a prized leaf to root and
it put up only one plantlet? Stingy? ITl say so.

In the same medium you put another leaf.
It may produce five or six plantlets. That’s
generous. •

32

10,000 African Violets

For your selection. One free 2V2

inch

violet for each party visiting our

dis-

play from out of town or state.

just

mention od. $1.25 each parcel post or

75^ each at greenhouse.

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahomo City,

Okla.

1962 MOON SIGN BOOK

57th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen¬
sive guide to Lunar Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and exact times for best planting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Postpaid

LLEWELLYN PUBLrCATIONS

Dept. AV.

100 South Wabasha Street
Saint Paul 7, Minnesota

WHArS NEW?

Many, many of the varieties on my New Spring,
1962 List of fresh-cut African violet leaves.
Still the same old price, though - just 25c each.
Fully descriptive list 10c (deductible from first
order) or variety list only, (without descriptions)
for a postage stamp. Mail order only.

MILDRED V. WOODS

6007 Bergenline Ave. West New York, N.J.

African Violet Plant Foods

(All proven good for violets)

KAPCO Plant-I-Lizer: 8 oz, $1.00; 3 lb, $3.00;
25 lb, $10.35. PLANT MARVEL: 16 oz can,
$1.50. NU-GRO: 4 oz bottle, $1.00. NU-BUD: 4
oz bottle, $1.00. Canadian Blue Whale: 14 oz
can, $1.25; 28 oz can, $2.25; 10 lb can, $6.85.
Atlas Fish Emulsion; Pt, $1.00. Roigina A. V.
Plant Food (54 capsules): $1.00. Hyponex A. V.
Food: 2 oz can, 35c. Black Magic Blossom Boos¬
ter 72 tablets: 78c. Activo for African violets:
11/4 lbs, $1.40. All prices PLUS postage. We bill
you for postage charges. Minimum Order $2.00
plus postage.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. MAV

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin
Send 10c for complete growing supplies catalog

THE CONIBERS

Offer New and Beautiful Introductions for
1 962. Also the BEST from others.

Stamp for List — Closed Fridays

5149 EllieoH St. Road Rt. 63 S.E.

Batavia, New York

Scotsward Violet Farm

Fresh-cut leaves of the following new varieties, including some Convention releases, 75(^ each or
12 for $8.00. Minimum order $6.00. Please add $1.00 for postage and packing. Airmail 50(^ extra.
Special Delivery 55 extra.

Admiral

Doric

Lady Baldwin

Pink Top

Annie Kim

Double Ann

La Flame

Pink Wing

Afterglow Sup.

Dusky Dancer

Lavender Double

Purple Bouquet

Athena

Du Barry

Lavender Shadows

Purple Fringette

Blackberry Fluff

Enid

Linda Joan

Queen of Hearts

Blue Sage

Evlo Snowflake

Loves Dream

Queen Madonna
Red N’ Gold

Blue Smoke

Fairyland Fantasy

Mad Streak

Bud’s Crystal Mint

First Snow

Mary Suhr

Red Edge Star

Bud’s Mint Ice

Frills

Midnite

Remembrance

Bud’s Mint Popcorn

Fuschia Velvet

Mi Ladies Bonnet

Sally Belle

Bud’s Pink Valentine

Fury

Mimosa

Sea Grape Sup.

Bud’s Dbl. White Beauty

Gay Witch

Miao

Skylark

Blue Clematis

Giant Star Dbl. Sonja

Nancy Hanks

Skyscrape

Blue Mist

Glorianna

Northern Skies

Spring

Blue Waters

Glowing

Oak Hill Maid

Star Dbl. Fantasy

Bonne Bea Sup.

Gov. of Oregon

Orchid Premiere

Starry Eyed

Changeway

Green Dawn

Palomino

Star Talk

Chirp

Green Eyes

Party Gown

Sugar Blues

Claret

Green Frills

Pepsodent

Tananna

Cluster Pink

Gum Drop

Persian Brocade

Temple Dancer

Cotton Cloud

Indian Dancer

Pink Love

Truly Pink

Corinthian

Impressario

Pink Poodle

White Christmas

Costalea

Joela

Pink Ribbons

White Coral

Dark Eyes

Kathleen

Pink N’ Snow

White Spray Sup.

Dixie Orchid

Keepsake

Pink Sugar

Basic list, 1960 and 1961 lists available. Please send 4(z: stamp and specify which is desired.
Hundreds of large and small plants in bloom are available at Greenhouses. Visitors always welcome.

Mrs. C. B. Ward 71 Hanover Road — FR 7-1132 Florham Park, N. J.

33

Violets and Vacations
Are Compatible

Mr. and Mrs. George M. Wood, Jr.,
Seattle, Wash.

For several months prior to our three weeks
vacation in August we wondered how we
would handle the care of our collection of
African violets. We read all the articles on
vacation care in the African Violet Magazine
and in other books and publications. The June
meeting of the Seattle Saintpaulia Society
was devoted to summer care and included
information on vacation care.

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

By Mail —

* Quality leaves

* New improved packing

* Buy with confidence

* Safe arrival guaranteed

Order now, newest releases, best of older varie¬
ties. Stamp for list.

VIONA G. SHELLINGER

351 E. Works St. Sheridan, Wyoming

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Stamp brings list of fresh cut leaves 600 varie¬
ties, old and new. State inspected. Evenings,
week days; after 1:00 P.M. Saturday and
Sunday.

VELMA KNOWLTON

715 W. Housatohic St. Pittsfield, Mass.

CHAPEL HILL VIOLET HOUSE

Gift and Show Plants
For All Occasions

— Visitors Are Always Welcome —

Delft Imperial
Orchid Premier
Hans Brinker
Snow Ballet
Fair Elaine
Charm Song

Pastel Swirls
Roxie
La Femme
Night Shade
Stained Glass
Trifari

SUPPLIES — Sponge-Rok, New V-C 13, Gro-
Lux Lamps, Greensand, Fish Meal, Floor Flora
Planter Lamps, Vio-Holda Plant Stands, Fibre
Glass Troys, spray materials, pots, saucers, and
our own mix of potting soil that grows plants
for blue ribbon exhibition.

Sorry — We Do Not Ship Plants

Dorothy A. Johanson

37 College View Hgts. South Hadley, Moss.
(Chapel Hill Dr. off Silver Sf.)
Telephone 534-7592

As beginners in the culture of America’s
favorite house plant we had not had this
problem before. Our collection of about 350
plants in individual saucers was too large to
impose on any of our friends. Our research
led us to believe that our plants could survive
without watering if they were enclosed in
plastic.

The plants were thoroughly watered on
Thursday, August 3, 1961, then placed on
several tables, and covered with clear plastic
cloth. Arches to support the plastic were made
with aluminum clothes line and coffee cans
filled with concrete. The plastic cloth was
taped to the table bottoms with cellophane
tape and was fastened together with cello¬
phane tape and pins. We tried to make this
almost, but not quite, airtight.

When we left on vacation on Saturday,
August 5, there was considerable moisture
condensed inside our plastic “greenhouses.”
Upon our return on August 27 we were pleas¬
antly surprised to find that our plants had not
only survived without water, but appeared to
be in better condition than ever before.

We had arranged for our good friend. Miss
Lee Izette, to check our plants once a week
just to prevent complete disaster. Lee reported
that she had watered the plants on 2 of the 4
tables. It seems that we had allowed too much
air to enter through the seams on these 2
tables. The other 2 tables which were larger
and contained most of the plants came through
the 24 days in beautiful shape.

Four plants were lost due to crown rot
from moisture falling directly into the crown.
The extra humidity seemed to suit most of
the plants as they did grow rapidly and put
up many blooms, despite the fact that we had
pinched out all the flower buds prior to leav¬
ing. About the only damage to the plants was
spots on a few leaves and plants reaching for
the light source which was all to one side.

To go back some — this plastic cover was
taken off over a period of 4 days. We first
punched some small holes in the plastic and
then enlarged the holes daily until the 4th
day when it was completely removed. Some of
the plants required water immediately, but
others were not watered until the weekend.
That means that some of the plants were not
watered for 30 days!

For best results plants should not touch
each other or the sides of the plastic. This will
avoid some of the leaf loss we experienced.

Violets and Vacations are Compatible!

ROOTED LEAVES

X-RAYED to produce new colors like orange
and yellow. Stamped envelope for list.

— VISITORS WELCOME —

Elderkin's A. V. Radiation Lab.

2552 Broadway Toledo 9, Ohio

34

The

President's

Message

Dear Fellow Members:

Writing my last message to you as president brings mixed emotions. The
responsibilities have been varied and numerous, but I have tried to the best of
my ability, many times neglecting my home and family, to understand your
needs and work with you in solving your problems. For me it has been two very
happy years.

As I look forward into the coming year, I want to thank each member for
their loyal support and splendid cooperation. In various ways every one of you
have made a distinct contribution to the Society. Your progress and accomplish¬
ments in the field of horticulture, as well as many other fields, have been broad
and successful.

No president ever had a more superior group of Officers and Chairmen to
work with. I am grateful and consider it a high privilege to have had this op¬
portunity. Our working together has deepened our bonds of friendship. I feel
that the many constructive and progressive steps of growth and development
which were accomplished were due to your genuine interest and continued
efforts to serve the Society. One particular Board Member I wish to thank is
Priscilla Landaker, Chairman of Commercial Sales and Exhibits. Due to a heart
condition, her physician has advised her to curtail all activities. She was the
first Chairman of this committee and has spent many long and tireless hours,
especially at Convention Shows. Her achievements may be attributed to her
endless source of strength and ability. Priscilla, it was a pleasure to have worked
with you, may you soon again be enjoying good health. May I extend thanks
and gratitude to Alma Wright for her invaluable service as Editor of the African
Violet Magazine, also to all who have contributed or collected stories in that
connection.

I call special attention that all contributions to the Boyce Edens Research
Fund be mailed to Myrtle Radtke, Treasurer, Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee
until further notice. Anne Rosebrock will be moving from Arlington, Virginia
around April 1st and will not have a forwarding address for several months, so
please note this change. Anne has been a very efficient and competent Chairman,
I appreciate all she has done in this capacity.

Advanced thanks and appreciation are extended to Edith Peterson and
Constance Hansen, cochairmen for the San Francisco Convention, all other
chairmen and committee members, and everyone else who has any part in work¬
ing and planning for this meeting. Their ability and enthusiasm will furnish the
basis for one of the most perfect Conventions. Let me encourage each of you
to take advantage of this opportunity. Send in your registration early for the
convenience of the committee.

In closing may I thank you for your letters of encouragement and confi¬
dence in me, also the many Christmas cards,, kindnesses and for two wonderful
years of serving you as president of the African Violet Society of America, Inc.
I am sure the incoming president will receive the same willingness to serve and
support the Society as you have given me.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in San Francisco.

Sincerely,

35

c/) O ^ c/5 c/3 > r* O ^dO

Dorothy Young

WHAT is a “classic?” Dictionaries give several definitions.

You choose the one most applicable to your purpose. For
my purpose in describing an African violet as a “classic” I have
selected several phrases from several definitions that seem ap¬
propriate: “. . . of the first rank . . .”; “. . . correct for a variety of
occasions and basically in fashion year after year . . . ”; “A
work of the highest class and of acknowledged excellence . . . .”

Year after year we make progress in the field of hybridiza¬
tion. Many African violet cultivars that seemed to be the ultimate
to us when we first saw them are quickly surpassed by newer
and better ones as time goes by, so that the old favorites are
discarded and soon almost fade from our memory. Through
the years, my mind has been crowded by hundreds and hundreds
of varieties: choice plants by our best hybridizers. When I close
my eyes and travel back over this long African violet parade,
there is a riot of flowers and color and foliage — - many of which
were considered classics in their day. Perhaps, if the chance
were given them, many of these would still be candidates.

There can be no question that the seven varieties now on
our Honor Roll are classics. I’m sure that a few years from
now that several more presently on the Best 100 List will
find their place beside these seven. Many of these have already
retained their rank among the Best 100 for a period of four
years. Who could possibly think of such varieties as Bud’s
Strike-Me-Pink, Blue Nocturne, White Pride Supreme, Ohio
Bountiful, Bud’s Kimberly, White Pride, Mary Thompson, Cy-
donia, and a few others as anything but deserving?

But there are others I have not forgotten, and even though
they failed to make the grade on the Best 100 List, or perhaps
didn’t stay there for long, they’ll always be remembered favorites
of mine, classics or not! There was a plant called Blue Moon,
a deep intense blue single with dark leaves, old-fashioned by
today’s standards, but I recall it with nostalgia. There was Red
King from Ulery’s, a beautiful deep wine . . . Fire Dance seems
to be the favorite in that class now . . . but Red King was
something to see. However, a variety called Sierra Plum, not
widely distributed, was the one I liked the most, a sort of
improved California Dark Plum, which many of you knew
and loved. Then, there was a plant named Summer Skies with
big single blossoms of a soft blue, almost baby blue, a nice
round open bloom, no fancy frills or fringing, on large dark
foliage. This plant produced a profusion of flowers not surpassed
by many even today. Long after the demand for this one
had diminished a big plant of Summer Skies kept its place on
my bedroom window sill. Not long ago when it succumbed
to old age it was replaced by an unassuming little seedling from
among my backyard discards rescued just before cold weather.
This plant, always in bloom, is among my most cherished. No
leaf of this plant has ever been put down . . . it’s not the
sort that sells, but to me it embodies all that the words, African
violet, meant when I first knew them. So, just for me, this one
passes the classic test.

Innocence, with its white blossoms on the large, somewhat
scooped, near black leaves with red-reverse, is another that I
see in my parade of stars. So many of us liked it a few years
back, now it has been crowded out of our collection ... I
wonder why?

And do you remember many, many years ago, all the
excitement that was caused by a plant called Double Duchess?
“Imagine” we said, “a DOUBLE violet!” In its day it was, of
course, a classic. However, newer double ones appeared quickly
with larger blooms and of improved quality, so the Duchess
slipped away. But, even then, some of our hybridizers were

36

Through the long nights of obscurity
. . . were they lost? Dorothy Young
turns back the hands of time and re¬
calls some of the forgotten classics.

dreaming of a pink Duchess, and the time
came that we had that too, although under
many other names.

Then, there was Emperor Wilhelm which
could, at times, be grown to mammoth size.
Though it was an appealing plant for reasons
other than this, its large growth held fasci¬
nation for me. I haven’t seen one for some
years now but it is still around and I hope
those fortunate enough to have it will nurture
it well and give it an honored place among
their more flamboyant plants.

Fantasy is another beauty which drifts
across my violet memory. I believe this one
came from Rose Behnke. Now we have double
Fantasys and fringed Fantasys and Fantasy
Stars, but that first one was a downright
pretty plant, and I think a good specimen of
it would hold up well even today among its
more showy offspring. And how about Sailor
Girl and Sailor Boy? Here, as in Summer
Skies, was that lovely soft blue color of which
we see far too little today. Remember Nep¬
tune? This one had such shiny dark cupped
leaves, it was my despair for I simply couldn’t
raise a good one. Every place I visited boasted
nice big plants of it and I knew the fault
was someway with me and not with the
plant. Even now I remember Neptune as one
of my failures. Be that as it may, for others
it did well and is deserving of a place among
the old favorites.

My list of old-timers would have to include
many other African violets, far too many to
describe here; those like Ruffled Beauty,
Naughty Marietta (the first miniature I really
liked), Wine Velvet, Purity, Plum Satin, Blue¬
bird, Blue Warrior, Orchid Sunset, Blue
Heiress, and the many lovely Rose Onna’s.
It occurs to me that perhaps if I saw these
plants today I would be disappointed. Time
has probably given them an enhancement
that would disappear if they were not such
fond memories, but to me they remain like
old friends — I remember them with love.

Now, back to our 1961 Best 100 List. It’s
an excellent selection of beauties and if I
had made up the list myself I would probably
have changed it but little. I do disagree with
Numbers 77 and 20. Number 20 is Mrs. Val-
lin’s Angel Child and 77 is Maline. I would
rate Maline above Angel Child, since for me,
Maline makes a larger plant, grows flatter,
and propagates with more ease. And WHERE
was Blushing Beauty when you voted for
your favorites? I cannot imagine a list of 100
favorite African violets with no place for
Blushing Beauty. It would be on my list of
the “Top 10!” Heavily fringed petals, delicate

Viking

Fontosy A
Norsemon T

This picture from Mrs. J. W. Hofmaim, Dallas, Texas
of a variegated Red King brings back memories.

pink and white coloring, always in bloom
even in the hottest weather . . . why did
you pass it by? Because its blossoms are
single? This thought brings me to a situa¬
tion I’ve long deplored: the present day plight
of our single varieties. Since I sell plants,
perhaps I have given it more thought than
have many of you. The single flowered varie¬
ties are simply going to vanish from our
growers’ lists unless there is more interest
in them. Look at the 1961 Best 100 List and
you will see for yourself how heavily the
double flowered varieties are taking over.
Each year I visit, throughout the country,
several commercial violet growers’ green¬
houses, and more and more I linger before
perfectly wonderful single flowered varieties
and leave them there. I’m impressed by them
and want them, yet I select only a handful
because I know YOU won’t buy them, and
what you buy is the biggest consideration
in my own purchasing. You tell me the blooms
fall from the single ones, but not from the
double ones. But the double flowers wilt and
die on the stem, but is it really so much more
difficult to pick up fallen blooms than to
pluck them from the plant? The singles bloom
earlier, too, and most of them have a tendency
to bloom more. I wouldn’t dispute the attrac¬
tiveness of our doubles, but please give the
others more than a passing glance; they’ll
reward you in lots of ways. Try a Blushing
Beauty, or a Prince Albert, or a Forever
White, or a Belle of Ireland — give them
their chance of someday becoming a classic.

There are others for which I’d cast my
vote, too. Blue Lou won my heart the first
instant I saw it; and in the past eighteen
months, there has never been a time it has
not lived up to that first impression. There
are clusters of double blooms on dark red-
backed foliage. It is everblooming and fast

growing. Flowers appear to be of that wonder- J
ful pastel blue shade I can’t resist. If you M
examine the coloring in the petals you will
see that they are really fused with pale blue I
and white, a blending that gives the soft S
coloring. Mrs. Trapp’s Confetti is another dou-
ble with coloring similar to Blue Lou, and P
also one that will not be outdone in con- -
tinuity of bloom. This is a quality I have I
found in two other varieties produced by
Mrs. Trapp: Falcon Fringe and Prince Albert. L
Prince Albert has a Supreme leaf and Su- *
premes often withhold their bloom, but the
Prince doesn’t seem to know this. -

Then, there is Beth, originated by Mrs. J
Barbay. Beth has a beautiful, colorful, wavy, ^
Longifolia leaf and nice double pink blossoms. J
A later variety of this type, but with double 3
cerise blooms, is Mrs. Vallin’s Red Witch, i
This one is still scarce and it will probably 1
be a while before there are many to be had. r

Ambassador, from Tonkadale, is a more -
conventional type. With slightly cupped or
scooped foliage, and tailored, it shapes itself S
perfectly. It is as hardy as an African violet ;
can be and has a profusion of double wine ’
blossoms the year round. I cannot imagine
a plant more suited to your efforts toward '
blue ribbons. Lyon’s Powder Rose would cer- '
tainly be another on my list of favorites, :
and a possible candidate for a future classic.

For me, it performs well. It is a semidouble v:
Star of dusky pink color and plain leaves.
Even during our hot July it stayed in bloom.
Flash is another of this type from Lyons,
however, the blooms are much brighter in
color. It, too, gave a display of blossoms all
during the past summer.

Minuet, also from Tonkadale, will not be
outdone: there is a continual profusion of
fringed, double pink blooms all through the
year. It grows a bit larger than Fascination
and the leaf is a bit flatter, yet there is a
strong resemblance between these two varie¬
ties. Jacob’s Coat from Madison Gardens, will
surely find and keep its place among our
favorites. Blackberry Fluff is one I expect
to see soon among the blue ribbon winners,
and Martelle deserves consideration, too.

This is only a portion of my list of favo¬
rites, past and present. My parade of Saint-
paulia stars is practically endless but I’m
afraid your patience and endurance isn’t. It
has been a temptation to write a bit about
some of the lovely variegated cultivars we
have these days. Mrs. Champion had such an
eye-catching display of these plants at the
French Lick Convention; Naomi’s new type
of variegation is intriguing, too, and entirely
different from what we’ve previously known.

I must, however, not yield to this temptation
no matter how alluring it is as I could go on
and on. There seems to be no limit to my
African violet reminiscing. So, as everything
has to come to an end, I believe it is time
these violets thoughts must. •

38

My husband gave me my first African violet
for Easter 4 years ago. It was a lovely
big plant covered with double blue blossoms;
they lasted about a month, getting fewer and
smaller until there weren’t any more. I had
no idea as to how to care for it but decided
maybe I should repot it. When I took it from
the pot there were 4 small plants instead of
one. I potted them up and they remained on
the window sill for about a year, blooming
off and on. I didn’t think too much about
them until I saw some violets in the local
five and ten cent store and purchased a double
pink one and one with a Girl leaf.

Now all violet lovers will know that this
was the beginning of my downfall. I started
reading articles in garden magazines about
how to care for violets and how to grow new
plants from leaves. Need I say more? Plants
of all shapes and sizes and leaf cuttings of
all kinds began to fill the windows and table
tops. My husband began complaining that the
house looked like a jungle and that he was
going to ship me off to Africa. Things were
getting pretty cluttered and the children were
always knocking plants over and picking
bouquets, so something had to be done.

I had seen a picture of a planter in an
article by Peggy Schulz some months before
and had cut it out. My husband took the
picture to a local carpenter and had the unit
in the photograph made for my birthday. I
keep my nicest plants in it. It is really a show
piece and has interested so many of my violet
friends; several of my neighbors have had
planters made also.

The unit itself is 52 inches long, 22 inches
wide and 28 inches deep. The shelves are 7
inches high and 7V2 inches wide. The outside
is fir plywood. The shelves are pine. The
inside is painted with enamel to reflect the
light. I used white paint at first but prefer
ivory color as it blends well with the violets
and is not in such sharp contrast as the white.
There are two 40 watt fluorescent tubes, one
daylight and one warm white; these are on
from 12 to 14 hours a day. The top shelf is
about 13 inches from the lights but the bottom

shelf is really a little too far away for profuse
blooming. However, the plants do bloom quite
nicely, as you can see. About half the plants
in the unit are in plastic pots; the others are
in coffee cups, goblets, hand cream jars, sher¬
bet glasses, custard cups, etc.

The planter was originally supposed to
have sliding glass doors on the front but I
preferred it open. However, I am about to
order some glass doors from our local glass
dealer as my 9 month old girl is in violet
heaven whenever I forget to keep an eye on
her. She seems to have her radar tuned in
to the planter. Already she has “repotted”
3 of my best. She seems to prefer the white
ones. My husband says she is a chip off the
old block.

I keep my small plants and cuttings on
shelves in the kitchen window. I try to keep
under 200 plants and cuttings because with
3 small children and chores on a 140 acre
dairy farm, time is at a premium. The plants
at the windows are mostly in clay pots. I do
prefer the plastic though, as the clay dries
out so quickly. These small plants need water
nearly every day, but being so near to the
kitchen sink, I find this no problem.

We have hard water in this area so I let
it stand overnight in a crock in the basement.
Recently I have added eggshells to the water,
as was suggested by several people.

I start my leaves in perlite. I pot the small
plants in Black Magic but add a little peat,
as it tends to pack when top watered. Some
day I would like to make my own potting
mix, trying out the various recipes in the
African Violet Magazine.

I find the African Violet Magazine a great
help, with so many new and useful ideas,
many of which I have tried. I have tried
grafting leaves and am waiting for my first
grafts to bloom. I have just gathered some
dry seed pods from crosses of some of my
favorites and plan to start them soon.

Some day in the distant future I hope to
have a violet greenhouse or plant room. Until
then I shall have to be content with planters
and window sills. •

Carol Fetterly
Oconto Falls, Wis.

Something . . . .
Had To Be Done

More Fun
With

African VioL

The lady at the top is
Gladrags, to her right is
Josabel Bead, left front is
Ivory Queen, Velvet Empress
and Lorna Doone. Far right,
Lela Burton.

Lela M. Burton,
Arkansas City, Kansas

J^AVE you every tried

any unique ways
growing African violets?

Many have recently dis- ^
covered much joy in grow¬
ing their favorite plants
in unusual containers.

Your cupboards and closets
may hold many cute gad¬
gets that can be planted
with African violets and

they will lend much charm to your home and
be a source of delight to all who enter therein.

Thirty years ago my first violet was a tiny
plantlet set in a glass bowl with some tiny
ferns and other miniatures. It grew so fast
that it had to be removed in a few weeks
and a little low china bowl about SVe inches
across was used to plant it in. It developed
into a beautiful blooming plant while sitting
in a north window which received reflected
light from a house across the street. This was
the beginning of a wonderful hobby. As new
varieties became available they were added
to my collection of house plants. Always I
have grown them in the same soil as begonias
and ferns and under the same conditions. I
used any pretty container for them that was
suitable in size for it seemed that they were
much too dainty and sweet to be planted in
common clay pots.

The first time that I exhibited plants grown
in unusual containers was at the Chicago

Convention of the African
Violet Society of America, in
1952. A small wall planter 6
inches long, 1 V2 wide, and 2
inches deep, curved in shape, held
a Gypsy Princess that measured 22
inches in diameter and was 17 months old.
A special thing was made to exhibit it on
at the show. A white kitten planter held
a plant with a cluster of pure white blooms
and a cluster of deep purple blooms. I
cannot recall the variety at this time. They
won first and second awards in the Un¬
usual Container Class, and, needless to say,
they were a special attraction as the plants
were actually growing in the containers
without drain. The plant in the wall con¬
tainer remained in it for 30 months and
bloomed continuously. When it was finally
removed, it was still in good condition and
blooming. The container is still in use, but,
of course, with a change of plants now and
then. The plant always forms a fan against
the wall which is opposite windows 9 feet
away. In winter it receives very little sun

40

early in the morning and in late afternoon;
none at all during summer months, but it
continues to bloom.

The ceramic lady heads have become pop¬
ular for planters and my kitchen window
exhibits a row of 9 lovely ladies all planted
with varieties that are named to correspond
to the faces. For instance, one cutie with a
plumed hat and feather fan held just below
a winking eye, suggested Gladrags. Another
sweet one with a pinkish complexion and blue
eyes with a standing lace collar, suggested
Evelyn Johnson. Another, Innocence, etc.
These are always “oh’d and ah’d” over by
visitors. These planters are irregular in shape
and care must be taken in planting them. Use
soil of fine texture that contains 2 parts
woods earth; 1 part moist peat; and Vz part
of each, perlite and vermiculite; a small
amount of granulated charcoal. Use it when
it is fairly dry so that it will get down in
the corners. Fill half full and tap the con¬
tainer on a table top and press very lightly
with a spoon or something similar. Water
lightly, using a tiny bit of plant food — y4
strength is recommended. Continue to fill
until only space enough is left for the plant
or plantlet. Babies from the mother leaf start
quickly in these containers. If a small potted
plant is being used, be sure to water before
removing it from the pot. If the hole is too
small to receive the ball of roots, the root
ball may be shaped with the fingers to fit
the hole. In this case, don’t fill the planter
up so far. However, the plants must be planted
well up near the edge allowing only enough
space for watering as the soil settles some¬
what, in time. Be sure there is soil well up
on the sides of the container at the top to
insure no air pockets. After the plant is set,
water thoroughly and let stand for about 30
minutes. If any excess moisture shows after
this time, drain it off; and roll up a piece of
facial tissue and fit it in around the inside
of the container to absorb extra moisture that
will not drain off. Thereafter, water only
when needed, checking daily by feeling the
soil. By holding the finger against the soil
for a second, you will know whether it is dry
or moist. At first indication of dryness down
about one inch, water sparingly. Never let
your plants become actually dry! A plant
allowed to become too dry repeatedly will go
out of bloom. Never let plants become so dry
that they wilt, for if they remain dry for only
a day or so (time has a way of flying and we
don’t realize it has been so long sometimes),
the tiny feeder roots shrink and when water
is added too much at a time, they cannot take
it up fast enough and a serious wilted con¬
dition takes over. However, by moving the
plant away from the strong light for a few
weeks, new roots will form and the plant will
recover. Some leaves will be sacrificed, and
the plant may never be quite as nice as it
was before. Sometimes they come out fine.

There can never be a set time for watering
successfully as many factors must be con¬
sidered, such as outside weather conditions
(rainy, cold, hot, humid, sunny, etc.), whether
it is a freshly potted plant, size of the con¬
tainer, age of plant for size of container, tem¬
perature and humidity inside of the house.
Only the finger can be relied upon unless
plastic pots are used and then the weight of
the pot can be depended upon: heavy when
moist, light when dry. Patience and observa¬
tion are the best teachers. Plants are very
much like our children.

Plants grown in these various shaped con¬
tainers cannot be repotted and need not be,
to give several years of pleasure. When the
container is filled with roots the foliage slows
down its growth but the blooms become more
abundant. It is necessary occasionally to re¬
move a leaf to keep them well shaped. By
careful watering these will bloom for several
years. Just add a little plant food to the water
once a month or so. If they become too com¬
pact in growth, it is likely that there is either
too much light or you have overfed them.
Remember, some varieties require more light
than others: the more light they receive the
less food they require.

Miniatures and small growing plants are
really best for the small containers such as
egg cups, small cups and saucers, small bas¬
kets, goblets, etc. Woven articles may be lined
with heavy foil, bringing it up well on the
sides and rolling the edge to keep moisture
and soil from oozing out.

Just now I am observing a large plant nearly
10 years old, growing in a ceramic bowl 2V2
inches deep and 5 inches wide, in the same
soil, and it has never been out of bloom. It
sat all those years in the same location against
a wall opposite windows many feet away. It
was never turned so it formed a fan-shape
against the wall. Visitors never fail to notice
it as it is very large and lovely. I have planted
several plants into a long container that has
developed very beautifully.

I find that plants such as begonias, ferns,
and all ornamental plants, will grow to tre¬
mendous size in very small pots. African vio¬
lets in 3 inch plastic pots measure 12 to 14
inches across and may even get to be larger
in time. Begonias and ferns in 9 to 12 inch
pots are unbelievable in size. Proper watering
and feeding is the secret. Never overfeed! A
little often is better than a lot occasionally!
Episcias grow well in small containers with¬
out drainage, opposite light, as they should
not be turned to become most attractive.

You can be sure that if you have never
tried growing things in the manner I have
described, a most challenging joy awaits you.
For excitement and adventure, do try grow¬
ing your African violets in unusual containers.
They are not only decorative to the home but
will come to be a real source of pleasure to
you and your friends. •

41

« «

«

«

Little did I realize when I was asked to
convene a house plant table at our church
bazaar in 1944 that it would lead up to such
a fascinating hobby. Among the numerous
plants donated to my table were some wee
plants in 2 inch pots called African violets.
There were no blooms on the plants but the
name intrigued me. I have always been fond
of the wild violets that bloom in the woods
in the spring.

I bought one of these so-called African vio¬
lets for myself and took it home with me.
It thrived beautifully in a west window and
in a short time came into bloom. I shall always
remember my surprise at finding several
flowers to a pedicel, the wild variety having
only one flower per pedicel. This first African
violet was a very dark blue, probably Blue
Boy. Some time later a friend told me how
to propagate from leaves and gave me leaves
of a pink violet and a white violet. I guess it
was just beginners luck that all my plants
grew and bloomed so well. I certainly knew
nothing about them or their culture.

I went to my first African violet show in
1955; it was put on by the Ottawa Horticul¬
tural Society. There I met Mrs. Eric Thomp¬
son and she told me about the African Violet
Society of America. I joined the Society at
that time and I know that a great deal of my

a fascinating hobby

Gladys McGregor, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

♦

♦

♦

success in growing African violets has been
a result of information gleaned from the Afri¬
can Violet Magazine.

The home we are living in now has many
bright windows and I use practically all of
them for plants. The surplus plants are grown
in the basement under lights. Altogether I
have about 500 plants. The first shelves my
husband built are in three tiers against
the basement wall which is painted white.
When I required more space he built two
stands of two tiers each, on wheels so that
they could be moved if necessary. All of the
shelves, which are painted white, measure 30
inches by 60 inches. Each shelf is fitted with
a double- fluorescent fixture holding 40 watt
tubes, one daylight and one warm white. The
lights are set about 12 inches above the tops
of the pots which are sitting on trays of
Zonolite. There are two 25 watt incandescent
bulbs connected to the fluorescent fixtures.
The lights are controlled by time clocks, giv¬
ing the plants about 16 hours of light per day.

I make my own soil mixture. First I steri¬
lize my soil. To do this I dampen it, cover it,
and put it into the oven at 250 degrees.
Using a meat thermometer, I bring the soil
to a temperature of 180 degrees and hold it
at that temperature for one hour. I let it cool
and aerate for several days before using it.

My mixture is made up of IV2 quarts of this
sterilized soil, 1 V2 quarts granulated peat
moss, 11/2 quarts plasterer’s aggregate or fine
vermiculite and IV2 quarts of Sponge-Rok,
V2 cup of bone meal, and 1 cup of granu¬
lated charcoal.

I like to start my leaves in water. I choose
a mature but not an old leaf and break it off
close to the plant. I take a razor blade and
make a nice clean slanted cut, leaving about
one inch of stem on the leaf. I label my
leaves with adhesive tape. I find the little
bottles in which we get spices are ideal; the
narrow neck allows the stem to touch the
water without the leaf touching. When roots
about 1/4 inch long have formed I insert the
leaf in damp vermiculite. When the baby
plants are about 1 1/2 inches in height and look
strong enough, I separate them. I pot them
in my regular soil mix in 2 inch pots. When
the plants become root-bound I repot them
into a one size larger pot. Except for Amazon
and Supreme varieties I rarely put a plant into
anything larger than a 3 inch pot. I water
only when the soil feels dry to the touch. I
fertilize my plants every 2 to 3 weeks, alter¬
nating with Plant Marvel and Fish Emulsion.
Once my plants come into bloom they rarely
stop. I seldom have root rot. When I first
started using plastic pots I did have some
trouble, however by adding more Sponge-
Rok to my soil mix I overcame the trouble.

Like so many others before me, I have had
my trouble with mites. The first time I had
cyclamen mite I did not recognize the trouble
early enough and had to throw out over 100
plants. I obtained some sodium selenate and
settled that problem. Then there was the sum¬
mer we had two-spotted mite in the garden.
Regardless of the precautions I took, they
found their way into the house. Unlike the
cyclamen mite, they attack the petioles and
backs of the leaves, especially along the veins.
Brown corky spots are an indication of their
presence. A powerful magnifying glass will
soon show them up. Again I got busy with the
sodium selenate. There are some new sprays
on the market which are quite effective: liquid
Kelthane is one spray which I like. There is
a new spray coming out which is supposed to
be systemic but I don’t know if it is available
to the general public as yet. I like to spray
my plants about every 2 to 3 weeks and give
them the occasional dose of selenate as well.

In the last 2 or 3 years I have become very
interested in the African violet cousins. I be¬
long to the Gloxinia and Gesneriad Societies.
My collection of these plants is rapidly in¬
creasing. My husband is a member of the
American Begonia Society. Along with a few
tropicals and various other house plants, our
home is literally bursting at the seams. We
have made many new friends in both Canada
and the United States through our fascinating
hobby of growing house plants, and they give
us a great deal of pleasure. •

42

Press tope on
lightly .It easily
dings totne
ho\ru sorface.

Koxot 6\Qcie

I toKe Q TQ20T biode and
h-iote Q nice dean sionted
cut leau'ua^ aboot linch of
stem on -the leaf . I root
mg leaf Cuttings in uoater.

EXTRA DILUTE SOLUTION
SODIUM SELENATE
Preparation of solution

Completely dissolve a Va gram capsule in a
gallon of warm water. Be sure that the cap¬
sule is thoroughly dissolved before using the
solution.

Number of applications

Apply 4 times — 7 to 10 days apart — no
oftener.

How to apply

A 1 ounce infant or ear syringe makes a
handy applicator. Put the solution directly
on the soil at the edge of the pot in the
same way you would water the plant from the
top. If you water from the bottom place the
solution in the saucer.

Pot size and dosage

4 inch pot — 2 ounces

3 inch pot — 1 ounce

1 inch pot — V2 ounce

Use the recommended dosage — no strong¬
er and apply it no oftener.

If spilled on plant leaves or stems wash off
immediately with warm water.

Wear rubber gloves. Should solution come
in contact with skin or clothing wash off as
soon as possible.

During treatment water with plain warm
water only.

Both capsules and made-up solution should
be kept out of the reach of children, pets, or
irresponsible persons at all times. Mark stor¬
age bottles clearly “Sodium Selenate — Poi¬
son.”

Isolate all new plants until they have been
properly treated for cyclamen mite. Be wary
of adding newcomers to your collection until
you know they are free of infection.

A magnifying glass or microscope is needed
to see mites — they are too small to be visible
to the naked eye.

Prevention is easier than cure. Set up a lit¬
tle plant protection program and follow it. •

T \Qbe\ my leaf
uoitW adhesiue
tope-

WInen leaf hos Toot's
X pfont
it in domp
oeTruicolite

the young piontlets are.
iVa vncheSi toll and looK

When

about

strong enough. I separate the
clumps and pottbem m 2. inch
pots m rnj Tegular
soil mix.

Spong^RoK

.•'y>

When X j\Vst storied
using plastic pests
Idid haue. some.
^ rod Tot. but

by addiny rnoTcSpooge,-
"R oh to my soil mixloTC. T.
o vercome t-he trouble .

43

Growing African VioJets
Under Artificial Light

Dr. F. W. Went, Director
Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, Missouri

Dr. Went provided the Magazine with this copy of
his talk at French Lick. Through an oversight it was
not included in the Convention Section in September
— Editor.

I am happy to be here with you tonight be¬
cause I feel at home among people who not
only love plants but, also, grow them, and
grow them to perfection — - for that is the real
problem. Plants are remarkably tolerant, they
can stand a lot of abuse, such as most plants
in most climates have to take: frosts, or very
low temperatures, heat, hail, hurricanes, poor
soils of any kind, lack of water in deserts or
semideserts, lack of light in the depths of tropi¬
cal forests, lack of nutrients, or even lack of
space. Then, there are problems of diseases,
pests, and polluted air of many sorts. Therefore
in nature we very seldom find a perfect plant:
these are really found only in the plant
collections of commercial growers and ama¬
teurs, where they were grown without any
of the earlier mentioned ills.

The greatest problem in the growing of
plants is light for plants need a high light
intensity to produce their own energy food.
This is done by the process of photosynthesis,
in which light energy is captured and trans¬
formed into chemical energy in the form of
sugars and starch. This happens in the green
leaves of plants. The minimum amount of
light at which any plant can produce sufficient
sugars to make it respire and grow is 100-200
foot candles, but to make plants grow vigo¬
rously more light is necessary, usually 1,000-
2,000 foot candles.

Until recently such light intensities were
only obtainable in greenhouses or in front of
windows, using the sun’s radiation. But sun¬
light is a notoriously unreliable light source.
In winter there are periods of a week or
longer that the critical light intensity of 100
foot candles is hardly reached, and even then
only for the short hours of a winter day. In
summer it is not primarily the dark and
cloudy days which are objectionable, but for
many plants the full sunlight (about 10,000
foot candles) of a hot summer day is too
much, and unless shaded, such plants get
injured through burning. And finally, there
always is about half of the 24-hour day when
there is no sun.

We now have convenient, reliable, and rela¬
tively cheap sources of light which can replace
the sun as an energy source in the growing
of plants. It is obvious that the old talc candle

was utterly insufficient as a light source, for
it is not one candle power we need, but
hundreds of candle power. The incandescent
gas lamp was a much better light source not
only because of its much higher light intensity,
but also because its color — white — indicates
that it produces enough blue light in addition
to the red and yellow of the candle flame.
The great disadvantages of the gas lamp are
1) in addition to light it gives off a lot of
heat, which must be filtered out, and 2) a gas
flame produces toxic products if it is not
properly operated, and many plants cannot
be grown in a room in which there are gas
flames.

The incandescent electric light bulb is a
great improvement over the gas light since
it does not produce any toxic gases. But it
still has the disadvantage that it produces
much heat. In fact, when we install enough
incandescent bulbs to get sufficient foot can¬
dles to grow plants, those plants will be
burned to a crisp in a very short while, unless
we put a filter between the lamps and the
incandescent bulbs which removes the heat
rays. Water is an excellent filter for heat
rays; glass is not. In two ways we can make
an installation to grow plants using incan¬
descent bulbs. One is to place a glass-bottomed
tray with V2-I inch of water over your plants,
and hang the lamps above this tray so that
only light filtered through the water reaches
the plants. This arrangement has many dis¬
advantages. Such trays have a tendency to
leak; algae will develop in the water; the
water evaporates and must be refilled con¬
tinuously, for just a few minutes of illumi¬
nation without the water filter would kill
your plants. The other method also uses water
as a filter, but in this case the incandescent
bulbs are submerged in the water, making
sure that the water comes no higher than
the globe of the bulb, and does not reach the
socket. This is a good arrangement if only
one 500 or 1,000 watt bulb is used, but this
method has some of the same disadvantages
as the first-mentioned one: evaporation, algae,
and if the bulb is only momentarily out of
water while burning, it will crack when it
comes again in contact with water.

It really is unnecessary to consider these
incandescent light sources very seriously, since
during the last 20 years a completely new,
and almost ideal, light source has been de¬
veloped, namely the fluorescent tube. The
principle of its operation is entirely different
from the incandescent electric light. The latter
is nothing but a metal wire, which is heated
by an electric current to such a high tem¬
perature that it does not only emit heat, but
also light rays. The more light one wishes,
the more the filament has to be heated, and
not only more light but also much more heat
is generated. The fluorescent tube is filled
with mercury vapor. When current is passed
through this vapor, only ultraviolet and some

44

visible light is emitted, with practically no
heat rays. For proper operation the lamp
must be slightly heated, and heat is produced
in the transformer-ballast, but this heat does
not reach the plants. Plants not only cannot
use the ultraviolet rays emitted by the mer¬
cury vapor, but they are burned by them. But
the lamp manufacturers have found a very
simple and effective way to prevent the ultra¬
violet rays from escaping from the tube.
They cover the inside of the tube with a thin
layer of fluorescent powder. This transforms
the ultraviolet rays into visible light. By using
different fluorescent powders they can pro¬
duce almost any color of light, starting with
just the ultraviolet rays produced by the
mercury vapor. In this way fluorescent lamps
are not only amazingly efficient in trans¬
forming electric energy into visible light, but
they also do not produce unnecessary heat.

What is the best color of light under which
to grow plants? To discover this we can pro¬
ceed along two different lines of research. I
mentioned already that light is needed by
plants for photosynthesis. To this end the
plant captures the light with a colored sub¬
stance, chlorophyll. This green pigment pri¬
marily absorbs blue and red light, and reflects
and transmits green and yellow light; therefore
its color is green. Only the light which is
absorbed by chlorophyll can be used by plants
for sugar formation, and, therefore green and
yellow light is not very effective for the plant.
Consequently any light source which is rich
in both red and blue rays should be good
for growing plants.

We can also approach the selection of the
best light source for plants experimentally.
That is to say that we can grow plants under
a number of different types and colors of
lamps, and measure how much they grow,
how they behave and flower. When this was
done in the Earhart Plant Research Labora¬
tory by Dr. Stuart Dunn, he found that a
combination of mostly “Warm White” fluor¬
escent tubes, with a few small incandescent
bulbs gave the best results. It is recommen.ded
to have per 100 watt fluorescent tubes 25
watts of incandescent light. Such a combina¬
tion of lamps provides high light iqtensities
in the red and blue parts of the spectrum, as
concluded from theoretical considerations in
the previous paragraph.

Based largely on research and considera¬
tions as outlined previously, in most labora¬
tories where plants are now grown under
artificial light, panels are used on which as
many fluorescent tubes as possible are mount¬
ed. Mostly 8 foot tubes are used. In between
each row of 4-6 fluorescent tubes a row of
four 25 watt incandescent bulbs is mounted.
To obtain highest light intensities now either
“power-groove” or “VHO” tubes are used, but
for the basement gardener interested in grow¬
ing African violets the ordinary fluorescent
tube gives satisfactory light. With power-

groove lamps intensities of 3,000 foot-candles
are easily attainable. With the ordinary flu¬
orescent tubes intensities of up to 1,000 foot
candles are obtainable, which is more than
enough for African violets; actually it is more
than necessary.

Now it will be interesting to consider some
of the reasons why African violets are such
excellent house plants, and why they do par¬
ticularly well under fluorescent light. As I
have pointed out in an earlier article, they
grow best when they are kept as cool as
possible while in light, whereas they should
be kept at 70°F in darkness. Therefore, in
summer when the temperature in sunlight
goes up very high, African violets have to
be kept very much in the shade, and thus
do not get enough light on cloudy days, unless
they are moved closer to a window. But under
artificial light they can always receive just
the right amount of light. There is even
another possible advantage of artificial light.
This can be given during the night hours
when the temperature can be kept cool, such
as the plants like. During the day the plants
can be kept in darkness, at a higher tempera¬
ture.

There is a special reason why African vio¬
lets do so well under even weak light. The
leaves of most plants are saturated with light
somewhere between 500 and 1,000 foot can¬
dles, and to make plants grow well all leaves
should get that much more light. In most
plants with long stems, the upper leaves shade
the lower ones, and therefore the whole plant
must grow in a much higher light intensity
to have the lower leaves receive enough light.
The African violet plant has a very short
stem, and it spreads its leaves all beautifully
in one plane, so that they do not shade each
other. This they achieve by having the leaf¬
stalk continue to grow so that as new leaves
form in the center of the leaf rosette, threaten¬
ing to shade the older leaves, these older
leaves grow out from under them and re¬
main fully exposed to light. This is a typical
habit of shade plants, but few demonstrate
this phenomenon as beautifully as the African
violet. For other plants it is known that the
leaf stalk starts to grow when its leaf is
being shaded. It would be interesting to in¬
vestigate whether this is true for African
violets as well.

The fact that the African violet is a rosette
plant makes it such a neat and perfect house
plant. The oldest leaves after they die soon
are covered by the next row of younger leaves,
and even when not cut off they do not make
the plant look messy. But of particular value
is the fact that it flowers in the rosette stage,
and continues as a rosette all through its life.
Most other plants have rosettes only when
they are young, and just before they start
flowering, the stem elongates (fox-glove, even¬
ing primrose, carrot, larkspur), and then it
flowers and dies. •

45

Left, my husband Al¬
bert is pictured hold¬
ing Silver Flute, a
blue ribbon winner.

Mrs. Albert Lefebvre
Kansas City, Missouri

Silver Flute pictured above is easy to
grow to a large size and makes an
exceUent show plant with Its beauti¬
ful variegated foliage. The leaves are
good sized and ruffled. The cream,
pale cream and green colored ones
often have pink and yellow show
through the variegation. Blossoms are
single light to medium blue. Kimberly
another fine show type, and winner
of a blue ribbon, is the name of the
iplant 1 am holding. It too has beauti¬
ful ruffled foliage which is dark and
shiny. Blossoms are medium blue,
edged with white. Kimberly may be
variable. If you do not keep mature,
large sized, large leafed plants always
evenly moist, the lower leaves will
droop down and many of them will
stay limp and die. So to keep the outer
leaves of big plants a firm, healthy
green with good luster do not let the
soil dry out too much so that the
leaves hang down — ^for they may not
all come back up to their former
position when the plant is watered.
Even moisture in the soil is a necess¬
ity. Large plants, particularly show
size plants, must have regular care.

My Way of Grooming and Growing African Violets

I started growing African violets a number
of years ago when a friend gave me a plant
of Blue Boy. It was so badly abused that she
was going to throw it away. I brought it home,
cleaned it up, repotted and fed it. In no time
at all it was smiling back at me in my break¬
fast room window. I put a few leaves down
and soon I had little Blue Boys all over the
house. Different friends gave me ^ leaves of
other varieties and it wasn’t long before I
had violetitis so badly that there wasn’t any
stopping. It grew until, like many others, I
moved my violets to the basement, pushing my
husband’s workshop out completely. He didn’t
like this too much at first, but the violets
soon fascinated him too. Now he works with
them and enjoys them as much as I do; vio¬
letitis is contagious to husbands as well as
to wives.

Three years ago someone talked me into
entering a few plants in the Kansas City show.
I entered 7 plants and won 5 ribbons, which
was quite a thrill for me. In my third year
of showing, which was the last show held
here, I won sweepstakes with 48 entries, 44
of which received ribbons; I also received
one of the Alma Wright awards at the Con¬
vention in French Lick, Indiana. Now I have
a new kind of violet fever and there is no
telling where it may lead.

Immediately after a show I start thinking
about show plants for next year. There are 4
important factors in growing these lovely
plants: cleanliness, temperature of 70 to 75
degrees, humidity of between 60 and 70 per
cent if possible (this I have no trouble with),
and good light.

As my small plants are taken from the
parent leaf and potted, I begin to pick from
the hundreds I pot the ones I think may do
for this big event in their lives. Always a
nicely formed root system is thought of first,
then the shape of the plant, and its growing
habits. My show plants have 3 or 4 pottings
before they are entered in shows. When they
are taken from the parent leaf they are placed
in 2V2 inch clay pots; by potting this way, I
first let them get about 2 to 2V2 inches in
height. I give them a good drink of Hyponex
at about one-half the stated strength — this
seems to help them over the potting shock.
Then they are placed under the fluorescent
lights in trays of sphagnum moss which has
been treated with V-C 13. I keep the sphagnum
moss damp at all times, and feed the plantlets
with a half strength solution every 2 weeks.
Now watch them grow until they are about
4 inches in diameter, when they are repotted
into 3 inch pots; I never remove the soil, just
set the root ball into the larger pot and fill
in the space around it. Back they go in the

sphagnum moss, and continue to grow. I keep
them as cool as possible in the summer months,
which isn’t too hard to do in a basement.

By now it should be about the first of Sep¬
tember. Pick your very best again and pot in
4 to 6 inch pots; I use both, and the squatty
kinds. Pot them, using the same soil and the
same method. I always put a piece of broken
clay pot over the opening in the bottom; this
makes them easier to push out of the home
they are leaving. I use my own mixture of
soil (the recipe is given at the end of the
story). I sterilize the soil, rotted manure and
the pots. When they go back on the trays this
time, my show plants don’t sit in the moss but
in their own saucers on the moss. From now
on they should have very good light: 12 to 14
hours a day (I find more is too much). I use
one warm white and one cool white to each
fixture. They are fed about every 10 days now;
I alternate Hyponex and Plant Marvel, and
about every 3 or 4 weeks a feeding of Atlas
Fish Emulsion.

As to the amount of watering, it depends
on one’s home or basement. I never let larger
plants dry out completely. I go over my show
plants every day and check the moisture so
that they are kept at a happy medium. So
many people overwater or let the large plants
get too dry, which only sets them back and
causes them to lose some lower leaves.

When it is show time and your plants are
being prepared for the big event in their lives,
each plant must be brushed or washed. As
time has been cruising along, you should have
been removing all the little suckers that form,
and before packing the plants for the show,
go over them once more, as these little pests
will give you lots of trouble.

Husbands certainly come in handy when it
comes to packing and getting all the large
plants to a show.

Well, this is my own way of growing these
wonderful plants to be exhibited for their
beauty. How nice it is to stand back and hear
people make wonderful remarks about how
beautiful the African violets are!

Mixture of soil:

1 bushel of good garden soil
1 gallon of Michigan peat moss

1 gallon of rotted manure, pulverized

2 gallons of Sponge-Rok

1 gallon of fine (not pulverized) charcoal
4 tablespoons of Fermate
8 tablespoons of superphosphate
4 tablespoons of 10% Chlordane dust
(the tablespoons are all level) •

47

African Violets ?

. . . and well you might ask yourself . . .
these things that have overrun our homes,
space is made for this thing called a violet
where nothing else would remotely be con¬
sidered. Anyone bitten by the bug will testify
to this.

During a conversation about hobbies the
other day, I mentioned African violets as our
hobby; the dumbfounded query I got was,
“African violets. What ARE THEY?” Looking
back over the few years of collecting these
plants and the experiences we’ve had, I was
prompted to put on paper the amusing epi¬
sodes and some of the tragic ones as well.

Our beginning was not unique in fact,
like so many others — the gift of a plant,
taking off of leaves, propagation of leaves in
water . . . there never was a glass good enough
to use, you know. You begged someone to save
those wonderful baby food jars or cream
cheese spread containers or wine glasses, even
the best crystal . . . why — sure! Then the
big decision of getting enough courage to
separate the multiple crowned overgrown
White Pride. My husband and I started this
major operation many times, only to give up
in a state of despair, but once the job was
tackled it took us over an hour, then we
worried for days as to whether or not the
plants would live. Well, of course they did.
This led to more, many more. One day my
husband decided he would do all the potting
from then on; that was a sad day! The soil
was too rich and the babies so tender and
they were separated from the mother leaf too
soon. Almost all were lost. Begin again? Of
course we did.

Then the time the empty 30 gallon fish
tanks came into the picture. What a wonder¬
ful solution to starting babies, and with lights
too! We had a beautiful Siamese kitten at the
time called Miss Shoo Shoo and to train this
creature we left a marvelous, odorless inven¬
tion called a Kitty Litter box for her conven¬
ience during the day because we both worked.
The consistency of the stuff was very similar
to vermiculite, the rooting medium we used
in the tanks at that time. Getting up late one
morning, I forgot to set the Kitty Litter box
out for Miss Shoo Shoo. Using her cunning and
well-trained mind, she figured there was just
no other place to go but in the fish tanks
which had the same stuff as was in her own
exclusive box which was missing ... or so
we think she thought! Later, much later, some
violet-minded friends called. After the grand

Marcha R. Latwen, Epping, New Hampshire

What Are They ?

tour we inspected the fish tanks, full of root¬
ing medium and lovely babies. You know
what we found, don’t you? Of course you do!

“Where’s mine?”

Apparently ammonia was the cause of the
loss of one tank full of plants, and recalling
this at a violet meeting later on, one of the
members was heard to speak up indignantly,
“Imagine that .... Why there’s nothing else
to do but KILL THE CAT.”

My ingenious husband made a three-tiered
violet cart. A tinsmith made the trays, 6 feet
long and 32 inches wide. We got the lights
wholesale, filled each tray with about 100
pounds of chicken grits, put in the plants, and
we were in business. Imagine, a dream come
true. All the plants under lights. Now we
find much later that the thing is too heavy
and is buckling and we dare not move it for
fear it will collapse! Oh well.

This cart has overflowed with beautiful
plants and the blooms are the size of half
dollars and larger, and to snatch some of the
light and relieve the congestion we have
moved a small upright plant stand near the
center of the cart. Our teen-age daughter
(aren’t they wonderful?) finds it more com¬
fortable to lie on^he floor while talking on
the telephone, which is near the long stand . . .
it being unthinkable to sit in a chair while
talking, of course! The extended feet keep
pushing the stand inch by inch as each piece
of delicious gossip or item is hashed over and
something always falls over with a loud crash.

Always one of my good cherished pinks!

48

Although my husband rarely ever greets
me first when he comes home from work, I
don’t hold this against him. Following the
first big hello, he wanders into the other
room and slowly inspects all the plants, seeing
who has blossomed today, what needs atten¬
tion, wonders if this will still be in bloom
for the show, and so on ... of course, all
the while, mother is dashing madly around
the kitchen preparing the evening meal and
muttering something about everybody being
hungry and I’ve only got one pair of hands,
and all he can do is look at those plants!!
FEED HIM? Of course I do. LOVE HIM? You
bet.

Then just before the Spring Show ... I
bet the Lord never heard such prayers. Did
He ever create such things as African violets?

You pray that they will be in bloom, or will
they all decide to up and die on me . . . and
you get the screaming jeebies because your
son passes a ball across the room (this prac¬
tice is forbidden in the house) and the re¬
ceiver doesn’t catch it and the ball crashes
into a table full of plants . . . and you keep
fussing at everyone . . . DON’T put your books
on THAT table ... or BE careful about that
light on those plants . . . or . . . WATCH
THE CAT.

Well, we didn’t kill the cat and we didn’t
disown the teen-age daughter and we decided
to keep our son, and what would I do without
my wonderful violet-smitten clever husband,
and we wouldn’t dream of chucking out the
violets, so we have just learned to all live
together under one roof. When the kitchen
table gets too crowded with plants, just serve
the Sunday Dinner on trays, everybody can
sit on the floor you know and there are still
enough chairs to go around.

THINKING OUT LOUD . . . and the Na¬
tional Magazine says there’ll be a good yellow
violet soon . . . and there are so many striped
blooms coming along and you want more
pinks you say? . . . we’ll just have to cut
down, that’s all, but in the meantime where
will we put them? I don’t know . . . just
make room that’s all I guess . . . wonder if
anyone has tried growing violets under the
bed . . . there’s still some room there. Summer
is coming along soon I hope; we can always
put a hundred or so out on the porch. Move
out of the house you say? Wonder how much
a greenhouse would cost . . . GREENHOUSE?
The barn leaks now and we need a new roof,
are you CRAZY woman? . . . and so on ... .

WHAT ARE AFRICAN VIOLETS ANY¬
WAY? You tell me. •

49

Although I have been growing plants
indoors and outside for almost 40 years,
it has been about 10 years since I started to
raise African violets. Two small plants and
a leaf were given to me by friends. I had
never seen any Saintpaulias and knew noth¬
ing as to their culture, but they did well for
me and before I realized it I had over 100
plants of assorted sizes. Since growing violets
is just a hobby with me, I try to keep my
collection down to about 125 plants. As I do
a lot of fussing over each plant, I really could
not take care of more than that number.

In a south window of the dining room I
have a 36 inch 4-tiered plant stand that holds
16 to 20 plants according to size. My husband
put casters on this so I can swivel it around
easily to give the plants the most light possi¬
ble during the winter and keep them away
from the hot sun when necessary. I also have
sheer curtains here that I can draw if I like.
The table in front of 2 east windows has room
for 12 large plants, and in one corner I have
a 40 inch cabinet covered with plants, over
which is a Starlite fluorescent fixture. So
— we eat in the kitchen.

In the basement I have a 6 foot tailor’s
table that my husband donated to the cause.
Here I use a 48 inch industrial fluorescent
fixture with one warm and one cool light,
and a timer. The lights are on 14 hours a day.
This has given me good results. The plants
are sturdy and are of a good color with no
bleaching or burning. They bloom well too.
I take the blooming plants upstairs and take
the sleepy ones to the basement until they
perk up again. The temperature downstairs
during the night is between 65 and 68 degrees.
During the day it gets up to 70 degrees. Only
on rare occasions does it go higher as our
summers here seldom get hot. In fact, some
people think we have no summer, only six
months of winter and six months of cold
weather. My plants seem to flower the most
during the spring months and keep on bloom¬
ing until late December when they slow down
for about 6 weeks.

Growing
African Violets
In Wisconsin

Mrs. Soit grows plants by both
natural and artificial light. Note
the open lacy type plastic contain¬
ers she uses to dress up clay pots.

50

Mrs. Joseph Soit, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

For the last 4 summers I have put some
plants outside. These were plants I had
planned to discard but I have found that this
is no way to get rid of them. Outside they
were covered with flowers, and who can
throw out a plant that is blooming like mad.
So, in they come again. Most plants when
brought into the house turn yellow or drop
their foliage, but not so with the violet. Last
fall we had cold rains and the temperature
was down to 48 degrees at night when I
brought them in and they didn’t mind the
change in the least. I keep the plants in the
pots outside on a shelf in the shade of cedar
trees.

I mix my own soil, using the Nature’s
Way products. For fertilizers I alternate with
Plant Marvel and Fish Emulsion mostly but
also use Hyponex and Instant Vigoro. A visi¬
tor remarked that my potting area looks like
a laboratory. I do want to say that, contrary
to all advice on the subject, I fertilize the
plants when they are dry. I just cannot bring
myself to add water to wet soil. I have never
had any reason to believe that this method
is harmful. I do all watering from the top.

Springtails and mildew are the only real
troubles I have had to cope with so far. If I
ever get anything really serious, I will throw
everything out, clean up, and start over again
but never give up.

For springtails I use a scant Vg teaspoon
of chlordane which I add to the top of the
soil in the pot and water it in. The next
morning there is no sign of the critters.

The mildew, even though it does not kill
the plant, can be a real nuisance, especially as
it shows up when my plants are loaded with
flowers. The clay pots will get the mildew
in a hurry if they are set into another con¬
tainer with no air space around them. Now I
set the clay pots into the plastic lacy type
containers which are airy. Also I keep a dish
of sulphur handy and with a powder puff I
dust the clay pots occasionally, or with a cam¬
el’s hair brush take up some sulphur and blow
it over the plants. This works fine.

I use all kinds of pots including tin cans
as long as they are squatty and have drain
holes. With an awl I put holes in the cans.
For making more holes in the plastic pots,
I heat the awl over a candle and it then
pushes through easily. To enlarge the holes
in the clay pots, I use a rat tail file. By this
you can see that I don’t like soggy soil. In¬
stead of crocking in the bottom of the pots,
I use scraps of aluminum screening.

Visitors often ask if all this isn’t a lot of
work. I admit it takes a bit of doing but I
don’t call it work. I find it a very rewarding
hobby, I have met many nice people and made
some good friends. •

Sulphur

&lou>ir>Q bo\pV\\jr, from

camel shavrbrosh,oue«

leoues.

Aside from maintaining good ventilation around the
plants and pots a light dusting of sulphur helps avoid
or control mildew if it occurs. A container with a
powder puff for use as a duster keeps the sulphur
in convenient easy form near the plants.

Scraps of aluminum
screening placed over
the drainage hole per¬
mits good drainage as
well as circulation of
air to the soil in the
bottom of the pot.
Roots must have air in
order to function pro¬
perly.

More holes may be made in the bottom of plastic pots
with an awl. Heat the point over a candle flame and
it will easily penetrate the plastic. For those who have
experienced some difficulty with waterlogged soil due
to inadequate or slow drainage these extra openings
insure quick drainage of surface water from out of the
pot and thus reduces the danger of soggy soil. Ex¬
periment with a plastic pot or two, if you have had
trouble previously, you may have success if you add
more drainage holes. Plastic is nonporous and does not
admit air to the soil through the pot walls. So the
additional holes in the bottom of the pot provides both
drainage and soil aeration.

\ \ 1

M

X ■ !

I

Holes \r\ PVosVicL^V j

may be tf^ade ^ *

au)l.

My wife and I had a problem: we were
finishing our home, looking after our
animals, garden and our 4 children who are
now 4, 6, 8 and 10 years old, just in a nice
age group to give us a pretty busy life. We
didn’t get much pleasure under this pressure,
so we were looking for something to ease our
minds, so to speak.

Well, my wife had a leaf of Blue Boy,
with all the stem and half of the leaf section
buried and she decided to throw it out as
it had been planted for 4 months without
showing any progress. On taking the leaf out
she noticed there were little white plants
forming at the base, so she pulled the leaf up
higher and just lightly covered the top of
these little plants. Shortly afterward they
came out nicely. Then she put them in bigger
pots filled with unsterilized leaf mold and
when the plants started to grow well we
added some organic fertilizer and gave them
more light. After the plants were about 1 V2
years old, a man from the British Columbia
Power and Light Company noticed them and
advised us to put them on display. As we
thought over what he had said about our
African violets having such handsome leaves
and beautiful blossoms — we decided to fol¬
low his suggestion and show some of them.

So one day I took a nice small plant to
a local garden club as we wanted to know
how many points it would rate. When I placed
my plant on the display table, it so happened
that it was between a large Rex begonia plant
and a big Calceolaria plant covered with
bloom. I thought to myself; what chance has
my little African violet? To my delightful
surprise, lo and behold the judge gave our
violet the highest points and also the most
outstanding exhibit award in the whole show.
Considering there were over 80 exhibits, I
was indeed honoured and I could hardly wait
to tell my wife.

As you can guess, this led to more varieties
until now we have over 500 different varie¬
ties. We still grow them in unsterilized leaf
mold and feed them organically. I find it a
good idea to put some earth worms in the
pot when we repot as they seem to work the
mix and the violets seem to grow more vig¬
orously. We grow our plants on 2 feet wide
by 5 feet long wooden tables which have a
porous small rock placed 2 inches deep on
plastic sheets so that the water won’t drip on
the floor. The fluorescent lights are 4 foot
lengths, 2 and 4 tubes, and are approximately
16 to 20 inches from the tops of the plants,
depending on how large the plants are. We

More Work
Less Worrying

assorted

52

put on the lights when we get up and put
them out when we go to bed. We have a
forced air oil burner heating system that
blows the hot air from the ceiling down on
the violets in the basement, and upstairs it
blows the air from the floor register upward
underneath the table, and on this table we
propagate our new leaves, which do very
well here but they must be watered more
often. We only bring in leaves from reliable
sources and isolate any that are doubtful.

The leaf mold in our area has lots of
Alder wood, old logs, moss, etc., and we mix
it all together by hand and put some charcoal
inside the bottom of the pot. Then the pot
is put on top of the porous rocks and the
plants are watered as they need it. We mostly
use plastic pots as they are easier to keep
clean and need watering less often.

In this method of using unsterilized leaf
mold mix with earth worms added, we find
that a small plant that would normally be
planted in a 2 inch pot can bloom quite pro¬
fusely in a 4 inch pot, and it isn’t necessary
to be pot-bound to get lots of bloom. We find
one tablespoon of fresh fir sawdust mixed
with the leaf mold is quite good for the
variegated varieties. A word of advice to

R. J. Oravec, North Surrey, British Columbia,
Canada

people like myself: don’t use too strong a mix
for the babies as they get set back and even
die sometimes. We start the new leaves in
vermiculite and after they get established we
put some leaf mold around them and they
seem to do quite well. Naturally we only
grow single crown plants and keep the suckers
off as soon as they are noticed.

We water with room temperature or luke¬
warm water over the tops of the violets on
the leaves, but make sure that they are kept
out of cold drafts, and we do not put the
lights out at night until the plants have dried
off. On how often to water, I would say a
lot depends on the rate of growth, vigour, size
of plants, type of pot, if fresh mix or used-up
mix-™it seems you have to learn as you go
along. We put room temperature water on
the plant until the water comes to the top
of the rim, then let it settle down and once
again fill the pot to the top of the rim. After
watering, let the plant dry to the point that
the leaves are still firm and the pot is quite
light before you water again. If you let the
leaves get limp from being too dry or too wet,
which means watering the plant when it is
still wet, then you are destroying the fine
feeder roots by drying them out or drowning
them, and this constant neglect tends to make
only a heavy crown root with a limited a-
mount of fine feeder roots, which in turn can¬
not support the leaves of your plant. There¬
fore, the leaves hug the pot. We use only
tap water, with good results. Rain water
might be better, but we haven’t tried it. On
light, I believe that if you have a plant that
is cloudy and dusty looking, you should
repot it and put it in a brighter spot; it should
show a good green lustre after a few weeks.

I cannot give you too much information on
diseases as we only had to spray a few plants
for an occasional aphid, which I might add
was only about twice in the 4 years we have
grown African violets.

We don’t use sand or garden soil with
our violets. I once read an article about soil
sterilization which stated that soil that has
been sterilized is more easily infected by pests
than soil that hasn’t been sterilized. So far
it has worked fine this way for us. So please,
dear readers, if attempting this method, I
would only say, use extreme caution and do
so at your own risk in limited trial attempts.

We have found a way now for our over¬
work and worrying problems. We do more
work and less worrying by looking after these
pretty African violets, and also we meet so
many very nice people this way. And, our
dreary winter months Just fly by.

53

This is I taking my turn before the camera with the
watering pot and violets.

The Haines City African Violet Society is
composed of African violet lovers from
different parts of our beloved country. Fine
roads pivot to this city from all parts of
Florida and people living hundreds of miles
away drive to our annual exhibit.

Camera bulbs are flashing on the Educa¬
tional Exhibit. Let’s see what it is all about.
There, hoisted high enough to be easily seen,
is a poster gaily decorated with a small bonnet
trimmed with violets and more violets scat¬
tered in the corners. You see, Polk County
is celebrating its Centennial and bonnets and
beards are in the vogue. The theme of the
exhibit, in large letters, is Essentials in Afri¬
can Violet Culture.

First of importance, select satisfactory va¬
rieties, easy growers, and good bloomers.

Now we will refer to the chart — - Part 1.
1 — POT OF VIOLETS — Each blos¬
som carries the name of an ingredient in
good soil mixture.

2 — SIMPLIFIED SOIL RECIPE -™

Soil (sterilized) 1 quart

Michigan peat 2 quarts

Vermiculite 2 quarts

Sheep manure Vi cup

Bone meal (steamed) Vz cup

Dust with 5% Chlordane

Mix well-— -water— let stand 2 days to age.

Mr. Robert Reed’s recipe has proved good
in our area. However, some of us substitute
part of the vermiculite with perlite thus mak¬
ing the soil more porous. For plantlets, mix
1 quart of soil mix and 1 quart of vermiculite
or perlite. With above mix, fertilizer is not re¬
quired for first 4 months.

3 — POTS — Either clay or plastic may
be used. The size of the pot is important.
Plants do not like too large a pot. They bloom
better when root-bound. To protect leaves,
cover the rims of the pots with aluminum
foil or dip the rims in melted paraffin. Clay
pots that have been used previously should
be sterilized; used plastic pots should be
washed in soap suds. Wick pots may be used.

4 — LIGHT — Most violets need all the
light they can get, but not hot sun. A few
hours of early morning sun are beneficial in
the winter. Without light it is impossible for
a plant to manufacture food. For uniformity,
turn the plants regularly as they reach for
light. Beautiful plants may be grown with
artifical lights, properly used.

5 — WATER — Avoid water softeners.
Use slightly warm rain water for watering,
in sprays and in fertilizers. Do not allow
plants to become bone-dry. Do not overwater.
Provide drainage. If there is water on the
leaves, keep the plants out of strong light,
drafts or sun until they dry, to avoid spotting.
There are 3 ways of watering: top, bottom,
or wick. I have good success watering from
the bottom except when ready to fertilize,
then I water from the top the day before
fertilizing.

6 — FEEDING OR FERTILIZING — The
soil must be moist before adding plant food.
I like to vary the fertilizer, one feeding of
Stim - U - Plant, next Atlas Fish Emulsion,
Plant Marvel, etc. Measure the fertilizer ac¬
curately and according to directions. Use fer¬
tilizer every 2 weeks. Keep a record of dates:
the 1st and 15th are easy to remember. It is
better to underfeed than to overfeed. Some
people prefer to use fertilizer Vz strength
once a week.

7 — TEMPERATURE — Very sharp
changes are not good for African violets; 70®
to 75® with a 5° drop at night seems to be
about right. If the temperature goes higher,
you will need to provide plenty of moisture
in the air.

8 — HUMIDITY — Avoid a hot, dry at¬
mosphere which is as bad for human beings
as it is for plants. The higher the room tem¬
perature, the more humidity plants require.
Clay pots may be placed in saucers or trays
half full of pebbles, or sand or charcoal. Keep
a little tepid water (room temperature) in
the saucers or trays at all times, but not
enough to reach the roots, except when water¬
ing from below. Also see the article on Evap¬
oration Method to Increase Humidity, in the
December 1960 issue of the Magazine.

9 — CLEANLINESS — Keep violet leaves
clean by spraying with slightly warm water
or by brushing gently with a soft brush. Keep
salts washed off clay pots. Used pots may be
soaked overnight in a solution of Vz cup
vinegar to one gallon of water, or in a Clorox
solution, to remove salts, then sterilized.

54

n-rLH-nn-n

10 — WATCH FOR SYMPTOMS OF
PESTS— Identify and use suggested remedies.
Isolate plants suspected of disease, thus guard¬
ing healthy plants. Spray regularly once a
month with Wonder Spray for protection.

11 ^ GOOD GROOMING — Pluck off
baby leaves and any stragglers as you go
along, to keep the plants growing symmetri¬
cally. Train the remaining leaves to grow as
you wish by using toothpicks. Watch for
suckers and remove them as they sap the life
of the plant.

12 — SPACE Space is necessary to
grow symmetrical plants. It is also an impor¬
tant factor in controlling the spread of dis¬
ease. Circulation of fresh air is necessary, but
no drafts.

13 — LIST OF GOOD VIOLET BOOKS—
1001 African Violet Questions Answered

by 12 Experts, by Helen Van Pelt Wilson,
published by Van Nostrand Company.

The African Violet, by Helen Van Pelt
Wilson, published by Barrows Company.

All About African Violets, by Montague
Free, published by Doubleday & Company.

Growing Plants Under Lights, by Peggy
Schulz, published by Barrows Company.

14 — TABLE TOP — Books on Table:
How to Grow African Violets, by J. L.

Heinl.

Theonex African Violet Book.

Copies of the African Violet Magazine
opened to many helpful articles, such as:

Pests and Diseases of African Violets — -
March 1958 — Volume 11 Number 3

Suckers — How to Distinguish — March
1958 — Volume 11 Number 3
Nematode — - Detection and Control — De¬
cember 1960 — Volume 14 Number 2

Cyclamen Mite — Detection and Control
— December 1960 — Volume 14 Number 2
Evaporation Method to Increase Humidity
— - December 1960 — Volume 14 Number 2
Artificial Lighting — September 1960 —
Volume 14 Number 1

Cross Pollinization — ■ September 1960 —
Volume 14 Number 1

Salinity — December 1960 ■ — Volume 14
Number 2

Part 2

1 — Pictures of new varieties.

2 — Illustration of space.

3 — List of good varieties.

4 — ~ Pot of labeled leaves rooting in peat
moss, vermiculite and charcoal. Choose a good
firm leaf, allow to dry for 30 minutes, then
dip. in Rootone to control fungus diseases.

5 — Rooted leaf with plantlets.

6 — Plantlet, labeled, transplanted into
21/4 inch pot, in equal parts soil mixture and
vermiculite.

7 — Plant in bloom, showing sucker and
baby leaf.

8, 9 and 10 — Samples of sterilized soil;
peat, vermiculite, sheep manure, bone meal,

Mabel H. Reed, Haines City, Florida

charcoal (chick) and chlordane.

11 and 12 — Sprays and insecticides: Won¬
der Spray, NNOR, Malathion. Capsules: so¬
dium selenate, and a jar of Soilene with direc¬
tions for using both.

13 — Fertilizers: Ovene, Plant Marvel,
Atlas Fish Emulsion, Stim-U-Plant, Hyponex,
Cypress Gardens.

14 — Sterilization of pots — - with double
baker.

15 ^ — Leaf rooting in water.

16 — Jar of rain water.

17 — Windex sprayer.

18 ^ — Rubber sprinkler for rinsing leaves.

19 — Seedlings in vermiculite.

Many visitors stopped at my exhibit to
ask questions. Several copied information
found on cards and said they would keep
same where they could review it while caring
for their violets. Occasionally one would re¬
mark, “Oh, violets are lovely to look at, but
I don’t have a green thumb.” My answer was:
“Anyone can raise violets if one has enough
light, perhaps a north window not darkened
by trees or buildings. Select a good variety,
then learn the essentials: proper soil mixture,
correct pot size, care in watering and feeding,
providing plenty of humidity according to
the temperature of the room, giving them
plenty of fresh air without drafts. Then, with
patience and a little care you cannot keep
violets from growing surprisingly well. Each
morning you will be watching for the first
leaf to appear, then the first bud. If you do
not succeed the first time, don’t give up.
Experience is a great teacher.”

Interesting experiences were exchanged,
which made the effort of the exhibit worth¬
while. We extend an invitation to all to come
to Florida next year and visit our show. •

55

Arrangements As I Make Them

M

MILDRED DEDERA
St. Louis, Missouri

Y first step in choosing an arrangement for a show is to
read the classes and schedule. It is very important to
follow the schedule. I have seen where an arranger
lost the chance of receiving a ribbon because she failed
to follow this procedure. When I have chosen a class to
enter I begin to form a plan in my mind . . . con¬
trary to some arrangers I do not make sketches.
I remember one evening I had been thinking
about an arrangement and as I went to sleep
that night I dreamed about it, it even woke me
up, so I decided to wake my husband and see
what his reaction would be. This all happened
about 2:30 in the morning. Incidentally, it is
because of his undying love of growing beauti¬
ful African violets that I am able to make ar¬
rangements using violets. He is a very patient
man to be able to stand by when I take off all
of the flowers on some of his beloved plants.
But, I think he gets as much of a thrill as I do when I
get a ribbon for my efforts.

The pictures I have made are of an arrangement that
I entered in the Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Soci¬
ety Show. The class was called Premiere Performance, stressing
rhythm. In order to achieve rhythm you follow rhythmic repetition
of lines, which produces movement; it can be achieved through
the use of a series of straight or curved lines with varying lengths.
Rhythm can be achieved by a gradual change in line direction as from
vertical or horizontal to diagonal. Texture is also important to
aid in the design in creating rhythm. Rhythm of texture can
be achieved by a gradual change from one texture to another.
For instance, such as rough to smooth, dull to glossy, delicate to
coarse. The method I used was from the smooth glossy texture
of sansevieria to the delicate violet. By using different
types of plant material, variety can be given to the arrangement.

I used a black ceramic bowl, purple violets and san¬
sevieria, commonly called mother-in-law tongue; also a
4 inch round pin holder which was firmly attached in the bowl
with posy clay: this is necessary in order that the arrangement will
not tip over. I proceeded to start my main line with a curved
leaf for rhythm. (You can curve sansevieria leaves very easily
if you place the leaves in warm water and gently curve them with
your hands until you have the curve you want.) Then I followed
the method of decreasing the size of the leaves on each side of my
main line and curving each a little in order to achieve the
rhythmic movement. After placing all of the sansevieria leaves I
took my purple violets which I had conditioned the night
before. (To condition your violets you cut your flowers and
leaves the night before you are going to use them, and place
the stems of the flowers in tepid water up to the base of the flower,
and do the same for the leaves.) In the morning I took the flowers
and put them together to make a small bouquet, putting a
small rubber band around the stems. I placed 3 violet leaves to
make a sort of fan shape in front of sansevieria leaves, making a back¬
ground for my small bouquet. I then placed the violets on the pin
holder in front of the fan shape making sure it centered with my
main line. To cover my pin holder I added 2 violet leaves, plac¬
ing them in the opposite direction of the fan shape, giving the
finished effect of a small nosegay of violets. I then filled the
ceramic bowl with water to keep my arrangement fresh for the show.

The greatest thrill I ever had was at the 1961 National
Convention at French Lick, Indiana, where I received the
Illinois State Award for having the best arrangement in several

The pictures are as follows:

1. Materials used: ceramic bowl, sansevieria,
purple violets, pin holder

2. Main line - vertical

3. Decreasing size of leaves and following
rhythm

4. Same as 3, adding more leaves moving to¬
wards the diagonal line

5. Nine leaves used to complete the rhythmic
line

6. Finished arrangement, the violets the cen¬
ter of interest or known as the focal point

classes. To me arranging is a challenge, be¬
cause I know that it is only my work and
imagination that can win a ribbon for me.

In growing our African violets, my husband
and I work as a team. He waters, fertilizes
and repots while I groom them for the show
and, of course, receive the credit and ribbons,
because the plants are entered in my name.
But, as the saying goes, the one who works the
hardest gets the least credit. I think he really
enjoys growing big and beautiful violets, for
to him it is also a challenge.

In closing I would like to say to all new
arrangers and to those who have never re¬
ceived a ribbon, do not become discouraged
but keep trying, for who knows but that some
day you too may have the honor of winning a
top award. •

A. Ernest Beeg, Sr., Charles Town, West Virginia

The Problems of a Recruit

WHERE should I begin? That is the ques¬
tion. How did I get started in the violet
business? Will it ever stop? Is it really a
disease? Is it incurable? Is there a cure for it?
I cannot answer these questions. Can you?

Mrs. Beeg really started raising African
violets several years ago. However, before I
retired from Headquarters Marine Corps, we
moved from Maryland to our present loca¬
tion. On the small farm in Maryland condi¬
tions were just right for violets and they grew
and grew with many blossoms. But, in our
new modern home, things were different.
Heat, humidity, light, etc. affected her few
plants. No blossoms, bloom drop, etc. A year
or so of this was discouraging. When she had
only three plants left, I said, “Let me try.”
With three to five leaves from her Blue Boy,
Finlandia and an unknown plant: the begin¬
ning. These were started in sand.

I knew little about violet culture, but
when the plantlets appeared my hunger for
knowledge about violets started. I read every¬
thing I could lay my hands on; talked to
friends who had a few plants; secured more
leaves from them, not realizing that the BUG
had BITTEN. From then on I was a victim
of African violets.

First I made two four-foot coffee tables
with shelves. Then I sent an order to Tinari’s
for five plants, namely: White Madonna, Giant
Wine Bicolor, America, Ruby Bouquet and
Snow Prince. With Mrs. Beeg’s leaves, and
others, and a great deal of PRIDE, ENERGY
and also lots and lots of PATIENCE: the real
beginning. I did not realize that four years
later I would have over 300 plants and plant-
lets.

As time went on orders for fresh-cut
leaves, rooted cuttings and plants were sent
to KLrogman’s Violetry, Hobbycrafters, Mrs.
R. A. Murphy, Dorothy Atkinson, Wilson
Brothers, Jennie Spoutz, Theo Jensen,
Fischer’s and Henry Ten Hagen. There were
a few others whom I do not recall at the
moment. During this time we gradually dis¬
posed of the unnamed plants; now we have
only named varieties.

With the two four-foot coffee tables full
of plants and the bottom shelves with new
leaves rooting in sand, vermiculite and soil,
also combinations of my own mixtures, space
soon gave out. Shelves soon started going up
in the picture window. The plants grew
and grew — so did the number. But, no
blooms. The few that tried real hard to bloom
did not succeed. Discouraged? NO! I decided

to be a detective and find out why. The pur¬
chase of a hydrometer and thermometer soon
pointed out the lack of humidity and high
temperature. How to adjust this was a prob¬
lem. Placing a large pan of water on the
heater raised the humidity only five per cent.
Still not enough. The reduction in tempera¬
ture made it a little uncomfortable in the
house, still it was not right. I was at my wit’s
end. Mrs. Beeg, still interested, kept asking,
“What will you do with all these plants?”
There was no more available space, and that
question, “What are you going to do with all
these plants,” bothered me a little. Will we
keep going on like this with no more space?
What to do?

Off and on we discussed the 4 by 16 front
porch. This might be ideal, if enclosed. We
had no idea of any great problems. What to
use for the enclosure? Glass would be too
cold with the strong west and northwest winds
that come down the Shenandoah Valley in
the .winter months. This brought us around
to looking into fiber glass. Several letters
were written to manufacturers requesting all
the information and tests they had available
on the use of their product in connection with
raising African violets. We were surprised
to learn that the information was very vague,
yet the products were advertised for green¬
houses. Maybe we just didn’t understand the
technical language.

Although we had little to go on, we de¬
cided to enclose the front porch in fiber glass.
We just had to find a place for those plants.
The porch was enclosed in September of 1959.
Now our troubles really started. Using a light
green fiber glass, we did not realize that it
would be so hot on the porch. Temperatures
soared to 100 degrees and more. We were
cooked when we went on the porch. Just
think how those poor violets suffered! The
16 inch ventilator in the far end was not
enough to draw off the excess heat. So we put
in a 24 inch fan that we had. The fan on the
floor seemed to burn up the plants. Next we
installed a small 8 inch fan on the far end
of the porch; the large fan was removed so
that the small fan could force the heat out
of the ventilator. This helped some, but not
enough. It did drop the temperature about 10
degrees, the humidity did not suffer too much,
yet the plants were beaten. It looked as
though they would die; gradually we could
see our violets coming to an end. I kept saying
to myself: “PATIENCE, young man, have
PATIENCE; you’ll find the answer start
over again, but find the answer.”

68

to 75 degrees, I am lost. Figuring B.T.U.s is
something I could never understand and I
doubt if I ever will. Honest.

A portable electric heater was decided
upon. Our appliance dealer did not stock the
heater but was good enough to loan us a
larger heater than estimated for. He loaned
us the heater without charge; under the skin
I believe he was an African violet lover. He
checked back with us several times and, of
course, went back with a plant; so did his
workmen who installed the wiring for us. If
he had not done this for us, we would have

Above, south end of our porch
showing the fan and ventilation
openings. Right, front porch en¬
closed in fiber glass. It arouses
people’s curiosity too. What’s be¬
hind it?

Right, the recruit and his watering can at work.

One day another change was made. This
time another 8 by 16 inch ventilator was
installed next to the first one. The 8 inch
fan was mounted on a 12 inch shelf bracket
in order to draw in the cooler air. Being late
in the season, the cool fall season had started,
and no further experiments were made until
the spring of 1960. We made no changes dur¬
ing the summer as we wanted to check out
what we had done. The temperature hit 90
degrees, however the humidity remained on
even keel with the temperature. But, the
plants did not flower, although they held up
well.

Heating the porch for the winter was our
next problem. We knew that our hot air
heating plant would not do it without further
damage. We also knew that a gas heater would
be toxic. We decided to call the power com¬
pany and go into electric heat. Their repre¬
sentative was very helpful, and our local
electrical appliance dealer was helpful. When
it comes to figuring how many B.T.U.s it
would take to maintain a temperature of 65

joyed our front porch which was full of
blooming violets. Our heating problem was
solved, we thought.

Well, the summer passed and we got
through it very well, but there was still room
for improvement. We were not worried, as
our yard and garden had to be taken care of,
and this left little time for violets. We were
more interested in seeing the violets bloom
during the fall and winter months, and early
spring. Then too, we wanted to check out
what we had done in the spring.

Having survived the summer, disaster
struck again. This time it wasnT the same
problem as before. While spraying our plants
with an aerosol bomb, the cap broke off and
the spray went everywhere. I believe that it

At top, Mrs. “B” looking over a Spoutz White Double.
Above center, a peek through the picture window is
always pleasant. Company likes it too. Lower right,
I was checking the plantlets of Wintergreen. A side
plant developed dark green leaves. The original plant
was an apple green with dark green along the veins.
The plantlets are apple green.

had to move the plants back into the house
and get rid of a great many of them.

As the cold winter blasts and heavy snows
began, everything changed. Our plants had
been repotted, were beginning new growth
and were becoming comfortable. A large tub
with 2 V4 and 3 inch pots in it was filled with
water and placed on the floor. This helped
the humidity. A small pail of water was
placed in front of the heater. Thus, the fan
circulating the warm air over the water kept
the humidity up. As the temperature remained
fairly even, the plants started to bud and
come into full bloom. For the first time,
looking through the picture window we en¬

hit every large plant I had in the area. For¬
tunately I had on my glasses and it did not
get into my eyes. This may never happen
again. Mrs. Beeg said, “Now what are you
going to do?” Without hesitation I said, “Start
over again.” I left the plants where they were
and removed the damaged leaves each day.
Oh, it was a sorry mess. I kept telling myself
to have PATIENCE, that I could make it.
About 6 weeks later, I removed from 3 to 5
of the best leaves from each plant; 80 plants
were damaged. After the leaves were potted
in vermiculite and some in soil, with an aching
heart I discarded the remainder of the plants.
The new plantlets are now ready for 2
inch pots.

Will our problems ever cease? No, never,
so it seems. Our new heater arrived; I had to
learn how to set it for the desired temperature.
My temperature and humidity charts were of
little value to me now as the heater was small¬
er than the one we used before. However, it
had been figured that it would do the job. One
night the high cold winds were blowing
through the breezeway and something hit the
house and woke me up. I got up to look
around, but saw nothing. I decided to turn
on the the porch light to see how the new
heater was doing — that was at 2 a.m. Lo
and Behold, I could not believe my eyes: ice
on the fiber glass and the temperature had
dropped to 52 degrees. Checking the outside
temperature, I saw it was 5 degrees above
zero. There I stood, helpless. I could see about
200 plants gone for sure this time. I went
back to bed and wondered how my violets
would take this. The new heater was on full
blast; its limit had been reached. When I got
up the next morning, needless to say I was
somewhat discouraged. The temperature had
gone up to 60 degrees; I hoped that it had
not gone down enough to injure the plants
on the shelves near the fiber glass.

The first thing I did was to get in touch
with our appliance dealer and I told him what
had happened. I guess I sounded like anyone
who had lost his dearest friend. He came to
my rescue and loaned me the heater I had
used last year. He said he would order a
large heater for me and give me full credit
for the smaller heater we had used for 2
months. He has never said it, but, from way
down deep and the way he acted, I believe he
was interested in violets.

This solved my heating problem for this
winter. I would recommend that anyone buy¬
ing a heater should not rely too heavily on
the number of B.T.U.s required. It is impor¬
tant, but, go one better and order the larger
unit. None of us can tell what the weather
will be next year. This winter was unusual
for this area. The larger heater solved the
heating problem, that is for this winter. I
believe that the plants really were chilled as
the bloom was not as heavy as it was last

year. Then too, we had lost so many plants,
that too few were ready to bloom. But, day by
day more and more are beginning to flower.

Our next problem will be to correct our
heat condition during the summer months.
With the help of my grandson, I located a
dual 12 inch fan which can be adjusted to
bring in fresh air and exhaust the old air.
The fans can be rotated in any position. This
should be helpful. Each fan has 3 speed ad¬
justments; with this we hope to get the de¬
sired results during the hot summer days.
Whether or not we will succeed is the big
question. But, no matter what takes place, I
shall keep trying. Violets in full bloom the
year round we shall have. With all our dis¬
appointments and troubles the past 4 years,
one more setback will not discourage us.

When we look back at it all, we have
given plants and plantlets to friends here and
to others from Indiana, Virginia, the District
of Columbia, Maryland, New York and Illi¬
nois. Everyone has reported that the plants
are blooming and doing fine. All extra plants
are passed out as gifts to Mrs. Beeg’s club
members and church circles, when they visit
our home. These plants have made them very
happy and have gained many new friends for
us. When I speak to the Senior Classes at the
High School on hobbies, I always take 4 plants
with me. Three are drawn for by the students
and one is always saved for the teacher. It
is surprising how many of these teen-agers
are interested in African violets. At a club
meeting, one lady, 92 years of age, won a
Blue Boy on a draw. That was two years ago.
Every time I see her she tells me how happy
she is with the plant. Another, who has a
Snow Prince, tells me she talks to it, babies
it, and gives it the most tender care. These
are only a few, but I could write pages and
pages about happy people, many of whom
had no previous interest in violets, but are
now happy with them. I have given away
over 500 plants and plantlets — now I have
given up keeping track of them. All our extra
plantlets are potted, labeled and placed on a
special shelf for give-aways or to be donated
to help Mrs. Beeg’s clubs raise funds for their
projects.

Mrs. Beeg and I have learned much from
our experiences of trial and effort. I have
tried many of the ideas published in the
African Violet Magazine. I can truthfully say,
it was one of the smartest things I ever did
when I became a member of the African Vio¬
let Society. I believe we have the best publi¬
cation, and the officers who make it success¬
ful should be commended for their untiring
efforts and for an outstanding job.

I leave you now to return to my problems
and to continue to try to do bigger and better
things. For a retirement hobby, African violets
will make you forget your aches, pains and
worldly problems. •

61

African violets first became an obsession
of mine about a year ago. I joined the
Society only this spring. I have 21 different
varieties, no fluorescent lights, I park my
plants in individual pots and saucers on win¬
dow sills, and I buy my potting soil from the
local garden shop. By all counts I am a novice
at the game, but Polly Schmeltzer’s comments
on pots in the June 1961 issue of the African
Violet Magazine prompted me to write on a
pet subject: POTS!

The problem revolves around which of the
many kinds available will do a reasonably

watering. Porous pots are advocated by many
people because they allegedly permit plants
to “breathe.” (I think this is vastly overrated;
a good light soil will enable the plant roots
to get all the air they need.) This breathing
bit works both ways, however; plants in por¬
ous pots need, roughly, twice the watering
required by those in non-porous containers,
because of evaporation. Further, the sponge
effect of porous pots saturates the clay with
mineral salts left behind by evaporation of
the water. The result is a rapid build-up of
crusted salts around the upper rim of the pot

Pots! Pots! Pots! Pots

Hoard, Arlington, Virginia

satisfactory job with the least expenditure of
time and money. For example, watering meth¬
ods could be expected to influence greatly
the choice of a certain type pot. However,
after digesting several articles on top versus
bottom watering, I have concluded that the
best method is the one best suited to the pot,
and not vice versa. I water wick-reservoir
pots from the bottom and others on top. The
violets concerned apparently don’t mind so
long as they get their water with regularity.
With this premise in mind, my ideas on the
subject of pots for amateurs are set forth
below:

a. African violet pots should be inexpen¬
sive. There is no doubt about it, the cost is
a prime consideration particularly if you enjoy
giving away the fruits of your labors to
friends. Wick-type pots are attractive and ef¬
fective, but they are relatively costly, as are
ceramic pots with fixed saucers.

b. African violet pots should be reasonably
attractive but not objects d’art. Colored pots
normally cost much more than the neutral
shades used by nurserymen for commercial
distribution. Personally, the fresh clean look
of a new clay pot or the mottled grey color
of utility pots is quite acceptable. After all,
the plant is the thing, and a show plant usually
covers most of the pot.

c. Pots should be easily moved for indivi¬
dual display. Watering plants from the bottom
by means of porous pots in trays frequently
results in the plants being too crowded for
effective display. Moving them to the lime¬
light requires substitution of a saucer for the
tray. If you move them frequently, this can
be a nuisance. On the other hand, some people
do not have room for trays. In general then,
use of pots that are best for tray watering is
called for ... IF you prefer and can accommo¬
date trays.

d. Pots should conserve moisture to reduce

and this induces stem rot wherever it comes
in contact with the plant foliage. This can
be prevented, of course, by placing collars of
foil around the rim of the pot, but this is
just one more time-consuming chore. Before
leaving the subject of porosity, I want to
warn beginners against unglazed clay saucers.
I bought several with my initial batch of clay
pots and learned the hard way that enough
moisture seeps through a clay saucer to take
the paint off a window sill.

e. Pots should not have sharp upper edges
because the weight of mature leaves even¬
tually causes their stems to rest on the pot
at this point, which hastens their demise. This
can become a significant problem with the
larger varieties. Clay pots, being relatively
thick-walled, usually have gently rounded
edges. Also, several of the more expensive
plastic pots are designed to eliminate sharp
edges, but the ordinary utility plastic pots are
deficient in this respect. Correction of this
fault would appear to be a simple matter of
changing the design of the molds used during
manufacture. The fact that the larger plastic
pot firms have not seen fit to do so indicates
that this is not a serious problem to most
customers.

f. A pot should rest on a saucer with enough
capacity to accommodate occasional flooding.
Once in a while all of us pour on more water
than the soil ball will take. If the saucer is
small, as is frequently the case with glazed
pots with fixed saucers, we soon find ourselves
mopping up the furniture. A large saucer also
permits resting the pot on water-soaked pea
gravel for humidity purposes. These consid¬
erations mitigate against pots with built-in
saucers.

g. An African violet pot should have a
broad base and a low center of gravity for
stability. The best answer to this requirement
is the “tub” shaped pot. Also, I like this

62

configuration for another reason: it requires
less dirt to fill it.

h. Flower pots should be easy to clean for
reuse. Clay pots definitely do not qualify
because removal of accumulated mineral de¬
posits and stains from them is virtually im¬
possible without a chemical bath. Using a
wire brush on these pots will remove loose
dirt and some of the encrustation around the
upper edge, but not without plenty of elbow
grease.

The above just about sums up the pros and
cons. Most of them are fairly obvious, as is

the answer, but putting them down on paper
in this manner may save some beginner a
few headaches. All things considered, I believe
the commercial type mottled grey plastic pots
and separate saucers to be by far the best
all-around product for my purposes. They may
be purchased by the dozen from African
Violet Magazine advertisers, at about half
the local retail prices. They may be ordered
in case lots direct from the manufacturers at
even lower prices, but most people do not
have room to store several hundred pots at a
time. •

Five Weeks Without A Violet Sitter

Mimi Bonner, Havre de Grace, Maryland

HY do you have so many?” Is there a

VV violet enthusiast anywhere who hasn’t
been asked this question dozens of times? Of
course, to the ones who love African violets,
no explanation is ever really necessary, and
to the others (truly, there are others) no
plausible explanation is ever really possible.

I used to think of myself as an African
violet enthusiast, but no more. In fact, not
since the day I overheard one of my daugh¬
ter’s friends ask her why we had so many
plants in our house. Nicki’s answer was brief,
but oh so true — “Mother is an African violet
nut.”

I have learned a lot about the African violet
since 1948 when I grew my first plant from
a leaf, and I still have so much to learn. Mem¬
bership in the National Society has been in¬
valuable to me; and one of the advantages
of belonging to our local club is being able
to indulge myself and talk violets exclusively
for an entire evening. This “one track” con¬
versation is definitely not recommended
among the N.V.L. (non-violet-lovers).

Some of my plants are grown in windows,
others under fluorescent lights. Plants are fer¬
tilized every 3 weeks, alternating with Hypo-
nex, Stim-U-Plant, and Atlas Fish Emulsion,
and using half strength solution for all plants.
All soil is sterilized and treated with V-C 13,
and all new plants are given a V-C 13 drench.
I use sodium selenate twice a year: the extra
dilute solution, at 4 week intervals; and An-
trol or New Era spray twice a month. All
new plants are put in solitary and considered
guilty until they are proven innocent of any
trouble!

My most unusual problem in growing Afri¬
can violets, and I have had all the usual ones,
was how to leave them without a violet sitter
for a month each summer. With only a few
plants it is easy to “farm them out” with a
friend, but when a collection has reached the

100 mark, some other solution must be found.
This was the situation I faced 5 years ago. I
knew that you could safely leave plants for
weeks by enclosing them in polyethylene
plastic bags, but the mere thought of wrap¬
ping each violet in a separate bag was over¬
whelming. My husband suggested putting them
all together under one plastic cover. He built
a light weight wooden frame, and we moved
furniture out of our den to get the needed
floor space. We put several thicknesses of
newspaper on the floor and set the frame on
the newspapers. The violets, each in an indi¬
vidual saucer, were watered and placed on the
papers. We then stretched a 9 by 12 feet sheet
of polyethylene plastic over the frame, and
taped it to the floor. The room has one west
and one south window. We removed curtains
and Venetian blinds from both windows to
let in all possible light. Then, with a small
prayer for their continued good health during
our absence, we left on a 5 week vacation.

When we returned I could hardly believe
my good fortune. The violets seemed to have
enjoyed their vacation under plastic and were
blooming happily, I lost one plant but learned
a valuable lesson: I had watered it too heavily.
In the 5 years and 5 vacations since, I have
learned to water lightly and take off all buds
and blossoms. This is a heart breaking task
for me, but it is necessary. Old blooms will
decay and discolor foliage in the moist air.

Last June (1961) we left over 200 African
violets, in all stages of growth from rooted
leaves to large plants. We used 2 frames, and
this is maximum capacity of our den. Since
my collection has grown, I have already
begun to worry about vacation. I believe my
husband thinks he has found the solution.
One day on my shopping list, which I confess
was largely made up of African violet supplies,
I found he had added one item — African
Violet Exterminator. #

63

Paul Arnold, Binghamton, N. Y.

Gesneriads

COMPANION PLANTS

for African violets

^GLOXINERA ‘HAROLD’. A form of Rech-
steineria cardinalis which might be a hybrid
of that species of unknown antecedents called
Rechsteineria ‘Splendens’ was used by Dr.
H. E. Moore at Cornell University as a pollen
parent to produce Gloxineras on Sinningia
eumorpha. One of the resulting seedlings was
given to Peggie Schulz of Minneapolis who dis¬
tributed clonal reproductions under the name
‘Velvet Charm’.

A slightly different seedling from the same
cross was offered for sale in 1958 by House
of Plants under the name Gloxinera ‘Harold’
and the name was subsequently entered in the
International Gesneriad Register. Gloxinera
‘Harold’ has been a robust growing plant, pro¬
ducing many flowers over a long period of
time. In addition, it has proved unusually
fertile in further breeding to produce second
generation Gloxineras, back-crossed with one
of the parents. The flowers of Gloxinera
‘Harold’ are strong red in color (2.5 R 5 12
Munsell) shading to dark red (2.5 R 3 7) near
the stem. The limb is light purple in color (5
P 6 7 Munsell). Below.

SINNINGIA REGINA was first described
in 1904, a natural species “Gloxinia” from
Brazil with deep purple flowers and deep
velvety green leaves illuminated by contrast¬
ing silvery veins. The undersides of the leaves
are more or less wine-purple or deep red in
color. The plant in our photograph shows one
flower with a tendency to grow upright. This
is the sort of irregularity which, in 1845, sud¬
denly appeared among some Sinningia speciosa
seedlings raised by John Fyfe, a gardener in
Scotland. Perpetuation and hybridization with
this single upright flower led eventually to
the race of Florists’ Gloxinias we know today
— all with upright flowers. Above.

^ CHRYSOTHEMIS PULCHELLA (pretty)
has 1 V2 inch long flowers emerging from red
calyces. The flowers are yellow, enlivened by
orange stripes on the lobes and the leaves are
somewhat broader than those of C. Fried-
richsthaliana. This plant, once called Besleria
pulchella, was transferred from that genus in
1849. Chrysothemis pulchella is a trifle shorter
and less robust in habit than C. Freidrichstha-
liana. Below.

^SINNINGIA EUMORPHA was introduced
from southern Brazil in 1951 and offered for
sale under the erroneous name S. Maximiliana.
The error was corrected by H. E. Moore in
1954 and the plant has become a popular addi¬
tion to the species collections of “Gloxinia”
fanciers. S. eumorpha is the most frequently
used Sinningia in making intergeneric crosses
with Rechsteinerias to produce X Gloxineras.
It is an attractive plant in its own right, how¬
ever, and produces nodding “slipper type”
flowers of pure white color in profusion all
summer long. Some of the flowers are marked
inside the throat with a few short purple dot¬
ted lines, superimposed on a flush of golden
yellow color. Other flowers on the same plant
may be pure white at the same time. Above.

EPISCIA ‘JEAN BEE’ is a seedling selec¬
tion from plants grown in Nashville, Tennes¬
see using seed produced in the Panama Canal
Zone under conditions of open pollination by
humming birds. Seed from this source has
produced many interesting Episcia forms,
sometimes designated in the United States as
‘Canal Zone Hybrids’. Episcia ‘Jean Bee’ was
named and introduced by House of Plants in
1958. The bronzy leaves are illuminated by an
iridescent, metallic coloring in the center
somewhat after the fashion of E. cupreata
‘Metallica’. In other respects, the pattern of
the leaf suggests Peterson’s ‘Westwood’.
Episcia ‘Jean Bee’ has orange flowers of the
Episcia cupreata type. Right.

65

SPRING before last, when our program
chairman was finishing her schedules for
the year — and working against a deadline
— she realized that she had a small spot to
be filled in the January 1960 program. In a
moment of desperation (I am sure!) she sug¬
gested to me that since I had grown a fair
sized group of plants for the show from a
rather unpromising beginning, that I give a
short talk on my methods. “Methods?” I said,
“I just blundered along!” So, she took me at
my word, and I found myself down on the
program with the subject: “My Blunderings
in Violet Land.” In the roseate glow which
goes along with being a new president, and
with January then, a long time in the future,
such a talk looked quite possible. However,
with the day closer upon me, I am not sure
that this wasn’t my greatest blunder to date:
and maybe yours as well!

First, let’s stop for a moment and see what
the dictionary says about blundering. It means
to flounder, to stumble, to make an error or
commit a fault (usually through ignorance,
stupidity, overconfidence or confusion). That
seems to cover my situation very well, and
I find I can qualify for practically every
portion of that definition, in one way or an¬
other, so let’s take up these blunders one by
one, and see what happened.

Number 1. If you will recall, from read¬
ing countless articles in our National Maga¬
zine, whenever a grower, amateur or profes¬
sional is asked to put her experiences on
paper, she (or he) invariably starts out some¬
thing like this: “I first became interested in
violet growing through the gift (always a gift,
never a purchase) of a lovely little violet
called Blue Boy. Now, this
was my first mistake. No one
offered me a lovely little vio¬
let called Blue Boy — in
fact, so far as I know, I

my

blunderings

in

violet land

have never even laid eyes on that famous
progenitor. Instead, I went out into the marts
of trade and purchased (spent my good money
for) a lovely violet named Frieda. Right here
I was off on the wrong foot, and really should
be disqualified from writing anything on the
subject.

However, Frieda waxed strong and flori-
ferous (which in itself speaks well for her
vitality, especially under my clumsy minis¬
trations) and now we come to Blunder Num¬
ber 2. As Frieda grew and bloomed, she sent
out numerous side shoots, which in turn grew
and bloomed, until she was a large, and to
my untaught and prejudiced eyes, a perfectly
beautiful plant, of which I was inordinately
proud. You see, since I knew nothing about
the Saintpaulia and its culture, I did not know
that all those side shoots were anathemas — -
like a red rag to a bull — - to any real violet
enthusiast! And let me digress a moment to
say that I am still guilty of being a blunderer
in this field occasionally, however I now do
know better. To me, a well grown plant,
covered with bloom, is beautiful, even though
she may be a mother surrounded by her
blooming brood. Of course she would take no
prizes in a show, in fact she would probably
have to sneak in the side door to get in at
all, especially if the entrance committee were
looking. You remember when Sophie Bullock
was telling us of her experiences among grow¬
ers of African violets in Germany; that she
was greatly shocked to discover that all the
plants there were grown multicrowned, yet
they were beautiful and full of bloom. When
she asked why, the grower gave an answer
which I thought very illuminating, “It’s the
natural tendency of the plant, they have more
bloom, they are beautiful, and our people like
them that way!” So much for that!

Through a kindling interest on my part,
and a series of coincidences, with which I
shall not bore you, my name was brought to
the notice of your membership committee,
and on a wintry Sunday afternoon, a Mr. and
Mrs. Becker came to call on us and to see
my violets. (At that time I had acquired quite
a few more, but Frieda still occupied the
spotlight.) They came, they saw, and to her
everlasting credit, and in the kindness of her
heart Hazle did not laugh, at least not where
I could see her. She explained to me all about
the Springfield African Violet Society, its
aims and workings, and I soon realized that
I had nothing to offer such a group and felt
sure I should never hear from her again. But
you know Hazle’s slogan, “You don’t have

Mrs. Robert D. Maciver
Chaddsford, Pa.

66

to be crazy to be a violet enthusiast, but it
certainly helps!” Well, she must have looked
into my eyes and saw there a touch of that
violet madness, or perhaps my naive enthu¬
siasm offered a challenge; at any rate, I was
accepted as a member (and a very proud day
it was for me) and my violet education began.
Up to this time my blunders had come through
ignorance; now I was still blundering, but
it was becoming more like floundering ... a
stumbling, sometimes through my own stupid¬
ity, sometimes through a malign fate bent
on showing me how, “the best laid plans of
mice and men can oft’ go agley!”

The fall after I joined the club and having
read, studied, observed, and been tutored by
members, whom I found to be so patient and
eager to help, I felt myself ready to really
get going. Then I prevailed on my good hus¬
band to have tables and fluorescent lights
installed along one side of our basement. My
little family of plants looked pretty skimpy,
so I acquired more at every opportunity; I
read all sorts of books on the subject: Peggy
Schulz, Montague Free, Carolyn Rector, the
Kranzes, to mention but a few. I surrounded
my tables with curtains of plastic to keep out
the drying influence of the furnace and in¬
crease the humidity; it was too cold, so my
husband had a radiator installed next to the
tables. That gave rise to the story that I was
just a little “teched” in the head. I put down
leaves like mad, in fact I was having a lovely
time with several (a very few) plants which
I hoped might make the show, when disaster,
in the form of that March blizzard, struck.
None of you will ever forget that storm and
its disastrous effects, I know, but for us in
the country it meant the loss of our electricity,
supplying heat, light and water, from
Wednesday evening to the following Monday
night. Most of my violets lived because they
were in the basement — the warmest place
in the house — surrounded by their plastic
curtains, but they suffered terribly. The
Episcias on the same table could not stand
the cold, and died. No plants for me for that
year’s show!

The next summer and fall, wanderlust
seized my husband, so I left my beloved
plants in the care of an enthusiastic waterer
— need I say more? The next trip we took I
stressed, “No watering unless really neces¬
sary.” This time when we returned the prob¬
lem was quite different. We returned from
autumn in New England, and the yellow fol¬
iage there was no more golden than that of
my violets. Now this problem meant more
reading and more study, in the hope of find¬
ing the cause of this affliction, and how to
remedy it. The concensus seemed to be that
the yellowing was caused by a lack of nitro¬
gen — the lights being on too long to balance
the lack of feeding of the good sized plants,
probably accentuated in this instance by in¬
sufficient water and perhaps a bit of over¬

crowding. I worked very hard on this one —
finally got them all on the road back to health
and looking fairly well, when something
which I thought to be cyclamen mite descend¬
ed upon my babies. I am not now convinced
that it was mite, but the selenating went for¬
ward relentlessly and in time that problem

— or blunder — too, was conquered.

I mentioned previousl^^ about putting down
leaves like mad. Every time I took off a fairly
good looking leaf it was stuck in a tray of
vermiculite, and most of them rooted. In my
enthusiasm and haste (I am always in a hurry,
which no violet grower should ever be) I
did not mark each leaf. Why should I, they
were all my beloveds weren’t they? Score
another blunder — this time due to stupidity,
I guess; for when the nice little plants came
up and were duly potted, I hadn’t the faintest
idea what their names were! Of course I had
numerous plants and leaves which had come
to me from outside. These were classified neat¬
ly with their little plastic labels; that is, I
did have them labeled until one day when my
granddaughter came to visit me. As I worked
in the laundry section of the basement, she
worked in the violet section, removing labels
and spreading them all out neatly on the
table. So, that blunder of inattention cost
me much knowledge of the varieties I had
collected so painfully. They are just as lovely

— but — ^ I don’t know their names!

These are but a few of my many blunders
. . . but it has all been fun . . . and I have
learned much from them. I was so happy to
be able to put 39 plants into our show last
year which were at least presentable and
helped to swell the number of plants ex¬
hibited; and I hope added, at least slightly,
to the overall beauty of the display.

I am still a blunderer — of one sort or
another. I try all kinds of experiments, and
after some of them have failed I think to
myself, “Anyone with a grain of common
horse sense should have known better than
that.” But, I have fun doing it! I know,
though, that I shall never be a first class
violet grower, no matter how much knowl¬
edge I acquire. There are at least two reasons
for this: first, because if a plant gets under
the weather from some cause not immediately
recognizable, I feel I just must bring it back
to health and vigor again, though I know my
time should be spent much more profitably
on grooming healthy plants. Second: I cannot
bear to throw nice healthy plants away, even
if I haven’t room for all the old favorites and
the nice new varieties which I can’t resist.
So, this old blunderer will probably go on
like this for the rest of her days, alternating
between ignorance and stupidity and over-
confidence, but having a wonderful time doing
it, and never ceasing to be thankful that you
took me into your midst, and by your kind¬
ness, your counsel and your friendship, made
me one of you! ®

67

Organizing A Local Club

Adele Tretter, 4988 Schollmeyer Ave., St. Louis 9, Missouri

HOW TO PROCEED:

A Local African Violet Club usually grows
out of friendly get-togethers of a group of
5 or more who are interested in African vio¬
lets. Someone takes the step and invites those
interested to meet and discuss organizing a
Club. Explain the many desirable advantages
which are offered by the National Society such
as the Magazine, use of the National Library,
etc. Emphasize the advantages of the contacts
offered by such group activities. Those with
similar interests can work together for the
advancement of the African violet.

Decide upon a date and place for the first
meeting. Most new Clubs hold their first meet¬
ing in the members’ homes. Later a regular
meeting place may be secured, a hall or public
meeting place is best if a large Club is desired.
Clubs which meet in the homes usually have
a limited membership. All meetings should
be interesting, instructive and worthwhile.

Refreshments afford a good opportunity to
mix and become better acquainted and pro¬
vides a time to discuss your pet violets.

FIRST MEETING

1. Organizer will explain the purpose of
meeting and the benefits derived by
forming a Club.

2. Select a temporary Chairman, Secre¬
tary, and Treasurer among those pres¬
ent.

3. Appoint a Committee to draw up the
Constitution and Bylaws for the Local
Club.

4. Decide upon a name for the Club.

5. Determine permanent meeting date, also
place for next meeting.

SECOND MEETING

1. Appoint a Nominating Committee. (This
Committee draws up a slate of officers
for the year to be presented at 3rd
meeting.)

2. Constitution and Bylaws may be ad¬
opted.

3. Committees may be appointed.

4. Introduce Speaker and Guests, if any
are present. Extend every courtesy to
your Speaker whether paid or guest.
Friendliness and hospitality are essen¬
tial to success of future meetings. Fol¬

low up the meeting with a letter of
Thanks or Appreciation from your Sec¬
retary to the Speaker.

5. Arrange for a Plant Sale or other means
of making money.

6. Adjourn Meeting.

7. Serve light refreshments. Informality
of Social Hour is enjoyed by many peo¬
ple. (Optional whether this is first or
last.)

THIRD MEETING

1. All members joining during the first
three meetings will be considered Char¬
ter Members.

2. Collect local dues and issue receipt.
National Society dues are four dollars
($4.00) per year extra from local dues.

3. Call for Reports.

4. Election of Officers.

5. Appoint Program Committee to design
and construct a Yearbook. Make up
programs and appoint Speakers and
Hostesses for the year.

6. Make announcements.

7. Carry out program as planned for this
meeting.

8. Adjourn meeting.

9. Serve Refreshments.

Club should be fully organized after
third meeting.

REGULAR MEETING

1. Call meeting to order.

2. Welcome Guests or Speaker.

3. Roll Call.

4. Read minutes of previous meeting for
approval.

5. Communications.

6. Treasurer’s Report.

7. Report of Committees.

8. Unfinished Business.

9. New Business.

10. Speaker or Entertainment.

11. Display of Plant Sale and Refreshments.

12. Adjourn Meeting.

The new club after the 3rd meeting may
become Affiliated with the African Violet So¬
ciety of America, Inc., if members so desire.
Each Chapter pays an Affiliation dues of $4.00
per year and submits the name of the Club
and the name of the ensuing President. For
additional Affiliated Chapter information,
write to: Mrs. Ronald Reaume, 22454 St. Clair
Drive, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

68

BYLAWS

Appoint a committee to draw up Bylaws.
Amendments may be added later to cover any
necessary change. The following sample By¬
laws are suggested as a guide:

Article 1 Name The name of this Club
or Society shall be?

Article II Purpose — - The purpose both so¬
cial and educational.

Article III Membership — Applications for
membership must be presented to
the Membership Chairman. (The
applicant may then be investigat¬
ed.) The Membership Chairman
in turn presents applicant’s name
to the club to be voted on. A
majority of active members must
approve the application.

Article IV Dues — Annual dues for indivi¬
dual members shall be payable on
or before, etc.

Article V Officers and Elections — The
Officers of this Club shall be a
President, one or more Vice Pres¬
idents, a Secretary and Treasurer.
When feasible, a Librarian and
Historian.

The President shall preside at all meetings,
shall appoint all committees, perform all du¬
ties pertaining to such office, and shall be an
ex-officio member of all committees.

The Vice President shall preside in the
absence of the President, and shall at all times
assist the President in such work of the Club
as may be assigned.

The Secretary shall keep an accurate ac¬
count of all meetings of the Club. These min¬
utes shall be read and approved at the regular
meetings of the Club.

The Treasurer shall collect all dues and
give receipts for same, keep an accurate ac¬
count of same, pay all bills approved by the
Club, and give a report at each meeting for
approval.

The officers shall be elected by the Club
once a year for a period of one year with a
maximum of two years.

Article VI Meetings “ The Club shall hold
one or more meetings during a
month for transaction of its busi¬
ness and for the study of the
work.

Article VII Amendments — Proposed amend¬
ments to the Bylaws shall be sub¬
mitted to the President at least
thirty days prior to the next
scheduled meeting. •

- Creative
Ideas
with Violets

These party favors
were gathered from
different sources. They
are not complicated or
expensive to make.

Above, unless the gum drop is green its color will
determine the choice of color for the crepe paper
blossom. If leaves cannot be purchased they may be
cut from several thicknesses of crepe paper pasted
together. Fasten leaf and bloom to corsage wire with
floral tape.

Above, a nosegay of pink blossoms on small white
doily with pink satin ribbon bow attached to back.
The blooms were made of crepe paper and fastened
around the wire on the pollen sacs. Below, real violets
were used on this little umbrella. The doily was folded
over a piece of orchid paper to which the white pipe
cleaner handle was glued. Bow of orchid ribbon,
flowers orchid and white.

Ipi

69

PESTS ?

They're Only
Human

^\o\«UXlW

Carol Turner, Regina, Sask, Canada

1. Although at times mechanically harm¬
ful to violets, and often the agent in spread¬
ing diseases and parasites, the ANT (Formica
ubiquitous) is an important link in the world¬
wide distribution of the Saintpaulia. Of the
two Trader-Ant species, Formica solitaire
trades leaves for its private store. The more
attractive F. mutuel propagates leaves for all
colony members. The less common F. sudori-
fica collects energetically, but neglects to give
any.

2. The APHID (Aphis mellifero) exudes
“honey dew” to saturate the soil. Under
relentless osmotic pressure, the plant sap
bleeds out into the APHID’s engulfing solu¬
tion, which Dr. Green (See: Paris M. Green,
“Aphis mellifero - A Killer!” in A Pocket
Book of Pests. HALF-WAY BOOKS. New
York, 1951. Pages 85 - 351.) analyzed on the
average as equal to 68% ammonium sulphate,
57% ammonium phosphate, 24% boron, and
1 % fixed alkali sludge, per hundred-fifty
milligrams of “honey dew.”

3. The BASKING BLISTER BEETLE
(Epicauta Solaris) is a familiar pest in areas
of hot southern exposure. Prior to 1942, it
was thought that the beetle preferred pink,
white, and other violets which bleach readily
in intense light. However, the brilliant
Mongolian pathologist, Dhiva D. Tee, proved
in her comprehensive survey of tests cover¬
ing the years 1930 - 1936 (D.D. Tee, “The
Psychology of the Basking Blister Beetle.”
Urga Publishing Co. 1942) that the B.B.B. is
color-blind and deficient in taste. Dr. Tee
noted that the test beetles were attracted to
morbid violets blanched in the hot summer
sun exactly 108 times to the 108 times they
chose fresh, healthy green plants. Unless the

beetle is removed bodily to a N. or E. ex¬
posure, the plants are doomed.

4. CUTWORM damage is evident 12 - 200
hours after a night’s depredations, in which a
complete stock of multicrowned plants may
die from the activities of a single member of
the species. An adult CUTWORM (Amathes
ignoranta) wrenches apart the violets’ roots
and crowns, and invariably mounds them to
rot under compacted wet earth. If transferred
to vermiculite or peat, however, the plants
usually survive, in spite of badly split crowns.

5. Mature individuals of the FLITTY FLY
flourish as plants are subjected to continual
movement and maltreatment: one day on a
coffee table far from light; next week up on
a bookcase near the hot air grille; then
saturated with liquid fertilizers down on a
drafty floor near an outer door; then exposed
unwatered for days in a south picture window.
When the violets sicken, the FLY may attack
a new lot of prime plants, or suddenly ignore
violets altogether.

6. The HOARDER GRUB is a greedy
species of unpredictable range, appearing
where plants are crowded without regard for
minimum light and air requirements. The
H. G. favors tangles of multicrowned and
crippled, long-necked violets with dead flow¬
ers molding in rickety thickets of dusty leaves.
The GRUB is ineradicable.

7. The LEAF CHAFER flurries from plant
to plant, brushing leaves vigorously in a
cloud of dust, and often scouring off the
epidermal layers. The WAX CHAFER
magnifies the damage by spreading over the
bleeding leaves a fatal oily film of shiny gloss.

8. MOLEWORMS are not known to be
toxic, but they destroy underground plant
tissues by mechanical interference, with as-

70

sociated complications. MOLEWORMS may
well be feared in cases of impulsive repotting;
of compulsive transferring to exotic soil
mixes; and, most serious, of revulsive shifting
to oversize pots involving masses of unwhole¬
some soil. Occasionally a sane fertilizing pro¬
gram will convince the pests that their activi¬
ties are unwelcome.

9. The MUD DABBER, or TRENCH BUG,
prefers to work in earth of 88 to 100% clay
content. There is no recorded case of a MUD
DABBER in voluntary association with con¬
genial mixtures of friable violet soil. Look
for MUD DABBERS where violets are sunk
critically deep below their crown hearts into
stagnant soil.

10. The PILLWORM is restless, aggressive,
and nearly as destructive as, though more
sophisticated than, the APHID. Whatever the
fertilizers, hormone products, “New Miracle
Foods,’’ or synthetic boosters — the PILL-
WORM has found them and sampled them all.
Although his craving for new products pre¬
vents the prolonged use of any one, the total
effect is often disastrous. Ambush him to try
to discover his favorite (i.e., latest) “pill,” and
he rolls into a ball of silence.

11. The speedy TUMBLE BUG is often
mistaken for the ALIBI BUG but is more of¬
fensive, leaving a telltale track of broken
plants. If surprised, he spreads his feelers as
if to say, “They’re so brittle!” or “I was only
dusting it!” Yet he is not the villain the
WATERSPIRT is.

12. Suspect the presence of the COMMON
WATERSPIRT (W. pluvia nocturna) when,
before sunup and after sundown, you find the
soil soaking wet. After days of drenching,
the violets droop, already victims of pro¬
gressive root rot. The AERIAL WATER¬
SPIRT (W. p. aurora) operates by day, spray¬
ing violets in the blazing suri, inviting leaf
spot, bud blast, and creeping crown rot.

13. Through natural and/or radiation-in¬

duced mutation, the OMNIPEST has devel¬
oped an alarming potential, equal to the sum
of all the other twelve recognized violet pests.
In his definitive monograph, “They’re Every¬
where!” (1954) Professor Derris Dust de¬
scribes three random specimens discovered in
Okolona, California; in Ujiji, N. W. Tan¬
ganyika; and in the Low Pyrenees. Prof.
Dust states that these isolated cases indicate
the prevalence of the pest. His graphs clarify
his conclusion that 1 out of every 127 proud
Saintpaulias falls to OMNIPEST’s depreda¬
tions, which anyone can readily duplicate by
overpotting, overfertilizing, and overwatering;
by hacking crowns apart for deep burial
in heavy soil; by bleaching and scalding them
in the sun, and chilling them in drafts; by
juggling them around from day to day till
they wilt, droop, gasp, and finish on the
dump, (This was for fun.-— Editor) •

Violet Observations

Evelyn Richardson, Charleston, S. C.

Fifteen years ago I acquired my first
African violet. It grew and bloomed on
my kitchen window sill in spite of my ignor¬
ance as to its cultural needs. That was the
beginning of a wonderful and absorbing
hobby that has given me hours of pleasure.

The first important step was to learn how
to grow and care for these lovely plants.
Every magazine was carefully scanned for
special features on Saintpaulias, and experi¬
enced growers were helpful. As new books
were published, they were added to my library
and the African Violet Magazine has been a
valuable source of information.

Each new variety was a must, and my
collection grew and grew. Soon the shelves
in the windows, as well as all other available
spaces, were filled and running over. Artificial
light seemed to be the solution so I began
with a 3 tier plant stand in the basement.
The results were wonderful and the basement
has become a violet room. Three long tables,
each fitted with two 40 watt fluorescent tubes,
plus another 3 tier stand, have been added.
The lights are 15 inches from the plants and
are kept on 14 hours a day. After experi¬
menting, this seemed to be the most satisfac¬
tory arrangement. The leaves are a beautiful
lush green, and the blooms are large and deep
in color.

One sad experience with mites has caused
me to be very careful in bringing new plants
into my collection. Each new plant, regardless
of where it comes from, is isolated for at least
6 weeks. All the plants are sprayed with
Optox once a month.

Our summers are very hot and humid so
special care is needed to avoid casualties and
loss of leaves. Air conditioning and fans seem
to be the answer.

My violets are planted in commercial soil
with Sponge-Rok added, and I prefer plastic
pots. I water from the top, and spray the
leaves often. They are fed twice a month.

My hobby requires many hours of my
time but my windows are filled with bloom¬
ing plants of many colors and are a joy to
behold. I love them all but really think I
favor the long lasting doubles and lovely
ruffled leaves.

Some of my favorites and those that have
done well for me are: Blue Nocturne, Melody
Air, Wintry Rose, Strike Me Pink, Sparkling
Waters, White Pride Supreme, Caravan Heir¬
loom, Dresden Dream, Iris, Lee Annie, Ember
Dream, Rosalinda, Shag, Double Uncle Bob,
Black Magic, Navy Bouquet, Black Cherry,
Dancing Waters and Little Jewel. •

71

Show Plants

Madeline Hill, Manorville, L. I., New York

I would like to tell you of my method of
raising a show plant from a leaf. First,
I select an unmarred leaf of medium size, not
the lower or older ones. The stem is cut on
a slant and does not exceed IV2 inches. I do
not use a rooting or hormone powder but let
the cuttings heal for about an hour. Then
I plant in a 2V2 inch pot filled with one-half
soil and one-half vermiculite. The pots are
placed under the fluorescent tubes. The little
plantlets form in a very short time. They
are separated when about 1 V2 inches high and
planted in 2 inch pots in African violet soil.
The plantlet remains in this pot until the pot
is filled with roots, then it is transplanted to
a 3 inch pot. The pot rims are covered with
aluminum foil to prevent petiole rot. Suckers
are removed as they form, and I leave no buds
to form. I am a firm believer in leaving no
buds to form while growing plants for show.
Growing Our Plants

We place our plants on benches that have
metal trays filled with small stones, prefer¬
ably chicken grits that have been treated with
V-C 13. We find the grits aid in keeping up
the humidity, and help in our method
of watering by providing drainage. Growing
so many plants causes us to use top watering
as a time saver; we use an old fashioned
garden sprinkler and just water the plants.
This keeps the leaves clean and raises the
humidity since the grits absorb the excess
moisture. In this type of watering, the water
should be warm but not hot enough to cook
the leaves.

Lights

Growing our plants in the basement, we
naturally use fluorescent lights. Some of the
plants are grown by the windows which are
on 2 sides of the cellar and give about 36 feet
by 2 feet of window space. The rest of the
plants are grown under the lights; we have
about 60 four-foot fixtures. We use standard
2 tube 40 watt industrial fixtures. Our lights
on the average measure 18 inches from the
bench. We have very little trouble with
burned foliage and our leaves are unusually
dark green. The flowers, we are told by
many, have beautiful color. The lights are on
about 10 hours each day, but when I want
plants to come into bloom for show I leave
them on 16 hours a day.

Heat

We keep our cellar at 70 degrees and have
found it to be the best for us. I leave the
thermostat on 70 degrees winter and summer.

Sodium Selenate

One of the best insecticides I have ever

Mrs. Hill is pictured with T-V Stagline.

used is sodium selenate. Living in the country
where one goes from the outside garden to
the house where the African violets are, it is
so easy to transfer mites from one plant to an¬
other. The cyclamen mite and the broad mite
are frequently found on petunias, tomatoes,
pig weed, mums, marigolds and other common
vegetables and flowers that most of us grow.
This does not mean that all are infested with
mites, but that the mites could reach your
African violets from them by being carried on
your hands or through an open window. I
have found the best preventive of mites is
the use of sodium selenate; for those who do
not know sodium selenate, it is a poison. It
is absorbed by the plant roots and carried by
the sap throughout the entire plant system,
and gives protection for 3 months or more. I
use one capsule to a gallon of water and give
a 4 inch pot 2 ounces of the solution, and
smaller pots accordingly, once every 3 months.
To be safe it is also given to rooted leaves.

Show Plants

Keeping foliage in systematic form rarely
presents a problem when plants are grown
under fluorescent lights, but if a leaf or 2
strays from its place, I use plastic spoons to
ease them back in their proper places. About
10 weeks before show time I let the buds
form and open.

To sum up, the most important factors in
growing African violets are: be sure that your
small plantlets have strong root systems be¬
fore transferring them from one pot size to
another (do not overpot); use water intelli¬
gently and only when the top soil is dry;
and be sure the plants have plenty of light,
whether under fluorescent or natural light if
you want good bloom, and who doesn’t? •

72

Episcia Display

The two sketches in this article offer an
idea of using an accumulation of everyday
household discards and accessories to add con¬
trast, charm, and interest to supplement a
violet hobby with a companion plant — - the
Episcia.

The first sketch is what is known commer¬
cially as a ‘‘Moss Stick”, and to buy them at
the florist is costly. At home it can be built
for about a tenth of the cost or less if the
material used is in the house. All it takes is
an attractive 8-10 inch pot, sphagnum moss,
some dark colored string, and a broken or
discarded handle, wooden stick, or broom
handle about 3 feet long, and some pea size
gravel or chicken grits to provide the neces¬
sary drainage.

First drop the gravel in the bottom of the
pot. Then fill the pot with a good growing
mixture and pack it firmly around the handle.
Next mold the sphagnum or florist moss
around the pole starting at the bottom and
building it up toward the top, binding as you
go with dark twine to hold the moss in place.
Be sure to distribute the moss evenly around
the pole.

With a sharp instrument, screw driver or
pencil, make the holes in the growing mix to
plant the Episcia rooting and guide the vine
around the handle to hold it in place with hair
pins. A soft protection at the end of the pin
should be used to keep it from cutting into
the vine. Then water and care for the plant
as you would your violets.

The lower sketch shows how an attractive
discarded lamp shade frame can be used as
a support for a vine type plant, such as an
Episcia, to add an unusual setting for your
plant collection.

First strip the lamp shade of its covering un¬
til the frame is clean. If it does not lend itself
gracefully to twine for vine support then select
a suitable soft wire that can be molded to
the contours of the lamp frame and bind them
tightly from the bottom and the top to form
a mesh.

Somewhere around the house you will find
a worn out broom. Saw the handle about 18-20
inches long. Nail or screw a square or round
block of wood to one end of the handle making
sure that the block will fit inside the pot.
This is the anchor for the pole. Then attach
an old drawer knob at the other end to deco¬
rate the top. A small hole, punched with a
nail, will let the screw penetrate easily.

The frame and pot are now ready to be
freshened up and painted and made attractive
with a color that will blend with that of its
surroundings according to your taste.

Plant the Episcia routings in the regular
manner and bind the vine with twistems in a
symmetrical pattern around the frame. •

MOSS STICK

If space is at a premium an Episcia trained
around a moss stick or over a little trellis may
be allowed to grow to considerable size before
severe pruning may be necessary. Stolons need
to be securely fastened down to keep the plant¬
ing compact and in neat appearance. If avail¬
able, green plastic covered florists wire may be
used instead of hairpins. Turn the pot to keep
the leaves on the back side in good condition.
Two or three varieties of Episcias may be
grown in the same pot. Select varieties which
will be compatible with each other in growing
habits, cultural requirements and color of foli¬
age.

LAMP SHADE TRELLIS

1. Wood drawer knob, 2. Lamp shade frame,
3. Dark twine or soft wire, 4. Handle, 5. Wood
block, 6. Pea gravel.

The Buyer’s Guide

J

Betty Stoehr, Bt. 1, Box 143, Greenwood, Ind.

In the constant efforts of your Magazine to
be of assistance to the members, we are at¬
tempting to determine which of the many
new introductions are really easy to grow into
beautiful, blue ribbon plants.

In this department, we will concern our¬
selves only with those plants introduced dur¬
ing the last three years. With the assistance
of our members, we would like to know just
which plants grow best, and under what con¬
ditions. We will be happy to give the seal of
approval of the African Violet Magazine to
a plant that is easily grown, heavy blooming,
and, of course, with good color and size of
blossoms.

Those plants that receive blue ribbons at
shows, and are conversation pieces at exhibits
should receive proper recognition, for the
benefit of the beginner. If you are willing to
help with this project, write to me and I will
send you cards to be filled out on each plant.
These will be compiled, and the results pub¬
lished in the Magazine.

Here are a few plants that have been proven
by some of our collectors:

Green Dawn (Richter): Very dark wavy foli¬
age, red-backed. Frilled double pink blos¬
soms with good green edge.

Rose Dust (Fischer): Deep green waved foli¬
age, bright pink flowers, with lighter frilled
edge.

Pink Baton (Lyon): Dark wavy foliage, bright
semidouble frilled blossom.

Trifari (Ulery): Deep cerise-pink double,
quilted foliage.

Snow Ballet (Granger): Large double white,
good tailored foliage.

Green Confetti (Champions): Symmetrical
tailored, variegated foliage with deep pur¬
ple double bloom.

Lilian Jarrett Supreme (Tinari): Double
peach-pink blossom on heavy Supreme foli¬
age, good symmetrical growth.

Purple Honey (Vallin): Dark wavy foliage,
double purple blossom with green fringe.

Double Pink Waverly (Harris): Large dark
foliage, slightly waved with medium pink
double blooms.

Raspberry Sherbet (Madison Gardens): Very
symmetrical, medium green foliage, blos¬
soms variegated and speckled.

Double Ruffles (Wilson): Very large symmet¬
rical foliage, frilled double blue flower.

My Violet Story

Mrs. Bubin Harmon, Bed Bluff, California

My violet story begins like so many other
stories: a friend gave me a poor little Black
Magic that was potted in a 4 inch pot in
plain garden soil. How it ever managed to
survive. I’ll never know. I acquired some
regular African violet potting mix, then pro¬
ceeded to clean the roots, trim the lower
leaves, and put it in a 3 inch pot. In 2 months
my little violet looked so bright and green
and was full of buds. I could hardly wait to
see them open! My first plant is now 2V2
years old and blooms continuously.

Six months after I received my first violet,
my cousin gave me 4 mature blooming plants
and a small white one. They were unnamed,
but they were so beautiful and were very
happy in their new home. They continued to
bloom, and the white one grew speedily and
started blooming in 6 months — when it was
iy2 years old, it measured 16 inches across,
and it has never stopped blooming.

One day my husband came into the house,
unheard, and caught me talking out loud to
my 6 beautiful violets. That was the day I
said, “This is the hobby I have been looking
for.” I began to acquire leaves and small
plants, all with names; and I joined the Afri¬
can Violet Society, whose magazines I enjoy
immensely.

I have found 2 little tricks to help me start
young plants. The first one: I use clear plas¬
tic cake covers, refrigerator crispers and
bread boxes as little greenhouses. The little
pots do not dry out so fast and the leaves are
free of dust. It is easy to maintain plenty of
humidity,- and the lid may be propped up a
bit for air. The second trick is to use plastic
hors d’oeuvre picks to help train and shape

a young plant. The picks are shaped like a
little cane, and the little crook will hold a
leaf firmly in place yet it will not disturb
the upper leaves. The plastic picks will not
mold or rust, and are washable and reusable.#

74

Greenhouse Cooling — - for
More Effective Summer Use

Harold E. Gray

Reprinted With Permission of Under Glass

Excessive summer temperatures frequently
produce discouraging results in the home
greenhouse during the summer. Plants vary
in their reaction to high temperature, but
most of the common ones grown in the green¬
house will make poor growth and produce
poor quality flowers when temperatures be¬
come too high. Many will even fail to flower
under these conditions.

The greenhouse serves as an effective “heat
trap” under sunny conditions. The relatively
short wave lengths of the direct sun’s rays
easily penetrate the glass and enter the green¬
house. This radiation is absorbed by the soil,
plants, benches and other solid objects inside
causing them to become warm. As their tem¬
perature increases, these objects re-radiate
heat, but in longer wave lengths which will
not penetrate the glass as easily. Thus these
rays are “trapped” inside and contribute to
the excessive temperature. Under such con¬
ditions, even ventilation may not be fully
effective in keeping the temperature down to
a level that is suitable for good plant growth
conditions. Shading is helpful in reducing the
amount of direct solar radiation, but again
there is a limit to the amount of cooling bene¬
fit that can be derived from shading.

One of the newer developments that has
shown considerable promise for summer green¬
house temperature control is evaporative cool¬
ing. With evaporative cooling, the evaporation
of water is utilized to absorb heat from the
incoming air and thereby cool it. At the same
time the humidity of the air is increased which
offers further benefits to plant growth in
many instances.

Two principle methods are employed for
evaporating the water. One utilizes pads of
water-absorbing material, such as aspen, which
is kept continuously wet. Air drawn through
the pads by a fan evaporates the water from
the pad surfaces. In the other method a fine
nozzle sprays water under pressure into an
air stream from a fan and thus cools and
humidifies the air.

The simplest pad cooler for the home green¬
house operator is a self contained unit such
as the one shown in Figure 1. This unit is
completely equipped with fan, pads, circu¬
lating pump and float valve water control.
The unit is placed outside the greenhouse in
the summer and blows cool moist air into
the greenhouse. It can be controlled automati¬
cally by a thermostat or humidistat depend¬
ing on the desires of the grower. In the winter,
the unit can be placed directly inside the
greenhouse to recirculate and humidify the

Figure 1

air without cooling. Automatic control in this
case would be by means of a humidistat.

An example of the nozzle method of evap¬
orative cooling is the climate control package
shown in Figure 2. In this package a fan
draws air from outside through a jalousie. A
jalousie directly above serves as an air outlet.
The jalousies are controlled by a thermostat
so that the fan can either bring in outside
air or recirculate inside air. A nozzle is mount¬
ed in front of the fan to spray a fine mist of
water directly into the air stream. The nozzle
is automatically controlled through the use
of a humidistat and a solenoid valve on the
water line. This climate control package can
thus be utilized for automatic control of tem¬
perature and humidity in the summer and
automatic control of humidity in winter, with¬
out moving the unit.

All evaporative cooling methods depend for
effectiveness on the outside relative humidity.
As the humidity lowers, the cooling effect is
increased. As a general rule, climatic condi¬
tions are such in the United States that lower
relative humidities occur at higher tempera¬
tures. Experience has shown that one of the
two methods described will probably hold the
temperature of a small greenhouse down to
outside temperature in the sun with no shad¬
ing on the greenhouse. If the greenhouse is
shaded, evaporative cooling should be able
to hold the interior down to outside shade
temperature or lower.

In any event, some form of evaporative
cooling will permit the growing of good qual¬
ity of most greenhouse plants even during
hot summer months, and with automatic con¬
trols can keep the care and attention necessary
to a minimum. •

Figure 2

Thimble
luell

10 tight

u>0Tk5 oot
tor cou'rtu
domp <^1

I Hpc _

Cleaners "moK^ |I
qood kaj dopport, fov

Atimnel
rolled out
of stilt
paper
mmi be
used to Keep

the added soil from mcssmci
up the leoues ujhen YcpottTnq

or ujKen additional
sou IS
needed.

An old stripped
off LOire
lamp shade
frame
epuered uoith
Clear Plastic
moKes o yerij
fine miniature

_greenhoosc..

If top 15
closed Small holes .
qt top must be prooidea
for uentdatron.

lb eliminate the lobor
of Q Cleon up job ....
It youimake uoaroiyn
special potting
mutiiTe and need to
crush lumps of soil,
a potato masher b
one of the most
etfectiue soil
pulucrirers.lt
can be used to

thefniytiire and

Keep the dirt from scalteTin3.

A shorp pocket l<n(|e
I Q busy accessoru
0 round c[roa>iv\^ ipkxo^s

. Tuieezcrs

, uitth .offset points are
almost indispensable -for
tpKinc off sucters. scrotcbtriQ
diQgma up dirt, rtmooma pests,
jelling ^ples used m shtppinq
aad for many other practiail "^es.

76

For shodSn^ -

Use Paint 'Roller
to couer gloe© 'in
greenhouse .

If you need to
freshen Up or to
qioe oneuu \ooK to
on old discolored
clou pot, Cleon

the sarfaoe with

a 5CouTirt9 pad.
msten the pad
in clear uooter-do
not houe it too
luet - then rub 'it

gently

ouer the

Ulhen uou are admirinq or inspecting
your AfTtcon violet couection soix\z
usefuttinie rnoy be
gamed by
sn'ipping on
Onattractioe.
or old
bottom

leaf off
and

Using it os
a soft brush
to TCmooe the
dust froTh the ieaoes.
Brush ueTy^entfy so

as not to hruise or
damoge the tender leaf
surface. dcQrring uJ'ill
result if tooTifiudn pressorC is
everted.

Meat Baxter
oftcri controUe cl
cuatcTin^ for
Baby plants

surface until
the soiled places
aTeTemoued.

■Rinse u)ell '^'th
clean ujater
ond LUipe

dry.

A srooll

piece of
fiberglass
ooer the
opening
In the 'Dottom
of fhe pot

iMut
diqqor
places

Beer Can oponef
►3 eveeUent tool for
uJorKin^ inlbc soil.

will not impede

drainqqe and w'lH Keep the soi
from sifting out, This also
Useful to push against when ,
remouing the. plant from the pot.

77

My interest in African violets started about
6 years ago when a friend gave me some
leaves from her unnamed, nonblooming plants.
I rooted, potted and watched over them until
they bloomed. They turned out to be either
single pink or blue. Then I heard about the
doubles and wasn’t satisfied until I had a
double pink — Ohio Pink Bountiful. This, of
course, was merely the beginning. I soon
acquired other colors and varieties but over¬
potted, overwatered and lost a few of them.
I bought Helen Van Pelt Wilson’s first book,
borrowed books from the Library and read
all the articles I could find regarding violets;
learning gradually and becoming more in¬
terested as I read and experimented.

At this point my husband made me a
small cabinet enclosed on 3 sides and having
3 shelves, each lighted by a 2 tube 20 watt
fluorescent fixture. Then we moved and I
had a lovely new basement in which to grow
my plants.

Today, four years later, I have 3 double
tiered benches; one 4 feet in length and two
8 foot ones besides my original cabinet which
I now use for a growing cabinet for the small
plants. My benches are lined with a double
thickness of heavy aluminum foil and filled
to one inch depth with Terra-Lite which is
kept moist. There are 2 tube fluorescent lights
over all benches, either the 4 or 8 foot fix¬
tures, with one warm white and one cool
white or daylight tube in each fixture. Some
day I would like to experiment with some
of the colored tubes. I leave my lights on
for 12 hours each day except when I groom
my plants for show, then they are left on for
14 or 16 hours daily. The bottom shelves of
my benches seem to be the best for bringing
the small plants into bloom so I usually keep
the small ones below and the larger ones on
the top shelves. The temperature in my base¬
ment stays between 65 to 72 degrees in sum¬
mer and 60 to 70 degrees in winter. The back
door opening into the basement furnishes
fresh air which I circulate with a small fan
in winter and in summer I have a screened
window open in the early morning and at
night. I try to keep the humidity high enough
by fog spraying, and when the days are warm
I also wet the cement floor.

To propagate, my leaves are first rooted
in colored bottles in sterile rain water with
vitamin B in the water, plus a small piece
of aluminum foil. When roots have formed
I plant each leaf in a 2 inch plastic pot in a
rooting mix composed of V4 perlite, y4 vermi-
culite, 1/4 fine milled sphagnum moss, and V4
of my potting mix. These pots are then set in
a box 2 by 3 feet which has a small heating
coil covered with 2 V2 inches of sterilized sand.
This method seems to produce plantlets in
good time and abundance even though I have
it setting beside my 4 foot bench and not

under direct light. This rooting mix produces
plantlets with a good root system which en¬
ables me to divide and plant them individually
when they are very tiny, thereby assuring a
more compact and better shaped plant. I pot
them in 2 inch pots, either plastic or clay,
with my regular potting mix, having a bit of
the rooting mix directly below and around
the roots. Then into the cabinet they go
where they stay until budded. They are then
potted into 3 inch squatty pots with a small
clay chip and some Sponge-Rok or oyster shell
in the bottom for drainage, and placed under
either the 4 or 8 foot lights on the bottom
shelves to come into bloom. Sometimes I
hang a thin plastic sheet over the lights and
benches to provide a greenhouse atmosphere
for these newly potted plants, raising it for
a couple of hours daily to give them fresh air.
This really gives them a boost to the blooming
stage. I like to fog spray with rain water,
with or without the addition of fish fertilizer,
to provide needed humidity and to keep the
foliage clean. I also use rain water for water¬
ing when it is available; this isn’t much of a
problem in Washington during most of the
year.

The way that my benches are equipped I
have to water each plant from the top, how¬
ever I hope to change to some bottom water¬
ing before too long. I use all clay pots after
the plants go into the 3 inch size and try to
limit the plants to the 4 inch squatty size un¬
less I am grooming for show, when a 5 inch
pot is necessary. I fertilize every 2 weeks

78

1

with a half strength solution of Fish Emulsion,
Plant Marvel or Maxi-Crop; spray with Kel-
thane EC or Isotox once a month, and with
Karaspray every 3 months as a preventive
against disease and mildew. To date my only
casualties have been crown rot from over¬
watering.

My potting mix is Nature’s Way:

8 quarts dark peat moss

2 quarts Blue Whale peat

4 cups sand, sterilized by boiling

hour

6 cups Hybro-Tite rock potash

5 cups ground rock phosphate

1 % cups Dolomite limestone rock

Wi cups bone meal

2V2 cups chick charcoal

1 cup Active

6 cups dehydrated cow manure

2 tablespoons Fermate

3^2 tablespoons trace elements (to
batch)

Mix 2 teaspoons V-C 13 to one gallon of
water and wet down the mixture thoroughly.
Let stand for 2 weeks, stirring every day.
I usually mix a double batch on a large piece
of plywood covered with plastic. This I stir
every morning when I go down to turn on my
lights; I use my hoe for this, works fine!
When the 2 weeks are up, I store the mixture
in plastic bags while still slightly damp but
not wet.

However, I don’t use Nature’s Way in this
form. I dilute it before using it for potting.
Before I had so many plants I bought Black
Magic and diluted it half and half with
Nature’s Way, but now I mix it like this:

8 coffee cans Nature’s Way

4 ” ” Blue Whale peat

4 ” ” horticultural peat moss

Ruberta Nendick, Vancouver, Washington

4 coffee cans oak leaf mold (the leafy
kind)

4 ” ” Sponge-Rok

1 tablespoon Fermate

1 tablespoon Epsom salts

This mixture is placed in a large container
and wet down again with a solution of V2
teaspoon each of V-C 13 and liquid chlordane
to one quart of water. I let this stand 2 weeks
before using. This may sound like a lot of
work but a double batch of Nature’s Way,
after diluting, lasts for a full year for all of
my potting.

At this writing I have over 200 of the
newer varieties with a total of 500 plants, plus
many cuttings. I haven’t tried hybridizing as
yet but do have 2 very nice seedlings that I
grew from some of Mr. Hammond’s seeds.

I joined the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. in 1958 and in February of 1959
we organized the Fort Vancouver Violet
Society. The next year we had our first
judged show and I was fortunate enough to
win the National Gold Ribbon Award for my
plants of Beaming, Lilac Dale and T-V Vallin-
pink. Our club meetings, the judging school
we held in 1959, the various shows attended,
association with all the friends made through
our mutual interest, visits to the growers in
our vicinity, together with our wonderful in¬
formative African Violet Magazine, have fur¬
nished me with a desire to learn more — not
to mention to possess more of America’s most
popular house plant. •

The way my benches are equipped I have to water
each plant from the top. Other photo is closer view
of a bench.

79

The arrangement in the picture won first
place for The Fantasy African Violet So¬
ciety when they entered it in competition in
the arrangement group at a Wichita Garden
Club fall flower show, which was held in
Wichita, Kansas in October, 1960. “Indian
Summer on Parade” was the theme chosen
for the show. We had to compete with about
twelve visiting garden clubs and felt most
pleased and honored when our arrangement
won.

The arrangements were displayed in niches
that were 18 inches deep, 28 inches wide and
32 inches high. According to the rules, the
arrangements were to be at least 2V2 inches
inside of the walls of the niches, 2V2 inches
below the top of the niche, and the base could
not be over 11 inches long.

Since the theme of the show was “Indian
Summer on Parade,” for our arrangement we
used Liatris Pycnastochya (Kansas Gay Feath¬
er), Eryngium (Purple Thistle), both wild
from Kansas Flint Hills, and a Double Red
Neptune African violet.

The driftwood came from 9,000 feet up in
the mountains of northern Colorado, and the
crude base was made by my husband from
old red cedar boards. I rubbed both the drift¬
wood and red cedar with liquid wax to give
them a satin finish. For the mechanics I
sprayed a tuna can green; after I had poured
a little hot wax in it, I placed a needle-point

holder in the can. The wax cooled and held
the holder firm. In a large lid I dried and
shaped the Kansas Gay Feathers, to give the
graceful curve we needed for our arrange¬
ment. The Gay Feathers and the thistle were
arranged on the needle-point holder in the
tuna can. The mechanics (tuna can, etc.) were
anchored behind the driftwood with posey
clay to the cedar base. The violet was re¬
moved from its pot and nestled on the drift¬
wood, with wet oasis protecting and support¬
ing its roots back of the driftwood.

Now to stand back and look! The eye was
carried from the tip of the graceful line of
the Kansas Gay Feather, down to the thistle,
then into the driftwood. Its curved lines tied
in to the cedar base, as well as carrying the
eye to the violet which was the center point
of interest. The red-purple shades of the Gay
Feather, thistle and Double Red Neptune vio¬
let blended with the beautiful tones of the
driftwood and red cedar.

To our state, Kansas Gay Feathers and the
thistle are part of a Kansas “Indian Summer
on Parade” — the theme of the show. Every¬
one agreed with the judges that the arrange¬
ment was truly a blue ribbon winner. Nat¬
urally my coworkers, Mrs. H. A. Johnson,
Mrs. Ward Travis and our president Mrs.
C. H. Elcock, all from the Wichita Fantasy
African Violet Society, felt that our time had
been well spent. •

Our

Arrangement

Won

Mrs. L. A. Lallement
Wichita, Kansas

80

Dear Friends:

October is with us and we are enjoying
an Indian summer with early June tempera¬
tures. In gardens and countryside the incom¬
parable beauty of autumn meets us at every
turn. People oft remark that it is a sad time,
but many of us look upon it as the festival
of the year for at no other time can there
be seen such a brilliant display of colour.

It is remarkable to note that in my garden
at the moment sweet peas are giving a pro¬
lific display of very fine blooms, due no doubt
to the delightful September which brought
heavy morning dews and warm sunny days
which are extending well into October. Mostly
all the plants in the herbaceous border are
producing an almost unbelievable quantity of
bloom and marvelous effects can be produced
with these when grown in sufficient quantity.

Now that my many visitors from abroad
have come and gone, I am busy making wine
with white grapes heavy with juice and rea¬
sonably priced; I have brewing, several gal¬
lons of white wine. This is a delicious dry
dinner wine made with grapes, sugar, water
and yeast. The elderberries are now ripe
enough to pick, and wine from the berries
makes a good medicine brew to be drunk
mulled on chilly nights. Colds are few in our
home and we give the credit to elderberry
wine.

In our loggia which is partly covered in,
Saintpaulias graced the shelves from June
to the end of September. Unfortunately an
intruder kept stripping the blue varieties of
their blooms. We were puzzled as to who the
culprit could be. Could it be mice or birds?
One morning as I was cooking in the kitchen,
a robin who comes for cheese every morning
flew past me through two doors to the lounge.
Following, I saw him perch on the bubble
bowl which contains realistic polythene col¬
oured fish and a Saintpaulia which furnishes
the centre piece, the roots growing in water.
I watched the sheer enjoyment with which
the robin attacked the blooms which were
also blue. On careful examination, I saw that
this was not the first time that he had visited
the Saintpaulia. Could it be he, we wondered,
who had played havoc with the plants in the
loggia?

Upstairs in the plant room the African
violets have received little attention all sum¬
mer, with the exception of those I am experi¬
menting with. There is no doubt that foliar
feeding produces giant plants for one particu¬
lar plant measures 22 inches in diameter: the
petioles are the thickness of a pencil and the
leaves are 5 inches by 3 inches. The only
drawback in the growing of such large plants
is that they are most difficult to handle and
I cannot see plants of this size becoming
popular with the majority of people. I grew
the plant from seed and not until it became
of normal size did I start the foliar feeding.

A Letter From

Joy Hutson

46 London Road

Luton, Beds., England

The blooms are large and double and of a
beautiful rich orchid shade. I have a few more
of my crosses which I am experimenting with,
so I will be looking forward to the results.

I am now grooming and feeding the rather
neglected Saintpaulias and I hope they will
give as good a display of bloom as they did
last Christmas.

Episcias raised from seed earlier in the year
are making excellent progress in a tempera¬
ture of 60 degrees, but I do not expect them
to bloom in so low a temperature. It is the
exquisite foliage from the many different
varieties which I find so exciting.

My Achimenes have not done at all well
this year and I was very envious seeing a
magnificent display of these plants hanging
in a large basket from the roof of a green¬
house in Gardening Club on television. These
were grown by one of our leading horticul¬
turists, Mr. Percy Thrower, who is also the
TV gardening club expert.

So many of you have written and made
mention of the bird bath and grotto which
you have made. May I say how delighted I
am for I know you will get considerable en¬
joyment through your efforts.

According to my observations, our grotto
is now “room and board” for a field mouse
who guards his domain boldly against the
Jenny wren and robin who frequently bathe
in the “meat tin” pool. The only Saintpaulia
left on the grotto is one which had been given
the driest position, between two rocks, ob¬
viously most suitable to meet the special
needs of this big-eyed tiny creature, for in a
little ball of hay and feathers nestling between
the rocks, it has made its home, the Saint¬
paulia leaves providing shelter from intruders.
I picked him up one morning but he was
not in the least perturbed and made no attempt
to get away. I put him back and hope he will
enjoy the sanctuary of his domain through¬
out the winter.

Another day has dawned and it looks like
it will be lovely, so I will take a ride into
the country to see the trees and hedgerows
in all their splendour. I cannot help recalling
the words of Charles Kingsley, “Never lose
an opportunity to see something beautiful.
Beauty is God’s handwriting.”

My best wishes to you all. •

81

A Unique
Violet
Stand

9

Bernadine Elrod, Malvern, Arkansas

Wood SWclvee
Sou Knob off

These bottle racks may be made any length
to hold as few or as many bottles as desired.

A mobile plant stand is easier to use. Have
casters strong enough to carry the weight.

Last summer, when my African violets
outgrew their allotted space, I began to look
for a type of stand that would allow more
plants in less floor space. There were none
on the market so I began to plan how to
have one built and what type of material
to use. I now have three unique and neat
looking violet stands made of old iron bed
rails. These stands are 70 inches high, 70
inches long, and 32 inches wide. The knobs
or ends of the rails were removed with a
hack saw, then 2 holes were drilled in each
end for stove bolts which fasten them to¬
gether. The L angle is turned to the inside
to form a ledge or support for plywood or
wood strips for shelves.

The first shelf or tier is 22 inches from
the bottom and the next 24 inches higher,
thus forming three shelves for plants. The
entire stand was given one coat of rust pre¬
ventative paint and one coat of hard gloss
enamel, then bolted to two pieces of 2 by 4
by 32 inch pieces of wood to which were
attached four 31/2 inch commercial casters.
Each tier is lighted by one regular light bulb
(for cuttings) and two 48 inch fluorescent
strips. I then had pans made at the machine

shop to fit each tier, filled them with perlite
or vermiculite, and I was ready to load them
with plants.

I use the lowest shelf for newly set plants
and for variegated leaf varieties which love
the extra coolness and dampness close to
the floor. These stands are very sturdy and
are easily moved, and will hold approximately
500 plants in 2V2 or 3 inch pots (less as the
plants grow larger) and several pans or cut¬
ting trays.

Another “do it yourself” gadget that I like
is my leaf rooting rack. I prefer to root leaves
in water until the roots are about V2 inch
long, then pot in vermiculite or other rooting
medium. I use small glass or medicine bottles
for this and was always spilling them until

1 “invented” a rack for them. It is made of

2 pieces of plywood 5 inches wide and sepa¬

rated by a one inch block at each end. Holes
were cut in the upper piece at intervals, the
size of the bottle to be used. The entire rack
can be moved easily without danger of spill¬
ing. Mine are the length of the window sill
so the leaves get plenty of sun and can be
watched for signs of rot. •

82

Mable Mechler, Kalispell, Montana

Violets In The Flathead Valley of Montana

Like many another violet enthusiast, I have
found that the raising of African violets
carries with it a mixture of success and failure.
My first violet, a gift, grew in spite of me; good
fortune often smiles upon the beginner. This
plant was undoubtedly one of the earlier har¬
dy varieties. I received it about 15 years ago.
At that time a friend initiated me into the
art of growing new plants from leaves and
this success, coupled with the discovery of
the African Violet Magazine, led me on to
the buying of new plants and then to the re¬
warding challenge of raising violets from
seed. Needless to say, my collection outgrew
available space. In the meantime, I had found
the joy of sharing leaves, giving plants to
friends, and the pleasure of exchanging ideas
of violet culture with an ever-increasing num¬
ber of interested folk.

Then disaster struck, and I found not one
problem but a combination of problems.
About 3 months after moving my plants from
our winter town apartment to our lake home
I noticed multiple brown spots over the sur¬
face of all of the leaves. All the plants were
blooming well, but none had grown very
much during the summer.

Now began the search for a reason; all of
my old copies of our Magazine, plus several
books, were brought into use. The appearance
of my plants didn’t seem to fit any one of the
descriptive articles of violet illness. The pur¬
chase of a 20 power lens revealed nematodes,
and a diligent search of the literature indi¬
cated an accompanying problem of salinity.

Then began the soul searching. It wasn’t
too difficult to place the blame. First, the
nematodes undoubtedly were the result of a
change in soil sterilization from baking for
one hour at 325 degrees Fahrenheit to in¬
adequate steaming over an electric plate. The
salinity problem presented a little more dif¬
ficult diagnosis. After much thought, I con¬
cluded it was caused by the use of water from
a well of very pure but highly mineralized
water. I had used this water for several years
with no apparent ill effect. However, a re¬
view of the situation revealed that the mineral
content seemed to be more concentrated than
usual. A lack of use of the well over the
winter months apparently resulted in a fail¬
ure to wash out some pockets of water feeding
the well. The damage to the plants was prob¬
ably cumulative over the summer, manifesting
itself in the early fall. Further investigation of
the plants revealed very poor root systems.

The decision to destroy all of my plants
was not easily made, and many concerned
friends seemed very distressed and reluctant
to see me without my then well-known col¬
lection. However, I felt a clean break and a

fresh start the better way for my violet fu¬
ture, and acted accordingly.

There was one heartwarming experience
that resulted from my violet tragedy, and I
imagine many others have had similar com¬
pensations. Many friends offered me plants
and leaves; and from time to time I found
packages of leaves in my husband’s reception
room — gifts from patients to whom I had
given leaves and plants. With the help of
friends and the purchase of new leaves, I
am now beginning to look forward to another
happy era of violet culture. I am sure I need
not say that I have resumed careful soil steri¬
lization. The salinity problem requires a more
subtle approach and it will probably be solved
by the old trial and error method. For 8
months of the year I plan to substitute the
clear, clean water of our beautiful Flathead
Lake for my highly mineralized well water.
The remaining portion of the year will find
me dependent upon the water in town which
is definitely hard, or on rain water which is
scarce in very cold weather. In order to help
combat this salinity problem, I am planning
to try setting my pots on hardware cloth
stretched across the trays of my fluorescently
lighted cart, which will enable me to fre¬
quently flush the soil by top watering with¬
out having my plants sitting in water. I also
think it wise to use a soil mixture that isn’t
too rich. I shall try a mixture of: one part
compost; two parts garden soil (this latter
contains a colloidal substance, resulting from
the movement of an old glacier, that is sand
like in consistency); one part peat moss; one
part vermiculite. When the plants are in full
bloom and need additional plant food, I plan
to use a weaker solution than I have used in
the past.

REVIEW of my plan to reduce mineral
salts:

Water plants from top of soil
Do not let pots sit in water — drain well
Feed with a weaker solution of fertilizer
Use a lighter, faster draining potting mix.

My search for better culture methods, and
the need to remedy past mistakes, seems to
be a never ending process. At the present
time, my collection consisting of infant plants
might be discouraging to many; but I know,
with my fresh start, I shall again have trays
of beautiful blooming plants; and only a vio¬
let lover will know how much I shall enjoy
that hard earned success. •

83

Raising Violets In
Arid New Mexieo

At An Altitude of 6500 Feet

HREE years ago when I was to have retired
as a math teacher in Robertson High
School, I began raising African violets as a
hobby for my retirement. It is my most
fascinating hobby though I still have not
retired.

All my plants have been raised from
leaves. It is such a thrill to watch a leaf
grow and develop into a lovely blooming
plant. Since I knew nothing about them, I
learned with the help of the Magazine.

The first year I raised violets in the house,
filling all the windows and the special shelves
I had had built for that purpose. Those of
you who have raised violets know that I was
soon in need of more space. To expand, I
had shelving built in the basement and in¬
stalled 6 sets of 4 foot combo lights. From
studying many authorities I found that a
combination of fluorescent and incandescent
lighting in the ratio of 3 to 1 had proven best.
The combo lights accommodated two 40 watt
fluorescents and two 15 watt incandescents.
A timer turned the lights on in the evening
and off after 15 hours. Pans 20 by 48 inches
were filled with gravel which could be kept
wet to give the needed humidity to the plants
placed in them. The blooms were profuse and
brilliant and the plants were healthy.

The summer of 1959 I spent touring
Europe, so my husband took over the care
of the violets. They grew so well and were
becoming so crowded that when I returned it
was very evident that I must again enlarge
their growing space or discard a great many
of them. My husband refused to consider
discarding any of them, so, just as the fall
term of school was starting, we made rather
hurried plans for a greenhouse.

We built the greenhouse in our back yard
on the north side of the garage. It is 11 by
20 feet with a small corner cut off to go
around our big crabapple tree. A good cement
foundation was put in and the frame was built
9 feet high with enough slant to the roof to
allow for run-off. The roof was made of
clear fiber glass panels. We sometimes have
hail here and it was necessary to provide hail-
proof roofing. If I were to have another
greenhouse built, I believe that I would use
light green on at least alternating panels of
the roof because it was necessary to put slats
over the top to cut the glare of mid-summer,
for at this latitude the sun is high in the
sky in the summer. We didn’t provide for
raising a panel of the roof; I believe this would
have been advisable for even in our never-

Adelaide C. Shaffer, Las Vegas, New Mexico

over-90-degree summers some cooling is neces¬
sary, and fiber glass has a tendency to con¬
centrate the sun’s heat through it. On the
outside of the walls we used the clear Dupont
Mylar (guaranteed for 5 years) and clear
polyethylene plastic on the inside. This gives
an air space of 4 inches for insulation. The
roof was also insulated with polyethylene
plastic. I hung strips of cheesecloth along
the west side to diffuse the afternoon rays of
the sun. A large window was made on the
northwest and the door and a screen door on
the east side. The garage window on the
south side was used to install a 22 inch
exhaust fan (made from my discarded washer
motor). The northwest window was equipped
with a pad which is kept wet by water drip¬
ping through; this is provided by a water
hose connected to copper tubing punched with
holes across the top of the window. A ther¬
mostat keeps the temperature below 80
degrees at all times in the summer. A panel
ray heater with its own thermostat keeps the
temperature above 60 degrees at all times.
This is a properly vented gas heater, and it
has been perfect for the violets.

Benches 39 inches wide and 3 tiers high
were built on each side, with a wide aisle
through the center. A heavy wire type lath¬
ing was used for the floor of each shelf as
this permits light from the upper shelves to
come through. Pans of damp gravel are used
only on the bottom shelves to help keep the
humidity high. The surplus water from the
cooler runs under the north bench in a trough
dug for that purpose. This aids in providing
higher humidity in our arid climate. Natural
humidity here is above 10% only rarely and
for short periods of time, so boosting the
humidity is a prime concern. One of the
fluorescent lights was installed in the center
of the aisle with its switch in the house. It
is very convenient to be able to turn the
lights on from the house when I wish to go
to the greenhouse after dark.

I have tried many ways of starting a leaf
and it seems that all methods are equally
successful. I used to root leaves in water or
vermiculite and then pot them. The last 2
years I have put the leaf directly into a pot
of soil mix with a center of vermiculite and
I find they develop beautifully that way and
save the time and handling needed to later
repot them. I have found that African violet
leaves are very hardy. Once an order of
leaves was kept in the post office for 10 days
after the trip from Ohio before I was notified
of their arrival. Nearly every leaf grew when
it was planted in vermiculite in a plastic
covered pan. This summer one leaf which
had fallen on the greenhouse floor rooted and
grew a lovely plant in the rather hard ground.
When plantlets are of sufficient size they are

84

divided and each crown is planted in its own
pot. Sometimes when a plant becomes too
large I repot it by trimming off the outside
leaves and cutting the roots down. This gives
a strong smaller plant and its blooming is not
in the least interrupted. A plastic marker
with the plant’s name is placed in each pot,
although I have long since learned to recog¬
nize each of my varieties by the shape, color
or texture of its leaf as well as by its bloom.

In the greenhouse the plants are not placed
in saucers so all my watering is done from
the top. Rain water is stored in barrels and
is well warmed before using. The upper
shelves need watering twice a week in sum¬
mer, but once a week is usually sufficient
when the greenhouse is kept closed and the
humidity is maintained abuve 50 per cent.

have tried to evolve a mix using available
materials with some purchases. Las Vegas is
in a valley in the mountains so it is easy for
me to get rich black mountain soil, oak leaf
mold, sand, and rotted log when on drives or
picnics to the mountains or up our beautiful
Gallinas Canyon. With these I use peat moss,
Ruhm’s phosphate, Elk-Organic, Greensand,
bone meal, Vitaloam, dried manure, charcoal,
Sponge-Rok, cottonseed meal and a bit of
Activo. All materials are sterilized in the
oven and V-C 13 is used in mixing, according
to the directions on the bottle. When testing
my mixes for acidity they have always rated
between 6.5 and 7.5, which is correct for
African violets. Limestone gravel, the type
used on highways, is put in the bottom of
each pot to further insure gpod drainage.

Mrs. Shaffer in the greenhouse.

During the season when it is necessary to
keep the greenhouse closed a great deal, a
small fan. is run intermittently to improve
air circulation. This fan can be turned off
and on from the switch in the house.

I use a fertilizer of the type which is high
in phosphorus, usually Plant Marvel, and fer¬
tilize about every 2 or 3 weeks. This keeps
the plants in bloom the year around.

Although I have never seen a need for it,
I use an insect bomb off and on for insurance.

I use only plastic pots because for several
reasons they have proven best for greenhouse
use. At first I used pots which were too
large, but I soon learned that if I were to have
blooming plants they needed to have their
roots crowded a bit. I now use the smaller
21/2 by 21/2 inch squatty squares.

From the various soil recipes published I

I often wish I lived in a community where
there were other avid violet fans so we might
enjoy our common interest together and
exchange leaves of the newer varieties. I
try to add typical new ones each season but
only have about 400 varieties. To have space
for new ones, I have given away many, many
plants and have even sold a few, but it seems
my growing room is always crowded. I am
learning to discard leaves which break off or
are left over from repotting, but I have yet to
learn to discard plants when I get too many
of one variety or get a variety which is not
as good a performer as I want."

I look forward to receiving every African
Violet Magazine as it gives me a feeling of
kinship with others, even though I do not
know them, whose interests are similar to
mine. •

85

rbw4

I am asked frequently, “How did you get
started growing African violets?” Con¬
trary to the way most people begin, I started
as a business rather than as a hobby 8 years
ago. My husband operated a small greenhouse
and grew a variety of potted plants, also
bedding plants for summer gardens. When
his health began to fail he was obliged to give
up raising the bedding plants, and I decided
to grow African violets in their place. Our
greenhouse is a home-built-affair, sections
being added as the business increased, and
my husband added another section, 15 by 16
feet, for the violets. At the time we thought
that would be all the room I would ever need;
now the violets have taken over 2 of the
other sections, and shelves have been put up
to accommodate many of the small plants.
In the beginning I knew nothing about the
culture of Saintpaulias, but I had heard of
Montague Free’s book. All About African
Violets, so I sent for it as my guide; I found
much helpful information in it. A year later
a friend told me about the African Violet
Magazine; I immediately subscribed to it.

Mn leoucs are storied in .ueTtnic-
ante. I put on of soif in the

bottom of Q E'A'pot
it with UCttt! -
The soil lri?lp5
the uerrmic

It qUo
leal
toots

Xvnch Sof

then fill
icalile,,
to Keep
uViteAro'm
thTOo^h
in the pot

-f eeds the
ofter the

are -formed.

ocrTnicolite

Mrs. Harold Sanborn, Saco, Maine

I bought 12 varieties to start with, for
cutting stock, and 100 small plants to grow
on until I could get some started of my own.
Now I have around 300 varieties and several
thousand plants.

My leaves are started in vermiculite; I
have tried other rooting medias, but always
go back to vermiculite. I put an inch of soil
in the bottom of a 21/4 inch pot and then fill
it with vermiculite. The soil helps to keep
the vermiculite from sifting through the holes
in the pot; it also feeds the leaf after the
roots are formed. I find that leaves taken from
a young plant root much more quickly than
those taken from an older plant even though
these are cut midway in the plant. When I
am taking a number of leaves of one variety
at a time, I use a seedling flat to start them
in as it takes up less room. I leave the mother
leaf on until the plantlets are ready to sepa¬
rate. If, after removing the plants, I find the
mother leaf has plenty of roots, I pot it up
to propagate again.

I mix my own soil, using loam from the
compost which was piled with alternate lay¬
ers of leaf mold in the fall and allowed to
stand at least a year (2 years is better). To
this is added an equal amount of Canadian
peat moss and a portion of Bovung. When I
first started my business, I sterilized my soil
in an oilstove oven on a 2 burner blue flame
stove. I used large pans and tested the soil
with a thermometer. Now I have a Hardy &
Hardy Co. electric sterilizer. In the fall I
fill a large bin with enough soil to last through
the winter. This bin is right beside my sterili¬
zer. After the soil is sterilized I add perlite,
bone meal and fine charcoal.

I have gravel on my benches and it is

86

kept moist, thus giving me humidity. I heat
with oil pot-burner stoves, one for each sec¬
tion of the greenhouse. These are connected
with the oil barrels with constant level valves.
I have polyethylene over the glass inside,
both on the roof and sides. This gives me a
little shade and it keeps the heat in through
the winter; it does seem to have a tendency
to keep some of the summer heat out. During
the spring and summer months I have to have
shadow on the glass. I am able to keep a
night temperature of 50 degrees even when
it is 10 degrees below zero outside.

I have had many trials, and what grower
hasn’t, but I have been able to overcome them
with persistence. I have a regular program
that I follow. To guard against mites after
the 2^/4 inch plants are potted in 3 inch pots,
I use sodium selenate. This should be used
when the plant is quite dry and after it has
been repotted for 3 or 4 weeks. I put a level
1/4 teaspoon of sodium selenate in 2 quarts of
water, and then dilute this by using 2 cups
of water to one cup of the solution. I use 2
tablespoons of this for a 3 inch pot, and sel¬
dom lose a plant. I always put the date of
selenation on the marker. Twice a year I use
V-C 13 on the gravel in the benches.

For mildew I use V4 teaspoon of dry lime
sulphur in one pint of warm water as a spray.
I do not spray directly on the plants but a
little above so that just a fine mist falls on
the leaves; it does not spot the leaves or
blossoms. The treatment should be repeated
in a week.

I do not grow plants to exhibit but I do
like to keep them single crown, and remove
the suckers when they are small. Also I like
to keep faded blooms and poor leaves re¬
moved, and have the plants well groomed at
all times.

I do not have time to fertilize very often
but I do not feel the plants require it as each
time they are repotted to a larger size pot
they take up the fertilizer in the fresh soil;
however, I do try to feed my older plants
once a month.

My motto is, “A Thing Worth Doing, Is
Worth Doing Well,” and I have tried to fol¬
low it in growing my African violets. •

Violets or Babies?

Mrs. Francis Johnson, Silver Spring, Maryland

This must necessarily be a story in two
parts as I will not know the ending ( a happy
one, I hope) until April.

So far my experience has been that children
and violets do mix. By children I mean those
old enough to tend for themselves while
Mother is “busy with her violets.” Rearing
three youngsters in a violet household requires
establishing certain rules of behavior unknown
in ordinary homes. The following is a partial
list of common commands and admonishments:

1. Shut that door, you’re making a draft
on the violets!

2. Please, stay out of the kitchen while I’m
potting.

3. Get that cat off the table, he’s knocking
over my best Fascination.

4. All right, who broke off this leaf?

5. Well, I know the whole house smells like
dead fish, but this happens to be the very
best fertilizer.

6. Of course I can’t take you to the movies!
You know perfectly well I’ll be at the
show all day.

7. (And of course the day of the show,
sotto voce) I know my Vallinpink is
prettier than Mrs. Smith’s, but don’t say
it so loud, dear.

Well, in the past four “violeting” years
neither the children nor the violets have
suffered too much, but this April there will
be a new problem. Happily we are going to
have a new baby — not so happily it will
come right at show time. Any sensible person
I suppose would just forget the show com¬
pletely for this year, but I am going to stick
my neck out and try to get my violets ready
anyhow. I’ve just got to enter my blue ribbon
Cavalier again and Double Lavender Beauty,
and of course the perennial Vallinpink. Then
there are the new beauties I bought today
from Polly Schmeltzer. Plenty of grooming
and tending to do the next five months. And
oh, yes, there are baby clothes to buy, nursery
furniture and feeding equipment (mustn’t
forget to keep the violet feeding supplies and
the baby’s in separate cupboards). I know
there will be loads of things to do for the
new arrival that I’ll forget until the last day.
Oh, yes, also we’ll be moving to a bigger
house in January or February. You see, this
one has no fourth bedroom for the baby or
basement for the violets. Or will it be the
other way around?

As it looks right now I’ll probably arrive
at the hospital with a carton of carefully
packed violets, while my husband tenderly
delivers to the show a suitcase of assorted
cosmetics, nightgowns and bedjackets. Oh,
well, no matter how the violets do at the
show, I know the baby will win a blue (or
at least pink) ribbon. •

87

The African Violet Story: British Version

December 1961

Early in the month of December 1961 I
wrote the following words: I sit at home
and commence a message to fellow members
of the A. V. S. A., Inc. wherever they may be.
The date is December 5th and the whole of
Britain is stormbound, gales, shipwrecks,
snowstorms, all combine to make the life of a
glasshouse nurseryman somewhat of a night¬
mare, and sitting here I try to imagine what
my work with African violets has done for
me — George J. Wicks.

I relive the early days when Blue Boy was
our only variety, and when we grew our
African violets with any other stove green¬
house plants. I remember too, the remarks of
friends who thought G. J. W. had “a bee in
his bonnet” where the “wee plants” with blue
flowers were concerned, and the slightly con¬
descending way in which, as newcomers to the
Horticultural show world, we were accorded
recognition. I recall, too, a sort of dedication
to this latest introduction to the nursery, the
strict adherence to the policy of steady pro¬
gress, the search for an ideal conception of
presentation, our early efforts, and the lessons
we learnt there from. I remember too, “sitting
at the feet” of the late Chas. H. Curtis, and of
Montague Free whose book on African violets
is still a good buy for knowledge hungry
lovers of African violets. Nostalgic memories
are conjured up to my joining the A. V. S. A.
and later on forming the First British Branch
and very proudly representing this branch at
Convention 1956, (Minneapolis and Saint
Paul). A great moment that, when I received
an ovation which frightened me as I stood up
to address nearly 1000 African violet lovers,
but I need not have been scared for I was
among friends, and in the words of the song,
“the memory lingers on.” As the years have
passed the ties of friendships have been
strengthened, the horizons broadened, and my
African violet friends become legion in num¬
ber.

From 1954 the story of African violets in
the old country has been described in previous
articles. The awards given to our exhibits in¬
creased both intrinsically and numerically,
and I thrill to the thought of our Gold Medal
Award at Chelsea, (the year in which we re¬
ceived “Golds” for all our six exhibits!) and
again this last season when we received a
large gold medal award at Shrewsbury Floral
Fete, which is one of the premier shows in
Britain, and attended by the finest exhibitors
over here. There are memories too of the
largest one day show in England, held at
Bakewell, Derbyshire, attended by nearly
50,000 people, and the honour of being pre¬
sented with the Duke of Rutland’s Perpetual
Challenge Cup for the most meritorious ex¬

hibit in the 1961 show . . . and memories also
of the early days when we had to get our
customers to readjust their ideas and treat¬
ment of the plants they bought . . . memories
almost like that of a crusader. The African
violet is now firmly established in this coun¬
try. Good plants in good sorts and colours will
always find buyers over here if sold “in sea¬
son,” at the right price, and with service after
sales.

As I meditate here, this December evening,
I feel I would like to pay tribute to my friends
in the U.S.A. who have contributed in no
small measure to such success as has come
my way. Firstly, to E. H. and Pearl Thomas of
California whose practical help and unfailing
co-operation in the early days were an in¬
spiration and a joy to me. All later achieve¬
ments were, in no small measure, due to their
influence. Then, to another California en¬
thusiast and hybridist, Everett Hammond of
Irvington, many thanks for the friendship
which strengthens across continent and ocean
. . . Good Luck at “Frisco” in 1962. My regret
is that I will not be at the Sheraton Palace
Hotel, San Francisco in April. How my wife
and I would love to visit again the City of the
Golden Gate, one of the loveliest in the world.
Wonderful memories! Then, there are Frank
and Anne Tinari (and family) at Bethayres,
Pa., known to African violet fans the world
over as raisers and growers of fine violets, but
also known to us as “bighearted” folk whose
hospitality we enjoyed. Those of you lucky
enough to have met them at Conventions
know what I mean. Many of Frank’s African
violets have fascinated the British public. I
hope there will be many more. I cannot re¬
minisce without including Lyndon Lyon — a
man to whom all growers owe a debt of
gratitude for his superlative introductions. He
loves his violets and that love is reflected in
his exhibits and the new and exciting African
violets which emanate from Dolgeville, New
York. There are many more — some of them
“backroom boys” — ■ whose labour is unseen
(and often unthought of too, unless we are in
trouble, and then we know where they live!).
We are greatly indebted to them, without
whom, there would be no African violets as
we know them today!

Then as I sit and soliloquise I realise that
it is most fitting that I pay tribute to our
worthy Society, its capable officers and chair¬
men the African Violet Magazine, its hard
working staff, many capable contributors and
that lady to whom we all owe our grateful
thanks, nay, heartfelt thanks for the years of
unstinted service and personal devotion to a
cause: “To stimulate a widespread interest in
the propagation and culture of African violets

88

G. J. Wicks
Lambley, Notts.
England

Presentation of the Duke of
Rutland Perpetual Challenge
Trophy for the most meri¬
torious exhibit at Bakewell
(Derbyshire) Show by Her
Grace The Duchess of De¬
vonshire to G. J. Wicks,
managing director of W. C.
Wicks, LTD., growers Not¬
tingham.

This was the first Challenge
Cup to be won by such an
exhibit in competition with
all comers.

everywhere.” Had I been coming to San Fran¬
cisco I had intended to ask all those present
to rise and toast our Executive Director and
Editor of Publications, Mrs. Robert O. Wright.
Were the laudatory and complimentary ad¬
jectives all marshalled together they might
just pay tribute to this indefatigible lady who
with the skillful assistance of the Knoxville
office personnel, presides over P. O. Box 1326,
Knoxville . . . but only just! Untold happiness
in thousands of lives must be your real re¬
ward, Alma. We are selfish, because we hope
for continuance of your devotion to the cause
of African violets. In passing we ought to
thank Robert O. Wright himself for the loan
of his wife this past 15 years or more. “They
also serve!” Without his magnanimous co¬
operation we might never have achieved the
wonderful progress made, both in the A. V.
S. A., the quarterly Magazine, and Member¬
ship Listing in the special issue for 1961.

This was as far as I got early in December.
It is now Saturday, December 30th, 1961 and
I read the headings of our own city newspaper
— - just delivered by a “never-say-die” news
agent at twelve midday: “BLIZZARD HALTS
CITY TRAFFIC. STRANDED VEHICLES
BLOCK ALL EXIT ROADS.” Here at Lamb-
ley we have lost ( 1 ) our electricity supply
from the national grid system, which drives
the many motors used for forced draught on
our boilers around the nursery and (2) our
telephone has succombed to the weight of
snow on the wires. Now, we sit and hope for
the substation in charge to effect repairs;
while the duty men and my son augment the
coke breeze from our emergency stock of
coal. This is the risk we have to take in com¬
mercial horticulture, and there is always
something which crops up unexpectedly and
make you wonder “why?” On the same day
3:30 p.m. you not only say “why” but “when”

for this anxious waiting for power to be re¬
stored is indeed a weary business as well as a
worrying one. The shadows fall and as the
only light we shall have until electricity is
restored are wax candles, I shall wait and see,
and tell you the sequel later. It is now 9:00
p.m. — same day and we are still in business,
at least for the present. The power is restored
and we breath again. All our glass, nearly 21/2
acres, is heated and the crops are such that
the breakdown of the heating would inevitab¬
ly mean total loss. No wonder my Father
stressed the importance of the “P’s”, patience,
perseverance, pride, politeness, and punctuali¬
ty, all of which are essential to any nursery¬
man. I know that experience teaches!

Now it is the end of the year, 1961 passed
and 1962 is heralded into a country whose
roads and railways are snowbound. Many
stories will be told in years to come of this
past week. The conclusion I arrived at — age
alters life’s outlook. What fascinates and at¬
tracts in youth is better on Christmas cards
than in reality when the pipes are frozen
and the weather is cold, and you are past mid¬
dle age. Creature comforts count most then.

I close these observations on the 2nd Jan¬
uary 1962. Sharp frost, coupled with fog and
heavy snowfall still prevails over most of
Britain and no definite news of a break.
Papers and people are reminiscing on the 5
week freeze in 1947. Plumbers are working
around the clock and coal factors are snowed
under in more ways than one (more orders
than stock). Roll on Springtime when these
difficult times are but a memory and we thrill
to the achievements accomplished because of
the dedication to our calling: growing plants
and CREATING PLEASURE ....

With this happy thought as the basic reason
for our growing African violets, I wish YOU
good growing. •

89

Violets And Romance

Margaret Goehler
Los

Mrs. Mabel Gutridge, president of the society, won the trophy for the theme with her Ramona and Alesandro.
The rancho with its hacienda nestling beneath a pepper tree was made lifelike by the use of both real grass
and a true vegetable garden in miniature. As the story goes, an orchard of flowering almond trees sheltered
the wooly grazing sheep while Alesandro courted Ramona by the fountain.

“Violets and Romance” — what a dreamy
ethereal theme it turned out to be: a wedding
in the garden with all the lovely embellish¬
ments for traditional pomp and circumstance.

When the Los Angeles African Violet Soci¬
ety presented its 10th annual show amid ap¬
plause and bravos on everyone’s lips, was
heard “the most beautiful show ever!”

The stage, with its mannequins in full brid¬
al regalia, held to the color scheme of green
and white. A semicircle of lacy white bamboo
screens espaliered with smilax fern, banked
with potted cypress, and fluttery with hun¬
dreds of twisted white streamers from the
high ceiling to the floor, provided a fitting
background for the tremendous number of
specimen plants that filled the auditorium.
The display tables decorated with flounced
and festooned skirts were each centered with
white manzanita bridal trees trimmed with
satin wedding bells and set upon ruffled white

net bases. Fountains played, and white doves
added to the loveliness of the scene. Chubby
cupids and small white Bibles edged in orange
blossoms marked the sections and classes.

The theme was depicted in nine unusual
romantic settings, each on an 8 foot table,
bridging time from the Garden of Eden to the
royal throne room of the reigning Queen Eliza¬
beth and Prince Philip. These settings of start¬
ling beauty awed the throngs of spectators as
they viewed the themes of: Adam and Eve,
Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Diane and the
Dauphin from a 16th century romance, George
and Martha Washington, Ramona and Ales¬
andro, Madame Butterfly, the engagement
Pansy Ring of the University of Southern Cali¬
fornia, and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Both Mrs. Gutridge and Mrs. Goehler won
several awards and trophys. Mrs. Betty King
won the trophy for the best arrangement and
Miss Gladys McKee won the trophy for the
best Boyce Edens plant in the show.

Mrs. Goehler, on left,
holds her prize plant
Sister Alice, Mrs. Gut¬
ridge, right, has Shag
the queen of the
show.

y' Minutes - 1961

ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
■ MEETING, MARCH 15, 1961

B The annual session of the Board of Directors of the
B: African Violet Society of America, Incorporated, was
B called to order at 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 15,
K 1961, by the President, Mrs. James B. Carey, in Room
K 107 of the French Lick Sheraton Hotel, French Lick,
K Indiana.

B the absence of the Recording Secretary, Mrs.

k Arthur Radtke moved that Mrs. Jack Yakie be elected
Secretary pro tern. No other names were offered, the
^ motion was seconded and carried.

; . There being no objection the president appointed

“ the following committee to approve the minutes of
this Convention: Mrs, Edward P. Lotz, Mrs. John
Landaker, and Mrs. Radtke.

Roll call showed the following members and the
Parliamentarian, Mrs. Thomas J. Edmundson, present:
j President — Mrs. James B. Carey — present

First Vice President — Joseph Schulz — present
Second Vice President — Mrs. Harold Baker — present
V Treasurer — Mrs. Arthur Radtke — present

Recording Secretary — Mrs. Edna P. Jones — absent
^ Corresponding Secretary — Albert Buell — present
!; Membership Secretary — Mrs. Robert Wright — present
Past President — H. G. Harvey — absent
; Director — Mrs. Clarence Howard — present

; Director — Mrs. E. H. Thomas — present
Director — John T. Buckner — present
) Director — Mrs. R. R. Blackburn — absent

; Director— Mrs. Dean Kuntz — present

:■ Director — Miss Edith Peterson — present

Director — Mrs. Fred H. Rosebrock — present
Chairmen of Standing Committees:

Affiliated Chapters — Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume — absent
i American Horticultural Society —

William B. Carter — absent
Awards — Mrs. G. P. McGraw — present
K Boyce Edens Memorial Research Fund —

H Mrs. Fred Rosebrock — present

D Bylaws — Mrs. Edward R. Lotz — absent

R Commercial Activities — Don Wilson — present
Commercial Sales and Exhibits —

Mrs. John Landaker — absent
Convention Program — Joseph Schulz — present
t Convention Time and Place — Floyd Johnson — absent
; Executive Director — Mrs. Harold Baker — present
Finance — Mrs. Pat Crowe — present
Library — Mrs. Jack Yakie — present
New Membership — Mrs. Fred Tretter — present
' Nominating — Mrs. Claude E. Greeley — present

Official Pin — Mrs. E. Pearle Turner — present
, Publications — Mrs. Robert Wright — present

Registration — Mrs. G. F. Coleman — present
Research — Dr. Charles Fischer — absent
' Show Preparation and Judging —

' Mrs. James B. Carey — present

Parliamentarian —

Mrs. Thomas J. Edmundson — present
1 There being no objection, recesses for meals were
L set as follows: lunch, from 12:30 to 2:00 P.M., and
dinner frofn 6:00 to 7:30 P.M.
f; Mrs. Radtke reported on the financial condition
^ of the Society and distributed copies of the statistical
J report of the auditors, Ernst & Ernst, Certified Public
: Accountants.

The following reports were accepted without objec¬
tion:

The Executive Office, by Mrs. Wright, the Executive
Director; and committees by the chairman of each:

Boyce Edens Memorial Research Fund, by Mrs.

Rosebrock

Library, by Mrs. Yakie

Official Pin, by Mrs. Turner

New Membership, by Mrs. Tretter

Convention Program, by Joseph Schulz.

A tentative report of the plant Registration Com¬
mittee was given by the chairman, Mrs. Coleman, and
by motion of Mr. Wilson this committee will meet
with the Commercial Activities Committee to prepare
a joint report.

The Show Preparation and Judging Committee re¬
port contained recommendations read by the com¬
mittee chairman, Mrs. Carey, and which were adopted
by motion of Mrs. Turner, seconded and carried.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12:25 P.M.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The afternoon meeting opened at 2:30 P.M. with
President Carey presiding, Mrs. Yakie acting as Re¬
cording Secretary, and the Parliamentarian present.

_ Roll call was answered by all present at the morn¬
ing meeting, and two additional members: Mrs. Lotz,
Bylaws Committee Chairman and Mrs. Blackburn, a
Director.

The Bylaws Committee report of no action taken
during the term was made by Mrs. Lotz, the Chairman.

Report of the Affiliated Chapter Committee was ac¬
cepted without objection, as read by the Secretary in
the absence of Mrs. Reaume, the Chairman.

-Mr. Buckner moved to limit attendance at Conven¬
tions to members with personal paid up membership
cards and permit no one to register on an Affiliated
Chapter or other membership card. The motion was
seconded and carried.

Recommendations from the ' report of the Special
Committee on Councils and State Societies, were read
by the Secretary, in the absence of the Chairman of
this committee. The recommendations were:

1. Councils with a membership of not more than
ten (10) clubs and State Societies composed of mem¬
bers residing in one state only shall be eligible to
petition for membership in the African Violet Society
of America, Inc. No Council or State Society shall be
permitted to have members outside their respective
states.

2. The Councils and State Societies shall be entitled
to give the National Gold and Purple Rosettes, and
the State or Council Show Silver Sweepstakes Bowl.

3. Dues shall be $25.00 a year for each Council or

State Society and shall only be permitted to pay dues
in - of each year.

4. Councils and State Societies as such will not have
voting power at the annual business meeting or have
representation on the Board of Directors of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc., nor shall they receive
the African Violet Magazine.

The services of the Library shall be available to
State Societies or Councils.

Edna P. Jones, Chairman

Mrs. Alice Watters, Committee Member

Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Committee Member

Mrs. Wright moved to recommit the recommenda¬
tions for further deliberation. The motion was second¬
ed and lost on a show of hands vote.

Voting on each recommendation separately resulted
in: No. 1 being rejected on motion to reject by Mr.
Schulz; No. 2 accepted in part by motion of Mrs.
Baker, making the Gold and Purple Rosette Awards
available to Council and State Shows, but preventing
the use of the Silver Bowls, by motion of Mr. Buck¬
ner; No. 3 accepted as amended setting the dues at
$15.00 annually rather than $25.00, by motion of Mrs.
Turner; No. 4 being accepted by motion of Mr. Buck¬
ner and provides that Councils and State Societies as
such shall have no vote in National Conventions and
no representation on the Board of Directors. They will
not receive the Magazine but will have the Library
materials made available, the latter by motion of Mr.
Schulz.

The meeting adjourned at 6:00 P.M.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STATE SOCIETIES AND
COUNCILS AS AMENDED AND ACCEPTED BY THE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

1. The Councils and State Societies shall be entitled
to give the National Gold and Purple Rosettes.

2. Dues shall be $15.00 a year for each Council or
State Society and dues may be paid at any time of
year.

3. Councils and State Societies as such will not have
voting power at the Annual Business Meeting or have
representation on the Board of Directors of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc., nor shall they receive
the African Violet Magazine.

The services of the Library shall be available to
State Societies or Councils.

EVENING SESSION

The evening meeting opened at 7:30 P.M. with Presi¬
dent Carey presiding, Mrs. Yakie acting as Recording
Secretary and the Parliamentarian present.

Roll call was answered by all present at the After¬
noon Meeting with the addition of Mrs. John Landa¬
ker, Chairman of the Commercial Sales and Exhibits
Committee.

Mrs. G. P. McGraw submitted a report from the
Awards Committee on the use of the Society’s Gold
and Purple Awards by Affiliated Chapters, State So¬
cieties and Councils. This report was in agreement
with the report of the Special Committee on Councils
and State Societies. The report was accepted without
objection.

The Commercial Activities Committee report as
given by Mr. Wilson, the Chairman, was accepted
without objection.

The Commercial Sales and Exhibits Committee re¬
port is mailed to the Recording Secretary soon after
the close of the Convention, Mrs. Landaker, the Chair¬
man explained. Last year’s report was mailed to Mrs.
Edna Jones.

The Finance Committee report was made by Mrs.
Pat Crowe, the Chairman, and provided for the budget
and a recommendation. The budget was accepted by
motion of Mr. Schulz, seconded and carried. The. rec¬
ommendation was accepted by motion of Mrs. Black¬
burn, seconded and carried; providing for increased
registration fees for future Conventions. The increase
will be to $6.50 for the entire Convention, to $3.50 for

91

one day and to $2.00 for one meeting.

The report of the Executive Director Committee
was read by its chairman Mrs. Baker.

Mrs. Tretter moved and it was seconded, that we
accept this report as corrected. The motion carried.

The Nominating Committee report was read by Mrs.
Bess Greeley, showing nominations for:

President _ _ _ Mrs. James B. Carey, Tennessee

1st Vice President _ Joseph D. Schulz, Indiana

2nd Vice President . Mrs. Harold Baker, Minnesota

Recording Secretary . . Mrs. Edna P. Jones, Texas

Corresponding Secretary Albert Buell, Connecticut

Treasurer _ _ _ Mrs. Arthur Radtke, Ohio

Membership Secretary . - Mrs. Robert Wright, Tenn.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Frank A. Burton, Connecticut
Mrs. Robert Slocomb, New York
Mrs. Z.C. Lay son, Kentucky
Mrs. Edmund O. Sherer, California

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 P.M.

Maisie Yakie (Mrs. Jack)
Recording Secretary Pro Tern

THE 15TH ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

The 15th Annual Business Meeting of the African
Violet Society of America, Incorporated, was held in
the Convention Hall of the French Lick Sheraton
Hotel, French Lick, Indiana, on March 18, 1961.

Mrs. Harold Baker opened the meeting at 9:30 A.M.
by introducing Mrs. Chellah B. Shideler, who gave the
invocation.

Mrs. James B. Carey, President, announced that the
Annual Meeting was open to the business of the Con¬
vention and that the Board of Directors elected Mrs.
Jack Yakie to act as Recording Secretary in the ab¬
sence of Mrs. Edna P. Jones.

Parliamentarian for the meeting was Mrs. Thomas
J. Edmundson.

The minutes of the previous meeting were approved
by a committee and published in the African Violet
Society of America Magazine.

Mrs. Arthur Radtke read the annual report of the
audit of the treasury records conducted by Ernst and
Ernst, Certified Public Accountants.

Mrs. Claude Greeley, Chairman of the Nominating
Committee, presented the following slate of Officers
and Directors for the coming year:

President _ Mrs. James B. Carey, Tennessee

1st Vice President _ Joseph D. Schulz, Indiana

2nd Vice President . . Mrs. Harold Baker, Minnesota

Recording Secretary _ Mrs. Edna P. Jones, Texas

Corresponding Secretary Albert Buell, Connecticut

Treasurer _ _ Mrs. Arthur Radtke, Ohio

Membership Secretary _ Mrs. Robert Wright, Tenn.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

Frank A. Burton, Connecticut
Mrs. Robert Slocomb, New York
Mrs. Z. C. Lay son, Kentucky
Mrs. Edmund O. Sherer, California

Nominations from the floor were called for by the
President and hearing none, the nominations were
closed. There being only one name in nomination for
each office the Secretary was instructed to cast the
ballot and the President declared the slate as presented
by the nominating committee elected.

Newly elected Officers and those continuing in
office were introduced to the assembly by the Presi¬
dent, after which all Standing Committee Chairmen
were recognized.

The President announced that the cochairmen for
the 1962 San Francisco Convention would be Miss
Edith Peterson and Mrs. Constance Hansen. The 1962
Convention will be held in San Francisco, April 26,
27, and 28.

A rising vote of thanks was given Mrs. Charles
Stoehr and Jpseph Schulz for their part in this Con¬
vention and the President expressed appreciation and
thanks to all Chairmen and Committee Members who
contributed to the success of the Convention.

There being no further business to come before the
assembly the Business Meeting adjourned to meet in
San Francisco next year.

Maisie Yakie (Mrs. Jack)
Secretary Pro Tern

A CALLED BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING, MARCH 18, 1961

The annual Saturday session of the Board of Di¬
rectors of the African Violet Society of America,
Incorporated, was called to order at 2:00 P.M. Satur¬
day, March 18, 1961, by the President, Mrs. James B.
Carey in Room 107 of the French Lick Sheraton Hotel,
French Lick, Indiana.

Roll call showed the following members of the
Board of Directors and the Parliamentarian, Mrs.
Thomas J. Edmundson, present:

President — Mrs. James B. Carey — present
1st Vice President — Joseph Schulz — absent
2nd Vice President — Mrs. Harold Baker — present
Treasurer — Mrs. Arthur Radtke — present

Recording Secretary — Mrs. Edna P. Jones — absent

Corresponding Secretary — Albert Buell — present

Membership Secretary — Mrs. Robert Wright — present

Past President — H. G. Harvey — absent

Director — Miss Edith Peterson — present

Director — Mrs. Anna Lay son — present

Director — Frank Burton — present

Director — Mrs. Edmund Sherer — present

Director — Mrs. Robert Slocomb — present

Director — Mrs. Fred Rosebrock — present

CHAIRMEN OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Affiliated Chapters — Mrs. R. B. Reaume — absent
American Horticultural Society —

William B. Carter — absent
Awards — Mrs. G. P. McGraw — present
Boyce Edens Memorial Research Fund —

Mrs. Fred Rosebrock — present
Bylaws — Mrs. Edward R. Lotz — present
Commercial Activities — Don Wilibon — present
Commercial Sales and Exhibits—

Mrs. John Landaker — present
Convention Program — Mrs. John Buckner — present
Convention Time and Place — Floyd Johnson — absent
Executive Director — Mrs. Harold Baker — present
Finance — Mrs. Pat Crowe — present
Library — Mrs. Jack Yakie — present
New Membership — Mrs. Fred Tretter — present
Nominating — Mrs. Claude Greeley — present
Official Pin — Mrs E. Pearle Turner— absent
Publications — Mrs. Robert Wright — present
Registration — Mrs. G. F. Coleman— present
Research — Dr. Charles Fischer — absent
Show Preparation and Judging —

Mrs James B. Carey — present

President Carey read the appointments for the fol¬
lowing year, and requested the Board’s permission to
make recess appointments where necessary to com¬
plete Committees. On motion of Mrs. Radtke, and sec¬
onded, it was agreed to accept the appointments as
listed and to grant permission to the President to
make recess appointments.

The President announced that after conferring with
Mrs. Reaume, it has been agreed that the Affiliated
Chapter Chairman will serve the State Societies and
Councils as well as the Affiliated Chapters.

The Awards Committee through its Chairman, Mrs.
McGraw, made a recommendation that the Award
known as the “Alma Wright Award’’ now become a
Society Award.

Mrs. Wright moved, and it was seconded, that the
recommendation be accepted, with a change to state
that “the four sterling silver bowls, not to exceed 4
inches.’’ The motion carried.

Mrs. Z. C. Layson moved, and it was seconded, that
the Board appropriate $250.00 for the coming year to
the Awards Committee. The motion carried.

Mrs. Radtke moved that Mrs. Robert Wright be
elected Editor and Executive Director. It was seconded
and carried.

New Board members were introduced by President
Carey.

Mrs. Landaker moved that the Board approve paying
the expenses of the Parliamentarian. It was seconded
and carried.

The President so ordered that the expenses of the
Parliamentarian be paid.

The Parliamentarian, Mrs. Edmundson, thanked the
Board and announced that she is now a Registered
Parliamentarian.

Mrs. Lotz moved that all National Society Awards
be given to National Society members only. It was
seconded and carried.

Report from the joint meeting of the Commercial
Activities and Registration Committee was given.

Mrs. Radtke moved that the report of the Registra¬
tion Committee be accepted. It was seconded and
carried.

Mrs. McGraw, Chairman, presented the report of
the Awards Committee covering the presentation of
Awards made at the French Lick Convention. The
report was accepted without objection.

Don Wilson moved that all Society Awards for
National Shows be only for registered varieties as
published in the Members’ Handbook or African Violet
Magazine. The motion was seconded and carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 P.M.

Maisie Yakie (Mrs. Jack)
Secretary Pro Tern

MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK deadline is
March 20, 1962 at which time the files
will be closed. Changes of address and
corrections must be in before this date.

92

My hobby of growing African violets
started 10 years ago. I guess I have al¬
ways had a green thumb — I am a lover of
beautiful flowers and have been successful
in raising any kind of flowers or vegetables
that I have tried. The home where we lived
for 27 years was a 6 room cottage with only 2
windows in each room so I never could keep
many house plants during the winter. When
we sold this place and moved to our present
home, my husband told me I could have all
the house plants I could care for. There are
10 rooms in our home, with plenty of win¬
dows, so I have them nearly all full of flow¬
ers. I have a large sun porch facing south,
which is ideal for violets; I have over 100 pots
of violets in full bloom.

My husband bought 3 plastic wick-fed pots
at an auction, and I thought they were a
waste of money. About the same time a friend
was moving out of the State and asked me to
come and get her house plants. Among them
were 3 African violets that looked very sick
to me; they were not blooming and had many
dead leaves on them. I repotted them in fresh
soil, using the plastic pots, and gave them a
good pruning. It wasn’t long before the vio¬
lets were in full bloom. I was so pleased with
my success that I bought 2 more from a lady
in Waynesburg who had a beautiful collec¬
tion — ■ and there I was, raising violets.

I use all plastic wick-fed pots. My soil
comes from near the sheep barn. I do not get
the sheep manure as this is too rich. I get the
soil where it washes outside the barn; it is
well decayed and rotted. I never heat my soil
as this destroys some of the best plant food. I
know some people say there is danger of
plant diseases and bugs, but I have never been
bothered with either. I fill my pot three-
fourths full of this rich soil, then I use a
little of Coddling’s African violet soil on top
of the rich soil, and last I put a thin layer of
sand on top. The sand helps to keep the soil
moist.

I never water my violets from the top —
always from the bottom. Last winter I used

These beautiful plants grow in wick-fed plastic pots.

Success with
Wick-Fed Plastic Pots

Mrs. Wilbur Ely, Waynesburg, Penna.

Schultz Instant Liquid Plant Food, as di¬
rected.

Our home is heated with a circulating gas
heater, which has a fan that runs automati¬
cally, so when it is very cold the fan is going
most of the time. I have to water the violets
every other day, as this heater is in the sun-
porch where the flowers are. My largest vio¬
lets are in 5 and 7 inch pots. I always use
fresh spring water at room temperature. The
chemicals used in city water do not agree
with violets.

I like to keep an even temperature at all
times. We set the thermostat at 68 degrees
at night and 70 degrees through the daytime.
When the temperature goes up through the
hot months to 85 and 90 degrees, the violets
do not bloom so profusely, and require more
water than at ordinary temperatures. When
the fan is not running on our heater, I do not
have to water my plants more often than
twice a week.

After the violets are about a year old they
will start slips. I always keep these cut off as
the plants will not bloom very long with these
slips growing and taking the strength from
the main plant. I remove them with a sharp
plastic spoon, and am always very careful
not to injure the mother plant. If it is a speci¬
al plant that I want more of, I let the slips
get large enough to be rooted. I dip the cut
edge in Rootone and put it in a small pot of
soil prepared just as I mentioned before, al¬
ways being careful not to get any soil in the
center or heart of the slip. If it does not want
to stand erect, I prop it up with toothpicks
until it takes roots.

When I want to root leaves, I use small
bottles with small tops, such as perfume or
nail polish bottles, that have just room enough
for 1 leaf. I keep them in a warm light
window: my kitchen window over the sink,
as I have to add more water nearly every day.
You should be able to see the roots in 2
weeks, but let them get real strong before
putting them in pots. I always dip the roots
in Rootone before I pot them. Use small pots
— ■ not over 2 inch pots. I have had slips grow
on the mother leaf in water, when I was so
busy I could not get it planted.

A friend in Waynesburg has a flower store
and she uses my violets to supply her custom¬
ers, but she cannot keep them in the room
with the cut flowers as the temperature has
to be much warmer for violets than for cut
flowers.

I have single violets, also double ones,
frilly ones, and ruffles too; but I prefer the
doubles as the blooms last much longer. •

93

New Varieties
To Come

BOLD ONE — This has a double bloom of
bright maroon-red. The blooms are in clusters
held well above the plain tailored foliage.
The plant grows in an excellent symmetrical
form and should have good possibilities as a
show plant. Introduced by Richter’s Green¬
houses, Highland, Indiana.

EARLY — A fusion of light blues having 11
blossoms per stem, with 2 blossom stems per
leaf blooming simultaneously. The leaf has a
white back. Introduced by Meese’s Flower
Shop, Falls Church, Virginia.

FIRE BRAND — This has nearly flat varie¬
gated foliage, with frilled, double, very dark
pink flowers with lighter edges. Introduced
by Champion’s African Violets, Clay, N. Y.

FRATHEL’S LATIN LADY— Black ruffled,
highly quilted foliage, very polished looking.
Blossoms are extra large, deep, deep pink
doubles, wide frill, wide out blossoms like a
bird’s wings. Truly a beautiful plant. Intro¬
duced by Violet Frathel, Rochester, New York.

LUCIA BRIDE — Extra large, heavy bloom¬
ing, pure clear white. Semiwavy waxy bright
green leaves. Introduced by Arndt’s Floral
Garden, Troutdale, Oregon.

MIDNITE STAR — Intense black-purple
flower, overall good growing habits. Striking.
Introduced by The Select Violet House,
Youngstown, Ohio.

SWEET LEILANA — A new variegated blue
and white semidouble; unusual double type

Bold One

with majority of flower petals pinched back
and ruffled crested in center. Sturdy firm
medium green wavy foliage. Prolific bloomer.
Introduced by Tinari Greenhouses, Bethayres,
Pennsylvania.

TOUCH-OF-FIRE ^ — A brilliant deep pink
double with touch of color denoted by name.
Foliage is medium green, heavily ruffled and
red-backed. A vigorous compact grower. In¬
troduced by Ulery Greenhouses, Springfield,
Ohio. (Note: Ulery Greenhouses are wholesale
growers and shippers only and do not sell at
retail or answer retail inquiries. Please order
from your dealer. — Ed.)

WHITE LACE — A husky prolific pure white
double that makes an excellent show plant.
Introduced by Lyndon Lyon, Dolgeville, New
York.

Latin Lady

Lucia Bride

94

Touch-of-Fire
Fire Brand

Spot-That-Mite!

Norma Butler, 126 Valentine Dr.

North Syracuse, N.Y.

When I was invited to write a little story
about my “Micro-Lite”, I felt that I should
say something about the “Spot-That-Mite” 20x
microscope with which it is used.

While living in Florida about three years
ago (at Eglin A.F.B. with my A.F. Dentist
husband) I, as usual, had refilled the house
with violets and many other exotic plants
after our transfer from Texas. All seemed
to be growing beautifully ’til one day I real¬
ized that something was going wrong with
the violets. While discussing my troubles at
one of the local nurseries, I was offered the
use of a small 20x pocket microscope to help
in examining my plants. I found what I had
suspected: cyclamen and spotted mites were
busy.

This little microscope was so useful and
fascinating to me, I felt that it should be made
available to all violet fanciers. So, in the
December 1959 African Violet Magazine I
offered the “SPOT-THAT-MITE” microscope
for sale. A few weeks later my husband came
home with the word that we were to go to
Iceland for a two year tour of duty.

I supposed that would be the end of the
“mite” business — but no! Orders kept com¬
ing in. Folk finding trouble in their violets,
remembered my one ad and sent orders; some
saying, “Please, by return mail as I’m afraid
I have mites.” Others wrote to Mrs. Wright
to ask if they were still available and she
mailed the inquiries to me in Iceland. Other
orders were forwarded to me from the Post
Office in Shalimar, Florida. I’m sure some

COMPOSITION OF FERTILIZER - —

Organic and inorganic fertilizers contain
identical elements: nitrogen, phosphorus
and potash. From inorganic fertilizer, these
are immediately available to plants, while
organic fertilizer must decompose before the
nutrients are released.

The chemical compounds of inorganic, or
commercial fertilizer, are carried in certain
proportions by weight in an inert substance,
usually lime. The mixture may be of various
proportions: 6-12-12 is the common mixture
for farm crops, although other proportions
are recommended for gardens or house plants.
Organic fertilizer may be in the form of
manure, compost, bone meal, or manufactured
from comparable materials. It may contain
relatively high amounts of nitrogen, phos¬
phorus, and potash and is usually more ex¬
pensive because it is made up of higher cost
materials.

The relative advantages of the two kinds

of those who bought microscopes last year
wondered about the postmark, delays etc.

As it turned out, our tour in Iceland was
shortened and we returned to the States in
July, to be stationed near Syracuse. What
a thrill to an old violeteer to be near so
many wonderful Violet Folk I had been read¬
ing about for so long. Yes, I have “belonged”
since Volume 1, Number 3 — quite a few
years.

So I promptly made the microscope avail¬
able again with an advertisement in the De¬
cember' 1961, African Violet Magazine.

I have since learned that the company mak¬
ing the microscopes just recently designed
and offered for sale a most useful small flash¬
light, the “MICRO-LITE”, which may be at¬
tached to the pocket microscope by means
of a pair of hinged plastic rings. By easy
adjustment the light can be focused directly
upon the area to be examined. This is most
helpful when trying to look under the leaves
or into and around the crown of a violet
plant, where mites are most likely to be found,
and where it is difficult to direct light from
a table lamp or a plant bench. A BRIGHT
LIGHT WHERE you want it is of great assist¬
ance!

One prominent grower and hybridizer in
this area, whom I visited not long ago, was
quite amazed, I think, with what he could
see when I offered him one of the micro¬
scopes to examine some pollen from a ges-
neriad he had been showing me. I hope
that he is finding his “Spot-That-Mite” micro¬
scope useful in his hybridizing as well as for
“bug-hunting”.

One of the advantages of Service Life is
that each time you move, a whole new circle
of Violet Friends await you in the new com¬
munity in which you will be living. Yes,
even in Iceland, violets DO open doors! •

of fertilizers are evident. If plants need nu¬
trients in a hurry, the inorganic form is bet¬
ter, since it becomes immediately available
once it is dissolved in the soil. However, it
has a tendency to leach out of the soil— be
v/ashed down where the plant roots cannot
reach it — ™ and frequent applications are
necessary. Sandy soils especially need more
applications since they do not hold- the fer¬
tilizer. The farmers call this side-dressing. On
the other hand, bacteria decompose the or¬
ganic fertilizer and in turn die themselves,
releasing nutrients to the plants. In this case
the nutrient does not become part of the soil,
but is released directly from the bodies of
the bacteria and fungi to the plants. Organic
fertilizer can be applied in relatively large
amounts, even on sandy soils, and continue
to give off its nutrients throughout the grow¬
ing season without further side-dressing. Al¬
though it gives slow response, it is , more
permanent. •

96

Front side view.

Side view.

Lavender Elfin Girl Also Lived In A Shoe

In the spring of 1960 I was asked to take
charge of the educational display at the annual
show of the African Violet Society of Utah.
This was quite a challenge for me but as I
got into it, my interest grew.

I decided as part of the project to make
a shoe into a “home” for Lavender Elfin Girl
and her family to demonstrate to interested
people just what one can do with a single
leaf of an African violet, even one of the
miniature varieties. It was such fun to make
and it really turned out to be of great interest
to everyone who visited our show.

I enlisted the help of one of the members
of our group whose son had outgrown a boot
of just the size and type I needed. First, since
he had worn a hole in the toe of the boot, I
made a “pocket” there. Then I cut one on
each side of the boot and one in the top like
a window. This one had a tiny white tie-back
curtain. Opposite the “window” I cut a door.
Next, I fixed a base so that a tiny pot and
a baby plant of Lavender Elfin Girl could be
inside. I also installed a light, and with a
small ladder leading up to the door, it began

Martha M. Snow, Salt Lake City, Utah

to look like a house. Before I put the baby
plants in each pocket I stained the shoe with
a bronze stain and painted the sole black. The
roof and the chimney I made out of the lid
of a cigar box. This was also stained bronze
with fine black lines painted on it to resemble
shingles. When it was completed I placed it
on a plywood board covered with grass and
made a path to the ladder with coarse sand.
The mother plant of Lavender Elfin Girl in
full bloom was near the ladder . . . she must
keep track of her family you see. Here and
there were smaller plants all from one leaf.
I had a placard in front which read: “Laven¬
der Elfin Girl Also Lived in a Shoe.”

My plan had been to make some one thing
on the educational table to attract attention
and it surely did -as all the visitors at the
show stopped by. This gave me and my assis¬
tant a wonderful opportunity to tell about the
fun of growing African violets, and to distri¬
bute the fine material so generously sent us
by the National Society. •

Violet Visiting Manners

Visitors in an African violet green¬
house may be a headache to the owner.
So, to be a thoughtful and considerate
guest one should always observe these
simple little tactics.

Plan your visit in advance so as not to
interfere with the grower’s schedule. If
it is impossible to make arrangements
previously always ask if it is convenient
for you to see the plants. Leave pets and
children behind. Your host cannot dis¬
cuss and show you the plants when
watching for the next move of the chil¬
dren or pets. Keep on the walkways pro¬
vided. Never get behind benches or
shelves as you might accidentally knock
over plants. Wear clothes that cling to
you and not to the flowers. Be sure to re¬
move heavy, bulky coats before entering
the plant room. Also be careful not to

swing that handbag. Many times plants
are badly damaged by swinging coattails
and pocketbooks. Beware of handling
plants unnecessarily. When closer in¬
spection of certain plants is desired it is
wiser and more courteous to ask the
grower to pick up the plants for you.
Visit in small groups unless arrange¬
ments have been made for a large one.
Do not wear out your welcome by mak¬
ing your visit a lengthy one. Time is an
important element to everyone and most
growers have many tasks to perform.
When a grower has given his time to
show you the plants it is a thoughtful
gesture to purchase something in return.
Should you bring your camera along and
want to take pictures be kind enough to
ask if it is agreeable for you to take
photographs before forging ahead.

Be a thoughtful and considerate guest
— mind your manners!

97

Show News

•The EAST SUBURBAN AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB of East Suburban Detroit held its sixth
annual show at the Teen Center in East De¬
troit, November 5, 1961. The theme of the
show was “A Rainbow of African Violets.”
Mrs. Ward Cherry’s plant of Maumee Vespers
won queen of the show. She also won sweep-
stakes

•The VI-CLUB OF DETROIT, MICHIGAN

presented its second annual show, “Violets in
Decoration,” at Brightmoor Community Cen¬
ter, Burt Road, October 21-22, 1961. A trophy
donated by Mrs. Robert Walter was awarded
to Mrs. John Cassidy for her plant of Lilian
Jarrett, which was queen of the show. Mrs.
Ward Cherry’s plant of Maumee Vespers was
runnerup and also largest plant in the show.

Mrs. Cherry also won sweepstakes.

The focal point of the show was a water
fountain with colored lights and double pink
violets and ferns at the base. Mrs. Marvin
Newcomb displayed some of the newest re¬
leases in a white ornamental violet cart. A
lighted shadow box held many artistic ar¬
rangements.

•The HAPPY ^OURS AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Hawthorne, New Jersey held a
“little show” on October 5, 1961 for its mem¬
bers with the purpose of educating them in
judging procedures and techniques. Also it
gave new judges an opportunity to work with
experienced judges in a competitive setting.
After the ribbons were given, Mrs. Edward
Burns gave an excellent explanation on the
Scale of Points for Judging Specimen Plants.
A panel of five judges explained individually
how each blue ribbon violet earned its points.

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should know: No photos can he returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, Route 3 Box 284, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Show Calendar

•The ILLINOIS AFRICAN VIOLET SOCI-

ETY, INC., will hold its seventh annual meet¬
ing and show April 28-29, 1962 at the

North Shore Hotel, Evanston, Illinois. Spon¬
sors of the show will be the African Violet
District Council of Northern Illinois. Mrs.
Walter Grell of Evanston will be chairman,
Mrs. Roy Stockbridge of Skokie, Ill. will be
cochairman. Anyone holding membership in
the Illinois African Violet Society is welcome
to enter plants.

• The GLENDALE CHAPTER OF THE AF¬
RICAN VIOLET SOCIETY will present its
fourth annual African violet show on March
23, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and March 24, 1962
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Glendale YWCA
Auditorium, Glendale, California. Theme of
the show will be “Violets on the Moon.” Mrs.
Louise Hart is show chairman. Admission 35c.

• The METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET SOCIETY will hold its tenth
annual show in the Floral Display House of
the Missouri Botanical Garden (Shaws Gar¬
den), 2315 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Mo.,
March 24-25, 1962. Doors open 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
March 24th and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on
March 25th. Theme of the show will be “Violet
Highways.”

• The THIMBLE ISLAND AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY will hold an exhibition and

sale on March 31 and April 1, 1962 from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Willoby Wallace
Memorial Library, Stony Creek, Connecticut.
Theme of the show will be “Violet Village.”

• The DIXIE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
will hold its annual show March 30-31 and
April 1, 1962 at Sir Walter Hotel, Raleigh,
North Carolina with the theme of “Violets,
Mountain to Sea.”

• The CAPITAL DISTRICT AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY will hold its annual show and
sale at the Women’s Club of Albany, 725
Madison Avenue, Albany, N.Y. on March 31
and April 1, 1962.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET CLUBS OF THE
TWIN CITIES will hold their twelfth annual

show at Donaldson’s Department Store in
downtowm Minneapolis on April 5, 1962. Doors
open at 9:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. Theme of the show
will be “Music.” Each club will use a song
title for its display.

• The PARADISE GREEN SAINTPAULIA
CLUB of Stratford, Conn., will hold its annual
show April 7-8, 1962 at the Garden Exchange
in Trumbull, Conn. Theme of show will be
“Showers of Violets.”

• The LONG ISLAND AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY will hold its eighth annual African
violet show on April 7-8, 1962 in the Saga¬
more Room at Roosevelt Field Shopping Cen¬
ter in Garden City, L.I., New York. Theme of
the show will be “Violet Follies.”

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF

98

A table at Louisville, Unit No. 1 Show.

Prize plants at Vi-Club Show, Detroit.

SPRINGFIELD, DELAWARE COUNTY,
PENN, will hold its fourteenth annual show
April 7, 1962 at the Township Commissioners
Building, 50 Powell Road, Springfield, Doors
open from 10 a.m, to 8 p.m. and the theme
will be “With A Song in My Heart.” Mrs.
Carlos B. Rios will be chairman.

• The SEATTLE SAINTPAULIA SOCIETY,
INC., will hold its annual show April 7-9,
1962, at the Masonic Temple, 801 E. Pine and
Harvard Ave., Seattle, Washington. Doors open
2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 7; from 12 noon to
8 p.m., April 8. Theme of the show will be
“Violets in Orbit,” show chairman will be
Mr. A1 Ballard, assisted by Mrs, Vera Meyer.

• The METROPOLITAN AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Washington, D,C. will hold its
spring show April 28-29, 1962 in the Fort
Buffalo Community Room, Woodward and
Lothrop’s Seven Corners Department Store,
Falls Church, Va. “Violet Crown Jewels” will
be the theme and the time will be from 1:30
p.m. on the 28th; from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m, on
the 29th. Chairman is Stanley E. Skelton.

• The NORTH SHORE AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Long Island will hold its fourth
annual show May 5-6, 1962 at American Le¬
gion Hall, Mill Dam Road and New York Ave.,
Halesite (Huntington) Long Island, N.Y.
Theme will be “Violets Go Visiting.” Doors
open from 2 to 10 p.m. Chairman will be Mrs.
Herbert W. Sullivan.

• The MILWAUKEE COUNTY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY will hold its tenth annual

show at the Wauwatosa Recreational Building,
1155 N. 73rd St. on May 19-20, 1962. Doors
open from 2:30 to 9 p.m. on the 19th; from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 20. Mrs. William
Krogman will be general chairman assisted
by Mrs. Joseph Sipusic and Mrs. James Daw¬
son. Visitors from out of town take Hwy. 100
(108th St.), then Bluemound Road (Hwy. 16
and 18) to North 70th Street, one mile north
to Chestnut St., west two blocks to N, 73rd.
Theme of the show will be “Violet Passport.”

• The COUNTRYSIDE AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB will hold its first show May 10-11,
1962 at Sherman Avenue Methodist Church,
3905 N. Sherman Ave,, Madison, Wisconsin.

Theme of the show will be “Sing Along With
Violets.”

• The WEST END AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB

of Baltimore, Md., will hold its eighth annual
show at Westview Community Hall, April 7-8,
1962 with the theme of “April Showers of
Violets.”

• The TOWN AND COUNTY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY of Painesville, Ohio, will
have its third annual show April 27-28, 1962
in the social room of the First Congregational
Church on the Park in downtown Painesville.
Theme of the show will be “April in Paris.”
Doors will open April 27 at 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
and on the 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mrs.
Stuart Bradel will be show chairman assisted
by Mrs. Henry La Muth.

• The NAUGATONIC AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY will hold its second annual judged
show at the Gardenway Nurseries, 945 North
Street, Milford, Connecticut on April 28-29,
1962. Doors open from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the
28th; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. the 29th.

• The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
GREATER NEW YORK, INC., will present its
sixth annual African violet show April 28-29,
1962 at the Bayside Post 510, American Le¬
gion, 213-40 38th Ave., Bayside, New York.
“The Magic Carpet of Violets” will be the
theme with Leila M. Egenites as show direc¬
tor.

• The CEDAR VALLEY AFRICAN VIOLET

CLUB of Cedar Rapids, Iowa will hold its
annual show on April 29, 1962 at the Noel-
ridge Park Pavillion on Council St., between
42nd St. and Highway 150 N.E. Doors open
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mrs. S. A. Nemec is
chairman.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SYRA¬
CUSE will hold its annual and this year its
10th Anniversary Show on April 7-8, 1962
from 1 to 9 p.m. and 2 to 7 p.m. respectively,
at the Furman Community House, 124 Furman
St., Syracuse, N. Y. Mrs. Duane Champion will
be show chairman.

•The HAPPY ^OURS AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Hawthorne, New Jersey, will
have “Symphony of Violets” as the theme for
its sixth annual show and plant sale, April
27-28, 1962.

99

ESTIOIX BOX

Anne Tinari

Tinari Greenhouses

Bethayres, Pa.

To the many requests I have received (which
were answered personally) from members
wanting to know about bringing plants into
California for our National Convention in
April. May I suggest you read September
Magazine 1961, Volume 15, No. 1, page 29 on
the pink pages an article by Constance Hansen
on quarantine regulations explains in detail
necessary simplified information.

Hope to see you all there.

Q. I have a large amount of compost in my
soil mixture, my foliage is large and healthy
in every way. However, my flowers are on
the small side. I use Fumi~Soil in the mix and
Kapco plant food. Is there a special fertilizer
which would produce larger blossoms? Could
this be the result of too much or too little
nitrogen? I have my plants under lights in the
cellar.

Mrs. Raymond Schadewald, Havertown, Pa.
A. I would hesitate to advise any plant food
unless certain of your complete soil analysis.
It is a simple matter to send it to be analyzed.
We find a soil with a pH of 6.4 best for grow¬
ing. You may lack elements in your mix to
produce prolific,, large blossoms. Food alone
is not responsible for large flowers but the
right proportion of proper ingredients in the
soil should stimulate larger flower production.
Slow acting fertilizers used in soil mixtures,
such as superphosphate and bone meal, which
act over a period of time are of great im¬
portance. I might say too we prefer to use the
Liqua Vita plant food specifically because it
is the type that does not change the pH to
any drastic degree once you have attained
the proper soil mix for your growing condi¬
tions.

A recent letter from Mrs. Schadewald re¬
ports: I sent a sample of my soil to the county
agent with the formula. I received a report
as follows: My soil pH tested 5.8 and the sug¬
gestion was made that I add 2V2 ozs. of
pulverized limestone per bushel to my present
mixture.

Q. I am a member of the A.V.S.A. I enjoy
the Question Box and Magazine immensely
but must admit am greatly puzzled and con¬
fused on various culture methods explained
in the articles they carry. Being an ardent
gardener, I am well acquainted with several
leading magazines. I keep up-to-date on this
interesting subject and find cultural methods
on other plants do not vastly differ as they do
on violets. Are you acquainted with toxic

vermiculite? I have used great quantities with¬
out any trouble.

Dorothy H. Co wen, Zillah, Wash.
A. I can certainly appreciate your feeling of
confusion about no definite set of growing
rules: Your observation is most correct. How¬
ever, if you read the history of the discovery
of the Saintpaulia, or African violet species
you will find they originally grew in heavily
wooded areas, in the fissures of limestone and
rock as well as in rich soils with plenty of
vegetable matter. Also they were found grow¬
ing in areas 50 to 150 feet above sea level
as well as in shaded areas on granite rock
2,500 feet above the sea. In the home I have
seen beautiful violets growing in dozens of
different areas and exposures. They really can
be successfully grown almost anywhere if
one will take the time to study the environ¬
ment. Any method of culture you find which
gives you healthy blooming plants is the best
one to follow. In regard to the toxic vermicu¬
lite, we have never run across any of it here,
however, I understand some growers have had
serious difficulty along this line.

Q. When an African violet makes its own
seed, are they worth planting? I have a plant
of Boyce Edens with three seed pods. I opened
one and found it had set seed.

S. Walker, West Berlin, New Jersey
A. This is known as a self-cross. It is most
likely fertile, however, there is no guarantee
as to the type or quality plants it would pro¬
duce. Hybridizers take many factors into con¬
sideration when making a cross. Selection for
linage and specific characteristics are always
considered and crosses are made with these
things in mind.

Q. I am fighting mildew and mold with no
success. What would you suggest? Also, please
tell me why my plants curl over the pot edge.
They are in a west window and sun never
hits them.

Mrs. Jack Wilson, Ottawa, Kansas
A. Fermate may be used successfully at a
proportion of 2 level tablespoons to 1 gallon
of water. It is wise to repeat spray at 7 to 14
day intervals as long as the disease threatens.
Improper or insufficient light may cause leaves
to hug the pot. The light should flow evenly
over the crown of the plant causing the fol¬
iage to reach upward.

Q. Please advise where Kelthane (recently
recommended in an A.V. Magazine article for

100

the control of mite) may be obtained? I am
not able to purchase any locally.

Dorothy Downey, Elliot, Iowa
A. I find many of these new products are
impossible to buy locally - — especially in small
quantity. I heard further from Mrs. Downey
who informs me she finally bought Kelthane
in 4 lb. lots from a fruit growers association.
She also writes it is a versatile product and
has many uses on a farm.

Q. I plant my leaves in vermiculite with
excellent success. Recently I was given two
leaves that started to rot from the tips, fearing
it was a disease I discarded them and steri¬
lized the container. Now I find many have
been lost in the same manner. I use new
vermiculite for each setting but am not having
too much success.

Mrs. Pearl Clouser, Harrisburg, Pa.
A. May I suggest you add some sand to the
vermiculite to give your mix a firmer base.
Also, you may find it best to start your leaf
cuttings during the spring, late fall and winter
months when the temperature is more even
and there is less danger of rot and fungus.
Hot humid weather can be a direct cause for
failure. Try cutting petioles to about an inch
or an inch and a half in length. It helps
greatly to use a plant growth stimulant such
as Proliferol Powder. Dip end of petiole before
planting and firm the mix around it well — do
not overwater as mica retains moisture.

Q. I would like information on what to do
to put a new cultivar on the market?

Mrs. J. P. Bailey, 104 N. Bayview Ave.,

Fair Hope, Ala.

A. No doubt you are referring to registra¬
tion. If you will contact our National Regis¬
trar, Helen Coleman, 4528 S. Wigger St.,
Marion, Indiana I am sure she will send all
data, information and application blank need¬
ed to register a new cultivar. If you are
referring to ways of introducing a seedling
on the market or to commercial growers a
great opportunity is provided at our National
Show each year or even your local show may
be most helpful. Also, you might write various
commercial members of the Society and send
them a photograph and description of your
plant.

Q. Please tell me how long sodium selenate
is good after mixing? I prepare a gallon of
selenate at one time but cannot use that
quantity. Could this be held over for the next
treatment?

Mrs. E. F. Rydquist, Warsaw, Ind.
A. Selenate solution does not deteriorate and
it is good until used. I suggest caution in label¬
ing it plainly as a poison as there is always
danger of it being used by mistake in which
instance it may be harmful.

Q. Please tell me the names of the violets
on the covers of December 1960 A.V. Maga¬
zine and March 1961?

Barbara W. Kaye, Oak View,

Ventura Co., Calif.

A. If you will note the contents page of the
A.V. Magazine you will find that our editor
always puts at the top of the page, a sentence
beginning. Our Cover . . . here she tells the
cultivar’s name and the originator. December
1960 is Shrill, a delightful variety origi¬
nated by Lyndon Lyon, Dolgeville, New York;
March issue 1961 the beautiful variety. Rose
Dust, originated by Fischer Greenhouses, Lin-
wood, N.J.

Q. What is meant by Geneva type?

Barbara Kaye, Oak View, Calif.
A. Geneva type blossoms have a distinct
white edging and may be either single or
double. The first variety of this type was
introduced by the Geneva and Sunnydale Nur¬
series of Calif. This was a patented plant
named Lady Geneva.

Q. I have been told that violets grown under

fluorescent lights go into shock if taken into
ordinary light and will not bloom. Is this so?

Mrs. Martha Bilbruck, Terre Haute, Ind.
A. For an answer to this question I have
contacted Betty Stoehr of Greenwood, Ind.
Mrs. Stoehr has had many years’ experience
with fluorescent lights and grows magnificent
exhibition plants. She writes: ‘Tf plants are
given good growing conditions in their new
home, they will never suffer any shock when
removed from fluorescent lighting to daylight.
However, if the light is very poor, and the
location too hot and dry, any plant will suffer.
I have a large room with only daylight, and
move the plants back and forth whenever I
want to, and they never know the difference.”

Q. Enclosed are violet blossoms which ap¬
pear to have seed pods growing in the center.
What would cause this? Would a small insect
be pollinating the flower?

Mrs. R. Fisher, Muscatine, Iowa

A. After examining the blossoms I noticed
they contained an excessive number of pollen
sacs, some with as many as 7 and 8, this
explains why they self-cross very easy and
form seed pods. Movement of air in the room
may cause dry pollen dust to set on the pistil
and pollinate the blossom. This is especially
true of the semidouble type blossom. Tiny
insects or even a fly could very well be the
cause.

These helpful answers and experiences have
been sent in to former questions used in the
Question Box. I am always most grateful to
these kind people who take the time and effort
to share their experiences with us.

To Mrs. Lee Fry of Minden, La. In regard to
high temperatures and A.V.’s: “I have a spot
in my yard partly shaded by trees from the
direct noon and afternoon sun, there I put up
four posts with cross pieces on top. Then, I
covered the top and three sides with a large
sheet of clear plastic (purchased from a paint
store). I placed some of my violets in trays
on stands under this and kept the ground

101

damp for good humidity. This plastic covered
greenhouse did not feel like it was air condi¬
tioned in the hottest part of the day but with
the humidity being real HIGH and then the
nights cooler those violets outgrew and out
bloomed all the rest. The foliage was lush and
healthy and the flowers very large but best
of all I had to water them less than those
inside the house. Next year my son-in-law
(who raises them too) is going to really build
a large plastic greenhouse out under my trees
and all the violets are going out for the sum¬
mer. Leaving part of one side open provides
fresh air with no danger of drafts. My violets
indoors are on trays of damp vermiculite in
stands and I have a sheet of plastic draped
over curtain rods on the windows hanging
over the stands. The temperature runs as
high as 98, in the place allotted to them, even
though a window fan is going all day but
with the humidity high and good light they
still thrive. At present I have a plant of
Fisher’s Fire Dance with 18 flowers each one
2 inches across and it is in the hottest spot
of all.”

Mrs. F. C. Darragh, Covington, La.

To Mrs. Herbert Osborn of Champagne, Ill.
with her Episcias. “I too grow Episcias but it
took me 3 years with 3 varieties to learn, now
they grow like weeds for me winter and
summer. The only time I have seen the leaves
get brittle was when the pot was filled with
roots and when it was watered the water ran
right through the soil and the plant apparently
did not have room to spread or absorb enough
moisture. I have 24 varieties now and I think
my favorite for foliage is E. Acajou. I mix
my soil a little heavier for Episcias than for
African violets as they seem to put out a
terrific root system. I have 2 still growing
in regular 12 inch pots from last year. Here,
in this climate, they will grow indoors, in a
greenhouse or outside in partial shade in the
summer. Our climate is hot with high humid¬
ity.”

Mrs. F. C. Darragh, Covington, La.

On the question of growing irradiated leaves
a very interesting account comes from Mrs.
Milburn O. Button of Crestwood, Ky. She
writes: “Since 1958 I have been growing
radiated plants and find it the most interesting
and fascinating study. X-rayed leaves will
produce new varieties which cannot be pro¬
duced by hybridizing, they are harder to
grow. I have not had success growing them
in plastic pots. The idea is to get as many
young plants from each leaf as possible. It
is said one out of every seven is a mutation.
Some will be up the scale toward yellow
while its twin sister will be down the scale
and not so desirable. From one leaf if cared
for, you may get from 25 to 30 little plants
but do keep every one until you see it bloom.

“When baby plants are IV2 inches high,
carefully take the mother leaf out of vermic-

AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
PHOEHK, AEitOM A

: ,Ai'- om first . pt ^ ' Season ' our , ,

'presMent ■ekrpe^iterrWalooiBiea nine.

; ■"'iiew.,i»e,iiifeers ani we:lelt,\we .wore ,a'

. ' '' .^gopd -st'airt* ' . ' We' ' 'Wmk ■■ ■' -'interOsiSn^^ . -'programs ; '
plannea whlcli will feature four night meet-

fleM-tMp tO';’|'ueson:tO'''see our si^r' ^
eity^ 'growers*:', 'pur: .annuel' .;j^ow v.'prejue ;

' ' : . ' 'Frapr^iseo, - Here: We-. Come’* .'.Will; plcMre^-the ; \

frem; Phoenix.. ,.San . Rraueisep ; ^erosa,, tlW- '

sert, over the tnountalns/ to the sea shore and
then ;:.various 'sightseeing trips ;while- in' ''San.''-''
Franeiseo. We were so overjoyed at the pros*
';:.;;,:.pect,;of a nationaj:, 'S:ppw^^IN;;T»W;

' ^ WiST'y-that 'our yearhooh fshows '.a,' ,4gnr.pbst:';

.;' .'.^..niarked, ,,«Po '':S,an.', :FrancMco’%."\with?:a' * violet '':i>
plant; and a suitcase-in the''lor€ground'*',"^ '■

ulite and pick the babies off and then replant
the mother leaf to grow more. One of my
leaves is over a year old and is still producing
plantlets.

“I have grown many mutations — from
Dixie Moonbeam — every plant is different
from the mother. One not only is producing
2 flower stems per leaf, but it is producing
way down on lower leaves with flowers out
of the top and out of the sides.

“With these plants you will never have a
dull moment, for anything can happen and it
does. The African Violet Magazine, June ’60,
page 32 has an excellent article on radiated
leaves.”

Readers can you answer these?

Q. May I hear from members who have had
an experience with Dreft when it is used as
a* spreading agent? Also, would appreciate
recommendations as to tested and tried reli¬
able spreading agents.

Alma Wright, P.O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn.
Q. Where can I find a Blue Boy?

Mrs. E. L. Goel, 2139 Henley St.,
Glenview, Ill.

Q. Where can I find true miniature African
violet cultivars at wholesale or retail quantity.

L. W. Kans, 1634 East 96th St.,
Brooklyn 36, N.Y.

Q. I am in search of plant descriptions for
the following varieties: Etching, Fluffy Ge¬
neva, Mabel, Novelty Girl, Pal Stars.

Mrs. Donald Young, 95 Willow Ave.,
Ball Manor, Matamoras, Pa.

102

Our Show Plan

Luella Marmaduke, Aliquippa, PennsylYaiiia

The African Violet Society of Greater Pitts¬
burgh held its Twelfth Annual Show
at the Pittsburgh Garden Center, April 22nd
and 23rd last year.

Our show is drawing more attendance
each year as it gets larger and more widely
known. We are most fortunate to have a good
.vizcii stage, where the winning plants are

displayed.

Mrs. C. G. Dietz, is the proud possessor of
“Queen of Show”. This year we decided to
honor more of our members, since so many
display plants are so beautiful, it is hard
for the judges to choose a reigning queen.
Mrs. W. C. Douglas had “Runner-up to the
Queen”. These two beautiful plants were sur¬
rounded by the “Court of Honor”.

QUEEN
Parrot Feather
Mrs. C. G. Dietz
RUNNER-UP TO THE QUEEN
Picadilly

Mrs. Wm. C. Douglas
COURT OF HONOR
Masterpiece
Mrs. Harold Crissman
Pink Baton
Mrs. C. G. Dietz
Cydonia

Mrs. Oliver C. Diehl
Kiss-of-Fire
Mrs. C. G. Dietz
JUNIOR QUEEN
Runner-up to Sweepstakes
Cindy

Mrs. Harold Crissman
Charm Song
Mrs. Ann Cycon
Sweepstakes
Wedgewood
Mrs. C. G. Dietz
Runner-up to Junior Queen
Claret

Mrs. C. G. Dietz
Largest Plant 23”

Crimson Challenge
Mrs. C. G, Dietz
Miniature Sweepstakes
Bicolor

Mrs. W, G. Stewart
Smallest Plant
Fancy Pants
Mrs. Ann Cycon
Runner-up
Rosey Posey
Mrs. C. G. Dietz

In the center of the floor sat a three tiered
“cake” frosted with orchid lace, dotted with

Mrs. Dietz

tiny violet plants, of late releases, creations
in all the hues and colors of flowers and
foliage shown at the National Convention held
in French Lick, Indiana. This made a lovely
setting for the remaining show plants dis¬
played on tier tables.

Off to the right of the stage, in a counter
effect, were placed twelve niches, surrounded
at the back and sides by purple and white
corrugated paper. The front sections of sides
were so designed as to hold tiny blooming
plants, which separated one display from the
other. One of the displays was of a world
globe showing violet plants circling the world.
Each plant had a special interest, either in
foliage or new blossoms, which drew much
attention from the visitors. The displays were
not judged, but as much effort was shown,
as though each one had been designed for the
purpose, and this created more interest and
was a special attraction to the show.

We had a photographer take pictures of all
the displays. More than seventy colored trans¬
parencies were made, which will be shown at
a later meeting. No doubt these slides will be
enjoyed by the members, especially those who
didn’t get to see the show. We are hoping,
when our members see what a beautiful show
we had they will be so interested they will
again become working members.

The “Crowned Queen”, Mrs. C. G. Dietz,
has received the nomination and has been
elected and will be our next President. The
following will also serve with her;

First Vice-President

Mrs. Harold Meinhardt
Second Vice-President
Mrs. Allan I. Haslett
Recording Secretary
Mrs. Richard Rowan
Corresponding Secretary
Mrs. W. G. Stewart
Treasurer

Mrs. W. Raymond Jones
Financial Secretary
Mrs. L. C. Hall

103

From left, Mrs. Charles Skinner, Mrs. Gustave
Knappe, and Mrs. Edna Groskopt enjoy a lull in the
long line of questions at the 1961 International Show.

WeVe Done It Before And
We’ll Do It Again In ’62

A feeling of accomplishment and great sat¬
isfaction was felt by the members of the Afri¬
can Violet Society of Greater New York, Inc.,
at the International Flower Show held at the
Coliseum last year from March 10th to the
18th. The Flower Show opened to record
breaking crowds of viewers and the reason
the African Violet Society of Greater New
York members were so elated was that many
of the people who came for advice to the
African violet booth in 1960 returned to say
the advice was sound, the methods worked,
and they, the public, were now growing much
more beautiful plants.

For the past five years the African Violet
Society of Greater New York has planned and
manned an information and educational booth
at the International Flower Show for the pur¬
pose of introducing the plant to those not yet
familiar with it and also to dispense proper
information as to culture. There has been so
much improper information spread abroad
about African violets that just correcting mis¬
conceptions about it is one of our biggest jobs.

The booth, itself, consists of a large edu¬
cational exhibit showing all phases of proper
culture from the best leaf to take for propa¬
gation to how to get the plant to bloom. The
African Violet Society of Greater New York,
Inc., also puts out a brochure with cultural
instructions which is made available for ten
cents to cover cost of printing.

Brochures are available to introduce the
National Society and also the New York State
Societies. Sample publications of these organi¬
zations are on the table for inspection.

The African Violet Society of Greater New
York, Inc., in setting up this booth found it
most gratifying in the winning of many, many
new friends. Especially when they find them¬
selves talking to someone from a far off cor¬
ner of the world. So don’t forget, this year,
should you be in New York at International
Flower Show time, stop by and introduce
yourself. We’d love to meet you. •

Packed and ready to go.

Violets Travel To A Show

Ann C. Fogg, Sunnyvale, California

Do you often worry and lose sleep over
packing and transporting your precious prize
winning African violets to the annual show?
The members of the Santa Clara Valley Afri¬
can Violet Club have found that it is not too
difficult when cardboard cartons, like those
pictured, are prepared for their treasures.

Several days before a show, a count is made
of the violets that are to go and their diame¬
ters are measured. Then a trip to various
grocery stores — with a tape measure — - to
collect cartons that have bottoms large enough
to place a violet in the center and not have
the leaves extend over the edges. Some of the
longer cartons will generally accommodate
more than one medium sized plant.

If the cartons are deep, it is advisable to
cut them down so that the sides are 4 or 5
inches high. A butcher knife or your best
paring knife is good for this job. Also, I have
found that a willing husband is a great help.
Take an empty pot, the same size as the one
the plant is in, and place the pot upside down
on the carton where you want to place the
plant. Draw a line around the pot and then,
using the paring knife, cut inside the line.
This should allow the pot to set in the hole
and rest on the collar of the pot.

It is helpful if you write the name of each
plant by its respective hole, and put your
name on each carton. At the close of the show
this speeds up the packing. You might want
to take an extra carton along, with your name
on it, to put those trophies in that you carry
home! •

i

104

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. 118th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Chib News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for December issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

The African Violet Society of Albany, New

York meets the fourth Wednesday of each
month. Some programs of the year included
guest speakers. Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon Lyon
of Dolgeville, New York, members of the Mo¬
hawk Valley African Violet Society spoke
and showed many beautiful and interesting
colored slides. Mrs. Violet Carey, member
of the Uncle Sam Violet Society of Troy, New
York talked on “Raising African Violets for
Show.” Mrs. Mary Bell, also of the Uncle
Sam Society, chose “Important Points of Rais¬
ing African Violets” as her subject. In June,
members held their annual picnic at the home
of Mr. and Mrs. William Nead, East Green-
bush, New York. It was a beautiful day, the
food delicious and plentiful. A wonderful time
was had by all. At the November meeting the
guest speaker was Mrs. Andrew Coyle, Jr.
of the Utica African Violet Society, who chose
to lecture on and demonstrate “Violet Arrang¬
ing”. This meeting was held at the home of
Mrs. David Cook, the Albany Society’s presi¬
dent. Club members take part in a project
during the year which makes possible the
distribution of gifts to residents in a Home
for the Aged. Gifts are delivered at Christmas
and on Fathers’ Day. Mrs. Mary Knight of
Albany has been chairman for several years,
assisted by committee members. The officers
for 1962 are: president, Mrs. David Cook;
vice president, Mrs. William Nead; treasurer,
Mrs. Lester Coughtry; secretary, Mrs. Kurt
Temple.

The Metropolitan African Violet Society of
Washington, D.C. sponsored a tour on Sunday,
October 29, 1961 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with
the theme “Fund Raising.” The tour included
four members homes in the Northern Virginia
Area. These were chosen specifically to show
the public the growing of violets from a few
plants to a large number. Arrangements were
on display, also educational exhibits were set
up at each home and hostesses were present
to answer questions. In the last home sched¬
uled, a tea and plant sale were held from
4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets were sold in advance
and also in each home. The tour was very
successful and we highly recommend it as a
means of raising funds.

The African Violet Society of Onondaga
County, New York held its regular annual
meeting for the election of officers for the
coming year. The following were elected: pres¬
ident, Mrs. Joan Findlay; vice president. Miss
Jane Strowbridge; recording secretary, Mrs.

Roberta Bannville; corresponding secretary,
William Young; treasurer, Elmer Wilcox.

The Town and Country African Violet Club
of Rapid City, South Dakota was organized
November 1, 1961. The following officers were
elected: president, Mrs. John Oyler; vice
president, Mrs. Carl Schneider; secretary, Mrs.
Dale Stumer; treasurer, Mrs. Lee Meyers.

The Trenton African Violet Club, New Jer¬
sey elected the following officers: president,
Mrs. Charles Hyer; vice president, Mrs. R. M.
Brenflick; secretary, Mrs. Walter Minschwan-
er; treasurer, Mrs. Alberta Mahalik. The annu¬
al Christmas party, under the chairmanship of
Mrs. Rhoby Lear, was held at Paxons on
December 7. Gifts were exchanged. Mrs. Wil¬
liam Roser of Yardley, Penna., and Mrs. Hope
Ireland of Flushing, Long Island spoke on
“Artistic Arrangements” and “Secrets of
Growing African Violets.” A trip to Hi Hill
Gardens, Etters, Pennsylvania was recently
enjoyed by the club.

The African Violet Society of Greater New
York has started off another very promising
year. The club sponsored a judging school,
which was attended by fifteen members. Mrs.
J. W. Minehan, Binghamton, New York was
the teacher. This year a sweepstakes award
will be given for the most points scored in
the monthly little shows. It is hoped this will
encourage more members to exhibit in the
annual spring show. A sweepstakes award
will also be given for arrangements. At the
October meeting, Professor Daniel Dowd, of
State University, Agriculture and Technical
College, spoke on “All Phases of Growing
African Violets.” Workshops, panel discussions
and lectures are planned for future meetings.

At the October meeting of the Capital Dis¬
trict African Violet Society, Albany, New
York the following officers were installed for
the ensuing year: president, Mrs. Mary Shu-
felt; vice president, Mrs. B. V. Gleasman;
treasurer, Mrs. Leora Waldron; recording sec¬
retary, Mrs. Mary Knight; corresponding sec¬
retary, Mrs. L. H. Jerry.

The Happy ’Ours African Violet Society,
Hawthorne, New Jersey adopted twenty chil¬
dren from age 5 to 16, of the Paterson, New
Jersey Orphan Asylum, for their Christmas
project. During the week preceding Christmas,
each child received a gift box containing such
presents as toys, dolls dressed by members,
candy and fruit, with blouses or sweaters for
the girls and shirts or sweaters for the boys.
The project was financed by $100.00 from

105

the Society’s treasury and increased by indi¬
vidual donations. In charge of this community
project was Mrs. Laura Fuller, assisted by
Miss Claire Davis, Mrs. Jacob Meyers, Mrs.
Vincent Rampino and Mrs. Afina West. On
December 7, 40 members and their guests
celebrated the Christmas Season with a din¬
ner at the Casa Mana in Teaneck, New Jersey.
The Rev. and Mrs. Paul Spiecker were the
guests of honor. Decorations with a Christmas
motif, the singing of carols, and the arrival
of Santa Claus with gifts related to African
violets, for members, were the highlights of
this evening of holiday and fellowship. The
dinner committee included Mrs. Philip Maneri,
chairman, with Mrs. Harry Loughlin, Mrs.
Angelo Mezzadri, Mrs. Edward Koonman, and
Mrs. Edward Burns.

The newly formed Belmont African Violet
Society of Long Island, New York, held its
first public meeting September 18, 1961. Hor¬
ticulture was single and double blues and the
theme for arrangements was “Pioneering with
African Violets.” Talks were given by the
president on the local society, Mrs. Eileen
McGinley on the New York State Society, and
Mrs. Marilyn Walsh on the National Society.
Raymond Moffatt was the speaker for the
October meeting. His topic was “Soils and
Soil Mixes”; horticulture, single and double
pinks; and the theme for arrangements was
“Trick or Treat.” The November meeting fea¬
tured a group discussion of African violets.
Horticulture was variegateds; arrangement
theme was “Turkey in the Straw.”

Officers for the 1961-62 season are: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Daniel Wagner; vice president, Mrs.
Louise Ackerman; recording secretary, Mrs.
George Diercks; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
James Walsh; treasurer, Mrs. Clarence Twom-
bly.

The Red River Valley African Violet Club,
Fargo, North Dakota and Moorhead, Minne¬
sota elected the following officers for the
1961-62 season: president, Mrs. Clifton Miller;
vice president, Mrs. Donald Bishop; secretary,
Mrs. Milton Kuske; treasurer, Mrs. C. J.
Bowman.

The following officers were installed for
the African Violet Society of Long Beach,
California, in a very impressive patriotic cere¬
mony conducted by Mrs. Esther Sherer: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Dorothy Powell; vice president,
John Rymer; secretary, Mrs. Gwen Vaillant;
treasurer, Mrs. Viola Wilson. For this event,
held on November 16, 1961, Mrs. Sherer
stressed faith and friendship for the world,
presenting each new officer with an American
Flag. Miniature flags were also presented to
the members. Mrs. Carolyn Rector was the
speaker, answering questions on culture.

The South Shore African Violet Society of
Long Island, New York marked its first anni¬
versary with a luncheon on October 25th at
Bayberry House, Massapequa, New York. Of¬
ficers were installed for the coming year. They

are: president, Mrs. Henry Luhman; vice pres¬
ident, Mrs. Kermit Jaediker; secretary, Mrs.
William Gouge; treasurer, Mrs. Russell Beard.
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday
of each month at the members’ homes.

The Crosstown African Violet Club of Madi¬
son, Wisconsin was organized October 13, 1961
when a group of seven women interested in
the culture of African violets met at the home
of Mrs. William Wall of Madison. The organi¬
zation of the club was sponsored by the Coun¬
tryside African Violet Club of Madison. At
the November meeting the following officers
were elected for the coming year: president,
Mrs. John F. Roe; vice president, Mrs. E. L.
Jefferson; recording secretary and treasurer,
Mrs. C. O. Sathre. The club has eleven en¬
thusiastic members which meet on the first
Wednesday of the month.

The Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the Afri¬
can Violet Society, California, installed the
following new officers: president, Mrs. G, W.
Thrasher; vice president, Mrs. J. B. Gara-
cochea; recording secretary, Mrs. Charles Le-
lend; corresponding secretary, Mrs. May Milli¬
gan; treasurer, Mrs. S. C. Russell. Club mem¬
bers demonstrated how to make holiday deco¬
rations and arrangements. A Christmas tea
was held after the business meeting.

The Rocky Mountain African Violet Council
of Denver, Colorado was organized May 16, ‘
1961. The officers elected were: president,
Mrs. Gretchen Clayton; vice president, Mrs.
Rose Trendler; secretary, Mrs. Lois Knowles.
The council is made up of three African violet
clubs in the Denver area. A show will be
held in April with Mrs. Gretchen Clayton
serving as chairman.

Members of the Toronto African Violet So¬
ciety, Toronto, Canada, held their second an¬
nual bazaar on November 21 in Glebe Road
United Church. Mrs. E. I. Hamilton, president,
greeted members and visitors at the door along
with Mrs. T. Konopka. A fine assortment of
plants, leaves, soil, fertilizers, etc., attracted
a large crowd of buyers. Mrs. H. Bremner,
bazaar convener, made an attractive violet
tree for which tickets were sold. Mr. J. Dob¬
son was the lucky winner. Lucky draw tickets
were sold on a Lazy Susan planter donated
by Parks-Barnes, Inc. (Black Magic) which
was won by Mrs. George Frost, also two plastic
planters donated by Trans-Canada Plastics
were won by Mrs. I. H. Hampton and E.
Hamilton. Delicious refreshments were served
by Miss R. McIntyre, assisted by Miss A. Kemp
and Mrs. A. S. Clancy. The attractive tea
tables were busy, and much conversation on
violet culture could be heard in this area.

The Countryside African Violet Club of
Madison, Wisconsin held its September meet¬
ing at the home of Mrs. Rudy Lehnhur. Mrs.
M. P. Brokaw presented a program on “Grow
Your Own.” Mrs. William Wall was hostess
for the October meeting. Mrs. Edna Buchta,
Racine, Wisconsin talked on “Putting on a

106

Violet Show.” The Countryside Club appointed
a committee to organize two new clubs. It
includes Mrs. J. J. Prokop, Mrs. Earl Land-
phier and Mrs. William Wall.

The Naugatonic African Violet Society of
Connecticut held its regular meeting on No¬
vember 15, 1961 at the Community Center in
Shelton. The following officers were elected
for the coming year; president, Mrs. Newell
Mallette; vice president, Mrs. Joseph Adams;
treasurer, Mrs. John Prokop; secretary, Mrs.
Ernest Gorgens. A report was made on the
fall exhibit and plant sale which was termed
a success. The December meeting was held
at the Community Center at which time the
officers were installed. Following the installa¬
tion, the group enjoyed their Christmas party.

The Southern Connecticut African Violet
Society held its annual birthday luncheon
October 18, 1961 at the Sanford Barn, Ham¬
den, Connecticut. The following officers were
elected for 1961-62: president, Mrs. Erwin
O’Brien; vice president, Mrs. Walter Goldman;
recording secretary, Mrs. Donald Swanson;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. T. S. Macauley;
treasurer, Mrs. Ernst Rader.

The Community African Violet Club, Mel¬
rose, Massachusetts elected the following of¬
ficers: president, Mrs. George Yantis; vice
president. Miss Elfrieda Tiede; recording sec¬
retary, Miss Arline Taylor; corresponding sec¬
retary, Mrs. Donald Bechtel; treasurer, Mrs.
Frank Gould.

The Rockford African Violet Club, Illinois

was host to the Illinois State Society of Afri¬
can Violet Clubs in October at the beautiful
new recreation building of the Centennial
Methodist Church in Rockford. “Carnival of
Violets”, the theme of the fall get-together,
was carried out in a setting of pink balloons
with true carnival spirit. Tables of antique
containers, unusual containers, a ferris wheel
and a lighted table of doll heads with African
violets drew many compliments. Commercial
growers from Hammond, Indiana and Brook¬
field, Wisconsin supplied the violet enthusiasts
with old and new varieties. Mrs. Charles Riley
was show chairman.

The Water Wonderland African Violet So¬
ciety of Muskegon, Michigan held its fourth
annual September meeting at the McGraft
Recreation Center, with members and friends
and the “Saintpaulians” from Grand Rapids,
seated at tables decorated with African violet
plants, using the leaves as place markers. The
customary potluck dinner was enjoyed by all.
Mrs. Frank George conducted the colorful
candlelight installation ceremony at which
Mrs. Martha Shafer, the past president, was
recognized and officers were installed. They
are: president, Mrs. Harold Chittenden; vice
president, Mrs. R. C. Neumann; secretary, Mrs.
M. Van Bemmelin; treasurer, Mrs. Harold
Taylor. The retiring officers were each hon¬
ored with an appreciation gift.

Slides of the National African Violet Con-

Above left, officers of Spring-
field Missouri Society, Messres
Brundege, Reynolds, Parks,
Bales, Zimmerman. Right,
Mrs. Thrasher, president Santa
Monica Bay Chapter.

vention at French Lick, Indiana were shown.

The Springfield African Violet Society, Mis¬
souri installed the following new officers
December 21: president, Mrs. C. V. Brundege;
vice president, Mrs. M. A. Reynolds; secretary,
Mrs. J. Walter Parks; treasurer, Mrs. John
Bales; membership secretary, Mrs. Marie Zim¬
merman.

At the December meeting of the Tennessee
Valley African Violet Club these officers
were installed for the coming year: president,
Mrs. L. L. Kile; 1st vice president, Mrs. Mack
Eaves; 2nd vice president, Mrs. Lester Ham¬
mer; recording secretary, Mrs. T. L. Parker;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Charles Mc¬
Clain; treasurer, Mrs. W. J. Cowart. The in¬
stallation ceremony was conducted by Mrs.
Lloyd Johnson. Slides of the French Lick
Convention were shown and chairmen of
standing committees for the new year were
announced.

Mrs. Sidney Rainey is the retiring president
and Mrs. Mack Eaves served as yearbook
chairman for 1961 when the club won the blue
ribbon for the best yearbook at the National
Convention. The meeting followed a luncheon
at the Andrew Johnson Hotel at which retir¬
ing and incoming officers were honored.

The December meeting of the Lady Con¬
stance Violet Club was held at the home of
Mrs. Arthur Kasper in the Hollywood Section
of South Elgin, Illinois. It was truly a Holly¬
wood setting with red linen topped tables
centered with decorated miniature Christmas
trees and tiny snowmen at each place. A
beautiful white Christmas tree graced the
corner of the room lit with soft candle light
and other colorful decorations which added
much to the occasion. A delicious dessert
was served, pictures were taken, and gifts
were exchanged.

The incoming president, Mrs. Ethel Strong,
presented Mrs. William Eddy with the past
president’s pin and distributed 1962 programs.
New officers are: Mrs. Charles Strong, Mrs.
Earl Cremeens, Mrs. Clifford Fairchild, and
Mrs. John C. Wills.

107

Humus for soil organisms can be quickly obtained by
burying all plant refuse in your garden. Merely dig
a trench, throw in the refuse and cover with several
inches of soil. This keeps soil well fed, and your
garden clean.

Living Organisms and
Soil Fertility

Betty Brinhart, W. Hatfield, Mass.

Reprinted With Permission of Horticulture

Gardeners interested in making their
soil more productive may be somewhat at
a loss as to how this might be achieved. They
are not quite certain what constitutes soil
fertility. They, of course, know that a fertile
soil will produce strong, healthy plants in
abundance, but they are not sure what prop¬
erties such a soil must possess to produce
maximum results.

A fertile soil, besides having good texture
and structure, must have a plentiful supply
of essential nutrients not only for the plants
but for the millions of micro-organisms living
below its surface.

Through lengthy tests at agricultural ex¬
periment stations throughout the country, it
has been proved that fertilizers and humus in
all stages of decay are a perfect team for
replenishing the soil with plant food. Fertili¬
zers act quickly and get the plants off to a
good start while the plant nutrients in humus
are released slowly as the soil micro-orga¬
nisms digest them. Humus also conditions soil.

Fortifying the soil with plant food should
never stop, even though a reasonable degree
of fertility has been reached. Most soil nu¬
trients are soluble in water, and are leached
out of the top soil by heavy rains or used up
by plants as food. Nutrients can also be blown
away by high winds along with the top soil
in areas where there is little rainfall and no
cover crop.

In order to have an abundance of plant
food in the soil at all times, commercial or
organic fertilizer must be applied throughout
the growing season, and organic matter in¬
corporated whenever possible. Humus (organic
matter), so essential to the organisms within
the soil, can be obtained by turning under
stable manures, compost, green manures, plant
refuse, peat moss, leaves, grass clippings, and
garbage.

Most of us look upon soil as an inert mass.
We feel that the only life it contains is that
of the plants and insects we can see. We could
never be more mistaken, for the soil is almost
choked with living micro-organisms. The life
below the soil surface exceeds that above the
ground many times over, and its creatures
are far stranger in size, color, and description
than anything we have ever seen. But, with¬
out the aid of these tiny catalysts there could
be no fertility, nor productivity in our soil.

These important organisms, both plant and
animal, live in a world more wondrous and
complicated than our own. There are hundreds
of millions of them in just one pound of
humusy garden soil. They affect the materials
of which soil is formed, and aid in the physical
and chemical actions that make it suitable
for plant growth.

Our life is directly and indirectly dependent
upon these lowly creatures. Only by under¬
standing what goes on in this dark world
within the soil, can we see the wonderful
relationship between soil fertility, organic
matter, and plant life.

You might wonder why all this fuss about
adding organic matter to the soil when ferti¬
lizers can provide plants with all of the
essential nutrients needed for good growth.
The answer lies beneath the surface. The living
organisms in the soil must feed upon organic
waste in order to exist, and carry on their
life’s work. Without organic food they would
die, and so would the fertility of our soil. Not
only do these organisms change organic mat¬
ter into plant food, but they also react upon
element in fertilizers.

To understand how they work, let us see
what happens to organic matter, regardless
of kind, when it is added to the soil. These
workers are a hungry lot, and seize upon such
material the moment it is covered with soil.
These millions of organisms digest the com¬
pounds that make up living plant and animal
matter, reducing them to simpler forms that
can be utilized as food by common plants.

There are many, many kinds of micro¬
organisms in the top soil. Each group plays
its own significant and essential role in the
decomposition of animal and plant matter in
the release of plant nutrients, and in the im¬
provement of soil structure. One group is
dependent upon the other for its livelihood.
This inter-dependency results in the complete
break-down of compounds into plant nutrients.

These small workers differ in size from
those that cannot be seen even with the most
powerful microscope, to those visible to the
naked eye. In shape they vary from tiny dots
to strange, twisted forms. They digest organic
matter to produce enzymes, which are chemi¬
cal compounds of animal or vegetable origin,
that may be transformed into other com¬
pounds. There is nothing of an organic nature
they cannot digest. •

108

RESEARCH

Research With Lights

Dr. Sheldon C. Reed, 1588 Vincent Street, St. Paul, Minnesota

WOW! Something new has been added to
the lighting of the plant world. You
have to see the new invention to believe it.
There is now a tailor-made fluorescent lamp
which not only improves the growth and
flowering of the plants, but also enhances
their appearance in an ethereal manner which
defies description. But let me try to describe
it.

Thanks to the generosity of the Sylvania
Company, I have been able to install some of
the new Gro-Lux lamps in my basement Flora
Carts. The instantaneous change in the appear¬
ance of the plants is almost unbelievable.
Leaves which appear a dull green under
ordinary fluorescent lamps look quite differ¬
ent under the Gro-Lux. They now have a
shimmering darker green color with a purple
overtone. The most astounding change is in
the flower color. Weak pink flowers practical¬
ly burst into flame. The darker edges of
flowers like “Ruby GirF’ glimmer as if intern¬
ally lighted. The usual magenta or fuchsia
color of Lyndon Lyon’s “Ardent Red” and
“Racy Red” becomes a brilliant fluorescing
crimson — a really red color at last.

The reason for the miraculous change in
appearance of the whole violet plant lies in
the change in the relative quantities of dif¬
ferent colors in the light.

The ordinary daylight fluorescent tube is
excellent in the violet-blue end of the spec¬
trum but deficient in the orange-red end. The
deluxe warm white tube is deficient in violet-
blue and very good in the orange-red wave
lengths. The new Gro-Lux tube is excellent
at both ends of the spectrum., but fortunately,
deficient in the yellow-green wave lengths.
It has been known for a long time that green
light does not contribute to plant growth and
perhaps inhibits it. The essential improvement
of the new tube is the elimination of the
yellow-green light.

The Gro-Lux tubes contain 40 per cent blue
and 60 per cent red components and cast a
strange violet glow. If you place your hand
in the light it does not appear bluish but
instead a most healthy looking pink. The'im-^

portent point is not that your hand looks so
nice but the flower colors take on such a
striking brilliance and all shift toward the red.

The research that led to the new tubes was
based upon the assumption that better plant
growth and more flowers would result. Pre¬
liminary results reported by Elaine and Nor¬
man Cherry (and Mike Kartuz) in the Sep¬
tember 1961 edition of The Gloxieian indicate
substantial gains in plant culture. The old
types of fluorescent tubes gave satisfactory
results but never quite as good flowering as
the best greenhouse lighting. The Gro-Lux
tubes may well equal or exceed the best nat¬
ural light conditions, though it is perhaps too
early to promise this.

There is no question about the improvement
of the appearance of an already grown plant
when placed under the Gro-Lux tubes. For
this reason alone you will want to include
some of them in your operations, no matter
how few tubes you have. If you have no
fluorescent facilities you should get at least
one unit for display purposes. I have won¬
dered whether it is morally proper to arti¬
ficially improve the appearance of a plant
for sales purposes in this way. However, it
seems to me that as long as human cosmetics
are acceptable, there is no harm done by flat¬
tering our violets as well as ourselves.

You can probably obtain the new Gro-Lux
Lamp from your Sylvania Products dealer.
If not, both the 48 inch and 96 inch tubes may
be purchased from Norman J. Cherry, Box
608, Merrick, New York. You will not be
disappointed by this latest advance in lighting
research.

(Sylvania Gro-Lux fluorescent tubes were
advertised in the December Magazine on page
22 and are advertised by the Floralite Com¬
pany, 4124 E. Oakwood Road, Oak Creek,
Wisconsin on pages 17, 26, 31 of this issue. I
will appreciate hearing from members who
are using Gro-Lux fluorescent lights or from
anyone who has just installed them. Your ex¬
periences will be most helpful to those who
are considering the use of this new fluorescent
tube.— Editor) •

109

In Quest Of Yellow

Dr. S. C. Reed, St. Paul, Minnesota

Every scientist prefers to report only tri¬
umphs and to let his negative results quiet¬
ly gather dust. However, thirty years ago one
of my professors, E. M. East, taught me that
it is even more important to publish negative
results than positive ones, for by so doing you
save others from also spending their time
repeating your work which will yield nothing.
It is estimated that 85 per cent of scientific
experiments give negative answers and that
only about 15 per cent of your work gives
desirable results. Consequently, it is important
to try to make every minute count in our
development of commercial strains of African
violets so I wish to report here, unhappily,
some negative results.

The question people ask me more than any
other one is, “When are you going to produce
a buttercup yellow African violet?” My an¬
swer is that I would have done this long ago
if I had even the remotest idea of how to go
about it. To be sure, various lemon drops and
other faintly yellow varieties have been put
on the market and most of these have, indeed,
turned out to be lemons in the vulgar sense.
Lyndon Lyon, Paul Rockelmann and others
are painfully selecting toward yellow and have
obtained shades that could be called peach,
but I rather doubt whether these peaches will
ever become buttercups. They must continue
their efforts, as even good peach colored vari-
ties will be a boon to the business.

Everyone hopes for a new mutation which
will produce the buttercup yellow. The only
trouble with mutations is that so far we do
not know how to direct them in the way we
want. We. wait for them to appear and most
of those that we get we couldn’t want less.
There is the final grim possibility that the
genus Saintpaulia is not capable of mutating
to a commercial yellow. By a commercial
yellow, I mean a bright yellow that would
sell for its own beauty rather than merely
as a curiosity.

A second possibility would be to transfer
yellow from a closely related genus. Any bot¬
anist knows that true hybrids can be produced
if two genera are closely enough related but
also that most genera are too distantly related
to give hybrids. The popular candidate for
such a cross is Petrocosmea Kerrii. This plant
has small flowers with lobes almost ¥4 inch
long. These are white flowers with blotches
of pale yellow or peach color.

On June 22, 1959, I was indulging in my
favorite indoor sport of strolling through
Henry Peterson’s greenhouses when to my
utter amazement I saw one flower on a Petro¬

cosmea. What’s more, the plant was full of
buds. Henry had raised hundreds of Petro-
cosmeas over the years and this was the first,
and so far the only one, to flower for him.
On the theory that “finders are keepers,”
Henry very generously gave me the first
flowering specimen of the genus that either
one of us had ever seen.

We took the plant to his work bench where
we examined the pollen with his microscope
and then pollinated the flower with its own
pollen. Why not with African violet pollen?
Simply because it seemed much more impor¬
tant to me to get selfed seeds from it, raise
the offspring and hope that among them there
would be a plant that would flower more
willingly and thus permit more experimenta¬
tion. I took the plant back with me to St. Paul
with great expectations.

I selfed two more old flowers with younger
pollen on July 7, 1959. I selfed two more
flowers on July 16. On these latter occasions
I used the extra pollen, which was very plenti¬
ful, on Saintpaulia stigmas. On July 22, 1959,
I placed selected Saintpaulia pollen on three
Petrocosmea flowers of different ages. But by
then, I knew the worst. Apparently Petrocos¬
mea is self sterile like many other plants. At
any rate, none of the settings caused any
observable stimulation of the ovary and noth¬
ing resembling a seed pod appeared. It may
well be that it would produce seeds when
selfed under other environmental conditions.
It would be helpful if someone could get a
selfing of Petrocosmea because selection
among the progeny might yield a “house-
broken” Petrocosmea.

What are the chances of a hybrid with
Saintpaulia? The reproductive parts are of
great importance in deciding how closely re¬
lated two genera may be. In Saintpaulia the
pollen is shed reluctantly, if at all, through
a pore in the center of the inner face of the
anther. In Petrocosmea, Henry and I observed
that the pollen is shed willingly through length
wise slits in the locules. This is a gross dif¬
ference which gives little hope that true hy¬
brids are likely to be produced between these
two related genera. They are next to each
other in the taxonomic key but they are not
very near each other biologically.

My sad story ended last week when I re¬
turned from an expedition to Europe and
found that everything had flourished for my
“plant sitter” except the Petrocosmea plant
which, due, I guess, to its feeble genes, had
died. •

110

Puissance de Hydrogen

William J. Hanna

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
Eutgers Uni¥ersity, New Brunswick^ N.J,

NO, this is not the name of a new violet.

It is the chemist’s term for a chemical
measurement of value to all good violet grow¬
ers.

Many violet growers are keeping abreast of
the times scientifically. They have discovered
that chemical tests of their potting medium
and water will enable them to grow better
plants. By means of these tests one can avoid
over-and“Underfertilizing. Also the acidity
of the potting medium can be measured, and
adjusted if necessary. Probably the most im¬
portant and useful single chemical test which
can be made of potting soil is that of acidity,
or pH.

The chemist uses the term pH to designate
the active acidity of a substance. The symbol
pH is an abbreviation of the French phrase
“puissance de hydrogen,” first used to describe
this measure of active acidity. It can be trans¬
lated into English as, “the activity of the
hydrogen ions.” The chemist has a special
definition of pH in chemical terms which
would also need to be defined or translated
for our use. It is sufficient to say that pH
is expressed in numbers on a logarithmic scale.
The lower the pH, the more acid the substance.
For example, pH 1.0 is more acid than pH 2.0.
But not twice as acid, rather ten times as
acid. Then pH 1.0 is 100 times as acid as pH
3.0 and 1,000 times as acid as pH 4.0.

We should now review our definition of
pH which is the measure of the active acidity
of a substance. We may have two substances
with the same active acidity, or pH, but with
different total acidities. Also, we may have
two substances with the same total acidity,
but with different pH, or active acidity. For
example, we could prepare two solutions of
acids in water of the same total acid content.
If these two acids were acetic (which is the
main acid constituent of vinegar) and hydro¬
chloric (also called muriatic acid) the two
solutions would have very different pH values.
If the pH of the acetic acid was 2.4, then
that of the same total strength hydrochloric
acid would be 1.1,

How does all this chemical talk help to
grow better violets? In this way — Acidity,
or pH, of the soil is the most important

chemical factor affecting availability of plant
nutrients and the growth of roots. If the soil
is too acid, some elements become insoluble
and unavailable to plants. At the same time
other elements may become so much more
soluble that they are toxic to plants. Too little
acidity, or too much alkalinity (which is the
opposite of acidity) will have similar effects
with still other elements. Some plants grow
best in very acid soils. Others grow best in
neutral soils, neither acidic nor alkaline. Afri¬
can violets thrive in most growth mediums,
or soil mixtures, under slightly acid conditions.
At pH values between 6.0 and 6.5 plant
nutrient elements are at their maximum avail¬
ability in most soils, and most plants, includ¬
ing African violets, grow best at this pH
range.

The neutral point on the pH scale is 7.0.
This is the pH of pure water. The pH of water
is easily changed by adding alkalis or acids.
Only a small amount of either will make a
very large change in the pH of water. Not so
with soils which contain clay and organic
matter. This clay, organic matter (humus), or
other substances such as vermiculite, possess¬
ing the unique chemical property of “cation
exchange capacity” will resist a sudden change
in pH. Resistance to change in pH is called
“buffering” by the chemist. Soils are very
strong buffers. It is necessary to add rather
large amounts of acid or alkaline materials
in order to change the pH of soils very much.
The average soil mixture which is used for
growing violets will require about one ounce
of hydrated lime (Ca(OH)2) for each 20
pounds of soil to raise the pH value one whole
(say pH 5.2 to pH 6.2) in the range from
about pH 4.0 to pH 7.0.

Some violet growers have inquired about
the effect of the pH of their water on the pH
of their violet soil. Water used for drinking
and cooking will not change the pH of soil,
even if the pH of the water is widely different
from that of the soil. There is so little dissolved
material in domestic water supplies that there
can be no detectable effect of the water on a
soil to which it may be added. Fertilizer salts
may change the pH of soils to which they are
applied. But this is another story for another
time. •

111

CITII^G

mmimiE m

ORDER iOW FOi

1962 DOUBLE VARIETIES

RE6.

PLANTS

STARTER

PLANTS

TATAl 1

coTTiNcs TOTAL

LAVENDER CARIBBEAN^ — Huge blue lavender flowers with full blossoms.

yellow pollen centers.

$1.50

]85

.35

COQUETTE — Very full, frilled deep lavender, slightly waved foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

EXECUTIVE — Large red, double lavender. Profuse bloomer.

$1.50

.85

.35

ORIENTALE — Raspberry fringed semi-double, some chartreuse edging.
Deep green waved foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

NOBILITY — Large raspberry pink blossom, shiny green foliage. A sym¬
metrical grower.

$1.50

.85

N.A.

FLIRT— Full lilac lavender, crepe-edge petals. Medium green foliage,
slightly waved.

$1.50

•

.85

.35

GIGI — Large fringed pink blossoms, dark green foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

DANCING WATERS IMPROVED — Outstanding pink Geneva with erect
flower stems, waved foliage.

$1.50

.85

N.A.

GALA PINK^ — Semi-double fringed pink with deeper pink edging. Slightly
waved foliage.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

ELIZABETH DURKIN — Heavy flowering, frilled pink. Long stems, waved
foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

PINK JADE — Huge, full pink with some chartreuse edging.

$1.50

.85

.35

WHITE BOUQUET— Large full white blossoms, symmetrical grower.

$1.50

.85

.35

CARNATION FRILLED WHITE — Frilled white, traces of green edging.

$1.50

.85

.35

EXOTIC — Giant deeply fringed white, bright pollen center.

$2.00

1.25

.50

KING NEPTUNE — Giant semi-double blue. A real show plant.

$1.50

.85

.35

SMOKE RINGS — Giant semi-double blue Geneva, dark glossy foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

BLOSSOM TIME — Huge ruffled royal blue blossoms. Bright pollen center,
waved foliage.

$2.00

1.25

.50

TINSEL — Bright blue double, good white edge. Heavy flowering semi¬
miniature.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

SATURN — Large blue flowers, unusual light edging.

$1.50

.85

.35

FISCHER’S FOLLIES — Giant medium-blue ruffled flowers, attractive waved
foliage.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

PURPLE CAROUSEL — Giont ruffled purple flowers, deep-green waved
foliage.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

CHOPSTICKS-Variegated blue and white semi-double. A profuse bloomer.

$1.50

.85

N.A.

HI-HILL'S ATHENA — Giant frilled white flowers with bright blue band on
outer edge. Strong grower with supreme foliage. As featured in Life
magazine.

N.A.

1.50

N.A.

REDDERNESS — A real wine red, semi-miniature.

$1.50

.85

.35

SPECIAL OFFERS

TOTA

Special offer may be applied to fresh cuttings, starter plants, regular plants, or any combination. Any $25.00
selection . . . only $20.00 postpaid • Any $ 15.00 selection . . . only $ 12.75 postpaid • Any $ 10.00 selection . . .
only $8.75 plus postage • Any $7.50 selection . . . only $6.75 plus postage • Any $6.00 selection . . . only
$5.50 plus postage.

it

Ischer

GREENHOUSES

DEPT. A.V. . LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

VARIET

^ # m ■ m ■ ■

J

7

REGULii PLiiTS, STAiTEi PLANTS & FiESi CyTIliGS
PiOPPT SHiPlEiT li EARLY 1I¥!

1962 SINGLE VARIETIES

HLG

PiANLS

SIAHUR
HAN IS

fRtSH

CUHINGS

FIRED ANCE — Exceptionally large "red” flowers.

$1.00

.65

.35

WISTERIA — Rich wisteri0, frilled blossoms.

STARBURST-— Huge light lavender star, flecked with darker lavender. Shiny

$1.50

.85

.35

green foliage.

$1.50

.85

N.A.

MARS IMPROVED— -Free flowering two-fone lavender. Waved blossoms,

medium dark green foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

GLOWING EMBERS— Two-tone cerise pink, occasional chartreuse edging.

MISS ATLANTIC CITY — Large raspberry pink frilled flowers. Waved

$1.50

.85

N.A.

foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

CHERRY RED — Free flowering cerise red —showers of blossoms.

$1.50

.85

.35

RACY RED — Bright cerise red star. Semi-miniature grower.

PINK BAND — Deep pink flowers with a deeper pink band on the

$1.50

.85

.35

outer edge.

$1.50

.85

.35

JERSEY PRIDE — Bright pink, deeply fringed blossoms. Attractive waved

foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

IMAGINATION — Large, deeply fringed rose-pink blossoms. Dark green

wavy foliage, red underleaf.

$2.00

1.25

.50

PINK HALO — Deep petalled pink with distinct white edge.

$1.50

.85

.35

KINGS RANSOM- — Large clear pink blossoms, frilled chartreuse edging.

$1.50

.85

.35

ROSE DUST— Bright pink flowers, lighter pink frilled edging.

TALL TALES- — Giant star flowered pink, flecked with purple. Medium soft

$2.00

1.25

.50

green foliage.

$1.50

.85

N.A.

SPRING SNOW — Large pure white blossoms. Our best single white yet!

$1.50

.85

.35

GREEN RIBBON — Novelty single white blossoms fringed with green edge.
SNOW SPRITE — Heavy blooming white fringed flowers, standing high above

$1.50

.85

.35

slightly waved medium green foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

SEA HAWK — Giant frilled dark purple. Blossoms high above gently waved

foliage.

$1.50

.85

-.35

MING BLUE — Giant flowers, deeply serrated petals, Heavy flowering.

BLUE ECLIPSE — Medium blue flowers with good white edge. A sym¬

$1.50

.85

.35

metrical grower.

$1.50

.85

.35

SUGAR FROSTING-^ — Dark blue cupped, fringed with good white edge. Heavy

bloomer, slightly waved foliage.

$1.50

.85

.35

HI HOPES— Huge star shaped blue Geneva, dark glossy foliage. As fea¬

tured in Life Magazine.

N.A.

1.25

N.A.

MINIATURE ORCHID — Small cupped white fringed blossom, orchid mark¬

ings in center. Wavy leaf.

$1.50

.85

.35

RED EPISCI A-r-Bright poinsettia red flowers, variegated foliage. A fine exotic

vine akin to the african violet.

$1.00

.65

.35

TROPICAL TOPAZ — Lemon yellow flowers at the crown and along the glossy

green vine. A fine exotic vine akin to the African Violet.

$1.00

.65

.35

TOTAL

POSTAL IN STRUCT! 0^

iS

Aii plants, with the exception of fresh cuttings, shipped in 2!4” pots. Minimum order — -four plants or ten leaves.
Orders less than$ 10.00 add 50c to help cover postage and handling. All orders will be shipped in early May
unless otherwise specified.

it

Ucher

GREENHOUSES

DEPT. A.V. . LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

TINARI’S

Brand New

’62

BLACK DIAMOND — The richest double velvet
purple-black blossom to date. $1.00 each.

BICOLOR GENEVA — -New, single giant lavender
bicolor, edged in white. $1.00 each.

CASTANET— Heovy double lavender petals distinct white edge, prolific. $1.25 each.

CORAL ROSE GENEVA— -Intense rose-pink double blossom sugar white edge on petols. $1.25 each.

DIPLOMAT—Very prolific bold double purple blossom each blossom edged in white, very sturdy
foliage pattern, $1.25 each.

PINK FLUFF' — -Soft pink semidouble blossom tufted center. $1.00 each.

PINK PROFILE- — Striking vivid pink frilled blossom with chartreuse edge. $1.25 each.

SWEET LEILANA— Unusual shape semidoubie blossom of white daintly edged in blue, petals
pinched back and cluster at center. $1,25 each.

V/ONDERLUST~Large lavender double blossom, constant bloomer, $1.00 each.

NEW STARS AND FAVORITES AT LOW GROWERS PRICES — $1.00 eoch.

Ann Bly, Blue Bess, Blue Crisp, Blue Flag, Careless Love, Double Black Cherry, Double Pink
Geneva, Double Red Selections, Fireball, Flash, Fringed Snow Prince, Frosty- Nite, Geneva
Wonder, Green Fog, Isle of Dreams, Jane Starr, Kimberly, Laughter, Lemon Drop, Lilian
Jarrett, Lingo, Melody Air, Pink Fire, Pink Parfait, Purple Frost, Purple Knight, Racy Red,
Raspberry Pink, Regal Gold, Sarnia, Sin Purple, Star Fantasy, Variegated Maverick, Wedding
Ring, White Knight, White Pride, Zorro.

SUPER SPECIAL AT $1.25 each.

Fringed Racy Red, Hi Hopes, Lilian Jarrett Supreme, Pastel Swirl, Shrill, Stampede, White
Pride Supreme.

REAL BEAUTIES AT 75t each.

Arctic Snow, Blue Tango, Cydonia, Cherry Pink, Fairy Fringe, Little Jewel, Moss Rose, Mottled
Star, Red Maverick, Redderness, St. Louis, Snow Prince, Strike Me Pink, Red Glow.

All plants grown and shipped from our greenhouses in 214'' plastic pots.

Orders of $3.75 or less odd 45^ postal charges, over add 65^. West of Miss. 85^.

Send for new free 1962 catalog in color, over 70 varieties
shown in living color, over 100 descriptions.

BETHAYRES, PA.
Dept. A. V.

REENHO

S6

If (2)

•^KimoniAi^
JUN 0. /!. If'o i
. IfBRASUf^

Dorothy A. Young

2937 Rutland Avenue Des Moines 11^ Iowa

75^ each ROOTED CLUMP (with Plantlets)

MAIL ORDER ONLY. Limit 2 of a variety per order. $1.00 handling charge on
all orders up to 15 rooted cuttings, over 15 add 50^ per ten. Orders to be sent
Special Handling, Parcel Post. Many of these varieties were on our spring list
and may be out of stock when this ad appears — - when this occurs you will re¬
ceive your order when our new crop is ready in September. For more complete
listing send large self-addressed and stamped envelope. We ship to all states ex¬
cept Wyoming. Iowa customers, only, add 2% sales tax. State inspection. If you
wish Airmail, or Special Delivery, please add an amount sufficient to cover.

Ambassador

Dbl. Thunderhead

Lav. Pearl

Red ’n Gold

Arm Bly

Echo

j^ady Estelle

Red Candle

Ardent Red

Ember Glow

Lav. Pink Girl

Rosy Rhythm

Annie Kkn

Elizabeth Durkin

Love’s Dream

Rolo

Arabian Blue

Ember Rose

Ming China

Raspberry Rebel

Artist’s Touch

El Monito

Magic Flame

Regal Gold

Antique Velvet

Fury

Mandy

Rose Dip

Afterglo Sup.

Blush ’n Sno

Florentine Lace

Margaret C

Ruby Tips

Fuchsia Velvet

Mizz

Skies Over Italy

Blue Linda

Fairyland Dream

Mitzie

Sioux

Blue Mist

Flower Girl

Marble King

Silver Carnival

Black Wine

Fair Elaine

Milky Way

Savannah Sweetheart

Blue Lou Sup.

Forever White

Miss Atlantic City

Silver Crest

Ball Gown

Fischers Lav. Orchid

Milady’s Bonne tt

Sesame

Bud’s Mint Champaign

Flash

Michelle

Sweetheart Blue

Bonanza

Fringed Bon Bon

Minikin

Sin Purple

Blue Glade

Frosted Red

Never Lovelier

Spring Rose

Blue Guard

Fandango

Norlina

Star Talk

Bells of Ireland

Gabriel

Old Silver

Spanish Don

Black Willow

Glowing

O-O-La-La

Soft Whisper

Beau Kay

Geisha Doll

Oriental Music

Sky Scape

Blue Waters

Gay Witch

Ora

Stampeed

Shrill

Beth

Green Grace

Orchid Premier

Blue Lou

Giant Clover

Paintbrush

Silver Threads

Blackberry Fluff

Giant Ruffled Pink

Pink Jade

Sugar

Blushing Beauty

Golliwog

Printed Silk

Starburst

Breathless

Glowing Embers

Popcorn

Smoke Rings

Betsy Ross

Gladrags

Pink Ribbons

Stacey

Bloomin’ Fool

Gilda

Pastel Swirls

Startling

Cindy Impr.

Gumdrop

Persian Brocade

Suga

Charm Song

Giant Star Girl

Peach Ice

Sea Grape

Cultured Pearl

Green Petticoats

Persian Pink

Southern Belle

Cherrie

Green Confetti

Pink Mahogany

Saturn

Confetti

Gold Braid

Pink Parfait

Spun Velvet

Crusader

Green Fog

Pagan Princess

Showoff

Cherrie Red

Heldie

Pink Riot

Snow Ballet

Carnation White

Hand Embroidered

Pearl

Spring

Carnival

Hawaiian Queen

Possessed

Starry Skies

Crested Coral

Holly Plume

Prairie Afire

Snow Girl

Cortez

Heritage

Proud Beauty

Scotch Blue Belle

Cloud Mist

Hula Dancer

Pepsodent

Touch of Fire

Conquest

Hula Doll

Powder Rose

Topsail

Cluster Pink

Happy Ending

Pink Sugar

Truly Pink

Cotton Cloud

Hi Hopes

Pink Top

Tananna

Chartreuse Fringe

Heaven Sent

Painted Butterfly

Tim Tam

Cerama Sup.

lora

Pink Calico

Tweed

Cherry Frost Sup.

Ice Berg

Pixie Fire

Tall Talk

Corinthian

Indiana Belle

Pink Fandango

Trifari

Christmas Angel

Irish Elf

Pink Honey

Teahouse Pink

Dabs ’n Splashes

Ionic

Pink La Flame

Tall Tales

Dixie Frost

Ice Flo

Pink Africana

Venetian Blue

Dorie

Jane Starr

Pink Cottontop

Venetian Rose

Doll Dance

Jacob’s Coat

Pink Baton

Virginia Lee

Driven Snow

Jeepers

Pam

Wintertime

Dbl. Pink Waverly

Keepsake

Palomino

White Swan

Dresden Dream

King’s Ransom Fischer

Paradise Flowers

Waterlily

Delft Imperial

Kings Ransom Granger

Pink Polka Dot

White Cloud

Dbl. Pink Geneva

Little Mo

Pink Radiance

Wee Muffet

Dbl. Gold Lace

Little Smokey

Polar Bear

White Trumpet

Desert Splendor

Lisa

Pink Crisp

Wanton Red

Dark Mistress

Lilian Jarrett

Queen’s Beauty

White Caps

Dbl. Racy Red

Dbl. Snow Squall

Lav. Puff

Linda Joan

Rose Dust

Royal Cathy Ann

Young Love

Now there is no need to lose valuable plants
because of mites. SPIDER-sMITE contains
Kelthane which is for control of various agri¬
cultural mites including the cyclamen mite.
Complete instructions on bottle. 4 ounce bottle
makes 12 gallons spray. 4 ounce bottle $1.75
Postpaid.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Vigorous plants grown in 2]/2 inch pots — -
75^, $1.00, and $1.25. Many new varieties.
Soil, pots, labels, etc. Send for our new Spring
African Violet List.

VOLKMANN BROS.
GREENHOUSES

2714 Minert Street Dallas 19, Texas

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube' " - Available

See page 27, Sept. 1961 and page 109 March 1962 African Violet Magazine.

6-40 Watt 48'' GRO-LUX at $2.35 each. $14.10 6-20 Watt 24^' GRO-LUX

at $2.20 each. $13.20. Packed 6 in Shipping Carton NO LESS SOLD. We Pay

the POSTAGE.

A NEW DUAL LIGHT FLUORESCENT FIXTURE for vio¬
lets and other plants. Can be used four ways, as a four
(4) tube, as a four (4) tube plus 2 incandescent, as a two
(2) tube.gr as a two (2) tube plus 2 incandescent 48-^A
inches long IS-Va inch reflector. Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight fluorescent tubes. With RAPID
START BALLAST. $28.00 Postpaid.*

EXTRA WIDE SPACED DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE 7-V4
inch centers with 2 incandescent sockets, 1 3 inch re¬
flector 48-^A inch long with 2-40 watt tubes. $18.00
Postpaid.* With Rapid Start Ballast Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight tubes.

DUAL LIGHT a combination of incandescent and fluores¬
cent lights made especially for African Violets 48 in.
long, 13 in. reflector, 2-40 watt tubes. 2-15 watt sockets
with Rapid Start Ballast $16.00 Postpaid.* Choice of
cool white, warm white or daylight tubes.

* Add $1.00 west of Rockies
** Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux tube in above
fixtures

Legs for any Fluorescent Fixture $2.00 Postpaid. Adjustable chains to hang any Fluorescent Fixture
$1.25 Postpaid. Ail 48 inch Fluorescent Fixtures include cord, plug, switch, tubes and Rapid Start
Ballasts. No Starters are necessary.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 reduced to
$4.30 Postpaid. Send for Literature and Prices on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Ookwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

1

Our Cover: Lilian Jarrett Su¬
preme, Tinari Greenhouses, Beth-
ayres, Pennsylvania,

OFFICERS

Mrs. Jack Yakie . . . President

Post Office Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

Joseph D. Schulz _ 1st Vice Pres.

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker _ 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Miss Edith Peterson . . Rec. Secy.

1545 Green Street
San Francisco, California

Mrs. E. H. Thomas _ _ _ Corr. Secy.

461 Bridge Road
Walnut Creek, California

Mrs. Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949 '

MIRIAM UGHTBOURN, Ass’t Editor
5 Center St., Bernardsville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv, Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y,

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Vera Covert, Anne Tinari

NEWS REPORTERS:

Daisy Jones, Marie Dannemiller,

Joy Hutson, (Eng.), Charlotte
Marshall

BUYER’S GUIDE:

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood,- Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

The African Violet Magazine is pub¬
lished 5 times a year by the African
Violet Society of America, Inc., at 325
W, Clinch Ave., Knoxville, Tenn.
Second-class postage paid at Knox¬
ville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00 per
year. Office Address: P, O. Box 1326,
Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — ■ by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1962.

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 15 NUMBER 4

JUNE 1962

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103

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS
Waste Light
Clem’s Violets
Glazed Pots

Something to Think About
Cleanliness

Window Screen Mesh
Rooting Leaves'

A Good Trade

My Violets Taught Me

Napa Society Assists Imola Club

Soilless Growing Mix for Seeds

Plant Propagating Machine

Insects

Seedlings Are Challenge

Plastic Pots from Violets by Elizabeth

Summer Growing Experience

The Friendly Plant

As My Collection Grew

When I Come There (Poem)

Rain Water

My Girl Scout Badge and African Violets

Rest and Peace with Violets

Ways with African Violets

V-C 13 Drench

Grow Best with Gro-Lux

African Violets and the Joy They Bring

Turkey Feeders Are Real Space Savers

Violet Time (Poem)

Arranging An African Violet Window
The Power of A Violet

Variegation — The Ultimate in African Violets
Once Upon A Time
Best 100

How African Violets Are Used in My Home

From the Five and Dime

Summer Complaint

My Arrangement

More About Gro-Lux

Fluorescent' Growing My Way •

What Is A Good Soil Mix?

The Day Begins and Ends
Whodunit?

For A Hanging Plant or Vine

Mite Control with Sodium Selenate

African Violet Visiting was Happy Experience

Growing the Variegated Type of African Violet

Of African Violets in South Africa

Dreams, They Do Come True

Girl Leaf Was the Beginning

The African Violet Grower

Creative Ideas with African Violets

Beginner’s “Luck”

Growing African Violets
Violet’s Violets

Three Suggestions for Beginners

A Vermonter’s Technique with Saintpaulias

Making Compost

Give Them TLC

Box of Leaves

Roll Call by Verse

From One to None

How I Grow African Violets

Who Can Resist -Growing African Violets?

Keeping Plants Small
Violet Cart
Battle of the Heat

Summer Shading for Home Greenhouses

To Enjoy and To Share

Miniatures

CONVENTION

“Happy Memories” — San Francisco 1962
The National Show
EVERY QUARTER

Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund

President’s Message

Buyer’s Guide

Your Library

New Affiliated Chapters

Registration Report

Question Box ■ . ,

Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African Viole'ts
Show News and Views
Club News
RESEARCH

The Response of African Violets to Gibberellic Acid

2

From the Editor

We beg your pardon Mrs. Sturdivant! Sorry about the mixup in
names in the legend on page 101 of the December Magazine. (Through
error Mrs. Ethel Sturdivant was called Mrs. Olive Lawson.) The photo
will be republished and your name correctly used.

Hope that everyone will notice the name and address of the new
Chairman of Registration and the Boyce Edens Research Fund. They
are printed in this issue with the report from the previous chairman.
Thought it would be best this way so that Mrs. Rosebrock and Mrs.
Coleman would not receive the mail.

The Members’ Handbook will be mailed as soon after the June

Magazine as
Surely

possible. Please don’t write about it. We will hurry as fast as we can.
had a good time at San Francisco — Wonderful Convention California!

GLSl

Sincerely,

HELPS YOU GROW
ER AFRICAN
OLETS THESE 42 ways!

BETTER PLANTING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum

moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula.

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food — no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
elements.

SPRAY Past Control

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

BETTER FEEDING

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

SYSTEMIC

PEST

CONTROL

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru roots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Other Aids & Club Materials

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus.

40. Free samples.

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42.

Displays for
educational booths.

I Laboral

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

3

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

MODEL FH240
FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch.
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results — if so desired —
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50 _

New TABLE MODEL New

MODEL FM240

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

FO^ iTu bIsTo^watt

MODEL FH220

(Size; 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch.
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mgil check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Manufacturers
217 Broad Avenue

FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

MODEL FH240 \

810.50

MODEL FM240 (Table Model) i

812.50

MODEL FH220 ^

^ 8.90

Built in 2 sockets for regular
$1.50 per fixture.

bulbs

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ -

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name - - -

Address - - -

City _ State -

Waste Light

Martha M. Palmer, Norwich, Connecticut
To receive full benefit from one’s fluores¬
cent lights, they must be dusted regularly —
about once a week. This means the tubes and
reflectors, also the incandescent light bulbs.
One will be surprised at the amount of dust
and film that collects on them in a short time.
It is most essential that these lights be clean
in order to receive the rays’ full strength.

Occasionally I like to use a little Lestoil or
Handy Andy on a damp cloth to remove the
accumulation; and it smells so clean after¬
wards. •

OUR NEW FOR

Easter Dream — Summer Song
Purple Showers — Morning Dawn — Perlette
Trail’s End — Marthann — Golden Jewel
Dawn C — Ever Gae

Stamp for List Closed Fridays

THE CONIBERS

5149 Ellicott St. Road Batavia, New York

GREENSAND RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

Home of Organic Horticultural Supplies
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED A. VEITH

3505 Mozart Ave. Cheviot P. O.

Cincinnati 11, Ohio

ASK FOR: SMITH'S PLANTER MIX

at your favorite
Variety, Grocery, Seed
or Hardware Store.

If not available
ORDER DIRECT
4 quarts $1.00
POSTPAID

Club Presidents
Write for FREE SAMPLES for door prizes

Smith Potting Soil Co.

2513 E. 19th St. Tulsa, Okla.

ATTENTION:

4

P O N G E - R O K''

The Rock That Breathes In Your Soil
. . , the permanent growing medium for every horticulturol use
from seed germination to soil conditioning

Sponge-Rok is a volcanic, silicous rock exploded by on exclusive process in modern furnaces to form
pure white pellets of sponge-like appearance. Each pellet is a myriad of tiny cells that will hold
water, air and plant foods for hungry roots. It can be mixed with earth, peat moss, charcoal, and
countless other ingredients to assist plant growth. It is widely accepted as the finest material
known for aeration, drainage and insulation against extreme temperature changes. Sponge-Rok is
completely sterile for all forms of fungi, bacteria and organic matter are destroyed in its manufacture.
Packed in Vi and 2 Byshel Bags — Write for Samples and Prices

SPONGE-ROK SALES

7112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wise.

Dealers and commercial growers — write for prices on direct factory shipments

PLANTS — ROOTED CUTTINGS LEAVES

Newest and Older Varieties
Write for List

MRS. COURT JOHNSTON

Route 1, Box 48 Carrollton, IIL

IMPROVED NEW

White Cover— 1960 Third Revised Edition

“AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOB
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure, Afri¬
can violet arrangements, judges, judging, species,
gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules, and other
(helpful) up-to-date information. $1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

NOW . . . with NEW
Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.
1 tray — $8.50; 2 trays — - $16.00;
3 trays — $23.50. F.O.B, Cleveland.

Enioy the Finest in Indoor Gardening!

World^s Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Rapid-Start Fluorescent Lights!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practical unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African Violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and get
strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW every
Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded fiberglass
trays . . . lightweight and strong, easy to keep clean
and impervious to moisture, chemicals or weather!
Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays, $57.00;
2 Trays, $44.50. (Light Fixtures additional.) Rugged
lifetime construction of satin aluminum' tubing. The
large 'heavy duty 4” diameter rubber-tired, ball bearing
swivel casters makes it easily mov.oj^le, even over heavy
carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with Combolite fix¬
tures designed especially for flower culture, combining
incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved superior to
either one alone! New Rapid-Start fluorescent lights.
No starters are necessary!

NOTE— The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy to
again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete unit) as an award
at the 1963 Convention, Kansas City, Mo., April 4, 5, 6, 1963.
CLASS— Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1 ■white,
any variety) scoring the highest points. Each plant must score at
least 85 points. These plants are to be entered in the regular
classes for true purples, pinks, and whites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS —

1953— Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954— Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955— Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956— Mrs. L. A, Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957— Mrs. J. R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958— Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959— Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

1960— - Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer-, Brightwaters, New York.

1961~Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1962— Mrs. J. W. Shuey, Richmondf California.

ORDER TODAY , * .

Send check or money or^er.
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts, accessories and Tips on
Indoor Gardening!

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street _

Cleveland 2, Ohio

5

S£Mo roR rouR copy op
life. THIS Big 24 PACE
CATALOG • MANY
VARIETIES llltlST|tATi»
IN COLOR •AFRICAN
P ^ VIOLETS IN RLOOM
UP. POSTPAID

AFRiCANI
VBOLET i
Catalog I

SPOUTZ AE'RICAN VIQLET
Greenhouses
34304 Moravian Drive
Fraser, Michijjan

TtiP

AFRICAN VIOLETS

GET MORE BEAUTY AND BLOOMS FROM
YOUR AFRICAN ViOLETS/ USING THESE

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in water and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings and cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

10 ox. Pkg.# mokot 60 Galt.# — Pastpaid# f 1.00

PANONoX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor*
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

% Qt., ate — 2 Qts., 9tc — 4 Qft., ttc

BUGONeX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

S Dx. spray bamb, ttc — ’ I t ax. spray bomb, $1.tf

THEONftX African Violet Book, Postpaid $1
Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

HYDROPONIC CHEMICAL CO., INC., Copley 21, Ohio, U.S.A.

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED
We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song, Afterglo, Good
News, T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waverly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a lisit of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approximately 100 seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A~— more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B — from varie¬
ties having “girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C — from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D— from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM — our best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a “no failure” $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

Clem’s Violets

Clem had a bench downstairs you see . . .
A window overhead ... A tray of leaves he
begged from me , . . No violet book he’d read
. . . The basement was much too cool . . . The
workbench much too dark . . . He didn’t
follow any rule . . . He tried them for a lark
... I told him they would never grow . . .
And never, never bloom . . . He couldn’t use
my space though ... He had no other room
. . . Soon his plants were growing . . . And
buds did then appear . . . He couldn’t keep
from crowing . . . His pride and joy was
clear ... I really think the only way . . . He
got those plants to thrive . . .Was sheer will¬
power day by day ... To keep them all
alive!

Elinor Kunda
Lebanon, Pa.

CATALOG 25^

African violets, ferns, begonias, Gesneriads,
tropical foliage plants.

TROPICAL PARADISE GREENHOUSE

8825 West 79th St. Overland Park, Kans.

Beautiful decorative design of gleam¬
ing rustproof aluminum. 24 x 14 inch
waterproof tray has decorative red¬
wood ends. Uses 2 standard 20-watt
lamps. Complete with fluorescent
lamps, switch, line cord. Add $2.00
for Gro-Lux lamps.

Only $17.85 postpaid
($18.85 west of Mississippi)

lOc brings complete catalog including

New Type Fixtures Designed Especially
for Grooving Plants. Or 35c brings cata¬
log and informative plant light booklet.

SHOPLITE CO« Phone; North 7-6021

650V Franklin Ave. Nutley 10, N.J.

6

Glazed Pots

Rose Gassmann, San Jose, Calif.

So far my experience with glazed pots has
been very successful. Our valley gets quite
warm in the summer and I find the violets
do not dry out so fast, also they get more
humidity in the glazed pots.

The plastic pots are good also but they
are not as solid; seem to tip easily when there
is a large plant in one of them.

I buy the glazed pots in different colors and
the African violets look so beautiful in them.#

Visil-ors Welcome Moil RFD #1, Athol

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipston, Moss. (Near Fox Run)

WHATS NEW IN FALL LOVELIES?
Stamp brings list about July 15th.

Plants — Rooted Cuttings — - Fresh Leaves
(State Inspected)

GUNK — Leaf Rooter - — (concentrate) 1 qt,
$1.25 pp; 1 gal, $3.25 pp.

(Closed Mondays except by Appointment)
Phone Athol Ch 9-4949

FRESH

CUT LEAVES

$1.00 Each -

— Any 10 for $9.00

Blue Capri

Persian Sunbeams

Beauty Tips

Persian Pastelle

Dixie Nugget

Persian Dandy

Fire Brand

Persian Doll

Golden Jewel

Persian Peach Puff

Gay White Way

Paint Brush

Green Sleeves

Radiance

Green Giant

Roundelay

Hi Light

Red Arrow

Marble King

Shangri-La Prince

New Era

Shangri-La My Clara

Purple Showers

Shangri-La Queen

Pink Orbit

Shangri-La Dream

750 Each -

- Any 10 for $6.50

Bouffant

Pink Africana

Busy Lizzie

Ragged Riley

Bold One

Savannah Sweetheart

Decca

Sea Chantey

Delilah

Touch of Fire

Elegance

Tall Talk

Gaylee

Tissue Pink

Glowing Fire

Tropic Isle

Kiz

Velvet Venus

Pink Organdy

Winnifred Leigh

Please include $1.00 for Postage and Packing.

Make Check or Money Order Payable to Doris

Intile. Hundreds of
Request.

other varieties — ■ List on

Q)oris' African Violet Corner

308 Franklin St.

Bloomfield, N. J.

Phone PI 8-5485

To Increase the Pleasure of Gardening

YOU, TOO,
CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING
AFRICAN
VIOLETS

PLANT MARVEL'S
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

For years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural„'6oncentrat-
ed food elements needed for rapid, healthy
growth and bloom. Very easy and economical
to use ... a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c
package makes 125 gals., $1.49 package mak^
250 gals., of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No
harm to bloom or foliage when used as directed.
Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to
children and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal
insecticide. 5 oz, can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARViL LABORATORIES

Dept. Av29, 624 W. 11 9th St.

Chicago 28, Illinois

7

Something To Think About

As I sit here and think about being a mem¬
ber of the African Violet Society since 1960,
I begin to have some doubts about its reality.
Yes, I get the wonderful magazines and extra
bulletins and an occasional letter from one
or another thoughtful member, but even with

RUHM'S PHOSPHATE ROCK

Nature's Way' African Violet Soil
Potash rock — Limestone

Horn and Hoof — Blood — Bone — Cotton
and Fish meals — Tobacco and Leather
dusts - — Activo — Organo — and Atlas
Fish Emulsion, etc.

lO^z! Coin Brings Price List.

SOIL-CONDITIONERS

P. O. Box 384 Littleton, Moss.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

BEST of OLD and NEW
- — Send Stamp for List — -

MARY 0. BLACKBURN

404 Montlieu Ave. High Point, N. C.

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or black finish, and 1 8", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V2" — • $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 1 0" — $2.98
each or two for $5.50; 30" x 10" — $3.49
each or two for $6.50. Order by size and color.
VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40— $1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

RIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1.00, with full directions.
TROPI-GROWER — See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid.

21/4” peat pots- — 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29.
3” peat pots — 25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1 1 26 Arthur St. Dept. J22 Wausau, Wis.

all this I somehow don’t feel a part of the
group. I have some nice plants that respond
to my care and I love to give my friends some
too.

But above all, I feel the need to belong to
a club. I know this may sound a bit foolish
but let’s look at it this way. If, for instance,
a particular club would pick at random the
name of some foreign member and invite him
to be a "corresponding" member, wouldn’t
this not only foster more around the world
friendships, but give us outsiders a feeling of
belonging? Some people might not respond to
the invitation but I’m sure that many ardent
African violet lovers such as myself would be
thrilled to know we “belonged" to a club. The
club could make the person an honorary mem¬
ber because there could be no active parti¬
cipation, but the club could tell the member
of its plans, send advice when asked for, keep
him or her informed of coming programs, and
send along any news items pertinent to the
club.

Perhaps the members would send a group
photo and the "adopted" member could tell
of his or her experiences in violeting and
send a photo of his or herself and collection.

I am certain of one thing: this would be
a wonderful way of showing just what won¬
derful flowers African violets are, and what
truly nice people African violet lovers are.
Sincerely,

Nancy M. de Levy

Sta. Monica 21, Mexico 12, D. F.

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insect-icides, Soil, Plastic Labols, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle _ - $1.45

Mildex (mildew) _ 1.25

NNOR, per bottle _ 1.55

Kelthane, per bottle _ 1 .55

25 - 1 14 in. (Thumbnail) plastic pots — 1.00

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1.40

Tropi-Grower _ 2,98

1 1 0 Greenplast labels _ _ _ — - 1 .00

12 capsules sodium seienate - 1.65

28 capsules sodium seienate - 3.30

100 capsules sodium seienate _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide - $1,00

COMPLETE LINE
WRITE FOR CATALOG

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street
PENNS GROVE 6, N. J.

8

Cleanliness

That one word means the difference be¬
tween lovely healthy plants and poor un¬
healthy stunted runts. To achieve healthy
plants, keep all your utensils clean, and your
soil sterilized. This takes only a little while
but pays big dividends when you see your
violets full of bloom, with the leaves the good
healthy color they were intended to be.

Ken Barnes

Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Hard-To-Find Indoor Equipment

NEW 1962 CATALOG — of unusual and hard-
to-find supplies, equipment and accessories for
African violets. Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas,
all greenhouse and indoor plants. 60 illustrated
pages. Everything from potting mixes and plas¬
tic pots to large aluminum plant stands and
fluorescent lights. Largest selection any catalog
specializing in African violet supplies and
equipment for indoor plants. Send 20c now in
stamps or coin for your copy.

The House Plant Corner

Box 855 Oxford, Maryland

now !

THE NEW <^ube Graft

WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C

1311 West 80lh Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!
HERE'S REAL ECONOMY!

THRIFTEE

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PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

Now

Available

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COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
^Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

• Permanent-— Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones— and of competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Mode by the mokers of famous

LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will nat curl, rat, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a
damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Markers are a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plant
markers are required in quantity ol a
minimum price!

THRIFTEE Marker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3” Thriftee Markers — 7/16” wide;
4”. 5’’, and 6” — 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.
Be sure to specify color desired

otherwise, oil orders will be filled with

spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS “'pI/s-ro box 216

Clyde, Michigan

Far West: 1864 S. 120th St., SeatUe 88, Washington
Canada: C. A. Cruickshank, 1015 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Toronto 12, Ontario

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES

21/4”

21/2”

3”

31/2”

4”

Square

21/4'
21/2'
31 ’

3^/2

4”

IV4”

2”

21/4”

21/2”

3”

31/2”

4”

Square Pots — White
25/il.40 50/$2.50 100/$ 4.40

25/$1.65 50/$3.00 100/$ 5.75

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

25/$2.20 50/$4.15 100/$ 8.00

25/$3.30 50/$6.00 100/$11.00

Pots ~ (Utility) Mottled Colors
25/$1.10 50/$1.95 100/$ 3.30

25/$1.40 50/$2.50 100/$ 4.40

25/$1.65 50/$3.00 100/$ 5.75

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

25/$2.20 50/$4.15 100/$ 8.00

Square Trays
25/$1.65
25/$1.95

— Black Only
50/$3.00 100/^

50/$3.60 100/^

5.75

Round Pots — White

25/$1.10
25/ $1.40
25/$1.50
25/$1.65
25/$2.20
25/$3.00
25/$4.15

50/$1.95

50/$2.50

50/$2.75

50/$3.00

50/$4.15

50/$5.75

50/$7.70

100/$ 3.00
100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.50
100/$ 7.70
100/$11.00
100/$13.50

Round Pots — (Utility) Mottled Colors

2”

21/4

2V2

3”

31/2

4”

25/$1.10

25/$1.40

25/$1.50

25/$l,65

25/$1.95

25/$3.30

50/$1.95
50/$2.50
50/$2.75
50/ $3 .00
50/$3.60
50/$6.00

100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.40
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.75
100/$ 6.60
100/$11.00

Round Plastic Saucers ■— Black Only

#2 for 2”, 21/4”. 21/2” Pots

25/$1.10 50/$1.95 100/$ 3.30

#3 for 3” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.40 50/$2.50 100/$ 4.40

#4 for 3V2”, 4” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

Plastic Tubs (Squatties)

3”, 31/2”, 4” — White or Utility Colors ~ Same
price as regular round pots — respectively.

PLASTIC MINIATURE GREENHOUSE

8” long - 6” wide - 5%” high. Top clear plastic.
Base heavy white. Open and close ventilator. 2
racks. 12-1 1/4” pots. $3.30 complete.

IMPORTED — - MIST SPRAYER
Chrome plated pump with attractive plastic
bowl, $1.98 plus 25c postage. One FREE with
each $25.00 order of plastic pots and supplies.

WHITE PLASTIC MARKERS 41/2” long 100/$1.25
WATERPROOF PENCILS — 25c; 5 for $1.00
POST-A-NOTE — Regulation size post cards with
spray of purple violets in upper left hand corn¬
er. 40 cards to box $1.10.

VIOLET-SELECT-A-NOTE— 24 Vellum French¬
fold Notes and envelopes decorated with blue
violets and silver. Assorted captions to be in¬
serted for the occasion — for “Thank You,”
“Best Wishes,” etc. Note size, 31/2x41/2, box $1.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION — Pint $1.00; Quart
$1.90; Gallon $6.25.

PLANT MARVEL — 1/2 lb. can $1.00; Pound
can $1.75.

POSTAGE — Please add 10% to New Mexico,
Colo., Wyo., No. and So. Dak., all states on West
Coast, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Fresh-cut leaves - — newest varieties — 50c
12/$5.00 12/$10.00

Plus $1.00 Postage

MRS. N. B. WILSON

41 Love St. Dept. A.V.M. Austell, Georgia

Window Screen Mesh

Rose Gassmann, San Jose, Calif.

It is impossible for me to keep a secret
when it concerns African violets. This is one
of the greatest! So, I am very glad to share it.

I just simply blow a fuse when I repot a
plant and poke through the drain hole and
find nothing there to ease my plant up . . .
as a result I disturb all those beautiful roots.

Now all my pots have a nice little square
of window screen mesh over the drainage
hole. I use the aluminum kind as it does not
rust. It is very inexpensive and is so easy
to work with — any little old pair of scissors
will do the job of cutting it. •

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Young, sturdy plants. Fresh cut leaves. Choicest
named varieties. Free list.

SHADYWOOD GARDENS

7309 French Drive Kenosha, Wisconsin

LEAVES, PLANTS AND ROOTED CLUMPS

Newest and Good Older Varieties

Stamp for List

MRS. JAMES D. FOWLER

651 Greystone Sheridan, Wyo.

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes

Standard & Squatty 3” — Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Ideal for Violet Shows— Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays
6 for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

4927 Transit Road Williarnsville 21, N, Y.

CHOICEST OF NEW VIOLETS

Sold here at house ... I do not ship plants.

10

Rooting Leaves

Dorothy Cowen, Zillah, Washington

When I root m.y African violet leaves, I
use a large wick-fed plastic pot or planter. I
put good soil in first, then fill the container
with vermiculite and perlite or Sponge-Rok.
Watering is never a problem. The roots go
down into good soil, and when the plantlets
are ready to divide there are lots of sturdy
roots. •

A new creation ....

ROPCO Soil Inoculont
for African Violets

Ropco Soil Inoculant is an organic product
which activates the soil, stimulates plant
growth, and will not burn. It contains millions
of living aerobic soil bacteria which feed plants
with the right amount of balanced ration of
nitrogen, phosphate and potash plus trace ele¬
ments. Ropco is a long lasting organic plant
food.

21/2 lb. package $1,50 postpaid (Zone 5 and
beyond add 25^ additional postage)

BERNARD D. GREESON

Dept. J

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wise.

Send 10c for complete A. V. supply catalog

~ New Sylyania Gro-Lux Tube —
Now Available

NOTICE! We can now supply NEW SYLVANIA
GRO-LUX TUBES as described on page 27 of
the September, 1961 and page 109 March, 1962
issues of this Magazine.

6-40 Watt 48” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each — $14.10
6-20 Watt 24” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each — $13.20
Packed 6 in Shipping Carton. NO LESS SOLD.
We Pay the POSTAGE.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Oak Creek, Wis.

ROOTED CUTTINGS
(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

See September 1961 issue for pot
prices or a postcard will bring com¬
plete listing of violets and supplies.

Violets by Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

VISITORS WELCOME

ATLAS FISH EMULSION
for BETTER AFRICAN VIOLETS

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
For vigorous growth, fine texture of foliage and
profusion of rich colored blooms on your Afri¬
can violets, use non-burning, 100% organic
ATLAS! Only V4, teaspoon per quart lukewarm
water every 10-14 days. Try it —■ buy it today
and see the difference.

At dealers everywhere. If not available, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; iuart $1.80; Gallon $6.2i.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., (LOGO - Room 460)
San Francisco 11, Cal.

BEAUTIFUL NEW

FITS ALL 2/iom. L^arh . . Interchangeable
on all models!

ATTRACTIVE NEUTRAL COL»OR...Perma
nently molded-in'to every tray!

LIGHT-WEIGHT AND STRONG ... Easy to
handle. ..Won’t dent or break!

RUST- PROOF -RESISTS CHEMICALS.. .

Impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY -TO - CLEAN SURFACE .. . Washable,
hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN... For 'draining
...without removal of plants!

Frici: I TRAY -I 8.50 2 TRAYS- 18.00 STRAYS- 23.50

R*mit fey Chiete @f M@F*«y Order F. © B. Qhm.

Dhi® 31 mim las,

1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

11

A Good Trade

Mrs. Simon Olson, Grace¥ille, Minnesota

Here is a potential use I have found for the
dignified, versatile violet.

I ordered a sack of bird feed for our winter
harassed wild birds. The man from the chick¬
en hatchery delivered the feed and suggested
he trade out the cost in violets. He has tried
unsuccessfully to grow violets as he would like
them to grow. So we made the little bargain
of two sturdy violet plants, a red and a blue,
for the 50 pounds of chick feed. The wild birds
are waxing fat and gay because of the good
feed; I hope his violets are doing as well. •

GRO-LUX LAMPS -- all sizes BLACK-LIGHT

DISCARDED TUBES FOR PATIOS AND GREENHOUSES

Fixtures and Lamps -- All sizes
For Residence or Business

Fluorescent Tube Service

10824 S. Broadway Los Angeles 61# Calif*

Phone PLymouth 6-1481 and 6-1100

DIE-SLUG

Metaldehyde Emulsion
Fortified with Dieldrin

Kills Slugs and Snails in Flower Beds, Gardens
and Greenhouses.

See Article page 88, Volume 15, Number 2,
African Violet Magazine.

PRICE POSTPAID

1 Pint ..... $2.00

1 Quart ..... 3.00

1 Gallon .... 9.00

Distributorships Available

Manufactured in U. S* A. by

TRIANGLE CHEMICAL COMPANY

P. O. Bax 1501 Macon, Georgia

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay

Your choice of pure white, spring green, gay
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky blue
(We will ship green if no color is given)

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS
SIZES AND STYLES

A— 4%” vertical stake
P— 2”x5” tee stake
P4— 4” T stake, removable tab
C — .6” vertical stake
D— horizontal tie-on tag
E— -l”x3” horizontal tle-on tag
F— %”x2” notched tle-on tag
H— 2%”xS” tee stake
J— 3”xl2” tee stake
K™4%”x18” tee stake
P— -l”xl2” vertical stake

Tie-On Copper Wires Included with D, E, and F.
THRIFTEE FLEXIBLE COLORED LABELS

Postpaid

Quantity

Prices

Style

50

100

500

A

$1.25

$ 5.50

B

$27(10

2.15

11.00

B4

1.50

6.00

C

■i”5§

2.25

10.00

D

135

2.00

9.00

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F

1.25

5.00

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

SIZE

100

125

250

500

1000

7/16” X 3” vertical marker

$1.00

$1.60

$2.50

5/8” x4” vertical marker

$1.90

1.55

2.50

3.90

5/8” X 5” vertical marker

$1.00

2.30

3.65

4.80

5/8” X 6” vertical marker

1.15

2.55

4.10

5,40

5/8” X 8” vertical marker

1.45

3.40

5.40

7.20

See Information

Above

Relative

to Colors

TRIAL ASSORTMENTS; No. 1—50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H-— $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2—125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes— $1.00 postpaid.

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A. $1.00; .1,000 Style A, $7.95 ppd.

Ask for free complete folder showing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification.

1126 ARTHUR ST.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

Dept. JZ3

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

12

1962 RELEASES

NOW SHIPPING and READY for PICK-UP.
Beauty Tips, Blue Stictite, Bo-Ty, Bouffant,
Canadian Skies, Decca, E-Lou, Erie Blue, Fli-
Tee, Goylee, lolena, Konchi, Orchid Stictite,
Pac-O-Bloom, Pink Organdy, Sunburst, Also,
many other popular ones. Send 4^ stamp for
full descriptive list.

Telephone NE 7-S71f CDDD area 7161

N AO M r S

141 Holley Street
Brockport# New York

FRESH CUT LEAVES 25^ Each
ROOTED LEAVES 50^ Each
None Higher

Soft Plastic Rim Guard — covers sharp
edges on all sizes and shape plastic
pots. 10^ foot, 25^ shipping and
handling. Complete line of supplies.

4^ Stamp for List

J's AFRICAN VIOLETS

6932 Wise Aye. St. Louis 10, Mo.

YOARS GREENHOUSE

Bunker Hill, Indiana

African violets, begonias, ferns, and general
line of pot plants. Sodium selenate — 50c with
stamped envelope. V~C 13 ■ — $2.75 shipped. List
of new cuttings, plants and supplies will be
sent to those sending stamped envelope.

Violet

Hanky

Imported

from

Switzerland

Violet bouquets in true-to-life colors on fine
batiste. Hand rolled hem. 1314'' square. Gift
envelope, $1.25 ppd.

Violet Notes for your correspondence. 10 Notes
and envelopes in gold box, $1.15. 2 boxes

D. H. BECKER

1378 lost Sth St. Brooklyn 30, New York

Made for Each Other!

African Violets ond
Garden-Gyide
Unbreakable Plastic
HOUSE PLANT
MARKERS

41/2” stake with detachable
name plate to identify
plants easily,
attractively, permanently!

Thin stem
design won't
harm flowers,
leaves or
root
structure.

Here's a brand n-ew concept in house plant
markers that outmodes all others! So new! So
unique! So good-looking! So practical! . . . It's
a wonder it wasn't invented long ago! It is
the perfect answer to a long felt need — - so
exactly right, really, you'll want one for every
plant in your home!

LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL FEATURES:

• LIFETIME QUALITY: Reusable, year-after¬
year! On a use-basis, the most econonlicQl of
all! No replacing every season . . . your first
cost is your last!

• GUARANTEED: Impervious to sun, water,
extremes of heat or cold, and to garden
chemicals!

• ANCHOR-RIDGE prevents turning or twist¬
ing in loose soil!

• DE LUXE APPEARANCE: Graceful form,
color harmonized in two shades of garden green
to blend beautifully with foliage. Gives smart,
orderly effect!

• REUSABLE NAME PLATES: Super tough,
weather resistant plastic, held securely on stake
and properly tilted for good visibility and in¬
stant, easy reading! Name plates are readily
removable, interchangeable, reversible. Con be
erased as desired, making these name plates
reusable for years!

1 to 99 stokes with name plates, each
100 ©r more stokes with name plates,
each 414^

• Sold on a satisfaction guaranteed or money-
back basis.

• If your dealer cannot supply, send coupon
direct, please.

(DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED)

HARLAN E COMPANY

P. O. Box 516, Highland Pork, III.

HARLANE COMPANY, Dept. AV-121
P. O. Box 516, Highland Pork, III.

I enclose $ _ (check or M.O.) for

which please send me PREPAID items be¬
low: (no stamps, no C.O.D. please— minimum
order $1.00)

_ stakes with name plates @ 5c each

1 to 99

_ _ stakes with name plates @ 41/20 each

100 or more

NAME _ _ _ _ _ .................

ADDRESS _ _

CITY _ _ ZONE-

STATE..

13

My Violets Taught Me

Mrs. Louis R. Schmitt, Eldorado, Wisconsin

To me African violets are the friendliest of
plants but they are also very temperamental
as they certainly make their likes and dislikes
known. They hate wet feet; they hang their
leaves when thirsty; they droop and scowl,
even stop blooming, if neglected. I used to
have a terrible time with them until I learned
what they liked and disliked.

Some of the things I do for mine are:

I feed them a varied diet of Stim-U-Plant
one week, then the next week Hyponex, and
Ra-Pid-Gro the third week; then nothing for
two weeks. Always water them with warm
water, either from the top or bottom. They
must breathe, so put small sticks under the
bottom of the pot to raise it a trifle,

I use Terra-Lite and good black garden soil.
We have river bottom soil, which I mix with
the Terra-Lite, and they really like it. I also
place a small piece of charcoal in each pot. I
spray them twice in the winter, but very sel¬
dom in the summer.

When I want to start new ones I take some
leaves from the second row from the center.

Miniatures — Popular Varieties — Supplies

Send for Free Shipping List

Mrs. Sophia Baker’s 1962 Beauties and many
other new varieties

SPIDELL'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

1380 Garfield St. Eugene, Oregon

FRED'S MASTER MIX

So named because it contains 7 basic ingredients
for the growing of fine show violets. No orders
sold for less than 10 lbs. at 40c per lb. Satis¬
faction is guaranteed. Order direct from this ad.
Postage not included.

FRED'S VIOLETRY

505 3rd Ave. Sheldon, Iowa

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product, that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50 to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c
sales tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

Box 8425 Cleveland 34, Ohio

Mrs. Schmitt is holding a double purple African violet
that she started from a leaf about two years ago.

cutting or breaking them off “slanty-wise”,
then slit the end about y4 inch, dip in Rootone,
shake off the excess, and plant the leaf in a
pot. The leaves usually grow. I move them
around the house from window to window
so they get their needed amount of sunshine.
They are just like old friends; I certainly
would miss them if I didn’t have any. I seem
to have more time for them during the winter
months and they really respond to the extra
care I give them.

I isolate any newcomers for a few weeks
before I put them with my other violets, and
keep them away from all other types of house
plants.

I use ordinary tap water that goes through
the water softener, also we have an artesian
well, so I don’t know if there is any difference
in the water. I think the temperature of the
water is very important.

African violets like attention every day,
even if it is only a little turn of the flower
pot so that they stay in better form. I have
so many flowers outdoors that I am sure my
violets are neglected in the summer to a cer¬
tain extent. In the fall and winter they more
than outdo themselves, blooming for months
and months without stopping. They are very
beautiful. I want to make a stand for them
and put lights on it.

There are so many different things we all
do for our violets that I don’t think I do any¬
thing unusual, but I hope someone will get

some good from this little story. •

BINDERS — for your African Violet Maga¬
zine. 2 for $6.50 postpaid. Each binder holds
10 copies. African Violet Magazine lettered in
gold on the dark green cover. Write, African
Violet Society, P.O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn.

14

Scientific Bacterial Composition

A C T r YO

Stretches Fertilizer. Instils soils with life and
energy. Activates compost. Activo will promote
better growth and blooming of violets. Punch
holes around edges of pot and sprinkle in
moist ACTIVO. Complete directions in each
package. Works especially well with Atlas Fish
Fertilizer.

114 lb. package $1.98 postpaid
(West of Denver add 25^ postage)

BERNARD D. GREESON

Dept. J

3548 N. Cramer St. Milwaukee 11, Wise.

Send 10c for complete growing supplies catalog

"Variety Is the spice of life"

Send for free list.

EVELYN MASON or DORA BAKER

372 S. Miss. River Blvd 2182 Stanford Ave..

St. Paul 5, Minn. st. Paul 5, Minn.

SAINTPAULIAS HYBRID DAYLILIES

African violet plants, bloom size, labeled, as¬
sorted, our choice: 10/ $4.95, plus 65c postage.
Leaves: fresh cut, 10/$1.25, newer, 25c ea., 30/
$6.00. Our list of 600 var. 10c. Seed: $1.00 pkg.,

A. V., also hybrid daylily. 1 year size daylily
seedlings from hand-pollinated seed, $1.75 doz.
Fine for ground covers ... or naturalizing.

FFOULKES'

610 Bryan St., Dept. A. V. Jacksonville, 2, Fla.

DO YOU HAVE .

An exquisite white violet with a
magenta center — just like a
gorgeous small orchid?

A stunning pink double star with each
petal tip etched in glowing red?

A huge, full, white flower with flaring
side petals and vivid green edging
like ^Tatting?'^

A lively double pink or frilly blue
which goes berserk with bloom and
hides the foliage?

THESE ARE BUT A FEW OF THE
NEW AND EXOTIC BEAUTIES IN
OUR VIOLETRY

(Convention releases, too.)

Stamp Brings Latest List

Leaves Rooted Cuttings

State inspected Plants

African Violets by MARGE

1722 Boston Post Rd. (Route #1)

Milford, Conn.

Only 1 Vi hours from New York City

— ADVERTISERS —

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

The Editor and Publisher of the African Vio¬
let Magazine reserve the right to accept or
reject and/or modify in any way all advertis¬
ing copy which is submitted to the African
Violet Magazine for publication.

— SWEET DREAMS —

Our Q.T. EXPLORER is now registered. It is a
very strong bloomer of semidouble deep royal
purple blooms with pronounced yellow stamens.
The foliage is a lovely deep green, attractively
waved, the gloss of which will match the gleam
in your eye when you grow it to maturity.

NIGHT MARES

Too Mony To Mention

Our 1962 Master Catalog which contains many,
many more good and reliable varieties is still
available with a coupon good for 25c — all
for 15c

QUALITY VIOLET HOUSE

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7, Mich.

Phone 243-6651

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

NEW PINK VARIEGATED

FIRE BRAND — Double ruffled dark
pink with lighter edges. Round
variegated foliage.

Fresh cut Leaves shipped

Spring List ready including other variegateds,
old favorites and the best of other growers.
Plants available at home. Visitors Welcome.

Champion's African Violets

Van Hoesen Road, Rt. 2 Clay, New York

Located in Syracuse area, 4 miles west of
Cicero, 1 mile north of Route 31.

— WATCH FOR OUR NEW OFFER —

You can depend on "SOMETHING NEW" and
amazing in varieties of African violets to come
out at our National Convention. Plan to attend
or read your Magazine. Our circulars will have
the latest varieties. Stamped envelope please.

The Select Violet House

Box 1444 Youngstown, Ohio

15

A member of the patients’ African Violet
Club at Napa State Hospital (extreme right)
proudly displays her luxuriously blooming

NAPA. Society
Assists Imola Club

plant '‘that grew so large because I love it,”
she said during the plant inspection session
conducted by volunteers from the Napa Afri¬
can Violet Society. They are, left to right,
Erma Williams, president; Edna White, vice
president; and members Marge Peterson and
Oacle Mees. Looking on at extreme left is
therapist Susan Follansbee, project coordina¬
tor.

Mrs. Williams says, “This Club is made up
of patient members only who are on their
own with their plants. No nurses attend these
meetings or help them to care for their plants.
We found that owning the plants individually
and having full responsibility for their care
promotes interest and a competitive spirit
which gives them confidence. This work with
those less fortunate than we is most rewarding
to the Volunteers and one need only watch
these happy faces to know it is well worth
the few hours of time we give.” •

(§arde^J^lciKter^

The Newest Idea in African Violet Planters

Here is a new group of sensational, low-priced ^

planters, sturdily molded of high-impact Styrene \ |

and plated with brilliant metals in jeweler’s ii /

finishes. Three tier model holds nine or more Ml

African violet plants in a spectacular display. / \ ^ ft

Plants have more room to grow large and

healthy. Specially designed watering well pre- | / \

vents possibility of overwatering . . . helps keep ^ ^ ^

soil loose and healthy. ^ ^

Order Your Babylon Garden Planter

Ifii These Sensational Low Prices

Brilliant Jeweler Finished Metal Plated. Will not chip or
ft:V tarnish, even after many years of use. Specify gold, silver or

. **"*!’; ‘‘V - *

Double tier _ 4.75

Three tier _ 6.00

L. . Special Offer:

1 each of all three models - 12.95

Attractive^ plastic finishes in dark copper-tone marble or white

^ 1 each of all three models _ 8.45

.^1 1' All orders postpaid. Send check or money order
^ ^ ^ " today toi

^ flJk I ICB^C 2404 Grandview Boulevard

5 Waukesha, Wisconsin

Distributors for Babylon Products Company

16

— FRATHIL'S ORIGINATIONS —

We are developing a new series of plants that
we believe will leave violet lovers breathless

See the lovely new variegated plants with many
colored blossoms

^TOMORROW^S PROMISE^^

^^SHEER GENIUS''

"BEHOLD"

We now ship cuHings at the price of
rooted leaves

STAMP FOR LIST PLEASE

252 Cloy Ave. Rochester 13, N.Y.

BRAND NEW VARIETIES and ADVANCED
RELEASES , . . Wide, fringed edges, larger
blooms, variegated blooms and variegated
foliages.

SPONGE-^ROK and LIFETIME MARKERS at
Dealer Prices

Rienhardt's African Violets

4463 W. Seneca Tpk., R. D. 2

Syracuse 15, N. Y.

Located 2 miles west of Syracuse on routes
20N and 175. Telephone HO 9-3789

10,000 Africon Violets

For your selection. One free 214

inch

violet for each party visiting our

diS”

play from out of town or state,

just

mention ad. $1.25 each parcel post or

75^ each at greenhouse.

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahoma City,

Okla.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE

FAIRY FIRE — - red Stars with rippling white
edges.

KLONDIKE — our contender for a bigger,

better dbl. white.

BLUE GIANT — - giant lightly ruffled semidbl.
Star.

— Open Daily and Sundays —

8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Send name and address for descriptive folder.

LYNDON LYON

14 Mutchler St. Dolgeville, New York

Phone 3591

RITA LUCIANO

0. Box 603 Cresskill, New Jersey

SURRENDER — And you will to the charms of this lovely Racy Red dbl. Notched
variegated foliage.

SWEET DREAMS — The beauty of this one will entrance you. Mammoth pink
dbl. Lush variegated foliage.

CASANOVA CUPID — Will definitely capture your heart. Very dbl. fringed
purple. Variegated foliage.

PINK TAFFY - — As sweet as any candy bar. Lovely to behold. Dbl. pink, with
wavy variegated foliage.

WALTZING SHOES — Trip the light fantastic over this white dbl. edged, and
lightly fused with blue. Round variegated foliage.

MINT FRAPPE — Its loveliness captured in this off white dbl. blushing with
pink. Variegated foliage.

PRIZE ENTRY — So named but on this one seeing is believing. Pink coppertone
dbl. Tailored variegated fpliage.

Fresh cut leaves @ $1.50 Rooted cuttings @ $2.50

NOTE

SAMPSON — Vibrant semidbl. blue. Tailored variegated foliage,
and

DELILAH — Vibrant semidbl. pink. Tailored variegated foliage. Will be included
on orders $10.00 or more.

Minimum order from this price list $5.00, plus $1.00 for postage and packing. All shipments sent

Special Delivery.

17

Soilless Growing Mix
For Seeds
No Damping -Off

IN spite of the grower’s best efforts once in
a while he will have trouble with damping-
off of seedlings grown in soil. One of the
state experiment stations has pioneered in the
use of a sterile soilless medium for germinat¬
ing seed. Perhaps some African Violet Maga¬
zine readers have used the soilless method but
we can take advantage of the latest informa¬
tion about this method which is no longer in
the experimental stage.

Some years ago the United States Depart¬
ment of Agriculture published a booklet
advocating the use of sphagnum moss as a
medium for germinating seed. It seems to
contain some substance that checks the fungus
which kills seedlings. Get the seeds to sprout
and there is no further worry. The rate of
growth is controlled by feeding. Give them a
full feeding and they grow rapidly; cut down
on feeding and they slow up. They do not
harden or become stunted, but remain in ex¬
cellent condition until feeding is resumed.
But sphagnum had one serious fault: the roots
of the seedlings formed such a solid mat that it
was impossible to remove the plant without
injury. A medium that would not allow this
sod to form was needed. Vermiculite partly
met the demand but it too had a fault: with
repeated wetting and drying it had a tendency
to become compressed and waterlogged. Be¬
fore the seedlings were ready for transplant¬
ing, the vermiculite was half gone and had
lost its granular texture. Something was lack¬
ing. A new product made of lava rock expand¬
ed by heat and called perlite appeared on the
market. It was stable, it was easily shaken
from the roots, but it did not produce good
seedlings. The growth was slow and plants
were not sturdy.

After a period of experimentation, a com¬
bination of the three was found to be an
excellent medium. It is used at the rate of
one part sphagnum and two parts each of
vermiculite and perlite. This mixture has
proved to be a perfect medium for starting
seeds of all kinds — from the dust-like seeds

AFRICAN VIOLETS

E>ink Poodle, Fire Brand (C), Waterlily, Sissy
Britches, Sleepy, Heaven Sent, Black Jack,
Touch of Fire, Trail’s End, Easter Dream and
many more.

Stamp for List Closed Saturdays

MRS. LiO SPENGLER

15 West Preston Ave. Orlando, Florida

of the African violet to the big seeds of the
nasturtium.

Preparation of Growing Medium

For the preparation and use of the grow¬
ing medium composed of sphagnum moss,
vermiculite and perlite, the following sugges¬
tions are given. This combination of materials
is excellent for starting seedlings. The sphag¬
num increases the stability and is necessary
for very fine seeded species, but may be
omitted when larger seeds are sown. During
watering, for instance, disturbance of fine
seeds may be fatal and sphagnum decreases
this difficulty.

Sphagnum can be obtained from any nur¬
sery or garden center. It should be picked
over by hand to remove leaves, grass, or other
organic matter that might harbor fungus in¬
fection. Rub the dry sphagnum through a
one-fourth inch screen to grind it. Ground
sphagnum can be bought but the cost is
greater. Vermiculite and perlite can be pur¬
chased from a lumber yard at a lower cost
than at a garden center. Ask for the plaster
aggragate grade of perlite and the concrete
aggragate grade of vermiculite. Fill the flats
with the mixture making sure that it is well
packed in the corners and along the edges.
Water the flat and sow the seed, being
careful not to use too much seed as crowded
seedlings can not grow into husky plants.
Large seeds can be planted deeper than in
soil as there will be no crusting or hardening;
African violet seeds should be sown on the
surface. Water with a very fine spray to
avoid disturbing the surface or better still
water from the bottom by setting the flat in
a pan of water. One good thing about this
mixture is that you cannot overwater if there
is proper drainage in the container, as excess
water simply drains away.

It is important to remember that this is a
sterile medium and plant food must be fur¬
nished by using a nutrient solution. Any of
the soluble plant foods will serve if they are
complete, that is, contain all the elements
necessary for growth. The first feeding should
be at about one-half the strength recommended
by the manufacturer, applied as the first seed¬
lings emerge. Feed regularly every week or
ten days until the seedlings are ready to
transplant. When they reach the four to six
leaf stage they should be transplanted into
another flat of the same sterile medium but
set two inches apart each way. When the time
comes to put them into soil, they will be
husky plants with an extensive root system
and there will be far less shock than with
plants grown in soil. If you have rare and
valuable seeds and want the maximum num¬
ber of plants from them, try this sterile grow¬
ing medium — - or method of cultivation with¬
out soil. •

18

KROGMAN^S VIOLETRY

SPECIALIZING IN NEWEST AND
CHOICEST VARIETIES

We have the "100"" best (as listed)
Plus — "Hundreds of the Rest,"

Send dime for list. Apply credit on order,

1325 Parkway Dr. CS. 125) Broekfield, Wis.

NOW! More Efficient
Plant Growth Fluorescents

• Gleaming Qluminum reflectors.

• Exclusive wide spaced tubes for
more even lighting.

• Space saving thin design.

Prices start at less than $5. 10^ Brings Catalog.

SHOPLITE CO.

650 V Franklin Ave. Nutiey 10# NJ.

1962 MOON SIGN BOOK

57th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen¬
sive guide to Lunar Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and exact times for best plonting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Postpaid

LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS

•Dept. AV.

100 Soath Wabasha Street
Soint Poyl 7# Minnesoto

FERNE y. KELLAR

Feme For African Violets

827 N. Moin Harrisonburg, Vo.

The Newest and Older Varieties
Granger, Lyon, Kohler, Hago and
other Growers" Varieties
Write for List
Fall List in September
Fresh Cut Leaves

Rooted Leaves With Small Plantlets
Plan a trip to see and take home from the
lovely display of African violets. Highway
No. 1 1 . Do not take Bypass

which

formula do YOU need?

15-30-15 30-10-10 20-20-20 10-30-20

1 GENE

;RAL PURI

POSE i

FORMULA

• Low Bieuret content • Contains Trace Elements in completely chelated form

• Sequestered to prevent precipitation • Contains no Chlorides and no excess
Sulfates • Designed for Injection Feeding.

Peters soluble fertilizers are used by more commercial florists and nurserymen
than any other brand. Now available in 1, 5 and 25 pound packages. Write for
your free brochure “The Peters system of soil fertility control”.

Designed and manufactured by:

ROBERT B. PETERS CO., INC.

( Prices on request)

2833 PENNSYLVANIA ST., ALLENTOWN, PA.

19

SURPLUS SALE — 4 to 100 stocky violet plants,
labeled, all different, 25c each. Add 10% for
postage and packing. 100 different leaves, not
labeled, $6.00. 5 different Episcia cuttings, la¬
beled, $1.25. Send stamp for violet and house
plant list.

MRS. T. C BEE

Route 3, Box 120 Newnan, Georgia

BRAND NEW RELEASES

Fresh Cut Leaves Only
Mint Frappe Sweet Dreams

Pink Taffy Surrender

Prize Entry Waltzing Shoes

All With Variegated Foliage
$1.50 Per Leaf

Any 3 — $4.00 6 — $7.50

Stamp for List of Other Offerings

Harriette Landon

194 Preston St. Ridgefield Park, N.J.

Diamond 2-7767

Please include $1.00 for Postage and Packing

PEGGY'S VIOLET SHOPPE

Old and New Varieties
Large and Small Plants

Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the House or
by Appointment.

4633 Cole Ave. Dallas 5, Texas

La 1-4739

Dear Folks:

Come and visit us this summer when
you go to the Seattle World’s Fair. We
are on the Sandy Blvd Bypass Route just
east of Portland which connects U. S. 30
with U. S. 99 to Seattle. Drop me a
line and let me know when to expect
you. I will gladly send you a map of
Oregon and Washington. Our hours are
8:30 to 5:00 — closed Wednesday (ex¬
cept by appointment). Our Telephone
is MOhawk 5-9466 after 3 p.m. or before
9:00 a.m.

Cordially,

Grace Arndt

Arndt's Floral Garden

Rf. 2, Box 336 Troutdale, Oregon

Send Stamp For Catalog

Plant Propagating Machine

Alfred S. Daw, Route 2, Box 349,
Naperville, Ill.

A revolutionary idea for the propagating of
African violet leaves has been developed
in the form of a machine which carries the
leaves to and from water and light, auto¬
matically. All you need to do is pot the leaves
in potting material and pots, then insert them
in the trays of the machine that are provided
for carrying the plants.

This machine is approximately 6 feet long,
28 inches wide, and 5 feet high, and carries
approximately 300 two inch pots. It is a metal
framework inside of which are sprockets and
chains that operate somewhat as an endless
conveyor. Between the chains, trays are hung
in such a way that they are always in an up¬
right position during the complete cycle of
movement. These trays carry the potted
leaves, or other plants set for starting.

At a point below the lowest level of the
chain, carrying trays, a watering container is
hung to provide water for the plants. As the
machine proceeds in operation, the trays with
pots are carried through the water allowing
necessary water to the plants. Pots must have
holes in the bottoms since watering is done
from there. Over the top of the machine, and
plants, are two 4 feet fluorescent lights con¬
trolled by an electric clock, to simulate day¬
light.

All the plants get approximately one hour
of watering during each watering period. Ad¬
justments can be made to water every day,
or every second, third, fourth, etc. days, as
required.

The water level in the water container is

controlled by a float and valve for an auto¬
matic operation must be connected to the
water supply under pressure. Also, the
machine is operated by an electric motor,
through gears and chain, which must also be
connected to 115V electric current for auto¬
matic operation. The complete operation is
controlled by an electric clock.

The area of floor space which it covers is
approximately the same as a bench carrying
the same number of pots, namely 300. The
movements of this machine are gentle enough
not to disturb root growth.

This machine is patented as a Plant Pro¬
pagating Machine. •

AFRICAN VIOLETS — ■ Selected and grown to
produce plants that will live and bloom for you.
Both Old and New Varieties

Visitors Always Welcome

BOGARTS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

Route 4 Oswego, N.Y.

6 mi. South of Oswego on East River Road
(Old Route 57)

20

Insects

Any article on insects, their identification,
classification, appearance, and object in life
would be too long and too profound for in¬
clusion in a magazine, however, the actual
number of insects is one of the world’s great¬
est stories.

Insects outnumber human beings 500,000
to 1,000 and if not controlled would soon
destroy the human race and dominate the
earth. The total weight of insects in the world
today is estimated to be greater than all land
animals. There are half a million named
species and countless numbers await identifi¬
cation although they are being named and
described at the rate of about 10,000 a year.

If the laws of nature did not protect us,
we would soon be smothered in flies. It has
been estimated that one pair of flies, given
perfect conditions, could cover the earth 47
feet deep in their offspring in one season.
This is an illustration of how necessary it is
to control destructive insects. •

CHOICE NEW AFRICAN VIOLETS
DRAKE'S VIOLET SHOP

Route 1, Box 96 Hampshire, Ill.

Look for our sign on U. S. Rt. 20 in Pingree
Grove, Ill. Open Mon.- Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. and Sun, by appointment.

Phone 464-8331 Clubs Welcome

PAULINE KUNTZ

WINTERSET, IOWA ROUTE 4

Pink Ribbons, Green Giant, - Wesley White,
Southernaire, Rebel, Bold One, Delilah, Tina,
Pink Organdy, Sunburst, Pac-O-Bloom, Beauty
Tips, Savannah Sweetheart, Tall Talk, Heldie,
Castanet, Sweetheart Blue, Sweet Leilana, and
new Fischer varieties. Send stamp for new
shipping list, which will be out in July.

A HOMEMAKER'S DELIGHT!

These strikingly attractive flower pots of tole-
ware make lovely decorative accessories. Hand
painted violets or roses on a background of
white or green. Pots are four inches in dia¬
meter, may be planted into, or will hide other
pot. A thoughtful gift for a plant loving friend.
Priced at $2.65 each; 2 for $4.95; 3 for $7.25
postpaid.

Stevens Colonial Shop

745 Monroe Street Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Catalog on request

MADISON GARDENS

W. Middle Ridge Rood Madison, Ohio

These ore some of our most beoutiful
violets for '62

2V%“

ATOMIC GOLD — Large frilled cerise-pink
with deep gold edge double on dark green
foliage, red on reverse side of foliage. $1.50
IRISH ROSE — Large frilled white rosette
double on flexible medium green

foliage _ $1 .50

WHITE ROSES — Large fluffy type flower on

medium green foliage _ $1.50

CHERRY BLOSSOM QUEEN — Large fluffy
white flower faintly tinted with lavender on

medium green foliage _ $1.50

LINDA — Large semidouble frilled white
flower, petals edged and fused with laven¬
der. Medium green slightly wavy

foliage _ $1 .50

BLUE LINDA — Large semidouble to double
frilled smoky deep lavender flowers on

wavy medium green foliage _ $1.50

PARADISE FLOWER — Big fluffy lavender
Fantasy flowers on medium green

foliage _ $1.50

PARADISE BLUE — Big fluffy deep blue

flowers on medium green foliage _ $1.50

PARADISE RED — Big fluffy magenta-red
flowers with Fantasy markings on medium

green foliage _ $1.50

PINK POLKA DOT — Large double electric
pink flowers with Fantasy markings on
petals, medium green slightly wavy

foliage _ $1.25

ALICE BLUE GOWN — Round double powder
blue flowers on slightly wavy elongated

bronze-green foliage _ $1.25

JUNGLE DELIGHT — Large wavy single
fuchsia-pink flower with gold edge on waxy,
chocolate, wavy foliage _ $1.25

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 N. Garden Boise, Idaho

Rooted Clumps — Most Of Which Are Ready
To Be Divided — Of Newest and Best Varieties

Stamp for 1962 Fall List

21

Seedlings Are Challenge

Euth Haieiij Hermosa Beaeh, California

My experience with African violets has
been like that of any other violet en¬
thusiast, that is, there have been many ups
and downs along the way.

When this hobby was new with me, quite a
number of the leaf cuttings I bought died. I
felt this was due to overwatering of the root¬
ing medium until I read an article in the
magazine by Henry Ten Hagen about some
sacks of vermiculite being contaminated.
Now, I test a small amount from each new
sack before using it for rooting a large num¬
ber of leaves and my loss of leaves has de¬
creased markedly.

There was also- the problem of soil which
had me puzzled until this year when I finally
found a soil mix which is working wonder¬
fully with my plants. Both babie-s and large
ones seem to be taking to it very well. As we
live 9 blocks from the ocean and get quite a

SUSPECT MITES?

Check outsides of clay pots, top of soil, and
centers of plants with the aid of:
Spot-Thot-Mite - — ■ 20x hand

microscope _ $3.25

Micro-Lite (flashlight

with adopter) _ _ _ — _ $3.00

''Mike" and Lite together _ $5.95

Postpaid — U.S. and Canada. Foreign Coun¬
tries, please add postage.

(Further information—see A.V.M. March 1962,
pages 7 and 96; Dec. 1961, page 23 and March
1960, pages 83-84.)

Check or Money Order to

NORMA A. BUTLER

126 Valentine Dri¥e North Syracuse, N.Y.

1962 Releases W O W !

RAZZLE DAZZLE

Surrender
Shangri-La Series
Pink Commotion
Red Carnation

Fire Brand
Persian Series
Black Waves
Pink Orbit

New Miniatures
and Variegated Foliage
Stamp for List Please
All Stock Govt. Inspected

ANNALEE VIOLETRY

29-50 214th Ploce Boyside 60, N.Y.

bit of fog, the humidity makes it necessary to
use a soil which will not hold moisture too
long. The formula I use is:

4 quarts Black Magic African Violet Mix

2 quarts vermiculite

2 quarts Redwood Conditioner (This is a
product from the old redwood sawmills
which has been discarded and left stand¬
ing for years.)

1 rounded tablespoon Pink Vigoro

2 rounded tablespoons superphosphate

I moisten this mix the day before using so
that the water penetrates all the soil but
leaves the mix still dry enough to be crumbly.
Then I water the plants slightly with Super-
thrive after planting.

I love to buy leaves of the new varieties to
see what the large commercial growers are
turning out. My main interest is, however, in
buying seeds and raising them to see what
will be brought forth ... I have ordered seeds
from everyone who offers them for sale in the
African Violet Magazine. The most challeng¬
ing, I find, is to buy seed pods from Mrs.
Helen Coleman, 4528 S. Wigger Street, Marion,
Indiana. With each seed pod Mrs. Coleman
sends a card telling the crosses she made to
produce the pod. Also, if one of the parents
happens to be one of her seedlings, she writes
a letter explaining the crosses she used to pro¬
duce that parent. To me this is very intriguing
because, as the little leaves begin to take
form, J can watch to see how many different
kinds and shapes of leaves are produced from
this one pod.

Next comes the waiting period for the
blossoms to appear. Each time I wonder what
will be their various shades of color and blos¬
som forms. When the waiting period is over,
I refer to the card and letter sent by Mrs.
Coleman and to Carolyn Rector’s book on
names and descriptions of African violets to
determine which one of the parents or rela¬
tives my plants may have taken after ... or
if I could be fortunate enough to have grown
a new variety.

The best plants are then named, and what
a task it is nowadays to find a name not al¬
ready in use and one worthy of the new violet
child.

From one seed pod, a cross of Mrs. Cole¬
man’s Buccaneer and Vallinpink, I have seed¬
lings with 8 to 10 different shaped leaves:
plain, long ruffled, round ruffled, long plain,
trailer, and Grotei, to mention a few. One leaf
that I particularly like is big, round, dark
green, and on a long petiole. It has a turned-
up edge which is deeply notched and the un¬
derside is tinged red. All the blossoms from
this cross are blue to deep lavender (no
pinks); some are shaped plain and others are
ruffled; a couple have slightly green edges.

I have just planted five more seed boxes,
so here I go again hunting shelf space; please
wish me luck. I would like to hear from some
of you seed fans. Mrs. Ruth Hazen, 905 - 14th
Street, Hermosa Beach, California, •

22

Plastic Pots from Yiolets
by Elizabeth

Liza T. Damron, Glass Manor, Maryland

Having read the article, “Sitting on a Pic¬
ket Fence” in the June 1961 issue of the
African Violet Magazine, I was particularly
pleased with the last order of 3 Vz inch squatty
pots I received from Violets by Elizabeth,
Rockford, Illinois. Each pot had a rounded
rim. The first pots I ordered from her did not
have the extra smooth rim; so, in ordering, it
would be best to ask for the pots with the
rounded rims. Her advertisement about pots
is in the African Violet Magazine, the Sep¬
tember 1961 issue.

These rounded rim pots make nice con¬
tainers for 2 inch pots of violets, as the outer
leaves are so well protected when they rest
on the smooth edges of the pots. •

AFRICAN VIOLiTS

Leowes — - Rooted Cutfinfs •— Small Rianti

New and Older Varieties
Send for _Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-T322

"Nev'r-Drip" Indoor Garden Hoie

For effective watering and fertilizing of Afri¬
can Violets or other plants without breaking
liiay^s, spilling or dripping. No Mop Up! 18""
hose and drip-proof nozzle, quickly puts the
water where you want it under ieoves, in bird
cage arrangements or any hard to reach flow¬
ers without damaging furniture or linens. 1/2
gal. unbreakable plastic container graduated
for accurate mixing of fertilizer. Hose clips
to handle when not in use . . , stores in small
space! Money refunded if not delighted. $1.98
postpaid. Most unusual and practical gift for
friends too!

WEBB INDUSTRIES, INC

Rax 9714 Cleveland 4G, Ohia

Scots ward Violet Farm

During the past two years, in January, we hove compiled a list of the new and
some older African violets which have been our most satisfactory plants. Sym¬
metrical growing, floriferous, and the best producers of plantlets from fresh
cut leaves — by fall they should develop intO' plants with beautiful blossoms.
You will, we hope, find this list as helpful to you as it is to us when selecting
the varieties you want.

Fresh cut leaves of the following are available at: 60^ each or 12 for $6.00.
Minimum order $4.00. Please add $1.00 for postage and packing. Airmail 50^
extra, and Special Delivery an additional 55^.

Accept

Angela

Angelee

Amelia

Athena

Beaming

Bernadotte

Blue Electro

Bonnie Foi (light)

Butterfly

Charm Song

Claret

Command Performance
Constant Beauty DbL
Coon Valley

Hundreds of large

Corinne
Corinthian
DbL Dogwood
Dolly Varden
Encore
Faberge
Fair Elaine
Fire Dance
Fury

Heart of America
Kathleen
King Neptune
Linda Joan
Magic Flame
Matchmate

ind small plants i

Ming Blue
Minuet

Miss Atlantic City
Moss Rose
Northern King
Orchid Smoke
Oriental Red
Pink Baton
Pink Camellia
Pink Neptune
Pink Pandora
Pink Wing
Pride of Rochester
DbL Raspberry
Rose Dust

bloom are available

Sailor Lad
Sarnia
Sea Hawk
Silver Slipper
Sir Echo
Sleeping Beauty
Snow Ballet
Sugar Blues
Texas Star
Trifari

Wedding Ring
White Bountiful
White Pride Supreme
Wings of Eden
Wintry Rose

at our greenhouses.

Visitors always welcome.

Mrs. C. B. Ward 71 Hanover Rd. — • Fr 7-1132 Florham Park, NJ.

23

Summer Growing Experience

WHO hasn’t said, “Oh, my poor violets,”
during the very hot, humid weather we
have here in the east. Yellowing leaves, small
poorly formed, heat marked blooms, blasted
buds, all speak of above normal heat and hu¬
midity for me. Most of my plants are grown
in my upstairs violet room. A few for personal
reasons, mostly pleasure, are grown downstairs
in natural light. I also have a small table of
Saintpaulia species on my screened-in back
porch.

It is naturally warmer in the upstairs violet
room, but I have no trouble with mildew at
all because I have a large 16 inch window fan,
and, being thermostatically controlled, I have
air circulation at all times when needed. I
have found in the violet room I do have some
bloom, even though the temperatures are 90
degrees and over, but, much to my surprise,
my best blooming plants have been the Saint¬
paulia species and seedlings of species x hy¬
brids. Even specie hybrid seedlings that have
the “dogwood” type bloom, retain their tiny
white petal tips. An S. grandifolia seedling
with a double dark blue bloom continues to
flower profusely, while a neighboring dark
blue double hybrid is blooming but its bloom
is much smaller than it should be and it has
heat marks.

Saintpaulia species have also bloomed very
well, some not as profusely as others, but the
blooms retain their true shape and color and
all have retained their remarkable foliage dif¬
ferences. I have found that the Saintpaulia
species set seed more readily during the hot
humid weather than do the named hybrids I
have been working with.

Of the 16 named species that I grow, all
have held up very well. S. shumensis is one
variety that has had a few yellow leaves. I
have self set seed on S. shumensis but as yet

VISITORS

WELCOMED!

NELSON FARM VtOLETS

Phillipston (near Fox Run)

Route #1, Athol, Massachusetts
MRS. PERCY DOWNES

Pembroke Street
Pembroke, New Hompshire
MRS. KARL E. SMITH

115 Gilford Avenue
Laconia, New Hampshire
JOHN HECKEL

105-31 - 188th Street
Hollis 12, New York
VELMA L. KNOWLTON

715 W. Housatonic Street
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
MRS. LINTON MACKIE

North Moin Street
Plaistow, New Hampshire

Marian E. Milhaus, Wilkes-Barre, Penh.

have not been able to set seed with another
species or hybrid, although S. shumensis pol¬
len readily sets seed on other varieties.

S. grandifolia has never been out of bloom.
It is such a satisfactory plant: grows in rosette
form and its foliage is so soft and pliable.

S. velutina has continued to be in constant
bloom. This is my favorite. It is very receptive
to pollen and the beautifully veined, velvety
leaves have never yellowed.

S. tongwensis is an old standby, never out
of bloom, and is loaded with seed pods.

S. intermedia, a new one for me this year,
has bloomed very well. Its rounded foliage
has retained its coloring and texture.

S. Goetzeana is so very slow in growing and
I have never had it bloom. It loves all the
humidity it can get.

S. nitida and S. pendula are also two new
species for me. I started my small plants from
leaves received May ’61, and they have grown
nicely. My small S. nitida is showing buds.

S. orbicularis loves it on the table on the
porch. Its blooms, light blue in color and tiny,
are so numerous that it is a delight to see.

S. Grotei is such a lovely plant when I grow
it in natural light, but it does not do well for
me under fluorescent light, although seedlings
of S. Grotei parentage grow well under lights,
especially my double pink Mardy’s Elinor and
single pink Mardy’s Paula.

S. ionantha, the forerunner of our modern,
breathtaking hybrids, always tries to outdo
itself even during hot weather.

S. confusa was named S. kewensis when I
first obtained it. It has been such an easy,
satisfactory plant to grow. The first hybridiz¬
ing I ever did was with S. confusa and I still
continue to use my “Dogwood Confusa” and
“Double Confusa” in my hybridizing work.

S. diplotricha has not bloomed as well dur¬
ing the summer as it did in cooler weather,
but its light pale blue bloom, and its foliage,
have kept true in color, form and texture.

S. difficilis, with its paper-thin leaves and
bright blooms, is never out of bloom. It too is
the parent of specie hybrid seedlings that have
held up so well.

S. amaniensis and S. magungensis are rather
shy bloomers at all times for me, but some
S. magungensis seedlings have great promise
of retaining the growing characteristics of S.
magungensis, but with larger, better and more
bloom.

Although the flowers on the species are
small compared with our modern hybrids, they
really are a joy to grow and bloorn during
the summer months. •

24

The Friendly Plant

Lily H. Black, Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia

I always think of my violets as friendly
plants, for it is true that I have made some
very genuine and sincere friends with a mu¬
tual admiration of the African violet.

Like so many others, my collection started
with the gift of a plant of the pale blue Saint-
paulia ionantha (or forget-me-not, which is
my pet name for the first member of this great
family ) . After more failure than success I
eventually learned the likes and dislikes of
these plants and then I was all set on the road
of no return. I now have well over 2,000 plants
— about 250 different varieties. These are
housed in 3 houses that are of brick and were
built with large windows in them. I use metal
pots as, with our climate, I find they do not
dry out as quickly as the others. I water most¬
ly from above, giving the plant a good soaking
until the water runs out again. I have seen
so many poor African violets in Rhodesia and
have longed to take them and give them a
bath, i.e. gently washing the dust from the
foliage. They benefit from this occasionally,
and I seldom have any trouble with crown rot.

In Southern Rhodesia we have a lovely cli¬
mate: 6 months wet and 6 months dry, with
no snow and little frost. Most of the time it
is pretty hot, and as the African violet likes
humidity the floor etc. are damped down in
the heat of the day, and the plants revel in
this. My soil mixtures are much like the ones
mentioned in the African Violet Magazine, the
basis being leaf mold, which I collect between
the crevices of the rocks on tree studded kop-
jies (hillocks) and to this I add peat moss, sand
and vermiculite, making a nice porous
mixture.

I propagate from leaf cuttings or better still
from the little shoots that come on the side
of the mother plant. My biggest success was
from a leaf cutting which flowered 4 months
after being put down. I find rooting the cut¬
tings in a soil mixture is the best, though it
is more fun to do it in water as one can see
what is happening.

I have heard it said that the African violet
is a temperamental plant, but with this I can¬
not agree; given its requirements — good food
(soil) and kept clean (free from disease) — it
will thrive like a healthy child, and in this

Some tips on culture:
Occasionally washing the
accumulation of dust from
the violets foliage is most
beneficial. During the
heat of the day the floors
of the plant house are
wet down. The increase
in humidity is helpful in
maintaining a good at¬
mosphere which encour¬
ages plant growth especi¬
ally during the dry sea¬
son. Metal pots are used
because they retain mois¬
ture, thus reducing time
and care of watering.

country it is very easy to have them flowering
all the year round. I get a lot of pleasure from
my violets; a fit of depression is soon banished
with a little caring or doing for them, and
they can be a very real relaxation and escape
from the cares of the day.

My biggest difficulty is in acquiring new
varieties. I have imported leaves from the
Republic of South Africa and from Messrs.
G. Wicks of Nottingham, England. This year
I have also had plants from Mr. Lyndon Lyon
of New York State, and am now awaiting a
consignment of leaves from Fischer Green¬
houses of New Jersey.

It is my one ambition to visit an African
Violet Convention in America . . . Who knows?
. . . It may happen? •

Catherine B. Shepherd
Arlington, Virginia
February 20, 1962

A member of the Magazine Staff

Volume 15 Number 5 the MEMBERS’
HANDBOOK will be mailed out as quickly
after the June Magazine as it is possible for
us to print and mail it. We will hurry — please

don’t write about it.

-—Editor

25

Ellice Nolan, Gladstone, Michigan

As My Collection Grew

My love for these beautiful plants started
during the war when my husband was sta¬
tioned in Texas. My mother always had plants,
however, they were not violets, but I guess
I inherited my love of plants from her. I
found a little African violet in the five and
ten cent store and happily carried it home
via the bus and a long walk to the end of
the housing project. It probably lived a month.
Not knowing anything about their culture, I
couldn’t figure out what had happened, but
as my husband was sent overseas at that
time, all thoughts of violets were pushed out
of my head. It was some time before we had
a chance to establish a home again, and then
it was in my mother’s home where there was
a wide bay window in the dining room and
window sills all over the house, to fill up.
It didn’t take long to fill them.

About this time, my plants seemed to be
covered with a cottony substance. I couldn’t
figure out what it was but kept picking it
off and finally found that it was mealy bug.
Some literature I read said to dip a cotton
swab in wood alcohol and touch the bugs
with it. It worked, and my plants once more
bloomed and said thank you.

Naturally you know what happened — the
plants started to overflow the window sills.
My husband built benches as high as the bay
window, which were quickly filled up. Then
we decided on basement culture, installed a
light, had an extra pipe installed in the fur-

When I Come There

Dear LORD
When I come there
Let me tend the violets
And the maiden-hair.

Let me have my garden
In the fern cool glen.

Filled with peace and quietude
for souls of gentle men.

Where fluting song-birds symphonize
Melodious reviews;

And children hover flower-like hands

On purple . . . yellows . . . blues ....

Dear LORD

Let others share

The streets of gold

And Mansions Fair.

I’ll be content
To tend the Violets
When I come there.

Elsie Overman
Tacoma, Washington

nace to throw heat in the basement, but it
didn’t make it warm enough. The plants just
sat, didn’t bloom, didn’t grow, but didn’t die
either. So upstairs again they came and filled
the dining room table; we just didn’t invite
people over to eat at this time.

I guess my long suffering husband thought
the house was getting a bit crowded, and,
after looking the situation over, he enclosed
most of our front porch which faced south
and west. This proved a wonderful place for
the plants, with curtains to draw when the
sun moved over to the west. We have large
maple trees in front that shade the southern
exposure. The plants grew just beautifully;
I sold quite a few of them, and made so many
friends with other violet lovers.

I guess things were going a bit too good
because about this time I noticed the leaves
were curling up, hard and brittle, the flowers
were warped and small: cyclamen mite. I
tried everything dipped all the plants in
NNOR every few days, and when you have
400 plants, that isn’t a small job. In spite of
everything they kept dying and soon there
were less than 100 plants. Somehow things
seem to work out for the best; my mother
had a stroke, and with the care of her, I
couldn’t have taken care of more than the
remaining number of plants.

About this time the African Violet Maga¬
zine had an article about a powder (Diazinon)
which had proved successful for mite but
wasn’t sold in small lots. I wrote the author
of the article, and he sent me a small can
of the powder, which I sprinkled on the
plants with a salt shaker. It was wonderful!
The plants straightened up; and it actually
seemed as though the powder acted like a
fertilizer also. Isn’t it wonderful the friends
you can make through a common interest?
How can one thank a person enough for
volunteering help when needed?

Now my plants are beautiful, however I
do not grow as many as before. I found the
porch made a light airy place for a canary
or two, and as there isn’t a big market here
for violets, I couldn’t raise as many as I
would like to. Through .violets I have made
friends with so many different people, they
have visited me through letters and in person,
and I have visited their homes. It is remark¬
able how everyone will stop to look at pretty
plants, and before long you have gained
another friend.

I really have no secrets about raising Afri¬
can violets. I usually follow the advice given
in the African Violet Magazine, mix the soil
with tender pats, and talk to the plants every

day. T.L.C. is a formula hard to beat. •

26

Rain Water

Mrs. Simon Olson, Graceville, Minnesota

Collecting and conditioning rain water is a
task I find necessary in order to grow healthy
and happy African violets.

Violet pots placed on wet moss, sand and
pebbles just did not work for me. Now I have
the pots resting on inverted tin cans covered
with florist foil, or on clay pots, all being
placed in plastic trays holding inch or less
of rain water. The evaporated local city water
leaves the trays coated with an almost ir¬
removable stain or residue, hence the rain
water in the trays. The amount of water in
the trays is regulated according to the tem¬
perature and relative humidity in the rooms
which are kept about the same temperature
day and night: 70 degrees plus.

I prefer to catch the rain water after the
roof has been recently drenched by a heavy
rain: then the water is apparently clean. Even
so, I do not feel safe regarding the foreign
matter which it could harbor. Dust and in¬
sects from trees and soil could be easily de¬
posited in the crevices of the roof and could
be carried on into the salvaged rain water.
The bulk of water is caught in tubs and bar¬
rels and then stored in every available con¬
tainer.

The water must be treated in a sterilizing
process before I use it on the plants. Boiling
the water for 5 minutes was wrecking my
electric grill. The only alternative was heat¬
ing the water 140 to 150°F., then leaving the
containers covered until cool. The water is
used on the plants at only a tepid warmth:
any warmer than that, I find, unnecessarily
forces the plants.

Chlordane powder in the water should kill
the insects, but I fear the indestructible
nematode. •

My Girl Scout Badge
and AV

Lisa Johnston, Wheaton, Maryland

I am a first year Girl Scout, and if you
were ever one you probably know what the
Second Class Requirements are. My troop is
working on the Agriculture Badge: “Take
charge of a house plant. Grow a cutting or
seedling by yourself.” So, I chose the African
violet. My choice was a plant of Cherry Wine
and a leaf of Smoke Rings. Now they are
both doing well (with some help from my
mother). I have a small bed lamp which I
keep on them all day. I plan to enter Cherry
Wine in the Metropolitan African Violet So¬
ciety’s annual show. Do you think I’ll earn
my badge?

ATTENTION MEMBERS

Experiencing trouble and inconvenience locat¬
ing your African violet supplies? Not if you
first consult —

THE GARDEN MART

Dept. AV.

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

— WRITE FOR LIST —

First Offering to Home Gardeners

/previously used only by soil\
vscientists and professionals/

A

NEW

AFRICAN

VIOLET

FORMULA

One year’s supply (for several plants-2% oz.)

Send ^1.00 today, postpaid

Give new vigor to ailing plants or keep healthy
ones healthy. Granular Vodene Violet, a new
hormone formula, is made up of micronutri¬
ents and shows speedy results in any type
soil. Safe, easy to apply.

Sold by manufacturer— by mail only.
Order today for immediate shipment.

j Jenel, Inc.

I P. 0. Box 878, Cleveland 22, Ohio
I Enclosed please find $1 for a year’s supply
! (for several plants) of Vodene Violet plant
I food hormone. Price includes postage.

I Name _

I Address _

27

Mrs, Harmon with some of her beautiful plants.

Rest and Peace
With African Violets

Mrs, Eubin Harmon, Red Bluff, California

Our farm has been typically busy this hot
summer, and I am so tired before the day
is ended that when I think I cannot go an¬
other step I go and look at my African violets.
Before I know it I am picking up each little
pot to see if I can find a new bud, if the
plant is dry, if there is a leaf that needs to
be pinched off, or if a plastic stake needs
to be moved to make a leaf go where it
should. Before I know it, a half hour has
gone by and not once have I thought of how
tired I am.

Ways With African Violets

Ruth S. Doxsee, Bellingham, Washington

^ It is fun exhibiting your choice African
violet in your home, or dressing it up for a
gift. Have you tried planting 3 violets in a
large wooden “chopping” bowl, with perhaps
a piece of driftwood in the center?

Occasionally in the dime stores they have
the large “champagne goblets” (oversize)
made of plastic. A large plant set in this milk
white container shows off the foliage nicely
as it rests on the rim. Some of the colorful
casserole dishes with metal frames for height
set off the right plant.

Watch the dime stores for basket sales.
There is a round one with sides about 3
inches or so (must be a bed for kitty) that
makes a wonderful gift for that someone. Put
in a piece of colored foil paper and set in 3
violets for that massive effect. Add a large
bow.

Everything seems to be coming through the
heat of this summer- better than' last year. I
am going easy on the fertilizer; and, as I now
have all my plants in plastic pots, I am able
to keep more uniform moisture. If a plant
looks a little bit tired, I will keep the buds
pinched off until our hot days are over and
the nights are cooler.

At present my only trouble is .space. My
house and windows are only so big and I
have a 2 tray fluorescent cart which my hus¬
band made for me. I ask myself which ones
shall I discard from among the older plants?
I look at Blue Boy — he is my husband’s
favorite and I think mine, too. There is Blush¬
ing Beauty which has not been without a
crown of flowers for over 2 years. Albino
Fantasy blooms all the time; even the baby
plants bloom before the mother leaf is taken
away. Sugar Dip must stay with me ... I
love its very doubleness and purple bicolor.
Double Neptune is a good looking plant as
well as a good bloomer. T-V Rose Prom was
a gift when I was ill; it took a long time to
come back in bloom, but what a performer
it is now! Then there are Bud’s Strike Me
Pink, Spic, Span, and Pink Crown. I know
I will keep Careless Love ... it was my first
single Star ... it seems to love this hot summer
for it keeps on blooming profusely.

Yes, I have others and 22 young plants
that should be blooming for the first time in
about 2 months. Will the subtraction be among
these? I expect that I will find room for them
where it now seems impossible.

My violets tell me they are happy, and give
me peace and rest when I am the tiredest. •

Ever noticed the little white straw baskets
the flower girl carries at a wedding? Make
a lace collar of white lacelon, the 3 inch
width, by weaving a wire through the edge of
the lace and circularing it under the foliage
at the rim of the pot; loop the ends of the
wire over. Then apply your colored foil. Set
this in the basket and tie a pretty matching
bow on the handle. Cover all with clear cello¬
phane, fastening with a staple at the top.
Does this sparkle!

A similar effect may be had by obtaining
silver radiance (wire covered with silver
wrapping). Select a length twice the length
of the handle you wish. Double and twist,
forming a rolled handle. Slip a wire through
the loop and double back the two ends of the
wire handle over the piece of wire. Then
fold over the ends of the wire around the
“overhang” of the pot. You should be able
to hold it up balanced. If not, slide your
handle until it does balance. Put on your lace
collar, your foil, and a matching ribbon on
the handle. Very effective. •

28

Mrs. Bonner is pic¬
tured here with three
of her African violets
which have won blue
ribbons at her club’s
1961 show. On page 63
of the March Maga¬
zine she reported her
method of summer
vacation care. Her
beautiful plants are
proof of its success.

V-C 13

Drench

Below, is a view of plants in the north window of
the den. Since the young plants on the bottom shelf
of the window ledge level plant stand receive no
sunlight a fluorescent light has been attractively con¬
cealed above the shelf which provides them with
necessary light.

Mimi Bonner, Havre de Grace, Maryland

Once, when repotting a recently purchased
plant, I discovered it was infested with the
dreaded root knot nematode. Fortunately it
was still in isolation and it was promptly dis¬
posed of, so no great harm was done.

However, I began to wonder what might
be lurking in other pots, out of sight, since
the diseased plant had shown none of the usual
symptoms. I use sterilized soil, treated with
V-C 13, but I immediately set to work and
gave each of my plants a thorough drenching
with V-C 13 solution. There were no setbacks,
in fact the plants seemed to perk up. Now,
because I believe in the “ounce of prevention”
theory, all plants receive the V-C 13 drench.

This is the easy procedure I follow in apply¬
ing V-C 13:

I mix 1/4 teaspoon of V-C 13 with one half
gallon of water. I use a bulb type syringe be¬
cause it is easy to distribute the solution even¬
ly around the pot without getting any on the
foliage. I hold the plant over an old bucket
and thoroughly saturate the soil with the V-C
13 solution. Then, when it has drained, the
plant is replaced in its saucer and returned
to its shelf.

Since this is a precautionary measure, I do
not know if it helps, but I have drenched
hundreds of African violets, from rooted leaves
to large plants, with no ill effects. •

29

Mrs. William E. Koch, Chicago, Illinois

Grow Best with ^^Gro-Lux”

IT doesn’t take a crystal ball to predict what
the most exciting news in the African vio¬
let world is — next to the elusive “yellow.”
It’s Sylvania’s new Gro-Lux light tubes. There
will probably be much controversy too as the
“die hards” and the cautious ones may hesi¬
tate but for myself I usually “rush in where
fools fear to tread.”

I no sooner read about them in The Gloxini-
an before I was on the phone and promptly
ordered 6 from my Sylvania dealer. Had to
wait 10 weeks but on December 5, 1961 they
were installed over 1 of my plant tables in
the basement. It is 8 feet long by 3 feet wide
and the tubes are in strip channels with 1 on
either edge of the table and 1 in the center.
They are 8 inches apart and lights are 8 inches
from the tops of plants.

How to describe what it does from the color
standpoint is a tough one! They cast a light
orchid glow and you can go all out with
adjectives like a Hollywood press agent. Suf¬
fice to say all plants look gorgeous; the color
of blossoms almost imbelievable, but what
does it do to the plants? This is the most im¬
portant part of all ... I had made up my
mind to be completely impartial ... no change
in my schedule of fertilizing or care ....
They would have to sell me! Nothing hap¬
pened for 2 weeks — I don’t know why but
I did expect to see some changes. Suddenly I
realized the plants were drying out much
faster than usual so I knew there were
changes going on in the pots. Obviously if the
plants needed water more frequently there
had to be more activity in the roots which
was fine with me. I’ve always felt imless
you’ve a fine sturdy root system you’ll never
have anything worth-while above the pot. As
time went on I did begin to notice changes in
the foliage: greens were greener almost black.
A crisp healthy look was very apparent. A
sheen and glow became noticeable too. Isle of
Dreams has a gorgeous flower but the plant
was a shy bloomer for me and the foliage
rather dull but you should see it today. It’s
on my window shelf with numerous huge
blooms and the foliage gleams. I was ready
to put it to sleep, now it will stay! I’ve always
had good bloom — some varieties of course
are more prolific but plants that put out 4
to 6 flowers on a stem now have 8 to 12 per
stem and many with double bloom stalks.
The most amazing proof of the efficacy of
these light tubes was proven by a tray of
seedlings. They were mixed seed purchased
from Eleanor Rodda and were in the 4 leaf
stage — all jammed together in a small alu¬
minum pan waiting for me to find time to

transplant. Within a few weeks time they
were 2 inches tall! I had to get busy and
separate them. They are still in community
pans and are huge plants. Three months has
elapsed since the lights were installed and I
must say that my husband was the first to
suggest that I order 6 more tubes for the
other plant table — bless him! He is not a
violet enthusiast but he is always doing some¬
thing to make my work with violets easier
and more helpful. When I would turn and
look at the plants under the daylight and
cool white setup they all looked sick in com¬
parison with the Gro-Lux group. These 6
tubes were obtained much faster through a
violet grower so the latter part of January I
had all Gro-Lux tubes over my plant tables.
Rooting leaves with babies “go to town.” The
babies grow so fast it’s unbelievable. I do not
grow show plants but I believe those who do
simply shouldn’t be without these new fluores¬
cent tubes because they certainly give the
extra light energy needed to grow superior
African violets.

Anyway you look at it plants do grow fast¬
er, are more healthy and give more flowers
than when grown under other lights. I have
in the past 10 years used all colors of fluores¬
cent tubes: green, blue, red, pink, and all
kinds of “whites” including incandescents.

No type of light combination has ever come
even close to producing my present results.
Mrs. Cherry of The Gloxinian advises to keep
these lights higher at first but I didn’t do
this and a few plants did show some burning
as evidenced by light brown areas on some
leaves. I do not find the centers growing
tighter than normal from the extra energy
given off by these lights. The burning men¬
tioned above is of short duration and did not
affect all plants possibly some are fussier.

Here is an important item: those of you who
have difficulty in keeping violets variegated
will be very happy to see white come back
into leaves that have gone solid green. They
grow beautifully variegated under Gro-Lux,

They say there’s a little bad in the best of
us. Likewise, I can say that for these lights —•
depending on how you react to this fact: al¬
most all plants tend to sucker a great deal
and the suckers grow so quickly you are
hardly aware of their presence. Personally I
don’t mind this because I can always use an¬
other violet and find rooting good sized suck¬
ers the easiest and fastest way to produce a
nice plant. Otherwise, I do know these new
lights will bring wonderful results to our vio¬
lets! •

30

African Violets
and the Joy They Bring

Mrs. Clyde Marshall, Decatur, Alabama

As everyone knows who grows them, Afri¬
can violets have become the most popular
house plant today, and anyone can grow
them if a few common rules are followed. I
have been growing violets about 8 years, and
they certainly have been a joy to me. My
plants are grown in daylight and under flu¬
orescent lights and they grow beautifully
either way. I seldom lose plants but during
the hot weather a few are apt to go. I do
not fertilize during July and August; keep
the buds off during these months; and have
very pretty plants by October.

My soil formula is very simple and is easy
to make. Plants grow very rapidly in it, and
have lovely foliage and lots of bloom. I use:
9 cups good woods soil, 9 cups Michigan
peat, 5 cups good coarse, sand, 4 cups Sponge-
Rok, 13 teaspoons whiting, 4 teaspoons steamed
bone meal, V4 cup superphosphate. Sterilize
the woods soil and sand by dampening them
well, placing in a covered container, and
baking in the oven for one hour at 200 de¬
grees. Be sure the ingredients are well mixed:
mixing is very important. Place the finished
mix in plastic bags and do not use for one
week; have the mixture damp before packing
in the bags. I use this for all my plants, from
babies to mature plants.

Two weeks after the plants are potted
up I use Instant Vigoro (be sure it is for
house plants), teaspoon to a quart of warm
water, to fertilize regularly until the buds
show; then I alternate with Stim-U-Plant and
Atlas Fish Emulsion every 12 days or two
weeks. My plants are sprayed each week with
warm water, and once each month with Mala-
thion (50 per cent). I use sodium selenate
and V-C 13 twice a year, which I think each
grower should use. So many things can happen
to your plants; it is best to be safe. Most of all,
be sure to get your plants from a good source
when you buy; and always get a variety
that is a good grower and a good bloomer.

Cyclamen mite is the most dreaded disease
among African violets, I think, but the regular
use of sodium selenate is a sure cure.

I think it is a lucky day for any person
when she starts an African violet collection.
Violets can bring so much joy. When on
vacation, I always like to visit commercial
growers; it is so interesting to talk to them;
and they all are so nice. I hope every grower
enjoys her violet friends as much as I do,
although I will never meet all of them in
person. There is a bond that will never be
broken: it is not growing or selling plants
that is the most joy, but the opportunity of
meeting and making friends, and giving and

Turkey Feeders
Are Real Space Savers

Martha M. Palmer, Norwich, Connecticut

Sometime ago I wrote an article on fluor¬
escent lighting, mentioning the fact that I
transplant my little plantlets into 2 inch plas¬
tic pots and set them in long turkey feeders.
More on that subject:

For many years one of our sons raised tur¬
keys until the price became so low that he
went out of business. Seeing the various size
feeders that were not in use, and always re¬
membering the old saying, “Use it up, wear
it out, or make it do,” I decided that if I had
my neighbor (a retired tinsmith) solder the
ends so there would be no leaking, and I
painted the feeders with a couple of coats of
white paint, I would have the ideal place in
which to keep my small plants. I put sand or
grits in these feeders and then it is kept moist
by the water that runs through the pots when
the plantlets are watered: they benefit greatly
from this humidity.

I cut a piece of linoleum to fit the window
sill and the feeder is placed on this; the lino¬
leum prevents any damage to the sill from
dampness.

If one is artistically inclined, there is no
end to the designs or stencils that can be put
on these feeders. Also, with a certain bracket
one can use the extra long feeders by setting
them along and in front of the window sill. •

Violet Time

I often think, as I fondly gaze . . . Upon
my violets of splendid hue . . . My favorite
one is this bright blue . . . Then I look around
. . . And declare that rosy peach . . . All ruf¬
fled and gay is by far . . . The loveliest blos¬
som; like a starfish tossed upon the beach . . .
Purple Frost, Honey, Pink Feather, Rasp¬
berry Sherbet ... To name a few . . . Varieties
that to me are new . . . But I never seem to
have money . . .Nor space enough ... Which
to me is very tough . . . Perhaps that sounds
funny to you.

Marissa Jackson
Prescott, Arizona

sharing plants with sick people. If you spend
special time with your plants and love them,
an inner satisfaction will keep you happy. I
wish each grower the best with her plants.
As I look at mine I know it is the hand of
God that sends each blossom and this is just
a glimpse of His beautiful Heaven, where I
hope to meet all the violet lovers. •

31

Arranging

an

African Violet
Window

Mrs. Ed Medford
Mena, Arkansas

OJAGRAMAnC 5K£TCH

I hope it will be of help to someone to
know how I arranged an African violet win¬
dow when means were not available for a
greenhouse.

There were violets in every room of my
house, and to see them and care for them I
had to go from room to room. After much
planning, figuring and thought, I decided
where I could make extra space. My dining
room had three windows across the end, and
these had a morning exposure. I extended
the room out 4 feet, put a window in each
end of it, then put 4 shelves across the front
of the windows. The first shelf was on a
level with the window ledge, and that gave

me a space underneath for my seed catalogues,
magazines, potting soil, and water ... I have
many large vessels and catch rain water for
my violets. By keeping it here, it is always
room temperature.

The space where my three windows were
is now a large open doorway, and it gives a
beautiful view of the violets at all times.

I have had many compliments about this
window; and it saves me steps in caring for
my violets, and adds to my enjoyment of them.

If you cannot build a greenhouse, I hope
you can figure a proper place to build an
extension and have a window of beauty, for
it will be just that. •

The Power of a Violet —

A friend came to my house one nasty, rainy
day in April and asked me to go with her to
see a retired school teacher friend who lived
in the country, and who loved African violets.
I took some leaves and two small plants, plus
my pride and joy. Super Duper, one of Sophia
Baker’s originations, that was about 18 inches
across and had 70 blooms. I wrapped plastic
around it to keep the wind and cold out. The
lady was most pleased with everything.

On our way back, we stopped at a poultry
farm to get some eggs. On this acreage was
a lovely older home with a large picturesque
window that was filled with beautiful coleus,
the likes of which we had never seen. My
friend said, “Oh I wish I could get some coleus
like those.” I told her I would see if the lady
was home and ask her if she would sell some.
When I knocked there was no answer but as I
was leaving, someone called. I went back, in¬
troduced myself, and asked if I might talk to
her about her lovely coleus. She invited me
in and showed them to me. When I asked if
she would sell some she told me, “They aren’t
for sale, in fact they aren’t even on the mar¬
ket.” I told her they were lovely but it was
my friend outside who was interested, not me.

- Clara Casassa, Portland, Oregon

I mentioned that I was an African violet fan,
and had an African violet in the car that I
thought would look even lovelier on her table
than her beautiful coleus did. She said she
would like to see it so I brought it in and when
I took the plastic cover off she smiled and
said, “How beautiful.” I then offered to give
her some African violet leaves and to start
a plant like mine for her table, if she would
give me coleus, which she did; in fact she had
only one pink coleus in the front room and
when I asked if I might have a start from it,
she asked if she should pinch it out for me.
When I told her yes, and that her plant would
then branch out, she took a slip off for me.
(The power of an African violet!)

She was going to a Convention in Washing¬
ton, D.C., and asked me to get in touch with
her in one month — that was one and one-
half months ago. Yesterday I contacted her
and asked her to come to my house so I
could start her out with African violets, which
I have done; she has asked me to come for
more coleus. I loaned her my African Violet
Magazines; I hope she joins our group of Af¬
rican violet fans. •

32

Report of Boyce Edens
Research Fund

Cordelia Rienhardt, 4463 Seneca Turnpike
Syracuse 15, New York

Yamhill County African Violet Society, New-
berg, Ore. $ 5.00

Bakersfield African Violet Society, Bakers¬
field, Calif. 5.00

County Belles African Violet Club, St. Louis,
Mo. 5.00

Metropolitan African Violet Society, Wash¬
ington, D.C. 5.00

Santa Clara Valley African Violet Club, Sun¬
nyvale, Calif. 10.00

North Shore African Violet Society, Highland
Park, Ill. (In memory of Mrs. Jessie P.
Setzler) 10.00

Water Wonderland African Violet Society,
Muskegon, Mich. 14.00

Town & Country African Violet Club, Minot,
N. Dak. 4.00

Bakersfield African .Violet Society, Bakers¬
field, Calif. 15.00

Colliersville African Violet Society, Colliers-
ville, Tenn. 5.00

First African Violet Society, Shelbyville, Ky.

2.00

Fort Collins Violeteers, Fort Collins, Colo.

5.00

First African Violet Society of Lynchburg,
Virginia 10.00

Sacramento Saintpaulia Society, Sacramento,
Calif. 25.00

Cinderella African Violet Club, St. Louis, Mo.

5.00

Friendship African Violet Club, Decorah, Iowa

3.00

Glass City African Violet Club, Toledo, Ohio

5.00

Urban-Suburban African Violet Club, Morton
Grove, Ill. 5.00

Wilson County African Violet Club, Lebanon,
Tenn. 5.00

The Vi-Club of Detroit, Michigan 5.00

First African Violet Society, Louisville, Ky.

25.00

African Violet Society, Salem Chapt., Salem,
Ore. 5.00

Long Beach African Violet Society, Ingle¬
wood, Calif. 25.00

Kitchener- Waterloo African Violet Club, Kit¬
chener, Canada 5.00

Naugatonic African Violet Society, Shelton,
Conn. 5.00

Greater Endicott African Violet Society, Endi-
cott, N.Y. 5.00

Southern Conn. African Violet Club, Strat¬
ford, Conn. 5.00

First African Violet Society, Hammond,
Indiana 10.00

Story City African Violet Club, Jewell, Iowa

2.00

Hi Hopes African Violet Club, Metropolis,
Ill. 3.00

Loyalist African Violet Society, Lancaster,
N.B., Canada 5.00

Oklahoma African Violet Society, Oklahoma
City, Okla. 5.00

We Go Violet Club, West Chicago, Ill. 2.00
Countryside African Violet Club, Madison,
Wis. 5.00

Longview African Violet Club, Longview,
Wash. 10.00

Hialeah African Violet Society, Hialeah, Fla.

2.00

Greater St. Louis African Violet Club, St.

Louis, Mo. 5.00

Paradise Green Saintpaulia Club, Bridgeport,
Conn. 5.00

Green Bay African Violet Club, Green Bay,
Wis. 5.00

Gloucester County African Violet Society,
Sewell, N.J. 2.00

Red River Valley African Violet Club, Fargo,
N.D. & Moorhead, Minn. 5.00

Columbus African Violet Society, Ohio 5.00
New Albany African Violet Club, New
Albany, Ind. 5.00

Tenn. Valley African Violet Club, Knoxville,
Tenn. 5.00

Jamestown African Violet Club, Jamestown,
N.Y. 10.00

North Shore African Violet Society of Long
Island, N.Y. 25.00

Violet Wheel Club, Cattaraugus, N.Y. 10.00
Huntington African Violet Society, Hunting-
ton, W. Va. 5.00

Bi-County African Violet Society, Galesburg,
Ill. 5.00

Hattiesburg African Violet Club, Hattiesburg,
Miss. 5.00

Alamo African Violet Society, San Antonio,
Texas 5.00

African Violet Society of Parkersburg, W. Va.

5.00

Foothill African Violet Society, Montrose,
Calif. 10.00

Saintpaulia Society of Tacoma, Washington

5.00

African Violet Society of Canton, Ohio 5.00
Lone Star African Violet Society, Irving,
Texas 5.00

Taylorville African Violet Society, Mason, Ill.

(Unit 1) 2-50

The First Nighters African Violet Society,
Dallas, Texas 5.00

South Shore African Violet Society, Seaford,
N.Y. 5.00

Harmony African Violet Society, Houston,
Texas 5.00

The Towne and Country African Violet Socie¬
ty, Dayton, Ohio

The Friendly African Violet Club, Norwood,
Mass. 15.00

San Mateo County African Violet Society, San
Carlos, Calif. 5.00

Treaty Towne African Violet Society, Green¬
ville, Ohio 5.00

33

First African Violet Club, Beloit, Wis. 10.00
Bergen County African Violet Society, Pali¬
sades Park, N.J. 10.00

Cleveland Saintpaulia Society, Fairview Park,
Ohio 25.00

Indianapolis African Violet Club, Indianapolis,
Indiana 25.00

Tri-County African Violet Society, Glen Falls,
N.Y. 10.00

Hamilton Violet Club, Hamilton, Ohio 5.00
Franklin Co. African Violet Club, Beaufort,
Mo. 5.00

Racine African Violet Society, Racine, Wis.

5.00

Houston Saintpaulia Society, Houston, Texas

10.00

African Violet Society of San Francisco, Cali¬
fornia 25.00

St. Lawrence Valley African Violet Society,
Canton, N.Y. 5.00

Pueblo African Violet Club, Pueblo, Colo.

2.00

African Violet Society of Sonoma Co., Santa
Rosa, Calif. 5.00

Boot Hill Saintpaulia Club, Dodge City, Kan.

1.00

Sparkling Waters African Violet Club, West
Haven, Conn. 5.00

Lady Constance African Violet Club, Elgin,
Illinois 5.00

Baltimore African Violet Club, Baltimore, Md.

10.00

Twilight Chapter of New Jersey, Plainfield,
N.J. 5.00

Long Island African Violet Society, Bellmore,
N.Y. 15.00

Siouxland African Violet Society, Sioux City,
Iowa 5.00

The Harmony African Violet Society, Boise,
Idaho 5.00

East Huntington African Violet Society, Hun¬
tington, W. Va. 10.00

West End African Violet Club, Baltimore, Md.

5.00

The African Violeteers, Pompano Beach, Fla.

2.00

African Violet Society of Miami, Fla. 5.00
African Violet Unit of Oklahoma City, Okla.

5.00

LaViolette Club, Monroe, La. 5.00

African Violet Society of Rochester & Vicinity,
Rochester, N.Y. 10.00

Muscle Shoals African Violet Society, Flor¬
ence, Ala. 5.00

Pioneer African Violet Society, Norfolk, Va.

5.00

The Duchess African Violet Society, Cottam,
Ont., Canada 2.00

Mrs. Edward J. Burns, New Milford, N.J. 1.00
A New Subscriber ^ 1.00

Manhattan African Violet Society, Manhattan,
Kansas 5.00

African Violet Society of Greater Pittsburgh,
Pa. 25.00

Mrs. Lucylle H. Bave, Clifton Heights, Pa.

1.00

Mrs. Sylvia Rundell, Brooklyn 29, N.Y. 1.00

Stark-Henry African Violet Club, Toulon, Ill.

2.00

Town and Country African Violet Society,
Delaware, Ohio 5.00

New Jersey Shore African Violet Club, Ma-
nasquan, N.J. 5.00

Hi-Loa African Violet Society of Falcon
Heights, St. Paul, Minn. 3.00

First African Violet Study Club of Miami,
Florida 3.00

John M. Wilson, Brooklyn 3, N.Y. 2.00

Lower Conn. Valley African Violet Society,
Killingworth, Conn. 5.00

Men’s African Violet Club of the Twin
Cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota 5.00

Queen City African Violet Club, Cincinnati,
Ohio 10.00

Rainbow Chapter Violet Society, Fort Wayne,
Indiana 5.00

George Hinves, Fall River, Massachusetts

10.00

Alpha African Violet Club, Claremore, Okla¬
homa 2.00

African Violet Society of Chattanooga, Ten¬
nessee 10.00

Mary Wolf, Mound, Minnesota 5.00

Susquehanna African Violet Society, Perry
Point, Maryland 5.00

The First African Violet Society of Chicago,
Illinois 5.00

First African Violet Society of Cary, Wake
County, N.C. 2.00

Central Connecticut Saintpaulia Club, Middle-
town, Conn. 10.00

Green Thumb African Violet Club, Attleboro,
Massachusetts 5.00

African Violet Society of Beaumont, Texas

5.00

Town and Country African Violet Society of
Painesville, Ohio 5.00

African Violet Society of Spokane, Washing¬
ton 7.50

First African Violet Society of San Antonio,
Texas (A memorial to the father of Mrs.
Harold Crain) 5.00

’55 African Violet Society, Chicago, Illinois

5.00

Pampa African Violet Society, Pampa, Texas

5.00

Dan L. Gray, Indianapolis 5, Indiana 1.00

BACK ISSUES OF MAGAZINE

Please write the African Violet Society of
America, Inc., P.O. Box 1326, Knoxville,
Tennessee for a list of those in stock. Not all
magazines are available as back issues. Do not
send money until you get the list. Make check
payable to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Cost $1.00 per copy postpaid.

34

The

Presidenfs

Message

Dear Fellow Members:

It is with a sense of humble appreciation for the honor and the opportunity of
service, which you, as members of the African Violet Society of America, Inc.,
have given me by electing me to the highest office of the Society, that I write
this first message to you in my term of office. I find it both awe-inspiring and
deeply rewarding to realize the confidence which you have placed in me and in
the other officers and members of the Board of Directors. Each of us feels our
responsibility very deeply and we assure you that we shall, individually and col¬
lectively, work toward the continued growth of the Society, both in increased
membership, better services to our members and in every other respect that we
find feasible, to make this wonderful Society even better. There is an old saying
that you get out of something what you put into it. Therefore, we earnestly ask
each member to work and cooperate with us in every way this year to carry on
the work of all of those able men and women who have served so well in the past,
to build and maintain this Society so that it shall be one of service and a source
of pride to each and every member.

As we begin this new term of office, it seems an appropriate time for us to
reread the Bylaws of the Society, and I would particularly like to call to your
attention ARTICLE II, Objects, Section I: “The objects of the Society shall be to
afford a convenient and beneficial association of persons interested in the African
violet (Saintpaulia) ; to stimulate a widespread interest in the propagation and
culture of African violets everywhere; to encourage the origination of improved
varieties of African violets; to promote ways and means for widespread distribu¬
tion of all varieties and species of African violets among its members and others
interested in growing them; and to gather and publish reliable, practical informa¬
tion concerning the culture and propagation of African violets.” These, then,
are our reasons for existing as a Society, and they are aims worthy of our atten¬
tion and endeavor. Let us all keep them in mind as we go forward in this most
rewarding and enjoyable of all hobbies, growing and sharing African violets.

One of the nicest things about the violet hobby is that we'" seem always to
find a wealth of people to thank for good work and kind deeds. It is with pro¬
found appreciation for a hard job well done that we thank the cochairmen of
the marvelous San Francisco Convention, Miss Edith Peterson and Mrs. Constance
Hansen; and the excellent Amateur Show conducted by Mrs. Evelyn Nienstadt
and the members of her committee. Our thanks also to Mrs. James Carey and her
judges for their work in having the National Show judged and ready when the
doors were thrown open to the happy, eager Conventioneers. To put on a
Convention the calibre of the San Francisco meeting, it takes many dedicated,
hard-working people and to each of you we express our sincere thanks for all of
your hours of hard work, for the many crises you met and the many problems
you solved. We also wish to thank Mrs. John Buckner, Convention Program
Chairman and all of the people who worked behind the scenes as well as all
those who participated in the Convention program. It all added up to an out¬
standing Convention of which you may all be proud, and we join you in your
pride of accomplishment.

May the summer months that are now approaching be ones filled with parti¬
cular joy and happy times for you and your loved ones, and in the bustle of these
lazy vacation days remember to give your violets a little extra T.L.C.

Sincerely,

CLj^(UJL ^ ^

35

Variegation -the Ultimate in African Violets

Rita Lucianoj Cresskill, New Jersey

Color photography by Ralph Reynolds, Cresskill, New Jersey

Hit Parade

Note the subtle variations in
coloring also the variegation to the
outer portion of the leaves.
Blossoms are a fringed
single mauve.

Surrender

A study in color blending.

Most interesting is the bright
Racy Red double flower above the
delicate color tones in the
variegated foliage.

Sioeet Dreams

The mammoth full double
pink flowers are a most attractive
contrast with the cream
and green colors in the
quilted foliage.

Anyone growing African violets - must in
time fall in . love .with and raise varie-
gateds./.. My own experience started as a chal¬
lenge some .years ago when I read an article
that stated that there were no true variegateds.
Another implied that this variation was a
result of ' a virus. I had my own theory about
'this and decided I would prove otherwise, if
only to myself, that this was not so . in either
cases because if it were a disease, why didn’t
it spread to other plants in my collection?
Also, it reproduced itself in propagating. So
the statement that there were no- true varie'-
gateds contradicted this. The colored area on
a variegated is clearly defined.

Variegateds are not difficult to grow.. True,
they do not have sufficient chlorophyll in
the leaves to manufacture the sugar necessary
to maintain them in growing condition, but
as long as there are minute quantities of
chlorophyll present, then the sugar balance
is enough to sustain them. If no -minute bodies
are present, as in albinos, then, the plant will
not live any length of time.

Variegation is a maternal not a genetic in¬
heritance. This only applies to the variega¬
tion, because each plant is a double thing.
Part of its heredity material comes from the
male, and part from the female parent. The
green color in normally green foliage is due
to minute bodies called chloroplasts, in the
cell plasm which surrounds the nucleus of the
cell. The cell plasm of the egg cells carries
the bodies which give rise 'tO' chloroplasts,
which male germ cells (pollen grains) never
do. Consequently, chloroplasts are only in¬
herited from the female parent. If egg cells
arise from green tissue, then chloroplasts are
passed on. But, if the egg cells arise from
white tissue then colorless plastids are passed
on.

Since chloroplasts can only be transmitted
through the female parent, she is always the
receiver of pollen, in other words the varie¬
gated is always the bearer of seed. It takes
much longer for seed to ripen than on totally
green foliage. When seed germinate and grow
on to blooming stage, it takes twice the
length of time as with total green foliage.
There is no problem from leaf propagation;
they produce Just as quickly as regular Afri¬
can violets.

I do a lot of experimenting with various
chemicals and have found some that will re¬
duce chlorophyll and increase anthocyanins.
Improvement was of a temporary nature, and
is not inherited. Streptomycin and terramycin
are some that will reduce chlorophyll. I have
since discontinued these experiments because
of the very high cost of the chemicals, and to
maintain the variegation they must be used
continually or the plant turns totally green.

I also feel that 'the elusive yellow will result
from variegateds; this is only theory, of course.
Carotene is present in minute quantities, but
enzymes convert it into sugar. Since the sugar
is reduced in variegateds, why not the en¬

zymes? So, if enzymes are reduced, the better
the chance is of increasing carotene to break
through the inheritance barrier.

My plants are organically grown and are
treated as any other to prove their stability.
They are grown under 14 hours of light daily.
There Is a new tube on the market called
“Premium 3,” put out by General Electric.
The blue and red rays are supposedly evenly
distributed. I use P3 cool white and P3 warm
white. If the variegateds do not receive strong
light, they will almost always turn green.
Plants should be grown under uniform con¬
ditions, soil, moisture, light and temperature.
They like cooler temperatures. In the summer
it is much better to turn the lights on at night
instead of the daytime, as the nights are
generally a little cooler.

I feed with superphosphate and fritted pot¬
ash. I also- include these elements when I
prepare my soil. Virtually no nitrogen is used.
When using fertilizer, make sure it is very
low in iron as it causes oxidation needed in
the production of chlorophyll. Zinc is another
trace element that may act in the formation
of chlorophyll.

Some variegateds result from mutation as
well as hybridization. There are three types
of mutation: 1) change -.in gene; 2) change in
chromosome complement; 3) a sorting out of
different tissues.

When making crosses for variegateds I
usually select robust plants with qualities such
as hardiness, leaf size, flower, and the over¬
all general constitution. Our aim, is to increase
flower size and number of' blooms, longer
freer flowering, longer stronger flower stems
so that the flowers are' borne well above the
foliage. Also, on most types of African violets
some flowers open so- vividly but fade so
quickly that the plant seems to have two
different hues. We are trying to improve this
and make that vivid color the blossom has
when it first opens up, a lasting quality.

Some of the hybridizers should get together
and write up a hybridizer’s guide. If we had
the history and facts of plants we would like
to work with, the inheritance of characters
would be very e^y to trace. But, as it is now,
it is very complicated, certain characters are
masked by others, .so our ratio is modified. It
would save a lot of unnecessary hybridizing,
and produce far more superior plants. Some
hybridizers are reluctant .to release this in-t
formation. Only by orderly methods based on
exact knowledge and history of a plant can
these principles be used to the best advantage.
A record of their behavior in -inheritance
would be a boon to breeders, and a guide to
enable the pedigree of any seedling to be
traced accurately.

If anyone is interested in a breeder’s pedi¬
gree guide, please write me and give me your
views and comments. My address- is P-,0... Box
603, Cresskill, N.J» •

37

This is really a ‘'once upon a time” story,
because once upon a time Cliff and I,
though we both work, had some leisure time
and we enjoyed making weekend trips to the
Gulf Coast for fishing, or just puttering
around at home tending our numerous camel¬
lias and azaleas, and keeping the lawn well
mowed. Then, one day Cliff brought home
one small African violet. I had read, or been
told, that they must be watered from, the
bottom — every day — - at the same time. So
— I watered it from the bottom ■ every day
— and the same time, and eventually it suc¬
cumbed. What wouldn’t have? Later, two more
little violets moved in . . . DITTO!! Being
rather a stubborn person, and a firm believer
in the maxim that ANYBODY can do ANY¬
THING, if they want to badly enough, I
searched through my back numbers of garden¬
ing magazines (Popular Gardening was a
treasure-trove) for articles on African violet
culture, and read everything I could find.
Armed with as many methods as there were
magazines, I purchased three violets. In spite
of all my knowhow and solicitude, they just
sat — and sat — and sat! Finally, in despair,
mixed with a bit of disgust, I carried them
to the back porch, plopped them down in a
tray of sand in which I had azalea cuttings
rooting, and told them to just go ahead and
die. I couldn’t neglect them completely, so
occasionally I gave them a drink. I will never
forget the day I saw that first pale pink single
blossom standing up so perky above some
rather anemic looking foliage. That did it!
Dbisure time . . . POUF!!

Two years ago Cliff decided he either had
to pitch a pup tent outside for himself or
build a greenhouse for me. So, now I have a
15 by 30 foot greenhouse with approximately
600 varieties of African violets, in all stages
of growth, plus a few Gloxinias, Episcias and
Columneas, There are plants on the benches,
under the benches, on shelves, and hanging
from the roof in baskets. My greenhouse has
a 6 foot work area at the end of one bench,
a sink, hot and cold water, lights, gas heaters
for winter, and a water cooling fan for sum¬
mer , . . and, Oh yes, an extension phone.
(Cliff had that installed because he could
never get me on the phone, I was always in
the greenhouse.) I have five 48 inch 2-tube,
40-watt fluorescent fixtures over the lower
benches. The benches are filled 2 inches deep
with moist sand, treated with V-C 13 and
Malathion.

My pet soil formula is the one given by
W. P. Malone in the September 1959 issue of
the African Violet Magazine, except that in¬
stead of all peat, I use equal proportions of |

leaf mold and peat, and add ' charcoal and a j

small amount of Sponge-Rok to insure good I

drainage, since I use nO' drainage material in ■

the bottom of my pots. This mixture is treated ;

with V“C 13 for nematodes, and Malathion |

for any other bugs, and can be used immed- :

lately with no adverse effect on the plants. !

Babies planted in this mix grow like mad, |

with the loveliest, glossiest foliage, and bloom :

profusely before they go into their 4 inch ^

pots. I use only 21/4 and 4 inch pots, and ;

prefer the plastic type for several reasons:
they do not require foil around the rims,
they do not have to be watered as often, they |

are much easier to clean, and they do not get
that awful looking verdigris on the outside ^

as do clay pots when used in a greenhouse. |

My plants are watered individually, all 3,500
of them, from the top, with warm water ap¬
plied with a kitchen baster purchased from
the Dime Store. I try to water them when :
the soil on top is dry to the touch, however, :

with so many plants, I -occasionally miss a few
and they dry out completely, but it doesn’t
seem to damage them too much. About once a
week, oftener if the humidity is low, I give the
whole collection a good bath with warm water
from the hose, using my regular yard spray
attachment for this purpose. This cleans the ■
foliage as well as increasing the humidity. I
like to fertilize weekly, using half the recom¬
mended strength rather than the full strength
at longer intervals. I alternate, using Ortho- '
Gro, which contains fish emulsion, Plant Mar- )
vel, Hyponex, or any of the brands recom- |
mended for violets. My plants really seem to
thrive on this regimen.

About once a month I spray everything in
the greenhouse with Endrin, using one tea- ■

spoon to one gallon of water. The next month- '

ly spraying I use Malathion. Neither of these j*

insecticides seems to harm the foliage nor I

the blossoms. During the dampest spring and i

fall weather when I see 'what I suspect is a |

touch of mildew, I dust sulphur or Fermate . |
into the air over the plants by blowing it from |:

the end of a small cameFs-hair paintbrush. n

I never have any serious difficulty with ;

mildew. |

New varieties are obtained by ordering |

rooted cuttings from various growers and i[

hybridizers who advertise in ' Our Magazine, \

38

Gwen Eggerton, Meridian, Missl»ippi

On arrival these cuttings are put in 2% inch
pots in my regular soil mix and grown for
several weeks before the plantlets are re¬
moved from the parent leaf and potted indi¬
vidually, They are put on the same fertilizing
schedule as all my other plants, and before I
know it they are ready for their 4 inch pots.
I have had to dig down in the sand in the
benches to loosen their roots - when I was
ready to repot them.

We organized our violet club only two
years ago, and put on our first show last
April. What a thrill it was to bring home the
sweepstakes ribbon, and, Thrill of Thrills, the
National Gold Ribbon Award for the best
three registered varieties.

I begin in September looking over my
benches for the shapeliest of the new varieties
in 2V4 inch pots. These are potted up into 4
inch pots, leaving about % inch of space at
the top, because they lose approximately two
rows of leaves before show time, and fresh
soil can be eased in to cover the neck. They
are then placed on the lower benches under
fluorescent lights, spaced so that no leaves
are touching. The lighter colors are, of course,
placed on the outer edge, and these have to
be turned daily to maintain symmetry.

In addition to the regular fertilizing rou¬
tine, these “specials” are given a foliar feed¬
ing every two weeks. They are kept disbudded
until about ten weeks before show date, then
I let the buds form and watch hopefully for
show caliber blossoms. As the plants grow and
the leaves begin to touch, some are moved
to the top benches, to make growing room
for the more promising plants. After they
begin to flower, they must be watched closely
for faded blooms because at this time of the
year — early spring — - when the humidity
stays so high, the blooms are inclined to rot,
and if they drop on a leaf, it too will rot.
Many a show plant has gone back to the top
benches for that reason. I also keep a watch¬
ful eye out for suckers. Finally it is show
time, and if I am lucky I have 50 to 75
violets from which I may select my show
plants. When the final- selection is made, they
are given a last inspection: no suckers; no
stakes left in where a leaf was anchored to
preserve symmetry; the leaves are brushed
with one of Cliff’s old shaving brushes; they
are. given a last spraying with warm water;
pots are covered with foil; and off we go to
the show. How soul-satisfying it is to enter
the show room after the judging and see blue
ribbons shining beside some of your plants.
For me, this is compensation in full for the
fishing trips I didn’t make, for the hours spent
caring for my violets, even for washing the
hundreds of dirty pots that accumulate when
it is repotting time. •

Left, Purple Honey; back, First Bean; right? Coon
Valley.

Above. Blue < hu>s Below, looking flown the center
aisle of the greenlioiise.

Honor Roll

An African violet in order to receive the
distinction of being listed on the Honor Roll
must have remained on the “Best 100*’ list for
five consecutive years.

1955-1960

AZUEE BEAUTY ^
NAVY BOUQUET "
BLACK MAGIC ^
PINK CHEER ■ ■■
WHITE MADONNA
BOYCE EDENS
RUFFLED QUEEN

1961

BRIDESMAID
BLUE PEAK
BLUE POM -
CAVALIER
CRUSADER
CYDONIA

DIXIE MOONBEAM
DOUBLE PINK CLOUD '

BUD^S STRIKE ME PINK
EMPEROR WILHELM •
EVELYN JOHNSON

GRANGER GARDENS^ BLUE NOCTURNE
HOLIDAY
MARY THOMPSON
OHIO BOUNTIFUL
PAINTED GIRL
PINK IDEAL
SEA SPRITE
WHITE PRIDE
WHITE PRIDE SUPREME •
WHITE PUFF

"Best 100”

These are listed according to the number of votes received.

Richter’s Wedge wood, *R.

51.

Pink Fire

2,

Naomi’s Afterglo, R.

52.

Calumet Beacon, R.

3.

Bud’s Kimberly, R.

53.

Granger Gardens’ Masquerade, R.

4.

Granger Gardens’ Shag, R.

54.

Wintergreen, R.

5 ♦

Double Black Cherry (Lyon)

::i^55.

Peggy

6.

Lilian Jarre tt, R.

^56.

Heritage, R.

—7.

Coon Valley, R.

57.

Lovely Lady, R.

Isle Of Dreams, R.

^58.

Meteor

9.

Cindy

59.

Double Clarissa Harris, R.

-10.

Fischer’s Fire Dance, R. -

—60.

Smoke Rings

11.

Black Cherry

61.

Alaskan Waters, R.

~JL2,

Granger Gardens’ Matchmate, R.

62.

Wings of Eden

13.

Angel Child (Vallln)

63.

Blue Modiste

- 14.

Pride of Rochester, R.

64.

Little Giant Blue

Hi Hopes

65.

Red Crown

16.

Trifari

66.

Clusters o’ Blue

17.

Gay 90’s (Lyon)

67.

Bloomin’ Fool

^ 18.

Wintry Rose, R.

-68.

Snow Prince, R,

19.

Racy Red

69.

Sleeping Beauty, R.

— 20.

Richter’s Charm Song, R.

70.

Careless Love

21.

Pink Miracle, R.

71.

Command Performance, R.

22.

Richter’s Alabaster, R.

■ . •72.

King Neptune

23.

Granger Gardens’ Dorothy Gray, R.

73.

Snow Ballet

24.

Redderness -

'74.

Fascination, R.

25.

Flash

75.

Granger Gardens’ Faberge, R.

— 26.

Lorna Doone, R.

-76.

Ardent Red

27.

So Sweet, R.

77.

Stained Glass, R.

- 28.

Fandango

78.

Granger Gardens’ Good News, R.

29.

Beaming, R.

79.

Rose Dust

30.

Iris, R.

- 80.

Fleet Dream

31.

Angela, R.

81.

T-V Pink Petticoats

--- 32.

Glad Rags

82.

Mischief

33.

Valor, R.

83.

Amanda

34.

Melody Air, R.

84.

Double Racy Red

35.

Blue Blaze, R.

85.

Wind and Sea, R.

36.

Granger Gardens’ April Love, R.

86.

Fancy Pants, R.

37.

Snows of Kilimanjaro

87.

Sparkling Waters, R.

38.

Double Pink Fire, R.

88.

Irresistible

~-r39.

Cathy Ann

^ 89.

Spotlight'

40.

Little Jewel

90.

Black Cherry Supreme

— 41.

Honey

91.

Minnetonka, R.

—42.

T“V Vallinpink, R.

92.

Shrill

43.

Blue Chips

93.

Ember Dream

44.

Green Dawn

94.

Star Holly Selection

45.

Fringed Pompon

95.

Blue Boy, R.

^^■^46.

Raspberry Sherbet, R.

96.

Jacob’s Coat

47.

Jubilee

97.

Granger Gardens’ Santa Maria, R.”-

^48.

Fair Elaine, R.

98.

My Sin, R.

49.

Blushing Beauty

99.

Lilac Dale, R.

50.

Lavenda

100.

Oriental Red

* Registered

41

42

Many a breakfast dish has gone unwashed
while I have stood in rapt admiration
before my African violet bench. Each morn¬
ing some fresh beauty has emerged from the
night and it must be duly noted and enjoyed.
It may seem that not much can be done to
increase the pleasure we get from each beau¬
tiful plant, but, we can increase the occasions
from which we derive such full measure of
satisfaction. One of the ways that has become
popular in recent years is the use of African
violets in arrangements, either by themselves
or in combination with other flowers and plant
materials.

My favorite arrangements are those which
depict the spring season, and for these I prefer
to use the violet plants rather than the cut
blossoms. Somehow violets seem to personify
all the things that make spring the most de¬
lightful time of the year. Newness, beauty,
gaiety, elfishness, interlaced with a spirit of
optimism, tell me that this will surely be the
best year of all. As a backdrop for the African
violets it is fairly easy to bring a part of the
exciting and interesting springtime world in¬
doors, and to incorporate some of its elements
in arrangements. Fungi, ferns and budding
branches unite happily with African violets.
Rocks and mosses and weathered wood make
a congenial environment for small ceramic
creatures that may be used as accessories.

Ruth Tiedeman, Normal, Illinois

It is a great timesaver to have on hand re¬
usable properties or “backbones” for arrange¬
ments. One of my standbys is a hollowed out
maple burl. When first acquired it had bark,
which gradually broke away until now it is
a smooth gray and tan wood. A small pot of
violets fits nicely into the hollow. A larger
plant can be lifted out of its pot and the ball
of earth wrapped with foil before placing it
in the burl. Another versatile piece of wea¬
thered wood is a 10 inch length of curved tree
branch with a knothole opening. As a base
for either of these I borrowed a flagstone from
a friend’s rose garden. (This piece of flagstone
is a rather widely traveled one. It has accom¬
panied me to several shows. Though it is
heavy, it is exactly the right size and color
for an arrangement base.) Additional plant
material can be anything that is available such
as ferns, pussy willow branches, or other
budding and flowering branches. A combina¬
tion of the grayed and green foliages of spring
is very effective. To soften the base line, pieces
of moss and lichen are added.

One of the most fascinating of my re¬
usable properties is a small brown toadstool
that I found years ago in Wisconsin’s north
woods. It possesses the quality of perpetual

43

youth. When I wish to use it in a naturalistic
arrangement, it is placed in water overnight.
In the morning it is fresh and lifelike again!
The accessories may be varied. Sometimes I
use leprechauns, at other times, ceramic frogs,
birds or small animals. The color of the Afri¬
can violet selected for the center of interest
is chosen according to the place where the
arrangement is to be placed. In our living
room, for instance, a lavender or pink violet
is particularly good against the gray-green
walls.

Another springtime arrangement, for Eas¬
ter, is one in which I use the patron saint
of growing things — - St. Francis of Assisi. A
white violet is best for the center of interest
here, with a background of pointed iris leaves
or leatherleaf fern. On the base, which is
either a black-painted piece of wood or a slab
of gray marble, small-leafed ferns and minia¬
ture ivy sprays tie the parts of the arrange¬
ment together.

Though most of my arrangements are made
in the spring, I have at least one “setup’’ for
each holiday or special occasion. One of my
favorites is a container suitable for both Val¬
entine’s Day and for wedding anniversaries.
It is a white Styrofoam heart with pink net
frilling mounted on a slanting Styrofoam base.
A cutout space in the center of the heart per¬
mits the use of either a plant or a water-filled
jar for cut violet blossoms.

African violets lend their beauty well to
many things other than arrangements. They
love parties and add a touch of glamour where
ever they are given a chance. Small pin backed
plastic vases, filled with violet blossoms and
foliage and attached to stand-up cards, make
colorful place cards. Baby African violet
plants in tiny painted or foil covered clay pots
can also be used as place cards, in addition to
serving as highly prized favors.

Individual salads that are both attractive
and different may be made this way: Make
baskets from large oranges by cutting through
the rind except for a half inch on either side
at the center line of the oranges. Cut the rind
up and over the top of the oranges, leaving
the half inch strips to form handles for the
baskets. Carefully remove the pulp and com¬
bine with other fruits to make the salad. Spoon
the mixture into the orange shells. Into small
orchid tubes put African violet blossoms and
tuck them into the tops of the salads. These
are definitely conversation pieces!

After African violet blossoms are properly
hardened, the stems may be wound with flor¬
ist’s tape and combined with foliage, bits of
lace, net or ribbon, to make beautiful and
lasting corsages or floral decorations for gift
packages.

Wherever and whenever African violets are
used, this, in the words of Keats, can be said
of them: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever;
its loveliness increases; it will never pass into
nothingness.” •

From the Five and Dime

Deirdre Ann Donoghue, Washington, D. C.

ONE can find the strangest things in a five-
and-dime store! For example, I found
two African violets sitting beside mounds of
pots, glasses, stainless flatware and linen
tablecloths. They looked intriguingly dis¬
eased, so I bought them. Impatiently we waited
for the plants to bloom since both were
unnamed. Both had bloomed before, as was
evidenced by the shriveled peduncles. And
what blooms! One plant with Girl type leaves
and upright growth had variegated maroon
and white flowers. For example, one pe¬
duncle carried four blooms: one was pure
maroon; the second was maroon with a white
center; the third was white with a maroon
edge; and the fourth nearly pure white. The
blooms were small. Mother and I named
that plant Tamourra, an East Indian word
meaning little boy.

The second dime-store acquisition bloomed
at the same time. The foliage was striking.
The petioles were six inches long and the
leaf blades three inches long by two inches
wide. They grew from a central stem, making
the plant globe-shaped. The blooms were
small and double. These were variegated like
Tamourra, but in lavender and white. I
finally decided to call this one Althea Double
Longifolia, after my mother.

So we are in a dilemma. These plants
seem unknown to the writers of Saintpaulia
books. We just can’t seem to identify the
plants or make any sense out of them. Yet
we are reluctant to commercially name them
until we can ascertain their value. Tamourra
and Althea are odd culturally, too. Both are
reluctant to start from cuttings, and both are
shy bloomers, yet once started they take
months to stop. They have higher humidity
and light requirements than any other fifty-
odd plants, and Althea, particularly, needs
daily rotation to light. The petioles, being
long and flexible, are very happy to bend
every which way. Both seem to appreciate
more fertilizer than is usual: once a week
they want Plantabbs. Tamourra only needs
watering once every ten days, but Althea
likes daily inspections.

I have plans for them. Whether or not
they are commercially accepted, I want to
hybridize. First, I want to achieve this
variegation in pink, lavender, and rose, in
single and double blooms. Then I want to
put these blooms on the deeply ruched foliage
of Mrs. John Buynak’s Caravan series. If I
am dealing with true mutants, the hybridiz¬
ing time will be short since the only time
needed will be growing time. If, however,
these two plants are hybrids themselves, then
I am in for a decade or two of work. Wish
me luck! •

44

First let me say our plants are grown in
our home, no greenhouse, and under the
most ordinary circumstances. I have only
grown African violets for a few years, so have
tried to read and learn by other people's ex¬
periences. Most have written that African
violets should rest during the summer, there¬
fore I, too, had to let up on my feeding in
the spring and fed nothing at all during
the hot weather. When fall came, it took
many weeks to get the plants ready for win- '
ter blooming. In my mind, I could not
understand why one should allow violets
to struggle all summer, with little or no
nourishment, and then expect to be re¬
warded with bloom when winter came.

In March 1960 I started using Liquid
Blue Whale, the new organic plant food.

Since then I have used it constantly, feed¬
ing each time I water, but using very little, y -Ai
I find that 2 drops per cup of warm rain water 1
nourishes African violets and keeps them in
nearly constant bloom. When one removes the
last old bloom stalk, one should find new buds
coming if the variety is an excellent bloomer.
Before using the Liquid Blue Whale I had very
little or no bloom in the summer and during
the hot weather I had some very tired looking
foliage. Last summer I had the best summer
yet; sometimes the flowers were a little small¬
er, but they were fairly constant. I like bloom
the year round and try to keep varieties that
are known to be fairly good bloomers.

Another thing that has helped me very
much is the use of Sponge-Rok in trays and
saucers, as well as putting a generous amount
in my potting mix, be it my own organic mix
or a commercial mix. Of course, if you are
using the U, C. Mix, you are getting one half
Sponge-Rok. I believe it aerates your soil and
makes a better root system, in addition to al¬
lowing nearly perfect drainage.

As about half of our 800 plants are window
grown, we find it necessary to shade some of
the windows during the sunny part of the day.
To do this, we have bamboo porch shades on
the outside of our sunny windows. They also
tend to keep the house cooler by keeping the
sun off the window glass. Our glass shelves
are filled with a beautiful array of all colors
of bloom.

The balance of the plants, and the cuttings,
are under 7 sets of fluorescent lights: we are
now using the new Gro-Lux lamps. What a
wonderful change! In 10 days we could see a
vast improvement. Plants are growing better
than ever, blooms are larger and of a much
more brilliant color; they last longer, too. The
three sets of lights upstairs provide light for
about 150 choice plants. They are really a
sight to behold, since installing the new Gro-
Lux lamps and following a regular feeding
program.

It is a good practice to spray about once a
month as a precaution, especially when the
house is open. Many small insects can come

SUMMER
Complaint

Bernice Blakely
419 Watervliet Ave.

Dayton 20, Ohio

through the screens. I usually spray over the
screen doors too, but do not have any windows
open near the African violets.

We use a 30 inch attic fan to ventilate the
whole house. I believe the use of a fan is
necessary during much of our summer weath¬
er, as it provides a circulation of air. Even
a small fan, properly used, will help.

I do not dread or fear our summer weather
or its effect on the African violets, here in
Ohio, as long as they are properly nourished
with Liquid Blue Whale. I believe plants or¬
ganically grown will stand up under changing
conditions better than those grown in other
ways. We can always move plants from the
basement lights to our windows, or from the
lights upstairs, and do not notice any change
or set back, except that we DO have larger
and better bloom under the Gro-Lux lamps.

We have heard and read much about “sum¬
mer complaint," but we believe one can avoid
it to a great extent when plants are regularly
and properly fed ... I don't mean OVERFED.
This and a little extra Tender Loving Care
should reward you with bloom all summer
long and give you better plants in general.
We feed our babies as soon as they are up,
and have healthy, robust plants.

In addition to the lights already mentioned,
we have one of the new Sun Lighter carts: 8
trays with 4 sets of lights. It is wonderful for
babies, cuttings, and small plants.

I sincerely hope this will help at least a
few people to grow better plants and enjoy
them all summer, with no “summer com¬
plaint." •

45

Mrs. Ogden

Arrangement

Mrs. Balph T* Ogden
West Hartford, Conn.

This arrangement was made for the African Violet Show “Violets International”
which was held last year by The Central Connecticut Saintpaulia Club. It was entered
in the interpretive class “Deepest Africa.”

The figure of a gracefully modeled native African girl with a pensive expression
was seated on a wooden base of natural gray finish. An interesting branch in a light¬
er natural gray finish was used for height and contrast. This was placed in a pin
cup holder at the side of the figure.

Sansevieria with a light chartreuse edge was used for its textural relation and to
create transition from the center of interest to the rhythmic branch.

The beautiful African violet cultivar Isle of Dreams seemed to have a feeling of
unity with the pensive mood of the figure. Also, the plant^s deep pink buds and
blossoms with their pale frilly chartreuse edges added contrast as well as interest and
unity.

The plant was removed undisturbed from its pot and the root ball carefully
wrapped in light weight aluminum foil before it was placed in the pin cup as the
center of interest. The figure, the plant material, and the African violet Isle of Dreams
were carefully chosen for interpretation and design.

46

c

BUYER’S Guide

Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1, Box 143, Greenwood, Ind.

I would like to thank those members who
have responded so graciously to our re¬
quest for help. We are compiling some very in¬
teresting information, and we have only
scratched the surface. We hope to have many
more of you assisting in the next few months.
When you have show winners, let us know. We
have received a few reports on varieties re-,
gistered before 1959. These will not be in¬
cluded in this column. When a variety is good
enough to still be on the top after three years
of new introductions, then it deserves a spot
on the Best 100 list, being handled by Eliza¬
beth Rosenak. Also, we are getting such good
reports on a few unregistered varieties, that
this should cause the originator to hurry and
register them.

Now — I know you are dying to know
which plants have received the most votes
during the last three months:

SNOW BALLET (Granger) 7 votes; All grow¬
ers reporting agree that this is a very good
double white, with sjnnmetrical tailored foli¬
age, from four to ten blooms per stalk. All
but one reports use of fluorescent lighting.
TRIFARI (Ulery) 6 votes: Running a close
second to Snow Ballet at this time is this
beautiful plant, variously described by our
growers as rosy-pink, rose-red, and fuchsia.
Suffice it to say it is a glowing shade not
easily described with mere words. The foliage
is slightly wavy, compact symmetrical, with

c

More About Gro-Lux

up to twelve fully double blossoms per stalk.
CHARM SONG (Richter) 5 votes: This is a
clear light blue double, with good tailored
foliage, early blooming qualities, good in
natural light as well as artificial. Four to
twelve blossoms per stalk.

BLUE BLAZE (Lyon) 3 votes: This is a good
medium blue semidouble with a good white
edge. The foliage, is wavy and pointed, and it
is a heavy bloomer, with the blooms held high.
HERITAGE (Richter) 3 votes: This is a dark
purple double, on tailored foliage of symmetri¬
cal growth. Six to ten blossoms per stalk.
DOUBLE BLACK CHERRY (Omaha African
Violet Club): This is a beautifully growing
tailored plant, with quilted, almost black foli¬
age. Deep red double blooms in profusion.
SEA GRAPE (West) 2 votes.* This is a terrific
bloomer. The young plants are soon covered
with many frilled double lavender blooms,
held well above wavy dark foliage. Good
growth reported in daylight.

HI HOPES (Lyon) 2 votes: This is a huge,
semidouble blue Star, with a white ruffle
around each petal. The foliage is variable,
large and somewhat quilted.

Some plants to watch: White Lace, Lilian
Jarrett, Sea Spider, Avacita, Regal Gold,
Black Waves, Spring Rose, Gay Witch,
Carolina Queen, Angela, Spring Melody, Hilda
Jones, Tall Talk, Fury, Forever White, Silver
Crest, Party Gown. •

R. Stanley Kendig, Westminster, Mass.

□

IN the last edition of the African Violet
Magazine the Editor suggested that we
who are using the Gro-Lux lights should re¬
port our experiences to other readers.

These are our findings so far:

At least 5 members of our club have been
using the new tubes seriously for a period
of 5% months. First, we experimented with
the time element. We dropped our light ex¬
posure from 14 to 12 hours, then down to 10.
Most of us have gone back to 12 hours al¬
though we have seen little difference among
the time spans.

Second — ■ We started with 2 tubes in the
usual 40 watt unit. The “new, unbelievable
appearance” as reported by Dr. Reed is all
true. The glamourizing was fantastic. In fact,
it is really an optical illusion, so much so that
some of us would not sell plants from those
tables. I liked Dr. Reed’s reference to “hu¬
man cosmetics” — - could be! could be!

Third — Some of us overcame this illusion
by using 1 daylight and 1 Gro-Lux tube in
each 40 watt unit. The lessening of light
volume seemed to make no difference in the
growth pattern.

Fourth — While it is too early to have
firm convictions about Gro-Lux we are ac¬
cepting the following tentatively: the effect
is more noticeable in plantlets (just out of
rooting mix) than in adult plants, those 6
months or older; the root systems are uni¬
formly better; and, we do not notice any shock
or adjustment when plants are moved to re¬
latively similar growing conditions. In an¬
other year, research men will discover other
and more accurate findings.

Fifth — ■ Personally, I am finding about the
same results with 1 daylight and 1 warm
white as with 1 Gro-Lux and 1 daylight.

Concluding — All of us are agreed that the
Gro-Lux tube is a step forward for us and
we will continue to use and experiment with
it imtil we find the best possible set of grow¬
ing conditions. Sylvania, in its circular about
the new tubes, makes no promises about the
blooming phase of the plant, since they were
interested in foliage and roots. We like the
Gro-Lux tubes very much and will use them
until a better tube designed specifically for
African violets reaches the market.. •

47

Helen Gaines, Sterling, Nebraska

Fluorescent Growing My Way

Before I go into the way my light system
is actually set up, I would like to explain
how it all came about.

If I had purchased a good book on growing
African violets under fluorescent lights, I
might have saved myself a lot of time, trouble
and expense. I didn’t, so in the beginning
everything was done wrong. My first violets
were grown on a table in front of a window
in our home. In a few months, there were so
many that we did not have a single window
we could open wide. Something had to be
done as our home began to resemble a jungle.
My husband built a rack with three shelves
and single strip fluorescent lamps were pur¬
chased. We figured the light from the window
plus the one 40 watt bulb would be enough,
but it was not. The plants directly in front of
the windows were fine but those away from
the windows did not bloom as they should.
Then too, each plant was in its own individual
saucer and watering was a problem. I decided
to scout around and find the correct way be¬
fore any more money and time were invested.

It was not long until people began to call
on me, asking to see the violets and wanting
to buy plants. As we own a variety store in
the small town of Sterling, we decided to try
selling the blooming plants in our store. I had
no difficulty at all in getting rid of all I could
raise, so we decided to move everything to
the basement under our store and clear them
completely from our home. I was spending
most of my time in the store anyway, and by
moving them I had more time to enjoy my
beloved violets.

I started out by painting and cleaning the
basement. A partition had to be insulated,
also gas and water were piped in and an old
stove was installed. The first rack was the
old one moved from the living room. I soon
learned that in order to have the correct
amount of light, two lamp, 48 inch fixtures
with reflectors would have to be purchased.
One after the other, racks were built and
fixtures installed and soon the basement was
bulging with violets. There was nothing else
to do but start moving something out of our
store and make more space for plants.

By this time I was supplying two stores in
Lincoln, Nebraska, with blooming plants at
wholesale prices. It was beginning to keep my
entire family busy. Both my husband and son
built racks and installed fixtures. They load
plants for delivery, also sterilize and label
pots and help with the watering. I certainly
could not handle everything without their
help. We soon cleared the back half of our
store and started to build more racks. Inci¬
dentally, the one-strip fixtures I had originally

are now put to good use for growing cuttings.
This seems to be plenty of light for them. In
the past all of my profits were used for buying
equipment but by the first of this year I had
a half dozen wholesale accounts and no more
space for expanding. I do not consider myself
an authority, but my methods have been suc¬
cessful for me, so I will try to explain them.
How We Set Up a Fluorescent Outfit for
Growing African Violets Under Lights
Each rack is three-tiered. The smaller racks
are 5 feet by 2 feet. The larger ones are 9 feet
by 2 feet. The extra space between fixtures
is used for growing cuttings. The shelves are
20 inches apart. The fixtures are hung by
chains so they may be raised or lowered ac¬
cording to the size of the plants. Each fixture
will accommodate 4 trays. Our local hardware
man makes the galvanized trays which meas¬
ure 24 by 12 by 1 inches. The trays are filled
about half full of Sponge-Rok, which is kept
moist. The racks are situated so that all sides
are easily accessible. All of the watering is
done directly into the trays.

I use daylight bulbs exclusively. At one
time I experimented with one pink and one
daylight bulb, but did not care for the results.
It took a much longer period of time for
plants to reach the blooming stage. Then too,
they did not bloom nearly so profusely as with
the two daylight bulbs.

How to Care for Fluorescent Grown Plants
I believe that when growing plants under
fluorescent lights, the care is much the same
as when window grown. They should be
watered when they need it, that is when the
soil begins to feel dry. Experimenting with
various soils and plant foods is one thing I
have never done. In the beginning I used
Smith’s African Violet Soil, and Plant Marvel.
I liked the results so have never changed. The
water is heated until it is just a little warmer
than lukewarm. The feeding is done twice a
month.

How Often to Change the Lights and
How to Care for the Lights

In my opinion, the bulbs do not need chang¬
ing until the ends begin to turn black. The
bulbs should be wiped with a damp cloth
every 2 or 3 weeks to keep them free of film.

How to Spray Plants Under Lights
Once a month my plants receive a good
spraying as a prevention. It is done just before
the lights are to be turned off for the night.
Spraying should not be done during daylight
hours or under lights. It could spot the plants,
I use an African violet aerosol type spray.
Which Varieties Need More Light than
Other Varieties?

It has been my experience that plants with

48

dark foliage need more light than those with
a lighter foliage. The Girl foliages seem to
stay more symmetrical and will not bunch in
strong light. My variegateds do best in strong
light. The Stars are beautiful and seem to do
well for me in most any position under the
lights. The fixtures are hung so that there
are 10 inches between the bulbs and the top of
the small plants. I leave about 8 inches be¬
tween' the bulbs and the top of the larger
plants.

D ^

i\ftQ fordafkfolioqe At^oforlijht fohcKje

Place dark leafed plants directly under the lights in
the center area of the rack.

Light foliaged types grow best at the side or end of
rack for they do not require as much light.

Have fixtures installed on a chain or pulley so that
the lights may he raised or lowered according to the
needs of plants.

How Long Should the Lights Burn

In the Summer in the Winter?

I leave my lights on 15 hours a day in the
winter. The summer seems to bring its own
problems and the lights are left on for just
14 hours. With so many plants to add to the
humidity in the summer, I believe a shorter
light period is best. The blooms are smaller
and the foliage does not come out as nicely
as in the winter. During hot weather, a fan
is kept running constantly, although not di¬
rectly on the plants. Otherwise, doors and
windows are opened wide to admit fresh, cool
air. Plant food is used at half strength in
summer. About all one can do is try to keep
the plants as comfortable as possible and wait
for fall to arrive. What a thrill when the
weather finally turns cool and the plants
begin to perform as they should.

My lower shelves are reserved for Supr ernes.
The cooler temperature and added humidity
brings them out beautifully. I see to it that
my plants receive plenty of fresh air, al¬
though they are never in a direct draft. I have
always believed that the combination of the
right plant food and plenty of fresh air will
bring out nice, large blooms. •

What Is A Good Soil Mix?

E. Fisher, Downsview, Ontario, Canada

Reprinted with permission from Chatter

There must be as many soil mixes as there
are cake recipes. We have experimented with
soils for some time and feel that now we
have found one that is very satisfactory for
us, and which we have been using for the
past 3 years. With this soil mix, we do not
fertilize until the baby plants are 4 months
old, and then, each week at a quarter
strength for 21/2 inch pots, and half strength
for 3 and 4 inch pots, with Atlas Fish Emul¬
sion Fertilizer,

Our recipe is very simple, yet we can
almost see the plants grow. We use 8 parts
sphagnum peat moss, 4 parts clay loam from
our North York Garden, sterilized, (not, of
course, Blue Clay), 4 parts vermiculite,
medium grade, 2 parts fine chipped charcoal.
To each bushel we add 3 tablespoons of
Fermate, 21/2 cups of bone meal, 21/2 cups of
whiting. Using the quantity of peat moss we
advocate, the soil would tend to become too
acid, so we add the whiting which tends to
keep the soil neutral or Just slightly acid. The
Fermate, of course, is to try to prevent crown
rot, and it does a good job in this respect.

We are experimenting with the same soil
mixture, but u^ing calcium carbonate in
place of whiting. In a very interesting article
in the American African Violet Magazine of
March 1959, Forrest Richter writes under the
heading “Look, No Crown Rot.” In this
article he states that he uses calcium carbon¬
ate in his soil mix, and since doing so had
had virtually no crown rot, and he grows
many thousands of plants each year. Mr.
Richter states also that the plants showed an
immediate increase in bloom, better growth
and increased vigour. In closing, Forrest
Richter says “There have been many explana¬
tions of crown rot but from our experience
we are inclined to believe that crown rot
is almost caused by unbalance of pH of the
soil and lack of calcium. In our test with
several plants of T~V Cut Velvet, using cal¬
cium carbonate in the soil mix, we found at
first they were a little slower in going ahead,
but after 3 months, they are one-third ahead
of those in our regular soil mix using whiting.
We will continue to watch growth on all
these plants. In corresponding by letter with
Mr. Richter regarding quantity of calcium
carbonate to use, he replied that he was not
familiar with the use of whiting in soil mix,
but suggested using 2 or 3 cups full of
calcium carbonate per bushel of soil mix,
depending on the kind of soil used as a base.
In our test we used 21/2 cups of calcium car¬
bonate to a bushel of our soil mix. •

49

These leaves are grown in ver-
miculite, which was pre-fer-
lilized. This method usually
produces a 90 per cent crop.
Below, this T-V Stagline was
given to me when it was a
young plant. The foliage is a
lu«;cious green with red-reverse,
and the plant is almost 18
inches across. It blooms pro¬
fusely.

Like many Wofnen who are heavily laden
with chores and responsibilities, I still lind
time for my African violets. My day begins
and ends with the violets. At 5:30 a.m. I go
down to the basement and put on the lights:
there are nine 4 foot fluorescents. I usually
give the plants a quick looking over; then
get breakfast; get my teen-age son up for
school; send my husband off to his work; and
at 7:20 I am off to work — I work in a dress
factory. At 4:00 p.m. I get home. I start the
supper, then check on the violets. After put¬
tering around for 15 or 20 minutes, I go back
to the meal at hand. It is usually 6:00 p.m.
when the kitchen is all cleaned up. After

helping my husband in his tax collecting of¬
fice, which is a side line, I then spend an
hour or two with the violets. Lights are out
before midnight.

I have been growing African violets for
the past 8 years. I have tried many different
soil mixes, all of which I compounded myself.
In my opinion, a violet will grow in almost
any soil. In growing them in sand alone, I
discovered they had the healthiest roots and
foliage that looked as if it were polished, but

Mrs. Nicholas DeSandis, Moscow, Penn.

they were very slow to flower. When rooting
leaves, it takes almost a year.

I like the method I use now: I grow my
violets in a mixture of equal parts of sand,
soil and peat moss. The temperature remains
at 70 degrees, night and day, summer and
winter. My plants receive plenty of air and
humidity. I water them when the soil feels
almost dry. The pots are embedded in sand
which I have on the benches; this method
helps to keep the plants from becoming dry
too quickly, it also helps to form the humidity
the plants must have. The lights are kept on
for 12 hours a day in the summer months, and
14 hours daily in the winter months. The
violets are fertilized with a garden sprinkler
every 3 weeks.

I have tried many different plant foods and
fertilizers and don't find too much difference
in them. I feel that the conditions under
which the plants are grown, such as air, humi¬
dity and watering, are the factors to v/hich
I owe my success.

My husband, an orchid grower, helps out
too; mostly he helps with the potting. It was
he who suggested that I use water warmer
than lukewarm when I water my African
violets. #

Most of the blooms are unusually large, some even
surpass the 2 inch mark. This plant is one I hy¬
bridized, and its first bloom is 1% Inches across.
Below are pictured some of the benches in my fluores¬
cent light setup which is in the basement. Plants do
well here. The atmosphere is right for them.

51

H^re is where it happened. The three strays to the^
right on the upper three shelves where -hit the worst.
You can see a bit of the heat pipe in the upper right
hand corner. ' V'

Older plants were not touched,

Whodunit?

Do you like a mystery? I’m not sure I do.

I am sure that I do not care to participate
in one. But regardless of my desires or
talents, I was called upon to impersonate
Scotland Yard for some six or eight weeks.
So, here it is. The big question — “Whodunit?”

Before I tell you about the strange hap¬
penings, I had better set the stage for you.
I do not live in an apartment, or in a house
in the city, or even in one of the well built
up suburbs. Things could probably never
happen there that could happen to me. I
live on 3 V2 acres, much of which is quite
heavily wooded. There is heavy timberland
and a farm back of us. We have all the birds
and little creatures of such woodsy places,
including raccoons, opossums and even flying
squirrels. We also have insect neighbors
which I would gladly get rid of if I could.
We wage a summer long battle with carpenter
ants, a fall campaign against crickets, and a
year round all out war against my most
hated foe, wood roaches, which think they
would far rather live in our attic than in
some dead tree or stump, especially during
the winter. Even then, I think I would get
along all right, not knowing they were there,
but when they decide to pay me a call I go
into a complete flurry of activity until my
caller is no more.

It happened in my basement. Needless to
say, every available inch of space is so filled
with plants that one has to be adept at walk¬
ing “slim” or leaves are snapped off and
even pots brushed on to the floor. I’m afraid
I have been guilty of both. My visitors do
far better than I. Under and back of the stairs

Lucile Rainsberger, Lambertville, Michigan

and against the fruit room wall, I have a for¬
mer bookcase which has 5 shelves 50 inches
long, each of which has been fitted with a
single fluorescent strip light. I put my young
plants in 11 by 22 inch trays, 4 of which fit
on each shelf. This is where “it” happened.

I had been away to the National Conven¬
tion. The first time I watered these young
plants after coming home, I found that some¬
thing had moved in while I was gone. The
young plants next to the wall on the top 3
shelves had been eaten back. Sometimes
the whole plant was gone. Sometimes one or
two leaves had been cut off and were laying
on the floor or in the trays. On some of the
leaf stalks there were tiny holes which
looked like tooth marks. Only the tiny
very young plants were molested and only
those on the first 3 shelves and those near
the one end of the racks. In watering the
rest of my 2,000 or more plants in the base¬
ment, I found that not another one had been
touched. Of course I began to speculate as
to the culprit and at the same time I went
into action. It didn’t look like the work of
mice, as not a pollen center had been touched.
At a previous time I had found whole centers
eaten and pollen scattered all over. Never¬
theless, the traps were all freshly baited with
the most seductive bait we could think of.
Then just before turning off the lights for the
night, I sprayed everything with Johnson’s
Raid.

The next morning I expected to find at
least one mouse in a trap or “bodies” on the

52

floor and in my trays. I didn’t find any such
thing but did find more plants eaten up
completely and more young leaves cut off
and laying on the floor. That day I took
all the trays from the shelves and painted the
entire wall back of the rack and the rack
itself with chlordane. Also, for good measure,
I painted the outside of all the trays with the
chlordane. If it was the roaches, that ought to
do it, but I was mystified as I hadn’t found
even one sign of one around after spraying
with Raid.

The following morning I found that noth¬
ing had been touched, so there began a period
of watchful waiting. In the meantime I re¬
arranged the plants in the trays, putting the
“one of a kind” in the front where they
weren’t ever touched, and the expendable
ones at the back. It paid off, for sure enough,
about 3 nights later, more leaves were clipped
off. Not one of the traps were ever touched.

Next I took to putting traps on the shelves
where the plants were being damaged. But
the traps just stood there as I had put them
and the plants continued to be visited — just
the newer transplants with the youngest, most
tender leaves. Whatever it was, it did not
relish the leaves on plants even a bit older.

I was becoming desperate. I hated losing
fine, young transplants, but also I was getting
tired of so much work. I had taken to re¬
moving the trays from the plant rack every
night and putting them back in the morning.
They were never disturbed when they were
not on the shelves, nor was anything else. It all
boiled down to one thing: the culprit was
evidently coming in through the space above
the heat pipe which ran above the plant rack,
through the wall into the fruit room. In the
fruit room there is an opening in the wall into
a crawl space. Apparently whatever was at¬
tacking the violets was coming from the crawl
space by way of the heat pipe.

In desperation I sprayed everything with
Isotox M. With trays of plants removed, I
sprayed the rack itself, the wall and heat
pipe with a very potent solution of Malathion.
Then I put the trays back on the rack. About
3 o’clock in the morning, my husband woke
me up. “Lucile, what in the world is that
awful smell? Can you smell it?” I certainly
could. The odor of that vile smelling Mala¬
thion had premeated the whole house. Our
bedroom is at least 50 feet from that base¬
ment wall over another crawl space, but it
didn’t seem to make a bit of difference. We
opened wide 4 casement windows in the bed¬
room and managed to get through the night.
But I knew I could never again use Malathion
in the house.

The varmints didn’t like the odor either.
They suddenly lost their appetites for fresh
young leaves and decided cheese would be
much more appetizing for there was a white

bellied field mouse in one of the traps in the
morning. Things began looking up. But!
The odor wore off and so did the desire for
cheese. Again the young leaves began to go.
I began to believe that catching the mouse
was just a coincidence for we couldn’t catch
another mouse and the nightly depredations
continued.

Then I decided that I would try luring the
mice, if it were mice, in another way. I
bought a box of d’Con and put it in the open¬
ing to the crawl space where I suspected they
were getting in. Nothing happened. The
d’Con was not touched but the young leaves
continued to fall. Finally one day I picked
up the d’Con container and poured out some
in a pile on the paper it was sitting on. The
next morning all leaves were intact. Then I
examined the d’Con. The little pile I had
poured out was scattered all about. Now I
knew who my enemy was. That was the end
of any attacks on my plants. The d’Con has
sat there for several months. I pour out a
fresh pile every so often and by the looks of
it tell if I am entertaining visitors unawares.
They never come any farther. They have
found something they like much better than
tender young violet leaves.

Now I know “Whodunit!” But, more im¬
portant, I also know how to prevent it. •

How many times have you
looked for a device to hold
up a pot growing a vine
type plant? Look
for a coat hanger
and make one
easily as shown in
the sketch. They
come in light and
heavy gauge wire. By
all means choose the
heavy wire and by cut¬
ting it with a pair of
wire cutting pliers it can
be shaped to provide the
I hook you have been
searching fbr.

For a
Hanging
Plant or Vine

53

■

Diagramatic illustrations of mite damage. 1 — Center i
infested plant will remain small, become off-color, grow i
or suddenly die. 2 — Blossom stems and blossoms will be*

3 — Center leaves get progressively smaller and monii

4 — Streaked, blotched or off-color bloom is often first
of mites presence.

Mites are tiny eight legged animals of
many different kinds. They are very
small and cannot be detected by the naked
eye and are often hard to locate even with a
microscope. Therefore, knowing and being
able to recognize the symptoms of their pre¬
sence on your plants is of great importance.

As the cyclamen mite (Tarsonemus pallidus)
and broad mite (Hemitarsonemus latus) are
the two types most well known to African vio¬
let growers, let’s take a closer look as to the
description, symptoms, treatment, etc. of
them.

A young cyclamen mite is glassy white or a
clear pale green in color, about 1/100 of an
inch long, and slow moving; adults are pale
brown in color and they have thick legs and
heads that are out of proportion with the rest
of their bodies. The female lays five or six
eggs a day for two or three weeks at the base
of the plant or in the crevices in the leaves or
buds. These eggs then hatch into six legged
larvae in a week and remain active for about
seven days and then become motionless for
three days, after which they become an eight
legged adult.

Broad mite is pale, almost transparent, and
is smaller and wider than the cyclamen mite.
It completes its life cycle in approximately
eight days. It moves more rapidly than the
cyclamen mite and feeds on the undersides of
the leaves.

Mite do not actually eat the plant but scratch
the surface of the tender new foliage and
flower buds while they are still in the growing
crown of the plant; then they drink the sap
that flows from the wounds. This affects dif¬
ferent plants in different ways.

One of the first indications that mites are
at work on a plant is when the blossoms be¬
come off-colored, blotched, deformed, and
some of the petals may be missing. Also, the
blossom stems become short, thickened, lumpy-
like, and twisted. When center leaves grow
improperly, bunch together, become distorted,
shiny, hard, brittle, twisted upward or down¬
ward, or the outlines of the leaves (if they
grow at all) become misshapen are noted
signs that mites are present. Often the plant
centers turn gray, have a woolyish, graylike
heavy growth of hair, or the young and tender
leaves may turn to a sickly yellowish-green.
Another possible indication of mite is if a
leaf readily cracks along the midrib when
pressure is exerted with the thumb and fore¬
finger on the center of a suspected plant.

Mites have tender jaws and cannot live on
the tougher adult leaves such as you would
take for propagation. They depend upon the
young center foliage and would die of star¬
vation before long without these center leaves
from which to obtain nourishment.

When you discover a plant with mite infes¬
tation or any of the suspected symptoms im¬
mediately take it away from your other plants
to avoid infecting them all. Mites may be
spread through your collection unconsciously

in many ways. They may be transferred from
plant to plant on the spout of a watering can
or other utensils used in caring for your vio¬
lets. So be careful with tools, such as the
watering can, knives, etc., and always scald
them thoroughly before using them again.

The practice of brushing leaves to remove
dust is another potent way of transmitting

^pen

kied.

lied.

tion

mite control
with

sodium selenote

mite from plant to plant. Mites may also be
brought into the house by garden soil that
is mite-infested. Therefore, it is wise to steri¬
lize all soil as well as flower pots and stakes.

Mite may be carried on the hands from one
plant to another. Therefore, one must always
cleanse and disinfect the hands after handling
an infested or suspicious-appearing plant.

Special attention should be given to all
house plants or cut flowers brought into the
home as mites are often transferred to African
violets by the plant-to-plant method. Cycla¬
men, snapdragon, ageratum, azalea, begonia,
gerbera, marguerite, lantana, marigold, ver¬
bena, zinnia, delphinium, aconite, chrysan¬
themum, geranium, pig weed, sugar beet, bou-
vardia, red pepper, orange, cosmos, cigar plant,
dahlia, larkspur, strawberry, cotton, sweet po¬
tato, morning glory, tomato, mango, tobac¬
co, Boston ivy, avacado, petunia, bean, black¬
berry, and pea are several of the widely grown
plants on which cyclamen and broad mite may
live. This does not mean, however, that these
are all infested with mites. It does mean,
though, that they could possibly be the hosts
for introducing mites to your African violet
collection. Moths and other flying insects may
also enter the violet room with these destruc¬
tive little mites clinging to their bodies and
carry them to your plants.

Cyclamen and broad mite seem to be “cool
weather” insects, therefore, the dangers of
infestation are more prevalent in the spring
and fall months. If you find one plant in your
collection that is mite-infested start immed¬
iately taking steps toward mite-eradication
on all your plants, just to be on the safe side.

Sodium selenate is excellent for the con¬
trol Of cyclamen and broad mite on African
violets. Selenate is absorbed by the plant roots
and moves into the sap stream and when mites
scratch the leaf surface and lap up the sap
they are killed. One complete course (4 appli¬
cations) of treatment with sodium selenate
will eliminate mites and protect plants for
from three to five months against reinfesta¬
tion. Although selenate is a systemic poison,
it is very effective and is neither difficult to
use nor dangerous when the proper procedures
and precautions are ob¬
served. For safety first:

Properly label selenate as a dangerous poi¬
son and store it in a safe place and out of the
reach of children, pets, or irresponsible per¬
sons. Never leave it sitting around when not
in use.

Should any of the solution be spilled on the
hands or clothing it should be washed off
immediately. Also be sure to quickly wash off
with warm water any that might be spilled on
the leaves as it will damage the foliage.

Use only warm water on plants until sele-
nation treatment is completed.

Alice Harless, Knoxville, Tennessee

Pour excess made-up solution, if you have

no further need for it, down the drain when
treatment is finished. Do not dispose of it

Mites are tiny eight legged animals of
many different kinds. They are very
small and cannot be detected by the naked
eye and are often hard to locate even with a
microscope. Therefore, knowing and being
able to recognize the symptoms of their pre¬
sence on your plants is of great importance.

As the cyclamen mite (Tarsonemus pallidus)
and broad mite (Hemitarsonemus latus) are
the two types most well known to African vio¬
let growers, let’s take a closer look as to the
description, symptoms, treatment, etc. of
them.

A young cyclamen mite is glassy white or a
clear pale green in color, about 1 100 of an
inch long, and slow moving; adults are pale
brown in color and they have thick legs and
heads that are out of proportion with the rest
of their bodies. The female lays five or six
eggs a day for two or three weeks at the base
of the plant or in the crevices in the leaves or
buds. These eggs then hatch into six legged
larvae in a week and remain active for about
seven days and then become motionless for
three days, after which they become an eight
legged adult.

Broad mite is pale, almost transparent, and
is smaller and wider than the cyclamen mite.
It completes its life cycle in approximately
eight days. It moves more rapidly than the
cyclamen mite and feeds on the undersides of
the leaves.

Mite do not actually eat the plant but scratch
the surface of the tender new foliage and
flower buds while they are still in the growing
crown of the plant; then they drink the sap
that flows from the wounds. This affects dif¬
ferent plants in different ways.

One of the first indications that mites are
at work on a plant is when the blossoms be¬
come off-colored, blotched, deformed, and
some of the petals may be missing. Also, the
blossom stems become short, thickened, lumpy-
like, and twisted. When center leaves grow
improperly, bunch together, become distorted,
shiny, hard, brittle, twisted upward or down¬
ward, or the outlines of the leaves (if they
grow at all) become misshapen are noted
signs that mites are present. Often the plant
centers turn gray, have a woolyish, graylike
heavy growth of hair, or the young and tender
leaves may turn to a sickly yellowish-green.
Another possible indication of mite is if a
leaf readily cracks along the midrib when
pressure is exerted with the thumb and fore¬
finger on the center of a suspected plant.

Mites have tender jaws and cannot live on
the tougher adult leaves such as you would
take for propagation. They depend upon the
young center foliage and would die of star¬
vation before long without these center leaves
from which to obtain nourishment.

When you discover a plant with mite infes¬
tation or any of the suspected symptoms im¬
mediately take it away from your other plants
to avoid infecting them all. Mites may be
spread through your collection unconsciously

mite from plant to plant. Mites may also be
brought into the house by garden soil that
is mite-infested. Therefore, it is wise to steri¬
lize all soil as well as flower pots and stakes

Mite may be carried on the hands from one
plant to another. Therefore, one must always
cleanse and disinfect the hands after handling
an infested or suspicious-appearing plant.

Special attention should be given to all
house plants or cut flowers brought into the
home as mites are often transferred to African
violets by the plant-to-plant method. Cycla¬
men, snapdragon, ageratum, azalea, begonia,
gerbera, marguerite, lantana, marigold, ver¬
bena, zinnia, delphinium, aconite, ch^san-
themum, geranium, pig weed, sugar beet, bou-
yardia, red pepper, orange, cosmos, cigar plant,
dahlia, larkspur, strawberry, cotton, sweet po¬
tato, morning glory, tomato, mango, tobac¬
co, Boston ivy, avacado, petunia, bean, black¬
berry, and pea are several of the widely grown
plants on which cyclamen and broad mite may
live. This does not mean, however, that these
are all infested with mites. It does mean,
though, that they could possibly be the hosts
for introducing mites to your African violet
collection. Moths and other flying insects may
also enter the violet room with these destruc¬
tive little mites clinging to their bodies and
carry them to your plants.

Cyclamen and broad mite seem to be “cool
weather” insects, therefore, the dangers of
infestation are more prevalent in the spring
and fall months. If you find one plant in your
collection that is mite-infested start immed¬
iately taking steps toward mite-eradication
on all your plants, just to be on the safe side.

Sodium selenate is excellent for the con¬
trol of cyclamen and broad mite on African
violets. Selenate is absorbed by the plant roots
and moves into the sap stream and when mites
scratch the leaf surface and lap up the sap
they are killed. One complete course (4 appli¬
cations) of treatment with sodium selenate
will eliminate mites and protect plants for
from three to five months against reinfesta¬
tion. Although selenate is a systemic poison,
it is very effective and is neither difficult to
use nor dangerous when the proper procedures
and precautions are ob¬
served. For safety first:

Properly label selenate as a dangerous poi¬
son and store it in a safe place and out of the
reach of children, pets, or irresponsible per¬
sons. Never leave it sitting around when not
in use.

mite control

Diagramatic illustrations of mite damage. 1 — Center
infested plant will remain small, become off-color, grow
or suddenly die. 2 — Blossom stems and blossoms will be

3 — Center leaves get progressively smaller and more

4 — Streaked, blotched or off-color bloom is often first
of mites presence.

in many ways. They may be transferred from
plant to plant on the spout of a watering can
or other utensils used in caring for your vio¬
lets. So be careful with tools, such as the
watering can, knives, etc., and always scald
them thoroughly before using them again.

The practice of brushing leaves to remove
dust is another potent way of transmitting

with

sodium selenate

Alice Harless, Knoxville, Tennessee

Should any of the solution be spilled on the
hands or clothing it should be washed off
immediately. Also be sure to quickly wash off
with warm water any that might be spilled on
the leaves as it will damage the foliage.

Use only warm water on plants until sele-
nation treatment is completed.

Pour excess made-up solution, if you have
no further need for it, down the drain when
treatment is finished. Do not dispose of it

where it could be absorbed by vegetation
which might later be eaten by humans or

animals.

The Extra Dilute Solution, the safest and
most commonly used, is as follows: completely
dissolve Va gram capsule of sodium selenate
to a gallon of water. (An easy way to dissolve
the capsule is to fill a jug Vs full of warm
water and shake well until capsule is fully
dissolved and then add the remaining amount
of water to fill the gallon jug.) Pour the so¬
lution directly on the soil or into the saucer
holding the plant, A one ounce ear or infants
syringe is good for making these applications
directly onto the soil. Four applications, 7 to
10 days apart, will control and prevent any
reoccurrence of mite infestation for several
months. Use two fluid ounces to a four inch
pot, 1 fluid ounce to a three inch pot, and Vz
ounce to a 1 inch pot. Follow directions care¬
fully. Avoid using more than is advised for
an application. Always apply recommended
dosage ... no more, no less.

If you have a small violet collection, the
convenience of Sel-Kaps may appeal to you.
Sel-Kaps are a ready-to-use preparation of
sodium selenate in capsule form. For 4 or 5
inch pots insert one Sel-Kap into the soil
approximately Vz inch from the pot rim. Then
water, filling the pot almost to the top. Re¬
peat watering from the top for four waterings.
Use another Sel-Kap in 30 days and repeat
watering procedure. It will not be necessary
to treat plants again for at least three months.

To treat plants in small pots, 2 or 3 inch
size, place one Sel-Kap in a cup or container,
which may be discarded (if desired though
not necessary) after use, and add 10 table¬
spoons of warm water and dissolve complete¬
ly. Divide this solution evenly between two
small pots, being careful not to spill or pour
any on the leaves as it will damage the foliage.

There are many excellent sprays on the
market which will kill mites but regular
sprayings or dippings are necessary and a
proper and persistent program must be fol¬
lowed faithfully. A good spray program calls
for repetitive spraying to keep mites under
control. A “when the spirit moves you” pro¬
gram offers no protection as spraying must
be constant to be of any value. As mites work
deep in the growing center of the plants they
are often difficult to reach with a spray. They
may hide in the leaf crevices or twisted cen¬
ters and therefore escape each spraying and
continue with the infestation. On the other
hand, however, sodium selenate is continually
present (after one application) and soon kills
off every mite.

Learn to recognize the damage of mites in
their earliest stages this will be a very
useful knowledge to have. Also why not work
out a little pest and disease prevention pro¬
gram, thereby, giving your plants constant
protection so that they will remain healthy
and disease-free. •

African Violet Visiting
Was Happy Experience

Mrs. Roy McDonald, Menomonie, Wisconsin

If you would like to meet some friendly
people, just make some impromptu calls on
African violet growers. My husband and I
have had some wonderful experiences doing
this. Is it the violets, or the people, or both,
that make it so enjoyable a thing to do?

Last spring we went down to southern
Texas. Stopping overnight in Eldorado, Kan¬
sas, and having a little spare time, we decided
to call on Mrs. V. H. Adams that evening and
have a look at her violets. We couldn’t have
been treated more graciously if it had been
by appointment and we were royalty. Both
Mr. and Mrs. Adams were hospitality itself.
Her violets! They were gorgeous, and, need¬
less to say, I came away with a number of
leaves that were lovingly packed by Mrs.
Adams.

On our way home, at Kirksville, Missouri,
we called on Mrs. Melvin Johnston, and at
Moberly we visited Mrs. Nannie Appleman;
at both homes we were welcomed and given
leaves to take home.

Last fall we went to the West Coast and
stopped to see Mrs. Harriet Sands at Prescott,
Arizona. This visit was prompted by Mrs.
Sands’ article in the December 1959 issue of
the African Violet Magazine. She has an
adorable little greenhouse, well stocked with
African violets and Episcias. What a feast for
the eyes! Mrs. Sands really seemed glad to
see us and made us ever so welcome.

By now I have learned to carry a few
empty coffee cans and some' vermiculite with
me as we travel around, so that I can accom¬
modate any leaves I acquire. The leaves I
received from Mrs. Sands (I bought a few
and she gave me some slips of Episcias) had
a pretty tough time; it was quite cold coming
home, in fact one morning it was below zero.
I took my precious leaves (in coffee cans and
packed in a heavy cardboard box) in the
restaurant for breakfast. It was amazing to
see what interest my box created: everyone
wanted to “see” and was so interested.

Now I ask you — Do African violets just
naturally have wonderful folks for their
growers, or have we been extra fortunate in
our visiting? We took names from the Mem¬
bers’ Handbook, and nevei' before had seen
any of these people. I suppose it takes a little
nerve to call on perfect strangers as we do,
but in no time at all we are not strangers.
I’m quite convinced that violets, impart to
humans something of their sweetness. The
people we have called on have proven it! •

56

Growing the Variegated
Type of African Violet

Ken Barnes, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

The variegated variety of African violet is
a new breed in more ways than one. They
are very beautiful and pay handsome divi¬
dends if given the right type of care. They
have, however, very different growing habits,
and though we have learned the hard way,
we would like you to benefit from the ex¬
perience we have gained.

The object in having the variegated varie¬
ties is to get plants with the beautiful copper,
pink and green variegated foliage. These can
be pink and green, white and green, or a
mixture of all colors. They are beautiful. That,
I feel, is an understatement but grow them
and see for yourselves.

Now comes the ticklish point of growing
the variegated varieties. Our own mistake
was to plant them in our regular growing
medium and place them under normal light
and heat and to maintain them with the full
application of fertilizer. In a short time the
variegated foliage had reverted to plain green,
with the few exceptions of the white spotted
leaves such as Sky Over Italy, Prairie Afire,
Blush ‘N Sno, Lilian Jarrett, and Cindy. These
for some reason so far unknown to me, did
not revert. Our next step was to do something
to correct our growing conditions for these
plants. All of ours, even those mentioned
above, were taken from the growing medium
and planted in Zonolite, it being a sterile
medium with no food properties; and we
knew that the only food the plants would get
would be the fertilizer we would give them.
These plants were then placed on the lowest
shelf close to the floor, so that they were in
the coolest position possible. Our fluorescent
lights were cut down to half the normal num¬
ber of tubes over these variegated varieties.

The next step was to curb their feeding.
Normally all of our plants are fed a balanced
fertilizer . . . we prefer the 15-30-15 . . .
which is applied every second week to all of
our plants. It is used at a rate of one teaspoon
to a quart of warm water; or, for the larger
growers, a tablespoon to a gallon of water.
Through experimentation it was found that
the variegated varieties only required one-
third of this fertilization. Therefore, they re¬
ceive their artificial fertilization every six
weeks. It was a real joy to see the lovely
variegated leaves return, especially on Double
Uncle Bob and Aztec with the beautiful cop¬
per pink in the center of a dark green leaf.
Humidity should be maintained as for the
normal varieties.

To prove our point, we have planted three

of the variegated varieties in our regular
growing medium, in amongst our regular
plants, where they obtain normal fertilizing,
heat and light. These are still plain green
foliage and show no signs of variegation; prov¬
ing, as far as we are concerned, that the
variegated varieties must have special atten¬
tion.

From our experience we have found that
all leaves being used for propagation of the
variegated varieties should be planted in trays
of Zonolite, on the lowest shelf you have,
close to the floor for coolness, and use only
half of the fluorescent tubes that you would
normally use. That is: with a 2 tube fixture
only have one tube on, and with a 4 tube
fixture only connect 2 tubes. With this cur¬
tailing of light, heat and fertilizer (as these
leaves will only be fertilized every six weeks
the same as the plants), lovely highly colored
plantlets will appear at the base of each parent
leaf. We even planted some of the leaves that
had reverted to pure green in our early ex¬
periment; and these, grown as we have sug¬
gested, have now produced highly colored
variegated leaves.

We have also found that selection within
the variety develops really worth-while im¬
provements. For instance, Lacy Girl Dancer
has a strain that has leaves very rounded and
green in color with white markings, and
another strain that has normal shaped leaves,
wavy green, not a clear white marking, but
has a good copper center. Therefore, by se¬
lection a grower can pick the strain he prefers.
These variations are developing into several
of the other variegated varieties and I feel
will give us another step toward newer and
better breaks in violets. Recently we selected
a variegated break of Double Pink Miracle.
It had the same high quality of bloom but
gave us continued variegated foliage. Now, by
selecting from this variety, we have plants
that are completely green in one-half of the
plant and white in the other half. The leaves
that overlap these sections are split evenly
down the middle, green one-half and white the
other half. (See illustration.) It is indeed a
pleasure to behold these lovely plants in all
the glory of variegation, especially Fancy
Dan, Party Gown and Grand Canyon. •

Double Pink Miracle Variegated.

During 1954 I was in Durban when I was
first introduced to African violets; and,
having seen them in the homes and offices of
friends as well as in shop windows, I became
attracted to them. Some friends gave me
leaves of different plants and showed me how
to start propagating ... so far so good . . .
I placed the leaves in water but to my horror
I found they just rotted and that was that.
Now Durban is a very hot and humid place
so I naturally thought that this caused the
leaves to rot, but on closer investigation I
found my friends were successful, and why.

I then found out that I could not get my
leaves to grow under water up to their necks,
and I also placed them outside, thinking fresh
air (which is good) would do the trick; un¬
fortunately this only encouraged the leaves
to rot more quickly. By this time I gave up.

Some six months later I was transferred
to the Natal Midlands and here was a totally
different climate to Durban: temperatures
reaching 90 degrees in the shade, and as dry
as a bone. This time I acquired established
plants, six in all, and of these I lost two due
to the extreme heat. Soon afterwards I trans-

Of Violets

In South Africa

Harold W. Baerveldt
Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa

ferred to the Transvaal and gave the remain¬
ing plants to a friend in Durban as I was
loathe to allow them to travel around with
me. So I had a break of six months, then off
I went again. I ordered six more plants, and
was advised to grow these in vermiculite
treated with chemicals. Well the plants duly
arrived during July, just mid-winter, and I
potted them up and everything looked good,
but, alas, in a fortnight I had lost all. About
the same time I started a garden on the roof
of the building. I have roses, camellias, gar¬
denias and various shrubs and plants. These
were planted in tubs and boxes and also in
vermiculite, and the result was that I lost
nearly everything I had. However, I made it
my business to get soil, compost, etc., removed
all the vermiculite, and started off again. I
can assure you I have a picture of a garden
considering that I am 100 feet up from street
level and 5,900 feet above sea level. I have to
protect against high winds, cold, frost, and
sometimes hail.

This year 1961 has been very variable. Our
winter was wet and dry, and as we are in
spring and October we have experienced very
cold weather, to such an extent that plants,
African violets and all have suffered.

Now to get back to African violets. A friend
of mine happened to go to Durban and he
kindly brought me four violets: Double In¬
spiration, Black Magic, Strike Me Pink, and
Jubilee. These plants were in bud and just
beginning to bloom. I have now had them for
two years and they have never let me down;
they are always in bloom and hardly have a
rest. They were repotted when they came to
rest once, and then I took leaves for propa¬
gation. I have given leaves away and received
leaves from people all over; at the moment
I have approximately 250 plants in various
stages. I have had as many as 10 plantlets
from one leaf.

I then learned about the African Violet So¬
ciety of America, Inc. through the American
Consulate, and obtained the address. I wrote
and received some seeds which I sowed, and
of these I have obtained plants which I hope
will be in bloom next year. I also purchased
plantlets and seeds from Mr. Wicks of Not¬
tingham, England, and received leaves from
him which, although it was 36 hours before
I received them, have rooted and are bearing
plantlets.

It has been very interesting and instructive
to experiment and find out exactly by trial
and error how best to grow African violets;
and thanks to help and information gained
from the African Violet Society of America,
I have formulated and found out how, as will
be seen from the September article on growing
African violets which was published in the
South African Garden and Home and also the
Transvaal Horticultural Society Magazine
which is issued to members.

Unfortunately, we in South Africa have not
the facilities that you have in the United
States. For example, we cannot obtain sodium
selenate or V-C 13 and have to rely on insecti¬
cides etc. which have been approved by the
Government Plant Division, and mostly these
are for or concerned with agriculture. The
plant entomologists have no idea of cyclamen
mite or stunt and therefore are not qualified
to give advice. I asked a plant inspector if
he had ever seen a cyclamen mite. “Oh yes,”
he said, “I actually saw it on a cyclamen,”
and when asked to describe the insect, it ap¬
peared to be about V4 inch long with wings.

I have found that Metasystox has helped
quite a lot and I use it on all my plants, inside
and outside, not as a spray but as a systemic.
Spraying I find is not satisfactory. Metasys¬
tox is manufactured by Farbenfabreken Bayer,
A. C., Leverkusen, Germany, and is composed
of 50 per cent Dimethyl-ethylmercapto ethyl-
rophosphate and Isomer, 50 per cent Emulsi¬
fier (contains 5.6 pounds active ingredient per
gallon).

For nematodes (I have kept clear of these

58

Above, Some compamon
plants also growing in the
lounge. Left, A portion of
tire garden on the roof
100 feet above the street
level.

Right, African violets and
other plants in the
lounge growing under
fluorescent lights. Some
are seedlings but many
have been propagated
from leaf cuttings. Tem¬
perature of the room
ranges from OO to 75 de¬
grees with the humidity
40 to 60 percent.

pests) I sterilize soil, sand, etc., and boil pots
in water to which Formalin has been added.

. For fertilizers I use Guano, a sea bird
organic manure, which is specially made for
pot plants. This is easily applied in liquid
form, which I make up as follows: 1 teaspoon
to 1 quart of water, and each plant after
watering receives 1 teaspoonful which lasts
and keeps the plants going for up to 2 months.
I have used chemical fertilizers, but have
found that they have a tendency to kill the
soil, and also make a mess of the pots. I use
only earthenware pots, or terracotta as we
call them here. Our plants don’t like plastic.

May I at this stage convey my thanks to the
editor of our African Violet Magazine and also
to contributor friends for the helpful advice
and assistance they give to us other members
of the African Violet Society, and close with
best wishes to all, wherever you may be, and
God Bless You. •

59

Mrs. Jester.

Dreams-They Do Come True

Viola Jester, Frederica, Delaware

Two views of some of the plants in Mr. and Mrs.
Jester’s African violet collection.

For 15 years my husband and I have yearned
for a greenhouse but raising our family
came first so we searched for a way to satisfy
our desire by growing house plants in our
home.

I don’t know where our first African violet
plant came from but it was plain blue, of
course, and was just an African violet to us.
We had wonderful luck with that plant and,
of course, everyone knows what happened
when we discovered there were other varie¬
ties. A local greenhouse became a hunting
ground for new varieties and we were proud
owners of Painted Girl, Eclipse, West Coast
Amethyst, Alma Wright, and others.

In 1954 we subscribed to the African Violet
Magazine and found that we were within easy
traveling distance of 3 large African Violet
Houses — Behnke’s, Tinari’s and Fischer’s. We
have had much pleasure visiting these green¬
houses each year and have brought home
many of their new varieties.

Violets crowded all our windows and we
decided to try growing under fluorescent
lights. Then they crowded the windows and
the lights. It is a good thing the whole family
was interested in our hobby for I’m sure
there was room for complaint. When we
moved to our new home 3 years ago we had
a roomy cellar to contain our hobby. My
husbstnd built two large tables for violets and
set up the fluorescents. We soon found that
while the violets grew well in the cellar, they
didn’t bloom very well in the winter, so once

60

r

i

again the windows were crowded with plants
in bloom.

We root our leaves in vermiculite and when
the plants are large enough to handle we
separate them from the leaves and plant them
in long chicken feeders filled with Black
Magic Plant Mix, until they are large enough
to plant in 3 inch plastic pots. We take them
out as they get large enough and this leaves
room for the smaller plants to reach potting
size.

Our project now is to develop a soil that
is right for us. We like to grow our African
violets in soil. At present we are trying this
mixture: 2 measures garden soil, one measure
compost, one measure peat moss, Ve measure
of cattle manure compost plus charcoal. The
violets seem to grow and bloom well in this
mixture. It is porous and holds moisture well
in plastic pots. It dries out rather quickly in
clay pots. After this soil is mixed, we dampen
it and sterilize it by cooking it in a large
pressure cooker^ We fill a small bucket with
soil and cook in the pressure cooker at 10
pounds pressure for 10 minutes, just as you
would cook food. We firmly believe in using
only sterilized soil. After it is sterilized, we
store it in a closed container for 2 weeks be-
for.e using it.

About once a month, after our violets are
well established, we add a commercial Afri¬
can violet fertilizer to the water, whatever
strength the manufacturer advises.

Our adventures in African violet growing
haven’t all been pleasure. We were troubled
by cyclamen mite at one time and were helped
by advice from the Department of Entomology
of the University of Delaware Extension Ser¬
vice who diagnosed our trouble and kindly
sent us a sample of a new miticide to be used
as a dip. We saved many of our plants and
they are now growing and blooming normally.
Many were starting into new growth but
seemed too badly damaged to keep. Preven¬
tion seems to be the best practice to follow,
and we would appreciate hearing from any¬
one who has conquered mites and who has a
definite routine to prevent them.

Besides enjoying our violets ourselves, we
have given many away, used them as con¬
tributions to bake sales, and occasionally
loaned them as table decorations at church
and other community affairs. They are always
a conversation piece at these affairs and you
are lucky if you bring home all that you take.

At this time we have about 200 new plants
started, all ready to transfer to our dream
greenhouse which we are building onto our
garage. It will be ready in about a week and
we can hardly wait. We are certain that
greenhouse growing will be different from
growing under lights. It will be interesting
to find out exactly how different. Just imagine
having 26 by 14 feet of aluminum greenhouse
to fill with African violets! It is surely a
dream come true. •

Gift Leaf Was the Beginning

Audrey Wall, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada

My start in African violets came in 1954
when my neighbour gave me a leaf that
had been given to her and she didn’t want to
bother growing it. I don’t think I had ever
seen an African violet plant before then, but,
being interested in flowers, I planted the leaf
in straight garden soil, then waited for re¬
sults. I am sure it was 3 months before I saw
any sign of babies appearing, but when they
did arrive I was quite happy, after all my
watching for them. From then on my interest
grew and grew. I ordered leaves from Mrs.
Walker’s in St. Catharines, and they did very
well. I also received leaves from my cousin
in Kenmore, N.Y. who has lovely plants.

As my plants were increasing very rapidly,
I had a violet stand made. Now I have two
stands, one with fluorescent lights, and my
windows are full of African violets. Most of
my plants are grown on a veranda facing the
west, and are given some protection from the
sun. They are grown in the usual soil mixture.
My original leaf turned out to be a Blue Boy;
I now have 100 different varieties. I still like
some of the old varieties, but, of course, I
try the new ones when I can get them.

I lost quite a few plants this last summer
due to the very dry and hot weather, also
due to a 3 months trip to Great Britain. The
only violets I saw there were Blue Boys,
which I saw in the shop windows in London.
Before leaving there, I contacted Mr. W. C.
Wicks and bought some of his violet seed.

At one time I belonged to the Winnipeg
African Violet Society, but due to the distance
was unable to attend their meetings, plant
sales, or shows. I have interested several
people in African violets, and have made
many new friends through the years. I look
forward to the African Violet Magazine each
quarter as there is so much information and
good reading for anyone who is interested.

May the African violet become even more
popular in the years to come. •

61

Marjorie Card
Edmeston, New York

The

African Violet
Grower

This newspaper story about
Mrs, Marjorie Card, Edmeston,
Ne'w York and her African
¥lolets is reprinted from
the New Berlin Gazette.
Mrs. Card was photographed
looking o¥er a small
table of plants.

WE hear and read so much about hobbies
and light occupations for retired people
nowadays. Why not African violets? Surely
they are good for the young and the “young
in heart” as well. And don’t think they are
for ladies only. Many men not only buy vio¬
lets, but some of our largest growers and
hybridizers are men. Violets have many ad¬
vantages. First of all, they are lovely to look
at. They are easy to grow and not too expen¬
sive. A good sized collection can be started
without much involved, especially when you
trade plants or leaves with friends. Perhaps
their greatest asset is in gaining new friends.
It’s real fun to exchange with others or just
to visit about them.

Presently, on my kitchen shelf is a chicken
feeder pan of damp vermiculite and fine
sphagnum moss set with leaves sent to me
last fall by a Pen Pal who lives in Cannon
Beach, Oregon. Some of them are already
growing many baby plantlets. I wait with
expectation for buds and bloom. There are
about 30 leaves. Only 2 of them look like any
I have, although I have well over 200 kinds.

Do you know there is not only an African
Violet Society of America, but the whole

country has many societies and clubs and
violet shows? And, not only in this country.
Last fall I received letters in regard to a club
from a grower in South Africa, Also, there
are countless small flower advertising sheets
the world over, something like the local Pen¬
ny Saver. They are devoted to articles about
plants and flowers. Many advertisers in these
bulletins sell or exchange seeds, bulbs, and
“starts” of plants of all sorts. By writing to
a few of these people, a whole new world of
friendships and learning about different parts
of the country opens to us. Quite a few plant
hobbiests are older people, some handicapped
or shut-ins for some reason. They welcome
new friends with very interesting letters. I
often wish I had more time for longer replies,
but 1,000 violets more or less does keep one
girl busy.

And that is another good thing. I always
have a reason to get up in the morning. There
is no time to worry about trifles or even to
think I’m ill and not able to get up. After
all, the furnace ran all night; lots of plants
are needing a drink of warm water. Maybe
some spent blooms need to be picked off. And
always there are a few to be turned or to be

62

repotted. If there is a bright sun, some pieces
of plastic or the white plastic shades need to
be pulled after an hour of morning light.
Almost no sun at all is allowed from other
than east windows. So I follow it around the
house with drawn shades. The plastic shades
hung inside the casing let in enough light
even when down. They are good for cold
nights, also.

But, unless you have endless patience and
all the time there is, don’t plan to mail them
out. Give away or sell the surplus to friends.
You will have a surplus you know, if you
have any at all. Even the storied guinea-pig
cannot beat an African violet for productive¬
ness. They make such fine gifts too. They can
take changes in light and homes the best of
any plant I know, and even stand hospital
care. Better than we can, I think.

Mailing out is fairly expensive. For the
first time this last fall it was necessary to pay
$15.00 for a certificate of inspection from the
Department of Agriculture. Copies of it have
to be printed to go on each package. And,
first class mail is not cheap. It’s really nec¬
essary to charge extra for postage, especially
when airmailing to a distance. If you have
ever watched what goes on behind the scenes
in our Post Offices, you know that plants as
brittle as violets have to be well packed even
when mailed first class. Yet, let’s give credit
when due. Last fall I made a mistake in ad¬
dressing a box of 3 plants. They went to
Florida and back to me without a broken leaf.
Besides, above costs there are hundreds of
pots and labels to buy as well as peat moss,
charcoal and fertilizers for soil mixes.

It’s like any other business. If you have
enough volume to make it pay, you need
help. If you hire help, there is so much added
expense and red tape that it no longer pays.
So let’s just do it for fun and experience. That
way, if there is any profit, it’s just a bonus.

When mailing out plants or selling trees
and shrubs here at the house, the stock has
to be inspected by a man sent from the De¬
partment of Agriculture. Also, a man from the
pesticide department in Oneonta comes in
regard to Japanese beetle; so far none of
these have been found in Edmeston. It’s just
a matter of time; we are in beetle territory
and a special permit is needed to mail out
from here. With that permit and an inspec¬
tion slip, I can mail to England and Canada
as well as all over the United States.

In closing, just a little word for those few
people who think African violets are too
expensive. Did you ever grow a blooming size
plant from a fresh cut leaf? Unless they are
forced, it often takes a year. How many times
was that plant watered, moved, and repotted?
Would you want to sell it for much less than
a dollar? No, there’s not much profit in them
money- wise. But there is lots of fun, friends,
and experience with a bit of God’s creation. #

Mrs. Leonard F. Ferry of Morrisville, Pennsylvania
is pictured in a violet decorated dress. The applique
of silk embroidered lavender and purple violets was
purchased in a novelty shop and basted on the silk
linen dress.

creative ideas

with African Violets

Handkerchief and
towel are both
hand painted. The
handkerchief i n
soft pink and
green. The towel
in purple and deep
green.

63

Beginner’s ^Xuck”

Mrs. Wanda Huberty, Ottumwa, Iowa

SINCE I have been attempting to grow Afri¬
can violets for only 3 years, I am still
an amateur. But I have learned a lot that
might be helpful to other beginners.

I had heard so much about the difficulty
of growing these lovely plants that I never
thought of trying until my sister-in-law’s good
luck with hers encouraged me to try.

My first experience was disheartening. Dur¬
ing the summer I collected a number of plants
but lost some while experimenting with pots
and soil mixtures. Then I lost nearly all my
remaining plants when we had to have heat
in the hand-fired coal furnace where we lived
at the time. I did learn how to provide hu¬
midity in time to save one or two plants.

This small success and the fact that we
hoped to buy a house before winter was
enough to encourage me to start another col¬
lection of violets. The plants were about
ready to bloom when again we had to have
heat which in spite of all we could do, got
excessive at times. By misting the plants with
water several times a day, I kept them alive
but the buds dried up before they could open.

In December, however, we bought a house
with automatic gas heat and lots of windows!
My grateful violets just lifted up their leaves,
sunk down their roots and started growing!
In a short time, they were blooming profusely.

As I do with everything in which I am
interested, I tried to learn all I could about
African violets. The African Violet Magazine
has been invaluable to me.

It was from Dr. S. C. Reed’s article “Why
Won’t They Come True?” in the December,
1960 issue that I learned why my Painted Girl
first bloomed as a Red Lady. William P.
Malone’s article on Salinity in the same issue
recommended that extra holes be drilled in
the bottoms of the pots to promote better
drainage. My two sons were happy to use
Daddy’s new electric drill to do this job, and
I feel Mr. Malone’s suggestion is most effec¬
tive. I was already using half -strength plant
food — Ortho-Gro — at more frequent in¬
tervals.

One of my difficulties was my tendency to
overwater my plants. They seemed so dry!
Oddly enough, I improved this situation by
switching from clay pots to plastic ones. I
had tried two or three plants in plastic pots
as an experiment and they did so well that
I switched the others. Now all my plants are
in plastic pots, even the babies in 2 inch pots.

The pots I use for my plants are 2% inches
in diameter at the bottom, 3% inches in
diameter at the flared top, and are 2% inches
deep. The accompanying saucer has three pot

rests % inches high upon which the pot fits.
A wick is included but I discard this and use
the saucer for water to provide humidity. I
have been able to find these pots only at the
Wool worth and Kresge stores here.

After extra holes are drilled in the pot, I
put in a layer of small pebbles to keep the
soil from clogging the holes.

After experimenting with several commer¬
cial soils and a friend’s homemade compost
soil, I now use Jack Colby’s Secret Formula
soil which is prepared in Iowa and may not
be available elsewhere. To each 2 quart bag
I add a little vermiculite and for sand I use
parakeet gravel.

I water from the top entirely, with the
surplus water draining out left in the saucer
for humidity.

I find that with these plastic pots, I don’t
need to water as often as with clay pots; I
have no stem rot from salts on the rims;
these pots don’t tip over; and I can tell by
the weight of the pot whether the plant is
dry or not.

In April 1961 I attended the violet show
of the Des Moines clubs. If I hadn’t had
“violetitis” before, I surely would have caught
it there! I spent a limited hour there, bought
five plants, and left most reluctantly. I was
delighted to see that some of my plants com¬
pared favorably with some of the second and
third prize winners there.

What a fascinating subject African “Violet-
ry” is! I was so thrilled when my Double
Peach Blossom put out a runner which I hope
means it will become a basket plant. (I
learned what a basket plant is from Dr. S. C.
Reed’s Genetic Check-List in the March 1961
issue of the African Violet Magazine.)

I hadn’t intended to try any crossing yet
but three of my plants have developed seed
pods on their own, so perhaps I should get
into the act.

I am watching with interest a cutting from
my Frosty Nite plant. Along with a couple of
plain green leaves, it is putting up leaves
which are distinctly pink with the green
“feather” running up through the center of
the leaf. I don’t know enough yet to know if
this is usual or what causes it. I would like to
know as I am very much interested in the
variegated leaf varieties, especially those
showing pink.

Aside from the excessive heat problem, I
have had little trouble except crown rot from
over watering. And some of these plants I
saved by cutting off the stem and rerooting
the plant.

Besides my violets, I have several different
Episcias which are also fascinating.

I haven’t yet tried fluorescent lighting but
my husband has promised me a lamp and I
am looking forward to trying it.

Yes, I have indeed got the “bug” for which
there is no cure — and if there was, I wouldn’t
take it! ®

64

I

Tliis photo shows
some of the auth¬
or’s fine African
violets and other
plants.

Growing African Violets

STARTING Leaves: I plant in a mixture of
1/3 Sponge-Rok and % Terra-Lite and add
one teaspoonful of Rainbow Mineral to each
4 inch pot of the mixture, I use the large
plastic pans, just keeping the mixture moist.

Replanting: When the plantlets are about
Vz inch high, I repot them in regular African
violet mix; I have been using V2 Hawaiian
Plant Mix and V2 Nitra-Bark. However, any
violet mix is good.

Dividing: As soon as the plants are large
enough to divide, I separate them and plant
them in 2V2 inch pots. When the root systems
are very large, I use the 3 inch squatties as
the 21/4 or 21/2 inch pots are too small. I
use clay pots as I have lost too many plantlets
from crown rot when using plastic pots, which
may be due to my watering system. I have
many customers who have tried both: some
like the plastic, and some like the clay pots.
It depends on what is best for your location
and water system. I glaze all my pots with
Glaxo and never have any scars on the stems.

Transplanting: From the 21/4 or 21/2 inch
pots, I transplant direct to 4 inch pots; I do
not plant in larger than the 4 inch pots. When
the pots become filled with roots, I take the
plant out and cut off the lower roots, then
repot it. It goes right on blooming. When a
plant gets a long neck (I have repotted some
for others), I take the plant and set it down
in the pot, or, if the neck is too long, I cut
it off and reroot it in water.

Watering: I believe the reason so many
people lose their plants is from excessive
watering. I have had customers tell me they
could lift the plant off at the top of the soil,
and they couldn’t understand why it died.

Alice B. Gruber, Modesto, California

This is from too much water. One lady told
me she only watered once a week. She had
her pot in another pot. I asked her if there
was any water in the bottom of the second
pot and she said she always left water in it.
Plants should not set in water after the mois¬
ture has reached the top of the soil. Then the
remaining water should be poured off.

I have my small plants in large pans and I
water from both the top and the bottom. In
the summer, when it is so hot here in the
valley, I spray every other day. The cooler
dries out the plants, as well as the heat. My
larger plants are on shelves and are watered
from both the top and the bottom, also. I
fertilize every time I water from the top,
using a very small amount of fertilizer each
time. I have found that Plant Marvel is the
best for me. If you spill it on the leaves it
does not damage them or even if you get the
fertilizer in the center of the plant, it causes
no injury. Occasionally I fertilize with other
makes as I think it is good to change once in
a while.

Fumigating: I fumigate once a month with
Kelthane or Endrin — sometimes I use Wonder
Spray. I first used Wonder Spray, then En¬
drin. Endrin is dangerous without a mask.
I now have Kelthane which can be used with¬
out a mask. One has to be careful with any
spray.

I hope some of my methods will be of
help to others. Growing African violets and
other Gesneriads is such a pleasure, not only
for yourself but for others. •

65

Violet’s Violets

Violet Torpen, Libby, Montana

I am teased a lot because my name is Violet,
and I am called “Violet with the Violets.”
At present I have about 30 large plants and
over 75 rooted leaves and small plants, com¬
prising about 50 different varieties. A few are
old favorites but most are the newer varieties.

Our living room is my African violet room;
they are handy to care for here, and we can

enjoy their beauty much more than if they
were elsewhere. What to use for shelves was
a problem until I was given a 4 shelf plant
stand (see photo 1). Other African violet grow¬
ers are probably bothered with this same
problem, so, for their convenience, I will give
the measurements. It isn’t too hard to make
and it may solve some of their space problems.
It is made of 1/2 inch plywood with Vz inch
boards for shelves, and is 49 inches high, 37
inches wide, and the base is 24 inches deep.
It is varnished a walnut color and has white
enameled shelves. There are 4 easy rolling
casters and the stand rolls at the touch of a
finger, so it can be turned every other day
and thus prevent the light from pulling the
plants to one side.

For my choice plants my husband made me
a round 3 shelf plant stand with 4 casters. It
is 38 inches high and the shelves are 10, 17
and 34 inches in diameter. It is enameled
white. (See photo 2)

Photo 3 shows what I lovingly call my
African violet incubator; it was also made by
my husband. It has 4 shelves, is 38 inches high,
30 inches long and 13 inches wide; it is also
white enameled and has 4 casters. (I love
shelves or stands that can easily be moved or
turned.) I put clear plastic on the sides with
Scotch tape, leaving an overlap for easy open¬
ing on either side. The plastic on the sides was
taken off before the photo was taken. Rooted
cuttings and small plants are kept on this
stand. It is actually a small greenhouse, the
moisture and air are even, and the plants do
much better than with other methods I have
tried.

For trays I like cheese carton covers and
prefer the plastic type. We make trays of
aluminum valley material, bending it with
pliers, and then using freezer tape to cover

Photo 3.

66

the sharp edges. I have trays for my incubator,
which saves individual plant care. The ma¬
terial may be purchased at hardware stores.

For soil I use my homemade mixture. It
consists of Vs rich black top soil found near
a stream or lake, Vs river washed sand, and
just a little over Vs of peat moss, real old cow
fertilizer (just a small amount is used). My
plants seem to do better in this mixture and
the soil is less apt to pack around the roots.
I sterilize it by covering the container with
tin foil and putting it in the oven for one hour
at a temperature of approximately 250 degrees.

For fertilizer I use a variety of kinds: Ortho-
Gro Liquid Plant Food (10-5-5), Plant Life
(4-8-8), and extra elements, Boost’Em for
House Plants (10-52-17), also African Violet
Blossom Booster. Each fertilizer is used at
half the strength that is recommended by the
manufacturer, and they are rotated each week
until the plants look better or until buds ap¬
pear. Most of the time I use the fertilizers to
water the plants, and I also use them as a
foliar spray with a small hand sprayer. Dur¬
ing the summer and early winter no fertilizer
is used; and if the plants look good at other
times, I give no fertilizer.

I would like to add a few helpful hints:

For hard to flower plants, I^put them in the
east window for about 2 weeks, then buds can
be seen.

Mildew used to bother badly at times until
the plants were put in a cooler room — the
spare bedroom served the purpose nicely when
the living room was too warm. I have had no
trouble since I moved them to a cooler room,
when necessary.

In transplanting either large or small plants,
I never press the soil mixture over the roots.
If necessary, a toothpick or two will hold the
plant in place until the roots have grown
enough to support the plant. Also, I leave the
newly potted plant in one half to one inch of
slightly warmed water for several hours or
overnight, then remove it from the water and
treat it as I do the other plants. The soil is
thoroughly wet and the plant takes hold
better. Sometimes a small amount of fertilizer
is used. As yet I have not lost a plant by treat¬
ing it this way.

My plants are protected from the hot after¬
noon sun in the summer; in the winter they
are given some artificial light to make their
day longer and they bloom better. The soil is
kept moist (by the finger test), and the plants
are never allowed to dry out or stand in water
very long. A new leaf or plant is isolated and
sprayed with an Antrol Insect Bomb, as di¬
rected, for several weeks before it is placed
in my collection.

Yes, I really enjoy my violets, their flowers
fascinate me, and I really enjoy friends and
neighbors stopping in to see them and tell me
of their experiences. I hope some suggestion
that I have given will help some member, as
other members’ experiences have helped me. •

Three Suggestions For Beginners

Zetta Griffee, Axtell, Kansas

These things I have learned since I became
interested in growing African violets:

1. Sterilize all pots and soils. Keep plants
and surroundings clean . . . this will pay in
the long run. Spray occasionally. For extra
precaution, I use Raid, or an African violet
spray that states on the label it is made for
African violets.

2. Buy from reliable sources only. Isolate
newly purchased plants for a time.

3. Buy only the best bloom^s. It takes no
more work to care for these than it does for
those that are poor bloomers. Try some of the
standard older varieties. I have counted as
many as 120 to 130 blossoms and buds on a
medium size California Dark Plum at one
time. My Snow Girl was never without blos¬
soms until it literally bloomed itself to death.
Amethyst is an abundant bloomer. I love
Azure Beauty, Ruffled Queen and du Pont
Lavender Pink. Of the newer ones. Fire Dance
is one of the best. Personally I prefer the
doubles as they last longer. Pink Waltz and
Sweet Memory are reliable bloomers, as are
Azure Beauty and Crusader.

My big problem with African violets is too
much enthusiasm and too little space ( I know
you have heard that one before). I start a few
choice leaves, then a few more. All too soon
baby plants overflow the house. I am reluc¬
tant to part with the old plants. This is a real
fault, as there are always better violets on
the market.

I have no trouble raising healthy babies,
and a lot of them. I choose sturdy leaves from
the middle of the plant, cut the stem straight
across with a razor blade, let it heal for an
hour, then place it in water in a sterilized
bottle. (I use the baby food bottles.) Put as
much fertilizer as will stay on the large end
of a toothpick in each bottle ... I use Plant
Marvel. Place in a north window or on a table
away from draft. I leave it until it is well
rooted then place each leaf separately in a
good loose commercial mix. I especially like
Leaf Mix by Elizabeth of Rockford, Illinois;
and I prefer using the 2 inch square plastic
pots. When the baby plants have 4, 6 or 8
sturdy leaves, I push the soil mix out of the
pot and gently separate the young plants from
the parent leaf, and pot the babies in indivi¬
dual pots.

I have not mentioned the newer varieties
because many of mine have still to flower.

I hope that some beginners will profit by
what I have written. I had to learn the hard
way ... I did about everything the wrong
way. I now have about 70 different varieties.
I shall cull out about half, especially seedlings
and single blues. I have learned that it is
quality not quantity that counts. •

67

a Vermonter's technique
with saintpaulias

IF there is anything that can lift one’s morale
higher in winter than a sunny window
full of delightfully colored African violets
(you know they love sun in the winter in
Vermont) on the inside and a wild bird feed¬
er with happy birds on the outside, I have yet
to find it.

I started as a window sill violet gardener,
then plant stands, and finally two Flora Carts
with fluorescent lights. In winter, I use in¬
candescent lights regularly over a table of
violets, greatly increasing the bloom. The light
must be used regularly each night, not just
once in a while, to be effective.

I am afraid my information on culture is
so simple that you may not take it as seriously
as if I had specified tricks, etc., but I assure
you the results have been very satisfactory
to me.

A few years ago I was not well . . . my. hus¬
band realized that I enjoyed gardening and
had a small sun heated greenhouse built for
me, which proved much more effective than
all the medicine I could have taken. Then,
when the African violet disease hit me, my
sons bought me the Tube Craft Flora Carts
with fluorescent lights, so now I garden all
year and attribute much of my well being to
this hobby.

I expect each grower has individual quirks
which indicate his knowledge and enjoyment
of his hobby. Really, my rules and regulations
are so practical and down to earth I fear
they may not impress the average grower,
but I hope some of my experiences, which
have worked well for me, will meet with
some approval; some, I know, will be ques¬
tioned as I have questioned a few of which
I have read. I believe, if one has success, you
shouldn’t change every time you read of a
new procedure; but, if something is bothering
you, then hunt for a better way.

African violets are so easy to grow! I think
it is difficult to lay down definite rules, al¬
though a fairly basic set of cultural rules
should be followed as a violet has certain
preferences, and when once you find these
I know you will find the procedure simple
and the results satisfying.

The best thing about African violets is
their tolerance of household heat. Too often
delightful house plants must, for bloom and
survival, be grown at less than 60 degrees,
an uncomfortable state for us to enjoy. This
plant, in a sunny spot during the winter in
the home thrives in an atmosphere even up to
75 degrees. A change of temperature at night
is very desirable. I like about 60 degrees for
them at night.

68

Lodieska G. Graves, Bennington, Vermont

Humidity is very essential. Provide this
by standing the pot on pebbles in a saucer
with enough water to keep the pebbles barely
covered, allowing evaporation to supply the
humidity.

Watering is one of the main concerns of
keeping good healthy plants. I enjoy answer¬
ing questions about my rules for growing
plants but am quite impatient when asked
continually, “How often do you water the
plants?” Watering depends on the size and
kind of pot, the situation (near a radiator),
the variety of violet, whether there is a drain¬
age hole, etc. Plants may not require daily

The 150 watt incandescent light over the plant stand
extends the light during the short winter days and
if used regularly increases the bloom immeasurably.

69

watering but they do require daily checking.
Severe drying seriously limits flowering. The
only time I let them get quite dry is when I
am transporting them or repotting, as there
is much less danger of breaking the leaves
when they are not full of water and brittle. I
carry a paper napkin or cleansing tissue when
watering, to absorb any water that has acci¬
dentally fallen into the crown or on the leaves.
I never go to bed with the violets thirsty any
more than I would let my children go to bed
hungry. One real wilting is very difficult to
overcome. I water from the top with warm
water, never leaving any in the saucer.

Beginning about July 1st I withhold heavy
waterings during humid summer days, and
turn off the fluorescent lights most of the
day. Also, I use an electric fan during the
very humid times, just to keep the air stir¬
ring, but not on the violets.

In summer, I often wonder why I tolerate
the care of so many violets as, of course, we
have so many garden flowers to enjoy, but
in the fall and winter my home would seem
very gloomy indeed without them. My grand¬
children love to pick up the fallen flowers,
and sometimes I feel there may be just a
little help to make them fall. Then they are
floated in a flat, shallow dish, all the colors
really creating a lovely picture.

I feed once a month during the winter,
increasing to every two weeks in the profuse
blooming period during February, March, Ap¬
ril, May and June. I don’t feed during July
and August when my plants are generally
resting. I find Plantabbs and Atlas Fish Emul¬
sion good alternate foods: use tepid water
mixed with the food or when watering. I never
feed while the plant is resting; much damage
is done by overwatering during this period.
Feed only when the plant is growing, budding
or flowering. Never fertilize a dry plant!
Don’t overfeed! Follow the directions on plant
food containers. Never feed a sick plant; al¬
most always that is the last thing it needs,
just as when you have indigestion you don’t
want ,food.

When a plant appears sickly or droopy the
chances are that you will find dry rot at
the crown or that your soil is infested with
springtails that have eaten off the roots. Use
the powder Soilene for springtails. One appli¬
cation is usually enough. Sprinkle it around
on the soil and some in the saucer. I use
saucers under each plant jar even in my Flora
Cart trays. This prevents too much moisture
as you can empty out any surplus. Also, it
prevents disease from spreading.

My worst pests have been aphids and only
this year a slight case of cyclamen mite which
I found very stubborn and the infestation
spread surprisingly fast. I isolated all plants
affected and after persistent spraying with
Optox I have completely eliminated them.
Mildew has troubled me only slightly on two
or three plants, for which I used one teaspoon

of baking soda dissolved in a quart of warm
water and watered the soil around the plants,
which discouraged mildew.

In case of dry rot of a choice crown, break
the plant apart and scrape away all foreign
parts until you have only a moist green
healthy crown left, then let it dry or scar,
dip it in a rooting powder (Rootone), and
place it in moist Black Magic or vermiculite.
Very soon you will have a fine new root
system which you may plant in soil or just
leave in the vermiculite, in which case you
will need to feed quite often as there is no
food value in the vermiculite. I have grown
plants this way, which have blossomed won¬
derfully for long periods.

You should never overpot an African violet.
Plants should be root-bound to bloom well
so I use small pots, which means a rather
limited food supply and feedings should be
given quite often. Use a 21/2 inch pot for the
first planting of seedfmgs and then shift to
the next size. Very few violets need larger
than a 4 inch pot; 3 or 3V2 inch is best for
most nicely blooming plants. This I would
stress! The roots like to be crowded and as
they fill the pot, change to a larger size, but
don’t be in too much of a hurry. It takes
so much soil to fill a large pot that a small
plant cannot take care of all the moisture in
this amount of soil; while it is trying to make
root growth enough to fill the pot, it won’t
be making much top growth of either leaves
or bloom. And, too moist soil is a perfect
breeding place for crown rot.

If your plants are in pots that are porous,
use a band of metal foil around the top so
that when the stems touch they will not come
in contact with the moist calcium deposit
which is present at the rim of the pot. It is
cold as well as moist and the violets do not
tolerate cold water on the soil nor on the
leaves or crown. However, contrary to belief,
you may benefit by spraying the plant if the
water is quite warm, being sure to let the
leaves dry before allowing the sun to shine
on them.

With a soft bristled brush keep the leaves
clean by holding your hand under the leaf
and gently brushing the .dust away.

Plants do not just grow like Topsy but
these simple rules should not frighten any
true gardener:

First, when potting use the proper mixture:
there are good ones in the ready mix but
generally I use my own which consists of 4
parts leaf garden soil, 2 parts black sandy
soil, 2 parts well rotted cow manure, some
peat humus, Vz cup bone meal to two gallons
of this mixture, with V4 cup of charcoal per
gallon to prevent souring of the soil. When
young leaves are rooted and potted for the
first time, the mixture should not be as rich
as later on when the root growth increases.

Watch out for sun on the plants except in
the cold winter months as the hot sun burns

70

the delicate petals and fades the foliage to a
sickly green if not brownish-white.

I have arrived at this conclusion, which
works well for me: never leave worn out
yellowed leaves on your plants. They are un¬
sightly and a detriment, especially those
leaves which have grown soft and transparent
from touching the edge of the pot. This fungus
spreads rapidly and you could lose the plant.
Removing the older leaves stimulates blossom
growth rapidly.

As I do not strive for show plants, I have
both single and multiple crowns and I must
say some of the multiple crown plants are
magnificent. My busy life does not allow me to
grow all show plants of single crowns, turn-
ii^g them often for symmetry, but I find
multiple crowns, well pruned, bring spectacu¬
lar results.

I delight in giving leaves and small plants
to friends, first because it gives them pleas¬
ure, and secondly because it gives me room.
When I offer leaves they usually say they
will take two or three to try and when they
have chosen, I can see they are wondering if
they have really chosen the right ones, as they
look the plants over and say, “Oh! that one
is beautiful, isn’t it?” When asked if they
would like a leaf, they weaken and it goes
on until they have decided on a dozen or more,
which, may I add, pleases me as I like to
prune heavily now that I have educated my¬
self to its great advantage. If a choice plant
has very few leaves, I just say they will have
to wait until more leaves develop. I do not
give them a worn out leaf as this is too dis¬
couraging for them. Sometimes they insist on
trying an old leaf, but, if they understand it
will be a long process and possibly a failure
after all, then they are welcome to try.

The selection of varieties is indeed chal¬
lenging as there is such an abundance of
material from which to choose. With increas¬
ingly limited areas to cultivate violets, I have
become wisely selective in my choice of plants.

There is no magic, no green thumb, but
tender, sensible, loving care in growing vio¬
lets. In the absence of good common sense
the odds are against you. Just learn good
rules which are essential to growing any house
plant, supplementing them with a few rules
which the African violet prefers, and you are
quite sure of satisfying results with some
superior plants.

Growing African violets has been a hobby
of mine for many years, but eight grand¬
children quite successfully compete now and
I find that these two hobbies take care of any
free time I may have. An alibi for not always
having my violets in A-1 order (namely re¬
potted) is my grandchildren, but, as they are
growing up so fast, I choose to put off, the
repotting as there will always be violets to
repot but my grandchildren will not always
be little. And so I grow violets, not for show,
but just for fun, and what fun it is! •

One of the most useful and neatest tricks of making
compost is to use a wooden barrel. Knock both ends
out and place it in a suitable location. Fill with
kitchen refuse (green garbage of all kinds such as
potato peelings, melon rinds, carrot tops, etc.) until
the layer is about 6 inches deep. Then, cover over
with a layer of garden soil. Build to top. Sprinkle
with water periodically. When compost is formed
remove barrel.

Making Compost?

Large squares of black plastic are available in light
thin gauge material. This is an excellent cover for a
compost pile as it prevents moisture from escaping
and hastens decomposition. It can, also, be placed at
strategic locations to destroy weeds and other un¬
desirable and unwanted growth.

71

Give Them TLC™ ( Tender Loving Care )

For many years I grew a few African violets
on my glass window shelves, along with
all my other house plants, and gave them
the same care and treatment. Needless to say,
they seldom bloomed and were fortunate to
stay alive.

Then, I began visiting the African violet
shows and wished I knew how to raise such
beautiful plants, so in 1957 I decided to be¬
come a member of a local club and of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc.

My first copy of the African Violet Maga¬
zine was a real revelation to me; I had never
dreamed I could find so much help in grow¬
ing better plants. The magazine was then and
still is looked forward to eagerly; it is read
and reread many times and each issue is
saved for future references.

With the help of the magazine and the
members of the local club, my violets im¬
proved rapidly; by now it was becoming a
really interesting and exciting hobby. My
husband joined me in my efforts by building
for me two floral carts, each with three
shelves, and installed my first fluorescent
lights. I had about 200 plants, mostly small
ones I had grown from leaves.

What a thrill it was, watching and waiting
for each new variety to bloom. I was using
sterilized potting mix (Black Magic) and had
established a regular feeding schedule. I tried
to save enough rain water for watering. My
club members and friends who saw my plants
said they were beautiful. I always had lots of
bloom, even on the very small plants, but I
still was not courageous enough to enter my
plants in a show.

Early in 1959 I attended a judging school
and became a qualified judge for the African
violet shows; but, most important to me, I
now knew what to look for in my plants if I
wanted them to be real show plants. My
plants were increasing so rapidly that my hus¬
band built me another floral cart and an 8
foot 3-tiered shelf. I moved practically all of
my plants to the basement because the tem¬
perature was less variable and the humidity
much better. I also had more room to expand
without crowding my family out entirely.

In the spring of 1960 I had the pleasure of
attending the National Convention in Atlantic
City. What a revelation that was! All those
beautiful plants and all those wonderful peo¬
ple who came thousands of miles to a violet
show. The commercial display of Lyndon
Lyon and others absolutely took my breath

Mary Irwin, St. Louis, Missouri

away. Of course, I knew that as an amateur
grower I could never come even close to that
many blooms per plant; but, seeing all this
inspired me to return home and try a little
harder each day to grow better plants.

With this thought in mind I entered my
first plants in the eighth annual African violet
show of 1960 and after all the judging was
over I was told I had won the sweepstakes
award — I could hardly believe it possible.
After the show, I returned home and resolved
to give my plants more and more of that
tender loving care, even better than before.

In the past year I have added two more
benches and lights. I now have twelve 40-
watt tubes and fourteen 30-watt tubes burning
14 hours each day over about 400 plants.

Since my husband has retired he has time
to build my floral carts and benches, keep the
lights in order, and even help wash and
sterilize my pots occasionally.

I use only clay pots, always sterilize them
after each use, either with Clorox or V-C 13.

I use granite chips, which have been washed
and sterilized, in my trays to place my plants
on.

The soil around my plants is drenched
twice each year with a V-C 13 solution of V2
teaspoon to each gallon of warm water. Plants
should be just moist when treated, and this
treatment should be between the regular feed¬
ing dates.

I feed twice each month, alternating with
Atlas Fish Emulsion and Plant Marvel. I con¬
tinue to feed twice each month in the summer
but reduce the amount of plant food by one-
half; I have found that plants need some plant
food even in hot weather.

Most of my basic soil mix is made up of
Black Magic African Violet Soil, though there
are many other good mixes.

I do not spray my plants regularly, but
I do isolate all new plants at least for two
months and spray them thoroughly, also my
own plants when I bring them home from a
show.

I water each plant individually from
the top, using lukewarm water. I discontinued
trying to catch and save enough rain water
when I began to need 5 or 6 gallons every
other day. Since St. Louis city water has
many chemicals added to it for purification,
I draw the hot water out of my hot water
heater and let it stand in open 12 gallon jars
for at least 24 hours before using it.

Above, Mrs. Irwin won the National Gold Kibbon
Award, First Maid of Honor Award, Second Maid of
Honor Award, and Sweepstakes Award at her club’s
1961 show.

Right, a view of the corners of the six and eight
foot three tier shelves Mr. Irwin made for Mrs.
Irwin’s violets.

Below, Wintry Rose one of Mrs. Irwin’s National Gold
Ribbon Award winning plants.

When I have special leaves, I root them in
water, using a sraali bottle for each leaf; then,
when the mots b.ave formed, I put them in
a mixture of half vermicuUte and half Sponge-

Rok.

When I have many leaves- of other plants
to mot, I put them in large trays at once,
using this same mixture. When these leaves
have formed plan tie ts and they are 11/2 to 2
inches tall, they are put in 2 inch pots, using
a mixture of one can of Black Magic, one
can of Sponge -Kok, and one can of Canadian
peal. Tins mixture should be well moistened

the night before it is to be used. By using
this procedure, I have lost very few plants.

Last year I entered 30 plants and brought
home 30 ribbons from our ninth annual violet
show. I won the National Gold Ribbon Award
for the best collection of three registered
plants, with Calumet Beacon, Wintry Rose and
Blue Nocturne; and I also won the sweepstakes
award again.

Growing a show plant was a challenge to
me and the awards I have received have
given me much pleasure and satisfaction, but
the joy of going to my basement violet room
on a cold, dark winter day and seeing all the
lovely bloom is the greatest pleasure of all,
and more than repays me for my efforts and
the many hours I spend in caring for my
African violets. *

73

Dearest Faye,

Your box of precious violet leaves came
today while I was making out little name
tags for the leaves I planned to send to you.
I was trying to keep my mind occupied with
something besides looking through the win¬
dow for that slow-poke mailman. Just imag¬
ine my excitement as I saw him passing the
drive of the folks across the road. He had
sneaked past one window while I looked out
the other but I didn’t miss the package on
the mail box.

Letting everything go I grabbed a sweater
and headed for the mail box. Those leaves
had been out doors long enough. I had been
so worried last night when frost fell around
midnight. My surprise was complete when I
reached the mail box to find not one package
but two and a letter from you dated April 27.

Dashing back to the house I sternly or¬
dered myself, “Just unwrap the paper from
the box and let the contents warm up slowly.
Don’t be so greedy.”

After removing the shredded paper on
top, I placed the leaf packages on the piano
bench and sat down to hurriedly read your
letter.

Looking at the size and shape of the leaves
in their plastic wrapping was startling. They
all seemed perfect as they lay in their beds.
Before I look for something to put them in
let’s see what the other package holds as I
don’t want to hold up the show. Gosh! More
leaves! One by one I placed them upon the
piano bench.

“Attention,” I ordered myself as I began
to collect ball point pen, foil, scissors, African
violet potting soil, Agrilite and the square
cake dish with its plastic cover that I bought
for a dollar.

The extra large ones wouldn’t fit into the
container with the others so I go to the garage
to see what I have there. There are no pans
large enough but I can use the large roaster
if it’s too hot in the kitchen and I have to
shut off the oil heater.

There is a baker’s tray John brought home.
It is only one inch high so that’s no good.
Prince, the dog, is a year old now but he
might nibble at the leaves like he did when
he was seven months old. It only happened
once but he must have found the young leaves
on that tiny violet delicious.

Here are two big plastic bags in which I
think bakers get powdered sugar. I can use

these. Here are some cardboard cartons. I
must choose one that would fit the space on
the extra piano bench then I won’t worry
that the leaves would meet with an accident
while in it.

If I cut seven inches off this box it will
be just right. I will use one plastic bag to
line the innerwall of the box. Oops! I’ll have
to trim off the overhang but I will use it to
reinforce the sides. Scotch tape and pleats
here and there will make it fit. The other
plastic bag, when doubled, will fit in the bot¬
tom nicely.

Now I will carefully place an inch or more
of the dampened Agrilite and soil over the
bottom of the box. Let’s see nosey Prince
bother that.

Now I am all set. I have a sheet of paper
to write names on and I will keep it for
reference in case I lose their name tag. These
babies must get to bed. Off comes your coat.
Shall I snip the rubber band? No, if Faye
got you on I must get you off. There your
overshoes are off.

Let me check for bruises, names on tape
and the reference list and then into the soil
they go. Here is a heavy one that wants to
lay down completely. I’ll snip off a match
head and use the match stem to prop it up.
Six are now tucked in but number seven
will need an operation. I will leave space
for it here among its other Iowa friends.

Now the big leaves will go into a bowl of
water that I have covered with foil. With a
pencil I will make a hole in the foil for their
stems. I hope they like their new home.

The plastic bowl which is to be my crib
will hold the smaller tots. Since there are two
of some I’ll just put one each in water and
one in soil.

Of my four patients three are O.K. but
the fourth looks as though someone had lain
on the top one-third of the leaf. If I had paid
any attention I could have told you who it
was. You couldn’t see in the dark whether you
were scalped by an Indian or mauled by the
mutiny of Blue Knight fighting with Sailor’s
Delight for the Portrait of Sea Queen. Per¬
haps someone was hungry for Black Cherry
and you got in the way. Tomorrow I will
know if you are better but for tonight there
will be thirty of you get a newspaper cover
just in case it cools off. Tomorrow I shall
send your adorable mistress some of the new
friends you caught a glimpse of today to¬
gether with a letter telling just how you
endured your trip.

Faye, I wonder if my shipment of leaves
will delight you as much as yours did me?
I did not expect so many but you know what
I want to say. Meanwhile I’ll keep my fingers
crossed for luck.

Love,

Libbie

74

Your Library

J

Maisie Yakie, P.O. Box 674, Port Arthur, Texas

Wow! To use a show business expression,
what a gasser that San Francisco Convention
was! A well-planned Convention that fea¬
tured both an outstanding Amateur Show and
a dazzling Commercial Show. For those of us
coming so far it was really worth the effort
to get there and I am sure we all came home
with many beautiful violets and happy mem¬
ories. We tried to capture as much of it as
possible for you on film and it is there for
your pleasure in the slides of the San Fran¬
cisco Convention. Be sure to see the Septem¬
ber issue where we will list all of the new
slide programs as well as the older ones, for
your information and enjoyment.

We are proud and happy to be able to tell
you that the past year was the most successful
the Library has yet enjoyed. We received
more mail, filled more reservations and tried
to help more clubs than in any year since the
Library was created. Thanks so much for help¬
ing us to help you. And keep the letters
coming: we have set ourselves an even bigger
goal for this year.

Every once in a while our mail bag brings
us a wonderful surprise and such is the case
twice this month. The first was a large, and
we mean large, box of slides which came as
a gift to the Library, and thus of course to
the Society, from Mr. and Mrs. C. G. Dykeman,
1037 Garden Lane, South Bend 19, Indiana.
They are now in the slide program titled
“Garden Lane.” They are excellent slides of
old and new varieties, as well as other mem¬
bers of the gesneriad family, and it is with
deep appreciation that we thank Mr. and
Mrs. Dykeman for their generosity and
thoughtfulness in sending them to the Lib¬
rary for the future enjoyment of all the mem¬
bers of the National Society. The second nice
thing to come our way this time was an article
written for the Library by Mrs. Cora Spath
of Baltimore, Maryland (3008 Gibbons Ave¬
nue) on her methods of “Raising and Groom¬
ing Plants for Show.” It takes you from the
selection of the proper leaf for rooting, right
on through to your winning blue ribbons,
just as Mrs. Spath has done in shows in her
area. It is very well written and very clearly
defined for all of us who strive to grow better
plants. Copies of it are being included in
Library Program Packets No. 3 and No. 8.

In this wonderful, zany world of African
violet growers there are so many blithe spirits
that we are always delighted when we more
or less stumble over one more, and such is
the case when we met Charles Day, president
of the First AVS of San Antonio, Texas. A
man of high education and sharp wit, he has
been kind enough to allow us to use some of
the little letters he sends out each month to

his club members to remind them of the
meeting and tell them anything special that
they may need to know about each meeting.
These are wild, hairbrained, witty little let¬
ters which left us rocking with laughter! We
think they make a wonderful way to remind
folks about club meetings and for your en¬
joyment and possibly so that you may more
or less copy some of his ideas, we have in¬
cluded a sheaf of them in Library Program
Packet No. 36, “Starting a Club.” We know
you will find them enjoyable and useful.

The African Violet Club of Alexandria,
Louisiana, is so eager to tell other folks about
their great love, violets, that they brought a
speaker several hundred miles, and opened
their meeting to the public in this entire area
so that all who were interested might come
and hear more of the techniques of growing,
the joys of the hobby, and the history of the
Saintpaulia and the National Society. This is
a small club but they planned this program
well and successfully and bore all the ex¬
penses themselves. We think it was a marve¬
lous gesture on their part and strongly urge
more clubs to do the same. There is nothing
like a good old talking session to revitalize
interest in violets and to encourage others to
join our clubs and our hobby, as well as our
National Society.

The First AVS of Dallas, Texas, tells us
that one of their outstanding programs has
been “African Violets Through the Summer.”
This usually presents myriad problems for all
growers, due to high temperatures, vacations,
increases in disease, etc. This might be a round
table discussion or even an open meeting
with a chairman, so that all could ask ques¬
tions and contribute suggestions. This is where
the older growers can be of real help to some
of the newer hobbyists!

Mrs. David Helgoland, Mound, Minnesota,
of the Tonka Delight AVC, told us that the
most interesting club program her group had
one year, was when they had a guest club
join them for a demonstration of repotting of
multiple crowns and long-necked plants. This
was followed by a general discussion. From
the number of clubs who have programs on
these two problems we know they seem to
present real problems to most growers and
this type of demonstration can be helpful.

From Mrs. Frank Robbins of Allentown,
New Jersey (AVC of Trenton, N.J.) comes a
suggestion for what they felt was an outstand¬
ing program: “Fluorescent Lights and Groom¬
ing Plants.” There is still so much to be
learned about growing plants under artificial
light that this could be a really outstanding
program if some advance experimental work
was done by several members of the club,
using different light combinations, intensities,
etc., on groups of plants of the same varieties,
where light was the only variable factor. And,
of course, all of us need to be constantly on
(Continued Next Page)

75

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Reaume, 2S454 St. Clair Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

TOWN AND COUNTRY AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB, Mrs. John Oyler, Pres., 143 Mead
St., Rapid City, S. Dak.

LAKESHORE AFTERNOON SAINTPAULIA
CLUB, Mrs. Frank Luedtke, Pres., 213
Hubbard St., Racine, Wis.

GREEN THUMB AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIE¬
TY OF FAYETTEVILLE, Mrs. Betty Leh¬
man, Pres., 136 E. Spring, Fayetteville,
Ark

GOLD COAST AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. James S. Morgan, Pres., 641 S. W.
5th Ct., Hollandale, Fla.

THE PIONEER AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Francis Jelliff, Pres., 802 Hazel St., Elmira,
N. Y.

WHETSTONE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,
Mildred Cochran, Pres., 661 E. Beaumont
Road, Columbus 14, Ohio.

TOWN AND COUNTRY AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY, L. E. Bawlenheimer, Pres., 2725
Acorn Dr., Kettering 19, Ohio.

THE CROSSTOWN AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB, Mrs. John Roe, Pres., 4417 Boulder
Terr., Madison, Wis.

SOUTH FLORIDA AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. Robert Baker, Pres., 9201 S. W. 35th
St., Miami 55, Fla.

FARMINGTON VALLEY AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB, Mrs. Allan L. Taylor, Pres., West-
wood Rd., East Hartland, Conn.

PUEBLO AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB, Mrs.
Helen Cottingham, Pres., 602 Brown Ave.,
Pueblo, Colo.

BELMONT AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
LONG ISLAND, Mrs. Dan Wagner, Jr.,
Pres., 935 Sterling PI., North Babylon, N.Y.

Library continued

our toes when it comes to grooming our plants.

Mrs. Thomas B. Everist, Yardley, Pa., of
the same club told us that she had considered
a program on “Hybridizing” and one on “Ar¬
rangements” where the fundamentals of using
violets with other flowers were demonstrat¬
ed, as the outstanding programs. Someone
with a little time could go into genetics, the
very basic rules, etc., and present a fascinat¬
ing program on hybridizing. There is a world
of material in your back issues Of the Magazine
as well as the program packets of the Library.

We hope to have a wealth of new slide
programs for you in the next issue but don’t
wait until then tO send in your reservations.
Those clubs who mfeet during the summer
months can usually get the more popular
slide programs then without waiting since the
demand for them is not as great as during
June, July and August.

Looking forward to hearing from more of
you than ever. . . .

Registration Report

Adele Tretter, 4988 Schollmeyer Ave.

St. Louis 9, Missouri

The following applications for registration
have been received during the period from
November 28, 1961, through March 15, 1962.
Plant and Registrant:

Christmas Candy (1261) CW358dL, 12/15/61,
Charles Dedera, 8945 Kathlyn Drive, St.
Louis 34, Missouri.

Gay Francis (1262) PY8sfL, 3/7/62, Mrs. Ethel
Palmer, 71 Portland Place, Montclair, New
Jersey.

Alice’s Cochise (1263) R26dL, 3/3/62, Alice’s
Violet Racks, 16845 Harper, Detroit 24,
Michigan.

Alice’s White Xmas (1264) CPW26dL, 3/3/62,
Alice’s Violet Racks, 16845 Harper, Detroit
24, Michigan.

Ora Lee (1265) BC3589sL, 3/10/62, Dorothy
E. Lincoln, 6342 Garesche Avenue, St. Louis
20, Missouri.

Q. T. Explorer (1266) B38dL, 2/28/62, Quality
Violet House, 2021 Union Blvd., S. E.,
Grand Rapids 7, Michigan.

Name Reservations

The following name reservations have been
received during the period from November
28, 1961, through March 15, 1962: Blue
Banana, Sugar Plum Fairy, Velvet Tempest,
Blue Denim, Blue Tassel, Bell Ringer, Prize
Entry, Mint Frappe, Pink Taffy, Surrender,
Swagger, Sweet Dreams, Casanova Cupid,
Tutti Frutti, Waltzing Shoes.

-BINDERS-

You Will Enjoy The
Convenience of Keeping
All Your Copies of The
AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE
in permanent binders, two for $6.50
postpaid. Each binder holds ten copies.
African Violet Magazine is attractively
lettered in gold on the dark green
covering.

Write to:

African Violet Society of America, Inc.
P. O. Box 1326
Knoxville, Tennessee

76

Roll Call By Verse

These violet poems were used to answer roll
call at a Toledo African Violet Society
meeting.

BEGINNERS’ AID

Many beginners do groan and moan . . . ‘'Afri¬
can violets just can’t be grown” . . . Some
keep the violets’ feet too wet ... To water
them others are sure to forget . . . Now, those
of us who are in the know . . . Have learned
what violets need to grow . . . Give them a
“nip” to keep them well . . . There’s a special
plant food that’s made to sell . . . Don’t drown
them in water, or bake them in sun ... If
you treat them right, they can be fun ... We
all admit, whatever we try . . . Some “lill
stinkers” will up and die!

Fran Rea

VIOLET HOLIDAY

There was a young lady . . , Who lived in a
home . . . She had so many violets . . . She
never could roam . . . She fed them, she
groomed them . . . And sprayed them with
care . . . Their blossoms were lovely . . . Her
friends came to stare . . . The lady still
wanted ... To take a nice trip . . . Sad tears
were shed . . . Tho’ she bit hard her lip . . .
Oh, would not someone . . . Come to her
aid . . . Water her violets . . . Spray once with
Raid . . . She checked with her friends . . .
Who were all violet conscious ... To see if
the job . . . Would be too obnoxious . . .
Believe it or not . . . They enjoyed the diver¬
sion . . . And the young lady took ... A
delightful excursion.

Jean G. Lovett
VIOLET RETREAT
My violet room is sweet retreat
From cares that tire the weary heart —

A place where God seems close to me
And, where small plants do get their start.

Irene Fleming
RAISING VIOLETS

Raising violets is more fun . . . Than anything
I know . . . But strange things happen when
buds blast . . . Leaves droop or they refuse
to grow . . . It’s fun to overcome and conquer
. . . Challenges like these . . . But other
cultural ills are mine . . . For violets dearly
love to tease . . . Both bloom and leaf from
some good friend . . . Can change to “a strange”
unwanted . . , And many a new one portrayed
so grand . . . Will reflect an old departed
. . . I could go on and on . . . They irk, it’s
work, they thrill, and Lo . . . New interest
lends enchantment and . . . Violets will fun
on you bestow!

May Eller
THE SEARCH

You study and you question folks ... To get
the most in bloom , . . Some water often,
some say, “Soak” . . . Some, “fertilize or
groom” . . . You disinfect, and spray your
plants . . . You sterilize the soil — you prune

. . . You choose the windows for good sun
. . . No draft comes in the room . . . And,
after all is said and done . . . You’ve tried
your very best ... It all boils down to this

advice ... In answer to your quest . . . You
treat your plants with TLC . . . That’s Tender
Loving Care . . . It’s better far than all the
rest ... To make them bloom, to bring you
cheer.

Norma A. Drake

OUR VIOLETS
Pretty violets everywhere
Blossoms, aglow, with beauty rare
Singles, doubles in many a hue,

Curly leaves and ruffled, too.

Each little plant in its special way—

Brings pleasure abundant every day.

Hallie Zeunen
A VIOLET

A violet may be of pink or white,

Or it may be of many hue
Perhaps mixed, splashed or of a blue.

No matter what — in it you’ll find
A source of pleasure, peace of mind.

Dorothy Haube

VIOLETS AND THE MASTER’S HAND
Violets on our window sills ... In many
shades and hue . . . Daily as we pass to view
them . . . Faith springs in our hearts anew
. . . There was a time impatience reigned . . .
At their constant lack of bloom . . . But
suddenly they repayed our care . . . Filling
with beauty every room . . . First the tiny
buds appeared . . . And we gazed with keen
delight ... At the slender stems and florets
. . . Reaching toward the needed light . . .
Ours not alone the artistry ... Of this miracle
so grand . . . Now we know they but awaited
. . . The finer touch — the Master’s Hand.

Olive Leone O’Neil

MY VIOLET

I have a violet of white and blue . . .

So lovely, indeed.

With petals of ruffles, the leaves are too . . .
I grew it by seed and so can you.

Virginia Coy

VIOLET INCREASE

One little violet, blue and white
Sitting all alone on my window sill.

One little violet, that isn’t right;

There must be another on my window sill.
One little, two little, three little violets
Sitting close together on my window sill.

Four little, five little, six little violets
Crowded close together, filling my window sill.
Seven little, eight little, nine little violets
To be happy must have more light.

Ten little, ’leven little, twelve little violets
Bloom and bloom together ’neath their new
fluorescent light.

One little, two little, three little lights.
Everything, everywhere is crowded again.
Four little, five little, six little lights
Oh where, oh where is it going to end?

Lucile Rainsberger

77

Happy

Memories

-1962
Son Francisco

The National Show

The National Show was held in the Gold
Ballroom. As one entered the show room the
eyes immediately fell upon the center display,
the theme of the show, “Western Wonder¬
land,” a section of which is pictured above.
This featured a replica of the Golden Gate
Bridge with redwood bark columns in the
background on which the theme was spelled
out. The bridge was sprayed with gold paint
and draped with green fish nets. Here and
there scattered at random on the nets were
orchid colored sea fans. The exhibit tables
for the Amateur Division which were ar¬
ranged in the central section of the room

were covered with white cloth and draped
with a dark green netting overskirt, Florence
Shuey, Chairman of Staging and her com¬
mittee from the East Bay African Violet So¬
ciety gave much time, thought and work in
staging this show for the 1962 Convention.
This report will be continued in the Septem¬
ber Magazine.

A complete list of all awards in both the
Amateur and Commercial Divisions will be
contained in the official report of the Awards
Committee, which will also be published in
the September Issue.

Pictured on the left is
Seedling 0-1-60-3 entered
by Mrs. Harold Fulgham,
Portland, Oregon which
won the Award for the
most outstanding seedling.
To be eligible, the entry
must have never been ex¬
hibited previously in a Na¬
tional Show.

This prize winner was a
large plant with attractive
quilted leaves and a beau¬
tiful pale tinted blossom
rather light blue - mauve
overlaid with white and a
lighter eye— a Dixie Moon¬
beam type of bloom.

80

The SILVER CUP of
the African Violet Society
of America, Inc. was
awarded to Mrs. C. N. La
Due, Sacramento, Califor¬
nia for her plant Top Sail
pictured here. The Silver
Cup is the highest award
which may be won by an
amateur exhibitor at the
National Show. It is award¬
ed to the best registered
named cultivar in Classes
1 through 27.

Top Sail is an introduc¬
tion of Granger Gardens,
Medina, Ohio. The Indiana
State African Violet Club
Plaque was accordingly
presented to Mrs. Grace
Eyerdom of Granger Gar¬
dens as the registrant of
this prize winning African
violet.

Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Thomas of Edena Gardens, Walnut Creek, California pose beside their exhibit which won
for them the Commercial Trophy of the African Violet Society of America, Inc. This coveted Award is
presented each year to the exhibitor of the best Commercial Exhibit Table.

81

Above, Cascade Prelude — Mrs. Irene Souply, Port¬
land, Oregon.

Below, Elegance — Mrs. J. W. Shuey, Richmond,
California.

Above, Maybelle — Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Angeles,
California.

Below, Rose Double — Mrs. John Gutridge, Los
Angeles, California.

The Amateur Division of the National Show
at San Francisco offered a dazzling, beautiful
array of big, big, plants! Pictured on this and
the next two pages are a few of the most
representative types of these huge king size
western grown African violets.

With row upon row of handsome perfectly
groomed leaves, crowned by a profusion of
impressive blossoms the entries in the Ama¬
teur Division were some of the finest ever to
be exhibited at this or any other National
Show, and most certainly are indicative of
the cultural skill of our West Coast Members.

Above, Afterglo Mrs. Alice Hamai, San Francisco,
California.

AbOTC, Multiflora Mauve Sport — - Mrs. Harold Fulg- T-V Patio Dance — Mrs. A. M. Erskine, Berkeley,
ham, Portland, Oregon. California.

Above, Magnified — Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Angeles, Above, Gossamer Wings — Mrs. Harold Fulgham,
California. Portland, Oregon.

Below, Matchmate — Mrs. R. E. Hertel, Sacramento,
California.

Below, T-V Vallinpink — Mrs. M. L. Hardman, San
Francisco, California.

Above, Seedling 0-1-60-1 — Mrs. Harold Fulgham, Above, Mary Thompson — Mrs. Alice Hamai, San
Portland, Oregon. Francisco, California.

Above, Honeyette A miniature. Mrs. D. W. Robin- Above, Blue Chips -— Mrs. Harold Fulgham, Portland,
son, Los Angeles, California. Oregon.

Below, Double One — Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Below, Little Jewel Mrs. C. N. La Due, Sacramento,
Angeles, California. California.

illiOiiiiift'fci s ! i|f|f ffiilJiraSii

M lit ill II «iy;j UiJ)

• ‘V* ■‘.••'-Mr'"

Eight—

^^High on a Hilltop”

Composition by
Mrs. Grace Bradley
Studio City, California

Eight—

^'^Suddenly It’s Spring”

Composition by
Mrs. Margaret Goehler
Los Angeles, California

Left—

^Rhythm of the Sea”

Composition by

Miss Elsie Eockenfield

San Francisco, California

I have been growing violets for several
years and have enjoyed it very much,
even the ups and downs. A friend gave me my
first violet plant which was just the old style
purple single. My husband was being sent out
of town to work for the summer and as school
was out I decided my son Jimmie and I would
go along. I put all my house plants plus my
one violet out on a glassed-in back porch so
they could be cared for by the boy who was
caring for the lawn. On the 7th of June there
was a 6 inch snow and all my plants were
frozen. When I came home in August I had
a lot of pots with nothing in them but dirt.
Out of the goodness of her heart the friend
who gave me my first African violet gave me
another of the same kind. It soon put out new
plantlets and in a very short time I had five
plants. I kept them on the window sill in a
south window and they bloomed profusely.

We don’t have a place in town that handles
African violets all the time but one or two
places get them in on special occasions. One
day I bought three — Ohio Bountiful, Fantasy,
and Coon Valley and as it was snowing we
wrapped them in paper and I tucked them
under my coat the best I could and headed
for home, so very thrilled and happy that I
had four different kinds. I guess that is where
and when it all started. I read an ad in the
paper about a lady in Colorado who would like
to exchange leaves so I wrote to her and sent
leaves of my four different kinds. Soon I
received a package from her with 12 leaves.
I put them in peat moss and watched over
them like an old hen; those first babies were
really a joy. When I knew I could get leaves
to grow, I began to trade and, as my husband
puts it, beg every leaf I could. I bought plants
when I could find them, and ordered plants
and leaves from different violet houses.

When my number of plants outgrew all the
window space I put them on TV trays and
every other place I could find, even on the
foot of my husband’s bed so they could get
the morning sun. That is when he broke down

The violet tree stand Mr. Morrison built.

From One To None

Mrs. C. A. Morrison, Torrington, Wyoming

and built me the two violet tree stands I had
been wanting for so long. I put up double
window shelves but still didn’t have enough
room; I bought a flower cart and soon it was
filled. We have a basement apartment and I
dreamed of having my violets down there but
my husband insisted on renting it until the
time we had some undesirable people in it.
Now we no longer rent it, and my dream
came true. We have the sunken window wells
and I have covers for them. I put boards in
the bottom of the wells, made a tray out of
foil, and put in about an inch of vermiculite
for the plants to sit on. They really are doing
well here. I also have two shelf window
shelves in the basement. So far I have never
used fluorescent lights; I bought a new one a
short time ago and plan to try it soon.

I have been very fortunate regarding the
pests that so often hit African violets. I had
cyclamen mite once, or they told me it was
mite. I used sodium selenate a few times and
I haven’t noticed any more trouble. I have
noticed springtails in some of my plants that
are in plastic pots — I had been watering
them each time I watered the ones in the clay
pots and they were too wet. I used Aqua Am¬
monia (1 teaspoon to a gallon of warm water)
once a month and I no longer see any of them.

We have very hard water here and I try
to keep rain water but we have very little rain
so I usually wind up by melting snow for my
soft water. It takes a lot of snow to make a
gallon of water, but at the end of a day you
can have quite a bit of water and some very
cold fingers. I suppose humidity is a problem
with all violet growers but I think we in
Wyoming have a real problem. When you hear
the weather forecast and it says 15% humidity,
you can imagine how the violets must feel. I
run hot water in the kitchen sink, also in the
bathtub, and I have a spray I use most every
morning. I also have a humidifier I keep run¬
ning each day. I tried putting them in 4 inch
foil pans filled with sand or vermiculite and
kept it moist, but that seemed to give the
house a greenhouse smell, so was stopped.

I use Black Magic Potting Soil, also Blossom
Booster once or twice a month, and Stim-U-
Plant food about once a month; sometimes
Atlas Fish Emulsion as I think a change good.

I was fortunate enough to attend the violet
show in Cheyenne two years ago. It was a
small show but they had some beautiful vio¬
lets, and I met some lovely people. Some day
I hope to attend one of the National Shows.

Happy violet growing to all who wish to give
the little dears the sunniest spots in their
homes. •

How I Grow African Violets

Mrs. William Merry
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

I have been interested in growing African
violets for the past 12 years. Like every¬
one else, I started with a few, then they took
over, but I always seem to find room for
one more. To me it is a challenge and a
pleasure watching them grow and bloom.

I have about 75 plants. Some are grown
at windows which face the north; others under
a 48 inch fluorescent light in the basement.
This light has two 40-watt tubes, one cool
white and one warm white. I use it for my
small plants and keep it 18 inches above the
table.

Once a year I repot all my old plants. To
me this is a must as a violet that has been
in the same soil for a year or longer has
used up most of the humus in the soil and
the soil becomes packed and of poor struc¬
ture, with poor aeration. The use of all kinds
of fertilizer, and the chemicals in the water
cause the soil to become unbalanced.

I repot in September and do 6 or 7 at a
time. I use clean clay pots that have come to
a boil in water, and then soaked overnight.
This soaks out the unwanted salts and guards
against insects.

The soil I use is Nitra-Grow and Black
Magic. I mix 4 parts of Nitra-Grow to one
part of Black Magic. These products can be
bought at most seed stores; I get the 25 pound
size. I put a piece of broken clay pot over
the hole in the bottom of the pot, then 2 to
3 tablespoons of Black Magic and Vz teaspoon
of charcoal, then fill with the soil mix. I put
a double piece of Reynolds wrap, 1 Vz inches
wide, over the edge of the pot.

To change the soil, take the plant out of
the pot by using a pencil or nail and pushing
on the broken clay piece through the bottom
of the pot. Remove the soil that comes off
easily. If the plant is fairly young, set it a
little deeper on fresh soil and fill in. If the
plant is an old plant and the main stem is
too long but still straight, I just cut off the
bottom leaving some of the roots near the
top. If I have a plant that has a neck on it
and maybe a bent crown, I cut it off about
an inch below the crown, plant it in vermi-
culite in a 3 inch pot, and water it good; it
will start new roots and in 4 to 5 weeks it
can be planted in soil. I also have good luck
by rooting plants in a glass of water.

I use rain water or melted snow. I prefer
to water from the top, giving enough tepid
water to saturate the entire soil. I have a little
foil pie pan under each pot that I empty after
an hour. I do not water again until the top
soil is dry to the touch.

The kitchen window has a northern exposure.

Newly potted plants should not be fed for
2 months or longer. The first time I fertilize
after repotting, I only use half strength Hypo-
nex. From then on I fertilize once a month,
alternating Hyponex with Fish Emulsion, and
I do this only when the soil is still damp. I
mark my calendar so that I won’t over¬
fertilize as this may cause drooping of the
foliage, and it can burn the leaf margin. I
have learned that trying to be too good to
my violets in feeding them doesn’t pay.

Next is good light and high humidity.
These are very important, especially in the
winter when the furnace is in use. Good
ventilation without drafts helps a lot.

Once I bought a leaf and it kept getting
soft on the stem. I didn’t want to lose it so
I cut it back until I only had an inch of the
outside left; the whole center and stem were
gone. I put it in vermiculite in a 2 inch pot,
watered it good, then wrapped the pot and
all in Saran Wrap. I certainly was surprised
when I saw two nice little plants coming up.
That was 3 years ago and I still have the
plants; the flowers are different, one has a
lot more color in it than the other. The leaf
was from Fringed Pom Pon.

Now for my last hint: whenever I pick a
bouquet of flowers from outside my house I
put it in a vase outside and give it a good
spraying with Raid House and Garden Bug
Killer. This doesn’t hurt the bouquet a bit
and it will keep my violets from getting
insects. Raid doesn’t smell bad either, and it
is so handy as it comes in a spray can. I use
it on my violets in the summertime when
the windows are open.

Year before last 2 weeks before the local
show, one of the ladies from the violet club
called on me and asked me to bring some of
my violets to the show. I had a wonderful
surprise when I won the sweepstakes at the
show. I have joined the club now, and we
have a nice time exchanging violet talk. My
African Violet Magazine has also been a
great help to me. •

87

Having received so much pleasure and
help from the articles published in the
African Violet Magazine, I feel I should share
my experiences. I cannot remember when
my love of flowers began; I remember the
various plants and flowers found at my grand¬
mother’s home, both in the garden and house,
when I was very young; some of these are
rarities today. Then, as a young girl I had a
neighbor I often visited; she had a philosophy
of her own, derived from her experiences in
life and not found from school or books. Her
flowers included everything, and they made a
beautiful composite picture. Then I married
and my home became a place of its own sur¬
rounded by flowers, and my husband, who
was an ardent lover of nature, helped instead
of checked my flower and garden desires . . .
I might say I ran wild! As various flowers
reached their popularity, I was there to “ride
it high.”

Then the birthdays seemed to come faster
and the slowing down stage reached me: the
time when you are advised “that to live long
you must curb your interest and labor.”

At the time African violets came into the
picture, I decided not to let them hit me too
hard and I resisted quite well for a time. How¬
ever, my friends thought I was really slipping
and they decided to do something nice for me;
they gave me three violets: Blue Boy, Pink
Beauty, and a white one. With the mention of
these names you can see how long ago it was.
I loved these violets very much, so much that
I over cared for them: too much water, too
much food, too little sun. I began to lose my
enthusiasm as they dwindled downward
toward death. A trip to Florida was in store
and I bade my violets a sad farewell, thinking
it would all be over when I returned. My son
was left at home and to make it easier for
him to care for my flowers I placed the violets
in the east window of my plant alcove, and
among sturdier plants that would take the
“rap” of neglect I expected them to have, and
where the violets would at least be with
friends of their kind. Imagine my surprise to

Florence Campbell, Keosaukua, Iowa

Who Can Resist

Growing African Violets?

come home and find them lush in foliage and
full of bloom. My son forgot to water, he did
not know they needed plant food, and they
had lots of sun. This broke all my resistance
and I too began to grow African violets all
over the house and in the basement; I joined
the African Violet Society; and I experimented
in all ways.

Of course the violets began to travel as my
daughters and my friends became interested
and asked for leaves - — and other homes were
filled with African violets. One daughter, the
wife of an Air Corps officer, always started
plants in the new living areas to which they
were assigned. When orders came to move,
she gave her blooming plants to friends, and
what a lovely gift she left with them. The one
most appreciative area was in Okinawa. After
they were located there for a few months, she
wrote home to ask if I could send some violet
leaves and some Terra-Lite or vermiculite in
which to start them. It was an experiment to
try growing African violets there as she had
seen none and no one on the island seemed
to know much about them. Airmail for U.S.
service men is very fast and I was sure they
would arrive safely. To prepare them for their
long journey, I wrapped each leaf in a small
wad of wet cotton and put each leaf individ¬
ually in a waxed paper envelope I made. I
used a cigar box for the package, placing a
layer of vermiculite in a plastic bag in the
bottom, then the waxed paper envelopes with
enclosed leaves layer by layer with tissue
between. I packed 32 leaves and the airmail
cost was nominal. All arrived in fine shape
and 28 leaves made new plants. They grew
fast and bloomed much sooner than any I had
started. The boys and officers and native folk
would come to her home to see them. She
began to be crowded in her home and took
some to the Chapel where the boys became
interested in them and took over their care.
Then orders came to return to duty in the
U.S.A. and the violets had to find new homes.
Seeing the intense interest the boys had, she
filled the Chapel windows and gave them to
the care of the boys. Others were taken to the
ill, and many to the native Okinawans who
became keenly interested. Often she says, “I
wonder how my violets are and how far they
have gone on the Ryukyu Islands?” She left
a bit of new beauty and a bit of herself on
the islands of the Pacific.

Am I still “violating?” Oh yes, and my
enjoyment increases each year, and I am
always learning more as to their care: they
are like people and have their likes and dis¬
likes and express themselves in this by their
growth and bloom.

The circle made by the pebble dropped in
the pool of water — the gift of my first three
violets — has swelled and swelled and seems
never to stop. Yes, the African violet gives
continued happiness . . . where it stops, no
one knows. •

88

QUESTIOIM BOX

Anme Tinari

Tinari Greenhouses

' ' I

Bethajrcs, Pa.

Q. What is the effect of overselenating? Nu¬
merous writings state not to overselenate, but
iHtihing is ever said of the effects of overdoing
i! Does selenating in the safe amounts damage
the root system?

Houston Seat, Nashville 11, Tenn.
A. Overselenating can cause serious damage
and usually kills a plant outright, remember
it is a systemic poison: it is absorbed by the
plants roots becoming part of the plant sap
thus circulating throughout the plants system.
Insects take in the sap as they feed and are'
killed. I believe sodium selenate solution
should be used from the bottom as it will
damage foliage and should be absorbed slow¬
ly. If absorbed too quickly it can readily harm
the fiber ous root system. Very yo'ung plants
especially, can be destroyed p'romptly as their
very delicate root system is quickly injured.
Selenate is safe and beneficial to use by the
extra dilute method. However, the proper pro¬
cedure must be followed. May I suggest you
read A.V. Magazine Vol. 14, No. 2, Dec. 1960,
page 89, and Vol. 15, No. 3, March 1962, page
43 on how to use sodium selenate, extra di¬
lute method. Also, there is an excellent article,
in detail, by Neil Miller in Vol. 11, No. 1,
Sept. 1957, page 40 to 47 on selenate'. This
would make a good club program.

Q. We hope to move into a new greenhouse
and will probably make many mistakes, but
would appreciate any help you can give me
on the following: My violets pots will stand
on grit in 12 x 18” trays, how do we sterilize
the grit before we use it? I see V-C 13 men¬
tioned frequently in the Magazine is this what
we should use? To date I have been using
two or three different types of plant food,
shall we cO'nfine ourselves to one particular
kind? What good all purpose insect spray
should we use? Is Isotox satisfactory?

Mrs. Frank C. Palmer, Auburn, New York
A. If you plan to water overhead you might
consider using vermiculite which is a sterile
material and does not need further treatment.
In regard to food we use the Liqua-Vita in
the greenhouse as it is in liquid form and
easier to use. When using overhead watering
as we do, especially if you plan to siphon
food in with watering which is most practical,
Liqua-Vita is easy to apply,

Isotox, Malathion, and Optox are all very
reliable for use in a small greenhouse, if used
properly. Nematodes are best controlled by
soil sterilization and use of V-C 13. This will
also help to sterilize grit used in trays. For

a very cO'inplete book on many greenhouse
practices, get “1001 African Violet Questions,”
by Helen Van Pelt Wilson, carried by most
libraries and good book stores.

Q. Recently I have become interested in
making a study of nematodes and I wish to
know what size power, and what type of
microscope I would need to actually see them.
I have a 20 power, but of course, cannot see
them only the nodules they have caused. Also,
should the limestone I get from a nearby
quarry be sterilized and how?

Mrs. Russell Wilkinson, Wyoming, Ill.
A, You will no doubt need a compound
microscope with proper lens. This is the type
generally used to study microscopic objects
in plant and animal life, an expensive and
delicate instrument used in thei laboratory.
This instrument possesses a reflecting mirror
and usually 2 objectives attached to the re¬
volving nose piece on a 16mm. (16x) objec¬
tive which will magnify objects lOOx the
other 4mm. (43x) will magnify objects 430x,
the latter is possibly the one used for the
purpose you have in mind. For further in¬
formation, I suggest you write Bausch &
Lomb, Inc., Scientific Division, 1814 Chest¬
nut Street, Philadelphia, Pa. In regard to
sterilizing limestone I would suggest you put
needed amount to be used in your soil mixture
when it is processed for sterilization.

Q. Please clarify something for me, does the
variety Lilian Jarrett have a plain or varie¬
gated leaf? Mine has the most beautiful varie¬
gation. Also, is Lilian Jarrett and Miss Lili-
anne, one and the same plant — I note that
they have the same registration number?

Mrs. C. Dedera, St. Louis, Mo.
A. Lilian Jarrett may have either type leaf.
Our propagation of this cultivar from leaf cut¬
tings produces about 50% of each. You are
correct in assuming this is one and the same
plant. The name Miss Lilianne was sent in
and later changed and registered Lilian Jar¬
rett as it appears today on our current catalog,'
Q. Dear Anne: You asked me to let you know
the results of my experiment with “atomic
seeds.” They were, as far as I could see, no
better than any other seeds. I also had the
atomic gladioli bulbs and I did get some dif¬
ferent kinds that I already had, but they
weren’t any different in size than my old bulbs.
It was a costly experiment and I hope IVe
learned my lesson. Some seeds never even
cam© up at all.

Edna M. Pierce, Carry, Pa.

89

Q. I would like to grow beautiful violets as
pictured in the African Violet Magazine. I
know it can be done or you wouldn’t have
Silver Cup winners, so please try to help me.
I will be a good pupil. After keeping violets in
3” pots for almost 2 years, they do absolutely
nothing, I am now transferring them into
41/2” pots at a year old, but my plants are not
lush looking. Many of the buds and flower
stems seems so frail they just nod their heads
an die, I have small bugs in my saucers, could
this be lice? Does it hurt the plants? How can
I get rid of them? I bought some selenate
about three years ago in capsule form, may
I still use this? Are the leaves of violets sup¬
posed to be hard or should they be rather
soft to the touch? Should they be sprayed at
regular intervals, how often and what mat¬
erial is good to use? In closing, how old
should a violet be before starting to bloom?

Mrs. A. Waller, Minot, North Dakota
A. I can certainly understand your great de¬
sire to grow beautiful violets, it is indeed a
great challenge when one sees the Silver Cup
winners at every National, state, and local
show.

Let me point out a few things in your
growing routine that need definite change to
obtain these results. I especially recommend
using small size pots, plants are quite happy
to be potbound until a good firm root system
and plant growth is well established. Plants
may be grown directly in the window being
careful of burning sunlight during the hottest
hours of the day. In regard to bugs in your
saucers these are no doubt springtails which
live and multiply in the lush soil. By using
20 drops of Optox in one pint of warm water
being careful to water around the edge of the
pot you can rid your plants of these pests. Re¬
peat this every 3 to 5 days for 3 times, if
necessary, do this only when the soil is
slightly moist, so as not to injure the tender
feeding roots. In regard to your selenate cap¬
sules they should be still usable. Remember
selenate is poisonous — be certain to follow
directions on package. Leaves of violets should
be firm but flexible. Hard or deformed center
leaves is usually a hint of mite trouble. Vio¬
lets should be sprayed at regular intervals for
safety against insects or infestation and to
maintain clean healthy plant growth. Plants
grown from leaf cuttings usually start to
bloom in 9-12 months.

Q. Could you refer me to an up-to-date
authority on new types of fluorescent light
proved successful for African violets. Should
cool light or daylight be used?

A. P. Palmer, Oreland, Pa.
A. For information on up-to-date fluorescent
lighting may I suggest you contact Sylvania
Products, Inc., home office in Salem, Mass.,
or you may be able to obtain information lo¬
cally at any Sylvania dealer on the new Gro-
Lux fluorescent tube, they originated. This is
a new tube designed to eliminate using several

types of light for proper radiation needed to
promote good growth. It should be the answer
to many home growers problems. Up-to-date
reports from users are excellent. See page
109, March issue.

Q. I am a new member of the A.V.S.A. and
would like to ask why blossoms pull away
from each other turning their heads down
and even falling over?

N. Boyington, Minneapolis, Kans.
A. This can be due to many causes: insuffi¬
cient light, improper soil lacking in vital ele¬
ments to produce strong healthy stems, too
much or too little water, plants in too large
a pot, or poor culture. Normal growth on
healthy plants should produce firm blossom
stalks and flowers that can be seen open and
erect.

Q. Please tell me what makes so many of my
violet leaves spoon or cup, I am often told
there is something wrong with the plants
though they look good and healthy.

Mrs. D. C. Prince, Hartselle, Ala.
A. Some varieties are inclined to spoon more
than others however, light can very definitely
be a great factor in determining leaf shapes.
Excessive light will completely flatten a very
spoon-shaped leaf regardless of variety, sub¬
dued light or light from a certain angle hitting
the plant indirectly will promote and main¬
tain spoon-shaped foliage if it is desired.

Q. What can be the cause of yellow areas
at the edge of leaves? Also, could sodium sele¬
nate be used on violets that I water at the
kitchen sink, would water carry enough of
the selenate to make this dangerous?

Mrs. Virginia Clay, Riverton, Wyo.
A. In regard to yellow areas on leaf edges
this usually denotes excess or deficient ferti¬
lization, if you have fertilized sparingly it
may be due to lack of potash in your soil mix¬
ture. Since so many elements are essential in
proper proportion I would suggest you have
your soil analyzed getting as close to a pH of
6.4 as possible.

In regard to selenating I personally would
not use it if it were to be used in my kitchen
sink or any area where the family food is
prepared.

Q. I have a lot of vareigated leaf plants but
so many of the leaves turn green, could you
recommend a mix that would keep them
variegated?

Olive H. Lafar, San Diego 4, Calif.
A. Sorry, I know of no spray or magic for¬
mula to keep variegated leaves from turning
green. No soil formula regardless of its con¬
tents holds assurance that beautiful white and
pink variegations will not turn all green. One
possible suggestion that may help is to give
plants an abundance of light — as rnuch as
possible, without burning. Use very little or
no plant food, this naturally will prevent
chlorophyll formation or keep it to a mini¬
mum, this in turn will help to keep leaves
(Continued Next Page First Column)

90

Keeping Plants Small

Mrs. George E. Bishop, Princeton, N.J.

First, I must disclaim any originality in my
method of keeping African violets in small
pots. Several years ago I read an interesting
article on keeping plants in small pots. Un¬
fortunately I cannot locate the magazine or
remember the name of the author to whom
I am indebted for the information.

In the late spring I find most of my violets
are pot-bound, or nearly so, in 3 inch pots. I
remove the outer leaves, greatly reducing the
plant in size, brush the cuts with Fermate to
prevent rot, cut away some of the root system,
and repot in a clean 3 inch clay pot with
sterilized soil from a reliable firm.

After potting I water lightly with warm
water, to which I have added a little Liqua
Vita; any fertilizer would do as well, but use
less than for regular feeding. This seems to
give the plant a good start. Keep the plants
on the dry side for several weeks to prevent
rot.

Naturally these plants are not a thing of
beauty. All I am concerned about is to develop
a good root system. I do not fertilize, and I
remove all buds.

By September I have sturdy little plants.
Last winter they were especially nice; they
started to bloom in September and continued
blooming nearly all the winter months.

Beginning in September I fertilize once a
month with Atlas Fish Emulsion; sometimes
I use Stim-U-Plant. I always use a weaker
solution than the label calls for.

Spray with warm water once a week, and
once a month with Optox. This, with the
sterilized soil, seems to keep the plants free
from disease. •

QUESTION BOX — Continued

from turning green. I have been sent ac¬
counts of plants being fed sugar water to
maintain variegation but with further cor¬
respondence I am told it worked only for a
short time.

Readers, please contact the following people
directly if you have any information on the
following:

I am looking for back issues of African
Violet Magazine, Volume 13, No. 2 and No. 3.
Mrs. Hans C. Nielsen, 373 Richard Ave.,
Staten Island 9, N. Y.

Where can I purchase the violets that were
recent selections on an African Violet Society
panel discussion? Purple Princess, Colorado
Night, Crimson Challenge, West Irish Elf.

Mrs. Ray Finke, 926 Lutz St., Shawano, Wis.

I have back issues of the Magazine for sale.
For those available please contact me direct.
Mrs. Stewart W. Kernaghan, 162 E. New
Lenox Rd., Pittsfield, Mass. •

Close-up of plants on top shelf.

Violet Cart

Mrs. Wanda Hiiberty, Ottumwa, Iowa

WHEN I replaced my kitchen utility cart
with a new one, I decided to use the
old one for African violets. Realizing that
violets on the two bottom shelves would not
receive enough light, I decided to replace
these shelves with glass.

My husband took the cart apart. On two of
the shelves, he marked off a rim of one inch
on which the glass was to rest. Using a ham¬
mer and cold chisel, he cut out the center of
the two shelves. The shelves were then
measured and plate glass purchased to fit.
The bottom shelf was left solid.

All three shelves were inverted to provide
an edge that would keep the pots from sliding
off. My cart was painted a soft green to com¬
plement the plastic pots and the darker green
of the leaves.

The cart is easily moved to or away from
light or to be displayed proudly to guests. Its
mobility is also convenient when plants are
being watered.

My plants seem to love their frequent little
changes of scenery and bloom profusely to
prove it. •

The cart and plants, side view.

1

Paul Arnold, Binghamton, N. Y.

I

Gesneriads i

I

COMPANION PLANTS

for African Violets

AESCHYNANTHUS MARMORATUS, the

marbled or mottled Aeschynanthus, has a
highly decorative foliage. The under sides of
the deep green leaves bear a maroon or deep
red colored pattern. The flowers, on the other
hand, are inconspicuous. Unlike the flaming
scarlet flowers of Ae* pulcher, the “Lipstick
Plant” and the other commonly grown
Aeschynanthus, this one has flowers which
are green in color. Many people have grown
the plant without ever noticing that it was in
flower. The pair of flowers which may be seen
with difficulty in the center of the general
view are shown close-up in the second pic¬
ture, isolated against a white background. Al¬
though the flowers are unnoticeable, the
plant has been a favorite house and conserva¬
tory plant since it arrived in England from
Java in the 1850’s because of its attractive
foliage and undemanding cultural require¬
ments. It is sometimes, though incorrectly,
called Aeschynanthus zebrinus. Recent at¬
tempts to hybridize this species and combine
its patterned foliage with the more colorful
flowers of other species have been successful.

-5''U0LUMNEA ‘MILDRED’ is a recent hy¬
brid produced by Lyndon Lyon who crossed
the narrow-leaved, pink-flowering Columnea
linearis with pollen from the British hybrid
Columnea X Banksii. He described it in 1960
as “a lusty, shrubby grower something on the
order of Columnea ‘V. Covert’ but a bigger
plant with larger blossoms.” Mr. Lyon did not
consider Columnea ‘Mildred’ to be a com¬
mercial type, but he liked it well enough to
keep it growing in his Dolgeville, New York
greenhouses where admiring visitors have in¬
sisted on purchasing small propagations. This
recurrent blooming plant has glossy dark
green leaves and flowers like those of the
parent C. linearis but 11/2 times as long and
of a much richer pink color, approximating
the 2.5R 5/12 Munsell notation (strong red)
of the American Horticultural Council Color
Fan. See next page for photograph.

Below left, a general view of Aeschynanthus mar-
moratus. Below right, a close-up of the flower. This
species polished, mottled leaves are Its greatest at¬
traction.

Aeschynanthus is pronounced es kin anth us.
Very few gesneriads have common names.
Therefore, we must, for the most part rely on
technical names derived from either Latin o'*™
Greek.' — ^Editor.

^ COLUMNEA ^V. COVERT’ (international
registration #58007) is one of the most ex¬
citing new Columnea hybrids produced in the
United States. The cross was made by Mrs.
Vera Covert of Amsterdam, New York the
day after Christmas, 1956. The fruit matured
but Grandma was too busy with other affairs,
so she gave the seed to Lyndon Lyon who
sowed the seed July 1, 1957 and in due time
potted up 50 plants. The first plant which
bloomed, in May 1958, was selected for pro¬
pagation and Mr. Lyon named it for the
originator.

The seed parent of Columnea ‘V. Covert’
was Columnea linearis, crossed with pollen
from the yellow flowering C. tulae ‘Flava’.
Mrs. Covert confesses, “This is my first suc-
c-essful whirl in the Gesneriad world. I did
it with my own hot little hands.” A plant of
Columnea ‘V. Covert’ blooms recurrently
throughout the year. The tubular flowers have
orange or yellow buds which open up to
strong yellowish pink flowers (Munsell lOR
7/9). The flowers last for many days, in¬
creasing in color saturation, and then fade
out to a warm coral pink shade. The plants
are fairly upright, bushy and self-branching
and can be managed nicely in a 4- or 5 -inch
pot. Grandma says, “I don’t own a Columnea
that is as fat and sassy as this one. It flourishes
like the green bay tree. I’m sure anyone
could grow it. The plant is happy wet or dry.”

HYPOCYRTA STRIGILLOSA was first
described by Von Martius, 18 th Century
Munich botanist, in his 1829 book on new
genera and species from Brazil. The first -pic¬
ture of the species was published in 1843 in
Curtis’s Botanical Magazine but only a color-
ed picture can do justice to the striking effect
of bright orange flowers against the soft,
hairy light green leaves. This plant has the
same inflated “pouter pigeon” flowers closing
down to a tiny mouth or “limb,” which have
become familiar to growers of the rather more
popular Hypocyrta nummularia. The latter,
however, has slender, trailing stems while H.
strigillosa has sturdier stems and is larger in
all ite parts. Hypocyrtas need to be kept con¬
stantly moist, in which case the plants con¬
tinue to bloom for several months, starting in
February.

Columnea ‘Mildred’ pictured below is described on
the preceding page.

Battle Of The Heat

IN my article, “The Problems of a Recruit,”
that appeared in the March issue, I men¬
tioned some of my problems as a recruit in
the African violet growing business. In that
story I said my next problem would be the
“Battle of the Heat” during the summer
months. During the previous summers the
problem was: too many soft and squashy
leaves, bud drop, and plants that did not
bloom at all. The two ventilators on the south
end of the fiber glass enclosed porch with the
6 inch fan were not enough to cool the porch.

I was fortunate enough to purchase used
du^l 12 inch fans from my grandson. These
fans were in bad shape and I spent several
days cleaning and adjusting them just to suit
me. The next problem was where to install
them. The place where the fiber glass was to
be cut was a problem which I worried over
for several days. I didn’t want to make a
costly mistake after working so hard to en¬
close the porch with these panels.

It was a difficult decision to make. I read
all the articles by members in the back issues,
in particular those in South Africa, South
America, and in the hottest areas in the United
States. I tried to visualize their problems of
heat and humidity and compare them to my
own, fully realizing that their climates would
differ to that of day and night. My tempera¬
ture and humidity charts were checked closely
since readings are taken at 9 a.m., 12 noon,
9 p.m. and a check for the night at 11 p.m. I
have kept charts since September, 1959 so
there is an exact record of two years obser¬
vation. The electric heater settings were a
challenge as the porch cools quickly. The
settings for that have also been added to the
charts.

It was finally decided to put the fans in the
corner near the ceiling of the west wall, op¬
posite the door leading to the porch because
Mrs. “B” remarked that this corner is too hot
for comfort. A 2 by 4 wood frame was fitted
around the hole I cut out with a lot of trepi¬
dation and all my toes and fingers crossed.
The fans were fitted snugly into the frame. As
soon as the fans were started, the change in
the porch temperature v^as for the better, at
once. The temperature went down and the
humidity stayed at a safe level. The other
fan on the south end helped to carry the hot
air out while the cooler air was drawn through
the front where the roof overhang provides a
certain amount of shade.

The weather was getting very warm during
April 1961, so I got the fans installed on the
24th of April, and by the 5th of May the days
were becoming unusually hot. The test began
with a rise of 74 per cent humidity and 70
degrees temperature. The fans were set at 45

A. Ernest Beeg, Sr., Charles Town, West Va.

degree angles, using the north wall of the
porch as a buffer to break the flow of air. The
plants on the shelves opposite the fiber glass
were not in a draft, as we were expecting
they might be; and at once there was more
bloom and less wet leaves. The plants were
watered every other day, and then we changed
to every third day to keep the plants more
on the dry side.

For comparison we found that in the hottest
days of August 1961, with the outside heat in
the 80 to 90 degree range, the inside would
be at 84 to 90 degrees with the humidity in
the 45 to 55 per cent range. The summer be¬
fore, without the fan, the humidity was as
high as 74 to 84 per cent, which made the poor
plants droop so we were discouraged!

The hot afternoon sun on the fiber glass
does not conduct heat in itself but rather the
heat penetrates from the roof, so the three
fans combined have been found altogether
effective in every way.

The shelves of 500 pots of plants, seedlings
and leaves are carefully examined at least
every other day. From May through October
only 8 soft leaves were found and this condi¬
tion may be blamed on waterlogging or crown
rot; four of these plants were cut back and no
crown rot was found; all were repotted and
soon took on a new interest in life.

Have we won the “Battle of the Heat?”
Considering all our past troubles, we think the
worst is over. There may be more room for
improvement, but for now we will leave well
enough alone.

I received a gift of a book entitled, “Green¬
house Gardening as a Hobby,” by James Un¬
derwood Crockett. The part of the book which
made me read it with intense interest was the
statement that narrow greenhouses are harder
to control from the standpoint of summer heat.
My 4 by 16 foot long narrow porch, therefore,
is a real challenge. I would sincerely recom¬
mend this book to all violet growers with
makeshift greenhouses such as ours. The dream
of a real greenhouse is a constant subject for
Mrs. “B” and me.

In conclusion, and from this year’s exper¬
ience, I believe we can say that high tempera¬
tures and high relative humidity do not mix
well at all; but a high temperature with med¬
ium or low humidity (30 to 50 per cent) will
keep plants healthy and blooming. It proves
also that circulation of air is important to
plants. Our house would seem so much warm¬
er after going on the porch where the air was
cool. We felt that if we sensed an aura of
comfort, the plants would respond the same,
which is exactly what they seemed to say to
us with their pr.etty blooms every day. I don’t
think any other condition has been found to
be so helpful to our violets than our latest
“Battle with the Heat.”

94

u

Note (a) An 8 by 13^ inch lined pad is ideal for this type of chart.

Col. 1 Notes: this space is used for reminders when things are done or are to be done, such
as shown.

Col. 2 Dates: self-explanatory.

Cols. 3-5-7 -9, Temp. Out. Shows the outside temperatures. The hours shown are the approxi¬
mate times; the morning temperatures are taken before 9 a.m.

Cols. 4-6-8-10 Temp. -Hum. The first figures show the temperatures; the second figures show
the humidity on the porch.

Cols. 11-12 Fans. Fans and ventilators located on the south and west walls of the porch.
Column 11 shows how many and which fans were in operation. Column 12 shows which
ventilators were open and closed and how many.

Col. 13 Heater set. The electric heater is thermostatically controlled, however, it has set¬
tings for low, medium and high. These are set to keep the temperature at desirable levels
compared to outside temperature falling rapidly. The hour has been included to assist in
estimating the temperature fall and setting.

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95

Fixed panel shade in position for full shading.

Summer Shading
for Home Greenhouses

Harold E. Gray, BSAE, PH.D.

Reprinted with permission of Under Glass
The bright summer days will soon be at
hand and the time is approaching to prepare
for summer shading of the greenhouse. Most
of the plants grown in the home greenhouse
require some shading for best growth in the
summer. The shading has the effect of cutting
down the intensity of the light and at the same
time, helps to keep the temperature lower in
the greenhouse. Many different methods of
shading are available to meet varied require¬
ments and price ranges. Basically these can
all be classed in three general categories as
shading compounds, fixed panel shades and
roll-up shades.

Shading Compounds

Shading compounds are primarily used by
commercial growers. They are available in

Roll-up shades half raised for partial light.

paste form to be thinned on the job, or a
powder to be mixed with water. The thinned
materials can be sprayed or brushed on the
outside of the glass. The paste is thinned with
benzene or gasoline and sticks to the glass
better, but is more difficult to wash off in the
fall. The powder-water mix will wash off a
little at a time by rain. The amount of shade
obtained will depend upon the amount of
application.

Although the cheapest method of shading,
the compounds are not popular among home
greenhouse gardeners because of the appear¬
ance. Neither whitewash nor any shading com¬
pounds containing lime should be used on an
aluminum greenhouse because the lime may
pit the aluminum.

Fixed Panel Shades

Fixed panel shades are made up in standard
panel sizes. They are constructed of slats of
aluminum set in a wood frame. The amount
of shading is governed by the spacing between
the slats. In standard spacing, the shading will
amount to between 50 to 60 per cent but addi¬
tional slats can be furnished for more shading.
Fixed panel shades are more expensive than
shading compounds but are far more attractive
and there is no problem with removing. How¬
ever, they do not have the advantage of chang¬
ing daily according to weather conditions.
Normal procedure is to install the shades in
spring and then remove and store them in the
fall. Simple clips make this installation simple
and quick.

Roll-up Shades

The best all around shades for home green¬
houses are roll-up shades. Such shades may be
made of wood slats painted aluminum and
fastened together with hinged links or for
greater economy a fibre glass screening. The
latter, however, will probably not last as long
as the wood. Roll-up shades come complete
with mounting brackets and rope and pully
sets. The shades can be rolled up and down
quickly and easily by pulling the ropes. Both
the wood slat shades and the special weave
fibre glass screening will give about 60 to 70
per cent shading. Adjustments to meet light
conditions can be made by raising and lower¬
ing. Further adjustments can be made by leav¬
ing the shades rolled part way up.

In the normal installation, fixed panels are
mounted on the roof vent sash so as not to
interfere with their operation. The roll shades
are mounted at the vent header and extend
to the sill line. Sufficient shading should re¬
sult from covering the roof and sides without
the need of covering the gable ends.

Whatever type of shading is to be used, now
is the time to get it ready so that it will be
available when the first bright sunny days
arrive. A few such days can harm plants that
have been growing along at lower light in¬
tensities. •

Mrs. F. B. Alston, right, judge of the Upper Pinellas
Violet Society’s second annual show held in Largo,
Florida is presenting the queen of the show rosette
to Mrs. Andrew F. Suder, left, for her plant, Blue
Electra. The plant measures 19 inches across.

Mrs. W. J. Ritmanich, left, and Mrs. A. J. Dukes, dis¬
play their prize-winning entries in the Fort Worth
African Violet Society’s first show in Anna Shelton
Hall, Fort Worth. Photo was made by Fort Worth
Star Telegram.

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should know: No photos can be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor. Route 3 Box 284, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
GREATER NEW YORK, INC., held its sixth
annual show and plant sale April 29th at the
Flushing Y.M.C.A. The theme of the show
was “The Magic Carpet of Violets.” There
was a plant and leaf sale and sections devoted
to arrangements, also an educational display.
•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SAN
FRANCISCO will stage its show as part of the
annual San Francisco Flower Show to be held
at the Garden Center and Hall of Flowers
Building in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco.
The show will be open to the public August
23, from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., August 24th
and 25th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and
on August 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
•The UPPER PINELLAS AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY, Largo, Florida, held its second an¬
nual show on January 15-16, 1962. Theme of
the show was “Violet Trails to Happiness.”
Mrs. Andrew F. Suder’s plant of Blue Electra
was awarded the queen of the show rosette.
Mrs. Louis Bly won sweepstakes. Mrs. Ver¬

non Gould won a special award for her pro¬
pagation display. Mrs. F. B. Alston of St.
Petersburg was the judge. Mrs. Henry White-
sell was show chairman with Mrs. Herbert
Mason and Mrs. Andrew Suder assisting.

•The RACINE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
held its seventh annual show Sept. 30th and
Oct. 1st, 1961 at the Douglas Park Community
Center. Mrs. Frank Luedtke won the National
Gold Ribbon Award and Mrs. Eva Dawson
won the Purple Ribbon Award. Mrs. E. E.
Tessneer had queen of the show with her
plant of Pink Masterpiece. She also won a
rosette for largest plant. Sport of Pink Cloud,
and a rosette for her plant of Fluffy Double.
A number of rosettes were given for table
settings, artistic arrangements, educational
exhibits and for the display that featured the
focal point, a 48 inch clock fashioned of violet
plants which was designed by Mr. and Mrs.
E. E. Tessneer. Mrs. Edmund Schultz and
Mrs. Charles Bromley were cochairmen.

i

97

To Enjoy and to Share

My experience with African violets is on a
strictly amateur basis; I neither sell nor
show plants, but grow them just for fun - —
to enjoy myself and to share with others. That
I have had a therapeutic benefit also, is just
an added bonus.

Loving flowers, which my husband and I
grow in profusion both outdoors and in, it
was inevitable that I should acquire a few
African violets as gifts. However, I knew
nothing special about their care and the
plants were quite mediocre in growth and
bloom. Then, nine years ago, I found that I

Eena Young, Hoquiam, Washington

had a serious eye affliction and henceforth
reading, sewing, etc. would be on a very
limited scale. The adjustment was not easy,
and on long evenings, having read my quota,
I found myself giving special attention to
the house plants and wondering why the
violets were not doing better. I made inquiries,
read hints in papers and magazines, and ac¬
quired two excellent books on the subject. The
Sunset Book was very concise and afforded
maximum information with minimum reading

98

—very desirable in my case — and as I began

learning about light, water, and fertilizer, the
results were noticeable and I bought more
violets.

Our house has a sun room 10 feet by 28
feet. The window sills hold some 60 pots
of geraniums, for which the sunny southern
exposure is ideal. The violets needed a more
protected location, so my husband put shelves
on the inner wall. Soon these were overflow¬
ing and he made a large three-tiered stand
with fluorescent lights. Later he bought me
a violet tree, and is now planning two small
stands for the last available space.

At present I have approximately 100 vari¬
eties and 200 plants, many of which have
bloomed continuously for several years and
have attained a leaf spread of as much as
22 inches. Most of the varieties have -come
from Arndt’s at Troutdale, Oregon. We go
there occasionally and always come home
with new ones that proved irresistible. Also,
I have ordered plants from the East. Coast
and am amazed at the wonderful packing
that brings them across the continent without
a broken leaf!

No doubt each person working with her
violets develops certain techniques that prove
best for her, although they are contrary to
good authorities. For example, I seldom spray
with anything except a fog mist of warm
water, but I do add Botano de luxe Garden
Dust (this is a combination insecticide and
fungicide) to the potting mixture and to the
sand in the trays under the pots. Botano de
luxe comes in a plastic duster can which is
very convenient to use and can be refilled
from the larger can. Also, I put my plantlets
directly into 3 inch pots, thus eliminating
one transplanting process and an extra set
of pots.

To date Black Magic has been my most
successful potting mix. Right now I am ex¬
perimenting with the U. C. Mix, and while
it is too early to appraise results, plants in
it seem to be doing very well.

I fertilize mature plants every other water¬
ing, using half the recommended strength,
and alternating several brands of fertilizer.
Leaf cuttings and small plants are fertilized
about every two weeks.

Except for one unfortunate experience with
cyclamen mite way back in the very begin¬
ning, my plants have been exceptionally
trouble-free. Once in a while I lose one from
crown rot, probably a result of my tendency
to over water.

My plants receive most of their care in
the evening, as this helps fill the time I for¬
merly used for other things. As we appreciate
friends who give us a hand in time of need, so
I regard my African violets, whose lovely
blooms and foliage add interest to my life
and beauty to our home. •

Miniatures

Laura Moriarty, Webster Groves, Missouri

TO me the tiny miniature African violets
are the most precious of all violets. I
have three north windows with glass shelves
on which I keep my miniatures as I think
they grow better in daylight than under flu¬
orescent lights. Some people seem to think
the miniatures do not bloom as profusely as
the larger plants, but for me there are always
some in bloom.

I start my miniatures by putting the tiny
leaves in moist vermiculite, in ice cube trays.
Then I cover them with plastic (the kind you
get from the cleaners), and cut a few small
holes in this for air. About 2 weeks later I
start feeding with a weak solution of ferti¬
lizer; whatever kind you are using will be all
right for your tiny leaves, but be sure it is
diluted to about Vs teaspoon to one quart of
warm water.

When the little plantlets are about an inch
tall, I separate them and put them in a com¬
munity tray with half soil and half Sponge-
Rok, cover them again for about 2 weeks,
then gradually remove the cover completely.
I put them in community trays as I think
the tiny plantlets do better this way while
they are so small.

Use a loose soil mixture, and never put
miniatures in a pot larger than 2V2 inches.
Be sure to watch and keep them moist, not
wet, as being in small pots they dry out more
quickly than do the larger pots. After trans¬
planting, keep them in a shaded spot for a
few days.

I fertilize all my full grown miniatures
with V2 strength food about every 10 days. If
they are true miniatures they will not exceed
the 6 inch limit. Some of the semiminiatures
will get larger than this.

A few of the miniatures I have in my col¬
lection are:

Bronze Elf — single orchid
Dwight’s White — single white
T-V Bunny Hop — single bright rose
Oklahoma — double pink
Elf Toes — - double blue
Penny - double blue
Small Fry — single dark blue
Dolly Dimples — single light blue
Baby Fingers — single orchid
Humpty Dumpty — single rose
Ice Girl — single white
Little Mo - — wine with a green edge
I think if you once start growing these
precious small ones, you will be so thrilled
watching each step that you will never get
enough of them. •

99

^^EUJS

The African Violet Society of the East Bay,
Inc,, California installed its officers for 1962
at the January meeting. Mrs. B. D. Dexter
conducted the installation of the following
officers: president, Mrs. Irene Lee; first vice
president, Mrs. Charles Dias; second vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Edward Anschutz; recording secre¬
tary, Miss Marion Ivory; corresponding secre¬
tary, Mrs. Phil Simpson; treasurer, Mrs. Rod
McDonald. Mrs. George West was presented
the past president’s pin and a lovely African
violet, hybridized and named “Violet West” by
Mrs. Pearl Thomas of Edena Gardens. Mrs.
Raymond Kinsey was also given an African
Violet Society pin, in recognition of her untir¬
ing work in the many activities of the East Bay
group. The annual Founder’s Day meeting in
February included a luncheon and large birth¬
day cake to celebrate our tenth anniversary.
The history of the organization was given by
Mrs. Robert Hanson. The membership has
grown from six to ninety-six in 1962,

The North Shore African Violet Society of
Long Island, New York tried to make the
Holiday season a little more cheerful for some
of the less fortunate folk in our area. At
Thanksgiving time we gave about 30 home
grown plants to people at Kings Park Hospi-

Photograph on right, Mrs. W. L. (Jo) Roberts, left,
and Mrs. Everett Hammond, right, are pictured at
the installation of officers of the Santa Cruz African
Violet Society, Santa Cruz, California. Mrs. Roberts
is the new president. Mrs. Hammond the installing
officer. Below, the officers of the Ken,tuckiana Afri¬
can Violet Society.

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. 118th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Chib News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for December issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

tal in nearby Kings Park, The folk at the
hospital were so happy to receive the gaily
wrapped plants. At Christmas time, we made
up shoebox packages for patients at Pilgrim
State Hospital. Each box was filled with good¬
ies and items that people in such a hospital
would appreciate. The January meeting was
a workshop evening. Mrs. John Zulkofske
and Mrs. Henry Hoppe were in charge of a
discussion and demonstration on transplanting
new plantlets. Mrs. Raymond Moffatt held a
clinic for ailing plants. February’s meeting
featured a discussion led by Mrs. Russell Van
Houten entitled “Transporting Plants to a
Show.” She was assisted by Mrs. John Me-
Ginley and Mrs. William Southern.

Mrs. Hugh Davis, South Bend, Indiana was
hostess for a co-operative luncheon and gift
exchange for members of the Twin City Afri¬
can Violet Society for their December meet¬
ing. Devotions were given by Mrs. Mary
Hawkins and a Christmas story was read by
Mrs. Russell Meyers. Newly elected officers
for the coming year were introduced — they
were: president, Mrs. Frank Langfeldt; vice
president, Mrs. Everett Badger; treasurer,
Mrs. B. C. Marcedes; secretary, Mrs. Lloyd

100

Nixon. At this time Mrs. Langfeldt appointed
her committees for the year. The meeting
closed with the benediction and the remainder
of the day was spent socially and with games.

Little but Loud! That’s the repercussions
from the Susquehanna African Violet Society
of Perryville, Maryland, Its brief history dates
back only to January 1959 when they first
organized with thirteen charter members. But
in this history is included a very successful
first show with the theme appropriately
enough “Our First Year with Violets.” In
addition they sponsored a judge’s school which
produced six registered qualified judges among
their group. Along with all this work went
a pilgrimage to Tinari’s and the pleasant hos¬
pitality of Frank and Anne. Yes, the bus
looked like a miniature greenhouse on the
trip home. 1962 sees great plans underway
for their second annual show for May 5th and
6th with the theme “In Living Color.” Each
of the now 40 members is so enthusiastic
you’ll be hearing more from the banks of the
Susquehanna.

The Countryside African Violet Club, Madi¬
son, Wisconsin held its Holiday luncheon at
the Cuba Club on December 4th. Several love¬
ly Christmas readings were presented by
Phyllis Brinkley. Mrs. M. P. Brokaw conduct¬
ed the installation of officers for 1962. They
are: president, Mrs. William Wall; first vice
president, Mrs. Orval Poost; second vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Henry Reynolds; recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. Paul Tenny; corresponding secre¬
tary, Mrs. Charles Allen; treasurer, Mrs. J. A.
Hamilton. Blooming plants were distributed
to several nursing homes and cash donations
given to Central Colony and the Empty Stock¬
ing Club. The January meeting was held at
the home of Mrs. M. E. Gribble. Mrs. William
Krogman of Milwaukee gave a demonstration
on “Grooming of Show Plants.” Mrs. J. A.
Hamilton was hostess for the February meet¬
ing. As a club project each member entered
an arrangement using violets with accessories.

The San Joaquin African Violet Society of
Stockton, California installed the following
officers for 1962 at the December 1961 meet¬
ing: president, Mrs. Donald Cortner; vice
president, Mrs. George Woodruff; secretary,
Mrs. Fred Schmist; treasurer, Mrs. Will Du-
Frane. Mrs. Robert Kingston, installing offi¬
cer, presented a past president’s pin to Mrs.
Frank Edgerton, retiring president. 1962 is
our tenth anniversary. We have had a large
increase in membership and hope the club
continues to grow in the future. One aim
of our society has been to inform the public
on the numerous varieties of violets, methods
of propagation, soils, exposures and diseases.
For the past several years we have had educa¬
tional displays at the San Joaquin County
Fair and the Stockton Garden Club Flower
Show in addition to our own annual show. It
is gratifying to see how many people are
interested in these displays.

At the December meeting of the African
Violet Society of San Francisco, California the
following officers were elected for the year
1962: president, Mrs. Ellen Schloffel; vice
president, Miss Edith Peterson; recording sec¬
retary, Mrs. Delia Symonds; corresponding
secretary. Miss Frances McMahon; treasurer.
Miss Margaret Quill. We had our usual Christ¬
mas party in December and it was enjoyed by
all.

The following are the officers of the Sioux
Falls African Violet Club, South Dakota for
1962: president, Mrs. W. E. Poley; vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Fred Witte; secretary, Mrs. S. G.
Swenson; treasurer, Mrs. Francis McKee.

The Harmony African Violet Society of
Boise, Idaho, has a new project. In November
the club purchased new variety violet plants
locally, each member receiving a different
variety. These plants are to be blooming and
displayed at our show. We started leaves of
these plants so we can sell young plants at
the show. It will be interesting to see all
these new varieties in bloom. At the Decem¬
ber meeting we held a gift exchange. The
January meeting was taken up with plans of
our show which was held on April 21st and
22nd, 1962. The program in February was on
arrangements, completing show plans and the
San Francisco Convention trip.

The Kentuckiana African Violet Society of
Louisville, Kentucky met at the home of Mrs.
Rufus Rodgers on December 21, 1961. The
home was beautifully decorated for Christmas
and after a luncheon and gift exchange, the
business meeting was in order. The following
officers were elected for the coming year:
president, Mrs. Ethel Covault; vice president,
Mrs. Rufus Rodgers; secretary, Mrs. Fred
Wolke; treasurer, Mrs. John Brink; corres¬
ponding secretary, Mrs. J. M. Beetem. The
officers were installed by the out-going presi¬
dent, Mrs. E. O. Conrad.

The First African Violet Society of Lake
Charles, Louisiana, has almost come to the end
of its third year. The first two years we had
very successful violet shows. This year we
had a House Tour in March for members and
their guests. It took in five homes of mem¬
bers, starting with Mrs. J. D. Davis, and end¬
ing with a luncheon at Mrs. Abner Smith’s.
Also, in March we had a horticulture exhibit
at the State Garden Club Show.

There have been many good programs and
two of the members became qualified judges,
taking the course under Mrs. Maisie Yakie.
Our officers are: president, Mrs. Ralph Liles;
vice president, Mrs. S. A. Mayo; secretary,
Mrs. H. C. Buck; treasurer, Mrs. J. G. Miltner.

The Jamestown African Violet Club, James¬
town, New York held its annual tour of homes
at the September meeting. The hostesses who
opened their homes were: Mrs. Burmeister,
Mrs. Flyger, Mrs. Hall, and Mrs. Swanson,
where tea was served. Lovely arrangements
of violets were displayed in each home. Mrs.

101

George Hall gave a report of the New York
state convention at the October meeting. The
November meeting was held at the Hotel
Jamestown with Mrs. Burmeister presiding.
The December meeting was a Christmas
luncheon. Each member brought a toy, which
was given to the Salvation Army for distribu¬
tion. January featured a discussion on the
propagation and culture of African violets by
Mrs. Sigurd Flyger. The February meeting
was held in the Hotel Jamestown for dessert
and coffee. The club voted to give $10.00 to
the Boyce Eden Research Fund. Mrs. Burmeis¬
ter and Mrs. Hall gave a talk on ‘‘How to
Grow a Show Plant.” A question period fol¬
lowed.

The Pomona Valley African Violet Society,
California held its annual Presidents’ lunch¬
eon, honoring the presidents of the Southern
California Violet Societies, on Monday, Octo¬
ber 16th, in the La Verne City Community
Hall, with thirteen societies represented. Some
fifty members and guests enjoyed a delicious
potluck luncheon. Following the luncheon
Mrs. Maude Gosmann, president of the Afri¬
can Violet Council of Southern California, in¬
stalled the new 1961-62 officers of the Pomona
Valley Society in a beautiful and impressive
service, presenting each officer with a lovely
corsage in a color representative of her office.
The following officers were installed: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Cecil Houdyshel; vice president,
Mrs. Evelyn Cooper; second vice president,
Mrs. Mabel Rathbone; recording secretary,
Mrs. Inez Ware; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Margaret Mathewson; treasurer, Mrs, Vera
Wright.

The Baltimore African Violet Club of Balti¬
more, Maryland elected the following officers
for the coming year: president, Mrs. Cora
Spath; vice president, Mrs. Elsie Creswell; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Helen Merker; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Margery Fero;
treasurer, Mrs. Edna Fero; membership secre¬
tary, Mrs. Julia Dousa.

The Wachusett African Violet Society of
Gardner, Massachusetts held its Christmas
party at the home of one of its members, Mrs.
Betty Robinson. Eggnog and other goodies
of the occasion were served on a beautifully
appointed table. Christmas carols were sung
and enjoyed by all. An exchange of Christ¬
mas gifts rounded out a very delightful even¬
ing.

At the January meeting of the Toronto Afri¬
can Violet Society, Toronto, Canada, held at
Glebe Road United Church, members viewed
the slide program “Insects, Diseases, Pests and
Propagation,” borrowed from the National
Library, together with slides loaned by the
African Violet Society of Greater Pittsburgh,
of their spring show. Miss Peggy Lidstone of
Canadian General Electric spoke at the Feb¬
ruary meeting on “Growing Plants Under
Fluorescent Lights.” Her talk was illustrated
with color slides. The meeting closed with

refreshments being served. Several new mem¬
bers were welcomed to the club.

At the January meeting of the Capital City
African Violet Society, Springfield, Illinois
the following officers were installed for the
year 1962: president, Mrs. John Wetteran;
vice president, Mrs. G. K. Wiggins; secretary,
Mrs. C. W. Hayes; treasurer, Mrs. Stephen
Child.

The Hi-Loa African Violet Society of Boise,
Idaho celebrated the fifth anniversary of the
organization of the club, on March 9th. A pot-
luck luncheon was held at the home of Mrs.
Woodrow Doupe, with Mrs. Ivan E. Day as¬
sisting.

New officers for 1962 were elected and in¬
stalled at the February meeting, held at the
home of Mrs. L. E. Aimer. They include:
president, Mrs. W. A. Stevens; vice president,
Mrs. L. E. Aimer; secretary, Mrs. M. D. Moore;
treasurer, Mrs. Travis Duncan.

The Lakeshore Afternoon Saintpaulia Club
was organized at Racine, Wisconsin, at the
Racine Public Library on November 6, 1961.
Bylaws were drawn up, approved, and the
following officers were elected to serve for
the initial year, 1962: president, Mrs. Frank
Luedtke, Sr.; vice president, Mrs. D. E.
Buchta; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Roy Christi¬
anson. Meetings will be held at the Library
the second Monday of each month with the
exception of February and March. Ten char¬
ter members are affiliated with the club and
the club will be Affiliated with the National
Society as well as the Wisconsin Council.

The First African Violet Society' of Shelby
County, Kentucky held its annual Christmas
party at the home of Mrs. Evelyne McGinnis.
Installation of officers was conducted by Mrs.
Mary Burks. The new officers are: president,
Mrs. Cecil Tipton; vice president, Mrs. Walter
Wilson; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. Evelyne
McGinnis. The president was presented with
a gavel. Preceding installation every one en¬
joyed the delicious refreshments served by
the hostess. The club is planning a show at the
Shelby County Fair.

At the close of our charter, the Santa Cruz
African Violet Society, instituted May 29,
1961, had twenty-five members. Officers in¬
stalled by Mrs. Lois Hammond, at our Septem¬
ber meeting included: president, Mrs. Jo Ro¬
berts; vice president, Mrs. Emma Nylen;
secretary, Mrs. Helyn Spotts; treasurer, Mrs.
Grace Byran. Meetings are held on the 2nd
Friday of the month in the Social Hall of the
Grace Methodist Church, Soquel and Cayuga
Streets, at 1 p.m. Twice monthly articles on
the propagation and care of violets are written
for our local paper by Mrs. Roberts. Money
making projects are the sale of delicious
candy, Violet calendars, violet stationery,
starter leaves and violet plants. On the agenda
for 1962 are quarterly evening meetings,
round table discussions, work shop and a paid
speaker every other meeting.

102

RESEARCH

The Response of African Violets to Gibberellic Acid

John W. Mastalerz

Department of Horticulture, The Pennsylvania State University

WHEN applied to flowering plants, gibber¬
ellic acid causes stems to elongate, gene¬
tically dwarf plants to grow as tall as normal
varieties, leaves to develop a different shape,
and plants requiring a cold treatment for
flowering to bloom without exposure to low
temperatures. Young plants retain some of
their juvenile characteristics where these traits
prevail; and with some crops, particularly
when grown under adverse conditions, more
growth and greater yields occur as a result
of spraying with gibberellic acid. However,
experiments at The Pennsylvania State Uni¬
versity have shown that a decrease in horti¬
cultural quality can be expected with many
greenhouse flowering plants when gibberellic
acid is applied.

Two experiments with African violets and
gibberellic acid were conducted in The Penn¬
sylvania State University Floriculture Re¬
search Greenhouses during 1957 and 1958. The
objectives of these experiments were to de¬
termine the effects of applying gibberellic
acid on the growth, quality, and flowering
habit of several varieties of African violets.
The effect on the rooting of leaf petiole cut¬
tings from plants previously treated with
gibberellic acid also was investigated.

Experiment I Applications of Gibberellic
Acid to Young Plants Developing
on Leaf Petiole Cuttings.

Leaf petiole cuttings of the original species,
Saintpaulia ionantha were propagated in a
peat-perlite mixture on March 11, 1957. When
the first leaves emerged above the surface of
the propagating medium, individual leaf pet¬
iole cuttings and the attached plant or plants
were potted into a soil mixture consisting of
3 parts of silt loam, 1 part sphagnum peat
moss, and 1 part coarse sand contained in 2^4
inch pots. Superphosphate and ground lime¬
stone were incorporated in the soil mixture at
the rate of 2 oz. of each per bushel of soil
mixture. Containers, greenhouse benches, and
the soil mixture were steam pasteurized for
30 minutes at 180°F.

The plants were grown at a constant tem¬
perature of 70°F under continuous illumina¬
tion with fluorescent lights at an intensity of
approximately 400-500 foot candles. Regular
applications of a soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer
were made to maintain fertility levels.

Stock solutions of the potassium salt of gib¬
berellic acid (Gibrel, supplied for experi¬
mental use by Merck & Company, Rahway,
New Jersey) were prepared each week, and
diluted to the proper concentrations. Ten drops

of the spreader-sticker. Tween 20, were added
to 100 ml. of gibberellic acid solution to insure
uniform coverage and absorption. The gib¬
berellic acid solutions were sprayed on the
African violet plants until runoff occurred.

Three concentrations of Gibberellic Acid — -
10, 50 and 100 ppm — were applied once, at
weekly intervals, and at monthly intervals.
The effects on growth, quality, and flowering
of plants sprayed with gibberellic acid were
compared with untreated plants. The first
application to all plants was made on April 29,
1957, and plants were photographed and har¬
vested for fresh weight and height measure¬
ments on September 14, 1957. Plants in the
various treatments, therefore, received a single
application of gibberellic acid, 5 applications
at monthly intervals, and 20 applications at
weekly intervals.

Results

The response of young African violet plants
to applications of gibberellic acid are present¬
ed in Table 1 and Figures 1-2-3. As expected,
plant height was increased as a result of week¬
ly or monthly applications of gibberellic acid.
The single application of G.A. had no effect
on these young plants. Differences in height
between plants sprayed at three concentrations
of gibberellic acid were relatively small and
were not significant.

The fresh weight also increased as a result
of treatment with gibberellic acid at weekly
or monthly intervals. Plants sprayed at week¬
ly intervals were slightly heavier than those
to which gibberellic acid was applied each
month. There was some indication that gib¬
berellic acid at 50 ppm applied at weekly or
monthly intervals resulted in heavier plants
than concentrations of 10 or 100 ppm.

The more interesting effect of the frequency
of application and the concentration of gib¬
berellic acid was on the development of flow¬
ers. No data on flowering dates were collected,
but the differences in rate of flower develop¬
ment are illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. The
flowers shown in the photographs were the
first to develop on these young plants. The
most prolific flowering occurred on the plants
sprayed each week at 100 ppm. Some flowers
had also developed on the plants sprayed each
week at 50 ppm or once each month at 100
ppm. It would appear that the flowering habit
of African violets is affected by gibberellic
acid, therefore, a second experiment with
more mature plants was conducted. In Figure
4, stem elongation as a result of G.A. treat¬
ment is illustrated.

103

Figure 1 — The response of
Saintpaulia ionantha to a single
foliar application of gibberellic
acid at concentrations of 0, 10,
50 and 100 ppm, April 29, 1957.

Figure 3 — The response of
Saintpaulia ionantha to foliar
applications of gibberellic acid
at monthly intervals. Concent¬
rations of 0, 10, 50 and 100
ppm were applied from April
29 through September 14, 1957.
Note a few flowers at 100 ppm.

Figure 2 — The response of
Saintpaulia ionantha to foliar
applications of gibberellic acid
at weekly intervals. Concentra¬
tions of 0, 10, 50 and 100 ppm
were applied from April 29
through September 14, 1957.

Note the prolific flowering at
100 ppm.

8IBBERELUC A

CHECK ICO PPM
4 APPLICATIONS
WEEKLY

PINK sparkle
POLAR ICE
a St 58

Figure 6- — ^The response of es¬
tablished African violet plants
to 50 ppm of gihberellic acid
applied at weekly intervals
from January 6 through Feb¬
ruary 10, and from March 11
through June 16. Plants in
upper row treated with G.A.,
untreated plants In lower row.

Figure 5 The response of
established African violet plants
to four applications of 100 ppm
of gihberellic acid. Two plants
on left are Pink Sparkle, un¬
treated and treated in that or¬
der; two plants on the right are
Polar Ice, untreated and treat¬
ed. Changes in growth habit
were observed within a short
period after G.A. applications
were initiated.

Figure 4 — Stem elongation of
African violets following re¬
peated applications of gibberel-
lic acid at 50 or 100 ppm.
Left — Normal plant with no
elongation of stem or crown.
Right — Plant treated with
glbberellic acid; stem elongated.
White markers indicate soil
surface.

Experiment II — Application of Gibberellic
Acid to Single Crown Plants Es¬
tablished in 4 Inch Pots.

Established plants in 2V4 inch pots of the
varieties, Pansy, Pink Sparkle, and Polar Ice
were donated for this experiment by Frank
Tinari, Tinari Greenhouses, Bethayres, Penn¬
sylvania. They were shifted to 4 inch pots con¬
taining a soil mixture of 3 parts silt loam, 1
part peat moss and 1 part coarse sand on No¬
vember 13, 1957. Superphosphate and ground
limestone were added at the rate of 2 oz. per
bushel of soil mixture prior to planting. The
plants were located in a greenhouse main¬
tained at a minimum night temperature of
70 °F, with day temperatures 10°F higher. The
greenhouse glass was shaded to maintain a
maximum light intensity of 1,000 foot candles
during the brightest part of the day. Biweekly
applications of a soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer at
the rate of 3 lbs. per 100 gallons of water
were made to maintain fertility levels.

Solutions of gibberellic acid were prepared
as they were for Experiment I. Concentrations
of 10, 20, 30, 50, 75, and 100 ppm were applied
each week, every two weeks, and once each
month beginning January 6, 1958 through
February 10. Applications of gibberellic acid
were discontinued for approximately one
month, then resumed on March 17 and con¬
tinued through June 16. Plants sprayed each
week received 20 applications of gibberellic
acid, every two weeks received 10 applica¬
tions, and every month received 5 applications.

Results

The response to gibberellic acid of estab¬
lished African violet plants grown in the
greenhouse is presented in Table 2 and Figures
5 and 6. The height of treated plants was in¬
creased at every concentration from 10 ppm
of gibberellic acid to 100 ppm. The effect on
plant height was greater with concentrations
ranging from 20 to 100 ppm than it was at
10 ppm. The frequency of application had no
appreciable effect and all three varieties re¬
sponded alike.

The average fresh weight of the established
plants was increased also as a result of treat¬
ment with gibberellic acid. Variations in
weight occurred between concentrations and
between frequency of application, but no ob¬
vious trends in the effect of gibberellic acid
on weight were noted.

Flower development was similar in all treat¬
ments, and it was concluded that gibberellic
acid had no effect on the rate of flower bud
formation of mature plants grown in the
greenhouse.

Gibberellic acid did, however, affect the
shape of the leaves and the position of the
petioles. Varietal differences in the position
of the petioles were observed. When sprayed
with gibberellic acid, the leaves of African
violet plants developing at that time stand
erect. New leaves do not grow into a horizon¬

tal position until the application of gibberellic
acid is discontinued and the effects of this
growth compound is dissipated. In Figures
5 and 6, it can be observed that the appear¬
ance and the degree of erectness of the varie¬
ties, Pansy and Polar Ice were affected to a
greater extent than the variety Pink Sparkle.
Plants of the variety Pink Sparkle respond
slightly to gibberellic acid in their growth
habit, although the height and fresh weight
were affected by gibberellic acid.

The leaves are narrower and more pointed
on plants treated with gibberellic acid than
they are on untreated plants. Leaves develop¬
ing after applications of gibberellic acid are
discontinued grow normally. Once changed,
however, the affected leaves do not return to
their normal shape.

Experiment III — Rooting of Cuttings from
Gibberellic Acid Treated Plants.

Leaf petiole cuttings from the above plants
treated with gibberellic acid and showing the
effects of the chemical were propagated in a
peat and perlite mixture on June 16, 1958. The
rooting of these cuttings was compared with
cuttings taken from untreated plants. When
rooting was checked on August 14, no differ¬
ences in the percent of rooting or the quality
of rooting could be observed. It was concluded
that the rooting of leaf petiole cuttings taken
from plants previously sprayed with gibberel¬
lic acid is not affected under the conditions
of this experiment.

Summary and Conclusions

Solutions of gibberellic acid ranging from
10 to 100 ppm and applied at weekly, biweekly
or monthly intervals increased the height and
fresh weight of several varieties of African
violets. Except in very young plants, the rate
of flower development was not affected.
Flowers appeared first and in largest numbers
on young plants as a result of weekly appli¬
cations of gibberellic acid at 100 ppm.

Leaf shape was changed to a long, narrow,
more pointed pattern as a result of gibberellic
acid treatment. Petioles were longer and grew
erect in both young and mature plants pre¬
senting a ‘^rabbit ear” effect. Varieties re¬
sponded differently in their development of
narrow, pointed leaves and erect petioles.
Normal appearance of African violet plants
was resumed when new leaves developed after
the application of gibberellic acid was discon¬
tinued and the effects of the chemical had
dissipated.

It is questionable if gibberellic acid has any
value in the production of African violet
plants. It may be useful in promoting heavier
growth and more rapid development of flowers
of young plants attached or recently removed
from leaf petiole cuttings. The appearance of
varieties that grow very compactly might be
improved. The changes in leaf shape and the
erect habit of growth must be weighed against
any slight promotive effect that results from
applications of gibberellic acid. •

106

Table 1. The effect of gibberellic acid on young plants of Saintpaulia ionantha developing
on leaf petiole cuttings.

Treatments

Average Height

Average Fresh Weight

Concentration

Frequency

Inches

per plant grams

1. Untreated

3.2

25.8

2. 10 ppm GA

Once

3.3

26.1

3. 50 ppm GA

Once

3.8

24.4

4. 100 ppm GA

Once

3.5

24.2

5. 10 ppm GA

Weekly

5.9

42.1

6. 50 ppm GA

Weekly

6.1

52.8

7. 100 ppm GA

Weekly

5.7

44.5

8. 10 ppm GA

Monthly

7.0

31.8

9. 50 ppm GA

Monthly

6.3

43.4

10. 100 ppm GA

Monthly

6.1

40.9

Average of 10 plants per treatment

Table 2. The effect of gibberellic acid on single crown African violet plants established in
four inch pots: Varieties — ^Pansy, Pink Sparkle, and Polar Ice.

Average Height

Average

Fresh

Weight

Concentration

per plant — inches

per plant ---

grams

Weekly

Biweekly

Monthly

Weekly Biweekly Monthly

Variety — - Pansy

Untreated

5.2

5.1

5.7

98.6

111.6

106.8

10 ppm GA

8.2

8.5

9.1

117.2

131.0

149.3

20

11.5

8.8

9.7

137.4

158.2

132.3

30

9.5

9.7

9.8

123.5

133.6

149.9

50

10.6

10.7

10.1

117.2

156.7

123.4

75

11.0

10.1

9.3

164.0

133.0

110.6

100

10.3

9.1

9.6

129.6

120.1

128.7

Variety — Pink Sparkle

Untreated

4.6

4.4

4.4

121.7

109.4

93.9

10 ppm GA

6.9

6.3

6.0

156.5

151.6

137.7

20

7.5

7.5

7.2

173.6

137.5

147.8

30

7.2

7.0

6.8

184.9

173.6

182.7

50

8.2

8.2

7.6

122.5

135.7

136.4

75

8.8

8.1

8.1

146.5

165.6

179.0

100

8.5

7.8

8.5

190.9

189.1

137.8

Variety — Polar Ice

Untreated

4.4

4.2

4.5

76.6

88.5

76.1

10 ppm GA

7.1

6.8

7.4

111.5

89.0

85.6

20

8.3

8.2

8.0

77.4

92.3

94.8

30

8.1

8.0

7.4

100.0

99.8

92.5

50

9.4

8.6

8.5

92.9

79.4

105.3

75

9.1

8.8

9.0

90.8

83.2

100.1

100

8.7

8.6

9.0

81.0

97.4

95.9

Average of 10 plants per treatment

107

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube - Available

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thousands of glittering stars reflected through the per¬
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for your violets, both useful and decorative. White or
black wrought iron finish inside of reflector is white
enamel. Rubber tipped legs never mar or slip. Can be
had without perforations. 2 sizes 18” high 13” wide
and 32” long with 2-20 watt tubes or 18” high 13”
wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt tubes, with cord,
plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With 2-6 watt sockets
add $2.00. State Choice. With 2-20 watt Gro-Lux tubes
add $2.00.

“GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS” By Fred¬
erick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95. Now $4.30 Post¬
paid.

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays with removable in¬
serts 12” X 18” X 2%” high. Trays only $9.30 doz.
postpaid. 15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30 doz. postpaid. 12
trays and 12 inserts $17.50 postpaid.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED to
$9.25 postpaid.

Send for Prices and Literature on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Ookwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

MANY VARIEGATED VARIETIES

AFRICAN VIOLETS

By Newcomb

860 Sherbourne Drive Inkster, Michigan

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

TRAVELING!

Stop and see our African violets
Latest Releases

Grown in U. C. Mix No Shipping

Visitors Always Welcome

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road N. Syracuse, N. Y.

5 minutes from Exit 36 NYS Thruway

NEW FOR '62 FROM RICHTER'S

BOLD ONE— Bright wine-red double blooms held high above tailored foliage.

COED — Clear light pink double, with good clusters of bloom on strong stems. Quilted foliage.

DELILAH— Vivid raspberry semidouble fringed bloom, beautiful frilled foliage with red-reverse.

FANCEE— Raspberry fringed single, shaded deeper toward edges. Blossoms are held on strong stems
well above handsome quilted foliage. Very pretty.

LILI — -Creamy-pink double, strong tailored foliage. A really dependable performer, always in bloorp.

PRISM— Fringed Fantasy type double, with streaks and splashes of color. Glossy dark frilled foliage,
red-reverse. Outstanding!

REBEL — Deep purple double of excellent size and substance. Dark quilted foliage, which shapes
up beautifully. Do not miss this variety for a potential show variety.

SEA CHANTEY- — -Exceptionally bright blue fringed double, slightly frilled foliage. Excellent.

TINA— Huge pink full double. Supreme foliage, a big proud beauty. •

Now in good supply - — our popular 1961 releases:

CHIMES
GUMDROP
HERITAGE
LA FEMME

NIGHTSHADE
STAINED GLASS
INDIANA BELLE
ROXIE

You may order directly from this ad. Strong young plants $1.00 each, rooted cuttings 85^ each.
Minimum order $4.00, plus $1.00 extra for postage.

A stamp brings you our spring 1962 list of many more varieties, old and new. Order early for best
selection. On pick-up orders you will find best selection at our Hammond greenhouses.

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSE

9529 Wicker Park Boulevard
607 Hoffman Street

Highlond, Indians
Hammond, Indians

108

now you can buy Americas Finest _

VIOLETS

by mail
and

3 ways!

save

REOULAR PLANTS are well established, healthy African Violets that arrive safely at your home
either in bud, ready to bloom, or in full bloom!

STARTER PLANTS are young, vigorous potted plants made available far below regular cost for our
customers who like to grow their own stock.

FRESH CUTTINGS are leaves freshly cut from healthy stock so that you may enjoy the thrills of rooting
and growing your own stock.

ORDER THESE 1962 VARIETIES NOW!

REG.

STARTER

FRESH

PLANTS

PLANTS

CUTTINGS

VARIETY/FAVORITE DOUBLES

PINK JADE — Huge, full pink with some chartreuse edging.

$1.50

.85

.35

WHITE BOUQUET — Large full white blossoms, symmetrical grower.'

$1.50

.85

.35

TINSEL — Bright blue double, good white edge.

$2.00

1.25

.50

ELIZABETH DURKIN — Heavy flowering, frilled pink. Long stems.

$1.50

.85

.35

EXOTIC — Giant deeply fringed white, bright pollen center.

$2.00

1.25

.50

FISCHER’S FOLLIES — Giant medium-blue ruffled flowers.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

GALA PINK — Semi-double fringed pink with deeper pink edging.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

FAVORITE SINGLES

FIREDANCE — Exceptionally large "red" flowers.

$1.00

.65

.35

WISTERIA — Rich wisteria, frilled blossoms.

$1.50

.85

.35

IMAGINATION — Large, deeply fringed rose-pink blossoms.

$2.00

1.25

.50

SPRING SNOW — Large pure white blossoms. Our best single white yet!

$1.50

.85

.35

JERSEY PRIDE — Bright pink, deeply fringed blossoms.

$1.50

.85

.35

BLUE ECLIPSE — Medium blue flowers with good white edge.

$1.50

.85

.35

SEA HAWK — Giant frilled dark purple.

$1.50

.85

.36

MARS IMPROVED — Free flowering two-tone Lavender. Waved blossoms.

$1.50

.85

.35

FREE: NEW 1962 CATALOG

Illustrating 50 African Violets in full color, including Hi-Hopes and Hi-Hill Garden's Athena as
featured in LIFE Magazine November 17, 1961. Send for your FREE copy now!

SPiCIAL OFFiR

Established plants in 2 14 " pots. » Minimum order,
4 plants or 1 0 Fresh Cuttings • Orders under
$10,00, add .50 postage.

Ucher

GREENHOUSES

Any $15.00 Selection only $12.75 Postpaid
Any $10.00 Selection only $8.75
All 1 5 Regular Plants offered, A $23.50 value
Only $19.00 postpaid

All 15 Starter Plants offered, A $13.75 value
Only $9.50 postpaid

DEPT. A.V. LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

Attention — We hove OYoilcible the new
Sylyonio Gro-Lux tubes in 20 ond 40-watt
sizes at our greenhouses.

BITHAYRES, PA.

For The Newest
Trend In
African Violets
Try TinarFs

All plants listed at 75^ to $1.25, none priced higher.

Plants shipped in 2%" plastic pots, well established 3'" to 5"' high, most in bud
and bloom.

VACATIONING? We cordially invite you to visit
our greenhouses, browse through a fairyland of
hundreds of varieties in bloom the year "round.
We are open daily 8 to 5 and Sunday afternoon.

We are located fifteen miles N.E. of Central Philadelphia, three miles east of
Route 61 1 and four miles east of the Willow Grove entrance to the Pennsylvania
Turnpike.

Send today for our new FREE
color catalog, showing in
color our newest "62
originations: Black Diamond,
Castanet, Diplomat, Coral Rose
Geneva, Pink Profile, Sweet
Leilana. Over 100 described—
60 in living color.

3A-

^ SEPTEMBER 196?

3142 Flowerdale Lane
Dallas 29, Texas
April 25, 1962

Mr. L. H. Bowen
c/o The Garden Mart
5108 Old Richmond Road
Bellaire, Texas

Dear Mr. Bowen:

I have just received some rooted cuttings that should
be planted in your G. M. Starter Mix and since I have none
of your soil on hand at this time, please ship me one quart
of Starter Mix and a bushel of G. M. Blend Planter Mix.

It might please you to know that I have grown one of
the most beautiful African violets that many people have ever
seen in your G. M. Blend Planter Mix. The name of the violet
is “Silver Threads.”

About eighteen months ago, a friend sent me as a gift
from a New York nursery a leaf of Silver Threads and one of
Silver Crest. I knew these leaves must be something special
and after rooting them in distilled water, decided to try your
potting mix. These were my introduction to variegated plants
and having heard that they were slow growing ones, I started
them in G. M. Starter Mix. They grew strong and fast and then
were transplanted into G. M. Blend Planter Mix. They were
shifted as they grew larger but into the same soil. I thought
you might like to know that these two plants, along with one
other, won for me the National Gold Award in our First African
Violet Society of Dallas’ show this month.

I might add that these plants along with all of my others
have been fed your Terra-Tonic, which I believe accounts for
the large blossoms as well as the healthy leaves. I sincerely
believe that the Terra-Tonic helped me win the “Sweepstakes
Award” in our show.

Thanking you for your attention to the above order as
soon as convenient, I am

Sincerely,

Mrs. C. H. Heard

SPECIAL "GET ACQUAINTED PACKAGE"

$3.00 POSTPAID IN U.S.A.

consisting of the following:

1-8 oz, bottle "TERRA TONIC" (liquefied fish and seaweed)

1-4 qt. size "G-M BLEND PLANTER MIX" (all natural ingredients, no soil— use as is)
1-1 qt. size "G-M BLEND STARTER MIX" (for seeds and cuttings)

THE GARDEN MART

5108 Old Richmond Rood, Belloire, Texas

t

Greetings From Canada!

Dear Friends:

Thank you for the many compli¬
ments in the Round Robins and for
all you sent to cheer us. Here are a
few which indicate why our business
has doubled and more than re¬
doubled . ''Cannot recommend

Liquid Whale too highly for bloom
and beauty/' Mrs. L. E. Kuck, O . . . .
"More bloom than ever before with
Liquid Whale!” Mrs. G. Turner, Ont.
"Please send your coinbination offer. I have seen the re¬
sults in my friend's plants and am very anxious to try

it.” Mrs. C. G. Smith, Ohio . "I am more than

pleased with Liquid Whale. I use a drop to a quart
every time I water and spray nitely with a drop to a cup.
The foliage is beautiful plus the free blooming. I want
to order a Bantam of Blue Whale for my mix.” Mrs.
Herrlinger, Ind. "I sold the 24 cans of Liquid Whale
at the Anaconda Club and we ran out.” Mrs. Gnose,
Mont. "Blue and Liquid Whale are tops-they give me blooms in a hurry and
wonderful foliage and bring loads of customers to my nursery.” Maxine
Aitchison, 111 North Central, Glendale 3, Calif.

Did you get your free Canadian African Violet Magazine? Send for it, it is
worth it! Happy Gardening - and remember, if you are satisfied with your re¬
sults, don’t change - even to Blue or Liquid Whale!

Yours for Service,

The Blue Whale

U.S. Residents: Order as usual — no red tape — same postage as U.S. Prices postpaid and duty free.

Liquid Whale, 14 oz. can $1.25 Sample Blue Whale 2# when mailed $1.00
Liquid Whale, 28 oz. can $2.25 Bonlam Blue Whale \ 0# when mailed $3.60
Combination offer, 14 oz. Liquid Whale and Sample bag Blue Whale, both $2.00

Acme Peat Products Limited of Canada

Dept. AV 92 R. R. 2 Richmond, B. C.

1

Our Cover: arrangement by

Ruth Carey, Knoxville, Tennessee.

OFFICERS

Mrs. Jack Yakie

President

Post Office Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

Irican

MAGAZINE

VOLWMi 16 NUMBIR 1 SEPTEMBER 1962

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

Joseph D. Schulz _ 1st Vice Pres.

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker _ 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Miss Edith Peterson _ - Rec. Secy.

1545 Green Street
San Francisco, California

Mrs. E. H. Thomas - Corr. Secy.

461 Bridge Road
Walnut Creek, California

Mrs. Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass’t Editor
5 Center St., Bernards ville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Anne Tinari

NEWS REPORTERS:

4 African Violets Water Themselves
6 Sterilize Soils the Easy Way
9 Phosphate Rock

10 Notes on Culture

11 Trace Minerals

12 Treasurer’s Report

14 My System of Culture

16 The Use of Sea Shells for Potsherds

18 More About Greeting Cards

20 Streptocarpus

22 On a South Dakota Ranch

24 Sue

25 Fish Meal

26 Hardening Cut Blossoms

27 Heating Your Fall Greenhouse

28 For Where Violets Grow

29 My Window Sill Hobby

30 La Violette a la Louisiana
32 Six Years Ago and Now

36 Out Where the West Begins

41 Safety First

42 Out of Africa

44 Ideas from Here and There
46 Growing African Violets

48 Laugh and Let Laugh

49 My Violets and I

50 Having a Wonderful Time With Violets, Wish
You Were Here

52 Eight Rewarding Years

53 Some Practical Hints

60 Violet Experiences in Hawaii

61 How I Grow My African Violets in Africa

62 A Home for Elderly Violets?

66 Violet Growing ■ — ■ Rewarding
68 Corsages from African Violets
70 A V’s Anonymous

74 Growing African Violets in an Apartment

76 The Society’s Official Pin

77 Relief for Those Violets
100 New Varieties to Come

Daisy Jones, Marie Dannemiller,
Joy Hutson, (Eng.), Charlotte
Marshall, Margaret Travis

BUYER’S GUIDE:

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

CONVENTION

54 The National Show

63 African Violet Arrangement Workshop

78 African Violete and the U. C. System

81 Awards for 1962

83 Report of the Research Committee

85 Boyce Edens Research Fund

87 Anne’s Question Box

90 Show News Workshop

91 I Want to Know

93 Violet Therapy

94 Commercial Growers Group
Report on Yearbooks

95 Growing Under Lights

96 How and When to ’ Transplant Your Violets

97 Aloha!

EVERY QUARTER

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

The African Violet Magazine is pub¬
lished 5 times a year, September, De¬
cember, March, June and July by the
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., at 325 W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville,
Tenn. Second-class postage paid at
Knoxville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00
per year. Office Address: P.O, Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — ■ by
African Violet Society of America.
Inc., 1962.

8 Buyer’s Guide Report
33 Your Library
35 President’s Message

72 Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African Violets

75 New Affiliated Chapters
Show Questions and Answers

76 Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund
Registration Report

99 Show News and Views
102 Question Box

104 Club News

RESEARCH

105 Research Report

107 More Hybridizing Results with Petrocosmea
Warning

2

From the Editor

V

“Performance is a criterion for advertising in the African
Violet Magazine.” Barring an extenuating environment the
Editor and Publisher of your Magazine assume that advertisers
will deliver their plants or products to the purchaser in good
order and within a reasonable length of time ... or give
proper notice concerning the reason for such delay.

This, Editor’s Message is to advise the membership and
advertisers that the Editor and Publisher intend to maintain
this standard and anyone who fails in this respect will not be allotted future advertising space.

Hope that you have had a most pleasant summer and that your African violets have been
a source of pride and pleasure.

Most sincerely, Casl

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 ways!

BETTER PLANTING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum
moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula.

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food — no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
elements.

SPRAY Pest Control

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

BETTER FEEDING

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

SYSTEMIC

PiST

CONTROL

23. tNo mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru toots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Other Aids & Club Moterials

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus.

40. Free samples.

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42.

Displays for
educational booths.

I Laborat

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

3

African Violets Water Themselves

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

MODEL FH240
FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results— -if so desired- —
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50

New TABLE MODEL New

MODEL FM240

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

Fb^2”TUBlES~20'WAfT"^
MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Manufacturers

217 Broad Avenue

FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

□ MODEL FH240 $10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) $12.50

□ MODEL FH220 $ 8.90

I] Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name _ _

Address _ _ _

City _ State _

Too much water on plants will fill the air
spaces in the soil causing roots to die from
lack of oxygen. A good way to regulate the
amount of water that a violet needs is the
use of a fibre glass wick. This capillary meth¬
od used in wick-watering will supply as much
water as the soil and plant roots will absorb
without danger of filling the air spaces in
the soil. An inexpensive fibre glass wick may
be purchased from certain dealers.

At some time everybody must be away
from home but the house plants need care just
the same. With the fibre glass wick it is pos¬
sible to make your own self-watering system.
Use a rack from the oven over a dishpan. Set
the plants on the rack above the water in the
pan with the wicks run from the soil to the
water. Do not let the water touch the rack.
Leave the plants where they will get plenty
of light but not too much heat. •

GREENSAND

RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

ORCA^C WAY,

b ffM NAtmAL WAY.*

Home of Organic Horticultural Supplies
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED A. VEITH

3505 Mozart Ave. Cheviot P. O.

Cincinnati 11, Ohio

ASK FOR: SMITH'S PLANTER MIX

at your favorite
Variety, Grocery, Seed
or Hardware Store.

If not available
ORDER DIRECT
4 quarts $1.00
POSTPAID

ATTENTION; Club Presidents
Write for FREE SAMPLES for door prizes

Smith Potting Soil Co.

2513 E. 19tli St. Tulsa, Okla.

4

BRAND NEW RELEASES

FRESH-CUT LEAVES ONLY
$L25 Each — All 5 for $5.00

Banjou Solitaire

Lyric Sombrero

Tutti Fruiti

$1.50 Each — All 5 for $6.00

Blue Tassel Casanova Cupid

Blue Denim Jester

Scarlet Slippers

STAMP FOR DESCRIPTIVE LIST

Harriette Landon

194 Preston St. Ridgefield Park, NJ.

Please include $1.00 for Postage and Packing

SUSPECT MITES?

Check outsides of clay pots, top of soil, and
centers of plants with the aid of:

Spot-That-Mite — 20x
hand microscope $3.25

Micro -Lite (flashlight

with adapter) _ $3.00

“Mike” and Lite

together _ $5.95

Postpaid -- U.S. and Canada.
Foreign Countries, please

add postage.

(Further information ■— see
A.V.M. March 1962, pages 7
and 96; Dec. 1961, page 23
and March 1960, pages 83-
84.)

Check or Money Order to

NORMA B. BUTLER

906 Leroy Road

ASrighterim^geis North Syracuse, N,Y.

a Better Image

HOW . . . with NEW
Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.
1 tray — ■ $8.50; 2 trays — $16.00;
3 trays — • $23.50. F.O.B. Cleveland.

Enjoy the Finest in Indoor Gardening!

GET A

Jiora ^atl

World's Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Rapid-Start Fluorescent Lights!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practical unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African Violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and get
strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW every
Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded fiberglass
trays . . . lightweight and strong, easy to keep clean
and impervious to moisture, chemicals or weather!
Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays, $57.00;
2 Trays, $44.50. (Light Fixtures additional.) Rugged
lifetime construction of satin aluminum tubing. The
large heavy duty 4" diameter rubber-tired, ball bearing
swivel casters makes it easily movable, even over heavy
carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with Combolite fix¬
tures designed especially for flower culture, combining
incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved superior to
either one alone! New Rapid-Start fluorescent lights.
No starters are necessary!

NOTE — ^The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy to
again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete unit) as an award
at the 1963 Convention, Kansas City, Mo., April 4, 5, 6, 1963.
CLASS— Three specimen plants (1 truet>urple, 1 pink, and 1 white,
any variety) scoring the highest points. Each plant must score at
least 85 points. These plants are to be entered in the regular
classes for true purples, pinks, and whites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS —

1953— Mrs, Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954, — Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955— Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956— Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957 — ^Mrs. J. R, Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958— Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959— Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

1960 — Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer, Brightwaters, New York.

1961— Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1962— Mrs. J. W. Shuey, Richmond, California.

ORDER TODAY . . .

Send check or money order.
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts, accessories and Tips on
Indoor Gardening!

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

5

Your
AFRICAN
VIOLET i
Catalog \

SPOUTZ AFRICAN VIOLET
Greenhouses
34304 Moravian Drive
Fraser, Michigan

YOUH AFRICAN VIOLETS, USING THESE

BUGQNeX

»» HY PON^ 'O'!

AFRICAN VIOLETS

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in water and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings and cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

10 •!» Pkg., inak«s 60 Oats., — Paifpaldr $1.00

PANONeX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor¬
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

*A 29c — 2 Qtc., 59c — 4 Qtc., 9tc

BUGONoX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

5 ax. spray bamb# 9tc — 15 ax. xpray bamb# $1.19

THEONaX African Vialet Boak, Fastpaid $1
Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

HYDROPONIC CMIMICAI CO., INC., Copley 21, Ohio, y.S.A.

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED
We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song. Afterglo, Good
News, T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waverly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a list of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approKimately IQD seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A— more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B — from varie¬
ties having “girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C — from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D—from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM — our best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a “no failure” $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4125 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

Sterilize Soil The Easy Way

Mabel A. Gutridge, Los Angeles, California

Use gallon fruit cans (you may get them
from school cafeterias). Fill the can to within
2 inches of the top and thoroughly moisten
the soil. The oven will hold 4 or 5 cans, and
these should be placed directly on the wire
shelves. Keep the oven temperature at 275
degrees for a period of 2 hours; then take the
cans out and set them aside for 2 or 3 weeks
before using the soil. Only sterilize the soils
that come in contact with the ground, such
as leaf mold, manure and sand. •

OUR NEW FOR '62

Easter Dream — ■ Summer Song

Purple Showers — Morning Dawn — Perlette
Trail’s End — Marthann Golden Jewel
Dawn C — Ever Gae

Stamp for List Closed Fridays

THE CONIBERS

5149 Ellicott St. Road

Batavia, New York

NEW LIGHT WEIGHT
WATER-FOG VIOLET SPRAYER

Light as a feather! New plastic sprayer weighs
less than half a pound. Easy one-hand opera¬
tion. Will not tire you. Soft squeeze of handle
sprays clouds of fine water-fog mist. Moistens
leaves of African violets, Gardenias, all garden
and house plants. Promotes bloom and growth.
New colorful translucent polyethylene con¬
tainer is non-corrosive and unbreakable. -Heavy
duty nickel planted brass parts in positive ac¬
tion pump. Precision built for long* uninter¬
rupted service. Manufacturer will repair or
replace with 1-day service, if ever needed.
Sprays water-fog, insecticides, fungicides, moth
spray, all garden and household sprays. Half-
pmt size $5.45; Pint $5.95! Quart $6.45 postpaid.

UNUSUAL HARD-TO-FIND SUPPLIES AND
EQUIPMENT FOR AFRIC/ N VIOLETS. SEND
20c FOR CATALOG ONLY {Free With Order)

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 853 Oxford, Maryland

a

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

Gro-Lux Tube - Available

NEW STARLITE GARDEN LAMP IN 2 SIZES like
thousands of glittering stars reflected through the per¬
forated shade this Starlite Lamp is a perfect setting
for your violets, both useful and decorative. White or
black wrought iron finish inside of reflector is white
enamel. Rubber tipped legs never mar or slip. Can be
had without perforations. 2 sizes 18” high 13” wide
and 32” long with 2-20 watt tubes or 18” high 13”
wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt tubes, with cord,
plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With 2-6 watt sockets
add $2.00. State Choice. With Gro-Lux tubes add
$2.00.

“GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS” By Fred¬
erick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95. Now $4.30 Post¬
paid.

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays wdth removable in¬
serts 12” X 18” X 2%” high. Trays only $9.30 doz.
postpaid. 15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30 doz. postpaid. 12
trays and 12 Inserts $17.50 postpaid.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED to
$9.25 postpaid.

Send for Prices ond Literature on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Ookwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1773 Ook Creeks Wis.

IMPROVED NEW

White Cover— -1960 Third Revised Edition

“AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOR
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure, Afri¬
can violet arrangements, judges, judging, species,
gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules, and other
(helpful) up-to-date information. $1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

SAINTPAULIAS HYBRID DAYLILIES

African violet plants, bloom size, labeled, as¬
sorted, our choice: 10/$4.95, plus 65c postage.
Leaves: fresh cut, 10/$1.25, newer, 25c ea., 30/
$6.00. Our list of 800 var. 10c. Seed: $1.00 pkg.,
A. V., giant Gloxinia, also hybrid daylily. 1 year
size daylily seedlings from hand-pollinated seed,
$1.75 doz. Fine for ground covers . . or natural¬
izing.

FFOULKES'

610 Bryan St., Dept. A. V. Jacksonville 2, Fla.

YOU, TOO,
CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING
AFRICAN
VIOLETS

PLANT MARVEL'S
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

'^(fied ai ifCM- {Mden.”

To Increase the Pleasure of Gardening

For years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrat¬
ed food elements needed for rapid, healthy
growth and bloom. Very easy and economical
to use ... a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c
package makes 125 gals., $1.49 package makdis
250 gals., of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No
harm to bloom or foliage when used as directed.
Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to
children and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal
insecticide. 5 oz. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

Dept. Av29, 624 W. 119Hi St.

Chicago 28, Illinois

7

NEW PLASTIC TAPE MARKS

PLANTS OR LEAVES

Modern Marking Tape stays clean and readable.
Can’t smudge or smear because it’s protected
against water and dirt with a layer of trans¬
parent plastic! Write on it with ball pen or pen¬
cil of any color and your marking will be per¬
manently green, under the plastic, to rnatch at¬
tractive green border of label. Sticks instantly
to any surface without moistening. Attach to
flower pots or fasten loosely around stems of
plants or leaves. Large 150” roll in self -dispenser
makes 100 markers %” wide. Only 98c postpaid;
2 for $1.89, 3 for $2.75. Send 20c in stamps or
coin for 60-page illustrated catalog only (in¬
cluded free with order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 826 Oxford, Maryland

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or block finish, and 1 8", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V2" ^ — $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 10" — $2,98
each or two for $5.50; 30" x 10" — $3,49
each or two for $6.50. Order by size and color.
'V^IOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40 — $1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

RIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1.00, with full directions.
TROPI-GROWER — See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid.

21/4” peat pots — 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29.
3” peat pots— 25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. S22 Wausau, Wis.

Buyer’s Guide Report

Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1, Box 143, Greenwood, Ind.

Did our premature summer heat change
your mind about your favorite new variety?

I think so, in many cases, from the cards that
have been coming in. Perhaps we here in the
Middle West have the most drastic changes in
temperature, and it does have its effect on
our plants. So, it is with interest that we note
that our leaders from last reporting are still
blooming nicely.

Trifari took the lead from Snow Ballet, but
they are both still going strong. Charm Song
is again in third place, with Blue Blaze and
Heritage holding their own. And you can
imagine what the National Show did for Top
Sail, which has always been a reliable plant,
but is really being noticed now. Also Double
Black Cherry, which was a very close runner-
up to the Silver Cup winner.

Lilian Jarrett is another favorite, because
of the beautiful uniform foliage, and rather
unusual shade of blossom.

Fair Elaine is a showman’s dream. Clear
pink double blossoms, with a nice white edge
held high above huge, flat almost black leaves.

Highlighter: A terrific bloomer, from the
time it is a tiny plant with four leaves. It is
a clear double pink, with light serrated foliage.

Double Pink Waver ly is a plant that you do
not want if you do not have plenty of room,
since its beautiful black, shiny foliage gets
very large. A magnificent plant for a conver¬
sation piece.

I am happy to have so many new volunteers
to help with this tremendous task. To be most
effective, it should probably be regional in
reporting, since so many beautiful plants do
not find their way across the country rapidly.
If I learn bookkeeping and cross-indexing
from some of my kind friends and helpers, I
will try to give a complete list of those plants
that have been nominated, also the section of
the country in which they have made show
plants.

Please drop me a line whenever you want
cards, and let us all know what grows best
for you. Thanks! •

— New Sylvonio Gro-Lux Tube —

NOTICE! We can now supply NEW SYLVANIA
GRO-LUX TUBES as described on page 27 of
the September, 1961 and page 109 March, 1962
issues of this Magazine.

6-40 Watt 48” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each — $14.10
6-20 Watt 24” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each — $13.20
6-15 Watt 18” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each — $13.20
Packed 6 in Shipping Carton. NO LESS
SHIPPED. We Pay the POSTAGE.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Oak Creek, Wis.

8

Phosphate Rock

Many soils are deficient in phosphorus or
have become that way by erosion or intensive

cropping. All life requires phosphorus for
existence. Therefore, fertilizers containing that
element must be used for gardening, indoors
and out. The common source of phosphorus
is a natural rock which contains phosphates,
usually calcium phosphate, in sufficient quan¬
tity to be used directly or after commercial
processing. The deposits occur in many coun¬
tries. Those of most economic importance in
the United States are in Florida, Tennessee,
and the northwestern states. Because of the
other minerals present in phosphate rock, it
does not have a definite chemical composition.
To produce concentrated phosphorus suitable
for fertilizer, there are several processes for
reducing and purifying the ore. There are
problems confronting the industry, such as
conservation, improved mining and processing
methods. The United States, however, with
its huge reserves, is self-sufficient in this
important material. •

now !

THE NEW c^ube Graft

WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped

TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C

1311 West 80th Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!
HERE'S REAL ECONOMY !

THRIFTEE

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

Now

Available

tofltHttateWiMiiiar

in

COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

• Permanent— -Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones— -ond of competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Made by the makers of famous

LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plont
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a
damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Markers ore a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plont
markers are required in quantity ot o
minimvm price!

THRIFTEE Morker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.0(j

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3’* Thriftee Markers— 7/li” wide;

4”, 5”, and 6” — 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.
Be sure to specify color desired —
otherwise, all orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS Dept. 45 — P.O. Box 216

Clyde, Michigan

Far West: 1864 S. 120tli St., SeatUe 88, Washington
Canada: C. A. Cruickshank, 1015 Mt. Pleasant Rd.
Toronto 12, Ontario

9

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES

31/2

4”

Square Pots — White
25/11.40 50/$2.50 100/S 4.40

25/01.65 50/03.00 100/0 5.75

25/01.95 50/03.60 100/0 6.60

25/02.20 50/04.15 100/0 8.00

25/$3.30 50/$6.00 100/$11.00

Square Pots — (Utility) Mottled Colors

25/Sl.lO

25/01.40

25/01.65

25/01.95

25/?2.20

50/S1.95

50/12.50

50/$3.00

50/S3.60

50/$4.15

lOO/S

100/0

100/0

100/0

100/$

3.30

4.40

5.75

6.60

8.00

31/2

4”

IV4”

2”

21/4”

21/2”

3”

31/2”

4”

Square Trays — Black Only
25/S1.65 50/$3.00 lOO/S 5.75

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

Round Pots — White

25/$1.10
25/$1.40
25/$1.50
25/$1.65
25/$2.20
25/ $3.00
25/$4.15

50/$1.95

50/$2.50

50/$2.75

50/$3.00

50/$4.15

50/$5.75

50/$7.70

100/$ 3.00
100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.50
100/$ 7.70
100/$11.00
100/$13.50

Round Pots — (Utility) Mottled Colors

25/$1.10
25/ $1.40
25/$1.50
25/$1.65
25/$1.95
25/$3.30

50/$1.95
50/$2.50
50/62.75
50/ $3. 00
50/$3.60
50/$6.00

100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.40
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.75
100/$ 6.60
100/$11.00

Round Plastic Saucers Black Only
#2 for 2”. 21/4”, 21/2” Pots

25/$1.10 50/$1.95 100/$ 3.30

#3 for 3” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.40 50/$2.50 100/$ 4.40

#4 for 31/2”. 4” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

Plastic Tubs (Squatties)

3”, 31/2”, 4’* — White or Utility Colors — Same
price as regular round pots — respectively.

PLASTIC MINIATURE GREENHOUSE
8” long - 6” wide - 5%” high. Top clear plastic.
Base heavy white. Open and close ventilator. 2
racks. 12-1 ^,4” pots. $3.30 complete.

IMPORTED ~ MIST SPRAYER
Chrome plated pump with attractive plastic
bowl, $1.98 plus 25c postage. One FREE with
each $25.00 order of plastic pots and supplies.

WHITE PLASTIC MARKERS 41/2” long 100/$1.25
WATERPROOF PENCILS — 25c; 5 for $1.00
POST-A-NOTE— Regulation size post cards with
spray of purple violets in upper left hand com¬
er. 40" cards to box $1.10.

VIOLET-SELECT-A-NOTE~24 Vellum French¬
fold Notes and envelopes decorated with blue
violets and silver. Assorted captions to be in¬
serted for the occasion — for “Thank You,”
“Best Wishes,” etc. Note size, 3^2x41/2, box $1.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION — Pint $1.00; Quart
$1.90; Gallon $6.25.

PLANT MARVEL V2 lb. can $1.00; Pound
can $1.75.

POSTAGE — - Please add 10% to New Mexico,
Colo., Wyo., No. and So. Dak., all states on West
Coast, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Fresh-cut leaves — newest varieties — 50c
12/$5.00 25/ $10.00

Plus $1.00 Postage

MUS. N. B. WILSON

41 Love St. Dept. A.V.M. Austell, Georgia

Notes on Culture

GOOD ROOT STRUCTURE

A strong root system will develop more
readily on started leaves and small plants if
the bottoms of the pots have a temperature
of sixty-five to seventy-two degrees at all
times. Use a thermometer to check.

Cold pot bottoms will slow up rooting,
and will also invite rotting.

SOIL AERATION

Soil aeration is a poorly understood but
important requirement for plant growth. If
oxygen is not available to the roots, they
cannot take up the water and nutrients. This
is often the problem with heavy soils. The
addition of organic matter, peat moss, or ver-
miculite, coupled with sensible watering,
should eliminate the problem of aeration. •

10,000 African Violets

For your selection. One free IVi

inch

violet for each party visiting our

dis-

play from out of town or state,

just

mention ad. $1.25 each parcel post or

75<^ each at greenhouse.

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahoma City,

Okla.

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3”--Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Meal for Violet Shows-— Ideal for Your Windows

Ideal for Commercial Displays
6 for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

4927 Transit Road Wllliamsville 21, N. Y.

CHOICEST OF NEW VIOLETS
Sold here at house ... I do not ship plants.

10

Trace Minerals

WHILE we are primarily concerned with
house plants, it is interesting to note what
research scientists say about trace elements
with regard to food crops. If these minor
minerals, sulphur, manganese, iron, and many
more, are in sufficient quantity in animal food,
it promotes better growth and higher resist¬
ance to disease. From these facts, it is con¬
cluded that they are important to the plant
itself, and so are important in the develop¬
ment of house plants.

Sulphur is essential in developing organic
compounds, and it will gain more prominence
as we learn more about the way it functions.
Plants grown in sulphur deficient soil lack
healthy green color.

Manganese and iron contribute to the color
and sturdy growth of a plant, and are lacking
where there is too much lime.

Boron has received some publicity lately
because it promotes resistance to disease. It
is needed in a very small quantity, but a
deficiency may cause root rot and heart rot.

Copper, cobalt and zinc contribute to the
structure of the plant and prevent a stunted
formation of the branches.

Iodine, fluorine and others in this group
are recognized as essential plant foods, as
they regulate plant juices and develop cer¬
tain useful compounds necessary for growth.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION

for BETTER AFRICAN VIOLETS

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
For vigorous growth, fine texture of foliage and
profusion of rich colored blooms on your Afri¬
can violets, use non-burning, 100% organic
ATLAS 1 Only Va teaspoon per quart lukewarm
water every 10-14 days. Try it — buy it today
and see the difference.

At dialers eversfwhere. If not availabii, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart Gallon $S.2S.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., (LOGO - Room’ 4S2)
San Francisco 11, CaL

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay

Your choice of pure white, spring green, gay
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky blue
(We will ship green if no color is given)

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC^ MARKERS
SIZES AND STYLES

A— 4^” vertical stake
P— 2”x5” tee stake
P4— 4” T stake, removable tab
C— 6” vertical stake
D— l”x2” horizontal tie-oii tag
E-— l”x3” horizontal tie-on tag
F— notched tle-on tag
H— tee stake
J-— 3”xl2” tee stake
K— 4%”xlg” tee stake
P— l”xl2” vertical stake

Postpaid

Quantity

Prices

Style

50

100

500

A

I1.2S

$ 5.50

B

$27oo

2.75

IIJO

B4

1.50

6.00

C

1.50

2.25

10.00

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F

1.25

5.00

H

s.o'ii

5.00

21,00

J

5.40

iJO

37.50

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

SIZE

7/16’=

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

Tie-On Copper Wires Included with D, E, and F.
THRIFTEE FLEXIBLE COLORED LABELS

100

125

250

500

1000

’ X 3’

’ vertical marker

11.00

$1.60

$2.50

x4”

vertical marker

$1.00

1.55

2.50

3.90

X 5”

vertical marker

$1.00

2.30

3.65

4.80

X 6”

vertical marker

1.15

2.55

4.10

5.40

X 8”

vertical marker
See Information

1.45

Above

Relative

3.40

to Colors

5.40

7.20

TRIAL ASSORTMENTS; No. 1^50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H— $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2—125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes— $1.00 postpaid.

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A, $1.00; 1,000 Style A, $7.95 ppd.

Ask for free complete folder showing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification ^

1126 ARTHUR ST.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

DepL S23

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

11

DIE-SLUG

Metaldehyde Emulsion
Fortified with Dieldrin

Kills Slugs and Snails in Flower Beds, Gardens
and Greenhouses.

See Article page 88, Volume 15, Number 2,
African Violet Magazine.

PRICE POSTPAID
1 Pint ..... $2.00

1 Quart . 3.00

1 Gallon .... 9.00

Distributorships Available
Manufactured in U. S. A. by

TRIANGLE CHEMICAL COMPANY

P. O. Box 1501 Macon, Georgia

BRAND NEW VARIETIES and ADVANCED
RELEASES . . . Wide, fringed edges, larger
blooms, variegated blooms and variegated
foliages.

SPONGE-ROK and LIFETIME MARKERS at
Dealer Prices

Rienhardt's African Violets

4463 W. Seneco Tpk., R. D. 2

Syracuse 15, N. Y.

Located 2 miles west of Syracuse on routes
20N and 175. Telephone HO 9-3789

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC HUMIDIFIER

FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS

Gentle humidifying vapor for every leaf pore
to drink! African violets, Gloxinias, Gardenias,
other plants in dry rooms bloom gloriously
with proper humidity. Vaporizes nearly a gal¬
lon of water at one setting. Directional fins
deliver vapor to plants. Automatic safety shut
off control. Light in weight and completely
portable for moving from room to room. Un¬
breakable high-impact water reservoir. Just
lift lid to refill. Silent operation. Will benefit
you as much as the plants . . . gives all-night
relief from respiratory irritations due to colds,
asthma, bronchitis and sinus. Fully guaranteed.
AC current only. $12.95 postpaid. Send 20c in
stamps or coin for 60 page illustrated catalog
(included free with order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P. O. Box 83P

Oxford, Maryland

STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS
AND DISBURSEMENTS
AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
AMERICA, INCORPORATED
Year ended December 31, 1961

RECEIPTS

Dues

Advertising

Research

Binders

Sale of back issues
Library

Registration fees for new varieties
Convention income — net

TOTAL RECEIPTS

DISBURSEMENTS

Magazine and Handbook
Services and pay roll taxes
Postage
Supplies

Office rent, light, heat, etc.

Telephone and telegraph

Master variety list

Research

Promotion

Library

Equipment purchases and repairs

Awards and ribbons

Auditing and tax services

Insurance

Travel

Miscellaneous

TOTAL DISBURSEMENTS
EXCESS OF RECEIPTS OVER
DISBURSEMENTS

$61,544.29

9,472.50

555.00

696.54

498.50

290.00

265.00

247.98

$73,569.81

$48,194.45

15,311.43

1,899.86

1,896.50

1,320.00

1,024.57

750.00

710.22
673.39

494.23
352.61
266.14
150.00
103.50

98.78

83.06

$73,328.74

$ 241.07

CATALOG 25 <

African violets, ferns, begonias, Gesneriads,
tropical foliage plants.

TROPICAL PARADISE GREENHOUSE

8825 West 79th St. Overland Park, Kans.

NEW FOR FALL
Maxine Mason's

BIG JOHN — SeedI ing rosette winner at
Kansas City

BALLAD — A ribbon winner at San Francisco
Convention and don't overlook BLACK JACK,
it's a honey

Also a couple of our own as well as a large
selection of the best from other growers in¬
cluding a wide choice of variegated foliages.
Stamp for list, please

WHITE CLOUD FARM

Grand Avenue Road Carthage, Missouri

12

"Ne¥^r-Drip'^ Indoor Garden Hose

For effective watering and fertilizing of Afri¬
can Violets or other plants without breaking
spilling or dripping. No Mop Up! 18""
hose and drip-proof nozzle quickly puts the
water where you wont it under leaves# in bird
cage arrangements or any hard to reach flow¬
ers without damaging furniture or linens. 1/2
gal. unbreakable plastic container graduated
for accurate mixing of fertilizer. Hose clips
to handle when not in use . . . stores in small
space! Money refunded if not delighted. $1.98
postpaid. Most unusual and practical gift for
friends too!

WEBB INDUSTRIES, INC.

iox 9714 Clevelond 40, Ohi*

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insecticides, Soil, Plastic Lobels, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Molathion, per bottle _ $1.55j

Mildex (mildew) _ 1.25

NNOR, per bottle _ 1,55

Kelthone, per bottle _ 1 .55

25 " I 14 in. (Thumbnail) plastic pots _ 1.00

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1.40

Tropi-Grower _ _ 2.98

110 Greenplast labels _ 1.00

12 capsules sodium selenate _ 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate _ 3.30

100 capsules sodium selenate _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4,00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ _ _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide $1.00

COMPLETE LINE
WRITE FOR CATALOG

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street
PENNS GROVE 6, N. J,

kfiENE

;RAL PURI

POSE i

FORMULA

• Low Bieuret content • Contains Trace Elements in completely chelated form

• Sequestered to prevent precipitation • Contains no Chlorides and no excess
Sulfates • Designed for Injection Feeding.

Peters soluble fertilizers are used by more commercial florists and nurserymen
than any other brand. Now available in 1, 5 and 25 pound packages. Write for
your free brochure “The Peters system of soil fertility control”.

Designed and manufactured by:

ROBERT B. PETERS CO., INC.

( Prices on request)

2833 PENNSYLVANIA SI, ALLENTOWN. PA.

13

My System of Culture

Ruth S. Doxsee, Bellingham, Washington

Through the years I have tried almost every
method of growing African violets but now
have settled to one simple system. I find they
do not take a great deal of time, and I can
handle my 12 by 18 foot greenhouse quite
easily. This greenhouse is a converted garage
with 4 shelves on the east and the west sides
— all supplemented with fluorescent lights.

Step 1. Select leaves — not too immature.
Have stems IV2 inches long and insert in a
tray containing vermiculite. I use the plastic
trays of “flats” sold by the Gro-Quick distri¬
butors. These can be washed thoroughly be¬
tween crops. Check on the water content of
the vermiculite closely for the first few days
as it seems to take several days to get the
maximum saturation.

Step 2. Place under the fluorescent light

fixture or incandescent light, about 12 to 14
inches away.

Step 3. Transplant the cuttings in sterilized
soil when the plantlets are about 2 inches
high. Remove the mother leaf and replant for
another crop if you wish more of that variety.
It can be left to help supply food for the baby

plants, also. (Did you ever notice how much
quicker the second crop comes up?)

Step 4. When large enough, divide and pot
the plants in individual 2 or 2V2 inch pots.
(Plastic are best as they won’t dry out so
quickly and kill the young plants.) Be sparing
in the use of water for 2 weeks. Give just
enough water to prevent wilting, but check
on them every day.

Step 5. When the plant reaches about 4
inches in diameter it is ready to go on to the
31/2 to 4 inch plastic pot. They can be left in
the smaller pot but by going through these
steps your plant will grow and develop much
faster and can be trained for shape much more
easily.

Monthly: Feed with a fertilizer of your
choice and spray as a precaution against mites,

mildew, etc.

I recently read in the Plant Disease Reporter
that Phaltan is giving better mildew control
on roses, so I have purchased a can of rose
spray that contains materials for both mites
and mildew. In it is Phaltan. It is an aerosol
can which certainly is easier than mixing up a
large quantity of other spray and pumping
away. I can now spot spray the plants that
show up with mildew. No residue is left and
so far the material looks very promising for
African violets. •

ROOTED CLUMPS

(plantlefs)

$1.50 each

Blue Banana (Young)
Busy Lizzie (Young)
Emeraude (Manelta)
Fire Brand (Champion)
Pink Orbit (Manelta)
Persian Swirls
(Manelta)

Persian Angel
(Manelta)

Persian Peach Puff
(Manelta)

Royal Orbit (Manelta)

Red Arrow (Young)

$1.25 each

Lilian Jarrett Sup.
(Tinari)

Prince Albert (Trapp)
Skylark (Champion)

75c each

Glad Rags Sup.

(Lyons)

White Rock
Cherry Whip
Carnival (Ten Hagen)
Marble King (Young)
Doll Dance

$1.00 each

Ann Spencer (Granger)
Antique Mahogany

(Granger)

Ann Bly Sup. (Lyons)
Blue Rogue (Lyons)
Big Boy Blue (Lyons)
Dark Eyes (Champion)
Excitement
(Ten Hagen)

Grand Canyon
(Champion)
Highlighter
(Granger)

Independence (Lyons)
Kiss ’n Tell (Granger)
Mandarin (Granger)
My Date (Lyons)
Midnight Seas
(Granger)

Oriental Red (Lyons)
Party Gown
(Champion)

Ruthie Darling (Lyons)
Sally Ann (Lyons)

Sir Echo (Ten Hagen)
Velvet Tempest
(Granger)

Winifred Leigh
(Granger)

White Lace (Lyons)

MAIL ORDER ONLY. Limit 2 of a variety per order. $1.00 handling charge on
all orders to 15 rooted cuttings, over 15 add 50^ per ten. Orders to be sent
Special Handling. If you wish Special Delivery or Air Mail please add an amount
sufficient to cover. For more complete listing send large self-addressed and
stamped envelope. Also, see our ad June issue. Iowa customers, only, add 2%
state sales tax. State Inspection. We close our shipping about October 20th (my
vacation last ten days of month). Orders arriving after Oct. 20th will be sent in
November IF weather allows.

2937 Rutland Ave.

Dorothy A. Young

Des Moines 11, Iowa

14

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLIT PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c
sales tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

Box S425 Cleveland 34, Ohio

MADISON GARDENS

W. Middle Ridge Road Madison, Ohio

These ore some of oyr most beautiful
violets for '62

21/2-

ATOMIC GOLD — Large frilled cerise-pink
with deep gold edge double on dark green
foliage, red on reverse side of foliage. $1.50
IRISH ROSE — Large frilled white rosette
double on flexible medium green

foliage _ $1.50

WHITE ROSES — Large fluffy type flower on

medium green foliage _ $1.50

CHERRY BLOSSOM QUEEN — Large fluffy
white flower faintly tinted with lavender on

medium green foliage _ $1.50

LINDA — Large semidouble frilled white
flower, petals edged and fused with laven¬
der. Medium green slightly wavy

foliage _ $1.50

BLUE LINDA — Large semidouble to double
frilled smoky deep lavender flowers on

wavy medium green foliage _ $1.50

PARADISE FLOWER ~ Big fluffy lavender
Fantasy flowers on medium green

foliage _ $1.50

PARADISE BLUE — Big fluffy deep blue

flowers on medium green foliage _ $1.50

PARADISE RED — Big fluffy magenta-red
flowers with Fantasy markings on medium

green foliage _ $1.50

PINK POLKA DOT — ■ Large double electric
pink flowers with Fantasy markings on
petals, medium green slightly wavy

foliage _ ..v— $1.25

ALICE BLUE GOWN Round double powder
blue flowers on slightly wavy elongated

bronze-green foliage _ $1.25

JUNGLE DELIGHT — - Large wavy single
fuchsia-pink flower with gold edge on waxy,
chocolate, wavy foliage _ $1.25

ANY FOUR FROM THIS LIST $5.00

Made for Each Other!

African Violets and
Garden-Guide
Unbreakable Plastic
HOUSE PLANT
MARKERS

4Y2” stake with detachable

name plate to identify
plants easily,
attractively, permanently!

Thin stem
design won't
harm flowers,
leaves or
root
structure.

Here's a brand new concept in house plant
markers that outmodes all others! So new! So
unique! So good-looking! So practical! . . . It's
a wonder it wasn't invented long ago! It is
the perfect answer to a long felt need — so
exactly right, really, you'll want one for every
plant in your home!

LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL FEATURES*.

• LIFETIME QUALITY: Reusable, year-after¬
year! On a use-basis, the most economical of
all! No replacing every season . . . your first
cost is your last!

• GUARANTEED; Impervious to sun, water,
extremes of heat or cold, and to garden
chemicals!

• ANCHOR>RIDGE prevents turning or twist¬
ing in loose soil!

• DE LUXE APPEARANCE: Graceful form,
color harmonized in two shades of garden green
to blend beautifully with foliage. Gives smart,
orderly effect!

• REUSABLE NAME PLATES: Super tough,
weather resistant plastic, held securely on stake
and properly tilted for good visibility and in¬
stant, easy reading! Name plates are readily
removable, interchangeable, reversible. Can be
erased as desired, making these name plates
reusable for years!

1 to 99 stokes with name plates, each 5^
100 or more, stakes with name plates,
each

• Sold on a satisfaction guaranteed or money-

back basis.

• If your dealer cannot supply, send coupon
direct, please.

(DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED)

HARLAN E COMPANY

P. O. Box 516, Highland Park, III.

HARLANE COMPANY, Dept. AV-121
P. O. Box 516, Highland Park, 111.

I enclose $ _ (check or M.O.) for

which please send me PREPAID items be¬
low: (no stamps, no C.O.D. please — minimum
order $1.00)

_ stakes with name plates @ 5c each

1 to 99

_ stakes with name plates @ 41/20 each

100 or more

NAME _

ADDRESS _ . _ _ _

CITY _ ZONE _ STATE _

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

I

i

15

Grow Prize Winning African
Violets the Safe and Easy Way

Let us do the work and produce the Growing
Medio. YOU hove fun . . . just supply the
Plant, Loving core, proper light and humidity
.... And watch your plants grow to prize
winning Quality.

Wallace Mineral' — A mineral and trace element
mix for feeding and balance.

1 pd. box $1.00 5 pd. box $2.00

Golden Earth — Ready to pot — potting mix,
nothing to add. Will not pack or sour.

1 pd. bag $1.00 3 pd. bag $2.00

Holy Cow — Top quality dehydrated manure.
Clever pink package. Makes excellent gag gift.
5 pd. bag $2.00

Dandee Peat- — German type peat, rich and
dark, ground to specifications with high
analysis.

4 pd. bag $1.50

Mognite — Low Nitrogen, High Phosphorus
Fertilizer with trace elemerits.

1 pd. box $1.00 5 pd. box $2.00

Walloce Floral Mix — — More economical and
heavier type ready to pot — potting soil.

3 pd. bag $1.50

Packing and shipping charges included.

All Wallace Products are tested and proven.
Send for one or all today.

Wallace Mineral Corp.

170 West Virginia Avenue
DENVER 23, COLORADO

The Use Of Sea Shells For Potsherds

Lillian Bragg, Albany, Calif.

Beachcombing is always fun. We give the
children plastic freezer bags to collect pretty
pebbles and sea shells. All the broken shells
are for my violets. A small piece of broken
shell rests flat over the drainage hole in a
clay pot. A large piece takes care of those
three holes in a plastic pot. (Why three?)
Best of all, my violets just love a sea shell
potsherd. •

— CHOICE VIOLETS —

Q. T. Explorer Q. T. Green Bonnet

Better Times Frosted Red Frills

Dot's Pride Pink Lace

Mr. Bunny Edna Porter

Our 1962 Master Catalog which contains many,
many more good and reliable varieties is still
available with a coupon worth 25c in trade —
all for 15c.

QUALITY VIOLET HOUSE

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7, Mich.
Phone 243-6651
OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

RITA LUCIANO

P. O. Box 603 Cresskill, N. J.

SMALL TALK— Two toned fringed pink dbl. Rich dark Holly foliage, red un¬
dersides, miniature. R. C. $2.00

CEST SI BONNE — -Raspberry pink semidbl. with rosy-pink fringed edge. Dark
wavy foliage. R. C. $1.50

OUl MADAME— Vibrant fringed pink dbl. Dark Holly foliage. R. C. $1.50

LYRIC— Lavender-pink dbl. Deeper eye, and light pink markings. Variegated
foliage. R. C. $2.25

TUTTI FRUITI^ — Dbl. wine and lavender, bicolor. Variegated foliage. R. C. $2.25

SOLITAIRE — Dbl. pink. Tailored variegated foliage. R. C. $2.25

SWAGGER- — Vibrant semidbl. pink. Variegated foliage. R. C. $2.50

BLUE TASSEL^ — Crested blue dbl. Tailored variegated foliage. R. C. $2.50

SOMBRERO — -Lovely dbl. mauve bicolor. Deep-cut variegated foliage. R. C. $2.25

Min. Order $5.00 Plus $1.00 for Postage and Packing

16

FRESH CUT LEAVES 2S^ Each
ROOTED LEAVES 50^ Eoeh
None Higher

Soft Plastic Rim Guard — covers sharp
edges on all sizes and shape plastic
pots. 10^ foot, 25^ shipping and
handling. Complete line of supplies.

4^ Stamp for List

J's AFRICAN VIOLETS

6932 Wise Ave. St. Louis 10, Mo.

Mi 7-37S5

BUYNAK’S

We now ship starter plants, young
vigorous plants growing in 2 inch pots
for the price of rooted leaves.

Lake Erie Series

Caravan Series

Master Series

and other varieties also Episclas and
Columneas. Send 10^ for new list.
Apply 1 0^ credit on order.

3871 W. laSrd St. V. M. Cleveland 11, Ohio

RUHM^S PHOSPHATE ROCK

^Nature^s Way' African Violet Soil
Potash rock ~ Limestone

Horn and Hoof - Blood ■— Bone ™ Cotton
and Fish meals - — Tobacco ends Leather
dusts Activo — Organo — and Atlas
Fish Emulsion, etc.

10^ Coin Brings Price List.

SOIL-CONDITIONERS

P. O. Box 384 Littleton, Moss.

Visitons Welcome Moil RFD #1 Athol

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipston, Moss. (Neor Fox Run)

Plants — Rooted Cuttings — - Leaves
(State Inspected)

Kiss 'n Tell, Cambridge Pink, Sierra Giant,
Height o' Fashion, Theresa Moeller, Atomic
Gold, Jungle Delight, Irish Rose, Rose Ruffles,
Pink Paisley, Lime Puff, Fire Brand, Hi Light,
Radiance, The Persians, Pac-O-Bloom, Pink
Organdy, Erie Blue. Many more for Fall ship¬
ping. (Stamp brings list.)

^fwtk ■- African Violet Leaf Rooter —
(Concentrate) 1 qt. $1.25 pp.; 1 gal. $3.25 pp.
Nationally advertised and accepted by most
hobbyists and growers.

. . . DEALERS' INQUIRIES INVITED . . .

(Closed Mondays except by Appointment)
Phone Athol Ch 9-4949

GRO-LUX LAMPS - all sizes BLACK-LIGHT

GRO-LUX TUBES are for plant growth
DISCARDED TUBES FOR PATIOS AND GREENHOUSES
Fixtures and Lamps — All sizes
For Residence or Business

Fluorescent Tube Serulce

10824 S. Broodway Los Angeles 61, Colif.

Phone PLymoufh 6-1481 ond 6-1100

17

NATURAL AND ORGANIC SOIL
MINERALS HEADQUARTERS

Fanning's Famous All-Purpose Blend
for "EVERYTHING THAT GROWS."
WILL NOT BURN. Try it on African
violets or any other type flowers,
lawns, and gardens. Available in 5,
10 and 80 lb. bags.

Write for Free Folder

Immediate Shipment

Fanning Soil Service, Inc.

4951 S. Custer Read Monroe, Michigan

DELIA'S ORIGINALS

Handpainted Jewelry and China
African Violets Of Course
Your Favorite on Many Gifts
“You design it” “I’ll paint it”

Send stamped envelope for brochure
2506 Sacramento ,St., San Francisco 15, Calif.

More About Greeting Cards

Lucile C. Rainsberger, Lambertville, Michigan

In September 1961, the announcement was
made that Gibson and Norcross were coming
out with a line of greeting cards and perhaps
other items bearing an African violet design.
It was welcome news as many of us had been
looking for just such items. So we began to
look for the ones we desired, but we didn’t
seem to be able to find them. I couldn’t find
any. Then a number of you wrote to me be¬
cause you couldn’t find them either. In turn,
I wrote to Gibson and Norcross. This is what
I found out.

From the Norcross Company

Miss Margo Boote, Art Director for Nor¬
cross, tells me I was mistaken in thinking
that they were coming out with a line of
African violet items. They have one birthday
card. They also have a very attractive gift
wrap. It is this I think you will like especially.

From the Gibson Company

Gibson Greeting Cards, Inc. has a very fine
line of African violet numbers. There seems
to be at this writing, some ten different cards
which are exceedingly attractive. There is a
new birthday card and tallies to be released
soon. Miss ^tricia Kisker, Art Director for
Gibson, tells me that there will be note paper
quite some time later. It is in the designing
stage at present. It takes a year or a year and
a half before the finished product is ready to
be shipped to the dealers. This should put the
release of the note paper in the summer or
fall of 1963.

All these articles should be distributed all
over the United States. If you can not find
them at the store which handles the Gibson
and Norcross lines ask for them. Probably the
dealer has other cards on hand which he
wishes to sell first. If he has not ordered, ask
him to do so. I am sure you will be very
pleased with them. •

FREE — "FAIRY SKIES" — FREE

A fresh-cut leaf of FAIRY SKIES will be included free with each $5.00 or
more order (see minimum order) from our 1962 catalogue so you can still
get this startling attractive new giant sky-blue, white edged Star this fall.
Offer closes November 1st and supplies are limited, so please hurry.

— ^Open Daily and Sundays — -
Send name and address for descriptive folder.

Lyndon Lyon

14 Mutchier St. Phone 3591 Dolgeyille, N. Y.

18

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Vigorous plants grown in 2V2 inch
pots — 75^, $1.00, and $1.25. Many
new varieties. Soil, pots, labels, etc.
Send for our new Fall African Violet

List.

VOLKMANN BROS.
GREENHOUSES

2714 Miitert Street Dallas 19, Texas

CHAPEL HILL VIOLET HOUSE

Specializing in Gift and Show Plants

— Visitors Are Welcome - —

New Varieties from Granger, Lyons, Naomi
and Richter

DOROTHY A. JOHANSON

37 College View Hgts. South Hadley, Mass.

(Chapel Hill Dr. off Silver St.)

Telephone 534-7592

fOOl Afrhan
Violet Questions
Answered by
Twelve Experts

By Helen Van Pelt Wilson

Here are the answers by twelve ex¬
perts who live and raise Saintpaulias
in ten different regions of the coun¬
try, and who range from housewives
and prize winning exhibitors to a
scientific expert on heredity. Ques¬
tions and answers are carefully
grouped by subject — Heredity,
Bloom, Soils and Fertilizers, Hybrid¬
izing, Troubles, Controls, and Cures
—and conveniently indexed for quick
and easy reference. 18 pages of how-
to-do-it and how-to-know-it drawings
by Judith Hirtle. Ulus. $4.96

at your bookseller or from

D. Van Nostrand Co., Inc»

Dept. T-AV 9, Princeton, New Jersey

NEW FOR FALL '62 FROM RICHTER'S

CONFECTION — Pale pastel pink double, with frilly tips of pale chartreuse.
Foliage is very dark and glossy, making a striking contrast to the pastel
pink blooms. CONFECTION propagates true, blooms very profusely and
''looks good enough to eat." (No rooted cuttings on this variety)

FRINGED WEDGEWOOD — A delightful variation of the ever-popular
Wedgewood. Blossoms are blue, with frilled edge, and the distinctive
dark foliage is also heavily frilled. This was a sport from Wedgewood,
and we have limited stock ready to release. One to an order, please.

(No rooted cuttings on this variety)

Also in good supply for fall shipping, our popular spring releases:

BOLD ONE LILI

COED PRISM

DELILAH REBEL

FANCEE TINA SEA CHANTEY

You may order directly from this ad. Strong young plants $1.00 each, rooted
cuttings 85^ each. Minimum order $4.00, plus $1.00 extra for postage.

A stamp brings you our Fall 1962 list of many more varieties, old and new.
On pickup orders you will find best selection at our Hammond greenhouses.

RICHTER’S GREENHOUSES

9529 Wicker Park Boulevard 607 Hoffman Street

Highland, Indiana Hammond, Indiana

19

Streptocarpus

Although the streptocarpus sounds like a
sore throat, or a germ that causes sore throat,
it can be a beautiful and satisfactory house
plant. It is called the Cape Primrose because
it originated around Capetown, South Africa

SHELLINGER^S AFRICAN VIOLETS

Fresh-cut leaves 25^. Choice new varieties, a
stamp will bring latest listings.

VIONA G. SHELUNGER

351 E. Works St. Sheridan, Wyo.

^TAMMY'^

That exotic new variety for 1962. A
double blue ribbon winner at the Na¬
tional Convention. So different, it"s a
'"Must Variety.'' Plants and rooted
cuttings.

The Select Violet House

P. O. Box 1444 Youngstown, Ohio

and in most varieties the foliage resembles
a primrose. There are many known species,
four of which are especially popular. One of
these with leaves like the African violet,
branches into runners.

The name comes from the Greek words
streptos, or twisted, and carpus, fruit. The
seeds appear in a twisted pod. ITie plant is
related to the gloxinia, a member of the
gesneriad family, but has fibrous roots and
propagates like an African violet. The flowers
resemble the gloxinia bloom but are smaller.
The colors vary through pale pink, bright
red, to deep purple. New plants may be started
from leaf cuttings, division of plants, or seeds.
Start leaf cuttings in water or in damp sand
and growing medium. Transplant into any
loose, rich growing mixture. They are not so
particular as some other gesneriads. One sat¬
isfactory mixture is leaf mold, peat moss, and
dehydrated cow manure.

When the plants are getting started keep
them warm and away from the sun, but after
they are well established they need tempera¬
ture below 75° and more light, even a little
sun. Do not let them get completely dry, but
do not keep them soggy. Keep water off the
foliage and be sure that there is good drain¬
age. After the blooms start, feed once a month
with a diluted liquid fertilizer. There will be
a period during the year when the plants will
not bloom, but the rich green leaves and the
interesting growing habits make them an as¬
set to any indoor garden. •

IN YOUR

AFRICAN VIOLETS

• BRIGHTER BLOSSOMS
• GREENER FOLIAGE
• STRONGER PLANTS

Garden

BOOSTER

POWDER

THE COMPLETE PLANT FOOD
with IRON CHELATES

Garden

BOOSTER POWDER

A CoQipIcf* Year 'Round Plant Food

with iron Chclatet

1 lb. $1.45

2 lb. 2.25

Postpaid in U. S. A.

MILLER PRODUCTS CO.
7737 N. E. Klllingswortli
Portland 18, Oregon

20

R. A. BROWN & SONS COMPANY

Is Happy To Announce The Addition Of A Retail Shipping Department
Send for our Retail List of African Violets and Begonias.

R. A. BROWN & SONS COMPANY

Dept. N V

Newnan, Georgia

ROOTED CUTTINGS

(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

List will contain new varieties secured
at the San Francisco Convention, a
postcard will bring complete listing of
violets and supplies.

Violets by Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

^ VISITORS WELCOME ~

X-RAYED ROOTED LEAVES

Give You New Colors
and

Other Unusual Traits

Elderkin's African Violet
Radiation Lab

25S2 Broadway

Toledo 9, OMo

FOR A PRIIE-WINNING

miH M46IC

lit- f ( W

Alternately feed
with these

F/SJV~M/££M

P. O. BOX S78 830 SIXTH STRUT H1RM08A BEACH, CALIFORNIA

21

LIKE SURPRISES?

There will be some on my Fall list of African
Violets. List will be ready about September 1st.
Send postage for your copy.

MILDRED V. WOODS

6007 Bergenline Avenue West New York, N.J.

New TROPI-GROWER

Use the new Tropi-Grower for your African
violets and other tropical plants. Only the
Tropi-Grower automatically provides the proper
humidity and aeration conditions for ideal
growth. Send for free folder giving full details
or send order direct from this ad. Each $2.95
ppd. Special: 2 for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 post¬
paid.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. S24 Wausau, Wis.

SOLANGE SLIVKA

203 N. Ohio St. Fayette, Ohio

Due to a severe back injury I have been unable
to do any shipping for a few years. I’m now
able to get around and will ship again this
Fall. Thanks to those of you who have been so
patient. Visitors always welcome. A 4c stamp
for list.

Specializing For You

in Latest Releases . . . Miniatures
. . . Variegated Foliage Varieties
All from the leading hybridizers . . .

Sweet Dreams
Small Talk
Surrender
Shangri-La Series

Red Witch
Black Waves
Persian Series
Fire Brand

4c stamp please for Fall List
All stock Federal and State Inspected

ANNALEE VIOLETRY

29-50 214th Place Bayside 60, N.Y.

On A South Dakota Ranch

Roberta F. Ahlman, Winner, South Dakota

I first became acquainted with African
violets about 14 years ago when some leaves
were given to me by my aunt and by some
neighbors. They didn’t do so well as I didn’t
know much about them. Two other neighbors
were raising violets and always talking about
the different kinds, so I made up my mind I
would learn more about them. I read every¬
thing I could find regarding African violets,
and experimented with starting leaves. Now
I have about 300 plants, consisting of about
100 different varieties. I enjoy getting rooted
cuttings, and have just sent for 18 new ones
to add to my collection. I ani very careful
of and where I get my plants, so haven’t had
any trouble with pests or diseases as yet.

Two years ago I sent for a Crystalite Indoor
Greenhouse that is 2 feet long, 2 feet high,
and 18 inches wide, with a fluorescent light.
I liked it so much for leaves and small plants,
that I got another one last year.

I live on a ranch and last fall I built on
to my house so there would be more room
for violets. The 9 east windows are full; the
west and north kitchen windows are full also.

My soil is made of sterilized garden dirt,
peat moss, Sponge-Rok and Terra-Lite. Plastic
pots and saucers are used, and it is only
necessary to water twice a week with luke¬
warm water; once a week during the fall
and winter Plant Marvel is added to the water.

This summer it was necessary to put shade
screen on the large east windows as the sun
is very hot in the mornings.

How glad I am that I have such a delightful
hobby! •

22

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The "Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20” x 52”) aluminum
trays for bottom w'atering. Provision is made for mounting an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR-AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest
quality of all “apartment greenhouses.” You will be proud to show it to
your friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with
which the lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly
18” above the trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two shelves.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for mak¬
ing and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other
plants by artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95
postpaid.

Also available Peggie Schulz’s book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.50.

We now have the remarkable new GRO-LUX lamps in stock for im¬
mediate shipment. Prices: 6-40 watt Gro-Lux lamps $14.10 ppd. 6-20
watt, $13.20 ppd. (Postage extra on less than 6)

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. S21 Wousau, Wis.

Episcicis ■ — ' Named varieties. African violets,
leaves, plants, etc. Variegated foliage. State
inspected. Stamp for list.

RACHEL F. HUSEMAN

1312 N. 26th Quincy, Ill.

BUSINESS CARDS

Simulated Engraved

1000 — $4.50, Black or Blue Ink. Red and
Black or Red and Blue — $5.50. Postpaid in U.S.
Fast Service. Write for Samples and Style Chart.
California Customers add 4% Sales Tax

HOLLAND & CO.

Dept. AV

4065-19th Ave. San Francisco 27, Calif,

SUPPLIES for GROWING Healthy AFRICAN VIOLETS
(Order directly from this ad or send ten cents for complete catalog)

Potf’ing Soil

‘^NATURE’S WAY* A. V. POTTING SOIL” is the
mix featured in an article in Dec. ’56 and Mar.
’61 issues of A. V. Mag. 5 lb: $1.50 ppd. Zone 5
and beyond add 30c additional postage. 18 lb:
$2.98; 50 lb: $6.50; 100 lb: $12.00. We bill you
for postage on all amounts over 5 lbs.
NITRA-GROW A. V. POTTING SOIL. 5 lb: $1.50
ppd. Zone 5 and beyond add 30c additional
postage.

PLASTIC POTS . . . SAUCERS . . . LABELS

Round Regular . . . Shipped Assorted Colors
Red, White, Green, Blue, Black, Yellow

1V4’'

25/$1.00

50/$1.75

100/$ 2.80

2”

25/$1.25

50/$2.25

100/$ 3.00

21/4"

’ 25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100/$ 4.00

2V2"

25/$1.75

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.00

(214” available assorted colors or all

mottled

soft green)

3”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100/$ 6.95

4”

25/ $3. 75

50/$7.00

100/$12.00^

*Soft green only

Square (Soft Green only)

21^ ”

25/$1.75

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.00

3”

25/$2.00

50/$3.75

100/$ 6.95

4”

25/$3.75

50/$7.00

100/$12.00

Round Saucers

deep (Black)

Fits

up to 3” pot

25/$2.00 50/$3.75 100/$ 7.25

Round Saucers (Shipped assorted colors)

No. 2 (2-3,4” fits pots to 2Y2”) ^

25/$1.35 50/$1.85 100/$ 2.95

No. 3 (3-3,4” fits pots to SVa”)

25/$1.75 50/$3.25 100/$ 6.25

African Violet Plastic Tubs (Squatty)

Red, White, Dark Green, Light Green
3” 25/$2.40 50/$3.95 100/$ 7.75

Plastic Labels — “Lifetime” 4V2” white, 100/
$1.25. “Thriftee” ^/s” x 4” green, 125/$1.00.
"Economy” 1/2” x 3” white, 200/$1.00.

Add 10% for postage on all orders. Zone 5 and
beyond add 15%. Min. Order $2.00.

Protect Your Violet From MITES

99% Sodium Selenate: 12 capsules, $1.65; 28
capsules, $3.30; 100 capsules, $9.45 (all postpaid).
“P-40” (2% Sodium Selenate) mix with potting
soil: 1 lb., $1.50 ppd. “SEL-KAPS” (2% Sodium
Selenate capsules) 48 capsules, $2.20 ppd.
"DUPONT MITE SPRAY” (50% Malathion) 4 oz.
bottle, $1.75 ppd. “NNOR” safe effective spray
for all violet pests: 1 oz. bottle, 50c ppd.

African Violet Potting Soil Ingredients

Greensand (potash): 4 lb., $1.00. Bone Meal: 6
lb., 85c. Charcoal: 2 lb., $1.25. Ruhm’s Phosphate:
4 lb., $1.00. Dolomite Limestone: 4 lb., $1.00. Fish
Meal: 2 lb., 75c; 25 lb.. $4.50; 50 lb., $8.50 (10%
nitrogen. Also good for all outside garden
crops). Hybro-Tite (potash): 4 lb., $1.00. Vermic-
ulite: 8 qt. $1.25. Sponge-Rok: 432 cu. inch
$1.35. Blue Whale Peat Moss: 10 lb. bag, $3.60.
Elk-Organic (Soil Naturalizer) : 4 lb., 65c. Blood
Meal (10% Nitrogen): 2 lb., 75c. Ropco (Soil
Inoculant. A long lasting organic plant food):
2V2 lb., 98c. All of the above prices are NOT
postpaid prices. We will bill you for postage.

Soil Insecticides

V-C 13 (for Soil Nematodes) 6 oz. bottle, $2.75
ppd. Zone 5 and beyond add additional 15c post¬
age. Fumi-Soil Capsules (no need to bake soil.
Use on all potting soil along with V-C 13) 24
caps, $1.75 ppd. Pano-drench stops damping off
(rotting) of leaf cuttings, 1 oz. bottle $2.35 ppd.
Tru-Green Organic Chelate Blend stops yellow
leaves and trace element hunger, 8 oz. can $1.75
ppd. Minimum Order: $1.00. We do not ship
C.O.D. Send Check or Money Order.

BERNARD GREESON

Dept. AV

3548 N. Cramer St Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

*Reg. in U.S. Pat. Office by Fred A. Veith,
Cincinnati, Ohio

23

Sue

Stella M. Dietz, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

SUE and I were as different as any two per¬
sons could possibly be, but African violets
make strange companions and also friends.

I will tell you how I met Sue. Many years
ago, when African violets were a rarity, Sue’s
daughter-in-law and mother heard about my
hobby — African violets. They came to my
home to purchase a violet for her. It was a
gift for Sue’s wedding anniversary and by a
coincidence it was also my anniversary,
August 22. Each purchased a violet for her
and both were delighted that I would sell to
them as I did not handle them commercially.
Violets were my hobby, and as this request
was for a very special occasion, I did not re¬
fuse them. That same evening when they pre¬
sented the plants to Sue she phoned immedi¬
ately to thank me and also to tell me she had
never seen such beauties. She asked if she
could come to see my violets. Of course I
said, “Yes.” They brought her over that very
evening and I met “Sue.” She was a small,
heavy woman, but Sue had something, an in¬
ner beauty that shone through and made you
love her. Sue was fascinated by my plants and
could not admire them enough. Since it was
my anniversary also, and as I had friends in
for the evening, I neglected them for a little
while, because Sue and I had something in
common — - violets.

The next day she phoned and wanted to
purchase all my large pretty plants. I re¬
member how she coaxed and begged when I
refused. She told me I could grow more. I
gave her several large ones. Sue and I be¬
came very close friends. Sue would send for

Roofed Clomps Leaves Small Plants

PAULINE KUNTZ

Route 4 Winterset, Iowa

MOON ROCKET — • a sport of Cotton Clouds;
heavy Supreme leaf of very dark green,
cupped and frilled; huge lavender-blue dbL,
blossom with opalescent shadings, lower petals
lighter and veined in deeper blue; marvelous
show plant.

RICHTER — Delilah, Bold One, Lili, Sea
Chantey, etc.

HAGA — Green Giant, Southernaire, Weslie
White, Tar Heel, etc.

FISCHER — Tinsel, Exotic, Imagination, Orient¬
al, Gala Pink, etc.

Many new varieties from other growers ■—
Tinari, Lyons, Grangers, etc.

Also many variegated foliage varieties;
prices begin at 50c for large rooted clumps.

Stamp for shipping list

- - - - - - -

every plant she would read about. She had a
desire for violets that no one I have ever met
could match. I remember when “White Girl”
was first introduced, she sent for three from
different growers.

Every week Sue would visit me. She had to
take a bus into Pittsburgh, then another bus
to reach my home. The trip was time consum¬
ing but she always came. Sue was a diabetic
and also had a heart condition. She was older
than I, and had two married sons. She treated
me like a daughter. On these weekly visits she
would stop in Pittsburgh and buy a little trin¬
ket, something to do with violets or something
to display among my plants. One day she
gave me a beautiful cup and saucer of “Meis¬
sen China” with tiny roses and forget-me-
nots. She said it was her childhood treasure
and she wanted me to have it as she had never
had a daughter. On these visits we would
have lunch and then browse over the violets.
I had to show her everyone and tell her every
name. If I accidentally missed one, she would
chide me and tell me I wasn’t getting away
with hiding any. Then, we would look at all
the leaves which were new with the plantlets
coming through, then the seeds and seedlings.
Many times she would bring along new plants
that she had just received to show me or I
would pot them for her.

In those first years in which I knew her,
wherever there was a greenhouse selling vio¬
lets or anything connected with violets such
as shows or lectures. Sue managed to get there
and see what was going on. Sometimes we
would go to greenhouses together and one of
the many nice things I remember about Sue
was this: she would never pick up or touch
a plant. Often in my home, I would say to
her, “Pick it up and look at it,” and she would
reply, “No, you pick it up, I might break a
leaf or drop it.” This applied wherever she
went, in a home or in a greenhouse.

Sue had a sun porch filled with African
violets which she loved, but she was becom¬
ing physically unable to care for them. Sev¬
eral times I went to her home and helped her
with her flowers. She would ask me to look
at a leaf that was growing odd or some article
which she had received about the violets.

Sue could no longer care for her violets,
but the friendship between the two of us had
grown and blossomed and remained. You see
it started with violets but did not stop when
Sue could not longer care for her plants. She
called me every day and sometimes twice a
day because I am now alone most of the time.

Last evening Sue passed away suddenly,
my special friend. Sue passed through this
world but once and I was the lucky one she
picked for her friend through a violet. I will
always love her and miss her. Memories are
made through violets.

Susan Lamb was a very early member of
the African Violet Society of America, Inc.,
she joined in 1947. •

24

Fish Meal

Blanche W, Zeigler, Chicago, Illinois

TWO years ago while vacationing in Door
County, Wisconsin, we stopped at a Gar¬
den Center along the highway. It was mid¬
summer and the owner was not too busy to
talk with us. I noticed bags of fertilizer stacked
up and read the names, one was marked “Fish
Meal.”

I used to use Fish Emulsion on my African
violet plants until my family objected stren¬
uously about the fishy smell. Even though it
m^as supposed to be deodorized I know it still
smelled fishy. However, I liked it for my
plants and was sorry to have to discontinue
its use.

So, now the first thing I asked was it smelly.
“Well,” he replied, “it is supposed to be
deodorized but we always have a bunch of
cats hanging around those bags. They must
smell it.”

Then he showed me a small 3 pound bag
of another brand.

“This is deodorized and it is good stuff.”

I bought the bag and wished later I had
bought several, but as we had to go home by
train I couldn’t carry too much.

The directions said you could use it on
roses and other garden flowers but the roses
got very little. The results I achieved after
using it on my violets were wonderful. The
plants grew vigorously, the leaves were green
and the flowers large and beautiful. As I had
several hundred plants at the time the meal
was soon used up. I use Nature’s Way Soil
Mix and now add the meal right to the mix,
but at first I just added some to each pot. It
contains twenty-five trace elements and is
rated a soil builder and conditioner so does
not leach out the way chemical fertilizers do.

I looked for it in the National Magazine
and in garden magazines and finally decided
to write to the manufacturers. Perhaps they
had a distributor in Chicago. I had about given
up when one day a man came to my door. He
lived in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin where the
product was made and as he made regular
trips to Chicago, he had offered to take some
extra meal in case I wanted some. He was
not a salesman but owned a cherry orchard
and he used it himself. His cherries, he said,
brought better prices than others because they
were larger and juicier. His enthusiasm
matched mine and I bought a large bag and a
case of small 1 pound boxes to sell to my
friends and customers. My garden last year
was better than ever. I used it on strawberries,
roses, tomatoes, and even on my lawn.

It is called Marine Magic and is manufac¬
tured by Daubner’s Organic Plant Food, Inc,,
Ellison Bay, Wisconsin.

I notice now there is Fish Meal advertised
in the National Magazine, so some of the

Roofed Cuttings with RIontiets
The New and Older Varieties

Introducing the latest releases of the
Neprash Nursery's Shangri-La varie¬
ties. Large flowered heavy blooming
beauties. Kohler's "Big Sam" is ter¬
rific and others. Large listing of varie¬
gated foliage varieties. New things
from Granger's, Fischer's, Lyons', and
other hybridizers. Vallin's Rosy Faces,
Black Waves and others. We ship to
oil states. Please send for complete list
of Rooted Cuttings, and we have plants
too. Our packing of orders is said to be
excellent. Try Us.

MAE'S VIOLETRY

4301 11th St. Des Moines 13, Iowa

FRESHXUT LEAVES

$1.25 each

Peppermint Twist

Pink Bouffant

Zing

Blue Petunia

$1.00 each — ■

- Any 10 for $9.00

Chinese Lantern

Holly Song

Creekside Concord

Pink Taffy

Creekside

Paisley Pink

Mountain Mist

Persian Giant

Chandra

Persian Delight

Easter Dream

Summer Song

Fads ’N Frills

Small Talk

French Blue

Scarlet Slippers

Fools Gold

Sweet Dreams

Golden Jewel

Surrender

Golden Nugget

75^ each

Any 10 for $6.50

Bold Skies

My Pleasure

Brilliant Jewel

Mandy

Blue Banana

Miss Raindrop

Concord

Red Letter

Clown

Red Edge

Circus Boy

Spring Fever

Green Giant

Touch of Fire

Grade

Tattle Tale

Jewelled Collar

Victorian Veil

Lady in White

Tamarack

Please include $1.00 for Postage and Packing.

Make all checks or

Money Orders payable to

Doris Intile. Hundreds of other varieties. List

on request.

S)om AFRICAN VIOLET CORNER

308 Franklin St.

Bloomfield, N. J.

Phone

FI 8-5485

African violet growers are probably using it.
This one does not smell up the house and to
me this is important as I raise my plants right
in my home and we have to live with them. •

25

Hardening Cut Blossoms

Ruth Tiedeman, Normal, Illinois

Whenever African violets are used for deco¬
ration, whether plants or cut blossoms, they
are the center of interest. It is important,
therefore, that they be in the best possible
condition. Once a plant has been grown and
groomed to its peak of perfection, it is a rela¬
tively simple matter to keep its status quo for
the length of time that it is a part of an
arrangement. Cut blossoms, however, present
a two-fold problem: how to keep the blossoms
from wilting, and at the same time preserve
as much as possible of their crystalline beauty
of color and texture. Proper hardening can
do much to maintain their freshness for a
considerable length of time.

Long ago I found that the first step in
hardening violets was to harden myself. To

FERNE V. KELLAR

Feme F©r African Violets

827 N. Main Harrisonburg, Va.

The Newest and Older Varieties
Granger, Lyon, Kohler, Haga and
other Growers' Varieties

Write for list
Freshly cut leaves

Rooted leaves with small plantlets.

Plan o trip to see and take home from the
lovely disploy of African Violets. Highway No.

1 1 . Do not take Bypas%

Phone PR 9-8673 No Shipping

GRACE^S VIOLETRY

GRACE & MICHAEL WELKY

African Violets and Supplies Available
Our Collection on Display Mon, thru Sat.

1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

434 Clifton Ave. Clifton, N. J.

VARIEGATED FOLIAGE

If youVe looking for
Fire Brand
Party Gown
Skylark
Green Confetti

Grand Canyon
Water Lily
Hi Light
Or others

we have them.

Leaves Shipped. Spring List still in effect.
Plants available at home. Visitors welcome.

Champion's African Violets

Van Hoesen Road, R.D. #2 Clay, New York

deliberately cut anything as beautiful as a
newly opened bloom stalk on a cherished vio¬
let was almost unthinkable. I rationalized
myself out of this stage by keeping the old
and overgrown violets slated for discard.
With their strong root systems and profusion
of leaves they still produced bumper crops of
blossoms and by harvesting these I could
justify keeping my violet friends a bit longer.

The day before the blossoms are to be cut,
the plants are watered well in order that as
much water as possible will be taken up by
the stems and flowers. Only the freshest ,
recently opened blossoms are selected for
cutting. It is better to snip off buds than to
remove spent flowers from a mature or aging
stalk. A very sharp thin knife is used to cut
the ends of the stems at a slant, after remov¬
ing the stalk from the plant. If the plant tissue
is bruised by a dull knife, the ability of the
stem to take up water is impaired. As soon
as the bloom stalks are cut they are put into
tepid water up to the flower heads. A flower
preservation may be added to this “soaking”
water. The petals must not touch the water.
When the flower heads tend to hang down, I
put waxed paper or foil over the top of the
container and punch holes in the paper for
the stems to go through. The violets are then
set in a cool dark place for several hours, or
overnight. Should the air be on the dry side,
the container is set in a plastic bag that can
be closed at the top. This covering, together
with the coolness and darkness, keeps down
the surface evaporation of water from the
blossoms.

After this hardening period, the violets will
remain firm and crisp for use either in ar¬
rangements or in corsages and nosegays. In
the latter uses where the blosspms will not be
in water, the stems are wound with florist’s
tape securely sealed on the ends. Sometimes,
to give added strength to the stalks, I place
a length of Twistem beside the stem, and wind
both together with tape.

The enjoyment of African violets can be
extended far beyond the plant on the window
sill by the proper handling and hardening of
some of its cut blossoms. Try it — it’s fun,
and it is rewarding! •

FRESH CUT LEAVES 3S#

ROOTED CLUMPS 50^-65^

SMALL PLANTS $1.00-$1.75

Newest of the new - — older varieties too!
Stomp for new fail list.

Over 15,000 state inspected plants from which
to choose. Over 600 varieties! All fluorescent
grown. Visitors and clubs welcome.

SANDY'S VIOLET SALON

Emerson, Iowa

On Mways 34 & 59 in Southwestern Iowa.
Satisfaction Guaranteed!

26

Heating

Your Fall Greenhouse

Dr. Harold E. Gray, Lord & Burnham

Reprinted with permission of Under Glass

With cool nights occurring rather frequently
in the fall season, it is important to pay close
attention to the greenhouse temperature. With
days still warm, it is all too easy to forget
that night temperatures may fall below the
desired level for the plants. Moreover, it is a
great temptation to “try to get by” for one
more night because of the added cost of start¬
ing up the heating system for short periods.

Importance of Temperature

It is true that low temperatures, provided
they do not go below freezing, will not kill
or even seriously injure the plants. However,
temperatures below the plant requirements
will retard growth, and retard or in many
instances, prevent flowering. It is far better
to burn a little extra fuel and have winter
blooms than to save the cost at the expense
of blooms.

Automatic controls on the heating system
can prevent too low temperatures and, at the
same time, economize on the fuel bill. Once
the heating system is started, the “thermo¬
static brain” takes over and calls for just the
amount of heating that is required. This elimi¬
nates trying to “out-guess” the night tempera¬
ture and ending up with too much or too little
heat.

Humidity May Be A Problem

Along with cool nights and lower daytime
temperatures in the fall, the humidity has a
natural tendency to increase. Frequently, the
humidity can become high enough that, in
combination with lower temperatures, certain
plant diseases occur. Ventilation alone may
not be sufficient to control the humidity. Out¬
side air brought in by ventilation may be
already heavily laden with moisture and cool.
Ventilation in combination with heat can
effectively reduce temperature. Warming up
the cool, moist outside air tends to reduce its
relative humidity to a satisfactory level. Heat¬
ing and ventilating at the same time may not
sound economical, but since neither one alone
is fully effective, it is false economy to at¬
tempt to save heat at the expense of disease
infestations.

Close attention to watering and wetting
down the walks is important. With high hu¬
midity conditions, wetting down the walks can
be decreased or even eliminated. The plants
themselves require less water because of re¬
duced light and lower temperatures. Watch
the soil closely. Do not water when the soil
is too wet, or soft unhealthy growth will
result. On the other hand, do not let plants
suffer from lack of water.

m^N.. .FOR YOUR DLaCad

eEAUTSFUL NEW

MOLDED FIBER GLAS

TRAYS

Size 19-«49" t Wi¬

the. ALL-PURPOSE TRAY FOR FLOWER GROWERS!

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nently molded-m to every tray!

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handle... Won’t dent or break!

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hard satiny finish!

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...without removal of plants!

Pric«: I TRAY -$ S.50 2 TRAYS- IS.OO STRAYS- 23.S0

(Sifi

me, 1311 West 80th Street
pQpX Cleveland 2, Ohio

Fall Light Conditions

Light in the greenhouse becomes increas¬
ingly important as the days get. shorter and
the light intensity lowers. By October, all the
shading should be off the greenhouse. Even
in September, variation in light can be prob¬
lematical. If shading compound has been used,
fall rains may start washing the compound off
slowly, thus decreasing the shading as light
intensity reduces. Without sufficient rain, it
is possible to give the shading light washings
to take it off a bit at a time. Roll-up slat
shades offer distinct advantages in that they
can be easily and quickly adjusted to meet all
variations in light conditions.

Space A Premium

With increasing fall activities to get ready
for winter growing, space frequently becomes
limited in the greenhouse. As an alternate to
attaching additional greenhouse sections, the
space available should be utilized to its fullest
advantage. Shelves on brackets and hanging
baskets can be used for supplementary space
if properly placed. Remember the light factor
in placing the baskets and shelves. In addition
to lower light intensity, the angle of the sun
changes. Stand back away from the green¬
house and figure out the direction from which
the sun strikes it. Then select the location
for the baskets and shelves so that they will
not shade the benches nor shade each other.

t

27

For Where Violets Grow

Mrs. Simon Olson, Graceville, Minnesota

My African violets are overflowing their
containers, clay pots, plastic polly-pots, and
blooms are reaching for more window light on
this snowy gloomy winter day.

A few years ago I acquired a Blue Boy that
bloomed so prettily someone bought it. Then
I had another and another and soon had a
window shelf full of violets. I began to notice
the stunted growth and negative response to
whatever care I gave them. I did not know
then that violets are harbors for most every
disease and pest of plants. Being of a deter¬
mined or stubborn disposition, I decided I
was going to learn to grow pretty African
violets ... if other people could grow them,
I could do likewise ... no giving up. You can,
therefore, realize my reaction when people
say “I had a violet but had no luck with it.”

I sent inquiries to the Plant Department of
the University of Minnesota, the University of
California, University of Louisiana, Minneap¬
olis Star Journal, African Violet Magazine,
Peggy Schulz, and obtained Neil C. Miller’s
pest and disease control booklet. Through
these informative channels I realized I had a
full house of nematodes and mites, with leaf
mold and mildew, and heart-rot during the
midsummer days. I carefully saved as many
leaves as could be safely taken, then burned
the rest of the plants. I sterilized the pots,
drain caps, pans and all my tools. Several
months after all this I came up with a healthy
growth of plants started in vermiculite with
charcoal and sand ... a bottle of Isotox was
standing by for safety.

We drive to the country for baskets of
Minnesota black top soil that is slightly sandy.

UNBREAKABLE PLASTIC VIOLET TUBS

24 tubs 3V2" across in Cream White or neutral
utility color for $1.75. Everlasting, made of
heavy shock-proof plastic. No sharp edges. 3
holes for positive drainage. 50 for $3.25;

100 for $6.00; 4” size 24 for $1.95; 50 for $3.75;
100 for $6.95; 5” size 24 for $3.95; 50 for $7.75;
100 for $14.95; 6” size 24 for $5.95; 50 for $10.75;
100 for $19.95. Postpaid. Catalog 20c (free with
order). Flower pots, saucers, unusual hard-to-
find supplies.

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P.O. Box 856 Oxford, Maryland

The soil and horticulture peat are sifted 3
times, then charcoal, perlite, Sponge-Rok and
lime are added and it is stored in plastic bags.
This is the mixture I decided to use after my
19th try. I use the same mix for all my plants.
Fertilizer is applied to the plants as they need
it. Withholding fertilizer does eliminate con¬
siderable mildew and heart-rot during the
humid weather when the plants cannot use
the stimulants.

Through application of more than one kind
of liquid fertilizer, the plants can get a better
balance of food. I also apply rock potash on
the soil 3 or 4 times a year, and water with
lime water in the early spring and fall. Lovely
blooms stand out on long stiff stems. A water¬
ing of weak Fermate is given if the plants are
droopy during the humid midsummer weather.
At this time of year I water very sparingly,
just as they might need it. They can go 8 to 10
days without water. Here good judgment
should be one’s measure.

I use both artificial and natural light, sepa¬
rately as the weather calls for it. Two windows
are north and a 9 foot window is on the west.
Here I have to watch the window shade regu¬
lations.

Rain water is used during the summer; snow
water during the winter. For water applica¬
tion, a large basting tube or the new Webb
Industries indoor water hose does minimize
the watering time.

Violets do take their full allotment of time,
however, they are a real pleasure especially
in the winter. I sell a few to defray their
expense. When men and women alike say,
“My word, look at the violets” a round of
conversation is started.

Right now on the 8th of January I’ll go sit
to the lee side of 3 graduated' rows of luxur¬
iant shiny leaf violets spaced in plastic trays
about 6 inches below the glass of the picture
window, and watch the snow drifting across
our small lake on this 20° below zero day of
1962. •

Performance is a criterion for Advertising — Editor.

Quality Sfartur Plants — Leaves

Exquisite New Varieties

"Organaire' African Violet Soil
Plastic Pots — Humidiguides

Stamp for Complete List

Open by Appointment

NORMANDY VIOLETS

6246 N. Normandy Ave. Chicogo 31, III.
Ne 1-3829

28

My Window Sill Hobby

Mrs* Arthur McNinch, Cameron, W, Va.

African violets became a hobby with me
years ago when the topics of conversation
in gardening circles were Blue Boy, Purple
Prince and Pink Beauty; and everyone was
wondering if we would have white ones. I
had no idea then of doubles, Fringettes, or
the hundreds of lovely creations we have
today. If someone had told me there would
be flowers with golden edges, Star-shaped,
double ruffled and variegated, I think I
would have stood agape with open unbelief!

My propagation and growing of the violet
is purely for my own pleasure, for giving to
my friends, and for gifts to sick folks. I like
to give them to brides as they take such loving
care of the plants and in practically every
case they grow and flourish in such profusion
that it pleases me and makes the little bride
very proud.

One of my methods of growing plants is
by planting seeds. My method has proven
very well in two plantings, and I think the
most important point is: first, good seeds
from a reliable source (there are several such
advertisements in our magazines). All the
good soil, care, or preparation in the world
wouldn’t do any good if the seeds were under
ripe or over old.

Before I start a seed project I go
down into our wood lot and find an old
rotting tree stump that has been collecting
leaves, dust and forest debris for years and
years. I sift this golden brown compost and
bake it in the oven to kill any troublesome
pests. I let it dry in the sun, then crumble
and resift it.

A friend gave me a little plastic greenhouse
about 6 by 10 inches with a roof for a lid.

1 put about a half cup of oyster shell in the
bottom (this is to keep the soil from molding),
then I put a layer about 2 inches of wood
soil. On top is sprinkled a light coating of
fine vermiculite. This is sprinkled with warm
rain water, or any soft cistern water, and
let stand until all is evenly moist, usually

2 or 3 hours time is enough.

Very carefully tap the seeds in the soil.
(The first time I had all my plants in bunches! )
Do not cover with soil, but tap the container
sharply with a knife to settle the seeds in
the soil. I found this very important. Cover
with a plastic bag and set in a daik place
where the temperature is even; around 65 to
75 degrees for about 4 days. Then I add a
little warm water to keep moist, if necessary,
and set in the light; I put the container under
a reading lamp in the living room. In about
2 v^eeks tiny, and I mean tiny, green specks
will appear. I use the reading glass to watch

them. This is the phase in which everyone is
interested. How my family did watch the little
violet babies appear!

There were 300 seeds ordered and of that
amount there were 130 plants to reach the
transplanting stage. There were some that
perished because they were too thick in places
and some Just naturally were too delicate to
move, but I very carefully transplanted about
3 times. First: thumb pots; second: a large
baking pan; and then on to their own indi¬
vidual 2% inch pots. There ivere blues, pinks,
whites, reds, and some were striped, curled
and cut leaves. Some were beautiful and
some were Just ordinary. As of today I have
two plants: one a S. Grotei type, but not
vining, light blue double flowering, grows
true to parent, round-leaved plant. I call it
Gardener Blue. The other one is dark-leaved,
very sturdy, very double dark blue to purple
flowers with unusually yellow double stamens.
Sometimes the flowers are as large as fifty
cent pieces, held in a clustered ring all
around the plant. It resembles Marine Girl
in flower but the leaves are not Girl type; Tliis
one I named West Virginia.

Occasionally I plant leaves in a decaying
root or stump which I place in a large tray;
when the plantlets get large enough I place
them around the wood like I think they would
grow in their native habitat in Africa.

In all my violet growing experiences I
have had my share of trial and error methods.
Nematodes taught me to bake the soil. Thrips
came from a friend’s bouquet of glads. Sun
scald taught me to put waxed paper over
windows that had too much sun.

All in all I enjoy my violets and often,
when tired and worn out, I can find pleasure
in Just puttering among them.

Last week I went down into the wood lot
and found some nice “old” dirt which I will
get ready, and ITl order some seeds. No telling,
with all the new ones there may be some
wonderful seedling Just waiting for a chance
to develop; also there just might be a yellow
one! •

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Newest Designs In Plant Lights

CATALOG — of unusual and hard-to-find sup¬
plies, equipment and accessories for African vio-
lets, Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas, all green¬
house and indoor plants. 60 illustrated pages.
Everything from potting mixes and plastic pots
to large aluminum plant stands and fluorescent
lights. Largest selection any catalog specializing
in African violet supplies and equipment for
indoor plants. Send 20c now in stamps or coin
for your copy.

The House Plant Corner

Box S29 Oxford, Maryland

29

Billie Conn, Monroe, Louisiana

La Violette a la Louisiana

The following story will give you an idea
of what went on in Monroe, Louisiana,
in La Violette Club, which was organized by
Mrs. Harry Arthur Genung, on January 20,
1960. We thought that it could happen here!
And it did! It all happened- when Mrs. Mary
Margaret Jardine, a flower expert, announced
on her television show, that anyone interested
in the culture of African violets, should get
in touch with Mrs. Genung. The response was
wonderful: thirty women attended the first
meeting. We met in her home and had a
delightful and noisy time, as we realized this
would be the first club in the city, and in
fact, the first in the North Louisiana area. All
the officers and committees were chosen, and
a name for our club was decided upon. The
name La Violette was our choice as we
thought it sort of labeled us from Louisiana.
And, doesn’t it?

Mrs. Genung, affectionately known as Ber¬
tha, pointed out to us that she had a two¬
fold purpose in organizing the club for the
women of Monroe. First her love for African
violets and first place ribbons won in state
and city shows led to the idea that an indoor
project of this kind could provide the activity
or hobby for the woman who must spend
so -much of her time at home with small
children, failing health problems, taking care
of an aging member, and later on in the slow¬
ing down years. Secondly, she felt, too, that
the need to create is an innate desire in the
individual, and a versatile activity that can
cheer one up, divert the mind, absorb time
and fulfill the urge to create by the work of
bringing something into life, should prove
satisfactory in filling a variety of needs. And
then, too, we could have companionship and
added stimulation in comparing notes on soil,
light, food and general care in helping one
another in growing better plants.

Soon our work began with the violets, and
some of us learned that Work is synonymous
with Success in this effort, an-d the joy and
satisfaction can be sometimes beyond reach.
There were problems, but the club had been
started out as a study group, so we worked
furiously trying to utilize all our resources.
The girls who had been successful growers
for some time were a real source of help. All
types of bulletins, trips, and books borrowed
from the library and from individuals could
not have provided the basic knowledge quite
as well as having real people with real ex¬
perience to serve as a sort of backlog for the
inexperienced. Maybe violet growing is in¬

fectious! Maybe it was only enthusiasm. Ber¬
tha is surely the type who doesn’t allow the
embers of enthusiasm to cool. Whatever the
reasons, before long we had reached many of
the goals set up. Everyone had been bitten!
Our waiting list grew. And a second club
was even suggested.

In April we made a tour to members’ homes
to see the violets. Our first hostess had ar¬
ranged her giant-sized beauties in the dining
room, bed room, and in her living room, where
the lovely background seemed to reach out
and caress the plants. They took our breath.
All the soft pinks, the velvety blues, and the
hardier reds, blending in with the different
shades of lavender and orchid. Our next visit
was the home of a member who had her
violets arranged in her lovely living porch
with glassed-in walls facing Bayou DeSiard.
All the beautiful stands, the shelving, and
special little groups to show her experiments
with different growing mixtures presented the
reward our tired bodies were just beginning
to need. I remember thinking of those violets
as little teen-agers just back from the beauty
parlor with a new hair-do and each in a
different shade of color. Our hostess here was
the proud owner of one of the first violet
trees in the club. ^ Our most outstanding
project this year was our first annual show.
It was held on April 20, in the Ouachita
Parish Library, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. We
were proud of the outcome. We had had some
hair-raising experiences from the start. In
January Mrs. Clara Gambrel 1, our show
chairman, told each member to be responsible
for at least three plants, all in bloom, free
from bugs, pests, and disease, and in good
proportion for exhibit. Not a difficult chore.
But the old panic began to creep up as new
hazards arose. A freeze nipped a lot of our
plants as a few careless growers fprgot about
the fires. Our organizer moved into her new
home in December, and her violets plotted
all one night to steal off very quietly on a
dying spree in a way that no one noticed. The
change of light and location seemed to infuri¬
ate the little temperamental darlings! We
never did quite know how she saved that
situation except perhaps to start over. One
patient individual who had given priceless
help on feeding, watering, and spraying, sud¬
denly had to revive all her best maneuvering
habits on her own children as her beautiful
blooms started dropping. But we weathered
it all by bringing out the old kettles for a
good scrubbing, adjusting lights, and a new
siege of potting, pruning, and petting.

30

Finally the day came. Suddenly the work
just all fell into place, everyone found her¬
self in the right groove, and a spirit of calm
settled over things. Clara had organized and
designated work to individuals and commit¬
tees from the start, and we soon caught her
spirit of confidence. The exhibit was lovely.
The plant arrangement alone would have
made a pretty show, but the contributions
of individual members added a sort of special
note. A circular Maypole table, a driftwood
violet tree, arrangements in unusual pots, and
a corsage made of violet blooms which was
presented to the president, made quite a
conversation piece. The propagation table was
a beehive of information. These attractions
gave to the show an artistic charm that en¬
hanced the beauty of the violets, adding indi¬
viduality and interest.

The guests numbered approximately five
hundred, representing a large number of towns
and rural sections over Northeast Louisiana.
Hard work and anxiety, disappointments and
delights, and a lot of anticipation went into
our first show. But the rewards were greater
than we had hoped, and these blotted out the
memory of all our difficulties for a very long
time. •

SWINGING ^^GARDEN^GATE"
PLANT RACKS

Enjoy the beauty of o window-full ©f bloom

Large size: 40” high
X 13” across the bot¬
tom. Removable fluted
trays. Will hold pots
with up to and incl.

3” bottoms. Black
wrought iron. Hard¬
ware incl. $14.95 pair.

New size: 24” high x
13” across the bottom.

3 trays on each rack.

$11.95 pair.

All orders postpaid
east of the Miss. Add
$1.00 postage per pair
west of the Miss. $2.00
Canada. No C.O.p.’s
please. Satisfaction
guaranteed.

Penna. residents add
4% sales tax.

POULETTE PRODUCTS

Depf. AV
Kemptoii# Pa.

Miniatures New Releases Wild Species

DRAKE'S VIOLET SHOP

Et. 1, Box 96 Hampshire, Ill.

Look for our sign on U.S. Rt. 20 in Pingree
Grove, Ill. Open Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sat. and Sun. by appointment.

Phone 464-8331 Cluhs Welcome

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 N. Garden Bolie, Idaho

Rooted Clumps Most of Which Are Ready
To Be Divided — Of Newest and Best
Varieties.

Stamp for List

^^FRATHEL'S ORIGINATIONS^^

WE ARE VERY THRILLED WITH OUR NEW
VARIETIES. ^'BARBIE^S ^^SIDE GLANCES^
“TWILIGHT SONGS“, THESE ARE VARIEGAT¬
ED. ALSO “HEATHERS, “MANY LOVES“
AND SO MANY, MANY MORE. ALL THAT
SEE THEM WANT THEM.

WE NOW SHIP CUTTINGS.

STAMP FOR OUR NEW PRICE LIST.

P.S. YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US
252 CLAY AVI.

ROCHESTER 13, N.Y*

Now You Can Buy It In Bulk!

''ROYAL''

MOUNTAIN PEAT POTTING SOIL
with perlite

10 cu. ft. only $10,00 plus freight
(about 160 IbsJ

1!^ lb. only $1.00 ppd.

"ROYAL"

B©x 53 Aspen, €©lo.

ROUND PLASTIC POTS

N4“^25/$L00 — 50/$1.75 --- 10fi/$2.80
Post Paid. Shipped assorted colors.

JOHNSON MACHINE WORKS

1505 Avenue H Beaumont, Texas

On Your African Violet Safari Plan T© Visit Us
Only the Best ©f the OW and New Vorieties

Gift Plants, Starters and Cuttings
State Inspected No Shipping

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road North Syracuse, N. Y.

5 Minutes from Exit 36 N. Y. S. Thruway

31

Six Years Ago and Now

Blanche Clevidence, North Little Rock, Ark.

About six years ago I received five African
violets for my birthday. Not long after that,
there was a violet show in Little Rock which
I eagerly attended. I 'was fascinated with sev¬
eral especially beautiful plants, so copied
their names in a notebook, also the addresses
of several of the ladies most prominent in the
show. I later visited these ladies, bought
plants, and Joined their African violet society.
I really went overboard and now, after all
this time, I am as enthusiastic as ever.

My problem was where to put all the
violets. When I retired from work (my chil¬
dren had all been married several years), I
was alone so I purchased a brick cottage near
them in the city. My lot is 50 by 140 feet
with 6 big oak trees in the backyard, so a
greenhouse was ruled out.

My windows were full of plants, but others
were not getting enough light. I had a cabinet
7 feet long built along a wall and had a long
door mirror installed on the wall over it, and
two fluorescent table lamps.

After a while I still wanted more room so
I decided to add a room 9 by 14 feet off my
kitchen, in the backyard. The room couldn’t

— WANTED —

!f you have any seed of African violet crosses,
that you may wish to sell, trade or swap, please
write: Jack Bester, P/Bag MEYERTON, Trans¬
vaal, Republic of South Africa

1962 MOON SIGN BOOK

57th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen-
'sive guide to Lunor Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and exact times for best planting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Pmtpoidl

LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS

Dept. AV.

100 South Wobosho Street
Soint Poul 7i Minnesota

AFRICAN VIOLiTS

Leaves-— -Rooted Cuttings— Plants
600 varieties to choose from. New and Old
^ Send stamp for list

GERAD^S HOUSE OF VIOLETS

CMR-RD 1575— -No. 79S Delta, Colo.
Phone TR 4-3173

Mrs. Clevldence with prize plants.

be any wider because of the way the house
was built and placement of windows, also
there was a large oak tree on each side. In
this room there are six windows fitted with
5 inch glass shelves on brackets. I sent to
Wisconsin for a 3 tier Floral plant stand
equipped with fluorescent lights. It holds from
200 to 250 small plants.

The house has central heating and air con¬
ditioning, so there is no worry about even
temperature and the violets are beautiful.

My worst trouble was in learning how
much to water them. I lost several with crown
rot. I kept thinking that if the soil would
drain properly that shouldn’t happen. I began
mixing perlite and Sponge-Rok with the soil;
now I water more and often. Perhaps I have
the soil too porous, but the plants are thriving.

I fertilize with Atlas Fish Emulsion and
Plant Marvel, alternating every 10 to 14 days.

Leaves are started in a mixture of equal
parts of vermiculite, peat moss and Sponge-
Rok over a sprinkling of charcoal.

To me, raising violets is a hobby, a pleasure
and relaxation. I enjoy people coming here
to see them, and I enjoy giving plants to
friends and shut-ins. •

PRE-RiTIREMENT SALE

All African violets on Spring list 25% off, or
will sell entire lot of violets between 4 and 5
thousand plants In all stages of growth. Lots
of varieties. Spring list still good. Lote will be
broken later on. House plants not Included.

MRS. T. C. BEE

Route 3, Box 120 Newuan, Ga.

AFRICAN VIOLiTS

Young, sturdy plants. Fresh-cut leaves.
Choicest named varieties. Free list.

SHADYWOOD GARDENS

7309 French. Drive Kenosha, Wis.

32

Your Library

Maisie Yakie, P.O. Box 674, Port Arthur, Texas

This is the beginning of another club year
and one that we know will be the most suc¬
cessful your club has yet enjoyed. The Library
is ready, willing and able to help you make
this possible. As we do each September, we
will list all of the materials available from the
Library. It is our suggestion that you make a
note where this material can be found so that
you may refer to it readily when you wish to
place an order for any of the Library materi¬
als. The use of the Library materials con¬
tinues to grow and it is our hope that one of
these days soon we may have the pleasure of
being able to serve each and every Affiliated
Chapter and each individual member of the
Society at least once during the year. We want
to again emphasize that all Library materials
are available to each and every member of
the African Violet Society of America,
whether or not you belong to an Affiliated
Chapter. May we hear from you soon? Why
not today?

It is again our great pleasure to be able to
extend our thanks and appreciation to some
of our dear friends who have been so kind as
to devote hours of work and effort in prepar¬
ing slides for the Library and then adding
kindness to kindness, they have made a gift
of these slides to the Library and the Society.
We have two such wonderful slide programs
which have just reached us (in fact we have
had to rewrite the column so we could ex¬
press our thanks in this issue): First we want
to thank Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dedera, of St.
Louis, Missouri, for the slides “SEED TO
SHOW PLANT.” These slides were filmed by
Mr. Dedera and the plants used were grown
by the Dedera’s themselves. We know you
will find these slides both informative and en¬
tertaining, and we are especially pleased to
have them since they are the first such pro¬
gram of slides in the Library. Secondly, we
are once again deeply indebted to the violet
lovers who are so active in the St. Louis area
clubs for another set of lovely slides which
has been sent as a gift to the Library. This
new set of slides is entitled “Violet Highways”
and is of the 1962 show of the Metropolitan
St. Louis African Violet Society. They are a
most generous gift to the Library from the St.
Louis show committee. We wish to take this
opportunity to publicly thank these kind and
generous people and to assure them that the
slides are already in the Library and being
enjoyed by many members of the National
Society.

Following is a list of all Library materials now
available. This is an up-to-the-minute listing so send
your requests now for the club year ahead:

SLIDE PROGRAMS

Carter’s Greenhouses

Tinari’s Greenhouses

Saintpaulias in Review

Violet Visiting
The Violet Beautiful

Insects, Diseases, Pests and Propagation (slides only}
Insects, Diseases, Pests and Propagation (slides to
illustrate written material)

Chicago Convention, 1952
Nashville Convention, 1953
St. Louis Convention, 1954
Pittsburgh Convention, 1955
Minneapolis Convention, 1956
Kansas City Show, 1956
What’s New

North of the Border (slides taken in Canada of
plants grown there)

Kansas City Show, 1957

Arrangements Featuring African Violets and Afri¬
can Violets in Unusual Containers

Potpourri (slides of plants from Tonkadale’s, Lyon’s,
Fischer’s, Madison Gardens, Granger’s, Baxter’s)

Magic Carpet (slides of plants taken from Lakin’s,
Margaret Scott, Markley’s, Peterson’s)

7 League Boots (slides of plants from Granger’s,
Select Violet House, Buynak’s, Richter’s, Tay-Bow,
Haga, Griffin’s, Wilson’s, Tinari’s)

Omaha-Beacon of the Midwest (slides of the 1954,
1955, 1956 shows of the Omaha African Violet Club,
donated by that club to the Library)

Canadian Visit (slides of plants grown and photo¬
graphed in Canada, but entirely different from North
of the Border)

Kansas City Show, 1958

Double Header (slides of plants from Lyon’s and
Gent’s)

Beauties by Fischers (slides of plants grown and
photographed by this establishment, and donated to
the Library by Dr. Charles Fischer)

Land of Enchantment (slides of Fischer seedlings,
Tinari and Ten Hagen’s plants)

Kissing Cousins (slides of the more popularly grown
gesneriads)

Kaleidoscope 1958 (available only to individual
members of the Society, and contains some 25 slides
of 1958 introductions)

Go West, Young Man (slides of California introduc¬
tions grown and introduced by Mr. and Mrs. Everett
Hammond of that state)

Violets in the Flower City (slides of arrangements
from the Rochester Convention show, along with a
schedule of that show)

Could You Tell Me, Please (this is the first program
that covers basic knowledge of violet growing, such
as removing suckers, potting plants, sizes of pots,
etc. It would be good help to beginners and a good
resume for more experienced growers)

Buyer’s Guide 1958 (slides used by the Buyer’s
Guide Committee for their program at the Rochester
Convention)

Buyer’s Guide 1959 (slides used by the Buyer's
Guide Committee for their program at the Detroit
Convention)

Granger Gardens 1959 (slides made at Granger
Gardens in 1959, all Granger introductions)

Violet Trails (slides made in 1959 showing varieties
from Lyons, Taylor, Baxter, Fischer, Violet House,
Richter, Madison, Tay-Bow, Spoutz, Haga, Wilson,
Select Violet House, Naomi, Tinari)

Violet Colorama (slides made in 1959 showing varie¬
ties from Wilson Bros., Dr. Sheldon Reed, Tonkadale)
Gifts From The Sea (slides made in 1959 showing
Fischer Greenhouses seedlings introduced at Detroit
Convention)

African Jewels (slides made in 1959 showing varie¬
ties from Granger Gardens, Naomi’s, Lyon’s, Krog-
man’s)

Violet Fair (slides of arrangements using African
violets, as made by clubs in the St. Louis Council
area)

Detroit Convention 1959

Shows Around the Country (slides showing plants
and displays from shows in various parts of the
country)

Nashville Show 1959 (slides from the Davidson
County Show 1959)

Atlantic City Convention 1960

Wee Treasures (slides showing miniature varieties
only)

Half Way To Heaven (slides of arrangements using
African violets from many shows)

Violet Gems (slides made at 1960 Atlantic City
Show)

Thru The Looking Glass (slides made at 1960 At¬
lantic City Show)

St. Louis Show 1960 (slides made of the arrange¬
ment classes from this show)

French Lick Convention 1961 (slides made at the
1961 National Convention)

33

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

No.

Violet Wonderland (slides made at French Lick Con¬
vention)

Melody Lane (slides made at French Lick Conven¬
tion)

Arrange Your African Violets (a Workshop slide
group on the techniques, elements, etc. of arrange¬
ments using African violets) This Slide Group Only
$2.50.

Pretty As A Picture (1961 St. Louis Show)

Garden Lane (violets old and new, and gesneriads
too)

San Francisco Convention 1962 (slides made at the
1962 Convention)

Seed To Show Plant (a pictorial history of one vio¬
let plant from seed to show plant)

Violet Highways (slides of the 1962 Metropolitan
St. Louis African Violet Society show)

What’s This? (New program on insects and diseases)

LIBRARY MATERIALS

Yearbook Collections — Collections of Yearbooks
from African Violet Clubs all over the country. A
good source of ideas for programs.

Program Packets — Program packets in most in¬
stances are compiled magazine clippings, printed
material gleaned from various sources, and occasional¬
ly there is material that has been written specifically
for this purpose or are copies of speeches, etc. Many
times different types of materials with a common
subject matter are grouped together. They are de¬
signed not so much to provide an entire program
completely pre-planned for you, as they are to help
you with ideas for working up a program or to pro¬
vide added knowledge on a subject.

No. 1 “Speaking of Operations” by Montague Free
(with pictures)

2 Most Important Requirements of Good Grow¬
ing African Violets

3 Grooming African Violets for Show and Judg¬
ing

4 Leaf Rooting in Many Ways (lesson 1 of 9)

5 Separating and Planting Babies (lesson 2 of 9)

6 Soil and Pot Preparation (lesson 3 of 9)

7 When to Pot Violets, Size and Watering Care
(lesson 4 of 9)

8 How to Groom and Fertilize (lesson 5 of 9)

_ 9 How to Make Violets Bloom (lesson 6 of 9)

No. 10 Why Violets Need Humidity and How to Give

It to Them (lesson 7 of 9)

No. 11 When to Remove Suckers on Violets (lesson

8 of 9)

No. 12 How to Spray for Diseases and Bugs (lesson

9 of 9)

No. 13 Seedlings and Mutations by Bob Anderson of
Tonkadale’s ^

No. 14 Earhart Plant Research Lab (printed folder
giving information on how this typical testing
and research laboratory operates)

No. 15 African Violet Culture and Miscellaneous
(large folder of magazine clippings on a multi¬
tude of subjects)

No. 16 Dried Arrangements (clippings on preserving
flowers, making plaques of dried flowers, etc.)
No. 17 African Violet Progress (clippings from 1950
to 1956 on the yearly new varieties)

No. 18 Colchicine (clippings and printed leaflets on
the use of this material)

No. 19 Fertilizers (clippings on fertilizers in general
and African violet fertilizers in particular)

No. 20 Propagation (clippings on every phase of Afri¬
can violet propagation and general related in¬
formation on this subject)

No. 21 Gesneriads (clippings on many members of
this family)

No. 22 Gloxinias (clippings on every phase of this
subject)

No. 23 Our Enemies — Pests and Diseases (large num¬
ber of clippings on this subject)

No. 24 Plants Under Lights (clippings on the general
subject and also African violets in particular)
No. 25 African Violet Show Aids (schedules, arrange¬
ment articles, information on the study of the
Judges Handbook, etc.)

No. 26 Gibberellin (clippings on this subject related
to plant growth in general)

No. 27 Installation Ceremonies

No. 28 Organic Growing

No. 29 Photographing Flowers

No. 30 History of the African Violet Society

No. 31 African Violet Species

No. 32 Begonias

No. 33 Geraniums

No. 34 Orchids

No. 35 Flower Arranging (clippings, etc., on arrange¬
ments)

No. 36 Starting A Club? Here Are Some Helpful

Ideas, (clippings, articles, etc. on various things
pertaining to organizing, maintaining and fin¬
ancing a new club)

No. 37 Program Planning (typewritten material used
in National Convention workshops on this sub¬
ject)

Miscellaneous — The Library has a great many back
issues of the African Violet Magazine that are for
rental (not for sale). If you want to use some parti¬
cular issue please write, giving volume and issue
number. The Library has many Year Book Packets,
which are collections of year books from numerous
clubs all over the country. Each year new ones are
added. Much good program material, suggestions for
programs, methods of presentation, etc. can be ob¬
tained from these Year Book Packets.

The following books are in the Library collection:
Sunset Ideas for Building Plant Shelters and Garden
Work Centers; Complete Book of Garden Magic —
Biles; A Handbook for African Violet Growers —
Odom; How to Grow and Bloom African Violets at
Home — Heinl; African Violet Handbook for Judges
& Exhibitors — Carey (first edition and revised edi¬
tion); Greenhouse Gardening for Everyone — Chabot
(first edition); The African Violet — Helen Van Pelt
Wilson (first edition); African Violets — Helen Van
Pelt Wilson, (revised); Plant Magic — Haworth;
What’s New in Gardening — Pirone; Compost and
How to Make It; All About House Plants — M. Free;
Modem Gardening — Pirone; All About African Vio¬
lets — M. Free; Garden Enemies — Wescott; Garden¬
ing in Your Window — Hersey; Complete Book of
Bulbs — Rockwell & Grayson.

When making reservations for any of this material
please see that you have given us the following in¬
formation:

Club Name

Type of material desired (such as slides, program
packets, etc.)

Date of Club meeting when material is to be used.

Enclose amount required to cover materials re¬
quested.

Where slides are requested, please give us the fol¬
lowing:

Three choices of slide programs.

At least two dates when you could use the material.

This will enable us to better serve you and will
expedite the handling of your request.

The above will help us to serve everyone to the
best of our ability and that is what we are eager to
do.

The Librarian is always appreciative of any sug¬
gestions for ways to improve Library service, for
suggestions as to types of programs you want her
to prepare for the Library for your use, etc. Please
feel free to write her any time with such suggestions.

We hope that we are at least partially meeting the
needs of the various clubs and please be assured that
such is always our aim.

RULES

Color Slides — The Society has available to Affiliat¬
ed Chapters and to any individual member of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. 35 mm. color
slides for club programs.

Because of the growing popularity of our color slide
programs, the following regulations are necessary:

1. Affiliated Chapters and Society members in good
standing are eligible to borrow slides. 2. Reserva¬
tions shall be made in the name of the Affiliated
Chapter by the Chapter president. 3. Programs must
be postmarked on the return due date specified. 4.
All written material must be returned. 5. A $1.50
postal fee is payable at the time the request for all
programs is made, when borrowed by Affiliated Chap¬
ters and individual Society members, the fee to other
than these is $5.00. 6. All programs returned to the

Librarian must be via registered mail, and to the ad¬
dress indicated on the package. 7. Three (3) months
reservation is absolutely necessary, and reservations
should be confirmed by the Librarian. 8. Only one
(1) film program may be borrowed for a meeting.
When two or three programs are requested, only one
request will be filled. 9. Special requests will be
filled when possible. However, the Librarian reserves
the right to substitute for scheduled programs when
necessary. Please, no telegraphs or telephone calls
about substitutions. 10. Failure to return programs
promptly, to return written material, cost-for-sending
postage or registering package of necessity will incur
a penalty — penalty, the loss of borrowing privileges
by the Chapter or Society members for one year.
This is necessary in order that we may meet our
schedule of promises to those Chapters and indivi¬
duals who comply with the rules.

(Continued on page 75)

34

The

Presidenfs
Message

Dear Friends:

The past summer months have been ones of relaxation for most of us and
yet the Committee Chairmen, Board Members and Officers of your Society have
been as busy as the proverbial bees. Virtually every committee of this Society
has been working to provide new awards, new sources of help and information,
to make improvements where needed, etc. As the months go on you will realize
more and more how the work of these various people will benefit you as in¬
dividual members of the Society.

With the memories of the marvelous San Francisco Convention still fresh
and happy in our minds, we turn now toward Kansas City, Missouri. The magic
dates for the Kansas City Convention are to be April 4, 5, 6, 1963. The plans and
work of this Convention are well under way, and heading the list of Convention
personnel will be Winfred E. Albright, Chairman, and Mrs. Albert Lefebvre, as
Cochairman. We know that Kansas City will give us a great Convention and one
of the most beautiful shows we have ever seen. Won’t you make a note of the
dates right now and begin filling up the Convention fund so that we can have the
largest Convention that this Society has ever enjoyed? We will be looking for
you there.

One of the many things that we hope to accomplish during this term of office
is to prepare a list of people in every area of the country who will be available as
speakers for garden clubs, African violet clubs, conventions, and various other
meetings. The object being of course to spread the knowledge of our African
violets, their correct culture, their varieties, and their history. Time and again
we have been approached about such a list and feel that it is long past due. This
is where we turn to you for help. If you are qualified to speak to others on African
violets, gesneriads and closely related subjects, and if you are willing to do so
to clubs and groups in your immediate area, will you please send a card to the
writer, giving your name, address and full information as to subject or subjects
you are qualified to discuss? Please understand that this list is not intended to
provide paid lecturers but instead is to serve as a help to all interested people in
securing good speakers with reliable information to present.

Elsewhere in this issue you will find a new column by Mrs. James B. Carey,
Chairman of the Show Preparation and Judging Committee. This column is in¬
tended to become a regular one and in it Mrs. Carey will attempt to answer many
of the questions that come to her concerning judging, show practices, etc. We
know that you will find this both interesting and helpful.

When you are making out that Christmas List, which we shall all be doing
shortly, why not remember yourself, or someone dear to you, with one of the
truly lovely African Violet Society pins, charms, lavallieres or lapel buttons that
are available from the Official Pin Committee, Mrs. E. Pearle Turner, Chairman.
Elsewhere in this issue you will find full information as to the materials avail¬
able and the price of the various items that you may secure from this committee.

Have you secured that new member for the African Violet Society of America?
If not, you are failing to help someone become a member of the best plant
society in the world, so do it today, won’t you?

Begin now to groom your African violets so that you can be one of the proud
and happy winners when the ribbons are awarded in the shows this coming year.

Sincerely,

>9^ 6O0UJL ^ ^ o-MaJU

35

African violets and mile-high living
may, at first, seem to present a
somewhat incongruous picture. The usual
reaction to any Colorado image involves
an association of “out where the West be¬
gins” — rugged, towering Rocky Moun¬
tains replete with snow and pine trees,
fortunes of gold and silver just waiting
for the touch of a dynamite stick, strong
and silent men with bulging biceps whose,
major recreation consists of breaking up
saloons zestfully, or answering back with
six-shooters, and solidly lissome ladies
whose faces wind up imprinted on bar¬
room floors probably as a result of being
knocked down and stepped on. Indeed,
such delicate and genteel things as Afri¬
can violets would appear to be quite out
of place amid these muscular surround¬
ings! However, the West really has be¬
come surprisingly civilized of late (flit-
guns have replaced six-shooters) so per¬
haps in this regard, violets and brawn
aren’t all that incompatible.

But even though violet-growing has
now become compatible with the Western
image, there persists another fable which
is presented as a sort of last ditch stand
against equating African violets and
mountain living — the paradox of Colora¬
do Climate. Denver, perched some 5,000
feet straight up, offers an abundance of
light (violet hobbyists quiver in anticipa¬
tion) and low humidity (violet hobbyists
reluctantly leaf through “What’s New in
the Line of Cacti Specimens”)! So many
times I hear that it is just too dry out
here to grow a really outstanding plant.
This is my answer: how fortunate to know
your adversaries face to face without hav¬
ing to resort to a lot of guess work! If lack
of humidity is going to prove to be the
villain on the African Violet Stage Coach
run, then load those water guns; personal¬
ly, I feel those of us here in the Wooly
West actually have an easier time of it
when it comes to atmospheric moisture.
Whereas in the Midwest, the East, and
the South the hobbyist has to stay con¬
stantly alerted against all the various
molds and mildews masked everywhere,
here Mother Nature has given us the
ounce of prevention in the form of low
natural humidity; traditionally this is sup¬
posed to be worth the pound of cure fac¬
ing other regions of the country.

So, armed with a full portfolio of
“Wanted for African Violet Murder” out¬
laws, let’s strike oiit for pay dirt — the
bonanza of growing prospective show

Out Where The West Begins

Mary G. Enstrom, Denver, Colorado

plants out hyar where the Rockies meet
the sky and the rarest things is not a day
in June but the air!

Before considering some of the parti¬
culars of raising Winners in the West, I
must point out that no hobby anywhere —
East, West, North, South, Up, or Down —
develops by itself. The stamp collector
can spend years tracking down that tiny
piece of paper to complete his special
series. Months are spent on needlepoint,
and years are devoted to that beautiful
crocheted table cloth. Actors in amateur
theatre groups burn gallons of midnight
oil studying lines, perfecting perform¬
ances, and working toward successful pro¬
duction. And yet, when a few minutes a
day are allotted to violets, what marvelous
performances they turn out! I sometimes
grow very impatient with the so-called
violet lovers who keep repeating, “I grow
everything but violets. They just take too
much time.” And yet, upon questioning,
these would-be Green thumbs generally
admit that they just put the poor plants
on the nearest window sill, administer an
occasional drink of water, let them bake
in the sun and chill at night, and expect
nature to do the rest. The African Violet
Magazine (talk about a gold mine) offers a
wealth of information to anyone in¬
terested in violets; I’m convinced that
with this guide, wdth a heart that’s really
in it, and with a minimum of time and
energy, anyone can grow African beau¬
ties! And, moreover, their culture can he
fun.

I’m no learned botanist and I doubt if
my semester of Economic Botany covered
the subject of violet culture, so my ap¬
proach to producing show plants is com¬
pletely devoid of theory and bulging with
pragmatism — what works best IS best.
This is especially true when it comes to
soil. Just° as a vacationer from sea-level
areas comes to Colorado and puffs up that
mountain trail to explore the Lily White
Lode, so also must our violets find it a bit
more difficult to breathe in these high al¬
titudes — and breathe they must, or so
we’re told. It is my personal opinion that
the rarer the air, the lighter and more
porous must be the growing medium. In
receiving plants fron) outside this area,

and especially from areas of lower alti-|
tudes, greater shock is sustained ill those
shipments which arrive in heavy^^ soils.
However, I am the first to admit that
we’re all guilty of looking for reasons to
justify our actions - — and let’s face it. I’m
very happy with the soil mixture I now
use. I’ve experimented with many com¬
binations but so far nothing has topped
my current mixture with its emphasis on
porosity. In my hooks. Black Magic Afri¬
can Violet Mix as a base can’t he beat. To
it I add small amounts of heavy sterilized
potting soil, fine charcoal, ground egg
shells, and Wallace Rainbow Mineral. Af¬
ter a thorough mixing, I moisten the in¬
gredients with V-C 13 per recommended
strength. And, incidentally, 1 never throw
away raw egg shells. With three hungry
children and two hungrier poodles — one
of whom has just added four more mouths
to the household — a few dozen egg shells
collect rapidly. These are put through a
food grinder with the finest head attached,
then allowed to dry thoroughly, which
seems to circumvent any odor developing.
This mixture is used for everything ex¬
cept leaf starter medium, in which case I
omit the heavy potting soil entirely.

I use plastic pots — the smoother the
edges the better. I realize that the rough,
jagged rims encountered with plastic con¬
tainers are the biggest drawback, but the
advantages of plastic far offset this con¬
cern. Since I use a porous soil, evaporation
is fairly rapid, and moisture is directed up
through the leaves of the plant where the
resultant humidity is best utilized. (For
humidity around the plant, my Windex
bottle comes in handy and does the job
quite well.) Then, too, watering time
doesn’t roll around quite so frequently
when using plastic. Since my collection
averages 100 to 125 mature violets and
hundreds more of sprouting leaves and
babies, a time element is definitely in¬
volved! Although my violets get their
start in life in a 2 '4 inch container, it is
difficult to be specific once transplanting
begins. The size of the containers best
to use depends largely on the eventual
mature size of the plant, so no set formula
can blanket all possibilities. My “Queen,”
Naomi’s Jubilee, with its 25‘i> inch span.

Lilian Jarrett has white
flecked leaves. Right.

ultimately required a 5 V2 inch pot, while
Lyon’s Flash, in a 3 incher, can develop into a
blue ribbon specimen. In judging a show
plant, the all-over span of the plant must be
in proportion to the size of the pot, so I find
that I must acquaint myself with individual
growth habits of my prize beauties. And I
hasten to add that the National Magazine is
an invaluable aid in this respect.

My show plants are all raised on benches
which are lighted with double banks of
fluorescent tubes. The benches (a credit to my
long-patient but ever-cooperative husband)
are of IV2 inch plywood, 5 feet long and 3
feet wide, at a height designed for a minimum
of stoop, squint, or squat. Bordering the en¬
tire edge of each bench is a lip 2 inches high
which serves as a retaining wall. The bench is
first covered with 4-mil construction plastic
(the local lumber mill is my source of supply
for this), then chicken grit (from the local
feed store), which has first been sterilized
with V-C 13 and Isotox per label directions,
is evenly spread over the entire bench sur¬
face. Suspended over each of the benches are
2 -bulb banks of 40- watt fluorescent lights
with reflectors; in each of these 2 -bulb banks
I use one tube of day¬
light and one tube of
warm white. The
lights are hung to
measure 16 inches
from the bottom of
the bulbs to the
chicken grit. In plac¬
ing my plants on the

bench, I use a rule of thumb wherein the
darker the leaf and the deeper the color of
blossom, the more intense the light. For ex¬
ample, Wilson’s Coon Valley, with its green-
black leaves and dark, intense blooms, re¬
quires more light so consequently is placed
directly under the double bank, while Ulery’s
White Pride, with its bright green foliage and
white flowers, is happy on the edge of the
table. Since my benches are relegated to the
basement (suburban living rooms just aren’t
designed to cope with these accoutrements of
living along with other minor necessities like
chairs, sofa, desks, TV, et al) my lights burn
12 to 14 hours daily, and the negligible boost
in the electric bill is greatly compensated by
the plethora of blooms such treatment has
produced!

I am a creature of habit as a result of rais¬
ing three children, six French poodles (this is
the current status quo but the equilibrium
could be upset momentarily!) plus one hus¬
band who takes a very dim view of
anything resembling chaos, organized or
not. I find that the violets, too, respond to
routine when it comes to water and feeding.
Unfortunately, watering sometimes defies any

Mrs. Enstrom’s variegated
sport of Naomi’s Jubilee is
pictured on left.

This Perky has
Interesting blooms.

Photos by
Robert Hurley

Vallin’s Pink Fire
is handsome.

habitual process and I have to resort to what
I hopefully call “Good Judgment.” The chick¬
en grit base on which the pots rest is moisten¬
ed when it becomes dry, but the pots them¬
selves never sit in water. Neither is the potted
plant allowed to dry out completely, nor is the
planting medium kept too wet. Rather, when¬
ever the soil feels dry to the touch, I water
(with WARM WATER, PLEASE) to the moist
stage without letting the dirt become soggy.
I’m cocking my revolver to discourage any
violent reaction to my technique of watering
from the top. The hassle of top watering or
bottom watering will continue for eons, I’m
sure, but here in Denver, where the mineral
content of our water is so high (seems every¬
thing connected with Colorado is “high” in
some regard) salts collect in the soil unless
plants are approached topside; my technique
seems to alleviate the problem of these un¬
predictable minerals accumulating, or so I’ve
convinced myself! If the humidity is low, a
few squirts of my trusty Windex bottle filled
with warm water is used to fog the leaves. I
don’t spray away ’til the entire plant drips,
but only until the foliage looks dewy. (Dur¬
ing the warm weather months I fog almost

every evening. In a few minutes the leaves
are dry and refreshed. However, I am doubly
careful about the air circulation around the
plants when daily fogging is on the agenda,
since mildew presents a threat with this pro¬
gram.) Whenever my plants look dusty they
get a bath. Using a hair spray attached to the
faucet in the laundry tubs, the operation is a
quick and easy one — much more so than
washing the children or dogs! The plant is
tilted so that little water actually runs into
the pot, and after a good rinsing, all the ex¬
cess water is gently shaken off. Then the
plant is set in a warm, dark place until all the
moisture has evaporated from the leaves. My
show plants are washed with a clothes sprink¬
ler filled with aged water. Here again, this
procedure takes more time, but .I’m working
towards perfection and alas! It doesn’t seem
to come overnight.

Whenever we have a good, hard rainstorm,
out come all the available pots, pans, and
pressure cookers to catch the runoff from the
patio downspout. And how my violets love
this treat; they just seem to glow after a
drink of rain!

While the affairs of water often seem to be
a matter of by-guess-
by-gosh, the feeding
regimen is inflexible.
From the time the
strongest and best-
formed baby plant is
selected from its
mother leaf and bed¬
ded down in light

porous soil in a 2V4 inch nursery, through
the first transplanting when the tiny leaves
are arranged, toothpicked, and checked
for well-spoked symmetry and configura¬
tion, up to the 12 to 18 months hence when
a show plant may have emerged, TLC and
diet govern my African violet ritual. Every
ten days, Ve strength Atlas Fish Emulsion is
used as fertilizer. As soon as buds start to
form at the base of the petioles. Black Magic
Blossom Booster is added to the fertilizing
program and the feeding interval is lengthened
to every two weeks. Three feedings of Black
Magic are given, then one feeding of Fish
Emulsion, and this sequence is repeated ad in¬
finitum until the plant is no more or becomes
an agent to addict another hobbyist. Every
four months a level teaspoon of Wallace Rain¬
bow Mineral is carefully sprinkled into the
soil of each pot.

Just as children (even the best-cared-loved-
fed-protected) succumb to a myriad of dis¬
turbances affecting health and disposition —
who can anticipate tonsillitis, for instance — -
so it seems that African violets are no less
immune to equally out-of-left-field disorders.
My African violet preventative medicine
campaign, which really is more or less equi¬
valent to the human activities of innocula-
tions, vaccinations, penicillin, vitamins, sul¬
phur and molasses, and what have you, in¬
volves V-C 13 and selenate. I know I am
playing with fire, but they are the best health
insurance I’ve found. Of course, I’m extremely
careful when using either of these two poisons,
but I’m certainly not AFRAID to use them.
Many hobbyists throw their hands up in
horror over the thought of having “that stuff”
in the house, and yet a quick inventory of
their cleaning shelves would probably dis¬
close ammonia, Clorox, or a dozen household
standbys, any one of which could do as much
damage as V-C 13 or selenate improperly
available or used. Poison is poison no matter
what the label! Marcy, our six months old
poodle, was left at home one day when she
most definitely felt she should have been in¬
cluded in the family outing. Her method of
voicing her displeasure and neglect was to
tear apart and eat a whole tray of violets
which had Just been treated with selenate and
V-C 13. It was a healthy serving of violet
salad, dirt and all. The only ill effects sus¬
tained were caused, not by the soil and leaves,
but by the plastic pot she had consumed for
dessert! She still gets even occasionally, but
I am yet to find a sick poodle from these
naughty excursions of hers. Mind you, I don’t
advocate serving these compounds as snappy
appetizers to a family dinner, nor being com¬
pletely disrespectful when using them, but
neither do I feel it necessary to be over-awed.
As a spring tonic, once a year, they are most
efficient and salubrious. So, along with the
hyacinths and crocuses, out comes the sele¬
nate, and my entire collection gets a “dilute
method” treatment per the label instructions.

About six weeks before I plan to selenate, I
make sure to water all my plants with V-C
13 (at the manufacturer’s recommended
strength) in place of their regular drink.

In addition to the once a year tonic, these
compounds are mandatory for my isolation
ward. Whenever a plant mysteriously ails, or
whenever a new plant is received, a clean bill
of health must be issued before community
citizenship is resumed. My standard operating
procedure is to transplant the sick or new
violet to its own sterilized soil and pot, to
keep it isolated for three months, and then,
if no shock is apparent or recovery is obvious,
to V-C 13 and selenate it before it takes up
residence on the benches. I call this “Anti¬
epidemic Activity!”

Since I consider every “starter” a potential
show plant, I’ve been concerned with those
things which have worked best for me in
achieving results and winners here in the
high plains. These are only a few of the in¬
gredients that go into the complete process;
I have not touched upon many tangibles and
intangibles which influence or bear upon an
eventual show plant. But, for those details,
intentionally or unintentionally omitted,
which are much too comprehensive to cover
here, I again must remind you of the National
Magazine with its inclusive and ready refer¬
ences as well as countless suggestions, ex¬
changes of ideas, hints, and general coverage
of the field of African violets. Too, Ruth
Carey’s Handbook for Exhibitors and Judges
compiles all the points to be considered in any
show, and consequently offers valuable in¬
formation and guidance to a prospective com¬
petitor.

But there is one final ingredient which de¬
serves mentioning here, I believe — that of
the love of competition on the part of the
grower. Whether it is staged on Pike’s Peak
by one, active, mountain-climbing Violet Club,
or at the Cow Palace by the National Associa¬
tion, a Violet Show is still a display of our
delightful hobby. Each specimen is the end
result of months of worry, care, cbncern, and
represents a combination of procedures deter¬
mined by each hobbyist to be the best pos¬
sible method for achieving supreme plants.
When the last entry has been set up, and the
Judges are beginning their arduous task, then
it is time to sit back and relax — and may
the best violet win! If Mrs. Brownthumb’s
anaemic Droopy Doldrums winds up with
the queen of the show rosette, and your
fulgent, fantastic Flamboyant blazes along¬
side, bare of any Judges’ ribbons, don’t sur-
reptiously stab your opponent’s winner thirty
times with a mite-infected nailfile, but rather
resolve that next year you must strive to im¬
prove. Friendly, good-hearted competition is
the most important part of a successful show.

Perched in this mile-up aerie, I draw a
lungful of dehumidified, rarified Rocky
Mountain, Wild - Western, Buffalo - bearing
breezes to yahoo sincerely . . . Good Luck!

40

Safety First

Mrs. Harold A. Stein, Green Bay, Wisconsin
To Sterilize Soil

To insure your plants against disease, it is
wise to sterilize the soil; this is much simpler
than trying to cure sick plants.

My method is by oven baking. When bak¬
ing the soil, I take a large roaster pan and
line it with aluminum foil; measure out the
amount I wish to prepare; mix the loam and
parts of the soil mix that need sterilization
with water to moisten them thoroughly; then
place in the pan and bake at 200® for an
hour, stirring it occasionally. After baking, let
it stand for 8 to 10 days before using it; then
mix in the other ingredients and moisten it
so that it is. slightly damp.

My soil mixture consists of:

4 cups clay loam
4 cups peat moss (shredded)

2 cups Sponge-Rok
4 teaspoons whiting
2 tablespoons superphosphate
1 teaspoon bone meal

It is wise to keep any unused soil mixture
in plastic bags or covered containers so that
it is free from dust.

How To Spray

When spraying plants, set up a regular
schedule. Never spray a dusty plant. Plants
in rooms where the family live.s, and especial¬
ly in the winter months when the furnaces are
running, should be washed and sprayed once
a month. I start with washing the plants at
the kitchen sink. I use a rubber clothes sprink¬
ler (which may be purchased in all five and
ten cent stores), and lukewarm water, tipping
the plant sideways to shake off the excess
water. The kitchen table is covered with plenty
of newspapers to save a clean-up Job after¬
wards, and the plants are placed on the table
to drip dry.

After the plants are dry, I spray with NNOR
or Isotox, using a spray gun that I purchased
at a seed store. To mix the NNOR, I put V4
to 1/2 teaspoon of NNOR in one cup of hot
water and stir thoroughly, then add cold water
to this to make one quart, and stir again. The
spray should be lukewarm when it is used.

When spraying be sure to do the ynderside
of the leaves by putting the plants on higher
stands. The leaves should be wet if you have
sprayed properly. Let the plants stand on the
table until dry; then place them back on their
regular tables or stands.

Most sprays have directions on them. In
using spray bombs, be sure to follow the
directions on distance from the plant.

When you bring new plants in, whether it
be from a friend or grower, keep them away

AEROSOL SPRAYS — Carefully read every printed
word of directions and cautions on the can before
applying the spray to plants. Only those which the
label states is prepared for treating African violets
should be used. Sprays for household pests are not
safe for African, violets. Place plants in a suitable
location, for spraying. Avoid spraying furniture as
the finish may be damaged, asphalt tiles as they might
soften, or discolor, certain types of plastic articles
may be ruined if sprayed . , , cover such with
newspapers to protect them. Birds and fish bowls
should be removed to another room. If you have
other house plants (maidenhair fern, moss fern,
cyclamen, lantana) particularly recheck the cautions
and observe their warning. If it says not to spray
these plants — do not. Take them from the room.
Hold the container In an upright position (pointing
away from face) about 18 to 24 inches from the
plant. Spray with short 1 second puffs from all
sides so that loth top and bottom surfaces of leaves
and stems are lightly covered. Do not overwet or
spray will burn the foliage. Plants should not be
sprayed in the hot sun, or left in the sun after being
sprayed, or sprayed in a place where the temperature
Is excessively high, or sprayed when, the foliage is
wet. Repeat as directed.

LIQUID SPR.AYS — Set plant in proper place for
using a liquid spray. Check the label on the bottle
or can for the manufacturer’s written directions and
cautions before starting to mix the spray solution.
Do not mix stronger than, recommended. Be sure it is
completely dissolved. Use a fine mist sprayer and
hold it far enough away from the plant to allow the
spray to mist properly. With full pressure evenly
spread the spray over both upper and lower plant
surfaces and in the crown of the plant. Stop before
the plant is so dripping wet it is messy. Set aside to
drain and dry. Do not place back in a strong light
until the foliage is thoroughly dry ©r leaves will
spot. Keep from cMlling drafts. Repeat spray accord¬
ing t© printed directions.

from your own collection for a while. Spray
them for protection against diseases. Keep
other kinds of house plants away from African
violets.

Good luck and good growing to all begin¬
ners. Hope I have helped in some little way. •

41

“They keep them in basements under flu¬
orescent lights,” I say cosily to the girls as we
forgather for a quick morning coffee. “In
cellars under artificial light and heat that
means . . . new varieties come out each year
and there are over 8,000 of them.” Faces go
green with envy and misbelief. “They get
cyclamen blight and nematodes. . . .” At this
the coffee party begins to break up some want¬
ing to know what nematodes are and others
creeping off home, just to see. . . .

Five heady years of Saintpaulia culture in
Kenya taught me much but it was not until
my first AVS Magazine arrived that I rea¬
lized how MUCH more there was to know.
All those varieties, those potting mixtures,
fertilizers, fluorescent lights, all those ways
to propagate and, of course, NEMATODES.

We didn’t have fluorescent lights in Kenya
but then we didn’t have cyclamen mites or
nematodes either. We did have mealy bug
but that is a mere nothing. Our main difficul¬
ties arose from lack of humidity and sudden
violent drops in the temperature, but we were
compensated with I2V2 hours of bright clear
light every day all year around.

Suddenly with little warning my husband
was transferred some 1,500 miles and 2,000
feet lower to Blantyre, Nyasaland. I was on
holiday in Britain at the time my plants
left in the care of kind friends. Knowing what
it would mean to me to leave a place which
had been home to us for ten happy years this
understanding husband allowed me ten kilos
of excess air freight to accommodate plants
which would also include ornamentals, cacti
and garden cuttings. I came back to Kenya at
the end of a sizzling two-year draught, picked
up about fifty of my plants and a huge mound
of plantlets, leaves and garden cuttings flying
with them to land in Nyasaland’s cool rainy
season.

And that is where I began seriously to doubt
all this carry-on about love, affection and
special mixes being necessary. They’re having
you on girls! Make no mistake, these plants
are tough! Despite the change of climate and
altitude, the air travel, repotting, a draughty
hotel and two changes of house not a single
plant or leaf was lost, more, the plants, which
were just coming into bloom went right on
blooming, and now eleven months later are
still hard at it. The leaves produced thick
white roots in no time at all and enough plants
to supply the whole Protectorate. The garden
plants and ornamentals on the other hand
barely survived!

In July new stocks of leaves ordered from
George Wicks in Britain, 10,000 miles away
arrived beautifully packed and in perfect con¬
dition, five months later many of the tiny
plantlets were in bloom.

And how is it all done? Well, of course, we
are fortunate. Blantyre has a lovely climate
for Saintpaulias, the temperature seldom falls
below 50 degrees Fahrenheit or rises above
90 and the swing is less violent than in Kenya

where you could catch a chill merely moving
from sun to shade. There is a good clear light
for 12 hours at least in 24, and although the
sun does have a habit of sneaking round cor¬
ners unexpectedly, with plenty of help in the
house I am able to move the trays when it
becomes necessary.

I use small tins painted inside (very im¬
portant) and out in green water-proof paint.
Tins retain moisture, and, properly cut and
painted, have no sharp, rough edges. With the
frightful reproduction that has been going on
I have become quite an expert at culling neigh¬
bouring dustbins and rubbish dumps. The tins
stand in painted galvanized iron trays on road
metal over water.

The potting mixture is straight leaf mould.
The very best stuff, soft, rich and crumbly
being found just below the upper edges of the
rain forests on Africa’s higher mountains. I
scrabble round in the undergrowth looking
for the right consistency whilst my long-
suffering husband, who prefers his mountain¬
eering straight, stands ready with shotgun and
aerosol to protect me from big game, mo¬
squitoes and other hazards of the African
wulds. Things grow like rockets in the rich,
unsterile water-holding mould. Now and then
I root out the interesting plant life which
grows up alongside the Saintpaulia and it is
all very satisfactory. From careful observa¬
tion, and the Saintpaulia is a very popular
plant in Africa, I am convinced that they
flourish best in natural soils with natural fer¬
tilizers. Sterilization, whilst necessary where
blight is prevalent, does seem to disturb the
bacterial action of the soil. I use a weekly
dose of MAXICROP which is a seaweed ex¬
tract, unobtainable in Nyasaland, the company
very kindly flew me out a free emergency
packet until supplies were established in Rho¬
desia. Flowers literally double their size after
a dose, and after sad experiences with chemi¬
cal fertilizers it is a relief to find one which
does no harm with an overdose. Monthly egg¬
shell water has also proved beneficial. A daily
spraying gives good results.

Propagation is all too easy. I snap off young
adult leaves from my stock, or, on very rare
occasions am given a new one (how LUCKY
you are to have the chance of new stock at
club meetings) put them into tap water and,
as the fancy takes me any time after the roots
appear bed them into straight leaf mould.
This, gives me swifter results than either sand
or vermiculite did and causes less shock to
the small plants when divided up and re¬
planted.

Divided up and replanted? You must for¬
give me if I leave you now, there is just time
for a look through the dustbins and a quick
run up Ndirande Mountain for a bit of soil
and then I really must get busy. Delicate fra¬
gile little lovelies did you say? Don’t you
believe it and as for breeding — well rabbits
aren’t in it! •

42

Above, polishing leaves with a sponge rubber pad is
an easy way to keep foliage clean and shining. Below,
Mrs. Cram is shown giving her plants a spraying.
“Daily spraying gives good results,” she says. Right
top, Tanga Pink is getting eggshell water and a dilute
Maxicrop feeding. Below right, a little glimpse of a
tray or two of Mrs. Cram's husky well-groomed plants.

Out

of

Africa

Mrs. A, L. Cram
F. O. Box 64
Blantyre, Nyasaland

VcTTnicalite

iPtorit

cliYectj:^ \ i
middle \ / of

vemiculita I luh

placed la 'J™™sL/
of the soil mi.t in the pot

010 NiUSPAFCRi
mKl HANDt DfSPOSAL BA6

l%^l ^hims. In theup/o^rthe eHra ^omni
^oi hasin the J^motyon oj- f^oU <>5
frvf^ the j-horescerk. iuhej'^esps

^vyorm- Topped the. dd/co^ roots ^rom^
Pnaht IfQht, Oirqp Q lOotzrtor^ohler^^hi^-

Aon- ^serir/eoues //) ojaier fihrooqh holes ozi

"Bottom

Tainting Hus

77e o s/one or f&>oi in o short

ofropR ond threeri through thtf^

hoh Use sJfp Knot to ^apRocL Sm
^ih ^fSrs ’fjmcessorij. Natt to 1^-

staples come inhandAJor
making boQ^ out of aid Mta
papers fo hold discorded uji

QtDuj -fostet uoUh better roots

^ plosifc boskzt fvQy
odd interest to your
nj-rican Woht Co//ec//bn,

Fin the bostet ujlth
peaF moss and ^on<^e--

RoK- (dse attrocilue
pQn to hold moisturo.

B\ou> on. Grown of cocK plant
oficr Showering to remooe
excess Looter unich moy houe
been -tropiped or collected. Dry
ooernight in uoQTTn place, free of
drafts, before Yctormny to liyfit-
oT bathe at night Qnd_ place In '
lUJortn area until rnorninq.

Zoat Hangers mokA frame
io sgpf^rt plaUiC couer
mode jrom dry c/eonff paq
to encourage leaf cvHmgs
ond prouiae moisture do
bad// needed /n ear/y
"jfoyjuib^ 8e &m to iholte

holes ot topforOentHation

If iwu Toot leaoes

looter rnethod tohen
•fertilizing your

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rooting
cuttings
Add aor 3
tertiiizer
tothc
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in... they

by the
you arc
plants

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upater; §
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luiU

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5-4?;

hh

i

s

>laat
JdiYect]:^
middle
\/erTnkulitc!

placed! a
of the soil mlt

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in the
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u>hich is
the center
in the pot.

qodget Jxr ■ppfcac/t'n^
groiX^ino m'lX. in
^aaitotor shwly
the. sl/i
the

a I o/uuui uf/u wu Lv/K _ rr)00/'n(f

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///.

open Top

GroaJersivit^^^ryz^ ^jooce rnoCj uiihzethe
0/ fh&irJJooirescenttiXtOire-Ocx '^^'^3,
Icoj- i£off/^9s. In theu^/oferihe e^tra
^ou basin the J^rmot/on oj r^ots os the h(0^
■from the f-horescent tube ffeeps the
Loorm. To orotc^ the, de/icot/s root s ^

hnaht h'ght, a)rqp Q (Ootcr tormhler^^ ^fth tin \
Jo’ll, fnsert /eooes tb ojaier throogh holes otio\.\

Tainting

staples come m handy Jvr
nnofdng bogs out of ata A/etvs
papers 70 hold ctiscandea ujasie

^ ploztic bosket may
add interest to your
African Wo/et Co//eci/on.
flu the basket ojith

peof~ rnoss and 3pong<er
RoK Use otiracthe
pQo to hold rno/stura.

V

Blou) oa croion of cocK plant
I ofter Showerinq to remoue
• CKcess ujoter unich moy hauc
I been txopped or collected. Dry ,
oocT night in uoQTTn place, free, of •
drafts. DefoTc rctormnQ to light-i
|oT bothe oL night and place in ^
^jUJorm area until morninQ. ^

/%

mil

^pat fiongers rnokA frorrm
to support PloUic couer

^bd pro

^odi/ptedeef m qarh

9T0p)ib^ to moke

bo/es at top for OpnV lotion*

If you Toot leaoes by the
U)at€T method lohen T7 ^oa arc
•fertilizing yoor / / plants

Ti'

b

91UC your
rooting
cuttings
Add dor 3
lertiiizerl
to the
they QTc
in... they|
gtDu) -foster ujlln better roots.

otiny sip
drops of
solution

Juuotcr; o
rooting
luiil

Growing African Violets

Harold W. Baerveldt, Johannesburg, Republic of South Africa

Reprinted with permission of
South African Garden and Home

There are numerous books and consider¬
ably more articles in papers, radio, weekly
and monthly magazines, mostly by American
authors, on the cultivation and care of Afri¬
can violets, but as climatic conditions are very
different to those in the United States, Great
Britain and other parts of the world and even
in South Africa, it is obvious that some special
guidance on the culture in the home should
be available to the public if success is to be
achieved. There are, as far as we know to
date, 3600 different varieties which are hy¬
brids taken from the original seeds sent to
Germany in the 1890’s by Baron St. Paul-
Illaire, hence the name Saint Paulia; and only
since 1927, when from 10 plants retained from
a 1000 plants raised, hundreds of varieties
have been propagated.

Enthusiasm for African violets reached a
high level and then, as sO' often happens, its
popularity temporarily waned. In 1946 its
popularity revived and prospered immensely.
A band of violet enthusiasts had the vision
and courage and the determination to help
further the development and distribution of
violets. The result is that the African violet
— Saintpaulia — has come to stay.

The African violet is a good house plant
and has many appealing qualities which in¬
crease the longer we possess it. Attractive
both in foliage and flowers, easy to grow when
understood, yet sufficiently temperamental to
make its culture interesting. It responds to
thoughtful care and amply repays the atten¬
tions of an owner who studies its fundamental
needs as expressed in the four major require¬
ments, viz. LIGHT, TEMPERATURE, WA¬
TERING and FEEDING.

African violets readily show signs of neg¬

lect, such as direct strong sunshine, excess
or insufficient watering, cold draughts and
leaves which become choked with dust. It is
in your hands that success and failure are-
balanced, and it is with your eyes you must
measure the plant’s needs and treat them
accordingly.

It is strongly recommended that mature
plants be obtained for an initial start with
African violets. These are best purchased in
spring or summer when natural conditions
in the home are favorable to e-asy cultivation.
The plants should be placed near a window
which gets full light but not the direct rays
of strong sunshine. Early morning and even¬
ing sunshine will not harm the plants., in fact
it will be beneficial. It has been proved that
the light factor in regard to violets is of
supreme importance. You cannot have too
much light, but you can have too much sun¬
shine. The result of too much sunshine will
be burnt, scalded leaves and shrivelled plants.
Try sunshine on your bare body with tender
skin!

Temperature: The ideal temperature is in
the 60’s, but the plants will thrive in a tem¬
perature range of 50 to 70 degrees; if tem¬
perature is low keep your plants fairly dry.

Nearly always a plant that is in good con¬
dition and good to look at will be the one
to carry the most bloo-m, and that condition
is mostly arrived at through the provision of
the major factors in African violet perfection,
namely LIGHT, TEMPERATURE, WATER¬
ING and FEEDING.

Light provided by nature varies in inten¬
sity, bo-th from season to season, and geo¬
graphical situation. Do- not forget the natural
surroundings of African violets — semishade
with plenty of humidity. So a window e-mi-
nently suited in the winter months becomes
a miniature furnace for plants in summer.

Proper watering is essential and may be
the- key to successful culture. Ho-w often
African violets are watered depends on nat¬
ural temperature, room temperature, what
amount of humidity is provided, type of com¬
post (soil) the plants are growing in, the size
of the plant in relation to the pot. Quite a
lot of factors, but enjoy your violets every
day, water and groom them — always use
lukewarm water. NEVER WATER A MOIST
plant. If the plants are kept standing on a
gravel base, be sure the water therein, does
not reach the bottom of the plant pot. STAND
YOUR PLANT OVER WATER, but NOT IN
WATER.

Keep your plants growing by ^ a constant
watch on their requirements. Plants are like

46

human beings - — they vary in their daily
intake. No two plants, even of the same genus,
are identical. You are their nurse — don’t
feed beefsteaks if milk is their diet. Far
from helping you will soon have sickly plants
to nurse back to health. USE ONLY TEPID
WATER.

It is impossible to give a hard and fast rule
for watering as so much depends on weather,
room temperature, size of plant in comparison
with its container. A good rule is to look at
your plants daily and supply their needs ac¬
cordingly. Overwatering can be as fatal as
nonwatering. So keep the soil slightly moist
never soggy wet. It is better to err on the
dry side than too wet.

KEEP CLEAN — Yes, that is meant. The
leaves are a source of subsistence to the plant
which breathes through the pores, and with
leaves of the texture of African violets it is
essential that some pressure be put behind
the syringe to cleanse the pores of dirt and
dust. Syringe with TEPID water overhead
and it will not hurt the leaves or flowers,
but be sure to select a warm day (or room)
and let the plants dry slowly; do not try to
dry in strong sunshine.

Propagation

From Seed: Rarely adopted unless by hy¬
bridists for raising of new varieties, and in
places where plants or leaves are not readily
available.

From Leaves: It is by this method of propa¬
gation that all the finest named African vio¬
lets are increased and kept true to type.

Some authorities recommend cutting the
leaf stem very short, leaving about 1 V2 inches
attached to the leaf, as a short stem roots
quickly. However, short stems have disad¬
vantages, viz. if you start with a short stem
and it rots (which does happen) you have
nothing left with which to work, but if you
start with a fairly long stem and it begins to
rot, you can cut it off well above the rotten
spot and start all over again with the same
leaf. Also, if you use a good length of stem
you may be able to get one or more further
crops from the stem by cutting it off when
the first crop has grown large enough to live
without the parent leaf.

Split the stem about V2 inch at the end
and you will grow a bigger cluster of roots.
Let the cut dry for two or three or even
five hours before placing the leaf in water
or sand. Many successful growers of African
violets started out with a leaf in water. This
is a popular and easy way to begin. Use
amber or green glass bottles (used for aspirins
and vitamin tablets). These will stop algae
or green scum from forming. Do not forget
to use water which has been boiled and al¬
lowed to cool, or distilled water which has
been warmed. Pour enough water in the con¬
tainer to cover the stems for one inch only.
If you fill the bottles more then you will
encourage rot to set in. Stand the bottles in

a warm place away from draughts, in a good
light, but not in direct sunlight. Leaves may
be labelled by placing labels on the bottles,
and usually the name of the person or firm
from whom you received the leaves. Your
room temperature must range between 60
and 65 degrees, and after three to five weeks
roots will appear and then plantlets appear,
the length of time depending on the variety
and situation. When one inch high (yes, they
will grow that big in water), lower the water
level gradually to accustom the plantlets to
air, and subsequently pot off into 2V2 inch
pots. (Plantlets must not be divided at this
stage.) The best compost is John Innes No. 1,
with the addition of one- third leaf soil or
granulated peat. Plantlets must now be kept
at a steady temperature and when they are
2 to 21/2 inches high, remove the parent leaf,
and if more than one plantlet they should be
divided and planted singly into 2^/2 inch pots,
using the same soil mix as before.

I have found that in preparing pots good
drainage is required, so some wood charcoal
is placed on the drainage material, then some
leaf mould and then the potting soil. This
preparation has given very successful results.
Good healthy plants will start showing buds
about nine months after leaves have been
inserted. Do not worry unduly if it is more
than nine months as much depends on the
time of the year the leaves are inserted and
the efficiency of the facilities available.

Plants should not be repotted until after
two years in the 2V2 inch pot; then repot
into 3V2 or 4 inch pots. Repotted plants must
not be fed for at least two months after re¬
potting if you have used the soil recommended.

Single crown plants are always the best
bloomers . . . better than multiple crown
plants. The energy of the plant is concentrated
into one crown and the production of surplus
leaves is eliminated. All the energies are
centered on the one crown, giving it more
light and abundant energy and creating a
build-up of nourishment which will eventual¬
ly produce flowers that you wish for.

Remember a period of eight to ten weeks

47

is required and is necessary to build up this
reserve of plant food, etc. Do not expect
results tomorrow!

If you notice the formation of extra crowns
on your plant, remove these with a sharp
pointed stick or nail file. Later they may need
cutting out with a sharp knife. Don’t forget
that these will root the same as leaves. Try
it yourself.

Methods of Watering: There is always some
person who grows violets in pots constantly
standing in water from one to three inches
deep, has done so for years, has never lost a
plant, has the finest violets in town or the
neighbourhood, and wants to know how this
is accounted for. This is not accounted for.
Such procedure is completely contrary to all
the accepted rules for culture of the Saint-
paulia which is not an aquatic plant and
which will usually curl up and die.

Another person waters the plants once a
week on a certain day regardless of weather
conditions or the size of plant (no mention
is made of losing plants).

If you would like to try these methods you
might practice them first on some plants that
you consider expendable, and if they die you
won’t be discouraged.

The basic rules about watering (that grow¬
ers claim to violate so successfully) are very
simple and easy to follow. These are: Soak
the plants thoroughly with warm water, let
surplus drain off, and if any is left in the
pot saucers after an hour or so, pour it out.
Do not let the plants stand in it. Then do not
water again until the surface is dry to touch,
and I mean DRY. When I say Dry Surface, I
mean exactly Dry Surface. Never let your
plant get bone dry down to the bottom of
the pot. If you allow the soil in the pot to
dry out it shrinks away from the sides, then
there is danger that when you water from
above the water will run through so fast that
the soil in the middle around the roots re¬
mains dry. The time honoured method of
watering violets which is recommended to
the beginner is always water from the top.

If you are going away for any length of
time, try placing your violets on bricks which
are left in water, or on a stack of newspaper
which has been saturated, and your plants
will keep fresh for several weeks.

Remember, in their natural native habitat
the rainfall is 70 inches a year; and don’t
forget to wash your violets every two weeks
with warm water please; and spray with an
insecticide or add systemic insecticide to the
pot after watering. Remember that all water
you use must be chemically pure to be ideal
for African violets, then you will eliminate
lime substance adhering to your plants.

Fertilize once in 14 days during blooming,
using any liquid or organic fertilizer. Please
don’t give your violets a Turkish Bath; they
don’t like bathrooms with varying tempera¬
tures. •

Laugh and Let Laugh

Revis Abbott, Alamogordo, New Mexico

Indeed, yes, my violeting has been a much
greater satisfaction and joy than it was before
I belonged to the A.V.S. I have been reading
the Magazine now for two years and my
favorite issue, always, is the last one!

Naturally I enjoy all the more obvious
benefits of such a beautiful and instructive
hobbyist magazine. But I like it also because
it’s about PEOPLE as well as African violets.

You get to recognize the writing style of
some of your favorite, regular contributors.
I find the humor and nonsense entertaining.
In the stories by the amateurs there usually
is a “husband joke.”

Most of my violets are grown on a cart,
usually kept in the guest bedroom. This room
has a small, connecting bath. My own husband
(bless him!) is fond of telling our friends, “I
feel certain these are the only African violets
in the state of New Mexico which have their
own private bathroom!”

However, the funniest African violet joke
in my collection is not a husband joke. It
involves the attractive young wife of an Air
Force officer at nearby Hollomon Air Force
Base where recently I was talking to a garden
club. I guess it could be called a “wife joke.”

I had reached that portion of my story
where I said, “Propagation is usually by leaf
cutting and this is the way a mother leaf
looks with plantlets attached.” And I sent the
exhibit on its way around the group.

The young lady had been one of my most
attentive and interested listeners and was
sitting near me. When the exhibit reached her
she examined it closely and then said in a
heavy British accent, “Now this I don’t under^
stand! How does one determine which is the
mother leaf?” At my look of puzzlement she
began a determined effort to clarify her ques¬
tion. Indicating the plant I held in my hand
she designated one leaf after another. “How
can you tell if it is this leaf, or this, or that
. . . THE mother leaf?” Needless to say, this
brought the house down. After the merriment
had subsided I answered her this way:

“While there IS more than one candidate
for motherhood on a single plant we do have
to be discriminating. The outside row of ladies
are usually too old for childbearing. The
small, inside ones are too young. But the
middle row are just right ~ probably in their
early twenties!

“Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing
without trial which candidate will be happy
with motherhood. Like lady ladies, some vio-
let ladies produce abundantly and joyfully
while others seem intent upon more frivolous
pursuits!” •

48

My first adventure in African violets start¬
ed when a very dear friend gave me a
leaf of Blue Boy. I didn’t know anything about
raising violets except the few tips she gave
me on their care. I planted the little leaf in
garden soil and waited in anticipation as the
weeks went by; finally some little leaves
appeared, which thrilled me immensely. When
they were large enough to transplant, I divided
them into three small plants. At that time I
didn’t know anything about sterilizing soil,
but I tried to do everything she told me to
do. Alas, the nematodes which were in the
soil killed my little plants.

I was discouraged but I got another leaf
from this same dear friend and started all
over again. It seemed that no matter what I
did, I couldn’t get my African violets to bloom
for me. My husband told me that if I ever
got them to bloom, he would eat them. Well,
that presented me with a challenge and I was
determined to have blooming violets, or else!

I read all the literature I could find on
African violets, and sent a letter to the Re¬
search Department of the University of Illinois
asking for help. They sent me a letter all
about African violets and their care. They
suggested sterilizing the soil, and fertilizng
the violets to make them bloom. That ended
the nematodes, and also my violets started
blooming. I was so happy that I decided my
husband wouldn’t have to eat them, and I
started in earnest raising African violets.

My method is simple: first, I sterilize my
soil by placing it in a medium size dishpan
in a 180 degree oven for 30 minutes, stirring
once during this time. After taking the dish-
pan out of the oven, I let the soil cool suf¬
ficiently, stirring once or twice during the
cooling period. Then I take an ordinary clothes
sprinkler filled with warm water and sprin¬
kle, while stirring the soil, until it is the
consistency of garden soil and ready to plant.

The ingredients in my planting mixture are:
3 parts of the sterilized soil, 2 parts Michigan
peat moss and 1 part sand. I mix this al¬
together and fill a large pasteboard box and
keep it handy at all times; then, when I find

Mrs. G. L. Awick, Atlanta, Illinois

My Violets and I

Mrs. Awick is pictured with some of her violets.
Plants left to right: front row, Pink Cushion, Frivo-
letta, White Pride Supreme, Redderness, Pink Star.
Back row. My Sin, Bud’s Strike Me Pink, Pink Cushion,
Fischer’s Blue Fantasy, Fischer’s Raspberry Red,

an African violet needs transplanting, I al¬
ways have my soil ready.

I have always watered my violets from the
bottom with warm water, and when the top
of the soil becomes moist I throw out any
water that remains and don’t water again un¬
til the soil becomes crumbly to the touch of
my finger. I fertilize at the beginning and
middle of the month with Plant Marvel (from
the bottom), using V4 teaspoon of Plant Mar¬
vel to one quart of warm water. I use clay
pots and always turn my plants about one-
quarter turn every day. Faded blooms are
always picked so that the plants will not
have a ragged appearance.

In my kitchen I have a large picture win¬
dow over a double sink, which faces north.
It is filled with blooming plants. These plants
get humidity from the hot water faucet that
is constantly in use.

In my living room I have a large bay win¬
dow facing east, with a window seat the
entire length and this is filled with blooming
plants. I am always looking for new varie¬
ties, but due to a late allergy condition I have
been limited to a few choice plants.

I joined the African Violet Society of Am¬
erica in June of 1959 and I look forward to
each issue of their wonderful magazine. I
have received many hours of pleasure reading
about the experiences of others in raising Afri¬
can violets, as well as helpful hints on their
care.

To those who love flowers, I highly recom¬
mend African violets as a wonderful and re¬
freshing hobby. They are beautiful, as well
as an inspiration to those who work with
them and those who look upon their beauty.
One wins many friends through the exchang¬
ing of leaves for new varieties. Until you
have experienced starting a leaf and watch¬
ing it grow into a beautiful plant, you have
missed the fun of raising African violets. All
they need is a little patience, followed by a
few simple rules; and given lots of love and
tender care, they will repay you with their
beauty a hundredfold. •

49

Marie Norman, Shanghai, Virginia

WHAT a wonderful hobby violet growing
is for me. As I make the rounds each
morning and look at my blooming plants, the
lovely shades- of the blooms and the fresh
green foliage brighten even the darkest, dreary
day. Even on very busy days at our house, it
gives a little extra lift to stop and look at a
favorite plant such as Lilian Jarrett with her
lovely foliage, or perhaps Double Ruffled
Queen with her charming dark, velvety bloom.

I am Just an amateur grower, comparatively,
having grown my very first African violet in
1955. The first violet I ever purchased hap¬
pened to be a small Mulford’s Gardenia. It
was such a dear little plant, blooming while
it was so tiny, that I had to have a few more
. . . doesn't that sound familiar? I ordered
Helen Montgomery’s leaf list, on which’ she
had an invitation to join the African Violet
Society; in 1957 I joined and am so happy that
I did because were it not for the invaluable
information in the quarterly magazine, I am
afraid I would have became too discouraged
to continue to grow violets. Having no author¬
ity on African violets nearby, I have relied on
the African Violet Magazine for all my infor¬
mation, such as watering, light, soil mixtures,
and just everything. When my magazine ar¬
rives I always read it from cover to cover-
and then refer back to it later.

Now, come with me through my kitchen
door and let us stroll into the sunporch where
I do my violeting. It is here that I have most
of my blooming plants. They sit demurely in
rows on a cabinet top 18 inches wide by 17
feet long, with 4 large windows above the
cabinets, facing west. We have an awning at
these windows during the summer months,

but from September on, the plants enjoy the
full Virginia sun. Above the blooming plants,
about 24 inches from the ceiling, there is a
shelf approximately. 15 inches wide on which
there are about 300 small plants in aluminum
trays. The cabinet top, with the window sills
above it, accommodates 100 blooming plants,
all of which are sitting in individual pie pans
because I like to water each plant according
to its individual requirements. Most of the
time I water from the top with warm water,
but alternate occasionally with a bottom
watering.

Directly opposite the cabinets, which inci¬
dentally hide a multitude of supplies for grow¬
ing, is another shelf that is made of % inch
plywood over which there is hung a 48 inch
2-tube fluorescent commercial type fixture,
with about 50 small plants under the lights
which are one warm and one daylight. This
sunporch was built right from the ground up
by my husband who had no previous exper¬
ience in laying blocks, etc. It is always my
favorite spot in our home. My small portable
record player is here, and I may do my re¬
potting or soil mixing to the lilting strains of
The Blue Danube Waltz, or perhaps even the
Two O’clock Jump. We have 3 school age
sons, Mike, Tim and Donny; this is Mike’s
senior high school year. Each of their respec¬
tive teachers has at one time been the delight¬
ed recipient of a blooming African violet held
out by a smiling boy.

Because I love to propagate leaves, the end
result is a needed outlet for so many plants.
Our local drug store and hardware store own¬
ers have very kindly put my violets in their
stores on consignment. Perhaps this would
also be a satisfactory outlet for some other
grower who has surplus plants.

I was happy to attend my first African violet
show last year, through the kindness of Mr,
Merwyn Schultz, show chairman, who sent
me a localized map when I decided 'to drive to
Chevy Chase, Maryland, to .their show. A good
friend, Mrs. R. D. Stennett, accompanied me
and we had a grand time admiring the gor¬
geous plants. We visited Mrs. Polly Schmeltzer
and Mrs. Phyllis Hallman, purchasing some
small plants from them. About a month later
I noticed that the foliage on the plants from
Phyllis Hallman was very lush and, I thought,
superior. So, having corresponded with her, I
have now changed to the brown imported peat
moss which she uses and find that my plants
seem to grow faster. The name is Fafard Peat
Moss, put out by Shippegan and Inkerman,
New Brunswick, Canada. Here in the rich
Virginia countryside there is an abundance of
rotted leaf mold and rotted stumps from our
native oak, maple and gum. This leaf mold
and woods earth form the base of my potting
mix, which I like better than the commercial
mix.

My violets have sustained so many troubles
that I wonder what they would say if they

50

could talk. Such as the time, several years ago,
when I bought 6 small plants from a lady who
had 2 large African violet greenhouses and
sold out her remaining plants for half price;
she said she was going out of business because
the water disagreed with her plants. I had
bought lovely plants from her previously so
I trustingly placed them among mine. Before
long all of mine were drawn looking too, just
as the ones I bought from her, supposedly
from the water. Seemingly for ages, my violets
just sat there — not growing. Pouring over
my old issues of the African Violet Magazine,
I read about Kelthane for mites. Although
none of my plants ever got grey in the center,
mites was my conclusion. After using the Kel¬
thane, there was a very definite improvement,
but still not the normal fast growth for all
the plants. Then I tried Neil Miller’s V4 gram
sodium selenate capsules. I found that my
violets would not tolerate even his extra di¬
lute solution, possibly because of our hard
water, so on my remaining plants, which by
then were few, I tried using the extra dilute
solution at half strength. My plants became
healthy once again, and now I use this solution
regularly as a precaution against mites.

On several occasions the oil space heater,
which temperamentally heats the sunporch,
has blown out on cold windy nights, resulting
in the loss of some plants. Then there was the
time (April ’61) when we were having an un¬
seasonable cold wave, that I spent the night
with a sick friend in the hospital. When I
arrived home late in the evening of the fol¬
lowing day, it had suddenly gotten quite
warm, and in the midafternoon, with the sun
shining in the sunporch, my husband, intend-

View of African violets on cabinet top in the sunporch.

Here I am showing a plant to a friend who is on left.

ing to turn off the heat, accidentally turned

it on all the way and went out. Well, when I
arrived home the wall was hot to the touch;
I thought all the plants were dead. Everything
was on the top shelf but somehow, miraculous¬
ly, I lost none of the other plants. And so it
goes, the bitter with the sweet.

To me the Hand of God is very evident in
our beloved African violet with its lovely
grace of form and the prism like colors of the
blooms. What an inspiration it is to grow these
lovely plants! •

Different view, with me in foreground, with plants in
drugstore.

51

IT was while spending the winter of 1952-53
in Tucson, Arizona, with my husband and
two small sons that I first became interested
in African violets. We visited a flower show
on the University of Arizona campus, and I
was fascinated by the display put on by the
local African violet growers. Next came a
garden tour, on which the most interesting
stop (to me) was a visit to the home of one of
Tucson’s most enthusiastic collectors. Here I
saw a variety of plants almost unbelievable
to a newcomer, and I also saw my first African
Violet Magazine with a beautiful color illus-

about right, but in the summer we have to
run two dehydrators in the violet room and
even then it sometimes cannot keep ahead of
the dampness. Late last summer we had two
weeks of very hot, humid weather and the
plants showed the effects of this for quite a
period of time. Occasionally we have the be¬
ginnings of mildew but a few sprays of Mil-
dex twice a week clears it up; then I spray
once a week for a few weeks, just to make
sure.

We have Cleveland city water, but fortu¬
nately we are on the end of the line and I

Eight Rewarding Years

Seville Dautel, Gates Mills, Ohio

tration on the cover. I took down the address
and subscribed right away.

From that day on I was hopelessly bitten
by the bug, and the next day paid a visit to
a local florist and bought two plants, one of
which must have been a Blue Boy; the other
was pink and was probably Pink Beauty.
These two thrived for me for about two months
and then came the time to leave Arizona for
Ohio. I gave my two plants (still blooming)
to the lady whose house I had visited on the
tour; and we set off for home. On the way
we visited friends in Royal Oak, Michigan,
and, as the lady of the house was a violet
fancier, I left there loaded down with leaves.
We moved into our new home, and the leaves
were arranged on the kitchen window sill.
Every one of them rooted, so I ordered a Flora
Cart and kept my small collection in the laun¬
dry. After the leaves were divided, and I had
acquired more plants by mail, that cart was
full and something had to be done. Luckily
there was a nice 151/2 by 24 1/2 foot room
in the basement that was not being used for
anything, so I took possession of it before
anyone else could get any ideas about using
it. The walls are painted white, and there are
two windows in the room, so it is quite light
especially with the light from the carts re¬
flected off the walls.

Whenever the collection outgrew the num¬
ber of carts I had at the time, we would add
another one until the room wouldn’t hold any
more, so I had to stop. It now holds seven 3-
tray Flora-Carts and one 2~tray cart (to fit
under the cellar stairs). All trays are filled
with turkey gravel, but, as the basement tends
to be damp, I am trying a few fiber glass trays
without stones to see how they work out.

I like to use one cool white and one warm
white fluorescent tube over each tray. I have
one cart with provision for incandescent as
well as fluorescent light, so I use two cool
whites and two 15 watt bulbs over these trays.

As I mentioned before, my basement is damp
so during the winter the humidity stays just

don’t think the chlorine is very strong. It has
never seemed to bother the plants, so I water
with it fairly warm, right out of the tap.

During the hot weather I stop feeding but
start up again in the fall (when I can find
time to do it). I like Atlas Fish Emulsion and
also the seaweed fertilizer Maxicrop.

The temperature in my basement stays fair¬
ly even except when we have a prolonged hot
spell. During the winter, as long as the furnace
keeps working properly, I don’t have to think
about the temperature except on the cart near¬
est the incinerator door, which receives some
cold air if the chimney gets unusually cold.

As far as pest control goes, I believe pre¬
vention is far better than cure. I order only
fresh cut leaves so do not have to be concerned
about introducing unwelcome visitors in new
plants and leaf cuttings. Every time I buy
plants and go through the two months isola¬
tion siege I vow I will never do it again. It is
too much work and fussing, and I think you
end up with better plants if you raise them
yourself even though it does take longer. I
start my leaves in individual 2 1/2 inch pots
in a mixture of 1/2 vermiculite ,and 1/2 Na¬
ture’s Way organic mix. I tried this mixture
right after Mrs. Dannemiller’s first article
came out, and I wouldn’t use anything else.
I have tried other mixtures on a few plants
from time to time but with such poor results
that I got them back into Nature’s Way as
soon as possible. Within a few weeks after
being returned to the natural soil, they looked
100 per cent better.

Many growers around this area have shifted
to plastic pots, but I have no luck with them.
Perhaps I haven’t learned to water properly
in them, but it is so much harder for me to
tell when a plant needs water when it is in
plastic that I have given them up completely.
The color of a clay pot will tell you when the
plant needs a drink, and I think all living
plants should have an opportunity for their
roots to breathe.

I am on the generous side as far as watering

52

is concerned. I see more poor, dry, thirsty
looking plants in peoples’ homes and base¬
ments, and the owners wonder why the violets
are not doing well for them. I would rather
water before it is really necessary than to let
them go a day too long and become limp and
bedraggled looking.

It has been a busy nine years since I got
my first African violet, but the pleasures have
outweighed the problems. There was the time
I had my first encounter with mite in 1954;
the day I spent wading around the basement
in hip-boots fishing plants out of 19 inches of

dirty water caused by 5 inches of rain in 6
hours; the night several mice invaded the
basement, and what they didn’t walk on and
break, they nibbled. Then, I remember the
time I entered one of my own seedlings in my
very first show and wept buckets because I
got queen of the show with it. I have had a
queen or two since then and still cry over it,
but not quite as copiously as the first time.
This is a wonderful hobby of ours, filled with
wonderful people, and although I have been
on the verge of giving up more than once, I
am glad I never did. •

Some Practical Hints Mrs. D. D. Willison, Wiggins, Miss.

Here are a few hints that might save some¬
one a few pennies, as they do me; then
I use the pennies for a new plant.

My labels are cut from old plastic contain¬
ers such as waste baskets, laundry baskets
and lotion bottles; I cut off the tops of the
new plastic Purex bottles and have pretty
robin-egg-blue pots. The containers are in
various colors, also white; they are soft and
cut easily with a pair of scissors; a china pen¬
cil is used for writing.

Then, I save my jar lids and tuna tins, also
salmon cans that are the same height. I use
stix-adhesive shelf paper to make saucers for
pots and also use it to cover the large ham
cans that I set the small pots in when the
violets are first potted; my market man saves
them for me. This paper is plastic treated on
the outside, glue on the inside, and is covered
with wax paper that peels off when you want
to apply it to the can or lid. It can be bought
in many colors and patterns at the variety
stores, costs 49 per yard, and is 18 inches
wide.

My leaves are rooted in vermiculite, sand,
and well-rotted dogwood sawdust. I like the
sawdust best. I use shallow bowls and set
them in the north window, uncovered. Early
spring and early fall seem the best time for
me. The reason, I think, is that it is too hot
in the summer, usually in the high 80s and
90s, and winter is too changeable.

My potting soil is well-rotted compost made
of various green material such as weeds and
lawn clippings, cow pea vines, various kinds
of leaves, pine needles, etc., with a good sup¬
ply of cow manure and garden soil and some
Active and commercial fertilizer between each
layer of rough material. The fertilizer is the
same as we use on the garden, pecan trees
and field crops: 9-12-12. If my garden hasn’t
been limed recently, I add a little ground
limestone to the layers with the other ferti¬
lizer. Oyster shell for poultry is as good as
lime, but I don’t use both in the same heap.
It takes 3 to 6 months to compost. Then this

is sterilized at 200 degrees in a large covered
roaster pan for 2 hours, and is aired until the
bad odor is gone. When using it for potting, I
add a little charcoal in the bottom of the
plastic pots.

Recently I potted some violets in rotted dog¬
wood sawdust in containers without drainage,
just as an experiment. This material has little
food value, so I use a weak fertilizer once a
week when watering. The plants are very nice
looking, have green shiny leaves, and a good
many blossoms, especially for summer.

I do not have many blooms during the hot
weather as I do not have air conditioning or
lights and my windows are heavily shaded by
pecan trees until fall; but I have my share of
bloom the rest of the year. My plants are on
window sills, in both north and south expos¬
ures, in the same room. There is more bloom
in the summer and early fall in the north
window, and more in the south window in
winter and spring.

I use both rain water and well water, and
can see no difference.

Several radiated young plants that I am
growing should bloom this winter. I am hop¬
ing they will be different.

During the 15 years I have been growing
African violets I have not lost many. One rots
off now and then, but not very often. Got mites
once in an order from another state but sod¬
ium selenate killed them, and, as I had them
isolated, the mites did not spread.

I have several hundred plants and give
leaves to all who come and want them; and
in turn others give some to me. I have a sister-
in-law who is very generous and she too has
a sister who gives to her, so you see that it
is a friendly circle we have formed.

One friend used to tease me about being
crazy to bother with violets and one day said,
“A person does have to be crazy to raise
them, now don’t they?” And I answered, “No,
they don’t have to be, but it is a big help.”
Since then he just laughs when his wife and
I talk violets. •

53

,.V M

Mrs. Myrtle Sandner and photographer at SpidelFs

Frank Tinari with Tinari Greenhouses Exhibit

Above, Granger Gardens Exhibit, Mrs. Grace Eyerdom
Below, Mrs. Mary Meeds and her Commercial Exhibit

Above,

the Commercial Exhibit of Lyndon Lyon
Victor Constantino V is pictured with his table

Below,

Edilth ■ Peterson from Edena Gartens ExhJMf

Tlie Fiselief Gfeeniionses CommeTCial ExMBit

:Al>cive, Mrs. Millie Blair is pictured with her table
:B.etow» composition, “Family Album,” Mrs, Geo. Barta

Above, “Rhythm of the Sea,” Mrs, John Gutridge
Below, Comprlmise an Introduetton of Edena Gardens

iiiil

“Higli on a Hilltop/^ Miss Bteie EockenfieM

^•ramily Album/’ Mis. Mary Oerayi

Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. Martha Ziteman
Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. H. W. Fihke

Ilahhy ExWhkti Mrs. Thomas .Springer
Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. Claude ttreeiev

Hobby ExMbit, Mrs. Millie Blair

Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. Gladys Perkins

Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. Delia Symonds
Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. Delia Symonds

Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. Delia Symonds
Hobby Exhibit, Mrs. William Black

Edena Gardens Commercial Exhibit

Mrs. E. H. Thomas, Walnut Creek, California

In a conversation with the Editor at the
San Francisco Convention she asked me to
do a little write up for the Magazine about
our display which won for us the Commercial
Silver Trophy for the best Commercial Ex¬
hibit in the Show, The exhibit was pictured
on page 81 of the June 1962 Magazine. Before
describing it, I would like to say how very
delighted we were to receive this most coveted
Commercial Award given by the Society.

A delicate shade of heavy peach satin was
used as the skirt for our display table. The
top was covered with the same material.
Plants were set in graduated tiers of brass
holders which were attached to the table top.
The backdrop was covered with the peach-
colored satin also, and it was framed in a deli¬
cate gold moulding. The plants were held in
brass rings with the first letter of each plant
name spelling out in gold lettering — EDENA
GARDENS.

Blue Rosettes were also given to our dis¬
play for Horticultural Perfection and Best
Staged Exhibit. Zest of the West won the
Red Rosette and Painted Doll the White Rose¬
tte in Class 6.

The following plants, and their descriptions,
were blue ribbon winners in our display of
new seedlings:

Betty Lou— Light olive-green foliage, large double
white flowers.

Delectable—Smooth dark green semi-Supreme foliage,
very light blue flowers.

Fort Bragg- — Light green wavy quilted leaves, full
double lavender and white flowers.

Insolence— Olive-green foliage, red underneath. Rose-
colored flowers, faintly mottled with a lighter shade,
and with an almost white eye.

Painted Doll — Dark green wavy leaves, red under¬
neath. Single white flowers with red-lavender mark¬
ings. Margin of petals wavy and ruffled.

Pink Goddess — Ruffled dark green leaves, red under¬
neath. Pink to rose single flowers. Margins finely
ruffled.

Spatter — Dark wavy leaves, red-backs rayed light
red-lavender single.

Torch Song — Dark green foliage. Semidouble rose-pink
flower.

Yerba Buena — Dark green quilted leaves. Dark red-
lavender single flowers.

California Queen — Plain olive-green foliage. Very large
medium blue flowers.

Edith Peterson — Light green wavy leaves with very
ruffled margins. Semidouble white flowers with light
lavender markings.

Hypnotique — Dark olive-green wavy leaves. Fringed
red-lavender double.

Junipera Serra — Olive-green foliage, dark plum-red
single flowers.

Pink Galaxy — Dark olive ruffled leaves, red under¬
neath. Full double pink with margins of petals green.
Splash — Olive-green quilted leaves. Semidouble pink
flowers, splashed with white markings.

Temple Bells — Ruffled lavender double flowers. Stan¬
dard foliage.

Westward Ho — Olive-green quilted leaves. Very large,
semidouble rich purple flowers.

Zest Of The West — Olive-green wavy foliage. Single

ruffled purple flowers. •

Violet Experiences In Hawaii

Mary K. Paul, Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii

I acquired my first African violet from a
minister who was leaving the islands. One of
these was an Iowa, which is now my most
beautiful plant. However, on the new growth
the leaves are flat and without the curly edges.

Two years ago when I first started I used
the Black Magic Mix, three different fertili¬
zers, alternating applications. I use rain water
which I . get at a friend’s home . . . not that
we don’t get enough rain but they have a rain
barrel which is always overflowing. I put a
very small amount of fertilizer in each gallon
of water and use this at room temperature as
it is needed. The plants get some sun from
the east and south, filtered through Venetian
blinds. Our humidity is high so there is no
problem there.

I gave leaves to a friend, and after rooting
them in water she planted them in ordinary
soil mixed with a little sand. After seeing the
success she had, I am now using soil from her
area and mix it with sand. The soil is steri¬
lized in the oven at approximately 400°; I
soak the sand in clear water for several days
to remove the salt.

My leaves are rooted in vermiculite and
left there until they are good sized plants,
then they are put in plastic pots. Like most
growers, I hate to throw away a leaf.

I live in one large room in a nurses’ home
and my space is limited but I do have a large
table on the lanai which is crowded with
plants at all stages of growth. Of course I
have my failures which is a good thing, other¬
wise I would have to move and find an extra
room just for violets.

I have tried to raise plants from seeds and
have sent away for plants. The latter were
packed beautifully but the distance was too
great for they were well broken up and didn’t
survive. The seeds were a disappointment also
for out of 600 seeds only 9 tiny plants came
up . . . and the seeds were planted according
to instructions. Next I will send for some
leaves and see what happens. I love caring for
them so don’t give up easily. My plants are
grown strictly for my own pleasure and that
of my friends. •

60

How I Grow My African Violets In Africa

Maureen Maxwell-Dove, Dar es Salaam, Tanganyika

CONTRARY to popular belief, the cultiva¬
tion of Saintpaulias in their native land
is not so simple as it sounds, particularly in
my part of East Africa. This is mainly due
to the fact that the atmospheric humidity is
as high as 99% for most of the year. During
the “cool” season (June to September) the
humidity drops to a mere 85%.

As all enthusiasts are aware, Saintpaulias
flourish on plenty of air and light but do not
take kindly to winds and scorching sun.

During previous hot seasons I lost many
plants through not being able to provide the
right conditions. I tried them in the house to
keep them out of the monsoon but found that
there was not enough light and the humidity
was consistently too high. Something had to
be done and quickly!

I planned a mkuti banda. Mkuti is made
with the partially dry leaves of the coconut

fnirance - _

Frctil windbreoK , ,

wotb mo\/e inward and outujara

tree. With the aid of two employees we made
a framework of poles, the stouter ones for
the outside and as roof supports, and the
thinner ones for the actual roof to which were
tied pieces of mkuti. The side walls were
made of a different kind of mkuti, each piece
standing about five feet high, these were made
secure with the aid of thinner poles, and cord
made from coir. This is the name given to
the fibre around the actual coconut after it
has been removed. The banda is built facing
due east; it is about 12 feet square, its highest
point is about 9 feet from the ground sloping
to about 5 feet 6 inches. I extended each of
the side walls forward and inward thus block¬
ing the side effects of the monsoon but not
blocking the light. I filled the gable with
strong transparent plastic, this also allows
plenty of light without direct sun. If I had

brought the mkuti up to the top point of the
roof the whole place would have been too
dark, as it is there is always plenty of light
and air without any excess of either. My plants
are very happy in this shelter.

The next problem was soil. The whole town
is built on a coral foundation and sand. This
sand is surprisingly fertile considering that
most of the bacteria is eaten up by ants, and
it does not contain leaf mould or compost as
you know it. For my plants I use the sand
found under the large mango trees; this is
the richest to be found owing to the heavy
fall of leaves which forms a good ground
covering, and also the fact that cattle rest
and shelter for long periods from the sun,
and by nature, fertilize the sand. It is essen¬
tial that this sand be sterilized as eel worms
abound in it. The only supply of pot plant
food is in powder form, blood and bone meal,
nitrate sodium and superphosphate, only ob¬
tainable separately.

Some growers add imported red earth to
the potting mixture of sand, and a very un¬
finished form of leaf mould, I, personally, find
this red earth quite superfluous as it has no
nutritive value and is inclined to hold the
water which, in this climate, can be dangerous
as it soon becomes sour. Pots are a trouble
now — owing to the decline of the European
population, the potters are only making for
African use and the odd large pot for the
garden, but nothing suitable for violets.

I have a goodly number of seedlings due to
flower. The seeds came from the United States
through the kindness and co-operation of our
Editor. I am terribly curious to see what the
flowers will be like as they come from won¬
derful crosses. Some of the plants which do
very well here for me are Sailor’s Delight,
White Madonna, Pink Cloud, White Prince,
and Pink Beauty. I have many others besides
these including many shades of single blue
which also do very well and last, but not
least, comes Double Blue Boy alias Double
Duchess. Correctly named varieties are rather
difficult to come by here as we do not have
very reliable sources of supply.

I solve the water problem with the aid of
a 44 gallon drum which stands under the
eaves of the house. As we don’t have a red
roof the water is quite pure but the drum is
covered with gauze to prevent the breeding
of mosquitos.

Like most of the non-native population, we
shall be returning to our homeland in the
near future. This means a new life and dif¬
ferent conditions, but my plans include Saint¬
paulias. It just means waiting till we are set¬
tled, then off I will go collecting again. •

61

A Home for Elderly Violets?

Mamie Lee Solomon, Waycross, Georgia

Building a Home for Aged Violets would
be a benevolent and interesting project.
Plants that have been ill-treated for years and
still have hung on for dear life, deserve a
place where they can live in peace, indulge
their whims and bloom or not at will.

We have such a plant: a beautiful double
pink that a friend gave us four years ago.
At once I turned the care of it over to my
husband, an excellent gardener. But evidently
he was baffled by violets, for this one was
overwatered, underfed, exposed to drafts, set
in hot sun, shut out on cold nights, and be¬
rated for not blooming. Each time it seemed
ready to die he applied one of his drastic
remedies and shocked it back to life. Finally,
because of its persistent bravery, I decided
to try to do something for it. That was almost
2 years ago. Now, on its second legs, it is the
parent of several healthy offspring.

The change came about when I took it from
its original pot, pulled off all the roots, then
set the stalk and good leaves in bowls of
water. Soon they were all rooted, and a few

weeks later were put in new little pots. I
was positively heady with success. But, not
daring to trust my beginner’s luck, I bought
every available book on the culture of violets.
Also, I joined the African Violet Society of
America.

Experience has taught me two lessons. First,
that I cannot water my plants as often in
summer as I do in winter. We have a*ir condi¬
tioning, therefore the soil does not dry out
quickly. But it does dry out in winter when
the heat is on. My second lesson had to do
with stem rot. For a while last summer I
thought I might lose every plant from this
malady. Then I remembered to use powdered
sulphur and that pulled the violets through.
I had brought on the attack by heaping fresh
soil too high around all of the plants. I kept
them wet and soon the stems were coming
off. My five year old granddaughter, Jan,
solemnly helped me remove the newly added
soil and dust the stalks with sulphur. When,
in a few days, we knew they were going to
live, she was as joyful as I was.

My plant of the Go Men Age
staunchly defied all calamities of
the summer, that is, at least it man¬
aged to live. Now, even with its
sparse foliage it sits regally on its
pedestal of honor, not the least em¬
barrassed that it has nary a bloom.
However, this elderly violet and I
have gained new prominence in
the family and among my friends.
It touches me to see how impressed
they are by the fact that now I can
GROW THINGS!

My daughters seem especially
pleased that I can discuss potting
soils, plant foods and sprays with
my garden club friends, and my
flower-judge sister-in-law. If my
golf and bridge games have suf¬
fered, it doesn’t matter. There is
great satisfaction in working with
these gorgeously beautiful little
plants, and in watching them re¬
spond to methods of culture worked
out by man to help Nature with
her tasks. Besides, it surely brings
one closer to the Great Creator
Himself. •

Jan helped with the violets , . . ,

62

african

uhlet

arrangement

workshop

Conducted by Mrs. Warren
Deverel, Berkeley, Califor¬
nia. This program featured
the accompanying beauti¬
ful arrangements with Afri¬
can violets.

Ml

Velma Schuldt, Fulton, South Dakota

Violet Growing -- Rewarding

I just must have one of those,” I said when
I first saw an African violet over 20 years
ago at an elder lady’s home in our wee town.
She told me that it came from Iowa ... I
just stood and looked at it ... it was large,
a many crowned plant with single blue
flowers. I had always loved the outdoor violet,
but this African violet was a beauty. Never
did I dream that it gets in your blood and
you must have more and more until there is
no room in the home for one’s self.

My sister and I always brought home plants,
no matter where we went, so my mother had
house plants. Shortly after I was married I
acquired several house plants and one African
violet but I have forgotten from where it came.
The first violets I can remember having were
eleven leaves that were sent to me from
Pennsylvania . . . they all grew into plants
but one . . . the leaf broke and did not root.
One plant died from too much water: I used
dirt to plant it in and that meant water it
every day and as a result crown rot set in.
The violets were doing fine until one cold
windy fall day when I lost all but one plant.
It was a 40 degree day and the wind just
went right through the house; I could tell
that night that the violets did not look right.
Each day I watched them die. We are farmers
and many of my hours are spent outside work¬
ing at this or that and helping when needed.
If I had been in the house I would have no¬
ticed what was going on. I began to exchange
flowers with other flower friends and each
year more violets came my way: first leaves
and then little plantlets. I read more and more
about violets and had many letters about
them. I changed the soil to part dirt, fine
gravel from our farm, and old rotted manure
as I had learned that all dirt was too much.

Once more a strong west wind came, and
as we were away all of my plants froze. I
was just sick but there were more to be
had so I started over again. It wasn’t long
before plants of all types were once again on
the window sills. That was not a good place
for the violets so a bench was brought into
the living room and placed in front of the 2
south windows; this soon became 2 benches;
then a shelf was fastened on the south win¬
dows.

A friend in Kansas sent me her copy of the
African Violet Magazine, and then I subscribed
to it. I read and reread each issue, which I
still do, and then pass them on to others to
enjoy. I ordered leaves from here and there.
The benches became a cart on wheels. Now,
I had more room and I could move the cart
to water, clean and turn the plants. An auc¬

tion sale brought some stands which were just
the thing, and it was wonderful to have lots
more room. I painted them as well as another
larger stand that was given to me. It was the
same old story: more room, then more violets.
There is just one more change that I can make
and that is as far as I can go: a two-tier stand
or cart on wheels for the west window in the
bedroom. This will allow me to wheel it out
on real cold windy nights. Our house is an
old one but I would not change my windows
if I could. I have lost no more from freezing,
but many a night plants were carried to a
safer spot, then placed back in the morning.
Not a word is said by my husband about such
extra work, but oh the compliments told to
visitors, who come to Oh and Ah, when I
couldn’t be in the room with them. He can do
better than I in explaining about this and
that.

The violets are on stands in the east, south
and west, with a few in the north windows.
Summer time is the hardest on them. I put
burlap to the west and south windows when
the sun becomes too strong and then remove
it as soon as I can; the burlap filters in plenty
of light. In the summer and in the coldest part
of the winter, they rest. In the spring, and fall
they are in their glory. I try to keep one-crown
plants; maybe they are not show plants to
anyone else but to me each one is a queen and
is pruned and cared for the best I know how
to do. I have 130 in every stage of growth.
Each is in a white painted can: the babies in
small cans and the big ones in the one pound
coffee cans so that all are alike. There are
no holes in the bottom; I put one inch of
gravel in the bottom, then fill the can with
Black Magic mix. When I make the hole in
which to set the plant, I put in 2 teaspoons
of crushed egg shell, then the plant, and
firm the mix over the roots. I water with
warmed soft water from a cistern. I feed
once a month except June, July, August and
possibly September if that month is very
warm; I use Hyponex. I use my husband’s
shaving brush to clean the leaves and it works
very well. One time I was in a real hurry so
I used a vacuum on the leaves. I was afraid
to look the next morning, but not a leaf was
harmed; it was a big job that was done quick¬
ly. I place small jars of water among the
plants, both on the carts and on the shelves
for additional humidity.

Oh yes, I was “given” the mealy bug . . .
I picked them off with a toothpick that had
cotton on the tip and was dipped in alcohol.
I have used rotenone powder and Acme Gar¬
den Guard where I thought I needed them.

66

In addition to a
nice collection of African
violets Mrs. Schuldt has a
number of interesting
house plants growing
among her violets.

They seem to help and are quick to use. In¬
formation from here and there . . . talk from
this one . . . written words and so on . . .
I have been well rewarded, and, yes, I have
picked out more varieties to add. Where oh
where to put them?

All my extra babies have been given new
homes so I have added violet lovers to the
kingdom of the violet world. I have sent leaves
to many places. This year I am sharing my
lovelies with shut-ins. I take one each time
I go to see my invalid aunt and then bring
it home the next time I go, taking another to
leave. They surely do enjoy that. They asked
me to leave White Madonna a little longer.
The violets are resting now, so I have taken
gloxinias and other plants. Their smiles and
Oh’s are reward enough . . . and to share
makes everyone happy. My twelve-year-old
nephew thinks that if auntie can raise violets
he can too, so he saved some leaves one day
when I was cleaning and put them in water

to root; he left them here while on vacation.
He has a ledge in his room where they will
do fine, he thinks; and, bless him, I will see
what he can do. Next time he comes he can
takes his leaves home and a little plant or
two - — and we will see what happens.

Green thumb? Magic? That is what I hear
my friends and neighbors say. I can see no
green thumb: it is more likely to be dirt
from the garden; or maybe grease from help¬
ing the Boss; or maybe feed and water from
wee poultry care; maybe glue and feathers
from pheasant feather hat-making; or yarn
embroidery thread from other things I like
to do. No magic, I just love to work with and
share in some way my pretty violets. Begonias,
gloxinias, cactus, and other plants are sitting
on the sills for no place is spared.

What m.ore enjoyment can one have than to
see, care for and share these beautiful plants
—■our African violets? •

67

Many of us, I expect, consider the African
violet as solely a house plant, to be
grown on our window sill or in our plant
trays, for our own pleasure and nothing more.
However, I think there are a number of little
ways in which this small plant can become a
thing of greater stature and sometimes prove
to be a truly useful asset indeed. Of course,
we all probably use a particularly beautiful
specimen or two on many occasions as a focal
point in home decoration, in centerpiece ar¬
rangements for the dining table, or as an ar¬
rangement in our living room to show off the
most beautiful plants of the moment. Now,
let us consider some other ways to derive
pleasure from an African violet . . . not only
for ourselves, but for others as well.

There occasionally comes a time when some
unexpected occasion arrives and we may think
to ourselves, “I wish I had a corsage to wear,”
but it may be inconvenient or out of the
question to go to the expense of a corsage from
the florists. So let’s look at these beautiful
flowers growing right here in our own home.
You are undoubtedly well enough acquainted
with your individual plants to know which
ones have strong stems and long lasting, crisp
looking blossoms that do not fall off at the
drop of a hat. These do not have to be double
blooms, as many single blooms are also long
lasting. In fact, of the two plants with which
I worked to prepare the basis of this article,
the single blooms of Sparkling Water stood
up longer than the double blooms of Irresis¬
tible, which I had to use because it was the
only one I wanted to take blooms from at this
particular time. (I have a very small number
of plants compared to most African violet
fans with whom I have come in contact and
many of these I have recently cut back and
put into water and vermiculite for rerooting,
as I do not have the window space for many
large plants and do not have time nor space
to go into fluorescent lights.)

After selecting your plant, take three leaves
if it is a plant with smallish tailored foliage,
or one if very large such as the curly-leaved
varieties, make a clean cut on the end of the
stems with a razor blade so that they will not
be bruised. After washing with tepid water
to remove any dust, place them in a glass of
tepid water. Now select your blossoms, as
many as needed to make a loose cluster 2^/2
or 3 inches in diameter, remove each cluster
with a razor blade or other equally sharp in¬
strument (not scissors which squeeze and
bruise the stem) and place them in tepid water
while gathering up the rest of the materials
you will need to finish the corsage. They will
absorb all the water they are going to absorb
in 20 or 30 minutes.

To finish your corsage you will need a little
cotton, a small piece of Saran Wrap about 21/2
inches square, some floral tape, ribbon, pos¬
sibly some fine wire to fasten the bow to the
corsage, and a corsage pin. There are avail¬
able small glass vials with a special rubber
stopper for making up corsages with the stem
in water, but they are rather awkward to use
and the corsage must be worn with the stems
down. I found that my flowers and leaves,
which were allowed to absorb all the water
they would and were then wrapped tightly
in the Saran Wrap with a small piece of wet
cotton over the cut ends of the stems, lasted
for about 24 hours at room temperature after
being made up into the corsages. Any of these
things which you do not have in your house¬
hold cabinets may be obtained at your local
florist’s or sometimes prettier ribbon may be
found at a gift shop. I usually have floral
tape, ribbon and wire in the house which I
order through the mail from Lee Wards of
Chicago.

68

Begin this way

To shape the corsage first arrange your
three leaves so that the two outside leaves are
cupped slightly upwards, and bind them to¬
gether with a short piece of the floral tape to
hold them in the position which you find most
attractive to your eye.

Next, handling with care, take your blos¬
soms and arrange them in a pretty cluster,
with the longer stems on the bottom cluster
and shorter stemmed clusters on top. If you
have four clusters they would be arranged in
this order:

Don’t place the blooms too close together

Shirley Halwig, Greene, New York

Then you secure these stems to the stems of
the leaves with a couple of turns of the floral
tape. If individual blossoms need rearranging,
lift them gently with a toothpick so that you
do not bruise the petals. Do not crowd these
delicate blossoms together too tightly or their
petals will be crushed and their individual
beauty will be lost. Place the wet cotton at
the ends of the stem and wrap snugly with the
Saran Wrap. Wind the floral tape over the
ends and spiral it upwards to the base of the
leaves. Leave about 2 inches of tape to wind
back over the wire with which you attach
your bow.

Add the how

Now you are ready for the finishing touch,
a pretty bow of your choice in ribbon. It may
be of either contrasting or complimentary col¬
or or one of the lovely, lacey ribbons with
metallic threads woven into them. Of course,
both the color of your blooms and ribbon
should be harmonious with the background on
which they will be worn. Eight loops of ribbon
wired or tied in the center would be an
average number for an adequate bow, but
your own taste must be the final judge.

Such corsages make pretty favors for a
small dinner party and boutonnieres may
also be made with one leaf and fewer blos¬
soms. So much for corsages . . . your own
imagination will carry you on from here.
Just one more thought . . . not only are
these corsages pretty to wear, but they may
also be used to make a very attractive deco¬
ration on gift packages for showers, especially
for a bridal shower, or to dress up that little
gift you may be taking to your next hostess. •

69

WHEN a mature woman goes on an African
violet binge that lasts for over 13 years,
it’s bound to effect her family. As long as I
kept my plants under fluorescent lights in
the basement, they tolerated my condition and
publicly ignored my addiction. But when I
began to display my collection on glass shelves
in our well-lighted vestibule, they were forced
to explain me and my unfortunate malady to
their friends.

Ruth, our teenager, welcomed each new date
with the same line: “Excuse our earthy vesti¬
bule. African violets are Mom’s shot in the
arm.” Our young son, Paul, warned each
friend he brought home: “The vestibule is out
of bounds. That’s where Mom keeps her kicks.”
Even my husband added his bit: “My wife
was close to a nervous breakdown. The doctor
suggested she try a hobby. She started fooling
with African violets and went completely
nuts!”

But the valuable therapy found from work¬
ing with A.V.’s deserves far more than mere
whimsical banter. Sour dispositions disappear
when mixed with the purifying effects of
charcoal bits . . . and flaming tempers become
only vague vapors when exposed to the warm
moist air surrounding Saintpaulias. Such grati¬
fying influences required that I rename our
flower-filled vestibule. It became my steam
room.

Yes, there are many personal benefits found
while raising African violets. For instance, a
distressed baby sitter and two contrite chil¬
dren saw me acquire self-control in thirty
seconds flat. It was attained the night my
husband and I returned home to find a for¬
bidden basketball game in the living room
had ended with a score of one: one dishpan
size Blue Warrior completely destroyed.

I doubt if I’ll ever know if self-restraint
was due to a current shortage of baby sitters
or the fact that another Blue Warrior was
outgrowing its vestibule shelf.

It was hard to find anything of benefit, the
time an ice storm struck our area. It snapped
electric poles and wires, leaving our rural
home without heat and lights for five days.
Over 450 African violet plants huddled to¬
gether under unlighted fluorescent bulbs in
our 40 degree basement. While in the next
room, the electrically operated oil furnace
creaked and moaned from the cold. Then the
temperature outside dipped to 8 degrees below
zero.

The next morning, wrapped in head scarves
and heavy coats, my family and I stood gaz¬
ing at blackened leaves and decaying plants.
“Even Pollyanna couldn’t find anything good
about this mess,” I said and seeing my family’s
helpless sympathy only increased my frustra¬
tion. So I dashed up the basement steps, out
the back door and slipping into my overshoes
on the back porch, I headed for our snow
covered timber.

It took lots of tramping and a long time

Louise Heiserman, Leon, Kansas

before I was calm enough to return to the
house. The family met me at the door. They
forced me down the basement steps. The Afri¬
can violet room was immaculately clean. There
was not a black leaf or sick plant to be seen.
About 100 plants still waited under unlighted
bulbs, but heated bricks placed under their
shelves were sending up needed warmth.

Ruthie’s brown eyes searched my face to
see if I was pleased with their efforts. She
said, “Look at all the room you have now for
new plants.” Paul’s cheeks dimpled with sup¬
pressed mischief as he hastened to add, “And
you did save on the electric bill — those five
days.”

Only the husky depth of my husband’s voice
betrayed his concern as he asked, “Do you
suppose Pollyanna would know about that
new thing called, family togetherness?”

Three years ago, during the holiday season,
our two youngsters, instilled with the desire
to put Christ back in Christmas, found another
use for my African violets. A family project
was created from an abundant supply of
plants. They compiled a list of the aged in our
community and helped decorate a blooming
plant for each name on the list. They worked
diligently to complete our enterprise, although
they still reserved the right to tease about my
Saintpaulia mania. On Christmas morning,
they delivered their gifts and enjoyed visiting
with their elders.

Last j^ear, a home for the aged in a nearby
town received a plant for each of its 76 mem¬
bers. These were given anonymously, for Ruth
and Paul found this procedure increased their
pleasure in the project. The violets thought
so too, for they were never prettier.

Did you know that probably as many friend¬
ships have been made over the tops of African
violets, as over cups of coffee or tea? I started
just such a friendship that way. I used a mini¬
ature White Princess and decorated it with
additional greenback foliage. No, I wasn’t try¬
ing to buy my new neighbor’s friendship! The
extra foliage paid for her broken window and
she was so pleased with the Princess. I think
that’s why she returned my son’s baseball.
Then, she started stopping in for advice about
her plant and she admired my plants and I
gave her some leaves and . . . well, that’s the
way to make friends, if your supply of violets
holds out.

Friendships have been dissolved over vio¬
lets, too. Each grower is as individual in his
technique of raising Saintpaulias as he is in
selecting a mate. The percent of successes is
probably about the same. So if you are just
starting to grow violets — - or train a mate ■—
consult an expert. Seriously, I believe almost
any commercial grower listed in The African
Violet Magazine offers free instructions with

70

I

each purchase. Follow their methods until you
have some expendable plants. Then you might
try some of the coffee grounds or dried blood
ideas offered by an enthused friend, whose
Aunt Kate swears by the method.

With all our gift plants, we tape a few typed
suggestions. “Treat this violet as you would
a baby. Both need lots of light, but too much
sun will burn their tender skin. If you want
them to be healthy, don’t overwater or over¬
feed. Don’t let their bottoms stay wet too long.
And don’t give them too much attention, if you
do they may become rotten inside.”

We moved into our small town, about a
year ago, and from a rambling farm house to
a new compact type home. Before the first
piece of furniture was prepared for packing I
began giving away violets with an abandon
that frightened my family and friends. My
family thought I had taken the pledge; my
friends were sure I had numbered my days.
But they were wrong. Any A.V. addict has
something tucked away for any emergency.
My “something” was cash from plants sold
to flower shops at Christmas time and for
Mother’s Day.

The east wall of our new small breakfast
room was to be all glass: half stationary and
half a glass sliding door. I purchased a Space
Saver Plant Stand that fits nicely in front of
the fixed glass area.

Miniature violets were the next objective.
And before we were moved and settled, tiny
blooming plants were beginning to fill the two
foot square racks. Since mature plants were
less than six inches across, there was room
on the four shelves for many cute varieties.
Blooms were as varied and beautiful as could
be desired. They made ideal gifts — easy to
carry and small enough to gift wrap. I began
purchasing odd cups and saucers, for they
made attractive and very acceptable gifts when
topped by a pretty violet. Of course I couldn’t
resist accumulating cups and filling them with
miniatures; I have over 100 in my collection,
now.

After 13 years I’m back where I started —
I need more space. I’m still a problem to my
family too, although they insist they’ve given
up trying to cure me. Yet they still heckle me.
T believe they hope to find and touch that
vulnerable nerve that will make me cure my¬
self.

A few weeks ago, I believe my son almost
found that perve. He is a teenager now and
still possesses his innate sense of humor. A
fact I momentarily forgot, when he answered
the ring of the doorbell for me. When I heard
our pastor’s voice, I put down my watering can
and started for the living room. Then I heard
my son say, “No, she isn’t busy, but I don’t
know if she’ll want to see you. She’s in ‘her
cups’ again.”

Does anyone know of an A.V.’s Anonymous
Organization? I think I’m about ready to
join. •

Paul Arnold, Binghamton, N. Y.

Gesneriads

COMPANION PLANTS

for African Violets

C^COLUMNEA ILLEPIDA. Columneas are

comfortable plants for the home of a forget¬
ful grower who fails to water them regularly.
This neglect doesn’t seem to matter with most
of the species and hybrids, since Columneas
are epiphytic in nature, growing on trees like
orchids. The beautiful Columnea gloriosa,
however, needs to be kept constantly moist
in order to flower and the same thing is true
of the upright subject in our illustration.
Columnea illepida was grown at Cornell Uni¬
versity for two years without flowering until
Russell Mott discovered that the plant should
be frequently watered. When flowers finally
appeared. Dr. Moore was able to determine it
as a new species to which he assigned the
name illepida (ungraceful). Most growers
think the name is unfair to a plant having
such beautiful yellow flowers, striped with
thin lines of maroon color. Sometimes sold as
“Butcher’s Gold,” Columnea illepida is an
interesting cousin and companion plant to
African violets in anybody’s window garden.

’ COLUMNEA AFFINIS. This upright-grow¬
ing Columnea is a native of Venezuela. It was
identified and named by Conrad Morton in
1953. Columnea affinis is rather too tall and
coarse in growth for the window sill or plant
shelf and the flowers never open but remain
yellow cocoons, covered with long, silky hairs.
Hybridizers are interested in C. affinis be¬
cause of its sturdy, vertical habit of growth
and the fact that it blooms more than once
during the year. Photo on left.

^CHIRITA ASPERIFOLIA. Sometimes of¬
fered under the name Chirita Blumei, this
beautiful plant has only recently been offered
for sale in the United States. The upright
plants grow 12 to 18 inches tall but may be
restrained by judicious pinching. The flowers,
produced over a long season, recurrently
through the year, have a waxy appearance. A
rich, royal purple tube ends in a contrasting
limb of pure, sparkling white.

Chirita asperifolia is native to Sumatra. Origi¬
nally named Agalmyla asperifolia, it was re¬
classified by B. L. Burtt of the Edinburgh
Botanic Garden in 1962. In cultivation, the
plants wilt badly if the soil is allowed to dry
out. They require a fibrous soil containing
plenty of moisture retentive elements such as
sphagnum moss, sheet moss, peat moss, tree
bark, vermiculite, etc. Photo above.

Episcias, called “Heavenly Strawberries” in
Latin America because they spread by “run¬
ners” from the leaf axils, are fairly well
known cousins of the African violet. Fanciers
of these popular Episcias may be surprised to
find that the attractive plant shown in our
illustration, with its upright habit of growth
and flowers of amaranth color, is also an
Episcia, recently introduced into cultivation
in the United States although long known to
science. It was first described in 1764. Lin¬
naeus knew it as Besleria melittifolia. It is
found in Guadalupe, Martinique, Jamaica,
Dominica, the Guianas, and Brazil and is easy
to grow on a window sill in the United States.

HYPOCYRTA TEUSCHERI. The hypo-
cyrtas (Pouch Flowers) are an interesting
group with their inflated tubes resembling
in some cases a pouter pigeon.

Here, shown in photo on left, is a
new one, collected in Ecuador by
Mr. Henry Teuscher in April, 1956,

,when he was curator at the Mont¬
real Botanical Garden and named
for Mr. Teuscher by Dr. Marcel
Raymond, who succeeded Mr.

Teuscher as Curator of the famous
Canadian botanical institution.

Hypocyrta Teuscheri is rather too
tall a plant for growing under lights
or in a window garden, reaching
three feet or more. When small,
the plants are attractive, however,
with an unusual variegated pattern
on the silver-striped dark green
leaves and flowers with a two-
toned corolla, lemon yellow tube
with crimson lobes, and a pro¬
minent calyx of bright red color.

Growing African Violets in an Apartment

Liza T. Damron, Glass Manor, Maryland

IN September 1960 we were obliged to sell
our much loved home in Florida and move
to Maryland (our home State); due to illness
in the family we wanted to be near my oldest
son and his family. Our mailing address is
Washington, but we live in Maryland.

In St. Petersburg, Florida, I raised some
very lovely violets, but they did not like the
heat, which stays in the 80s, even though I
kept a window open day and night in an ad¬
joining bedroom, for fresh air. I bought many
new varieties from our best nurseries, but
these choice blooming plants all died prompt¬
ly. A friend in Seattle, Marguerite Lucken-
bach, sent me some rooted leaves, airmail
special delivery, and they didn’t mind the heat
at all. They grew beautifully and one plant.
Star Gazer, is a huge plant covered with
bloom. Many others are in bud, and the foliage
is lovely. Last fall my husband gave me a
three tier Flora Cart, and here is how I grow
all plants successfully now. They are in Perma-
nest Trays over limestone chips that are kept
damp. In the fiber glass trays I keep about 2
inches of water (have added V-C 13 to the
water), and as each tray has a drainage outlet
the water can be changed when necessary.
The plants do not seem to know the tempera¬
ture is above 80 degrees . . . and the foliage
is dark and lovely.

Being impatient for more plants already in
bloom, I sent a check for plants of Heritage,
Red Crown, Alabaster and Wedgewood, to be
sent special delivery. Imagine my disgust and
disappointment when a small box arrived, to
find 2 very small cuttings in each 1 inch pot
(I had dozens from my own leaves that were
near the blooming stage), so instead of adding
to the beauty of my collection, I just added
tiny plants. When I want cuttings. I’ll order
them; this is my first experience in getting
small (and I mean SMALL) babies instead of
advertised plants. Fischer’s and Tinari’s al¬
ways ship lovely plants in bud and bloom,
with never a broken leaf. These new babies
are still too small to even take one leaf for
rooting, as I always do when buying plants.

I water all plants with warm water, which
is drawn at least 24 hours before using to rid
it of the many chemicals in tap water. I add
a few drops of Liquid Blue Whale to each
watering except when I fertilize: one week
Kapco, next week Ra-Pid-Gro, and the third
week Blue Whale ( Vz teaspoon to 1 quart).
This program works fine.

I lost many very choice leaves last winter
and am sure the vermiculite was defective, as
I’ve always had good results using vermicu¬
lite. Now I use No. 3 Sponge-Rok, with a
small amount of organic plant food, and it
has worked well, with quicker results.

Recently I ordered Episcia seed from Ruth
Ivens, Route 1, Pulaski, New York. She has
a nice list of all sorts of seed . . . very reason¬
able. A stamped, self-addressed envelope will
bring her list to anyone interested. Episcias
are easy to grow and make such nice com¬
panion plants for our violets. (Mrs. Ivens even
has the little Sinningia pusilla seed.) I am
anxious to get started on Episcias again. A
very nice Brazilian Bromeliad plant that is
quite happy in the cart, was sent to me by a
Florida friend.

To add to my space for plants, I bought long
steel trays and have hardware cloth over the
tops. They are set on radiators under windows.
I pour hot water in the trays and it helps very
much to add humidity to the hot rooms. I can
only use them in the spring and fall as it is
too hot by the plate glass windows in summer
and too drafty in winter.

“Evelyn Johnson” is a very temperamental
lady; while all the gorgeous 61 varieties went
to Violet Heaven, she sat at the window and
bloomed all summer. She was still in full
bloom when I had to move her to the lighted
cart last fall . . . she was too close to the
front door and resulting cold drafts when it
was opened. She stopped blooming and has
not had a bud since. I have repotted and put
her back in her favorite window; I hope she
is happy!

I use plastic pots; by adding one half No. 3
Sponge-Rok to my mix, I find they work fine
for me.

I hope these ideas will help others who have
a heat problem; I feel so encouraged after
having had so many losses. •

-BINDERS-

You Will Enjoy The
Convenience of Keeping

All Your Copies of The

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

in permanent binders, two for $6.50
postpaid. Each binder holds ten copies.
African Violet Magazine is attractively
lettered in gold on the dark green

covering.

Single binders are not sold.

Write to:

African Violet Society of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 1326
Knoxville, Tennessee

74

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Reaume, 22454 St. Clair Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB OF JACKSON¬
VILLE, Mrs. Wesley M. Sierk, Pres., 7640
Orlando Ave., Jacksonville 8, Fla.

THE TWIN COUNTY AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Mrs. Allen Millican, Pres., 791 Main
St., Andrews, Ind.

LAKESIDE VIOLET CLUB NEW YORK, Mrs.
Cecil Lucas, Pres., Box 217, Bemus Point,
N.Y.

ESSEX COUNTY AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. Nellie S. Loucks, Pres., 41 Main St.,
Orange, N.J.

PARMATOWN AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. Otto Fensel, Pres., 4312 W. Ridgewood
Dr., Cleveland 34, Ohio.

FRIENDSHIP AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
TEXAS, Mrs. Joe F. Shaw, Pres., Meadow
Lane Rd., Bonham, Texas.

MATTOON AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,
Mrs. Mildred Soles, Pres., 7245 18th St.,
Mattoon, Illinois.

REGINA AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB # 1
Margaret Scheibel, 2112 Cornwall, Regina,

Cioct

NEW STATE SOCIETY, Bay State African
Violet Society, Mrs. J. Addison McLean,
Pres., 49 Saunders Rd., Norwood, Mass.

Library continued

Year Book Collections — 1. Only Affiliated Chap¬
ters in good standing are eligible to borrow Yearbook
Collections. 2. A $1.00 postal fee is payable at the
time the request for all Yearbook Collections is made.
3. Yearbook Collections are loaned for a period of
one month from date of mailing. 4. Yearbook Col¬
lections are to be returned via insured mail, or in¬
sured parcel post, on the due date specified, to the
address of the Librarian.

Program Packets — 1. The Society has made this
material available to Affiliated Chapters and to So¬
ciety members who wish to use same in preparing
program material to further the public interest in
Saintpaulias. 2. A $1.00 postal fee is payable at
the time the request for all Program Packets is made.
3. Program Packets are to be returned via First Class
Mail on the date specified to the address of the Li¬
brarian. 4. Reservations for Program Packets will
be I confirmed by the Librarian.

Magazines, Books, Periodicals — 1. The Society has
made this material available to Affiliated Chapters
and Society members who wish to use it in preparing
program material or for increasing their own know¬
ledge of Saintpaulias, and related subjects. 2. Each
book, magazine, periodical, etc. will be loaned for a
period of one month from the date of post shown,
and are to be returned via fourth class mail to the
address of the Librarian. 3. A 50c postal fee for
each book, magazine, periodical, etc. is payable in
advance at the time the request for same is made.

In every letter to the Librarian, please give club
name and full information as to material requested,
dates desired and/or club meeting dates where ma¬
terial is needed for program purposes. This will help
the Librarian to Better Serve You.

Please address all requests to: LIBRARIAN,
MAISIE YAKIE, P.O. Box 674, Port Arthur,
Texas.

Show Questions and
Answers

Ruth Carey

3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tenn.

Q. When judges are refreshing their certi¬
ficates, may they be dated three years from
the date of the unexpired certificates?

A. No, all certificates in each class are
dated for three years from the date the new
certificates are issued.

Q. Does the African Violet Society of Amer¬
ica, Inc. have any rules or requirements stat¬
ing that African violet plants shall be grown
in soil when entering them in a local show?

A. No, a local club or group may make any
rule they desire as to the medium in which
plants shall be grown.

Q. May local clubs use stands made of
wood?

A. Yes.

Q. Are all pots of plants entered in local
shows required to be covered with metal foil?

A. No, the National Society has no such
requirement for local shows.

Q. Does the National Society require local
club members to have had all plants in their
possession for three months?

A. No, that is a problem for the local clubs.

Q. Are local clubs required by the National
Society to give a tricolor award for both
horticulture and arrangement divisions?

A. No.

Q. Does the National Society approve entry
tags for local clubs to use in their shows?

A. No.

Q. What are secondary leaves?

A. The first leaves that develop on a plant
which do not grow as large as the second row
of leaves.

Q. Should the secondary leaves be removed
when grooming a plant for a show?

A. Yes.

Q. Does a judge have the authority to refuse
to judge any class or exhibit in a show be¬
cause of lack of time?

A. No, when they accept the invitation to
judge a show, they are charged with the re¬
sponsibility to judge all classes in the shows.

Q. Are local clubs required to print the
programs in the yearbooks?

A. Only if they expect to enter them in the
Yearbook class of the National Convention
Amateur Show.

Q. Should accomplishments be printed in
local club yearbooks?

A. They may be printed, but it is not a
requirement of the National Society.

75

Report of Boyce Edens
Research Fund
Mrs. Harold Rienhardt

4463 W. Seneca Tpk., Rt. 2, Syracuse 15, N. Y.

Our sincere thanks to the following groups
and individuals for their very generous con¬
tributions to this important work:

Yakima Valley African Violet Club, Yakima,
Wash. $10.00

Laura M. Ashworth, Paterson, N.J. 1.00

Union County Chapter African Violet Society,
Westfield, N.J. 10.00

Madison Gardens, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rand,
Madison, Ohio 25.00

Mrs. J. R. Millikan, Dallas, Texas 5.00

Rock Island African Violet Club No. 1,
Rock Island, Ill. 5.00

Rebecca Leflore African Violet Society, Green¬
wood, Miss. 10.00

New York City African Violet Society, Rich¬
mond Hills, N.Y. 25.00

Miss Kathleen M. Wright, Los Angeles, Cali¬
fornia 5.00

Capital City African Violet Society, Spring-
field, Ill. 10.00

African Violet Society of Windsor, Connecti¬
cut 5.00

Registration Report

Adele Tretter, 4988 Schollmeyer Ave.

St. Louis 9, Missouri

Part I

The following applications for registration
have been received during the period from
March 15, 1962, through July 17, 1962.

Plant and Registrant:

Mt. Lavo (1274) 0589dfS, Mt. Lakes, (1275)
B39dS, 6/12/62, Mrs. Richard Carr, 2585
S. Julian, Denver, Colorado.

Party Line (1276) R589dS, Hawaiian Eye
(1277) MPV89dS, Pat’s Parasol (1278)
CRW589sS, Tropical Twilight (1279)
CRVW59dL, Showboat (1280) MR39dL,
6/19/62, Mildred Kramer, 2923 Portugal
Drive, St. Louis 25, Missouri.

Queenaire (1281) BV25dS, 7/16/62, Mrs. Lee
D. Monroe, 870 Pershing Ave., San Jose,
California.

Crystal Florida Frills (1282) CPWG35dfL,
7/10/62, Mrs. Crystal Huebscher, 3920 W.
16th St., Panama City, Florida.

Part II

The following name reservations have been
received during the period from March 15,
1962, through July 17, 1962: Bergen County
Strawberry Sherbet, Razzle Dazzle, Lulie
Watkins, Lulie Watkins Supreme, Premier,
Contessa.

The Society’s

We know from the many requests that come
to us each month concerning the official em¬
blem of the African Violet Society of America,
Inc. that a great many members are interested
and would like to know more about the em¬
blem and the various forms in which it is
available. This is a truly lovely emblem and
one which every member will be proud to

Official Pin

wear and to own. Following is full informa¬
tion on the forms, finishes, prices and order¬
ing. Why not put one on your Christmas want-
list today or send for one for your club presi¬
dent, one for the person who introduced you
to the lovely African violet (she is sure to be
a member of the Society) or to some other
person of whom you are particularly fond?

The African Violet Society of America official emblem is about %” in diameter.
It is enameled in blue and yellow in the form of a beautiful African violet.
Around the violet is a circle of metal with the raised letters A.V.S.A. Each pin
has a safety catch as well as a link for attaching a guard chain.

The following prices include all tax and mailing charge:

Sterling silver pin or lapel button _ $ 4.10

Sterling silver pin or lapel button with gavel _ 6.10

Sterling silver gavel _ 2.00

14K gold pin or lapel button _ 13.95

14K gold pin or lapel button with gavel _ 17.50

14K gold gavel _ 3.95

Sterling silver charm or lavalliere _ 4.10

Sterling silver charm or lavalliere with gavel _ 6.10

14K gold charm or lavalliere _ 13.95

14K gold charm or lavalliere with gavel _ 17.50

Sterling silver earrings, per pair _ 12.10

14K gold earrings, per pair _ 33.00

Prices are subject to change without notice. Only National Members are eligible
for ownership of the official emblem.

For immediate delivery, please send name and address of National Member with
check to: Mrs. E. Pearle Turner, Chairman, 828 Kenmore Blvd., Akron 14, Ohio.

76

Relief For Those Violets From -

Elsie L. Juline, Santa Monica, California Mrs. Paul J. Neuman, Wichita, Kansas

Answering Agnes Babcock s “cry for
help” in her story in the June ’61 issue of
our African Violet Magazine. I’m sending
along an idea which may be helpful to others
as it has been to me: I too have worried about
the markings and dents on lower leaves of
my violet plants due to the sharp edges of
the plastic pots currently on the market. I
voiced my annoyance so many times that my
husband suggested bringing home some ad¬
hesive backed rubber he happened to have
lying around where he worked, which rubber
is used in the installation of air-conditioners.

The rubber turned out to be black, which
makes it scarcely noticeable on the tops of
my pots. It was in various width strips and
was about Vb inch thick, thick enough to
make a nice, soft noncutting edge for my
violet leaves to rest on. I cut strips V4 inch
wide of the rubber and do not put it on a
pot until after a plant is potted so that the
plastic edge will be perfectly dry. It is a simple
matter then to tear off the paperlike material
covering the adhesive side of the rubber and
press the strip or strips firmly to the edge of
the pot. For my square pots I usually miter
the corners but that is not necessary.

So, until manufacturers of plastic pots de¬
cide to make nice smooth edges on their
plastic pots the above idea may be of some
help.

Yours for “happier violets!”

From

Aime D. Eastwood, Stony Creek, Connecticut

The members of the Thimble Island African
Violet Club have asked me to write concern¬
ing the article in the June 1961 issue “Sitting
On A Picket Fence” by Agnes Babcock.

If enough members wrote in to the Society
we thought some of the plastic companies
might make a new plastic pot because of
-popular demand.

We would like to see a new plastic pot, but
we have a different shape in mind. The pot
illustrated by Agnes Babcock might collect
mold on the inside under the flange. Our club
thought pf a rolled edge or flange curving
outward. This illustration may help you to
understand exactly what type of plastic pot
our club would like.

After reading “Sitting On A Picket Fence”
in the June 1961 magazine, I decided to send
in my solution to this problem. The recipe
calls for one husband, one pair of pliers, and
as many wire coat hangers as needed. Have
the husband cut the coat hangers as shown in
the illustration, making a circle of a longer

here

ih pliers or
cold chisel

Coot Hanger leaf Support

length. These circles vary as the plant size
demands and a supply of different sizes kept
on hand so that even smaller plants may have
their leaves supported. This circle is made
by twisting together the ends of the wire as
we had no luck soldering this type of wire
even though soldering would look neater. The
V shape wire is cut from either corner of the
coat hanger and is easily adjusted to rest on
the top of the pot. Having used these wire
supports for several years, I much prefer them
to either foil on the top rim of the pot, paper
plates, or any other method I have tried. They
allow full circulation of air, do not gather
moisture, hold all leaves up to the light and
are a great help in shaping a symmetrical
plant. The ends of the V may be wrapped with
tape if they are very sharp. They are incon¬
spicuous, clean, cost nothing, and last indefi¬
nitely. What more could you ask? •

CONVENTION SECTION

African Violets and the U.C. System

Philip A. Chandler, Dept, of Plant Pathology, University of California, Los Angeles, California

WHAT is the U. C. System? It may be
summarized as a system that empha¬
sizes the principles and practices of growing
healthy plants in containers by eliminating
failures from diseases. Although specifically
developed for the California nursery indus¬
try, the principles apply to the growing of
plants in containers everywhere and its ready
acceptance by progressive growers through¬
out the world speaks for itself. That it can
be applied to the growing of African violets
has been well exemplified by the number of
members in the African Violet Society who
have succeeded when adopting and following
through with the ideas advocated in Manual
23 “The U. C. System for Producing Healthy
Container-Grown Plants,” California Agri¬
cultural Experiment Station, University of
California.*

From information received, it is apparent
that success has come to many by trying out
and formulating growing mediums of one of
the U. C. soil mix types. Others have not been
successful when using such mixes and this
is understandable, for all the other factors of
the U. C. system must be applied before judg¬
ment is made. Do not blame the mix when
failures occur as all the other parts of the
system are just as important — particularly
disease-free stock and clean growing condi¬
tions.

There are three main factors to be consid¬
ered in growing plants: the plant itself, the
soil or medium in which it grows, and the
actual growing of the plant from the time
of propagation to maturity. This is especially
true with African violets.

First, the plant. With African violets, as
with many other plants, we can raise them
from seed or division and cuttings. To mem¬
bers of the Society the “cliche propagate
from disease-free stock” is well known. This
statement is repeated time and time again by
writers and lecturers on the culture of plants,
but rarely if ever is the statement explained
or is it stated how it can be achieved. Thus
the question will often arise, “How does one
get off to the right start?” The U. C. system
in all its implications will help you under¬
stand and solve this problem.

* Manual 23, “The U. C. System for Producing
Healthy Container-Grown Plants,” $1.00, Agricul¬
tural Publications, University of California, Berke¬
ley 4, California.

** Leaflet 89, “The U. C. Soil Mixes,” free, Agricul¬
tural Publications, University of California, Berke¬
ley 4, California.

Second, for the most part African violets
are raised in a growing medium, whether you
call it a soil mix or some other fancy title.
The principles on which the U. C. soil mixes
have been evolved and formulated are well
described in Manual 23 and Leaflet 89,**

These publications will assist you in making
and standardizing growing mediums so that
good results can be repeated from time to
time. African violets are very susceptible to
injury from excess soluble salts in the grow¬
ing medium, known as salinity; the adoption
of the U. C. soil mixes and cultural practices
of the U. C. system will help to control this
important problem.

The third phase in the raising of plants is
the problems involved in the growing of
plants from the time of propagation to ma¬
turity. Here the problems are many, such as
temperature, type and quality of light, range
of humidity, etc. The U. C. system does not
attempt to solve these problems, but will be
of vital help to growers, large or small, in
the critical phases of controlling diseases
during this period, particularly those diseases
carried by the plant, water, soil, or that big¬
gest transplanter of diseases . . . man. Appli¬
cation of the U. C. system in this phase can
be summed up in one word: sanitation with a
capital S.

African violets, like other plants, are sub¬
ject to a number of diseases caused by fungi
and nematodes. The major ones which we are
concerned with are those causing damping-
off, cutting and stem rots and root rots of
mature plants. These troubles are largely
caused by the fungus Ehizoctonia solani and
by the group of fungi known as water-molds
(Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp.), and
two major types of nematodes: root knot
(Meloidogyne spp.) and leaf nematodes (Ap-
helenchoides ritzema-bosi and Pratylenchus
spp.). These diseases for the most part are
spread by the soil, water, tools, or infected
cuttings or plants. The U. C. system places
special emphasis on their control through the
use of clean stock, clean soil and sanitary
measures to keep the plants free of disease.

Having outlined the three phase plan of the
U. C. system, further discussion of some of
the practical measures that can be put into
use in growing African violets will be in order.

Except by hybridizers seed is rarely used
in the propagation of African violets, and
provided care is used in the handling of seed
during harvest and storage to prevent con-

78

tamination there should be no problems. On
sowing, damping-off of young seedlings can
occur, but this should not be a problem where
the growing medium has been treated to de¬
stroy soil-borne pathogens and sanitary pro¬
cedures followed. But when it comes to propa¬
gation by divisions and cuttings, difficulties
often arise. Pathogenic fungi and nematodes
both in and on the plant can be carried for¬
ward so easy in propagation and unfortunately
symptoms often cannot be seen on the material
at this time. Let us beware at all times.

In starting a new collection, the opportuni¬
ties to have only healthy plants are excellent.
To accomplish this the approach could be
along these lines. Visit as many sources of
plants as possible, whether they be commer¬
cial growers or even friends. First, look over
the whole group of plants, both on the benches
and under the benches, and if poor sickly
looking plants are seen and the owner or
grower has not separated them into a special
section and cannot give you an intelligent
answer as to why they are so, politely pass on
to the next source. Even if good plants are
to be found in such an establishment they
should be suspect, for the possibilities of con¬
tamination are great, especially if precautions
are not taken in handling. Thus, it may take
time to find a reliable source of supply where
all the plants from the propagation stage to
mature plants appear to be in good health.
But when such sources are located one should
be able to purchase plants or leaves to make
cuttings, with a reasonable knowledge that
one is making a clean start. Wherever possible,
plants obtained from different sources should
be separated and indexed, particularly with
material ordered through the mail.

At this point it may be of interest to digress
for a moment and give an interpretation of a
sign some growers have up in their establish¬
ments, “Do Not Touch The Plants.” Without
question I suspect the main reason why this
type of notice is posted is that owners do not
trust their fellow men or members of the
African Violet Society, for gardeners are gar¬
deners and as part of their training, the finest
and most honest of them learn how to be the
greatest ‘snitchers’ of cuttings. But those who
have studied Manual 23 will appreciate this
notice from another angle. Plants should not
be touched by anyone other than those work¬
ing with them, whom I trust have washed their
hands before commencing to handle them, to
prevent the spread of diseases. The ‘green
thumb’ which some people are supposed to
have is in reality now being looked upon as
the ‘black thumb.’ So next time you visit your
African violet friends, do not touch the plants
unless instructed to do so, and then only after
you have washed your hands.

Not only should the weak and unhealthy
looking plants be avoided for propagating
stock, but all plants expressing virus stunt
symptoms. Little is known about this virus

disease. Studies indicate that it is readily
carried forward in propagation by cuttings
and division. Symptoms vary from those like
mite injury with curled and distorted leaves
to those of mosaic and streak patterns in the
leaves. The overall effect of the disease is the
slowing down of growth, deterioration in the
general appearance of the plant and lessening
of the number of flowers produced. Present
thoughts on how to eliminate this virus com¬
plex suggest the adoption of the practice of
indexing all plants used for stock plants in
propagation . . . following their life history
through, discarding any that express virus
symptoms . . . paying particular attention to
keeping each plant as a separate unit. After
a period of several months when they may be
considered virus free, cuttings cqn be removed
by snapping off the leaves and propagating in
individual containers, keeping all the progeny
indexed. If a knife or scalpel is used for taking
cuttings, dip in 37 per cent formaldehyde plus
detergent and wipe clean on a paper towel
between each batch of cuttings taken from
individual mother plants.

Second, the growing medium. The philos¬
ophy of the U. C. system being disease pre¬
vention, the elimination of disease in the
growing medium is a prime requisite. This
means the treatment of soil mixes by heat or
chemicals for the control of soil-borne patho¬
gens Is a necessity. Problems of toxicity and
salinity often arise when materials such as
leaf molds, manures, and composts are so
treated, so as part of the whole program of
the U. C. system the U. C. soil mixes were
developed, with emphasis being placed on
standard materials such as fine sand and peat
moss which can be treated without the de¬
velopment of toxic substances detrimental to
the growth of plants. Many of you are familiar
with the U. C. soil mixes and have used them
with success. But it is surprising to know,
through the number of inquiries, that so
much attention is paid to the types and quan¬
tities of fertilizers used. Members worry be¬
cause they cannot obtain one or the other of
the simple fertilizers recommended and often
go to extreme efforts to comply with the
formulations as listed, forgetting that sub¬
stitutes can be used provided the principle
objects of the U. C. mixes are followed.

These principles cannot be overlooked.
Aside from the emphasis that the physical
components of the mix can be treated by heat
or chemical without producing injurious resi¬
dues, they should be of a standard nature,
freely available, chemically uniform, relative¬
ly inert, mix readily, providing good drainage
and aeration, yet retaining sufficient moisture
for the plants’ needs. Also it should have the
ability to retain a supply of plant food. The
light weight of some of the materials rec¬
ommended probably appeals to the lady mem¬
bers. Whether the fine sand and peat moss
are the only materials used as physical com-

79

ponents is of limited importance. Perlite, ver-
miculite, ground bark, rice hulls, redwood
sawdust and similar materials can be used
and are being used in various combinations,
with success. The fact that all the physical
components suggested are inert and low in
plant nutrients is of importance as it is much
easier and safer to add known quantities of
fertilizers to supply nutrients, than to start
with a compost where the fertility levels are
unknown. Results by this method are reason¬
ably predictable and the grower can readily
adjust his fertilizer program according to the
methods and conditions under which the plants
are grown.

Again the basic fertilizers used in the U. C.
soil mixes are what are known as simple
fertilizers, supplying one or at the most two.
major elements of those required in plant
nutrition. Basically in mixing the U. C. soil
mixes, phosphate, calcium and magnesium are
incorporated in the medium at the time of
mixing, as in general these materials are slow¬
ly soluble and do not contribute to the salinity
problem. Superphosphate is used to supply
phosphate; dolomite lime and other forms of
lime to supply calcium and magnesium. The
amounts used are well publicized in Manual
23 and Leaflet 89. The other major elements
necessary for the growing of plants, nitrogen
and potassium, can be incorporated at the
time of mixing, or applied in a soluble form
throughout the life of the plant by liquid
feeding. In the early development of the soil
mixes, the former practice was emphasized
and thought to be desirable so that plants
could be grown to maturity with little or no
supplementary feeding. But in recent years
there has been a change-over to the practice
of supplying nitrogen and potassium in solu¬
ble forms with every watering or every other
watering during the entire growing period of
the plant. This has partly come about through
the use of better equipment available to grow¬
ers for applying liquid fertilizers in correct
proportions, and the general availability of
soluble fertilizers.

In detail the following is an example of
this type of approach that is practiced by one
successful African violet grower. A physical
mix is made up of 50 per cent peat moss treat¬
ed with methyl bromide or steam, and 50 per
cent vermiculite, plus the addition of 21/2
ounces of single superphosphate and 5 ounces
of dolomite lime per cubic foot of mix. This
mix can be readily stored for future use with¬
out any toxic residues building up, of course
making sure that it does not become recon¬
taminated with pathogens by storing it in a
closed container. Then in the actual practice
of growing the plants the grower feeds with
every irrigation, using a solution of 7 ounces
of calcium nitrate and 3 ounces of potassium
nitrate per 100 gallons of water, using warmed
water to prevent leaf spotting. To avoid the
build up of soluble salts, leaching with plain

water is practiced once a month. This is only
one grower’s adoption of the principles of the
U. C. soil mixes and feeding program; there
are many others which will produce equally
as good results.

As to the treatment of the physical com¬
ponents of the mix to destroy soil-borne patho¬
gens, do not accept the principle that sand,
peat moss, or other organic materials are
pathogen free because they look clean; such
materials are all suspect and must be treated.
On the other hand, we can safely assume that
such materials such as vermiculite and perlite
and similar materials that have been treated
to a high temperature during their manufac¬
turing processes are pathogen free and can
be used without further treatment. Here it
may be appropriate to state that in the opinion
of many, no growing medium of the U. C.
mix type can be called such unless all the
physical components have been treated by heat
or chemicals.

For the hobbyist the question of treating
soil may be a difficult one to overcome. Many
members have used crude equipment that is
often available around the home. Unfortunate¬
ly the pressure cooker and oven heating meth¬
ods sometimes used leave much to be desired.
With the former, a good thermometer is nec¬
essary so that all areas of the batch treated
can be checked. Oven heating and drying will
often destroy the organic matter of the mix.
The use of chemicals such as chloropicrin,
methyl bromide or vapam or some of the
combinations of these materials now on the
market may be better substitutes for steam
where reliable equipment is not available.
Again it should be emphasized that some of
the materials advertised as soil fumigants are
only effective against nematodes and do a
poor job on soil-borne pathogenic fungi. Man¬
ual 23 and other publications will help you
understand and solve these problems. As a
further suggestion on treating soil where
equipment is not available, why not try your
local greenhouse grower who regularly steams
soil. Probably, for a small fee, he would do
a batch for you.

Now we come to the third and final stage
of the three point program: the actual grow¬
ing of the plants. It may be the impression
of some of you that we are attempting to grow
young plants under sterile conditions, similar
to those adopted for babies in the hospital,
then to expose and subject them to the cruel,
cruel world with other plants, and to that
terrible enemy, man himself, or even worse
other members of the African Violet Society
who wish to see them, which would be asking
for their demise immediately. Poor things.
Fortunately, this is not quite so, for we all
know that babies bom and raised under strict
modern sanitary codes that we have come to
accept as common place have a longer life
expectancy than our forebears. The infantile
mortality rate is much lower than in some

80

countries where sanitary conditions are not
up to the standards we have set for ourselves.
Likewise with plants raised under the U. C.
system . . . they are healthier at the start,
having better root systems, thereby producing
better plants in a shorter time. Also, strangely
enough to some people, such plants can with¬
stand unfavorable environmental conditions
much better than weaker diseased plants. In
the practice of growing plants through to
maturity and flowering, it is not expected
that hospital sanitary practices can be followed
during this stage, but rather to apply diligent
household sanitary methods to prevent recon¬
tamination by plant pathogens.

It is not possible to mention all the measures
that should be implemented to carry out the
U. C. system in full. In the majority of cases
ordinary common sense will dictate practical
measures that should be adopted. A few that
should be mentioned are: the separation of
clean pots, containers, tools, soil mixes, from
used materials; disinfecting of tools before
using with formaldehyde; placing of clean
plants on benches treated with copper naph-
thenate; use of clean newspaper and new
plastic bags for collecting cuttings; hanging
the ends of hoses off the ground to prevent
the spread of pathogens that may be carried
in soil particles that sometimes become at¬

tached to the end of the hose; avoiding the
handling of treated soil unnecessarily. Always
wash your hands before handling different
batches of plants or treated soil, and if your
visitors wish to handle them, make sure -they
wash their hands.

All of these precautions may appear to be
unnecessary to some members, but remember
that in your kitchens you do not use food
dropped on the floor unless it is rewashed, and
it is hoped you always wash fruit and vege¬
tables as normal precautions. The modern
kitchen has evolved in part to help you carry
out these common sense sanitary practices;
likewise similar ideas should be adopted in
the areas used for the production of plants,
whether it be the greenhouse or- some special
room devoted to African violets. In the grow¬
ing of plants success should almost be guaran¬
teed like in the production of cakes and
cookies. There should be no such thing as
good luck or bad luck in raising plants.

Finally it should be emphasized time and
time again, diseases are a luxury that African
violet growers cannot afford. In the words of
Dr. K. F. Baker, the editor of Manual 23 and
the one who developed the basic concepts of
the U. C. system, ‘‘Don’t Fight ’Em, Elimi¬
nate ’Em.” •

African Violet Society of America, Inc.
Awards For 1962

Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Chairman, Downers Grove, Illinois

Honorary Life Membership Certificate to:

Constance Hansen, Lafayette, California.

Mrs, Hansen’s work as Registrar for the
National Society has been outstanding. She
has been the guiding light in the formation
and promotion of the Northern California
Council of African Violet Societies, which
Council is comprised of local societies all affi¬
liated with the African Violet Society of
America, Inc., which is a requirement for
membership ’"in the Council. She is the able
Editor .of the California Council News, a
■ quarterly publication sponsored by the North¬
ern California Council in conjunction with
the Southern ‘ California Council. She is al¬
ways willing to aid the local societies in count¬
less ways, helping them to get organized, giv¬
ing them valuable suggestions and advice,
helping with programs, bringing a generous
supply of plants and leaves of new varieties
to the various plant sales and exhibits. She
has done a tremendous amount of work to
promote interest in African violets, not only
in Northern California, but all up and down
the West Coast,

The Bronze Medal Certificate to:

Mr. G, J. Wicks, Lambley, Nottingham,
England, who has contributed to our Maga¬
zine a number of times, and has given gen¬
erously of his time and energy to the pro¬
motion of the African violet.

Honorary Annual Membership Certificates
(for 1 year) Were Awarded to:

Mrs. Hugo Hall, Sacramento, California, for
her organizing and promotion ability and her
effervescent zeal which has been a great help
to all Northern California.

Paul F. Freese, Educational Director, Ster¬
ling Forest Gardens, Tuxedo, New York, for
his invaluable personal assistance tO' the So¬
ciety on numerous occasions.

Dorothy Reaume, St. Clair Shores, Michigan,
for her faithful service to the African Violet
Society of America, Inc.

Mrs. T. A, Olsen, Seattle, Washington, for
■her suggestions and helpful assistance in se¬
curing stories for the Magazine.

Hazel Becker, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
for her interest in and promotion of the So¬
ciety at all times.

81

Mrs. W. F. Anderson, St. Louis, Missouri,
for the considerable time and talent she has
given to the slides and program material for
our Library.

Mrs. Grace Grissom, Houston, Texas, for
her long and cheerful contribution of work
to the Library.

The Past President’s Pin was awarded to
Mrs. James B. Carey, Knoxville, Tennessee by
Mrs. G. P. McGraw, who made the presenta¬
tion at the request of Mrs. E. Pearle Turner
who was unable to attend the Convention.

The Society’s Sterling Silver Cup for the
best registered named specimen in Classes 1
through 27 of the Amateur Division to Nadine
La Due, Sacramento, California. Variety: Top
Sail.

Award of Merit Rosette to the second best
registered specimen in Classes 1 through 27,
Amateur Division to Alice Hamai, San Fran¬
cisco, California. Variety: Double Pink Fire.

Honorable Mention Rosette to the third best
registered named specimen in Classes 1
through 27, Amateur Division to Mrs. Lee
Cartwright, Stockton, California. Variety:
Double Black Cherry.

Gold and Purple Rosette Awards were not
claimed as none of the entries in this class
qualified for the Awards.

Commercial Silver Trophy for the best
Commercial Exhibit Table to Edena Gardens,
Walnut Creek, California.

New Introduction Award — - a plaque to
the hybridizer of the best new introduction
in the Commercial Exhibit to Lyndon Lyon,
Dolgeville, New York, for B30-A.

Commercial Silver Cup to the exhibitor of
the best registered named variety in Classes
1 through 15 in the specimen plant division
for the Commercial Members was not claimed
as none of the exhibits qualified.

Affiliated Organization Sweepstakes
Awards: four sterling silver bowls to the four
sweepstakes winners who are members of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. and
who won the most blue ribbons in the speci¬
men classes in shows sponsored by Affiliated
Chapters, State Societies, or Councils of Clubs.
Ribbons won at shows between March 1, 1961
and March 1, 1962. Mrs. Glen B. Hudson,
Westfield, New Jersey, Union County Chap¬
ter African Violet Society; Mrs. J. R. Atkins,
Raleigh, N.C., First African Violet Society of
Cary; Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Angeles, Cali¬
fornia, Los Angeles African Violet Society;
Mrs. O. D. Fleming, Jr., Raleigh, N.C., Raleigh
African Violet Society.

Yearbook Awards by the Society Library:
First Award $15 to the Santa Monica Chapter
of the African Violet Society of America, Inc.,
Santa Monica, California; Second Award $10
to the Tennessee Valley African Violet Club,
Knoxville, Tennessee; Third Award $5 to the
First African Violet Society of Dallas, Dallas,
Texas.

Alma Wright Silver Gift Awards for Affi¬

liated Chapters: one gift to the person whose
name is drawn from the winners of Gold
Rosette Awards, Mrs. Theo C. Irwin, St. Louis, .
Missouri; one gift to the person whose name
is drawn from the winners of the Purple
Rosette Awards, Mrs. Howard Dengler, Has-
brouck Heights, N.J.

Arndt’s Floral Garden $10 gift certifi¬
cate to the best arrangement using miniature
violet blossoms. Class 34. None entered. $10
gift certificate for best plant in the miniature
class in the Amateur Show, Class 27 to Mrs.
D. W. Robinson, Los Angeles, Calif. Variety:
Toe. $5 gift certificate for the second best
plant. Class 27 to Mrs. D. W. Robinson, Los
Angeles, Calif. Variety: Honeyette.

Atlas Fish Fertilizer Company Trophy for
the best arrangement depicting the theme of
the show. Class 47, to Mrs. Dorothy Perkins,
Issaquah, Washington.

Edena Gardens Cash Award — $10 for best
Delectable to Florence Shuey, Richmond, Cal¬
ifornia; $10 for best Elegance, Florence Shuey,
Richmond, California; $5 for best P. T. Pink
Jade, none entered.

Flower Grower Sterling Silver Plate
Award for Affiliated Chapter Leadership to
Mrs. Edmund Sherer, Los Angeles, California.
Mrs. Sherer is a charter member and was the
first president of the Santa Monica Bay Chap¬
ter African Violet Society, which was founded
in April, 1949. It is through her efforts that
the Chapter was affiliated with the National
Society in 1952. She has been secretary and
vice president of the Southern California
Council. She has been responsible for the most
successful shows the club has held and has
entered many blue ribbon plants in those
shows. She has donated gift plants for new
members. Mrs. Sherer lectures to Brownie
and Girl Scout Troops and presents them with
small plants which they raise for a year. At
the end of the year she presents a blooming
size plant to the girl who has the most repre¬
sentative plant. She is also a qualified judge,
judging all over Southern California. She
has been installing officer for many of the
African violet clubs in Southern California.
She has contributed articles on the culture of
African violets to leading newspapers and
magazines. It is through her efforts that the
ten original Armacost African violets were
registered at the Plant Library Preserve at
Cornell University in 1958. No task has been
too difficult for her and she has been an in¬
spiration to everyone.

Granger Gardens Award $25 for the best
specimen plant of Command Performance,
Top Sail, or Snow Ballet to Nadine La Due,
Sacramento, California. Variety: Top Sail.

Indiana State African Violet Society Award:
a plaque to the registrant of the best regis¬
tered named variety. Classes 1 through 27,
Amateur Division to Granger Gardens,' Me¬
dina, Ohio. Variety: Top Sail.

82

Indianapolis African Violet Club Award:
$50 for the best plant of Coon Valley, Atlas,
Green Dawn, Alabaster, or Explorer to Mrs.
John B. Moss, North Hollywood, California.
Variety: Green Dawn.

Madison Gardens Award of $25 for best
plant of Jacob’s Coat. None entered. Madison
Gardens asked that this $25 be turned over
to the Research Committee.

Northern California Council Award. Ster¬
ling Silver Bowl for the best double white
specimen plant to Florence Shuey, Richmond,
California. Variety: Elegance.

Peggie Schulz Award of $25 for best Glox¬
inia seedling. Class 31. None entered.

Popular Gardening Sweepstakes Award.
Sterling Silver Bowl for the most blue rib¬
bons in Classes 1 through 28 to Alice Hamai,
San Francisco, California.

Research Committee Cross Hybrid Award,
sponsored by the Research Committee of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. $25
for the best entry of a plant in Class 31, re¬
sulting from a cross of any genus of the
Gesneria Family on the genus Saintpaulia
(African violet). None entered.

Select Violet House Award of $15 for the
best specimen plant of So Sweet, Melody Air,
Air Waves, or Cotton Tail to Mrs. Martin Gray,
Alameda, California. Variety: So Sweet.

Sheraton Hotels Award of $50 for the most
blue ribbons in Classes 1 through 28 to Alice
Hamai, San Francisco, Calif.

Smith Potting Soil Company Award of $25
for the most outstanding seedling or mutation
in Class 29 never before exhibited in a Na¬
tional Convention Show to Georgene Fulg-
ham, Portland, Oregon.

Southern California Council Award of $25
for the best specimen plant of the Saintpaulia

species. Class 30, to Dorothy Simpson, Oak¬
land, California. Variety: S. amaniensis.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $50
for the best registered named variety. Classes
1 through 26, to Nadine La Due, Sacramento,
Calif. Variety: Top Sail.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $25
for the best specimen plant in purple to
Clarissa Harris, Los Angeles, California. Va¬
riety: Zorro.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $25
for the best specimen plant in red to Mrs.
Lee Cartwright, Stockton, California. Variety:
Double Black Cherry.

Stim-U-Plant Laboratories Plaque and $25
for the best specimen plant in white to Flor¬
ence Shuey, Richmond, Calif. Variety: Ele¬
gance.

Tinari Greenhouses Awards. A Silver Cup
for the best specimen plant of Lilian Jarrett
to Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Angeles, Calif. A
6 inch lustre fixed silver planter bowl on
matching silver dish for the best specimen
plant of Double Pink Geneva, Green Fog,
Fireball, Pastel Swirl, Zorro, or Star Gazer.
None qualified.

Tube Craft, Inc. Award. Complete Flora
Cart for the three best specimen plants. Class¬
es 1 through 26: one true purple, one pink
and one white to Mrs. Florence Shuey, Rich¬
mond, California. Varieties: Gallant One (pur¬
ple), Giant Jill (pink). Elegance (white).

In behalf of the Commercial Growers, Mrs.
McGraw displayed a lovely bracelet with the
seal of the African Violet Society of America,
Inc. to be given to Mrs. John Landaker, Cin¬
cinnati, Ohio in appreciation of the many
years of work and attention she has given to
the commercial displays. Because of poor
health, Mrs Landaker retired from the Com¬
mercial Sales and Exhibits Committee. •

Report of the Research Committee

Charles W. Fischer, Jr., Fischer Greenhouses, Linwood, N.J.

IT is my privilege to again submit a brief
summary "of the projects and plans of
your Society’s Research Committee. The past
year has seen the continuation of a number of
projects already under way and the initiation
of two new projects of unusual interest.

Dr. Sheldon Reed of the Univ. of Minnesota
continues his outstanding genetic studies
which have paved the way for many of the
fine new plants that are now available. Fol¬
lowing are excerpts from his report: “Two
years ago, the African Violet Society Research
Fund started supporting my project directed
toward exploring what might be expected to
come from multiple line selection for larger
flowers and other advances in plant improve¬
ment. These advances would depend upon the

selection of many genes which determine size
and symmetry characteristics. Each of these
genes is expected to have a small effect by
itself, but altogether, they are responsible for
the difference in size we see when a plant of
S. shumensis is placed next to Westfall White
Supreme. The fundamental problem is wheth¬
er flower size can be increased indefinitely.
The parents for the crosses were selected for
large flower size but Supremes were avoided
because they are often at least partially sterile.
The result of this research to date is that
progress in obtaining larger flowers by com¬
bining the genes for size from several lines
is possible. This is so even when small pro¬
genies are raised from which to make the
selections. We have by no means reached the

83

end of improvements possible with genes
available. Another phase of the research has
been to produce fertile and pleasing minia¬
ture plants. The only question was whether
desirable genes such as pink and double could
be introduced without a considerable increase
in size. This was found possible and several
desirable small plants with good fertility have
been produced .... In summary, let me state
my opinion that we have sufficient genetic
variability at the present time in our African
violets to permit the breeding of new varieties
which can command twice the present whole¬
sale prices which have persisted for a long
time.” end of Dr. Reed’s report.

The Research Committee recommends that
the Society continue in the support of Dr.
Reed’s work and that $400 (four hundred) be
given Dr. Reed to help defray his research ex¬
penses for the coming year.

Dr. John Mastalerz continues general fertili¬
zer and light studies at Pennsylvania State
University. Some of these experiments were
reported in a recent issue of the AVS Maga¬
zine. An additional progress report confirms
previous recommendations that best general
growth is recorded with application of a com¬
plete fertilizer at the rate of 1V2#/100 gal.
every other week. More light and temperature
correlation studies again indicate rather
obvious results. Plants grown under fluores¬
cent light at three different temperature
ranges show that a 50F temperature caused
severe injury to the plants after an exposure
of about 6 weeks, while there was little dif¬
ference in plants grown at either 65 or 75F,
both temperatures giving good growth. Two
artificial light intensities, 200 FC and 600 FC
were used at both temperatures. The 200 FC
exposure for 18 hrs. per day resulted in plants
that were superior to those that received only
12 hrs. of illumination. 600 FC for 18 hrs.
caused some bleaching of foliage but under
these conditions, plants grew largest and had
the greatest number of flowers. It would ap¬
pear that 200 FC for 18 hrs. would produce
plants that are overall most satisfactory,
though not quite as large as those grown at
the 600 FC level.

Mastalerz plans additional fertilizer ex¬
periments, including evaluation of the slowly
available fertilizer compounds that might
make possible less frequent but satisfactory
fertilizations. In his light intensity work, he
plans to investigate minimum light needs,
minimum temperature requirements and the
use of lighting cycles other than 24 hours. His
current report makes no further mention of
progress in foliage variegation studies. His
last report indicated that the expression of
variegated foliage could not be enhanced by
fertilizer or pH treatments and it would ap¬
pear that this approach is presently at a dead
end. Mastalerz makes no requests for
further funds at this time, though he has re¬

quested more plants for his next series of ex¬
periments.

Several years ago the Society made a small
grant to Dr. Lee of Cornell to help in the col¬
lection of violet species and various gesne-
riads. Cornell maintains a rather complete
collection of this material, available to both
amateur and professional breeders. In the
March 1962 issue of Baileya, a Cornell publi¬
cation, Lee now reports the chromosome
counts for all gesneriads that have been
studied to date. Much of this counting has
been done at Cornell and the Society has,
therefore, had a part in the continuation of
this important work.

Dr. Howard Ehrlich at Duquesne University
is still working on pollen sterility of S.
shumensis but has no additonal report at this
time.

An exciting new project has just started at
UCLA, Los Angeles, under the direction of
Dr. Harry Kohl. It was the feeling of the Re¬
search Committee that the basic appeal of the
violet stems from the plant’s unique ability to
grow and bloom under the marginal light
conditions of the home. But we know that
some plants are better bloomers or “perform¬
ers” than others. We feel that this simply
means that some plants are more efficient us¬
ers of light than are other plants, that is, they
can bloom under lower light intensities. These,
then, are the most desirable plants. The lower
the plant’s light requirement, the better the
plant will perform under the conditions of the
average window sill. The project at UCLA is
to discover why some of these plants are the
more efficient light users. The first experi¬
ment will therefore try to determine if there
is any correlation between the obvious struc¬
tural and physiological characteristics of vio¬
let varieties and their flowering performance
under low light intensity. This of course means
cataloging the flowering responses of many
varieties and species under low light intensity.
From this information, we hope that we can
develop new hybrids with lower light require¬
ments. The approach will ultimately be basi¬
cally the same as that of Dr. Reed’s work in
blossom size improvement. The breeding can
possibly add and combine the genes for better
“performance” after we find which plants are
the better performers and why. Members of
the Society can be of help here in recommend¬
ing to me the names of plants that they con¬
sider to be especially “free” bloomers. This
stock can then be sent to UCLA for cataloging
under their controlled conditions.

We are particularly happy to report the be¬
ginning of a project at the USDA, Beltsville,
Maryland. This is more breeding work under
the direction of Drs. Robert Stewart and Toru
Arisumi. Policy reasons prevent the USDA
from accepting direct financial support for
this work, but various members of your Re¬
search Committee have been in touch with the
Beltsville workers and have aided in the
supply of plants and cultural suggestions. The

84

USDA will soon issue a publication on the ef¬
fect of temperature on seed set of certain
varieties and reprints will be available to in¬
terested people. Dr. Stewart has also made all
the possible crosses between the 14 Saint-
paulia species and reports that most of these
have resulted in seed set. He has also checked
pollen fertility of colchicine induced tetra-
ploids and finds that many of the tetraploid
species hybrids have good pollen. Another
interest at Beltsville is the study of varietal
resistance to nematodes. They have inoculated
all the species with nematodes with the idea of
finding whether there is any natural resistance
to the nematode. If so, this characteristic could
be introduced into other varieties. I believe
that we can look with great expectations to
the work that will be coming from our federal
station. Their facilities, personnel and re¬
sources are excellent and with the interest
that they have, and our continued encourage¬
ment, great things should be possible.

May I say, in conclusion, that our greatest
research efforts are being made in the hy¬
bridization field. Reed (Minnesota), Kohl

(UCLA), Ehrlich (Duquesne), Lee (Cornell),
Stewart and Arisumi (Beltsville) are all work¬
ing toward the goal of plant breeding to de¬
velop new and better varieties. We as a com¬
mittee still feel that this is the area in which
the most spectacular gains and advances can
be made. We want to develop bigger blooms,
better performers, more exotic types that will
work for us all on the window sills and under
fluorescent lights. The great progress in varie¬
ties now available, we believe, justifies the
continuation of this approach. Not that all of
the cultural problems are solved. We still feel
that the studies on fertilizer, rooting media,
soil types and light must be considered, and
we must try to continue efforts in these
directions. We would welcome suggestions for
any projects breeding or otherwise, from any
Society member. More than this, we would
welcome suggestions as to possible interested
research workers whom you may know. Your
advice has, in the past, really been the main
guide for the Society’s research program and
we need this continued interest to make fu¬
ture progress possible, •

The Boyce Edens Research Fund

Anne Rosebrock

Mrs. Hamtil and fellow members of this
wonderfully enthusiastic Society, I am
sure you were all very much interested in the
report of the Research Committee, which was
just delivered by Connie Hansen. Do you
realize, however, that before the Research
Committee can function, funds have to be
provided to carry out the work on projects
deemed worthy of research? I am sure we are
all grateful for the great strides that have been
accomplished in African violet culture. Re¬
search has been directly responsible for most
of the improvements.

What is the Boyce Edens Research Fund,
and how did it originate? Many of the newer
members probably don’t even know who Mr.
Boyce Edens was.

Mr. Edens was an organizing member of
the Society, and its Treasurer until he passed
away, on December 2nd, 1952. His interest in
scientific research was keen and he was among
the first contributors to the Research Fund.
Earlier Magazines carried many articles which
were contributed by him.

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Edens
when I attended my first Convention in Phila¬
delphia. The phrase “A real Southern gentle¬
man” had a deeper meaning for me after
meeting him.

After Mr. Edens’ death, a Boyce Edens
Memorial was suggested by the Research Com¬
mittee. The following article appeared in the
March, 1953 issue of our Magazine:

“A BOYCE EDENS MEMORIAL”

“The idea to establish a Boyce Edens Memo¬
rial has been suggested. As Mr. Edens was the
first and most ardent supporter of the Scienti¬
fic Research Project, it is suggested that a
fund be established in his memory to carry
on this work. The Research Committee has
carried on its work for the past three years by
giving scholarships and research grants to
various universities for work with African
violets. During this period some money for
this work was solicited from the commercial
growers and some from several of the local
African Violet Clubs. Personal checks from
several individuals, including one from Mr.
Edens, were received. Also seven dollars from
each commercial membership goes to this
fund. The total received did not approach the
sums needed for this work; therefore the
grants were carried as budgeted items from
the National African Violet Society treasury.
This means that some money had to come out
of your three dollar membership to support
this work. With the rising costs of materials
and services it will be impossible for the
membership dues to support this in the future.

“It is understood that many of the local
Clubs have charity projects of one type or an¬
other. It is always good to have a high pur¬
pose for a club’s existence. There could be no
better purpose than supporting the Boyce
Edens Memorial Fund. This money spent on
scholarships would be of benefit in two ways,

85

directly to the students who would have a
chance to continue their educations; and, to
you African violet lover, in increased know¬
ledge about your favorite plant. It is only fair
that money gained by the African yiolet
Society through shows and programs should
return to the African Violet Memorial Fund.

“Today scholarships and aid grants run
from $250 to $2,000 per year. Some projects
even require a three year agreement. Should
a local club or group of clubs undertake a
scholarship by themselves — it is possible a
project could be set up in a university in
their vicinity. Others that cannot afford a
full project, could add their support to the
joint projects, about the country.

“The research program that has been
carried on so far by the African Violet Society
has been accredited by experts to be the best
program carried on by any plant society. This
can be multiplied many fold. The scientists
have found that the African violet lends itself
very well to research work. Many other lines
may benefit as the result of this work, even in¬
directly human nutrition and possibly medical
lines.

“May we invite you to bring up this sugges¬
tion for open discussion at your next club
meeting, so that your ideas can be brought
forth at the Convention in Nashville.”

RESEARCH COMMITTEE
The Boyce Edens Research Fund has continu¬
ed since that time.

How do the projects originate? The Re¬
search Committee discusses topics on which
more information seems to be needed and
which - — more or less - — cover the field of
interests of a college or university horticul¬
tural department. A letter is then circulated
to a number of colleges or universities, and if
responses are received in the areas of indicat¬
ed interest, one is selected and a research pro¬
ject is financed.

I cannot stress strongly enough that we need
more money for Research. Dr. Fischer said,
in a letter to me: “It seems difficult to really
find institutions with great interest in violets,
particularly with the levels of financial sup¬
port that we are able to offer. Most of our
grants have been at the $300 to $1,000 level.
Even the upper figure seems sufficient only to
secure perhaps one-fourth time services of a
graduate student.”

This past year we have received contribu¬
tions to the, fund from several individuals.
This made me very happy and I hope it has
— in a manner of speaking — - broken the ice.
Heretofore we have received contributions
only from affiliated clubs and a few commer¬
cial growers. Our annual letter soliciting con¬
tributions reaches only the affiliated clubs,
whereas, the membership is scattered through¬
out the United States and many foreign coun¬
tries, where local clubs are not organized, and
certainly everyone shares equally in the bene¬
fits derived from research.

I would like to suggest that in the future
this be handled in a different manner. Instead
of sending a letter to a relatively small re¬
presentation of the entire membership, let it
be published in the Magazine as an “Open
Letter” and everyone — individuals, commer¬
cial growers, affiliated clubs, and non-affiliat-
ed clubs, be invited to participate in this
worthy project by sending a contribution to
the fund.

It is entirely possible that it hasn’t even
occurred to many members that they may
contribute as individuals.

I realize that African violet clubs are non¬
profit organizations and possibly many of
them do not have a large treasury, which is all
the more reason why individual members
should be invited to participate in supporting
the program.

Now as to some of the difficulties I have

experienced in carrying on this work.

It is only natural that when a club makes a
contribution to the Research Fund, it likes to
receive recognition in the Magazine. This is
sometimes difficult due to the following rea¬
sons: My letter instructs clubs to make out
the checks to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc., and mail them to me. The great¬
er portion of the checks are made out cor¬
rectly, with proper covering letters, giving
full information as to the name of the club,
and the proper return address of the officer
who transmits it. These people simplify the
duties of the Chairman. However, many
checks are made out to me personally, and
many are made out to “Boyce Edens Research
Fund.” When they are made out to me, I have
to endorse them before sending them to
Myrtle Radtke. I believe Myrtle has some
arrangement with the bank about depositing
checks made out to “Boyce Edens Research
Fund.”

It is customary to acknowledge each con¬
tribution and I run into real difficulties, in
many instances, in trying to acknowledge the
checks. Too often there is just a check in the
envelope, with no covering letter, and in
many, many cases — no return address on the
enveloped I then refer to the Roster and in
many instances I find the person listed. Fre¬
quently, however, that particular person is not
a National member. I then resort to a card
file which Alma Wright kindly sent me, and
send the acknowledgment to the person listed
on the card as a representative of that parti¬
cular club and I have to explain in detail why
the acknowledgment is made in this manner.

I have experienced several really humorous
cases. One, for instance, was a check signed
“Jane Doe.” It contained no covering letter
and no return address. I looked “Jane” up in
the Roster and found that there were two
“Mrs. Does” in that town, and both were list¬
ed with their husband’s initials! I still didn’t
know where “Jane” lived. I picked one of the
addresses, wrote to the lady explaining ^the

86

situation, and hope the club received my
acknowledgement.

Another case was a money order from a

small town, with the name of the club and
town, as senders, and no individual return
address. I resorted to my card file and sent
the acknowledgment to a former officer, ex¬
plaining why my letter was addressed to her
and requesting that she turn it over to the
club.

Another confusing situation arises when the
treasurer lives in a suburb of the city where
the actual club headquarters are located. In
such cases, the covering letter should state
that the contribution is from the African Vio¬
let Club of such and such a city, and then the
full name and address of the officer transmitt¬
ing the contribution.

I had one real puzzler along this line. It was
a personal check from a town where no club
was listed, furthermore, the lady who sent
it was not a National member. If the signa¬
ture had not had the abbreviation “Treas.”
after it, I might have considered it another
individual contribution and reported it as
such. I checked a road map to see if the town
from which the check was issued might be
near a city that had a club, and sure enough,
I found one. The sender lived in a suburb of
the city where the club had headquarters.

Another thing that puts me on the spot is
when ladies neglect to sign “Miss” or “Mrs.”
to their names. Absence of the title leaves me
in a quandary as to which salutation to use
when acknowledging checks.

For my own protection, I keep the incom¬
ing letters in my file. When an adequate cover¬
ing letter is included with the check, that is
just fine. But in cases where only the check
is sent in the envelope, I would have no record
for my file, so I slit the envelope and write on
it whatever is necessary for a complete record
the officer’s name and address, amount of
the check, name of the club, etc., and staple

the envelopes to a copy of the letter of
acknowledgement.

I feel I’ve had enough experience in digging
up various information to qualify as a “Girl
Friday” for some private eye.

Finally, I would like to call your attention
to certain editorial requirements. Oftentimes
people wonder why notice of their contribu¬
tion wasn’t published in the next issue of the
Magazine. Deadline dates are the same for
everyone:

December 1st for the March issue,
March 1st for June issue,

June 1st for the September issue, and
September 1st for the December issue.

If these deadlines were observed by the
contributors and an effort were made to get
their contributions in the mail well before the
expiration of each deadline date, there would
be fewer disappointments. The months preced¬
ing the deadline are especially important and
it would be well to get your checks in early
in those particular months. For instance, if
you want notice of your contribution to appear
in the September issue, send your check along
not later than the early part of May, so that
the chairman may include it in her report and
send it along in time to reach the editor be¬
fore June 1st.

All in all, in spite of a few vexatious pro¬
blems, I have enjoyed this work immensely
these past two years.

You may be wondering about the notice
that appeared in the March issue, instructing
you to send the checks to Knoxville. Well, my
husband and I decided to move from Arling¬
ton, Virginia because my health seemed to de¬
mand a warmer climate. We put our furniture
in storage on March 31st, and will be vaga¬
bonding for several months and finally hope
to settle down in St. Petersburg, Florida,
sometime in July or August.

I hope to see you all at the next Convention.
Thank you! •

Anne’s Qnestion Box

Reported by: Mrs. Cora E. Spath, Baltimore, Maryland; Mrs. B. W. Spencer, Salinas, California;
and Mrs. Lena Lee Little, Fairfield, California.

Moderator: Mrs. Frank (Anne) Tinari, Bethayres, Pennsylvania, who introduced the five

panelists.

First panelist: Mrs. J. E. Marmaduke,
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania
Subject: Growing Under Lights
Reserve a space for benches when growing
violets under fluorescent lights. Set the plants
on crushed shells or coarse sand; this can be
moistened when more moisture is needed. If
in close quarters, the air flow may be main¬
tained by use of a fan. With sufficient air
flow and no draft, there will be no mildew.

If mildew does appear on plants, use sulphur

to kill it.

If you want color, use two pink or two
blue fluorescent lights. Try Gro-Lux tubes,
cool or warm lights. Carefully put a large
plant under them, six inches higher than the
others. Try: one Gro-Lux tube, one cool white
tube, with the light 18 inches from the plants.

Use a time clock for accurate timing. Put
dark foliage plants under the center of the

87

light. Never take a light colored plant and
move it to the center of the light, for this
will do more harm than good. Maintain a
temperature of 70 to 75 degrees for African
violets. Use warm rain water for watering.
Do not have the rain ■ water filtered; the
spraying program will take care of the insect
problem. Baby plants will do much better
under fluorescent lights.

Mrs. Marmaduke started growing violets 30
years ago. Blue Boy was one of the early
varieties of violets grown. Mrs. Marmaduke
had an article published in the June 1961
issue of The African Violet Magazine. Some of
the first articles on fluorescent lighting ap¬
peared in the May 1952 and June 1952 issues
of the African Violet Magazine.

Question: Are Gro-Lux tubes here to stay?

Answer: Yes. Nine out of every 10 who use
them continue their use.

Question: How many hours should Gro~Lux
tubes be on?

Answer: For older plants, reduce- the light¬
ing at least 2 hours. Not for baby plants.

Question: Does too much light change the
shape of the leaf?

Answer: No. Eighteen inch lights are ad¬
justable up and down. Conditions, humid¬
ity, type of light — all are to be con¬
sidered.

Question: Do you think too much fluores¬
cent light makes leaves grow straight up
and does this type make a new type of
plant?

Answer: I had 2 plants, one grew straight
up and the other did not. I think that it
was the variety.

Second panelist: John P. Mills, Stockton, Calif.

Subject: Soil Sterilization and Insecticides

For soil sterilization, the best methods are
steam, chemicals, baking or super heat such
as dry steam. Pasteurization does a good job:
145 to 169 degrees Fahrenheit accomplishes
this purpose after one-half hour in the oven.
Use a thermometer. The above temperature is
essential to kill fungi and bacteria. Always
use an air tight container because fungi and
mildew are airborne. Dry steam is very effec¬
tive but requires experience. Chemicals are
designed to kill only some insects.

Insecticides: there are so many factors that
enter into their use that it becomes a highly
controversial subject. If there are 12,000 va¬
rieties of violets, there are 20,000 varieties of
insecticides. If you use one that is satisfactory,
do not change. Sprays may be either liquid or
powder. Read the label with care. Have anti¬
dotes and rubber gloves. Prevent breathing
any of these insecticides. Systemic is a
method -of applying insecticides to the soil: it
goes through the roots on up and through the
plant. Usually in about 2 hours on house
plants, the whole plant is poisonous to birds
and animals.

The Dip Method: wear rubber gloves, pre¬
pare the solution as directed, have a tempera¬
ture range of 78 degrees, dip for 15 seconds,
keep plants out of a draft. Biological control
is a new method, distributed by Ferry-Morse.
The product is Aresol, to be used no closer
than 18 inches.

Question: What are the soil mealy bugs?

Answer: The soil mealy bug is found mostly
in California’s soil. You are probably fa¬
miliar with the regular mealy bug that
is on the axil or on the under leaf of an'
infested plant. The soil mealy bug thrives
on the roots. It is about a 50th of an
inch long, and it cannot be seen with the
naked eye. Malathion spray is the one we
use for that control. Drench the soil.

Answer by Anne Tinari: Systox is the most
effective thing that she has found.

Question: 2-4D is a selective weed killer and
has killed many plants. If the fumes
enter the growing area is there anything
that can be used to combat it?

Answer: 2-4D is a selective weed killer pri¬
marily used for broad leaf weeds. The
fumes from the spray will travel a great
distance and will affect any wide leaf
plant. It Is intended to kill. 2-4D is not
an insect control.

Question: Is there a substitute for sodium
selenate? And is there anything that
will work as well?

Answer: Kelthane will kill nilte in 10
seconds if properly applied. Kelthane
18.5% solution should be diluted one
teaspoon to one gallon of water. It leaves
a residue that will affect the nymphs and
the eggs.

Question: Will you give the specific cure
for powdery mildew?

Answer: Powdery mildew is primarily a
ventilation problem. The Readers Digest
had quite an article on Captan, which is
very effective. To apply it, put a little on
a sheet of paper and put on the plant.
Falspan is a new product which also acts
satisfactorily. Sulphur is all ^ right but it
leaves a residue that can burn.

Third panelist: Mrs. Grace Eyerdnm,
Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio

Subject: Hybridization

The first step in hybridization is to have an
objective. If you don’t strike out, you are lost.
Today we breed for quality, a healthy green
in the foliage, strong petioles, larger flowers,
longer flower stems, a good clear color of
flowers, a good producer, the ability to with¬
stand hot weather and diseases, and a good
root system.

We grow 40,000' seedlings in the greenhouse
each year. We work with only 100 to 125 of
these. The rest are thrown out the back door.
Mrs, Eyerdom defended the right of commer¬
cial growers to have different violets bearing
the same name, as in the case of the six

88

Amandas. She did suggest prefixing the
grower’s name, such as “Granger’s Amanda.”

Question: What can be done to keep varie¬
gated leaves from changing?

Answer: Variegated leaves are mutations of
the original. None will remain with yellow
or white permanently. Fertilizer will
change the leaves back to green.

Question: Can you give the beginner some
of the most important items in hybridiz¬
ing?

Answer: Always have an objective. Flies and
mosquitoes can develop seeds. This is not
so good because you do not know the par¬
ents. If you have a plant with good foli¬
age and poor blossom and you have
another plant with poor foliage and a
good blossom, you might try to combine.
You may not get it the first time. It is
not the case of one cross and getting what
you want.

Question: Would it be possible to register
a plant that has a combination of all the
good qualities which we have grown for
8 or 9 years?

Answer: I wonder where this plant has been
hiding for 8 or 9 years. That is a good
question. There is no reason, if it has
circulated over a period of 9 years, it
should be registered ... it must be good.
It amazes me that someone would grow a
plant for that long and not have it reg¬
istered if it was that good.

Question: How can I get a heavy head of
bloom, in other words, how can I get
blooms all at once.

Answer: If someone will open the back
door, I will let the cat out of the bag.
There is a trick to that. About 2 months
before show time, if you will snip your
bud stems down low and leave a half
inch stub, you will find that you will get
numerous clusters of violets; but if the
judges see stubs, you will have been had.
The plant will be disqualified.

Fourth panelist: Paul Rockelmann,

Linwood, New Jersey

Subject: Seed Germination

I

After 20 years of hybridization and grow¬
ing seeds, I believe that I can tell you a few
important things on hybridization. Germina¬
tion means the swelling of the seed embryo
in the shell as it begins to grow into the plant.
The 3 basic conditions necessary for germi¬
nation are moisture, heat and oxygen. Mois¬
ture will get. the chemical action in the seed
started; heat will hasten the chemical action;
oxygen is necessary because without oxygen
some of the chemical changes cannot take
place. I imagine many of you have tried grow¬
ing seeds with various degrees of success. I
would like to have a dime for every seed
that I have destroyed. First you must start
with fresh, fertile seeds. How do you determine

that, especially if you are growing your own
seed? It takes 3 to 6 months for the pod to
turn brown and dry. You may shell the seed
on a piece of white paper and if the seed looks
brown and roly poly, it is fertile. If it is dried
up, it is probably not fertile. It is well to
have a magnifying glass to examine the seed.

Prepare the seed medium using perlite,
sand, vermiculite or peat. Sterilize in the
oven at 180 to 200 degrees for one hour,
using a shallow pan and having the medium
moist; air well afterwards. The tray should
be clay or plastic. Do not use metal trays
because it is possible that metal would react
with the chemicals in the soil. The next step.
We prepare our trays in this manner: l'V2 to
2 inch deep tray; for drainage a layer of
charcoal chips; % of an inch of rooting
medium, leaving about V2 inch air space to
top of tray. Moisten thoroughly, then sow
the seeds thinly. Place tray in a polyethylene
bag or place glass or plastic cover over the
top. Place the tray in a warm light place, not
in the hot sun.

If plastic or glass is used, lift the top and
wipe off moisture once in a while. Seeds will
germinate in 2 to 4 weeks. Watch for damp¬
ing-off; if this should happen, use a fungi¬
cide.

Be sure to wash trays before using for the
planting medium; clean them well with Lysol
or Clorox. Never use fertilizers or manure
in the seeding medium.

Question: Is there a sterile plant?

Answer: Some are.

Fifth panelist: Mrs. John M. Gutridge,

Los Angeles, California

Subject: Show Preparation for the Plants

The making of a show plant starts when
the plant is very small. If you expect to enter
a plant that you have exhibited before, begin
again right after you get the plant home by
giving it the proper show care. A show plant
cannot be grown altogether in a small pot.
Keep transferring from a small pot to a larger
as the plant grows. Be sure that a plant is well
root-bound in a 2 inch pot, has one good
blooming season before transferring it to the
next size. When transferring, use Vitamin B-1
or Super-Thrive. This will prevent root shock.
I use knitting needles to remove suckers and
to push the plants from the pots. The roots
must push against something to keep growing.
After the plant has been repotted, water from
the top with Vitamin B-1. After this, water
from the bottom, always with warm water.
When replanting, use charcoal and lava rock
over the bottom. This is to keep the soil sweet
and to give drainage. If the plant is a small
growing one, do not transplant again unless
it is really root-bound. Never plant too deep.
The most important thing is to give it Loving
Care. •

89

Show News Workshop

Eunice Fisher, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

HOW many of you folks have sent me Show
News and had me send it back to you,
saying it had arrived too late for the issue
that was being made up?

How many of you have been very upset be¬
cause you didn’t find your Show News in the
next issue of the Magazine and felt like call¬
ing me names? And perhaps you did!

How many of you DO READ the “things
you should know” at the top of my page?

More times than I care to think about, Show
News has come in all the way from 2 weeks to
2 months TOO LATE! Then, to make matters
worse the party sending in this report didn’t
have time to write up the show but sent me an
envelope of newspaper clippings and I am to
hunt through them to find the main items
needed for the Magazine. No dates! The news¬
paper story said, “last Friday or last Tues¬
day.” A few times there were no place names
as to which city the show was held. Yet for 4
years or since Sept. 1958, we have been advis¬
ing you, “Please do not send newspaper clip¬
pings.”

It takes a long time to make up our Maga¬
zine. That is why we must have all Show
News items in on time. To fit each into its
proper place, have room for pictures and all
other articles, yet have no blank spaces left
over, is really a huge task.

Also, our Show News reports should really
be NEWS. That is why we are putting in a
new ruling that all Show News write-ups
must be sent to me not later than 6 weeks
after the show takes place. Even at that, it
will be several months before: the Magazine
is released with this news in it. When Show
News sent to me in January, as " it was this
year, on a show that took place last April
1961 . . . and should I accept it ... it would
be put into the June 1962 issue. Is that News?
More than a year after the show was held?

We are an up-to-date Society. We must
keep our departments up-to-date too. So please
go with me in this new ruling and send in
your Show News just as soon as your show
is over. I will send it in for the next issue being
printed. But don’t forget to look at the dead¬
line dates which are printed at the head of
my column.

In the past the December issue has been a
heavy number for Show News. If all shows
held in March, April and May would get their
write-ups to me before June 1st, they will
be sent to the Editor for the September issue.
So please do get your show news in to me
AT ONCE; not later than 6 weeks after your
show was held.

Our Show Calendar also needs to be given

better reporting. I realize it is hard to set a
date too far ahead for your show but if this
is really given thought, I believe it can be
managed. Our Convention Chairman has to
plan long years ahead to know where and
when our Conventions are held. Surely clubs
can put a bit more time into show planning
and get their date set and sent in to me so it
can be printed in the Magazine just previous
to the show. At least a dozen reports were
sent to me too late for the March issue. I was
really sorry that I could not get them into the
Magazine and I tried to explain to them why
I couldn’t do it. I fully expect to hear angry
rumblings around here about your news editor
being just no good! I really would like to help
each one to get their Show Dates and reports
in on time for I know how much it means to
them.

We have some splendid photos sent in; far
too many to give them the space they deserve.
Most of them come through the mail in good
condition but now and then one comes with
no cardboard to protect it from being folded.
Should it become creased, this will show up
in the Magazine picture. So when sending in
photos do include a stiff piece of cardboard
and mark on the outside, PHOTO, DO NOT
BEND. DO NOT WRITE ON BACK OF
PHOTO. This may show up too. It is best to
write on a small piece of paper that can be
attached to the very edge of the photo, giving
names of folks in the picture or the names of
plants.

I know these fine pictures are an expense
to the club but we cannot return them. Pos¬
tage would be far too much. The Society must
stand for all such postage and it can’t be
done. Every time I have to return items to
the club it takes postage from the treasury
and such expense mounts up.

There have been times when slides have been
sent in. We cannot use them. They must be
returned. And this means more postage. So
please send only black and white glossy prints
of good size.

Sending in your Show News notes by Air
Mail is all right. I get quite a few that way,
but do not send them Special Delivery. Your
money is wasted. We live 8 miles out in the
country on a long mail route and no mail is
delivered except on the regular daily route.
Just BE SURE to get your reports mailed on
time so they reach me before the first of the
month noted as deadline for that issue. I need
to get them mailed out to our Editor by the
first of the month and they must be typed
specially for it. I would appreciate it if you
would double space all reports. It is much

90

easier to read. If it is not possible to type it,
please do write plainly, especially names of
those who judge your shows or have taken
awards.

At times I get very lengthy reports telling
about the many tables on display, describing
each table in detail. Also, a long list of blue
ribbon winners and who won red and white
ribbons as well. It is a real necessity to cut
down long reports so there is room for all.
No one wants the Magazine to be taken over
entirely by the Show News section.

Many clubs seem to find it more exciting to
find out who won than which plant won. Yet
others scanning the reports are looking more
for names of plants that win most often. Only
now and then do I get a report mentioning
just names of the plants that win and to me
it is sort of restful to think only of the plants

themselves. It takes space in the Magazine to
print both and I am limited to a number of
words for each report. But what shall I do? I
haven’t yet found a way to please everyone
in that respect.

I’d like to know how many are more inter¬
ested in names of plants that win at shows
than in the names of those entering the plants.

Now you may think I have done nothing
but complain about what your publicity chair¬
man has done in getting in Show News. I
don’t mean to really be so critical. I just want
so much to make this part of our Magazine
of real value to the clubs and their committees
in getting the shows reported.

If you have any complaints, please let me
know about them. I will do the best I can to
help you. •

I Want to Know

Carolyn K. Rector, San Pedro, California

OUR Program Chairman thought that a
good many people would be interested
in hearing how Variety Lists are made. You
will notice I do not say written, because the
writing is the last and least work of all. The
real work begins in the first week of January
of any year. At this time all the books, maga¬
zines, and stray notes in the house are care¬
fully checked to see if there is mention of a
violet that has been overlooked, and all grow¬
ers lists that have been received since Decem¬
ber 1st are carefully gone over. Of course all
the state violet magazines are reread and
checked for names of new growers and de¬
scriptions of exhibits in violet shows. They
were all read when first received, but they
are gone over again to make sure that nothing
has been missed. That is more of a task than
you might think, for there are a number of
state councils that print their own magazines,
and some of them are full of useful informa¬
tion. If an article says that Mrs. Smith won a
blue ribbon at a local show with her new vio¬
let, it is necessary to find out Mrs. Smith’s
address and write to her for information about
this new violet.

Perhaps I had better say right now that no
true names will be mentioned, so if I tell you
a story about Mrs. Smith or Mrs. Jones or
Mrs. Brown, you may be sure that was not
her name.

A letter goes out to Mrs. Smith, (stamp
enclosed) asking about her prize- winning vio¬
let and whether she had named other violets.
She usually responds enthusiastically, and in
the case of one Mrs. Smith with whom I had
a correspondence last year, she told me how
lovely it was and what her neighbors said
about it, and what her husband thought. But

I still haven’t learned what I want to know,
so I write again (with stamp) and ask her to
describe it. Mrs. Smith is a very amiable lady,
and so she tells me this time that it is a lovely
pink, with a sweet face like a darling baby,
and has five or six flowers on each stem.
Everybody loves it, and they all ask her for
a leaf. The next letter asks Mrs. Smith whether
the flowers are single or double, and what
kind of leaves does it have? This last letter
usually brings an answer with what I want
to know.

You may think this sounds like imagination,
but I solemnly assure you that I had a cor¬
respondence exactly like that last summer.

Or an article in a state magazine says that
Mrs. Jones from Ferndale, Ohio, showed a
lovely violet named Last Hope, which won
first prize. But the National Handbook does
not show anyone by that name in Ferndale, so
it may take as much as three more letters to
locate Mrs. Jones, who was not listed under
Ferndale because she had moved there since
the last Handbook was printed. Then another
letter, or maybe two, to get a description from
Mrs. Jones.

There are not too many cases like these, but
just enough to make things interesting.

One very pleasant part of my work is to
attend every violet show I can possibly get to.
There one often sees a lovely new violet
produced by a local seed-sower which never
got into any list or magazine because the
grower does not advertise or even sell violets,
but simply grows them as a hobby.

At one violet show some years ago, there
was a lovely display of 14 plants, with all
new names, all shown by the same person.
They were large, well-grown, beautiful plants.

91

and 13 of them were almost exactly alike. The
14th one was slightly different. I heard the
owner telling a bystander that they all grew
from the same seed pod. But, after all, I was
collecting violet names.

Then, too, I write to everyone I know who
raises violets from seed. Some of our best
plants have been produced by these violet
lovers who never get their names in a maga¬
zine or on a list.

Visiting violet nurseries is also a pleasant
part of my work. One often finds a violet
produced by a friend of the nursery owner,
which is not being grown by anyone else.
There are sometimes very interesting stories
back of these incidental introductions.

Some commercial growers delight my heart,
and some others give me a headache. On
receipt of a request containing a stamp, a
dime, or a quarter, as per the advertisement,
19 out of 20 will send a list without any more
letters needed, and some, over the years, have
become my very good pen friends.

But they are not all like that. There are
several who will not send me a list, though
they advertise in the magazines. One of two
simply do not answer. Two others, whom I
have had the pleasure (?) of meeting at Con¬
ventions, refuse to send me their lists because
they say I have no right to put their violets
in a book. In such cases I have to get my
information second-hand.

The growers who do not ship consider me a
nuisance, but most of them will make up a
list for me when I tell them what I want it
for. Mr. John Doe writes back that he has no
time to write letters, and Mr. Richard Roe
says he never made a list and never intends
to. Mr. Jones says that if I want to know what
varieties he has he cordially invites me to
visit his greenhouses and look at them. As
New York state is quite a distance from here,
he probably thinks he is perfectly safe. And
Mr. Green says he will make one up for me
as soon as he gets time; but he never gets
time.

However, a flood of lists do come in. These
are carefully checked with a red pencil mark
against any name that is new, and a card is
made out for my card index.

Then we really have fun, because many of
the descriptions are not complete. Some do
not even mention leaves, but it is impossible
to accept the idea that the plant has no leaves.
Some do not tell the color of the blossom,
others do not say whether it is single or
double. But I want to know, so the name is
checked with a green question mark, and I
write a letter asking for the missing infor¬
mation. Usually I get an answer, but not
always.

Some recent growers lists contain names of
plants, the leaves of which are described in
great detail, but no mention at all is made of
the flowers. Don’t they have any blossoms? I
know of one violet plant that has never been

known to bloom during a period of ten years,
but have always supposed that was the only
one.

Other growers put at the head of a list “all
leaves are plain (or standard) unless other¬
wise described.” That is excellent, for then
we know exactly where we are.

The spring program of work, with time out
for shows, housework, etc. will fill up the
time until July or maybe later. Then the
card index has to be checked against previous
lists. In September the fall catalogs begin to
come in, and here we go again, and follow
the same routine all over again. About the
first of December I start writing the List from
the index cards.

Some people have a wonderful gift of words.
Read about a plant in their list, and you wili
feel you simply must get that one. Then try
to describe it in one line for the List, or on
an index card, and what do we have? The
leaves “grow perfectly for a show plant,” but
are they Girl, plain, quilted, or wavy? No
information on that point. The flowers are
“a crown of blossoms, ethereally lovely as a
breath of spring.” Of course they are beau¬
tiful — aren’t all violets beautiful — but are
they single or double, and what color? That
is what I want to know. Maybe I can find out
from some other grower’s list.

One kind of headache is caused by a cer¬
tain plant being described by one grower as
having blue flowers, and by another as having
lavender flowers, while the one in the show
was decidedly an orchid bicolor. Which one
is right? The only thing T can do is list all
three and let you use your judgment.

Name duplication is the worst headache of
all. If you have a friend or relative named
Amanda, and you want to give her name to
your pet plant, do please ask if she had a
middle name you can use. We have six Aman¬
das already and that is enough. We have six
Apple Blossoms, and there are many others
we could name.

In compiling the material I submitted for
the Master List, I checked every issue of the
African Violet Magazine since and including
the first one, six state magazines, the Gloxinia
and Gesneria magazines, a cabinet of old
correspondence, eight years of card indexes,
and six previous books. This was rewritten
six times, and approximately 1,500 letters
were sent out asking for information. In spite
of all that, it is not perfect, and if anyone
who reads it finds errors or omissions, please
write me.

You may think I am a pest when I keep
writing for more information, but please re¬
member that I am not doing so Just to annoy
you. Life was simpler when we had only 14
varieties.

In conclusion, I want to thank all the num¬
erous people who have so kindly taken the
time and trouble to answer my questions, and
have told me what I want to know. •

92

Violet Therapy

Mary Johnston, Fresno, California

There is a curative quality in one of a hu¬
man’s fundamental needs. A hobby is
more rewarding when it is shared with others.
Nature teaches us that life is a continual pro¬
cess of growth ... it is through growth that
the young child learns to share . , . gradually
one finds that all the happiness that is shared
finds it way back into the life of the person
who began the cycle.

There was a time when I was positive that
my thumb was anything but green. After leav¬
ing the paid professional nursing field, I be¬
came an active volunteer in the Veterans
Hospital. It was there I met an ex-World War
I nurse ... a warm, friendly person who had
no living relatives with whom to visit. At 78,
she gave the the impression of someone’s white
haired mother. At our first meeting I found
that she had been in the hospital for more
than a year. During this time, her only com¬
fort- was a single African violet plant which
served as a conversation piece each time I
stopped to visit with her. After she passed
away, the nurses felt I should have the plant.
It is now many years later and I still have
this, my first plant. It is truly more lovely to¬
day, covered with blossoms and memories.

From this one plant (my first to succeed),
my collection has grown to 1500. Shortly after
that, I heard of the African Violet Society of
America. Each year my membership becomes
more meaningful because I share my pleasure
with others. While looking through a back
issue of the African Violet Magazine (1949), I
came across an article written by Neil C.
Miller. He quotes Harvey Cox, a hospitalized
veteran, “There’s many a green thumb on a
crippled hand. It is a challenge to the mem¬
bership of the African Violet Society to seek
out those crippled hands and place African
violets in therq, so that the owners can realize,
perhaps for the first time, that they really do
have green thumbs, and in that realization
'find something to break the monotony of hos¬
pital life, and to bring interest and cheer into
an existence that might become drab and
humdrum.”

Central California African Violet Society’s
first effort was to hold a flower show in the
recreation hall of the Veterans Hospital. We
exhibited specimen plants and arrangements.
Refreshments were served to the patients and
their visitors. We gave the patients leaves and
small plants. Many of these patients are still
growing plants because their interest was
aroused by our show.

Three years ago we extended our services
to the Fresno County TB Hospital. We held a
flower show there for the patients. Some of

the patients had not been interested in leaving
their rooms for years. With proper precaution,
the TB patients were given the chance to see
and be given leaves and plants. I receive let¬
ters from these folks constantly, one of which
reads:

“Dear Mrs, Johnston:

Do you remember the African violet leaf
you gave me the time you had the African
violet show here for us? Well, my leaf of
White Pride grew and is a pretty plant and
blooming. I am enjoying it very much. I wish
you would slip over and come and see them.
I have missed seeing you folks too.

Sincerely,

Irene Harman”

I try to follow up these patients if and when
they are released from the hospital. I recently
gave one patient several hundred plants to
start him on a new vocation.

From my experience, I have drawn up an
outline on how to begin a violet therapy pro¬
gram. If your group is interested in starting a
program, we will be happy to help you.

1. Contact the administrator. He will direct
you through the proper channels for your
particular hospital.

2. A club plan should be established as to
distribution and follow up. An interested
donor is just as valuable as the plant.

3. When taking plants, take growing in¬
structions to be given along with the plant.

4. In taking the plants, mark the pots with
the name of the society, maintaining society
identity. A uniform will help further establish
the identity of your group.

5. A flower show could be planned with
patients acting as judges, and with patients
acting as exhibitors, too. Suggest giving sub¬
scriptions of the African Violet Magazine, to
be circulated by the hospital librarian.

6. Once a program is established, it is im¬
portant to maintain this activity. It is one in¬
teresting diversion in an otherwise dull exist¬
ence. A regular African violet day will soon
become an institution.

Mr. and Mrs Rector from San Pedro, Cali¬
fornia, have taken plants to their local hos¬
pital, convalescent home, and the women’s
prison. They say the program is quite success¬
ful.

We would be interested in hearing from any
groups conducting such a program.

“There is a destiny that makes us brothers,
none goes his way alone; all that we send into
the lives of others comes back into our own.”
Edward Markham. •

93

Commercial Growers Group

Cordelia Rienhardt, Secretary, Commercial Activities Committee

The Commercial Workshop, a get-together
of all interested commercial members,
held its fifth meeting this year as a part of
the Annual Convention in San Francisco, The
meeting, held on Friday morning at 8:30 in
the English Room of the Sheraton-Palace
Hotel, was well attended and full of much
enthusiastic discussion. Don Wilson, the chair¬
man, was unable to attend the Convention, so
the secretary, Mrs. Harold Rienhardt, presided.
Mrs. Grace Arndt acted as secretary pro tern.

One of the projects which this group has
been working for is a more simplified regis¬
tration card. It was felt that more plants would
be registered if some of the unnecessary ques¬
tions were eliminated from the card, thus
saving the grower valuable time. We are
happy to report that this has been done. I
have been told that the new card is very
simple and can be filled out in almost no time
at all. The new Registration Chairman, Mrs.
Fred Tretter, St. Louis, Missouri, will be able
to supply you with the new blanks.

Priscilla Landaker, Chairman of Commer¬
cial Exhibits at the National Conventions for
the past several years and well known to
all commercial exhibitors, had to resign this
year because of ill health. As a token jesture
to let her know how much she was missed
by all of us, a silver bracelet was sent to her
from the Commercial Activities group.

A report of the Name Selection Committee
was submitted by Mrs. Helen Rhoades, chair¬
man. The gist of the report was: to avoid any
further duplication of names given to African
violets, a master card file should be prepared
from “The Master List” and located in a
central point; those desiring to name a new
plant would submit the name to this central
point for a check to determine if the name had
been used. This book is now in the process of

being published by the African Violet Society
of America, Inc., and will be available to those
who wish to order it.

There was a discussion on a symbol to be
adopted by participating growers, to be used
in their advertisements. This symbol would
be similar to the manner in which FTD’s
symbol is used and would represent a certain
degree of quality, service, etc. No definite
action was taken on this as it was felt that
the chairman, Don Wilson, might wish to
appoint a committee to work out a symbol
and standards.

Mr, Mezzera of the Atlas Fish Fertilizer
Company was presented and made a proposal
from his company to furnish culture pam¬
phlets on African violets to commercial grow¬
ers to pass on to their customers. These would
be furnished at a very small cost, the culture
to be written by the growers. After some
discussion, the idea was tabled for the present.

Mr. Frank Tinari gave a resume of the
history of registering of plants in the National
Society. He urged members to do so, stating
that registration enhanced the value of a
plant.

The idea of having a commercial page in
each issue of the magazine was discussed and
thought to be worthwhile. Mary Meeds, who
did her part last year so faithfully, was asked
to take charge of this, her job being to re¬
mind the commercials scheduled to write the
page so that the deadline date would not be
missed.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m.,
but many stayed on and formed small groups,
just talking and getting to know each other
better. And that, after all, is one of the main
purposes of this group within a big organi¬
zation. •

Report on Yearbooks

Lorea M. McLaughlin, North Highlands, California

TWENTY-THREE states were represented in
fifty-one yearbook entries, and of the
entries ten were from the host state, Cali¬
fornia. Six conscientious judges spent three
hours in a studious analysis before they com¬
pleted their point scoring and arrived at the
final decision to award twenty-five ribbons:
four blue, eleven red, and ten white.

Unfortunately, some of the yearbooks did
not conform to the schedule of requirements

for point scoring. Several did not include the
essential bylaws, one had no program, one
had a compilation of past activities but no
current programs, and one was oversize.

Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc. was awarded
first prize. This was the only yearbook that
featured an activity project to perpetuate the
Armacost and Royston ten original named
African violets in the United States which

94

were -generally introduced to the American
public about 1936. The entire collection of
Blue Boy, Admiral, Commodore, Viking, Mer¬
maid, Sailor Boy, ' Amethyst, Neptune, Norse¬
man, and Number 32 are giown by members
of this chapter and are always displayed at its
annual shows. The outstanding program listed
guest speakers on comprehensive African
violet subjects such as: Grow for Show; Tem¬
perature and Light; Soil Formulas; Water and
Feeding; U. C. System for African Violets;
Hybridizing Can Be Fun; Growing African
Violets from Leaves; Developing New Varie¬
ties from Seeds; Parade of Old and New
Varieties; African Violets in Arrangements;
and Stimulation of Interest in Propagation by
Mystery Leaf Contests and by Leaf Exchange.
To promote interest in the Saintpaulia the
Santa Monica Bay Chapter gives African
violet plants and leaves to the Veterans Hos¬
pital, sends leaves to friends around the world,
and has annual tours to nurseries specializing
in African violets.

The prize for the second best yearbook was
won by the Tennessee Valley African Violet
Club of Knoxville, Tennessee. The arrange¬
ment of material in this book was ideal even
to the inclusion of the treasurer’s annual state¬
ment of receipts and disbursements. Of special
interest was the regular feature of timely
topics at each meeting with member speakers
on informative subjects relative to African
violets: Growing for Blooming and Showing;
A New Look at Shows and Judging; Looking
Forward to Fall; Tales of a Saintpaulia Mar¬
riage Broker; Arrangement Workshop; Pre¬
vention of Violet Plagues; Propagation and
Culture; Christmas in the Violet Home; and
viewing slides from G. J. Wicks of England,
and slides from various African violet shows.

The third best yearbook prize was won by
the First African Violet Society of Dallas,
Texas. Their theme for the year, “Rainbow of
Violets,” was progressively developed through

the club by member speakers. Program topics
included Chemicals, an Integral Part of Afri¬
can Violet Horticulture; Soils, Pots, and Fer¬
tilizers; How to Plant Suckers and Plantlets
and to Repot Mature Plants; Show Workshop
on Entry, Classification, and Judging; Ar¬
rangements Stressing Design; Resume of Show
Benefits; and How to Keep African Violets
Happy in Summer.

The fourth blue ribbon was won by the
African Violet Society of San Francisco,. Cali¬
fornia. The programs included were: Leaf
Contests; Arrangements; Grooming; How to
Separate Plantlets from the Parent Leaf; What
To Do about a Necky Plant; Discussion on
Diseases; Fluorescent Lights Versus Natural
Light; Show Slides; and a tour of an African
violet nursery.

Red ribbons were awarded to the yearbooks
from the African Violet Society of Canton,
Ohio; African Violet Society of East Bay, Inc.,
Calif.; African Violet Society of Springfield,
Pa.; Columbus African Violet Society, Ohio;
County Belles African Violet Club, St. Louis,
Mo.; Crosstown African Violet Club, Madison,
Wis.; Des Moines African Violet Club No. 1,
Iowa; Glass City African Violet Club, Toledo,
Ohio; Glendale African Violet Society; Calif.;
Happy ’Ours Violet Society, Hawthorne, N.J.;
and Water Wonderland African Violet Society
of Muskegon, Mich.

White ribbons were won by yearbooks from
the African Violet Club of Phoenix, Ariz.;
African Violet Club of Trenton, N.J.; Capital
City Saintpaulia Society, Sacramento, Calif.;
Indianapolis African Violet Club, Ind.; Metro¬
politan African Violet Society, Peoria, Ill.;
Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Society,
Mo.; Northern Hills African Violet Society,
Cincinnati, Ohio; Pioneer African Violet So¬
ciety, Norfolk, Va.; Suburban African Violet
Society of Arlington Heights, Ill.; and Toledo
Suburban African Violet Society, Ohio. •

Growing Under Lights

Luella Marmaduke^ Aliquippa^ Pennsylvania

SINCE we all desire violet plants that flower
almost constantly with large, clear, deep
shades of bloom held well above symmetrical,
shiny foliage, the answer then, is definitely
to grow them under fluorescent lights.

No two of us will have exact cultural con¬
ditions. If you are from parts of the country
where basements are prevalent, by all means
take advantage of and reserve space there
for your benches. The humidity is usually
good. Whether in your living quarters or base¬
ment, the plants should be set on crushed
shells, gravel or coarse sand, which may be
moistened when added humidity is needed.

Provision should always be made for fresh
air, often just the ordinary opening and clos¬
ing of outside doors is sufficient; but if your
set-up is in close quarters, provision must be
made for adequate airflow. A window can be
opened slightly for a short time each day; but
do not have your plants in a draft. The use of
an electric fan is also helpful in controlling
mildew, which will form on flowers and stems
by lack of fresh air. This is not only unsightly
but can eventually kill your plants. Flowers
of Sulphur used dry in a spray can is a good
control for mildew.

95

Fixtures with either 2 or 4 fluorescent
tubes may be installed. For the 2 light fixture,
use either cool or warm white; with the 4
light type, try 1 blue, 1 pink and the other 2
may be either the cool or warm white. The
colored lights will bring out the best in the
pink and red violet blooms. I am enthused
about the new Gro-Lux lamps as written up
in the March issue of our African Violet
Magazine and described by Dr. Reed, although
I have not tried them as yet.

Lights should be kept about 18 inches above
the benches, and to keep the foliage lush and
bright should not burn more than 14 hours
per day. A time clock controls accurate tim¬
ing of the lights, and as I have found, permits
me to go away for several days at a time.
Place your dark foliage plants under the center
of the lights, the light colored ones on the out¬
side edges of the bench. Never allow the tem¬
perature to go below 65° at night, ideal for
daytime is 70 to 75°.

Rainwater is best for watering, and may
be used to finespray under lights without dam¬
age to the foliage. My rain water is not

filtered since the silt in the water helps to
enrich the soil. If you are worried this un¬
filtered water might bring to your violets
any of the pests we fear, your spraying pro¬
gram should adequately take care for them.
Kelthane is a very good spray for mites.
Raid will kill springtails, flies, spiders, etc.
Of course, you wouldn’t want to use soil
unless it had been treated with V-C 13 for
nematodes.

Continue your plan of fertilizing, such as
alternate use of Kapco and Hyponex or any
other fertilizer you have used successfully.

You will be enthused with the growth of
your baby plants; they will do much better
under lights than on your window sill, es¬
pecially if you forget them. If left to bask in
the sun they would surely burn.

I have used fluorescent lights for nearly
fifteen years, and am well satisfied with my
results. •

(Mrs. Marmaduke spoke to the meeting as
one of the panelists on “Anne’s Question
Box.” Ed.)

How and When To Transplant Your Violets

Mabel Gutridge, Los Angeles, California

IN judging our shows, I have found so many
plants underpotted and overpotted; they
could have been better show plants if they
had been transplanted at the right time. Of
course this makes more work, but it pays off
and you get bigger and better plants.

First: Be sure your plant is well root-bound.
For instance, a 2 inch pot, the leaf pattern
should be two-thirds over and well in bloom
and a good healthy looking plant. Sometimes
roots show through the bottom.

Second: Have some warm Vi B1 (Super-
thrive) solution ready. Also, we use a 4 inch
plastic wick-fed pot from the 2 inch pot. Make
a m-old by using another 2 inch pot, putting
the planter mix around the outside. Remove
the plant. Be careful not to set the plant too
deep or low in the pot, so the light can hit the
center of the plant. Plant grows from the
center. Water from the top with the Vi B1 the
first time. After this, water and feed by the
wick. Now set the plant back for 2 or 3 days
until it has had a chance to get started. Then
put it under full light.

Third: Let this plant grow until it is well
rooted or two-thirds larger than the pot and
has had a good siege of blooming. You know it
is healthy if it takes off and grows fast. Now it
is ready to go into the next size ■ — -a 51/2 inch
plastic wick-fed is what we use. Do exactly as
for the 2 inch and 4 inch pot. Make your
mold and carefully loosen the planter mix

from the edges with a long steel knitting
needle, all the way around. Lift out with the
needle, water with Vi Bl. Set back for 2 or 3
days as before. Let the plant get well estab¬
lished for 5 or 6 months (or it may be a
small growing variety - — refer to your plant
list). When it gets lots of growth, has bloomed
profusely or your outer leaves start to droop,
also they may turn yellow, it is time to go
into a still larger pot. We use the large Kem-
Pot. It spreads just enough so 'your large leaves
do not cut. We do not use the wick in the
Kem-Pot but set it in a saucer large enough
to hold enough water, like a soup plate.

Fourth: We cover the bottom of all size
pots with charcoal and lava rock for drainage.

Fifth: Now if we see that the plant is still
a larger growing plant, we transfer it to a
.12-inch Ro-Shep container; loosen the edges
and use 2 barbecue forks to lift the plant out.
Symmetry counts highest points in Judging.

Sixth: Do not put a plant in a container
that is larger than its leaf spread. The leaves
should always come over the pot rim at least
an inch or more to start with or else there
is too much planter mix and it keeps the
plant too wet to grow and bloom. •

(Mrs. Gutridge spoke to the meeting as
one of the panelists on “Anne’s Question
Box.” Ed.)

96

How expressive one word can be! “Aloha”
is used for greetings from “Hello” to
“Good-bye” and ranges from tones of endear¬
ment to “drop dead!” depending on when and
how it is spoken.

About five hours after leaving San Fran¬
cisco thirty-nine Post-Convention tourists from
thirteen states, having enjoyed a pleasant jet
flight replete with champagne, debarked at
Honolulu. We were greeted with “Aloha” the
traditional Hawaiian kiss accompanied by a
beautiful plumeria lei, then met our tour
director, Keoki, who counted us and our bag¬
gage until we left the islands for home.

Is it possible to give a thumbnail sketch of
a jam-packed, tourist-eye-view of three islands
visited in six short days? How can we thank
Ruth Carey whose Tennessee accent accounted
for the affectionate nickname “Minnie Pearl”
which she earned while she helped Keoki
make this a never-to-be-forgotten week for
all us wide-eyed tourists and shutter bugs
from junior citizen Toni Tinari to senior queen.
Pearl Thomas.

Limousines accommodating ten persons per
car were waiting for us at the airport and/or
hotel to transport us and our luggage when¬
ever and wherever necessary. The well trained
native drivers, both men and women, gave us
a botanical and historical education and will¬
ingly stopped for the camera hounds to take
pictures while they showed us the scenic
beauty of their islands. The driver guides
were very cooperative and stopped along the
roadside to pick some of the beautiful flowers
like the Cup of Gold and Angel’s Trumpet,
and gave us pieces of airplant to bring home
saying it would grow pinned to a curtain.

They were also musicians, singers and some of
our members had impromptu hula lessons
from their driver. The African Tulip tree and
African daisies are more familiar to them
than African violets and occasionally we were
greeted with “Are you in the African Tulip
(or African daisy) group?” One of the drivers
wanted us to sing our African violet song. How
about that? Do any of you know our African
violet song?

There was very little time for sleeping.
Some went shopping and immediately donned
the colorful muumuus and bright Aloha shirts.
Others shopped for items representing the
island crafts — lovely articles of native Ha¬
waiian wood (monkey pod, koa or milo) or
lauhala baskets, Tapa cloth, seed leis and
black coral jewelry. Others tried the surf¬
boards, swimming, boating, fishing or
crammed in extra sight-seeing tours. One
morning our tour left so early (6:50 a.m.)
that normal dining room service was not
available. True to Hawaiian hospitality, a
special breakfast of fresh pineapple, sweet
rolls and coffee was arranged for our group.
We had little time to enjoy the lanai (porch)
off our hotel room but we were amazed at
the absence of screens.

Never to be forgotten sights were the road¬
sides lush with the thickest brightest foliage
and blossoms. There were many kinds of
ginger, bougainvillia in brilliant colors, Ala-
manda, Bird of Paradise, orchids both wild
and cultivated which we enjoyed at close
range on the tour of the orchid and anthurium
nursery where we also saw wood roses grow-

Neva Anderson, St. Louis, Mo.

'' the h^les in the hottom #f the

l►©^ e#¥er' the- hole.* m as In, ^laslle pofe
' the four h#lcs^ with a §»iall piece #f-
fiiMei' paper foweL Small limestape,

- rprhs Im th# hPifotn'pl the pats are alsa
effoellTc fo keep ffoe material fo the
ppt '€r#itt slltittf .thraagh tm fo the
Mrs. Clyde 'I'rabamfli, Marris-
tttWP,' 'Ifeimesspe^,

ing. Small wonder there is little interest in
our favorite house plant when there is such
a profusion of interesting plant material out¬
doors. It must be paradise for flower arrangers.

The Hibiscus is the official state flower. Hy¬
brids in singles and doubles have been devel¬
oped with huge blooms in delightful colors. We
saw a hedge of Prickly Pear cactus in bloom,
oleander, ti and croton foliage plants, spider
lily, tree ferns, many varieties of palm and
many types of flowering trees. We saw the
grass shack where it is said Robert Louis
Stevenson lived while in the islands and
walked through the surrounding Waioli gar¬
dens.

Leis are a special product of the island used
to greet all guests. We received leis of vanda
orchids, plumeria, crown flowers and even a
paper lei at the luau. We were in Hawaii on
May 1st which is celebrated throughout the
islands as Lei Day. Schools have special pro¬
grams with crowning of Kings and Queens.
Leis are exhibited for special awards. These
may be made from flowers, all foliage, vege¬
tables, seeds or feathers. We arrived at King
Kamehameha Hotel in time to see the special
Lei Day program. Teenagers and tiny tots
doing the hula and Tahitian dances were won¬
derful. The beautiful Hawaiian songs and in¬
strumental music with the hula, Tahitian and
fire dances was typical entertainment pre¬
sented nightly after dinner.

I|ow can we share the culinary experiences
of the luau at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel

where we sampled poi, abalone, raw salmon
with tomato, seaweed, coconut milk pudding,
the red colored Hawaiian rock salt along with
the special dishes of chicken and pork. Or
the luncheon at Volcano House, or Fisher¬
man’s Wharf at Honolulu or delightful meals
at the hotels enjoyed in dining rooms with an
outdoor feeling because there were no win¬
dows nor screens and yet there were no bugs.
Now we understand why the airplane is
sprayed Just before landing to avoid import¬
ing insects.

^ The fresh naturally ripened pineapple, tree
ripened bananas, papaya, passion fruit, avo¬
cado, mahi mahi (dolphin), coconut served so
many ways and the macadamia nut were treats
to enjoy. If you preferred there was plenty of
beef for the nonexperimental gourmets and
novel rum drinks for the thirsty.

We took the cruise tour of Pearl Harbor,
saw Punch Bowl (the Pacific National Ceme¬
tery) and many other points of historical in¬
terest near Honolulu. We toured volcano areas,
walked through lava tubes, saw the destruc¬
tion caused by tidal waves and lava flows,
visited Waimea Canyon ^ the Grand Canyon
of the islands, saw great fields of sugar cane,
pineapple, coffee plantations and large cattle
ranches. There were beautiful beaches includ¬
ing Wakiki with its famed view of Diamond
Head and the unusual Black Sands.

We visited churches of many denomina¬
tions; stopped at the City of Refuge; mar¬
velled at Spouting Horn. At one stop we saw
Lauhala weavers at work, at another we saw
a coffee drying and processing plant. We had
a boat trip up Wailua river, one of the few
navigable rivers of the islands, which ended
at the Fern Grotto where our musician drivers
joined those of another tour to sing “The
Wedding Song” in a most impressive cere¬
mony. Who could forget the view from Kalalau
lookout — 4,000 feet high — where you
could look down the cliffs and see wild goats
or farther into the valley where cattle were
grazing and out to the deep blue Pacific.

Maybe we were noisy tourists. We didn’t go
on a bird walk, but we didn’t see many birds
other than the lace dove and rice birds which
came for crumbs around the dining area and
the mynah birds which are very noisy at
daybreak.

We had the pleasure of meeting one of our
A.V.S. members, Miss Mary Paul R.N. retired,
who lives at Mahelona Hospital at Kapaa. She
Joined us for dinner at Coco Palms and came
to the airport to say “Aloha” as we started
home.

Everyone appreciated Ruth Carey’s efforts
to help Keoki make this a wonderful tour.
The group had a special ceremony at dinner
on the last night in the islands when they
presented her with three charms, each a spe¬
cial memento of the trip. If ever another
Post-Convention tour is offered, I won’t want
to miss it. Until next time then, Aloha. •

98

•The NAUGATONIC AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY will hold its annual fall exhibit and
sale at the Gardenway Nurseries, 945 North
St., Milford, Connecticut on October 13-14,
1962 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be
arrangements as well as plants on exhibit
and plants and leaves for sale. No admission.
•The NEW YORK STATE AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY will hold its ninth annual meeting
and show in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel
Henry Hudson, 353 West 57th St., New York
City, October 18-20, 1962. The show will be
open to the public from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on
October 18th and from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on
October 19th and 20th. The theme of the show
will be “African Violets Internationale.”
•The DECATUR AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Decatur, Illinois will hold its sixth
annual show on November 3-4, 1962 at the
Y.M.C.A. Building. The show will open No¬
vember 3rd at 12 p.m. and until 9 p.m. On
November 4th at 12 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The
theme will be “Melody of Violets” and will
be carried throughout the show. Mrs. Helen
Stokes will be show chairman.

the Eastpoint Community Hall, Eastpoint,
Md. Their theme was “Rhapsody in Violets.”
Mrs. Cora E. Spath won the governor’s award
for queen of the show with a plant of Double
Black Cherry. Princess of the show went to
Mrs. Anna Quade for her plant of Angelee.
Mrs. Lester K. Fero won the mayor’s award
for sweepstakes and Mr. and Mrs. Eugene
Thompson won the award for best arrange¬
ment. Mrs. Betty Deckleman had the largest
blooming plant. Pink Holly. She also won a
trophy for sweepstakes in arrangements. Sev¬
eral special awards were also given for out¬
standing plants.

•The HAPPY ’OURS AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Hawthorne, New Jersey held its
sixth annual show April 27-28 with Mrs.
Howard Hammock as chairman. The theme
was “Symphony of Violets.” A beautiful stage
setting featured a waterfall and gold fish
pond courtesy of Wm. Tricker, Inc. of Saddle
River, N.J. Violet plants formed a background
and variegated azaleas banked the pond. The
many specimen plants entered required ten
judges with arrangements being judged by

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should knoiu: No photos can be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News tnust be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, Route 3 Box 284, Oshkosh. Wisconsin

•The MILWAUKEE COUNTY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held its tenth annual show at
the Wauwatosa Recreational Building May
19-20th. The theme “Violet Passport” was
depicted by a huge genie and his magic lamp,
flanked by violet trees, flowers and ferns. A
stage arrangement of waterfall and rocks,
blooming plants and violets was arranged by
the decorating chairman Mrs. Joseph Sipusic.
Blue Blaze won queen of the show for Mr.
Bernard Greeson. Runner-up, won by Mrs.
James Dawson, was a plant of Wedding Ring.
Mr. Richard Wais won sweepstakes and best
in screens. Mrs. Ted Tate won the club project
with Trifari. Mrs. Zachary Thorne won in
miniatures, best in tables and also runner-up
to queen. Mrs. Frank Hebar had best in niches;
best in planters, Mrs. Bernt Johnson; minia¬
tures, 4 inch and under, Mrs. W, A. Saveland.
Mrs. Lawrence Hill had best gesneriads; Mrs.
W. F. Lersch had best variegated foliage and
Mrs. Fred Passmann sold the most tickets.
Mrs. William Krogman was general show
chairman and displayed a huge steamship
with many varieties from her commercial
violetry. She also won best for containers.
•The BALTIMORE AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
presented its annual show May 11-12, 1962 at

three judges. Queen of the show was won by
Mildred Kooman for her plant of Matchmate.
Princess, won by Dorothy Whitaker for
Wedgewood. Consorts, by Alice Yawger for
a plant of White Pride and Lizeta Hamilton
with Blue Guard Supreme.

Best arrangement by a member to Lizeta
Hamilton who also won sweepstakes. Best
children’s arrangement to Tim Ryan and Judy
Birch. Best theme arrangement to Florence
Burns. Alice Yawger won best plant for mem¬
ber joining society since September 1961. A
special award was given to Rita Luciano for
her fine display.

•The PORTLAND OREGON CHAPTER’S an¬
nual show was held April 14-15th with the
theme “Springtime is Violet Time.” Mrs. Alice
Steele and Mrs. Hazel Engler were cochair¬
men. Sweepstakes winner was Mrs. Dorothy
Kephart. Runner-up was Mrs. Lois Mass.
Mrs. Hazel Swanson won queen of the show
and Mrs. Swanson also had runner-up. Mrs.
Dorothy Kephart won first in arrangements.
Mrs. Hazel Swanson had the smallest bloom¬
ing plant.

Because of Convention reports Show News
copy and photos had to be held for Decem¬
ber— -Editor.

99

FRATHEL’S “BARBIE” Introduced by
Frathel’s Originations, Rochester, New York.
Perfectly shaped plant, lovely variegated
shaded cream and white, with large midnight
blue double blossoms. Wonderful bloomer.

CAMELOT Introduced by Meese’s Flower
Shop, Falls Church, Virginia.

A double blue flower on dark foliage,
with clusters of twenty-one blossoms per
stem.

New Varieties
To Come

TAMMY (registered) Introduced by The
Select Violet House, Youngstown, Ohio.
Originator: Hi View Greenhouses, New Water¬
ford, Ohio.

This exotic variety has beautiful sturdy rich
green picote wavy foliage; a single flower
that stays on, a fringed flashy cerise-pink out¬
lined in green.

PINK TEASE Introduced by Fischer

Greenhouses, Linwood, New Jersey.

Beautiful large frilled white blossoms splashed
with deep pink markings. A diminutive grow¬
er that is very different and pretty. The
medium green foliage is nicely waved and
unusually marked with darker blotching
showing through from the underside of leaf.

100

FAIRY SKIES Introduced by Lyndon Lyon,
Dolgeville, New York.

Giant two and one-half inch sky blue Stars
with pronounced white Geneva edges. They
are startlingly attractive.

CONFECTION Introduced by Richter’s
Greenhouses, Highland, Indiana.

The double blossoms are a pale pastel pink,
with frilly tips of pale chartreuse. Foliage is
very dark and glossy.

BERRIES and CREAM Introduced by
Champion’s African Violets, Clay, New York.
Large, wavy, double lavender edged with
wide, deep purple band. Variegated foliage in
shades of pink and chartreuse. Good bloomer.
Perfect flat grower.

RABBIT EARS Introduced by Tinari
Greenhouses, Bethayres, Pennsylvania.
Rose-lavender single blossom set off by two
top petals lined with a deep lavender margin,
giving an impression of rabbit ears. Very pro¬
lific. Sturdy, heart-shaped quilted leaf.

101

Anne Tinari

Another wonderful Convention has swiftly
passed — we shall long remember San Fran¬
cisco with its gracious people and generous
hospitality. We shall never forget the wonder¬
ful A.V.S.A. Hawaiian Tour, we were indeed
a very fortunate group of people to belong
and travel with such a grand party of flower
and plant lovers, and to have as our leader
Ruth Carey who made us answer roll call,
like one big family on a holiday of fun and
learning. Such an experience is rare in one’s
lifetime and we are most thankful for it.

Again I want to sincerely thank members
of the panel who participated in the Question
Box program at the Convention. I have re¬
ceived so many wonderful letters in this re¬
spect that I plan later in the year to have a
few participating as my guests in the Question
Box.

Q. I love the big single violets, please tell
me names of the outstanding ones. Also,
which do best in east, north, or south win¬
dows. I want my pinks to be pink etc., by
receiving the right exposure. Which do best
under lights?

Mrs. Myrtle Gipe, Michigan City, Ind.
A. In regard to large single varieties may I
suggest you look through the A.V. Magazine
and send for as many catalogs as possible as
varieties today number in the thousands and
there are so many excellent ones I hesitate
to name only a few. In regard to exposure
you express a desire every grower possesses,
however, much can be gleaned from trial and
error by the home grower. Try out different
varieties in different exposures, light alone
will not be the complete determining factor,
good cultural practices and general environ¬
ment in regard to humidity and temperature
are other important growing requirements.

May I suggest you get from any good li¬
brary the book “1001 Questions Answered by
Twelve Experts” by Helen Van Pelt Wilson
and read section 3 on Growing for Blooming.
I am sure you will find it most helpful.

Q. Please tell me the cause and treatment
of leaves curling slightly under at edges.

Mrs. Charles Kellogg, Falls Church, Va.
A. Wrong exposure, too much or too little
light may cause this difficulty or too cold a
location can have the same result. Many times
you may correct this by moving plants to a
lower level causing the light to draw leaves
upward instead of curling down around the
pot.

Q. I have some flies that bother my violets.

Bethayres, Pa.

They are about the size of a gnat or fruit fly.
They fly around when my plants seem a little
dry. I used powdered D.D.T. on them and the
plants looked terrible. I have also tried Raid
which stays in effect about 4 days then the
bugs reappear. How can I get rid of them? I
would also like to know about Gibberellic
Acid. Can I obtain literature on same?

Mrs. Marshall Gifford, Dowagiac, Mich.
A. The black fruit flies you refer to are
probably fungus gnats. They feed and thrive
on lush organic material found in good violet
soil. It is best to treat the soil with an insecti¬
cide to kill the larvae as they hatch. Any
spray containing rotenone and pyrethrins
should eliminate them, such as Optox which
also contains D.D.T., Isotox, or Malathion may
also be used.

In regard to Gibberellic Acid I recommend
the following articles in the Magazine: Vol. 11
No. 1 p. 24; Vol. 11 No. 2 p. 62; Vol. 11 No. 3
pp. 49, 69; Vol. 11 No. 4 p. 4; Vol. 15 No. 4

p. 103.

Q. I have a small glass greenhouse on a new
property which I have acquired. The green¬
house has plain clear glass. Can you advise
me what color to paint the glass. What kind
of paint and whether to paint it inside or
outside? I wish to use it primarily for grow¬
ing African violets. Please advise where I
can get streptocarpus plants.

J. S. Shaw, Charlotte, N.C.
A. By all means limit the use of paint to
the outside of the glass to avoid much trouble
with condensation and etc. Also, may I suggest
you use a proper type of shading compound
especially for glass. I suggest you contact,
The Garland Shading Compound Co., Cleve¬
land 5, Ohio for more specific information.
In regard to streptocarpus one reliable source
whom you can depend on for correct variety
names is House of Plants, 25 Hotchkiss St.
South, Binghamton, N.Y.

Q. My soil smells like vinegar, under the
top layer of soil it is white and powdery. I
notice some also at the bottom of the pots,
much of this spreads from plant to plant. The
plants flower sparsely and look rather stunt¬
ed. I have dusted with sulphur but need some¬
thing to be used in the soil to eliminate mil¬
dew. May I have any suggestions?

Mrs. Violet Torpen, Libby, Mont.
A. May I suggest you have your soil ana¬
lyzed. Something seems definitely lacking or
in excess causing present conditions. Mrs.
Torpen was kind enough to send me the

Tinari Greenhouses

102

following account of her analysis: Our state
extension horticulturist analyzed the soil, and
am quoting from his letter: “Sometimes the
pasteurization of soil causes a buildup of ana¬
erobic bacteria, or a buildup of ammonium
toxicity, which can be overcome by letting
the soil set for 3 to 4 weeks before using. And
by leaching heavily with fresh water to re¬
move ammonium salts and encourage a re¬
generation of nitrifying bacteria which are
beneficial.” (Next paragraph is from Mrs.
Torpen.)

I recall having bought a 25 lb. sack of peat
the top % gave no trouble but the bottom Vs
caused much of the difficulties. I am now
trying an Acti-Dione mixture in the soil
dusted with sulphur, used a sprinkling of
Ortho soil and bulb dust on the soil of a few
plants. My plants are all in fine condition
after two months of discovery and correction.
Q. I am seeking a publication that tells in
detail how to prepare violets for show.

Mrs. John Vance, Peoria, Illinois
A, For this specific purpose I would suggest
the “African Violet Handbook for Judges and
Exhibitors” by Ruth G. Carey, 3900 Garden
Drive, Knoxville 18, Tenn.

Q. How can I distinguish springtails from
similar pests in the soil?

Mrs. George Humble, Jenkintown, Pa.
A. Springtails may be described as small
wingless insects. They vary in color from
white to dark gray. You usually discover them
as they are able to jump and are visible at
bottom of pot or container in which a pot rests.
They are usually seen in abundance in damp
places where organic matter is high, they are
known to feed mainly on organic matter, and
will attack seeds and seedlings if these con¬
ditions prevail.

Q. I have a problem with light-colored
leaves. My plants are grown in a very light
window and leaves seem very bleached, how¬
ever, the majority still grow upward as if
searching for light. Why do they not lay flat?

Mrs. Louise Napolitano, Coytesville, N.J.
A. You might try placing them in a window
where light would fall directly on the center
of the plant. This would no doubt change the
shape to a flat growth. Lack of nitrogen in
the soil may be a partial cause for the light
colored foliage. Use plant food at least twice
a month for good normal growth.

READERS, can you answer these:

Q. I am looking for an orchid color violet,
that is a true orchid color. My search has led
me to varieties like the color of Hildegard.

Mrs. Arthur Smith, 1500 Reaney Way,

Pullman, Wash.

Q. Where can I obtain the seed of named
varieties of true miniature cultivars?

L. W. Kaus, 1634 East 89 Street,

Brooklyn 36, N.Y.

Q. Please help me locate Red Cherry. It has
a double lavender blossom similar to Kim¬
berly in size and shape, leaves are similar to

Gorgeous but not spooned.

Mrs. Otis Leonard, Route #2,
Pleasanton, Kans.

Q. I am in search of the cultivars Valor,
Blue Boy, and Mary Thompson.

Mrs. Lillian Igel, 284 Sylvan Road,
N. Babylon, L.I., N.Y.

Q. I have searched everywhere for the culti-
var Orchid Queen, it is one of the older varie¬
ties, but very lovely. Does anyone know
where I may obtain it?

Mrs. E. M. James, 314 W. Central Ave.,
Leitchfield, Ky.

Q. Can you tell me where I might find
Captan, Ferbam Spray or Terraclor for soil.

Lilia Morton, Union, Maine
A. I suggest you write Dorothy J. Dolbow,
149 West Main Street, Penns Grove, N.J.

Q. Please tell me what color Ruffled Queen
is as compared to Spanish Lace. Also is there
any way to soften hard water?

Mrs. Norman Young, Freeport, Ill.
A. The blossom of Ruffled Queen has a large,
definite deep lavender color ruffled edge,
very heavy Supreme type leaf heavily ser¬
rated. Spanish Lace has a much darker, deep
rich purple color blossom identical in blossom
shape and leaf structure.

In regard to your water softener let me
warn you to be cautious, one must consider
the minerals in water before it it treated and
the chemicals which are added. Plants can be
harmed or even destroyed with the wrong
combination. Filters are available at many
chemical supply houses that will process out
many minerals present in hard water making
it almost as free as distilled water.

Q. I have available back issues of A.V. Maga¬
zine Vol. 3 No. 4 through to Vol. 13 No. 2
and Handbooks.

Mrs. S. F. Pilkenton, R.R., Wheatland, Iowa
Q. Can you tell me where to buy Terrific
Mix. I am also in search of stock of the plant
of White Bountiful?

Mrs. Adolph Shay, RR #1, Box 16,
Marthasville, Mo.

Q. I would like to buy Volumes 1 through 9
of the African Violet Magazine.

Mrs. Augusta W. Sarna, 37 E. 30 Street,
N.Y. City, N.Y.

A. May I suggest that you contact the editor
of the A.V.S.A. Magazine, Alma Wright, P.O.
Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Many times back
issues are available.

BACK ISSUES OF MAGAZINE

Please write the African Violet Society of
America, Inc,, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville,
Tennessee for a list of those in stock. Not all
Magazines are available as back issues. Do not
send money until you get the list. Make check
payable to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Cost $1.00 per copy postpaid.

103

^^^EUIS

MAXINE WANGBERG

1400 N. 118th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Chib News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for December issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

There will be a judging school held in con¬
nection with the New York State African
Violet Society meeting. The school will be
Friday morning, October 19, 1962 from 9-12
a.m. with the written examination on Friday
afternoon.

The African Violet Club # 2 of Des Moines,
Iowa elected the following officers for the
term 1962-63: president, Mrs. D. W. Price;
vice president, Mrs. Merwyn Cramer; record¬
ing secretary, Mrs. Charles Cox; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. Rex Hunt; treasurer, Mrs.
M. B. McCoy.

The South Country African Violet Society

of Long Island, New York elected the follow¬
ing officers for the coming year: president,
Mrs. Milton Jepson; vice president, Mrs. Harry
Bedell; treasurer, Mrs. Frank Sands; record¬
ing secretary, Mrs. Richard Frenger; librarian,
Mrs. Leland Fitts. The club membership now
totals thirty-one.

The Border Cities African Violet Club of
Detroit, Michigan held its annual election of
officers on May 14, 1962. The following offi¬
cers were elected: president, Mr. A. M. Leslie;
vice president, Mrs. Marvin Newcomb; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Dorothy Gallagher;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Bernadine
Tanis; treasurer, Mr. Don Seibert. Plans are
being made for a picnic and meetings will
continue in September.

The Countryside African Violet Club of
Madison, Wisconsin met at the Wooden Bowl
for its March luncheon meeting. Reports were
given by the show committees. Mrs. C. F.
Isenberg, Baraboo, Wisconsin was hostess for
the April meeting. The program chairman held
a table setting workshop. Mrs. H. E. Reynolds
entertained the club at its May meeting. There
was a discussion and evaluation of the recent
show.

The Cedar Valley African Violet Club, Cedar
Rapids, Iowa installed the following officers
at the May meeting: president, Mrs. W. H.
James; vice president, Mrs. A. Friberg; re¬
cording secretary, Mrs. Carl Franks; corres¬
ponding secretary, Mrs. George Wessale; treas¬
urer, Mrs. J. Keith Noll. Mrs. Fred William¬
son conducted the lovely candlelight ceremony.

The African Violet Society of Utah held an
installation tea at the YWCA in Salt Lake
City on June 6. The following officers were
installed: president, Mrs. William Naylor; vice
president, Mrs. Richard Keatley; treasurer,
Mrs. Ruby Peck; recording secretary, Mrs.
Walter Blank; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Marvin Strong. Retiring officers and chairman
hostessed, under the chairmanship of Mrs.

Marvin Strong, past president.

The Santa Clara Valley African Violet Club
of San Jose, California was privileged to
add four honorary members to its roster this
past year: Mr. and Mrs. E. E. Hammond of
Irvington and Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Thomas of
Walnut Creek, California. They have done
outstanding work in hybridization and have
been an inspiration and most helpful to all
of the violet growers in this area.

The officers elected to serve for the ensuing
term are: president, Mazie Crosby; vice presi¬
dent, Lula Strange; secretary, Ann Fogg;
treasurer, Rhea Sells.

Mrs. William Krogman was elected presi¬
dent of the Milwaukee County African Violet
Society, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Also elected
were: first vice president, Mrs. Edwin Foster;
second vice president, Mrs. Arthur Geisler;
treasurer, Mrs. Richard Wais; trustee, Mrs.
James Dawson. Serving their unexpired term
of office are: recording secretary, Mrs. Joseph
Sipusic; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Fred
Zaner; membership, Mrs. W. F. Lersch. All
were installed at the June luncheon meeting
with Mrs. George Truran, herself a past presi¬
dent, serving as installing officer. A past
presidents’ pin was given to outgoing presi¬
dent, Mrs. James Dawson. The monthly par¬
ticipation of members on the programs proved
highly informative and educational.

The Chain-O-Lakes African Violet Club,
Ingleside, Illinois held its first tea on May 6,
1962 at Grayslake, Illinois. The main attrac¬
tions of the display of violets were “African
Violet Time,” a coffee table converted to a
clock with a blooming plant at each hour; and
a totem pole of violets growing on a column
of moss, arranged by Phyllis Haswell, presi¬
dent of the club. Anne Krug displayed a
sample of grafting of leaves, and raising vio¬
lets from a cut leaf in all its development of
growth. Guests were given samples at the
door, literature on violet care, and door prizes
at intervals in the afternoon; cookies and
coffee was enjoyed by all.

The Fort Vancouver African Violet Society
of Vancouver, Washington elected the follow¬
ing officers for the year 1962-63; president,
Mrs. Harry Plum; vice president, Mrs. Wil¬
liam B. Huttel; secretary, Mrs. Kenneth T.
Raines; treasurer, Mrs. L. E. Muhm; historian,
Mrs. Ida Scott.

As Convention articles and photos have
taken so much space in this issue Club News
and Show News and Views reports have had
to be held for December — ^Editor.

104

RESEARCH

RESEARCH REPORT

Dr. Sheldon C. Reed
1588 Vincent Street
Saint Paul, Minnesota

The early stages of genetic improvement of
Saintpaulia consisted of combining traits
such as doubleness of flowers (a Mendelian
dominant) with pink (a recessive) to get the
ancestors of the many superb double pinks
now available. The genetic check list in the
March 1961 issue of the African Violet Maga¬
zine demonstrates the type of heredity in¬
volved for the traits which can be combined
in one way or another to give the thousands
of varieties now being sold. These simply in¬
herited traits such as the recessive, Star, and
the dominant. Fringed, can be very easily put
together in practically any desired combina¬
tion. Progress was very satisfactory as long
as these exciting new mutations continued to
appear. Furthermore, the spontaneous doubl¬
ing of the entire set of chromosomes of a
variety such as White Pride, to give White
Pride Supreme, was an easy way of obtaining
superior new plants.

There have been very few interesting new
Mendelian genes found during the last few
years. The most recent prize winning plants
have utilized the Star gene and the Redderness
gene to excellent advantage, as in Hi Hopes
and Ardent Red. But even with these two fine
plants the outstanding characteristics were
more the large size of the flowers and symme¬
try of the plants than the flower color or shape
which were already available in other varie¬
ties.

Probably new mutations of importance will
continue to appear and we hope they come
soon. However, even if they fail to occur, and
even if we don’t get a crimson or a buttercup
yellow, great advances can still be made. Two
years ago, the African Violet Society Research
Fund started supporting my project directed

toward exploring what might be expected to
come from multiple line selection for large
flowers and other advances in plant improve¬
ment. These advances would not depend upon
the Mendelian type gene combinations but in¬
stead upon the selection of the many genes
which determine size and symmetry character¬
istics. Each of these size genes is expected to
have a very small effect by itself but all to¬
gether they are responsible for the difference
in size we see when a plant of S. shumensis is
placed next to a Westfall White Supreme. The
surface area of a Westfall flower is almost
nine times that of a S. shumensis flower.

The fundamental problem is whether flower
size can be increased indefinitely. Probably
it cannot be increased indefinitely. Geneticists
have known for a long time that it becomes
more and more difficult to change any size
characteristic as you approach the extremes
of the trait. This is particularly difficult with
African violets where it is necessary to keep
the size of the leaves small while increasing
the size of the flower. The plant must be
kept small for economic reasons, while the
flower size and the number of flowers should
be increased.

It is necessary to measure the vertical and
horizontal dimensions of the flower, the length
of its stem, the length and width of the leaf
and the length of the leaf stem. The number
of flowers and buds per flower stem and the
number of flower stems on the plant are re¬
corded. Each seedling from a cross is raised
in a 2^/4” pot and the measurements are taken
at the time of first flowering. If the seedling
shows little promise, which is usually the
case, it is discarded then. If flower size ap¬
proaches or exceeds that of the larger parent,
the seedling is transplanted to a 4” pot. One

105

can expect, in most cases, that the size and
number of flowers and flower stems will in¬
crease with subsequent flowerings. Thus, if
the flower size of a seedling in a 21/4” pot is
as large as that of the adult parent, we can
expect that it will be larger than the parent
when it becomes a mature plant in a 4” pot.

The parents for the crosses were selected
for large flower size but Supremes were avoid¬
ed because they are often at least partially
sterile due to their doubled chromosome num¬
ber. An occasional parent (not a Supreme)
was included because of useful traits, such
as Fringed, even though flower size was only
average. All measurements are in millimeters
and there are about 25 mm to an inch. The
gene for doubleness decreases the dimensions
of the double flower compared with the single.
There is more “volume” in the double flower
because of the extra lobes and it looks larger,
even when its vertical and horizontal meas¬
urements are smaller than those of a single
type flower.

It would not make sense to include the
hundreds of measurements here that have been
made. It is not necessary to include all of
the crosses made. The following are some of
the most interesting crosses and for them
the horizontal dimension of the flower in
millimeters is the only measurement given.
It is representative of the other measurements.

1. This cross was the most successful of
all in that 18 of 128 of the progeny were
larger than the larger parent. Thus 14 per
cent of the progeny were larger than the larg¬
er parent, and all 18 were 50 mm (2 inches)
or larger in the horizontal dimension. They
were all single flowered plants. The parents
were Plant C (an unnamed hybrid) with a
horizontal measurement of only 44 mm and
Plant D (miniature Sweet Pea Girl) with a
measurement of 49 mm. The progeny of this
cross did better in every way than those of
any other cross. However, all progeny had
the gene for Girl type leaf and the best plant
among them had been used only as a parent
for the next generation of which the seeds are
now ripe.

2. One of the most disappointing crosses
was that between Plant V (Ann Bly B, 52
mm) and Plant B (Giant Snow Prince, 57
mm), in which the largest seedling at first
flowering was only 47 mm. However, at a
later blooming it was 54 mm, horizontally.
Other crosses with Plant B (Giant Snow
Prince) showed that it contributed nothing to
increase the size of its progeny. However, as
its own size is certainly genetic, we have
evidence that its large size is probably due
to a single recessive gene which should con¬
tribute a great deal to size in the offspring
from its progeny. These seeds should be ripe
in a few months.

The result of this research to date is that
progress in obtaining larger flowers by com¬
bining the genes for size from several lines
is possible. This is so, even when only small
progenies are raised from which to make the
selections. We have by no means reached the
end of improvements possible with the genes
now available.

Another phase of the research has been to
produce fertile and pleasing miniature plants.
Many of the present miniatures are homo¬
zygous for the Girl type leaf which permits
large flowers but the plant itself is too com¬
pact and the petioles of the leaves are too
short and thick. It was obvious that the use
of genes from S. shumensis would provide a
small plant without much difficulty. The only
question was whether desirable genes such as
pink and double could be introduced without
a considerable increase in size. This was found
to be possible and several desirable small
plants with good fertility have been produced.
Others can use these to produce more attrac¬
tive small sized plants.

Plants of both the large and the miniature
series will be exhibited at the Kansas City
Convention, provided of course that I am
spared an epidemic of pests or parasites at
the crucial time.

The dreary work of making linkage tests
continues. No new linkages have been found.
We still have only two genes, pink and Girl,
which are known to be located on the same
chromosome. However, progress in this work
should speed up as new mutant genes are
discovered.

In summary, let me state my opinion that
we have sufficient genetic variability at pres¬
ent in our varieties of African violets to per¬
mit the breeding of new varieties which can
command twice the present wholesale prices
which have persisted for a long time. It should
not cost any more to raise the improved vari¬
eties than those now available. My modest
growing facilities and lack of time will not
permit me to produce these improved varie¬
ties but perhaps my foundation plants will
stimulate others to do it.

RECENT RESEARCH PAPERS

1. Genetic Check List for 1961.

A. V. Magazine for March 1961, pp.
104-106.

2. Why Support Research?

A. V. Magazine for June 1961, p. 106.

3. Research With Lights.

A. V, Magazine for March 1962, p. 109.

4. In Quest of Yellow.

A. V. Magazine for March 1962, p. 110. •

106

More Hybridizing Results with Petrocosmea

Carl D. Clayberg, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut

IN the March, 1962 issue of the African Vio¬
let Magazine Sheldon Reed reported his
unsuccessful results in trying to self-pollinate
yellow-flowered Petrocosmea Kerrii and to
cross it with Saintpaulia pollen. This leads me
to describe a more extensive, but equally un¬
successful, series of crosses which were made
in summer of 1961.

During May, 1958 I obtained leaf cuttings
of Petrocosmea Kerrii and P. Parryorum
through the generosity of the Royal Botanical
Garden, Edinburgh. These rooted quite read¬
ily by handling as one would African violet
leaf cuttings, although they grew much more
slowly than the latter. Both Petrocosmea
species finally flowered for the first time in
summer of 1961. P. Parryorum, a larger leaved
but less hairy plant than P. Kerrii, bore its
lovely purple flowers for only a month or
so. But P. Kerrii bloomed continuously all
summer and fall. You might not be aware it
was in flower, however, unless you looked
carefully, for the flowers were well hidden
under the older outer leaves. The flower color
was cream with a bright lemon yellow eye.
For those who have found this plant a reluc¬
tant bloomer my cultural technique with it
has been generally as for African violets. High
humidity and larger plant size also appear to
influence flowering favorably.

Since it produced pollen abundantly, P.
Kerrii was crossed as pollen parent to a wide
selection of Saintpaulia species and hybrids,
with five flowers each pollinated unless other¬
wise specified. The Saintpaulia parents were:
S. amaniensis, S. confusa, S. difficilis, S.
grandifolia, S. Grotei (six flowers), S. io-
nantha Tonantha,’ S. ionantha ‘White Madon¬
na,’ S. ionantha ‘White Pride’ (three flowers),
S. magungensis, S. orbicularis, S. shumensis,
S. tongwensis, S. velutina, S. amaniensis x
S. Grotei, S. grandifolia x S. tongwensis, S.
magungensis x S. orbicularis, S. orbicularis
X S. Grotei, S. shumensis x S. orbicularis,
S. tongwensis x S. ionantha ‘Painted Girl’
(two flowers), S. tongwensis X S. Grotei, and
S. velutina x S. ionantha ‘White Madonna’
(three flowers).

In addition seven flowers of P. Kerrii were
self-pollinated and five flowers of it were
crossed with pollen of P. Parryorum. Finally,
five flowers of P. Parryorum were crossed
with pollen of P. Kerrii. None of these polli¬
nations resulted in any seed. These discourag¬
ing results, and those of Sheldon Reed, indi¬
cate that it will be difficult, if not impossible,
to hybridize P. Kerrii with Saintpaulia. If,
however, P. Kerrii can be hybridized with
another Petrocosmea species, such a hybrid
might cross more readily with Saintpaulia. •

WARNING

Dr. S. C. Reed,

SEVERAL members have written me that
they have been using the new Gro-Lux
lights for sixteen or more hours a day with
resulting damage to their violets. I suppose
their rationale was that if a little of something
is good, more should be better!

One might use old fluorescent tubes of the
daylight variety for sixteen hours without
harm, but a new Gro-Lux tube is quite a
different article. It is more like direct sunlight
and no one would think of placing their violets
in direct sunlight for sixteen hours, day after
day.

I have been using Gro-Lux lamps for four¬
teen hours a day, which is the absolute maxi¬
mum. Even this would be too much if the
plants were not fertilized at least once a
month. However, too heavy doses of fertilizer
would also ruin your plants. The weaker the
solution, with correspondingly more frequent
applications, the better the results will be.

St. Paul, Minn.

This word of warning is for beginners who
might not have learned yet that when you
make any change in the routine care of your
plants, you must do it gradually. Use your
give-away plants as your guinea pigs, not your
show plants.

The reason that plants become yellow when
they have too much light is that normally
light breaks down chlorophyll, the green ma¬
terial in the leaves. It is built up during the
dark with the aid of nutrient materials. Thus
both light and dark, as well as adequate nu¬
trition, are needed every day. The humidity
and temperature are also important in the
process. These factors all interact and will
be slightly different in every home. Mild ex¬
perimentation with your routine care should
pay off handsomely but drastic changes are
likely to end in disaster.

A green thumb is the child of careful ex¬
perimentation! •

107

"S P O N G E - R O K"

The Rock That Breathes In Your Soil

How SPONGE-ROK improves pSont growth —

Plant roots require oxygen, nutrients and water for proper growth. Any one or all of these growth
factors tend to be deficient in hard-packed soils, Sponge-Rok directly improves the availability of
each. It air conditions the soil. Long after organic soil conditioners have decomposed and disap¬
peared, Sponge-Rok remains suspended in the soil improving aeration. It absorbs and retains mois¬
ture and plant foods, then slowly releases these nutrients as the plant requires them. Watering
needs are reduced and better drainage results.

Packed in Vi and 2 Bushel Bags — ° Write for Samples and Prices

SPONGE-ROK SALES

7112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wise.

Dealers and commercial growers — write for prices on direct factory shipments

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube-^^

See page 27, Sept. 1961 and page 109 March 1962 African Violet Magazine.
6-40 Watt 48^' GRO-LUX at $2.35 each. $14.10 . 6-20 Watt 24^' or 6-15

Watt 18'' GRO-LUX at $2.20 each. $13.20. Packed 6 in Shipping Carton NO

LESS SHIPPED. We Pay the POSTAGE.

A NEW DUAL LIGHT FLUORESCENT FIXTURE for vio¬
lets and other plants. Can be used four ways, as a four
(4) tube, as a four (4) tube plus 2 incandescent, as a two
(2) tube or as a two (2) tube plus 2 incandescent AS-^A
inches long 15-14 inch reflector. Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight fluorescent tubes. With RAPID
START BALLAST. $28.00 Postpaid.*

EXTRA WIDE SPACED DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE 7-Va
inch centers with 2 incandescent sockets, 1 3 inch re¬
flector 48-T^ inches long with 2-40 watt tubes. $18.00
Postpaid.* With Rapid Start Ballast Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight tubes.

DUAL LIGHT a combination of incandescent and fluores¬
cent lights made especially for African Violets 48 in,
long, 13 in. reflector, 2-40 watt tubes. 2-15 watt sockets
with Rapid Start Ballast $16.00 Postpaid.* Choice of
cool white, warm white or daylight tubes,

* Add $1.00 west of Rockies
** Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux tube in above
fixtures

Legs for any Fluorescent Fixture $2.00 Postpaid. Adjustable chains to hang any Fluorescent Fixture
$1.25 Postpaid. All 48 inch Fluorescent Fixtures include cord, plug, switch, tubes and Rapid Start
Ballasts. No Starters are necessary. Certified BM Ballast guaranteed 3 years.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 reduced to
$4.30 Postpaid, Send for Literature and Prices on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Ook Creek, Wis.

MANY VARIEGATED VARIETIES

AFRICAN VIOLETS

By Newcomb

860 Sherbourne Drive Inkster, Michigan

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leaves Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants

New and Older Varieties
Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7322

108

BUY ANY 6

AFRICAN VIOLETS

ONLY $7.50

AND RECEIVE THE NEW

SLIPPER GLOXINIA
FREE!

The new Slipper Gloxinia, in assorted colors of red and
pink, makes a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.

In fact, you can add them to your violet collection since
these miniature seedling Slipper Gloxinias will bloom
under normal African Violet conditions.

Limited Quantity Available For Sale at $1.25 ea.

The Slipper Gloxinia is small enough to grow right on
your window sill, flowering when the foliage is only four
to six inches across. Individual blossoms last from ten to
fourteen days, and are trumpet shape, two inches long.
The plant will continue to produce blooms as it grows, and
may be propagated from leaf or tip cuttings.

RASPBERRY SPLASH— A

grower .

1963 f^t^eulew

semi-double tu-tone

In raspberry & white.

Diminutive

. $1.50

GAY CONFETTI — An exciting blue and white tu-tone semi-double. A terrific bloomer
& outstanding performer. Very popular with visitors at the Greenhouse. . , . . $1.50

TINSEL — A bright blue double with a good white edge . $2.00

WISTERIA — Large frilled single blossoms of rich wisteria calor . . $1.50

RACY RED— A bright cerise-red star. A semi-miniature grower . . $ 1 .50

SEA HAWK— A very outstanding giant, frilled dark purple single . $1.50

WHITE BOUQUET— Large, full, double white blossoms . $1.50

KING NEPTUNE — A wonderful giant, semi-double purple . $1.50

NOBILITY — Large raspberry pink double blossoms, shiny green foliage . $1.50

CARNATION FRILLED WHITE— A very frilled and fully double white, traces of
green edging. . . . . . . . . . $1.50

SMOKE RINGS — Giant semi-double blue Geneva . $1.50

GALA PINK — Semi-double, fringed pink with deeper pink edging . $2.00

TALL TALES— G iant, star flowered pink single blossoms, flecked with purple. . .$L50

MING BLUE— G iant single deep blue flowers with deeply serrated petals . $1.50

FIREDANCE — The very best single "red lavender", exceptionally large flowers. $1.00

BLUE ECLIPSE — Medium blue single flowers with a good white edge . $1.50

PINK BAND — Deep pink single flowers, with deeper pink band on the edge . $1.50

CHERRY RED — Free flowering cerise red with showers of blossoms and good soft
foliage. . . . . . . . . $1 .50

PINK HALO — -A full petalled single pink with a distinct white edge . $1.50

JERSEY PRIDE — Bright pink, deeply fringed single blossoms . $1.50

SNOW SPRITE— A h eavy blooming single white with fringed flowers. . . . $1.50

ROSE DUST — Exceptionally bright single pink flowers, lighter frilled edging. . . .$2.00

P I MINIMUM ORDER $4.00 PLUS 50c POSTAGE

ISCIlCr GREENHOUSES DEPT. V.M LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

Fall Is The Season !

DIPLOMAT

New and Populor of '62 af $1.25 each:

Apollo, Castanet, Coral Rose Geneva, Diplomat, Fringed Racy Red, Hi Hopes, Ionic, Pastel
Swirl, Lilian Jarrett Supreme, Shrill, Sweet Leilana, White Pride Supreme.

Outstanding Varieties at $1.00 each:

Ann Bly, Bicolor Geneva, Black Diamond, Blue Bess, Blue Crisp, Double Black Cherry, Double
Inspiration, Double Pink Geneva, Double Red Selections, Fireball, Flash, Fringed Raspberry,
Fringed Snow Prince, Geneva Wonder, Green Fog, Iris, Isle of Dreams, Jane Starr (Fantasy
Star), Kimberly, Laughter (speckled), Lilian Jarrett, Pink Fluff, Pink Fire, Pink Patti,
Pink Parfait, Pink Polka, Purple Honey, Racy Red, Regal Gold, Sarnia, Snow Ballet, Star
Fantasy, Star Gazer, Variegated Maverick, Velvet Star, Wedding Ring, Wonderlust, Zorro.

• To order violets

• To prepare for showtime '63

• To check accessories
for better growing

• To prepare plants to give
you warmth and cheer for the
winter months ahead.

Lower Growers Price 75^ each:

Arctic Snow, Blue Tango, Cherry Pink, Fairy Fringe, Painted Girl, Pink Darkie, Red Glow,
Redderness, Red Maverick, Saint Louis, Strike Me Pink.

Aeschynanthus Lobbionus — Lipstick Vine — $1.00 each

Orders of $3.75 or less add 45^ postal charges; oyer add 65^, West of
Miss. 86^.

Ideal Shipping Weather. ^ Orders Promptly Filled.

A.V.S.A. Commercial Member.

(iii- .

JUN ■;>.". r:'i
'^pBRim^

ricun t

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 2 DECEMBER 1962

®0 ^11

ROOTED LEAVES WITH PLANTLETS

Offer good oniy "til! Februory 15^ 1963. Minimum order $5.00 plus $1.00 postage in the
United States. Canada and Hawaii postage $1.50. All orders shipped Special Delivery and
Insured, Free gift cuttings with all orders. Order direct from this ad or list on request. Hun-

Js of other varieties.

Please make check or money order payable

$1.25

to Doris Intile.

All Dressed Up

Fantasy Touch

Persian Purple

Temple Bells

Blue Gardenia

Love Story

Peppermint Twist

Torch Song

Blue Petunia

Make Believe

Paris Label

Yvette Hershey

Blue Checkers

Mountain Ice

Pansy Face

Zing

Chinese Lantern

Miss Universe

Prince Heindrick

Dashio

Persian Bountiful

Tel Star

Elegance

Persian Dawn

Topper

$1.00

Angel Island

Giant

Pink Jade (Edena)

Shangra-La

April Glamour

Golden Gate

Persian Carpet

Sabre Dance

Bell Ringer

Gay Pink

Persian Swirls

Shangra-La

Blue Denim

Here’s My Heart

Persian Sunbeams

Angel Wing

Blue Tassel

Hi Light

Persian 'Angel

San Francisco

Big Sam

Holly Song

Persian Delight

Summer Song

Black Jack

Helena

Persian Pastella

Small Talk

Big John

Imperial Princess

Persian Peach Puff

Scarlett Slippers

Ballad

Joyous

Persian Dandy

Solitaire

Blackie

Lime Puff

Persian Giant

Swagger

Chi Am

Lisa (Frathel)

Purple Carousel

Sweet Dreams

Commander

Lyric

Rhett Butler

Silver Bells

Comic Opera

My Fan Fare

Rhya

Surrender

Creekside Moonmist

Mint Frappe

Radiance

Shangrala (Lan)

Creekside Concord

Morning Dawn

Roundalay

Tuffy

Chandra

Mon Cherie

Razzle Dazzle

Trails End

Courageous

New Era

Scarlett O’Hara

Tangiers

Dia

Night Flight

Sunny Hunny

Tutti Frutti

Dawn C

Oui Madam

Sunburst

Turtle Dove

Dream Stuff

Perlette

Shangra-La My Clara

The Californian

Easter Dream

Purple Sage

Shangra-La Queen

Vespers '

Fieamma

Pink Bouffant

Shangra~La Prince

Walking Shoes

Fire Brand

Pollyanna

Shangra-La Dream

White Swirls

Fools Gold

Purple Showers

Shangra-La Angel

Zest of West

Gracious

Prize Entry

Song

Golden Nugget

Pink Taffy

Shangra-La

Golden Jewel

Paisley Pink

Cupids Dart

75^

Black Waves

Florentine Lace

My Pleasure

Rebel

Bela Vista

Fancy Frill

My Darling

Sierra Giant

Blue Capri

^ Fringed Wedge wood Mandy

Savannah Sweetheart

Bold Skies

Fringed Plum

Melissa

Sharitta

Brilliant Jewel

Fairy Fire

Moon Glow

Spice Cake

Ball Gown

Fairy Skies

Orientale

Sea Chantey

Blue Banana

Gay Pink

Old Smoothie

Smokey

Busy Lizzie

Gray Cloud

Osakis

Tantalizing

Bongo Beat

Green Giant

Peachy Peggy

Tinsel

Beauty Tips

Green Sleeves

Peach Ice

Theresa Moeller

Blue Orchid

Glowing Fires

Prince Albert

Tynamite

Black Diamond

Green Gage

Pink Poodle

Tropic Isle

Clem

Golliwog

Pink Splatter

Tall Talk

Confection

Height of Fashion

Picture

Touch Of Fire

Canadian. Skies

Imagination

Pink Orbit

Tattle Tale

Dotted Swiss

Iceland

Purple Frills

Pac o’ Bloom

Tamarack

Dark Knight

Kiz

Tina

Dbl. Blue Gold Lace

Keepsake

PagliaccM

Touche

Dainty Bessie

Love and Kisses

Pink Trill

Tutti Frutti (Lan)

Dream Castle

L-Greeii

Red Carnation

The Contessa

Diamond Lil

Lili

Rosey Faces

Velvet Temp test

Easter Angel

Midnight Seas

Red Witch

Velvet Ball

Ebony Echo

Moon Rocket

Red Frills

Velvet Venus

E-Lou

Mandarin

Red Candle

Victorian Veil

Exotic

Manikin

Red Edge

Valerie

Full Stop

More Fun

Robbi

Work of Art

Winifred Leigh

Wesley White

Wild Willie

Water Lily

Q^om cj^frican Violet Gorner

308 FRANKLIN STREET
BLOOMFIELD, NEW JERSEY
PHONE PI 8-5485

enstins

Dorothy A. Young

2937 RUTLAND AVE.,
DES MOSNES 11, IOWA

ROOTED CLUMPS

— $1.25 each

Butterscotch Pink

Flounced Marvel

Over the Rainbow*

Red Witch

Betty Lou

Ft. Bragg

Pink Orbit

. Rose Marie

California Queen

Harlequin

Roseo Variegated*

Terry Jo

Delectable

Lemon Flake

Rosy Faces

Victorian Veil

ROOTED CLUMPS

— $1.00 each

Ardent Red

Emeraude

Orientate

Pink Organdy

Apollo

Fire Brand*

Purple Carousel

Ruthie Darling

Atomic Gold

Felix

Paradise Blue

Red Arrow

Alice Blue Gown

Gay Feather

Persian Angel*

Roundelay

Blue Banana

Green Giant

Persian Peach Puff*

Royal Orbit

Busy Lizzie

Great White Way

Persian Sunbeam*

Red Fable

Blue Typhoon

Green Sleeves

Persian Dandy*

Rue Da Le*

Bouffant

Gaylee

Persian Doll*

Sissy Britches*

Beauty Tips

Irish Rose

Persian Pastelle*

Tamarack

Chief White Feather

Lime Kiss

Persian Swirls*

Temple Bells

Dbl. Pink Paisley

Miss Universe

Pink ’N Sno*

Torch Song

Elegance

New Era

Prince Albert

Wonderlust

ROOTED CLUMPS

— 75c each

Ann Spencer

Dark Mistress

Minikin

Red ’N Gold

Antique Mahogany

Dark Eyes*

My Date

Red Candle

Ardent Red

Diamond Lil

Marble King*

Ruby Tips

Ann Bly Sup.

Executive

Nobility

Ruffled Pinafore

Annie Kim

Excitement*

Nu Hope

Red Valentine

Artist’s Touch

Fancy Doll

Norlina

Roxie

Athena

Fury

Oriental Music*

Sir Echo

Blossom Time

Frosted Red

Oriental Red

Sierra Giant

Blue ’N Pink

Fancy Trimmings

Old Smoothie

Skylark*

Blue Rogue

Fancy Dan*

Old Silver

Skies Over Italy*

Bold One

Fancee

Ora

Silver Carnival*

Big Boy Blue

Green Goblin

0”0 “La-La

Scotch Blue Bell

Blue Linda

Green Petticoats

Orchid Premier

Savannah Sweetheart

Black Wine

Gladrags Sup.

Patent Leather

Sweetheart Blue

Blue Lou Sup.

Green Confetti*

Pink Fluff

Spring Rose

Bells of Ireland

Grand Canyon*

Pink Shine

Starburst

Beth

Green Ribbon

Prism

Smoke Rings

Betsy Ross

Gala Pink

Paul Bunyan

Startling

Blush 'N Sno*

Gold Dip

Pink Commotion

Spun Velvet

Blue Boy

Highlighter

Peach Ice

Snow Ballet

Carnival*

- Hi Hopes

Party Gown*

Spring

Cambridge Pink

Heldie

Pink Riot

Sally Ann

Clem

Height of Fashion

Pink Crisp

Sea Chantey

Chloe

- Heritage

Pink Radiance

Tiffany

Charmer

Happy Ending*

Pink Honey

Topsail

Cozy

Irish Elf

Pink La Flame

Truly Pink

Confetti

Ice Flo

Pink Africana

Tananna

Cotton Clouds

Independence

Polar Bear

Tim Tam

Christmas Angel

John B.

Purple Frills

Tall Talk

Cindy Impr.*

Junie*

Pink Dip

Touch of Fire

Coral Rose Geneva

Kiss ’N Tell

Printed Silk*

Trifari

Chimes

Keepsake*

Paint Brush

Tinsel

Confection

Lili

Persian Pink*

Velvet Tempest

Charm Song

Little Smokey

Persian Brocade*

Velvet Ball

Dixie Nugget

Lav. Pink Girl

Prairie Afire*

White Rock

Diplomat

(88) Love and Kisses

Pink Ribbons*

White Lace

Dixie Spring

-' Lilian Jarrett Sup.*

Palomino*

White Swan

Dbl. Blue Gold Lace

Leading Lady

Pink Lotus

Winifred Leigh

Dbl. Thunderhead

La Femme

Pink Cottontop

White Coral

Dbl. Pink Waver ly

L“Green

Pagan

Winter Time*

Delilah

Mandarin

Queen’s Beauty

White Bouquet

Dabs ’N Splashes

Midnight Seas

Rebel

-Wedgewood

Doric

Mitzie

Red ’N Lilac

Doll Dance

Milady’s Bonnet

Red Rogue

MAIL ORDER ONLY: This ad effective ONLY until Feb. 28th, 1963, OR as long as supply lasts.
Limit, 2 of a variety. Orders will be filled in the rotation received, and the cuttings will be ready
for spring shipment as soon as weather permits mailing. Handling charge of $1.00 for first 15
cuttings, 50^ for each additional 10 or portion thereof. For descriptive list of these and many
other varieties send LARGE (please, a large one!) self-addressed and stamped envelope. State
inspected. * Indicates variegated foliage.

THANK YOU

1

Our Cover: A study of African vio¬
let blossoms in ivater colors by Ruth
Wright, Natick, Massachusetts.

OFFICERS

Mrs. Jack Yakie _ President

Post Office Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

Joseph D. Schulz _ 1st Vice Pres.

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker _ 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Miss Edith Peterson _ Rec. Secy.

1545 Green Street
San Francisco, California

Mrs. E. H. Thomas _ Corr. Secy.

461 Bridge Road
Walnut Creek, California

Mrs. Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass’t Editor
5 Center St., Bernardsville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Anne Tinari, Paul Arnold

NEWS REPORTERS:

Marie Dannemiller, Margaret Travis,
Joy Hutson, (Eng.), Charlotte
Marshall, Lucile Rainsberger

BUYER’S GUIDE:

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

‘Triolet

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 16 NUMBER 2 DECEMBER 1962

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

4 Good Leaf Rooting Medium
9 Use of Vitamin B-1
10 Repotting Brings Wonderful Results
12 Water is Life to Plants
14 Wick-Fed Pots for Miniatures
16 A Few Favorites

21 Shadow Boxing

22 Vermiculite

26 Plastic Covers Give More Warmth
28 Hybridizing as a Hobby

30 Endrin Not Safe for Use by Home Grower

31 For Color and Beauty

32 Not So Fast Please
34 I Remember

36 Pollinizing the Dedera Way
38 Salinity Experience
40 Blue Whale

42 Various Opinions on the New Gro-Lux
Fluorescent Light

44 How Careless is Your Careless Love
My Violets and How They Grow

45 Sand Lice Report

46 St. Louis Show Arrangements

58 What To Do?

59 For the Novice

60 Growing Violets in the Barbados
Winterizing Window Sills

Sure Cure for Ground Mealy Bug

61 Beginner’s Luck

62 African Violets Speak

63 Stubborn Leaves

On Growing Episcias

64 A Fund-Raising Idea

65 Violets or Babies? The Happy Ending
Bulletin Board is Convenient

66 Proper Soil Balance Gives More Floriferous
Violets

69 Christmas Gift Idea

70 Our Susquehanna A. V. Society
72 Violets in Eastern Montana

74 Poets Corner

78 How I Learned to Grow African Violets

79 What Violet is This?

80 Conventions Are Friendly

81 Growing Violets to Music

82 My Other Family

84 Practical Gift Suggestions
Membership List Helpful
87 Planting by the Moon

Violet Friends Around the World
96 Mist Systems for Small Greenhouses
101 Tennessee Valley Club Exhibit

CONVENTION

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

The African Violet Magazine is pub¬
lished 5 times a year, September, De¬
cember, March, June and July by the
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., at 325 W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville,
Tenn. Second-class postage paid at
Knoxville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00
per year. Office Address: P.O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1962.

51 The National Show

56 Call for Annual Meeting

57 Hotel Reservation Blank
Advance Society Registration Blank

EVERY QUARTER

6 Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund
18 Buyer’s Guide Report
29 President’s Message
50 Your Library
55 Show Questions and Answers
58 New Affiliated Chapters

76 Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African Violets

84 Registration Report

85 Question Box

88 Show News and Views
97 Club News

RESEARCH

102

106

The Effect of X-Rays on Morphological Changes
in Saintpaulia

Control Nematodes on African Violets

2

From the Editor

Many interesting articles are scheduled for your March
Magazine. You will hear from A. H. Northrop, Charles C.
Day, Cleo Clemons, Mrs. George Pondella, Mrs. Hugh Childs,
and others who have contributed stimulating and helpful
reports of their African violet activities.

That we are still occupied with research on “The Master
List” is all I can say for the present. We do, however, expect
to know within a few weeks the approximate printing date.
Please do not write me about it — the date will be announced when we know what it is.

Margaret Travis, Alice Harless, and Pat Travis join me in wishing for you one and all a
Merry Christmas and a Happy Prosperous 1963.

Most sincerely,

^tUKrUrlllaiit

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 ways!

BETTER PLANTING

BETTER FEEDING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum
moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

30. Quick, easy to use,

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

35. Perlite,

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus.

40. Free samples.

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42. Displays for
educational booths.

Sim-upioMt

I Laborat

Laboratories, Inc.
Columbus 16, O.

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula,

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food— no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace

elements.

SPRAY Pest Control

SYSTEMIC

PEST

CONTROL

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru foots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Other Aids & Club Materials

3

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

MODEL FH240
FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long. 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results- — if so desired—
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50

New TABLE MODEL New

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

^ for^2“tu bIs^Io'watt"”

MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide) ,

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Manyfacturers
217 Broad Avenue

■FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

□ MODEL FH240 |10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) |l2,50

□ MODEL FH220 ? 8.90

□ Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _ .

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name _

Address _ _ _

City - State _

Good Leaf Rooting Medium

Margaret Waff, Cary, North Carolina

If you’re having trouble rooting leaves, why
not try the following nnediuni which the mem¬
bers of the First African Violet Society of
Cary, North Carolina, have found very satis¬
factory ... it is amazing the roots that are
produced in this medium.

2 parts vermiculite or perlite
1 part sphagnum moss
sterilize with V-C 13.

Best Wishes for a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year to oil of you from all of us
at Madison Gardens.

MADISON GARDENS

West Middle Ridge Rd. Madison, Ohio

GREENSAND RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

Home of Organic Horticultural Supplies
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED A. VEITH

3505 Mozart Ave. Cheviot P. O.

Cincmnati 11, Ohio

ASK FOR: SMITH'S PLANTER MIX

at your favorite
Variety, Grocery, Seed
or Hardware Store.

If not available
ORDER DIRECT
4 quarts $1.00
POSTPAID

ATTENTION; Club Presidents
Write for FREE SAMPLES for door prizes

Smith Potting Soil Co.

2513 E. 19ti! St, Tulsa, Okla.

4

qunk

AFRICAN VIOLET
LEAF ROOTER

Successfully Used by Growers
and Hobbyists Everywhere
Quart 11.25 (concentrated) Gallon $3.25 ppd.

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipslon (near Fox Run)

Route #1, Athol, Massachusetts
DEALERS INQUIRIES INVITED

UMBREAKABLE PLASTIC VIOLET TUBS

24 tubs across in Cream White or neutral

utility color for' $1.75. Everlasting, made of
heavy shock-proof plastic. No sharp edges. 3
holes for positive drainage. 50 for $3.25;

100 for $6.00; 4” size 24 for $1.95; 50 for $3.75;
100 for $6.95; 5” size 24 for $3.95; .50 for -$7.75;
100 for $14.95; 6” size 24 for $5.95; 50 for $10.75;
100 for $19.95. Postpaid. Catalog 20c (free with
order). Flower pots, saucers, unusual hard-to-
find suppHes.

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P.O. Box 856 Oxford, Maryland

NOW . . , with NEW
Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.
1 tray — $8.50; 2 trays ■ — • $16.00;
3 trays - — • $23.50. F.O.B, Cleveland.

Enjoy the Finest in Indoor Gardening!

World's Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Rapid^Start Fluorescent Lights!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practical unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African Violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and get
strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW every
Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded fiberglass
trays . . . lightweight and strong, easy to keep clean
and impervious to moisture, chemicals or weather!
Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays, $57.00;
2 Trays, $44.50, (Light Fixtures additional.) Rugged
lifetime construction of satin aluminum tubing. The
large heavy duty A” diqmeter rubber-tired, ball bearing
swivel casters makes it easily movable, even over heavy
carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with Combolite fix¬
tures designed especially for flower culture, combining
incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved superior to
either one alone! New Rapid-Start fluorescent lights.
No starters are necessary!

NOTE— The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy to
again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete unit) as an award
at the 1963 Convention, Kansas City, Mo., April 4, 5, 6, 1963.
CLASS— Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1 white,
any variety) scoring the highest points. Each plant must score at
least 85 points. These plants are to be entered in the regular
classes for true purples, pinks, and wlfites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS —

1953— Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954— Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955— Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956— Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957— Mrs. J. R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958— Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959— Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

1960— Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer, Brightwaters, New York.

1961— ~Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1962— Mrs. J. W. Shuey, Richmond, California.

ORDER TODAY . * ,

Send check or money order,
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts, accessories and Tips on
Indoor Gardening!

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

5

BACK ISSUES OF MAGAZINE

Please wMte the African Violet Society of
America, Inc., P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville,
Tennessee for a list of those in stock. Not all
Magazines are available as back issues. Do not
send money until you get the list. Make check
payable to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Cost $1.00 per copy postpaid.

HyPDN^ FOX

AFRICAN VIOLETS

GET MORE BEAUTY AND BLOOMS FROM
YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS, USING THESE

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in water and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings and cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

•!. Pkg.f mak«s 60 Gals., — Postpaid, $1.00

PANONeX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor*
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

Gt., 29e — 2 Cits., S0« — 4 Cits., 9tc

BUGONeX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

9 os. spray bomb, 9ic — 19 os. spray bomb, $1.99

THEONoX African Violet Book, Postpaid $1
Commercial Growers ond Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

HYDROPONIC CHEMICAL CO., INC., Copley 21, Ohio, U.S.A.

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED
We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song, Afterglo, Good
News, T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waverly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a list of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approximately 100 seeds for $1.50.

Mixture — more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B — from varie¬
ties having “girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C — from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D — from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM — our best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a “no failure” $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

Report of Boyce Edens
Research Fund

Mrs. Harold Bienhardt
4463 W. Seneca Tpk., R.D. 2, Syracuse 15, N.Y.

Our sincere thanks to the following groups
and individuals for their very generous con¬
tributions to this important work:

First African Violet Society of Grand Rapids,
Mich. $10.00

Toledo Suburban African Violet Society, To¬
ledo, Ohio 10.00

Mile High African Violet Society, Denver
Colo. 2.00

First African Violet Society of Lake Charles,
La. 5.00

Amethyst African Violet Club, Kirkwood,
Missouri 10.00

First African Violet Society of River Falls,
Wisconsin 5. 00

First Rapid City African Violet Society, Rapid
City, S. Dakota 5.00

African Violet Society of Syracuse, N.Y. 25.00
Milwaukee County African Violet Society,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 25.00

NEW LIGHT WEIGHT
WATER-FOG VIOLET SPRAYER

Light as a feather! New plastic sprayer weighs
less than half a pound. Easy one-hand opera¬
tion. Will not tire you. Soft squeeze of handle
sprays clouds of fine water-fog mist. Moistens
leaves of African violets. Gardenias, all garden
and house plants. Promotes bloom and growth.
New colorful translucent polyethylene con¬
tainer is non-corrosive and unbreakable. Heavy
duty nickel planted brass parts in positive ac¬
tion pump. Precision built for long* uninter¬
rupted service. Manufacturer will repair or
replace with 1-day service, if ever needed.
Sprays water-fog, insecticides, fungicides, moth
spray, all garden and household sprays. Half-
pint size $5.45; Pint $5.95! Quart $6.45 postpaid

UNUSUAL HARD-TO-FIND SUPPLIES AND
EQUIPMENT FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS. SEND
20c FOR CATALOG ONLY {Free With Order)

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 853 Oxford, Maryland

6

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube - Available

NEW STARLITE GARDEN LAMP IN 2 SIZES like
thousands of glittering stars reflected through the
perforated shade this Starlite Lamp is a perfect
setting for your violets, both useful and decorative.
Black wrought iron finish, inside of reflector is white
enamel. Rubber tipped legs never mar or slip. Can be
had without perforations. 2 sizes 18” high 13” wide
and 32” long with 2-20 watt tubes or 18” high 13”
wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt tubes, with cord,
plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With 2-6 watt sockets
add $2.00. State Choice. With Gro-Lux tubes add $2.00.
“GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS” By Fred¬
erick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95. Now $4.30 Post¬
paid.

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays with removable in¬
serts 12” X 18” X 2%” high. Trays only $9.30 doz.
postpaid. 15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30 doz, postpaid. 12
trays and 12 inserts $17.50 postpaid.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED to
$9.25 postpaid.

Send for Prices and Literature on Lighted Plant Carts and New Line of Planters

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

CATALOG 25 <

African violets, ferns, begonias, Gesneriads,
tropical foliage plants.

TROPICAL PARADISE GREENHOUSE

8825 West 79th St. Overland Park, Kans.

MANY VARIEGATED VARIETIES

AFRICAN VIOLETS

By Newcomb

860 Sherbourne Drive Inkster, Michigan

OPEr^ BY APPOINTMENT

'^(fied ai ifCM.

To Increase the Pleasure of Gardening

YOU, TOO,
CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING
AFRICAN
VIOLETS

PLANT MARVEL'S
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

For years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically^balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrat¬
ed food elements needed for rapid, healthy
growth and bloom. Very easy and economical
to use ... a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c
package makes 125 gals., $1,49 package mak^
250 gals., of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No
harm to bloom or foliage wheh used as directed.
Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to
children and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal
insecticide. 5 oz. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

Dept. Av29, 624 W. 119th St.

Chicaga 28, lllinais

7

VIOLET 'N GOLD

WINNER OF

New Introduction Award at 1962
National Show in San Francisco.

This Award is for the best new Saintpaulia in
the Commerical Division of the National Show.

Brilliant yellow stamens stand out in a field
of pale violet surrounded by a band of moderate
violet topped by a ring of light yellow green.

Free — VIOLET 'N GOLD (pictyred) order now!

Order now for Spring delivery and receive one rooted cutting of ''VIOLET 'N
GOLD" per each $5.00 order, plus $1.00 for postage, of the following:

FROSTED FUCHSIA — Brilliant white edge dbl.

Fuchsia, striking! R.C. $1.00

LADIES AID — ^Truly gorgeous giant full dbl.

very pale purple. R.C. $1.00

WHITE PERFECTION— Largest whitest full dbl.

white, prolific. R.C. $1.00

PURPLE WAX— Full dbl. moderate violet,
shiny strawberry foliage. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 1 Above 4 for $3.00
MORE FUN — ^Huge semidbl. sparkling deep
purple. R.C. $1.00

FULL STOP — Very large very prolific full dbl.

strong pink. R.C. $1.00

WHITE HOPE — Giant semidbl. white, reddish
brown petioles. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 2 Above 3 for $2.50
GOOD KNIGHT^ — Giant semidbl. deep purple,
a proud beauty. R.C. $1.00

CROWN OF RED— Deepest new red, giant

semidbl. R.C. $1.00

ELFIN WAX — Darling little dbl. pink wavy

strawberry foliage. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 3 Above 3 for $2.50

FAIRY SKIES — Giant sky blue Stars, pronounced
white edge. R.C. $1.00

PINK SPLATTER — -Brilliant fuchsia semidbl.

pink splashed. R.C. $1.00

YOUNG LOVE SPORT — Strong purple and
white, giant semidbl. R.C. $1.00

WAX DOLLY — Lovable pink centered dbl.
white, waxy Girl leaf. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 4 Above for $3.00
FUCHSIA DOGWOOD— Brilliant red flowers
tipped white. R.C. $1.00

STAR DOGWOOD — Striking white tipped purple
Stars. R.C. $1.00

PINK DOGWOOD — Dbl. deep pink petals
tipped white. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 5 Above for $2.50
SPARKLING RED — Sparkling full dbl. fuchsia
red, strong stems. R.C. $1.00

CLOWN — Bold, strong violet Stars, with pink
streaks and sections. R.C. $1.00

PINK TRILL — Full dbl. deep pink, dark straw¬
berry foliage. R.C. $1.00

Group No. 6 Above for $2.50

Shipping

This offer closes February 28. Minimum order is $5.00 plus $1.00 extra for postage, packing,
and SPECIAL DELIVERY. This offer is for rooted cuttings only. They will be shipped in the order
received as soon as the weather permits. Shipping dates April 15 to November 1st.

LYNDON LYON

14 Mutchler St. Dolgeville, N.Y.

Phone 3591

NOTICE

We increase the size of the rooted cuttings
on orders over $10.00.

^txx^ OJiirtstmas mxh ^ Prosperous ^earl

8

Use of Vitamin B-1

Mable Gutridge, Los Angeles, California

Vitamin B-1 is a wonderful product: it is
used to help prevent shock to the African
violet when it is transplanted, and it is used
in a much stronger solution at this time.

It is also a real stimulant for root growth
and should be used once or twice a month on
every plant, in accordance with the direction
on the bottle. •

SHELLINGER'S AFRICAN VIOLETS
Winter Rooting Special

Rooted cuttings for the price of fresh-cut leaves
on early orders received by Feb. 28, 1963.

Stamp for Spring 1963 List.

VIONA G. SHELLINGER

351 E. Works St. Sheridan, Wyoming

African Violets and Their Family
“The best African violet book on the market,”
many say. It’s a very informative book, simply
chucked full of pictures and good ideas. Order
your copy today while they are still available,
$3.98 per copy. One half of all proceeds goes to
our church building fund. Clubs may write for
special club prices.

MRS. W. H. ODOM

411 E. Rea Marshall, Mo.

now !

THE NEW

^ube Graft

WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C

1311 West SOth Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!

HERE'S REAL ECONOMY!

THRIFTEE

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

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in

COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

• Permanent — Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones— —and at competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Made by the makers of famous
LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a
damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Markers are a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plant
markers are required in quantity at a

minimum price!

THRIFTEE Marker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(S’

Thriftee Markers — 7/16” wide;
4”, 5”, and 6” 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.

Be sure to specify color desired —

otherwise, all orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

UFETIME MARKERS

P.O.Box 216 Dept. 45 Clyde, Mich.
For West:

1864 S. 120th St., Seottle 88, Washington
Canada:

C. A. Cruickshonk, 1015 Mt. Pleosant Rd.
Toronto 12, Ontario

9

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES

Square

Pots —

White

2V4

” 25/$1.40

50/S

B2.50

100/$

4.40

21/2

” 25/$1.65

50/S

B3.00

100/$

5.75

3”

25/$1.95

50/S

^.60

100/$

6.60

31/2

” 25/$2.20

50/S

B4.15

100/$

8.00

4”

25/ $3 .30

50/$6.00

100/$

11.00

Square Pots —

(Utility)

Mottled

Colors

21/4

” 25/$1.10

50/S

B1.95

100/$

3.30

21/2

” 25/S1.40

50/

B2.50

100/$

4.40

3”

, 25/S1.65

50/$3.00

100/$

5.75

31/2

25/ $1.95

50/S

B3.60

100/$ 6.60

4”

25/$2.20

50/S

M.15

100/$ 8.00

Square Trays — Black Only

31/2

” 25/$1.65

50/$3.00

100/$

5.75

4”

25/$1.95

50/$3.60

100/$

6.60

Round

Pots —

White

IV4

” 25/$1.10

50/S

B1.95

100/$

3.00

2”

25/ $1.40

50/S

b.50

100/$

3.30

21/4

” 25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100/$

4.95

21/2

” 25/$1.65

50/S

B3.00

100/$

5.50

3”

25/s;2.20

50/S

54.15

100/$

7.70

31/2

” 25/li3.00

50/S

55.75

100/$

11.00

4”

25/$4.15

50/5

57.70

100/$13.50

Round Pots —

(Utility)

Mottled

Colors

2”

25/$1.10

50/$1.95

100/$ 3.30

21/4

” 25/$1.40

50/5

B2.50

100/$

4.40

21/2

” 25/$1.50

50/5

B2.75

100/$

4.95

3”

25/$1.65

50/5

B3.00

100/$

5.75

31/2

” 25/$1.95

50/5

B3.60

100/$

6.60

4”

25/ $3.30

50/5

B6.00

100/$

11.00

Round Plastic Saucers — Black Only
#2 for 2”, 21/4”, 21/2” Pots

25/$1.10 50/$1.95 100/$ 3.30

#3 for 3” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.40 50/$2.50 100/$ 4.40

#4 for 3V2”, 4” Pots or Tubs

25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

Plastic Tubs (Squatties)

3”, 3V2”, 4” — ■ White or Utility Colors — Same
price as regular round pots — - respectively.

PLASTIC MINIATURE GREENHOUSE
8” long - 6” wide - 5%” high. Top clear plastic.
Base heavy white. Open and close ventilator. 2
racks. 12-1^4” pots. $3.30 complete.

WHITE PLASTIC MARKERS 41/2 ” long 100/ $1.25
WATERPROOF PENCILS — 25c; 5 for $1.00
POST-A-NOTE— Regulation size post cards with
spray of purple violets in upper left hand com¬
er. 40 cards to box $1.10.

VIOLET-SELECT-A-NOTE— 24 Vellum French¬
fold Notes and envelopes decorated with blue
violets and silver. Assorted captions to be in¬
serted for the occasion — for “Thank You,”
“Best Wishes,” etc. Note size, 31/2x41/2. box $1.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION — Pint $1.00; Quart
$1.90; Gallon $6.25.

PLANT MARVEL — 1/2 lb. can $1.00; Pound
can $1.75.

POSTAGE — Please add 10% to New Mexico,
Colo., Wyo., No. and So. Dak., all states on West
Coast, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii.

Mrs. N. B. Wilson

41 Love St. Austell, Georgia

Dept. A.V.M.

Repotting

Brings Wonderful Results

Mrs. Earl Thornton, Kirksville, Missouri

I have a Little Jewel that had such a small
tight crown that it couldn’t seem to find space
enough to allow buds to form. It was in a 3
inch clay pot.

About a month ago, when the moon sign
was right for transplanting, I did it. The plant
was pitifully crowded; I took off all the old,
long roots and planted it in “Living Earth” in
a 4 inch plastic wick-fed pot.

Since then it just seems I can see the leaves
reach upwards and the tight leaves in the
crown stretch out. It has made a beautiful
plant and is now blooming. It would seem
that it just did not like being root-bound. •

10,000 African Violets

For your selection. One free 2V2

inch

violet for each party visiting our

dis-

play from out of town or state,

just

mention ad. $1.25 each parcel post or

75^ each at greenhouse.

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahoma City,

Okla.

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3”— Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Ideal for Violet Shows — Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays
6 for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

4927 Transit Road Williamsville 21, N. Y.

CHOICEST OF NEW VIOLETS

Sold here at house ... I do not ship plants.

10

— New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube —

NOTICE! We can now supply NEW SYLVANIA
GRO-LUX TUBES as described on page 27 of
the September, 1961 and page 109 March, 1962
issues of this Magazine.

Six-40 Watt 48” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each— $14.10
Six-30 Watt 36” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each— $14.10
Six-20 Watt 24” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each— $13.20
Six-15 Watt 18” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each— $13.20
Packed 6 in Shipping Carton to avoid breakage.
NO LESS SHIPPED. We pay the POSTAGE.
Send for literature on our new line of planters.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Oak Creek, Wis.

SEASON'S GREETINGS

SPRING LIST FEBRUARY 1963

FERNE for AFRICAN VIOLETS

FERNE V. KELLAR

827 N. Main St. Harrisonburg, Va.

Visitors welcomed. Highway No, 11.

Do not take bypass.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION

for BETTER AFRICAN VIOLETS

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
For vigorous growth, fine texture of foliage and
profusion of rich colored blooms on your Afri¬
can violets, use non-burning, 100% organic
ATLAS! Only 1/4 teaspoon per quart lukewarm
water every 10-14 days. Try it — buy it today
^nd see the difference.

At dealers everywhere. If not available, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart $1.90; Gallon $6.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., (LOGO - Room 463)
San Francisco 11, Cal.

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay

Your choice of pure white, spring green, gay
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky blue
(We will ship green if no color is given)

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS

SIZES AND STYLES

Style

Postpaid

50

Quantity

100

Prices

500

A~-4^” vertical stake

A

$1.25

$ 5.50

B- — 2”x5” tee stake

B

$27oo

2.75

11.00

B4— 4” T stake, removable tab

B4

1.50

6.00

C— -6” vertical stake

c

1.50

2.25

10.00

D— l”x2” horizontal tie-on tag

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

E~l”x3” horizontal tie-on tag

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F— .i/^”x2” notched tie-on tag

F

1.25

5.00

H— 2i^”x8” tee stake

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J— 3”xl2” tee stake

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K— 4i/^”xl8” tee stake

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P— ■l”xl2” vertical stake

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

SIZE

7/16’’

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

Tie-On Copper Wires Included with D, E, and F.
THRIFTEE FLEXIBLE COLORED LABELS

100

125

250

500

1000

’ X 3” vertical marker

$1.00

$1.60

$2.50

x4”

vertical marker

$1.00

1.55

2.50

3.90

X 5”

vertical marker

$1.00

2.30

3.65

4.80

X 6”

vertical marker

1.15

2.55

4.10

5.40

X 8”

vertical marker
See Information

1.45

Above

Relative

3.40

to Colors

5.40

7.20

TRIAL ASSORTMENTS j No. 1—50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H— $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2 — 125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes — $1.00 postpaid.

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A, $1.00; 1,000 Style A, $7.95 ppd.

Ask for free complete folder showing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

Dept. D23

1126 ARTHUR ST.

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

11

DIE-SLUG

Metaldehyde Emulsion
Fortified with Dieldrin

Kills Slugs and Snails in Flower Beds, Gardens
and Greenhouses.

See Article page 88, Volume 15, Number 2,
African Violet Magazine.

PRICE POSTPAID

1 Pint . $2.00

1 Quart . 3.00

1 Gallon .... 9.00

Distributorships Available

Manufactured in U. S. A. by

TRIANGLE CHEMICAL COMPANY

P. O. Box T501 Macon, Georgia

NOW! More Efficient
Plant Growth Fluorescents

• Gleaming aluminum reflectors,

• Exclusive wide spaced tubes for
more even lighting.

• Space saving thin design.

Prices start at less than $5. 10<^ Brings Catalog.

SHOPLITE CO.

650 V Franklin Ave. Nutley 10, NJ.

AUTOMATIC ELECTRIC HUMIDIFIER

FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS

Gentle humidifying vapor for every leaf pore
to drink! African violets, Gloxinias, Gardenias,
other plants in dry rooms bloom gloriously
with proper humidity. Vaporizes nearly a gal¬
lon of water at one setting. Directional fins
deliver vapor to plants. Automatic safety shut
off control. Light in weight and completely
portable for moving from room to room. Un¬
breakable high-impact water reservoir. Just
lift lid to refill. Silent operation. Will benefit
you as much as the plants . . . gives all-night
relief from respiratory irritations due to colds,
asthma, bronchitis and sinus. Fully guaranteed.
AC current only. $12.95 postpaid. Send 20c in
stamps or coin for 60 page illustrated catalog
(included free with order).

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P. O. Box 839 Oxford, Maryland

Water Is Life To Plants

IN studying biology in school we learn that
the plant kingdom, from the smallest bac¬
teria to the tallest tree, depends for its life
on water. The scientists go into great detail
about the process of photosynthesis by which
plants are fed, although it is not yet entirely
understood. The types of water are dis¬
cussed at length, but for the grower of Afri¬
can violets, there are only a few practical
pieces of information.

Capillary water is the type held in the
soil, and is the water available to plants. Not
all water taken in by the root system is used
by the plants. It loses about ninety-eight per¬
cent by transpiration and evaporation. This
depends upon such factors as temperature,
air movement, and humidity. Moisture losses
occur through leaves, the pot, and from the
soil surface. In hot, dry weather, or in a
warm, dry house, plants require more fre¬
quent watering to prevent injury from dry¬
ing.

The watering of potted plants may be ac¬
complished in several ways. Good drainage
is essential to begin with, and care about
overwatering is important. Surface watering
has a tendency to leach out nutrients. When
the whole pot is plunged into water until the
soil becomes saturated, even if excess water
is allowed to drain out, there is danger that
many nutrients are carried away. Some grow¬
ers, however, believe that this is a better
method than allowing the pot to stand in a
little water. Bottom watering has a tendency
to build up concentrations of soluble salts
which damage the root system. The method
of using a watertight bench with gravel and
sand, and maintaining a constant water level,
is accurate and scientific, but beyond the time,
space, and financial ability of many home
gardeners.

With control of direct air and humidity
in mind, a consideration of these methods of
supplying the life giving water may help the
grower to produce a specimen plant instead
of a runt. Plants may be grown without soil,
without fertilizer, but not without water.

CHOICE VIOLETS

make

Reason's

with a Gift Certificate

Our 1963 Master Catalog which contains many,
many new and reliable varieties is now avail¬
able with a coupon worth 25^ in trade — ■ all
for 15(^.

Quality Violet House

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7, Mich.
Phone 243-6651

Open by Appointment

12

^'Nev'r-Drip" Indoor Gordon Hose

For effective watering and fertilizing of Afri¬
can Violets or other plants without breaking
Itoy^s, spilling or dripping. No Mop Up! 18""
hose and drip-proof nozzle quickly puts the
water where you want it under leaves, in bird
cage arrangements or any hard to reach flow¬
ers without damaging furniture or linens. 1/2
gal. unbreakable plastic container graduated
for accurate mixing of fertilizer. Hose clips
to handle when not in use . . . stores in small
space! Money refunded if not delighted. $1.98
postpaid. Most unusual and practical gift for
friends too!

WEBB INDUSTRIES, INC.

Box 9714 Cleveland 40, Ohio

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insecticides, Soil, Plastic Labels, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle _ $1.55

Mildex (mildew) _ 1.25

NNOR, per bottle _ 1.55

Kelthane, per bottle _ 1.55

25 - 1 14 in. (Thumbnail) plastic pots _ _ 1,00

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1.40

Tropi-Grower _ 2.98

1 10 Greenplast labels _ 1.00

12 capsules sodium selenate _ 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate _ 3,30

1 00 capsules sodium selenate _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide .. $1.00

COMPLETE -LINE
WRITE FOR CATALOG

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street
PENNS GROVE 6, N. J.

foimula do need?

*1

M5-30-15 ? 30-10-10 ^ 20-20-20 10-30-20

l GENE

;RAL PURI

POSE i

FORMUU

• Low Bieuret content • Contains Trace Elements in completely chelated form

• Sequestered to prevent precipitation • Contains no Chlorides and no excess
Sulfates • Designed for Injection Feeding.

Peters soluble fertilizers are used by more commercial florists and nurserymen
than any other brand. Now available in 1, 5 and 25 pound packages. Write for
your free brochure “The Peters system of soil fertility control"

Designed and manufactured by: ( Prices on request)

ROBERT B. PETERS CO., INC. 2833 PENNSYLVANIA ST., ALLENTOWN, PA.

13

Bronze Elf in front, Miniature Bicolor to the right,
Little Queen to the left.

Wick-Fed Pots For Miniatures

Violet C. Stitely, Irwin, Pennsylvania

I like the wick-fed pots that have the deep
saucers because they give good air circulation
under the plant. For the miniatures I cut

them down to 1 V4 or 1 V2 inches high, and
they hold the same amount of mix as the
small pots. Instead of putting the wick up
through the center, I put 2 pieces at opposite
sides and lay it around the inner edge.

I cut the 2 inch square plastic pots, as
shown in the picture, and they are used as
holders for the small pots for wick-watering,
instead of setting the pots on hardware cloth.
In these plastic holders, they are less apt to
tip over.

The mix I use for all potting and like very
much, consists of: 1 part of long fiber ed
sphagnum moss, 2 parts Sponge-Rok, 1 part
Blue Whale, with a teaspoon of charcoal to
each 3 inch pot of the mix.

I start leaves in water until the roots begin
to form, then put them in a wick-fed pan;
when the little plants are ready to be divided
they go into other wick-fed pans until they
are larger, then go into pots. This saves much
work, and plants that are not thrifty may be
thrown away. Through all this they are fed
one drop of Whale to one quart of water, each
time. I use this procedure for both the stan¬
dard sizes and the miniatures. •

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube«"°-

See page 27 Sept, '61 and page 109 March '62 African Violet Magazine. Six 40 watt 48" or Six
30 watt 36" Gro-Lux at $2.35 each, $14.10 ppd. Six 20 watt 24" or Six 15 watt 18" Gro-Lux at
$2.20 'each, $13.20 ppd. Packed Six in a carton to avoid breakage. NO LESS SHIPPED. We Pay
the POSTAGE.

Send for literature on Lighted Plant Carts and new line of Planters.

A NEW DUAL LIGHT FLUORESCENT FIXTURE for vio¬
lets and other plants. Can be used four ways, as a four
(4) tube, as a four (4) tube plus 2 incandescent, as a two
(2)vtube or as a two (2) tube plus 2 incandescent 48-T4
inches long 15-1/2 inch reflector. Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight fluorescent tubes. With RAPID
START BALLAST. $28.00 Postpaid.*

EXTRA WIDE SPACED DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE

inch centers with 2 incandescent sockets, 13 inch re¬
flector 48-^A inches long with 2-40 watt tubes. $18.00
Postpaid.* With Rapid Start Ballast Choice of cool white,
warm white or daylight tubes,

DUAL LIGHT a combination of incandescent and fluores¬
cent lights made especially for African Violets 48 in.
long, 13 in. reflector, 2-40 watt tubes. 2-15 watt sockets
with Rapid Start Ballast $16.00 Postpaid,* Choice of
cool white, warm white or daylight tubes.

* Add $1.00 west of Rockies
** Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux tube in above
fixtures

Legs for any Fluorescent Fixture $2,00 Postpaid. Adjustable chains to hang any Fluorescent Fixture

$1.25 Postpaid. All 48 inch Fluorescent Fixtures include cord, plug, switch, tubes and Rapid Start
Ballasts. No Starters are necessary. Certified BM Ballast guaranteed 3 years.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 reduced to

$4.30 Postpaid. Send for Literature and Prices on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

14

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product that -both,
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c
sales ' tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

Box §425 Cleveland 34, Ohio

FRESHXUT LEAVES 25^ EACH
None Higher

Soft Plastic Rim Guard— covers sharp
edges on all sizes and shape plastic
pots. 10^ foot, 25^ shipping and
handling. Complete line of supplies.
4^ Stamp for List

J's AFRICAN VIOLETS

6932 Wise Ave. St. Louis 10, Mo.

Mi 7-3755

fOOl African
Violet Questions
Answered by
Twelve Experts

By Helen Van Pelt Wilson

Here are the answers by twelve ex¬
perts who live and raise Saintpaulias
in ten different regions of the coun¬
try, and who range from housewives
and prize winning exhibitors to a
scientific expert on heredity. Ques¬
tions and answer^ are carefully
grouped by subject-— Heredity,
Bloom, Soils and Fertilizers, Hybrid¬
izing, Troubles, Controls, and Cures
—and conveniently indexed for quick
and' easy reference. 18 pages of how-
to~dO”it and how-to-know-it drawings
by Judith Hirtle. Illus. $4.96

at yonr bookseller or from

0* Van Nostrand Co,, fwe.

Dept. T-AV 9, Princeton, New Jersey

Made for Each Other!
African Violets and
Garden-Guide
Unbreakable Plastic
HOUSE PLANT
MARKERS

41/2” stake with detachable
name plate to identify
plants easily,
attractively, permanently!

Thin stem
design won"!
harm flowers,
leaves or
root
structure.

Here's a brond new concept in house ploru
morkers that outmodes all others! So new! So
unique! So good-looking! So proctical! . . . It's
a wonder it wasn't invented long ago! it is
the perfect answer to a long felt need — so
exactly right, really, you'll want one for every
plant in your home!

LOOK AT ALL THE WONDERFUL FEATURES:

• LIFETIME QUALITY: Reusable, year-after¬
year! On a use-basiS; the most economical of
all! No replacing every season . . . your first
cost is your last!

• GUARANTEED: impervious to sun, water,
extremes of heat or cold, and to garden
chemicals!

• ANCHOR-RIDGE prevents turning or twist¬
ing in loose soil!

• DE LUXE APPEARANCE: Graceful form,
color harmonized in two shades of garden green
to blend beautifully with foliage. Gives smart,
orderly effect!

• REUSABLE NAME PLATES: Super tough,
weather resistant plastic, held securely on stake
and properly tilted for good visibility and in¬
stant, easy reading! Name plates are readily
removable, interchangeable, reversible. Can be
erased as desired, making these name plates
reusable for years!

1 to 99 stakes with name plates^ each 5^
100 or more. stakes with name plates,
each 4!4^

• Sold on a satisfaction guaranteed or money-
back basis,

• If your dealer cannot supply, send coupon
direct, please.

(DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED)

HARLANE COMPANY

P. O. Box 516, Highland Pork^ III.

HARLANE COMPANY, Dept. AV-121 i

P. O. Box 516, Highland Park, III.

I enclose _ _ (check or M.O.) for !

which please send me PREPAID items be- ,
low: (no stamps, no C.O.D. please— minimum I

order $1.00) ,

- stakes with name plates @ 5c each I

1 to 99 .

... _ stakes with name plates @ 4^20 each ’

100 or more 1

NAME ...................... _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .

ADDRESS ............. _ ....... _ .... _ ........... *

CITY _ ZONE _ STATE _ ..... |

15

A Few Favorites

Muriel Galbraith,

Widewater, Alberta, Canada

It is said that “Something good comes from
everything.” So possibly, if I had never been
sick 3V2 years ago and later realized I needed
something to put an interest back into life,
my two African violets (a single purple and
a single pink) would have remained lonesome
on the window sill. I say lonesome because
now there are nearly 200 plants (96 varieties)
with violets in every room.

During the first year of the expansion I had
18 plants and 2 west windows. Besides the
window sills I had a small table in front of
one window. Then I persuaded my husband to
make a 12 inch wide shelf at the half section
of the window. It wasn’t difficult to get him
to do this because I was feeling so much bet¬
ter and the plants were blooming. The shelf
was really too warm for our hot July and
August weather; I checked the plants for dry¬
ness every morning, also had many containers
of water amongst the plants.

Two years later we moved to a larger house
with five 5 foot wide windows, and electricity.

PLANT GROWTH UNIT

Beautiful decorative design of gleam¬
ing rustproof aluminum. 24 x 14 inch
waterproof tray has decorative red¬
wood ends. Uses 2 standard 20-watt
lamps. Complete with fluorescent
lamps, switch, line cord. Add $2.00
for Gro-Lux lamps.

Only $17.85 postpaid
($18.85 west of Mississippi)

10c brings complete catalog including
New Type Fixtures Designed Especially
for Growing Plants. Or 33c brings cata¬
log and informative plant light booklet.

SHOPLITE CO. Phone: North 7-6021

650V Franklin Ave. Nutley 10, N.J.

At present I am looking forward to plants
under lights.

About this time a lady told me of the Afri¬
can Violet Magazine, through which I learned
of sterilized soil, soil mixes, charcoal, to name
a few changes to my growing habits. I read
and reread each issue, finding something new
of interest with each reading.

This last spring and summer have been full
of heartache and worry. One day I noticed
the centers of many of my plants looked queer.
I decided I had mites after comparing the
leaves with the pictures in the African Violet
Magazine. I reread again everything on mites
in the Magazine; then I sent an order for
Black Leaf 40, with a note at the bottom,
“Please Rush.”

I wasn’t too sure I was reaching all of the
plant with spraying so I dunked the plants
upside down in the solution. To do this I wore
rubber gloves and held a piece of plastic over
the top of the pot, as tightly as possible to
the plant, to hold the soil in place. Also, may
I add, I watered the plants before dunking so
that the soil would be less crumbly. I liked
using Black Leaf 40 because in a week or 10
days I could see some of the plants taking on
new life.

Oh yes, I lost some plants, but when I really
think of the meaning of the words, “African
violet — the house plant with a challenge” I
can expect a battle. Some plants will fall by
the wayside, with some distress on my part.

In closing, I have chosen the following Af¬
rican violets as my favorites. White and Vari¬
egated: Angel Flake, Mint Popcorn, Meri-Lee,
and Stranger. Pink: Cherry Wine, Pink Drift,
Gigi, Isle of Dreams, Pink Fog, Pink Star,
and Maverick. Blue and Purple: Big Blue,
Blue Nocturne, Blue Ache, Navy Bouquet,
Constance Hansen, and Royal Purple. Laven¬
der: Orchid Smoke. Red or Wine: Burma
Ruby, Double Black Cherry, and Spanish
Senorita. •

ROOTED CUTTINGS

(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH-CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

PLASTIC POTS AND SAUCERS

Award winning varieties from the Na¬
tional Convention in San Francisco, for
spring shipping. A postcard will bring
complete listing of violets and supplies.

Violets by Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

— VISITORS WELCOME —

16

uncertainty, expense
^ problems in growing

YOUR PRIZE PLANTS —

JUST Plant and Feed with
WALLACE Products.

Pot with our ready to use Soils.

^^Golden larth^"

^Tlorol Mix"

Or if you prefer to mix your
own —

USE ™ "HOLY COW" —
Dehydrated Manure
"Dandee Peat" — Fine
ground dark Peat.

FOR good Balance,. Culture, root structure,
bloom and foliage — Always use "Wolloce
Mineral"

FEED with well balanced Fertilizers . , . such
as "Mognite" — - high in Phosphate for
Bloom, and — "Atlas Fish Emulsion."

Purchase from your Local Dealer or order
Direct from our Denver Plant.

New "Price Sheets" on request.

WALLACE MINERAL CORPORATION

170 West Virginia Ave. Denver, Colorado

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or black finish, and 1 8", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V^" — $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 1 0" — $2.98
each or two for $5.50; 30" x 10"-— $3.49
each or two for $6.50. Order by size and color.
VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40— $1,00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

HIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1.00, with full directions.
TROPI~GROWER~See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid.

21/4” peat pots— 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29.
3” peat pots— 25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY 3 . RIDGE

1126 Arthur Sfr. Dept. D22 Woysay, Wis.

FOR A PRIZE-WINNING

miH fim

Tb' PineAt iihi loim Tiont (/i/i/*-

Afternately feed
with these

6?)

FiSH-iLiZSK

h)) ^ I (.Oil i (IMT

P, O. BOX S78 »aO SIXTH STREET HERMOSA BEACH, iCAUFORNIA

17

Buyer’s Guide

Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1, Box 143, Greenwood, Ind.

By the time you read this, you will pro¬
bably be happy with most of your plants, since
they have a way of taking on a new lease on
life after the trials of summer heat, humidity
vacation neglect and insects. As I write this,
however, summer is still in full swing and I
would like to give special credit to a few of
the plants that have maintained good bloom
throughout the summer, in , addition to their
other recommendations. They are: Trifari,
Snow Ballet, Lyon’s White Lace, Heritage,
Ardent Red, Wind and Sea, West’s Sea Grape,
Silver Crest, Hi Hopes, Highlighter, Party
Gown, Blue Blaze, Fair Elaine.

Since this report will end our first year’s
search for the most reliable plants among the
hundreds introduced each year, we will list all
those that have been recommended, except
the few that were older than the three year
span in which we are interested. Several mem¬
bers have not returned their cards, and this
would be a good time to check your plants,
and let us have your opinion. Also, I know
that there are many of you who could be of
great help to us, if you will drop a line re¬
questing the cards. It would make a good
project for your club, too, so please let me
hear from you!

RE^^VITA

A natural and orgonic soil supplement
that will not burn, RE-VITA is easy to
use and may be worked into the top
soil around plants, or mixed with
potting soil.

TOP VIOLET GROWERS AND PROFESSIONAL
NURSERYMEN USE RE-V!TA
2 ■ — • 5 !b. boxes mailed postpaid, EAST of
Rockies, $4.00, WEST of Rockies, $5.00.
Sample mailed free.

HOOSIER SOIL SERVICE

RR # 1 Terre Hayte, Indiona

Phone PR 9-8673 Visitors Welcome

GRACE'S VIOLETRY

Groce and Michael Welky

African Violets and Supplies Available.
Specializing in Variegateds and Miniatures,
also all other Varieties, New and Old (over
500 varieties) including Rita Luciano's Lovelies
and other leading hybridizers.

Our Collection on Display Monday through
Saturday ... 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Send Stamp for List. Ready for Spring Shipping.
434 Clifton Ave. Clifton, N. J.

Afterglo (Naomi)

Jasmine

Alabaster

Joe

Amanda (Granger)

Jubilee

Angela

Karen

Angel Flake

“^Kimberly

Ann Bly

— King Neptune

Ann Spencer

Kiss of Fire

Ardent Red

La Femme

Atlas

Lilian Jarrett

Avalon Blue

Light Invader

Bloomin’ Fool

Maumee Vesper

Blue Blaze

May Belle (Gutridge)

Blue Chips

Mint Champagne

Blue Sea

Nightshade

Bonnie Moon

Old Style

Carnival

Oriental Red

Charm Song

Pink Jade (Fischer)

Chimes

Priscilla Landaker

Dazzle

Red Crown

Double Black Cherry

Regal Gold

Double Gold Lace

Sea Grape

Double Ruffles

Sea Hawk

Double Snow Squall

Silver Crest

Dori

Silvery Blue

'Fair Elaine

Sioux

■Fandango

— Snow Ballet

Fifi

Snow Flurries

Fleet Dream

Stained Glass

Flirt

Sweeter Than

Frosted Red

Springtime

Fury

Symphony

Giant Blue Crest

---Top Sail

Gumdrop

Touch of Fire

Halo Light

— Trifari

Hans Brinker

Velvet Tempest

Heritage

Mabel Dunston

Hi Hopes

Wedgewood

Honey Bunch

White Lace

Impressario

White Mountain

Indiana Waltz

Wind and Sea

Isle of Dreams

--Wintry Rose

Jane Starr

— ADVERTISERS —

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

The Editor and Publisher of the African Vio¬
let Magazine reserve the right to accept or
reject and/or modify in any way all advertis¬
ing copy which is submitted to the African
Violet Magazine for publication.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS
to oil

and Q great big THANK YOU for a
successful year

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipston, Moss, (near Fox Run)

Plants Rooted Cuttings — — Leaves

(plantiets)

Exciting news is the new FLEXIBLE Strawberry
Foliage developed by Manelta — ~

The outstanding achievements of all our de¬
dicated hybridizers is a thrill a minute. Stamp
brings list for Spring shipping.

Mail RFD # 1 Closed Monday

Athol, Mass. Phone CH 9-4949

18

SPONGE-ROK

A perlite of the highest horticultural
quality for soil aeration, drainage,
lightness, etc.

At your dealers or write:

SPONGE-ROK SALES

7TT2 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wis.

FOR SALE

Dillon Electric Soil Pasteurizer, Model
326-A, Capacity V4 yd.. Floor Type
Automatic, 220 AC. Too large for
home use reason for selling. Practically
new, cost $320.00 sacrifice $100.00.

ALICE M. STEPHANSON

3720 Suifland Rd. SE Washington 20, D.C.

Phone Lu 2-28T 1

RICHTER'S THREE - FOR '63

CARMELITA

Glowing, exciting color! Semidouble blossoms in a vivid fuchsia shade, with a suggestion
of a white edge. Fluted olive-green foliage with deep red-reverse. A ""must-have" for
your collection.

NOAH

A big one! Big double blue frilled blossoms, excellent foliage which will shape up to a
big show plant.

DEAR ONE

Brilliant rose-pink frilled double, bright green frilly foliage. Strikingly attractive.

*******

These three — and more - — to watch for at Kansas City in "63.

SENORITA SONGSTER

POLKA TIME DIAMOND LIL

SPRING RAIN CONFECTION

Spring list will be ready in mid-January, 1963, with these new introductions as well as many
older favorites. Send stamp for your copy.

Season’s Greetings ^Happy ^Kolidays

*******

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSES

607 HOFFMAN STREET 9529 WICKER PARK BLYD.

Hammond, Indiana Highland, Indiana

19

Scotsward Violet Farm

Scotsluard Violet Farm takes pleasure in extending to you
our Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for a prosperous
year.

We have compiled for your selection a list of plants that we feel are most symmetrical,
floriferous, and the best producers of plantlets from Fresh-Cut Leaves. The list includes many
of your old favorites plus a large group of the newest varieties.

FRESH-CUT LEAVES of the following are available at 60^ each or 12 for $6.00. Minimum order
— $4.00. Please add $1.00 for postage and packing. Air Mail 50^2 extra and Special Delivery
an additional 55?:.

Hundreds of large and small plants in bloom at our greenhouses.

VISITORS ALWAYS WELCOME

Scotsward Violef Farm 71 Hanover Rd. — Fr 7-1132 Florham Park, NJ.

Afterglo Supreme

Easter Dream

Linda Joan

Purple Fringette

All Decked Out

Emerald Waves

Lisa

Queen of Hearts

Angela

Enid

Love and Kisses

Raggedy Ann

Angel Fluff

Executive

Love’s Dream

Raspberry Splash

Annie Kim

Ever Gae

Mad Streak

Red Arrow

Apollo

Evlo Snowflake

Mandy

Red Edged Star

Athena

Fanfare

Mary Suhr

Red ’N Gold

Beaming

Frills

Miao

Red ’N Lilac

Black Diamond

Fury

Midnight

Red Rogue

Black Wine

Fuchsia Velvet

Mi Lady’s Bonnet

Remembrance

Blue and Pink

Gala Pink

Miniature Orchid

Royale

Blue Clematis

Gay Witch

Moonglow

Royal Orbit

Blue Flair

Giant Star Dbl. Sonja

Never Lovelier

Savannah Sweetheart

Blue Light

Glorianna

Nobility

Sea Grape Sup.

Blue Mist

Glowing

Northern Skies

Sea Hawk

Blue Rogue

Golden Jewel

Northern King

Shadow Dip

Blue Sage

Governor of Oregon

Northern Fire

Shangri-La Dream

Blue Smoke

Grace

Oak Hill Maid

Shangri-La My Clara

Blue Waters

Green Dawn

Old Silver

Shangri-La Prince

Bonnie Bea Supreme

Green Eyes

Old Smoothie

Shangri-La Queen

Bud’s Mint Ice

Green Frills

Orchid Premier

Skylark

Bud’s Mint Popcorn

Green Gk)blin

Parisienne

Skyscape

Castanet

Green Sleeves

Paul Bunyan

Smokey Mosaic

Charmer

Gumdrop

Pearlette

Southern Maid

Chirp

Hi Hopes

Pepsodent

Spring Rose

Chloe

Hilarity

Persian Brocade

Star Dbl. Fantasy

Chopsticks

Independence

Persian Carpet

Star Talk

Claret

Indian Belle

Persian Giant

Storm Cloud

Clown

Indian Dancer

Persian Peach Puff

Sugar Blues

Corinthian

Indiana

Persian Pink

Tall Talk

Costalea

Indiana Waltz

Persian Sunbeam

Tananna

Cotton Candy

Ja Nene

Persian Swirls

Texas Star

Cotton Cloud

Jewel Collar

Pink-a-Rue

Tinsel

Creekside Moon Mist

Joela

Pink Commotion

Top Sail

Creekside Concord VelvetKathleen

Pink Love

Trifari

Dark Eyes

Keepsake

Pink Magnolia

Truly Yours

Dawn

Klondike

Pink ’N Snow

Tynamite

Double Ann

King Neptune

Pink Ribbons

Velvet Ball

Deidra

Kiz

Pink Riot

Victorian Veil

Diplomat

Lady Baldwin

Pink Sugar

White Bouquet

Dixie Nugget

La Flamme

Pink Swirls

White Bountiful

Dixie Orchid

Lavender Double

Pink Top

White Christmas

Doric

Lavender Pearl

Pink Wink

White Coral

Dotted Swiss

Lavender Shadows

Prairie Flower

White Lace

Du Barry

Lilian Jarrett Supreme

Purple Bouquet

White Spray Sup.

Dusky Dancer

Lime Kiss

Purple Frills

Work-of-Art

20

Shadow Boxing

A shadow box is a delusion but not a snare.
Where there is room in the home or green¬
house a charming wall decoration for African
violets can be arranged. On a table or stand
against a wall, place a tray filled with gravel
to provide drainage. The frame for this pic¬
ture should be about four inches wide. It may
be painted any color to harmonize with the
surroundings, or gold to imitate a real picture.
It will be in good proportion if it is about 4
feet long and 27 inches high and at least 20
inches deep. Pieces of log or driftwood are
placed inside the frame so that they provide
pockets to hold soil for the plants, or stands
for the potted ones. There should be some
background, or filler plants, such as Episcias,
sword fern or philodendron. Your own inge¬
nuity and imagination will help you combine
colors. Place the larger plants at the bottom
or in the back, and taper off with smaller
ones so that the perspective is right and the
arrangement has charm and balance. •

New TROPI-GROWER

Use the new Tropi-Grower for your African
violets and other tropical plants. Only the
Tropi-Grower automatically provides the proper
humidity and aeration conditions for ideal
growth. Send for free folder giving full details
or send order direct from this ad. Each $2.95
ppd. Special: 2 for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 post¬
paid.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. D24 Wausau, Wis.

a

Here is the most practical de¬
velopment in plant contain¬
ers since the invention of the
flower pot.

EASY TO PLANT
EASY TO CARE FOR...

one-step watering through
central water well

FITS ANYWHERE . . .

three-tier model stands 12"
high on 5" base

LASTS FOR YEARS . . .

sturdily molded of strong
high-impact styrene

IDEAL FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS

BABYLON

GARDEN

PLANTER

ORDER YOUR BABYLON
GARDEN PLANTERS TODAY
AT THESE LOW PRICES

OROUP I

Hi-impact attractive styrene in copper-
tone marble or white marble. Specify
color.

One-Tier . . $2.00

Two-Tier . $3.00

Three-Tier . . . $4.00

Special, One each . $8.45

OROUP II

Brilliant jeweler finishes, will not chip,
or tarnish. State color, gold, silver,

copper.

One-Tier . . ........$ 3.25

Two-Tier . $ 4.75

Three-Tier . $ 6.00

Special, One each . . $12.95

ALL ORDERS POSTPAID. SEND
CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO;

PAU ER’S

Dept. ASA-12

2404 Grandview Blvd.
Waukesha, Wisconsin

distributors for babylon products co.

21

ROOTED CUTTINGS

WITH PLANTLETS

Fresh-Cut Leaves Small Plants

R. C. 75c — ^Lilian Jarrett, Lilian Jarrett Supreme,
Elizabeth Durkin, Mer Rouge, all Butterfly
Series, Waterlily, Giant Clover, Green Confetti,
Hula Doll, Black Witch, Red Witch, Athena,
Apollo, Dabs ’n Splashes.

R. C. 85c — Fire Brand, Hi Light, Radiance.

R. C. $1.00 — Jolly Joker, Rag Doll, Picture,
Tammy.

R. C. $1.25 — Dotted Swiss, Jeweled Collar,
Reverie, Talent Show, Work-of-Art.

R. C. $1.75 — Blue Denim, Blue Tassel, Lyric,
Mad Streak, Sombrero, Surrender, Sweet
Dreams, Tutti Frutti.

And Many, Many More!!

Stamp for list of over 700 varieties. New list
ready Feb. 1st.

SANDY'S VIOLET SALON
EMERSON, IOWA

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 N. Garden Boise, Idaho

Rooted Clumps — Most of Which ore Ready
to be Divided — Of Newest and Best Varieties.
Stamp for list.

PLASTIC POTS HUMIDIGUIDES

''ORGANAIRE“ VIOLET SOIL LEAVES

QUALITY STARTER PLANTS
Stamp for List

Open by appointment only. Please call Ne 1-3829

NORMANDY VIOLETS

6246 N. Normandy Ave. Chicago 31, Ill.

Wishing you . . .

A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON

Spring list out early February, including such
goodies as:

Gift Wrapped Pretty Mickey

Flatterer Fringed Wedgewood

Diamond Lil Berries and Cream

Tammy — and many, many 1963 releases
All stock Govt, inspected. Stamp for list please.

ANNALEE VIOLETRY

29-50 214fh Place Bayside 60, N.Y.

Vermiculite

Today vermiculite is an important indus¬
trial commodity used in insulating, as a light
weight aggragate, and as an agricultural ma¬
terial. But as recently as the 1920’s there was
no indication that a fifteen million dollar a
year industry would grow out of this mineral-
ogic curiosity. Now there is a wide range of
other applications for exfoliated vermiculite,
and the production and sale has increased at
an astounding rate since it was first developed
commercially.

Vermiculite was first described by T. H.
Webb in 1824, but not until 1913 were efforts
made to develope its use. As a mineral it is
complex, and although there is a specific ore
named vermiculite, the term is applied to
other silicates of aluminum and magnesium.
Any of the micaceous ores that are formed in
layers and can be crushed and exfoliated,
that is the layers separated, are sold under
the name “vermiculite.”

Vermiculite is mined in the U.S.A. and
South Africa. South Carolina and Montana
have valuable deposits. Most of it is mined
by the open pit method. It is then crushed
and screened, and air dried in a kiln to eli¬
minate surface water, but the heat is carefully
controlled to make certain that no partial
exfoliation takes place. There is a complex
system of screens and crushers, that accom¬
plishes very close sizing for the different
grades. The next step is exfoliation which is
produced in a temperatpre between 1400^
and 2000° F. Then the material passes through
an air separator which cools it and removes
by-products. It may or may not be crushed
again, then packed in bags for shipment.

There are a variety of uses for vermiculite:
chicken litter, as a loosefill insulation, in con¬
crete and plaster, as an anti-caking agent in
fertilizer, and most interesting to gardeners,
as a soil conditioner. In this capacity it light¬
ens the soil and improves the moisture retain¬
ing qualities of clay and sandy soils. It is a
convenient product for the city gardener who
can buy it, but who cannot always get leaf
mold, and finds a bulky mulch, such as peat
moss, hard to handle. It is especially good as a
soil additive for rooting cuttings and tubers,
and in hot beds for sprouting seedlings. As
long as the reserve supply of the ore holds
out, the production of vermiculite will be an
expanding industry. •

PAULINE KUNTZ

Winterset, Iowa Route 4

Atomic Gold, White Roses, Pink Polka Dot,
Little Jewell Supreme, Noble Birth, Oriental
Poppy, Regal Beauty, Big John, Ballad, Pink
Poodle, Fire Brand, Highlight, Waterlily, Party
Gown, Sissy Britches, Diamond Lil, Touch of
Fire, and many others. Send stamp for new
shipping list out in January.

Rooted Clumps — Leaves — Small Plants

22

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The “Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20” x 52”) aluminum
trays for bottom w'atering. Provision is made for mounting an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR-AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest
quality of all “apartment greenhouses.” You will be proud to show it to
your friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with
which the lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly
18” above the trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two shelves.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for mak¬
ing and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other
plhnts by artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95
postpaid.

Also available — Peggie Schulz’s book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.50.

We now have the remarkable new GRO-LUX lamps in stock for im¬
mediate shipment. Prices: 6-40 watt Gro-Lux lamps $14.10 ppd. 6-20
watt, $13.20 ppd. (Postage extra on less than 6)

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. Dll Wausau, Wis.

IMPROVED NEW

White Cover— -1960 Third Revised Edition

“AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOR
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure, Afri¬
can violet arrangements, judges, judging, species,
gloxinias. Episcias, new Society rules, and other
(helpful) up-to-date information. $1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

MERRY CHRISTMAS

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leoves — Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants

New and Older Varieties, Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 . Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7322

RITA LUCIANO

P. O. Box 603 CRESSKILL, N. J.

FULL ROOTED CLUMPS FOR EARLY SPRING

GIFT WRAPPED— Powder blue rosette dbl. with white edge. Slightly wavy varie¬
gated foliage. R. C. $2.50

FLATTERER— White dbl. fused and striped with blue (unusual). Quilted, wavy,
variegated foliage. R. C. $2.50

SILK 'N SATIN— Fringed white single, yellow eye. Notched, wavy, variegated
foliage. R. C. $2.25

BRONZE CLOUD- — Coppertone-pink dbl. Dark mod. Girl foliage. R. C. $1.50
JAMBOREE— Cerise rosette dbl. Dark tailored foliage. R. C. $1.50

Minimum order $5.00 plus $1.00 for postage and packing. All shipments sent Special Delivery.

NOTE; Free on orders $10.00 or more

LIL RED WAGON— Semidbl. red bicolor. Tailored variegated foliage.

Warmest of ^

Season^s Greetings % ' ,,,

To All of You ^ The Luciano's

23

m)H.. . FOR^YOUR ^iora Cart 1

BEAUTIFUL NEW

FITS ALL ^lora L-arf# . . Interchangeable
on all models!

ATTRACTIVE NEUTRAL COLOR... Perma
nentiy molded-in'to every tray!

LSGHT^.WEIGHT AND STRONG ... Easy to
handle. ..Won’t dent or break!

RUST- PROOF -RESISTS CHEMICALS...

impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY-TO- CLEAN SURFACE. . .Washable,
hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN. ..For draining
...without removal of plants!

Priei: 1 TRAY -I 8.50 2 TRAYS- li.OO 3 TRAYS- 23,50

R®mi! by Chiefs ©r M©n«y Ofdir F © g. Cl«v«lind. ©hio.

Ohi© Risidtfit* ®dd 3% sslii t®*.

1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohi©

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Newest Designs In Plant Lights

1963 CATALOG of unusual and hard-to-find
supplies, equipment and accessories for African
violets, Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas, all green¬
house and indoor plants. 60 illustrated pages.
Everything from potting mixes and plastic pots,
to large aluminum plant stands and fluorescent
lights. Largest selection any catalog specializing
in African violet supplies and equipment for
indoor plants. Send 20c now in stamps or coin
for your copy.

The House Plant' Corner

Box 829 Oxford, Maryland

Corrections

VOLUME 15, NUMBER 5, PAGE 125

Mrs. Harold Eienhardt, 4463 W. Seneca
Tpk., Syracuse, N.Y. should be listed under
New York instead of North Carolina.

Mrs. Cora Spath, 3008 Gibbons Avenue,
Baltimore, Maryland is a qualified teacher.
Mrs. Spath’s name was omitted from the list
of Judging School Teachers through error.

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

Fresh-cut and rooted leaves only
Best old and new varieties
Free list and SPECIAL SERVICE OFFER
Stamp appreciated

MRS. FRANK FOSNOT

Sunnyside Washington,

Y0ARS GREENHOUSE

Bunker Hill, Indiana

General line of old and new plants, cuttings,
and supplies.

Sodium selenate 50c and stamped envelope.
V"C 13, $2.50 Nematode Control with directions,
prepaid.

Use your own soil — enough natural ingredients
to mix 1 bu. with sterilizing ingredient included,
full directions — $1.69 prepaid.

Send stamped envelope for spring list.

Frothel's Originations

Once again our '63 list of new beauties is
ready.

Will wonders never cease with the variegated
foliage as well as in the blossoms? Mixed
colors, solid colors.

We have so many beautiful new ones .both
variegated and green foliage, every day in every
way they grow better and better;

"VELVET GOWN/' "EXQUISITE/' "BLUE¬
BIRD BLUE/' "FLOUNCED MARVEL"

STAMP FOR LIST PLEASE

252 Cloy Ave. Rochester 13, N.Y,

LIKE A CAMEL this self-watering styrene Aqua-
matic planter carries its own 30 day water supply,
gives scientifically controlled moisture. Perfect for
African violets. We will gift wrap and send with
your cord for only $1 ppd. Colors: translucent
marble in blue^ yellow, green, white; opaque in
bronze, white, ^^rk marble. Size: 1" x 4“ x 3"L
An idea! gift frdm ....

RUTLAND NURSERIES

Box 782, Rutlond, Vt.

24

RITTER-WILSON POTS & SAUCERS

2

21/4

21/4

21/2

3

3

4

4

5
5

3

4

5

in, round Utility 4c ea. 50-$1.75 100-$3.00
in. square Utility 4c ea. 50- 1.75 100- 3.00
in. round Utility 4c ea. 50- 1,75 100- 3.00

in. round Utility 5c ea. 50- 2.25 100- 4.00

in. round Utility 6c ea. 50- 2.75 100- 5.00

in. round White 7c ea. 50- 3.25 100- 6.00

in. round Utility 9c ea. 50- 4.25 100- 8.00

in. round White 10c ea. 50- 4.75 100- 9.00

in. round Utility 15c ea, 50- 7.25 100-14.00

in. round White 18c ea. 50- 8.50 100-16.00

in. round Black Saucer 10c ea. 50- 4.50

in. round Black Saucer 12c ea. 50- 5.50

in. round Black Saucer 15c ea. 50- 7.00

OTHER SUPPLIES

Thriftee Labels (3 in. by 7/16 in.) 100 - $ .50
(choice of blue, green, white). 250 - 1.00

T Stake Markers (4 in.) 2c ea. 100 - 1.50

Sponge-Rok (1 gal. bag,

specify medium or coarse) .50

U.C. Type Mix Components 75c ea. 3 for 1.50
(enough chemicals for 1 cu. ft. soil)
Ra-Pid-Gro Fertilizer 2 oz. .25

(23-21-17 and trace elements) 8 oz. .75

V-C 13 Nemacide 8 oz. 2.25

Rootone trial size 35c 2 oz. 1.25

Postage; Please add postage and handling charges of 50c or 15% of total order, whichever is greater.

SPIDELL’S AFRICAN VIOLETS

1380 GARFIELD STREET

EUGENE, OREGON

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leaves — -Rooted Cuttings- — -Plants
600 varieties to choose from. New and Old
Send stamp for list

GERAD'S HOUSE OF VIOLETS

CMR-RD 1575— -No. 799 Delta, Colo.
Phone TR 4-3173

MERRY CHRISTMAS
AFRICAN VIOLETS — - BEST of OLD and NEW
— Send Stamp for List —

MARY O. BLACKBURN

404 Monflieu Ave. High Point, N. C.

ROOTED CUTTING CLUMPS — Our originations, buy with confidence — we never substitute. All
cuttings shipped in the plastic pots in which they ore grown. No root injury and no need to separate
plantlets until convenient.

AFTERGLO SUPREME: Massive blooming, large

red-pink dbl. on heavy, flat Girl fol, _ .75

BEAUTY TIPS: Heavy blooming dbl. light pink
with generous dark red tips. Relative of

Afterglo and same fol. _ $1.00

BLUE STICTITE: Large light blue, mostly
single, flowers which stick on. Dark

tailored fol. _ $1.00

BLUSH ’N SNO: Extra heavy blooming, peach-
pink full dbl. on variegated, pointed Girl
fol. Fair Lady with our new type

variegated fol _ _ .75

BOUFFANT: Very large full dbl. deep pink
on flat, deeply notched, medium green

Girl fol. _ $1.25

CANADIAN SKIES: Bright medium blue fluffy
full dbl. on shiny dark fol. deep red

underneath. _ $1.00

CINDY IMPROVED: Medium pink full dbl.

on notched, new type variegated Girl fol. .50
DECCA: Large fluffy mauve dbl. beautifully
contrasting with very dark shiny, ruffled

fol. Bright red underneath. _ , - $1.00

DOM: Very large orchid dbl. with massive
yellow pollen sacs. Dark green wavy fol. .50
E-LOU: Clusters of fluffy, full dbl. two tone
lilac on very dark nicely ruffled fol.

Very red underneath. _ $1.25

ERIE BLUE: Clusters of slightly frilled very
dark blue dbls. on very dark pointed,

slightly frilled fol. Red underneath. _ $1.00

GAYLEE: A sparkling hot-pink dbl. holding
Its blossoms gaily up above dark quilted,
round, modified Girl fol, _ $1.25

GREEN FRILLS: Fluffy dbl. white, blue
edging, often with tufts of frilly green

petals. Wavy medium green fol . . . 50

lOLENA: Lots of pure pink dbl. flowers
held above shiny, quilted, notched

modified Girl fol. - $1.00

KANCHI: Bright medium blue dbl. on
pointed, slightly wavy, notched,

dark fol. _ _ $1.00

ORCHID STICTITE: Quantities of two tone
orchid, single to semidouble flowers

above dark tailored fol. - - - $1.00

PAC-O-BLOOM: Masses of dbl. red flowers
on dark tailored fol. Grows very

symmetrical, - $1.25

PINK ORGANDY: Dainty frilled, bright
pure pink full dbl. with outer petals
lighter or tipped green, on very dark,

wavy round fol. with lighter veins . . $1.25

PINK ’N SNO: Dark green, Girl fol. Mottled
white with red under side peeping through.
Crowned with rosy deep pink, loose dbl.

blossoms. _ $1.00

RED ’N GOLD: Free blooming, very dark,
red-orchid dbl. with prominent golden
pollen sacs, on exceptionally shiny,

heavily quilted fol. - 50

SUNBURST: Frilly dark blue dbl. with fine
white edge. Standard variegated,

wavy fol. _ $1.00

TANANNA: Clusters of frilly, two toned
lavender doubles on wavy, quilted,
shiny, dark green fol. - 50

TERMS- Minimum order $5.00; Your $10.00 choice $9.00; $20.00 choice
$17.50; $30.00 choice $25.00. All prices and terms are F.O.B.
Brockport. All boxes insured: via parcel post special handling 12c each
cutting (minimum fee $1.00); via air is 22c each cutting (minimum fee
$1.75). For Special Delivery please add 65c. Shipments will start as spon
as weather permits. NOTE: Offer ends February 15, 1963.

NAOMI'S — P. O. Box 123, Brockport, N. Y,

25

Plastic Covers
Give More Warmth

Libbie Coufalik, Hiram, Ohio

I tried using a 60-watt electric bulb fastened
to the outside of the middle shelf of a
3 tier cart that is between 2 other carts, to
produce more warmth around the plants;
sections of the carts were plastic covered.
That experiment, though, did not do as well

ATTENTION MEMBERS

Experiencing trouble and inconvenience locat¬
ing your African violet supplies? Not if you
first consult —

THE GARDEN MART

Dept. AV.

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

— WRITE FOR LIST —

Leaves — ■ Rooted Cuttings — Plants

The choicest of the old and new. Come sit, relax
and converse ... 700 varieties are our hobby,
too.

Rose Knoll Gardens

In the heart of Lincoln Land
Assumption, Illinois

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Small plants and fresh-cut leaves
New varieties and old favorites
Send for free list

ERMA'S VIOLET SHOP

101 West 27th St. Sioux Falls, S. Dak.

Violet

Hanky

Imported from Switzerland

Violet bouquets in true-to-life colors on fine
batiste. Hand rolled hem. 13]/2" square. Gift

envelope. $1.25 ppd.

D. H. BECKER

1378 East 8th St. Brooklyn 30, New York

as the one we have been trying since Christ¬
mas 1961. In this experiment, a portable elec¬
tric heater, with wire coils and a fan thermo¬
statically controlled, was put on a foil covered
box of Kleenex that sets on the floor, and it
heats up each of the 2 lower shelves of the
3 carts, the heater being in front of the center
cart.

The heater really helped when the tem¬
peratures were near and below zero. I’d no¬
ticed that air came up from the floor to my
knees, and it was cold at the north to east
corner where the carts were, so we tried to
keep the violets warm by adding plastic to
the north, west and east sides of the end carts,
covering only Vz of the spaces down between
the carts and leaving only 3 inches of the
1st and 3rd cart fronts free of plastic. The
front of the 2nd cart was not covered because
of the heat from the electric heater.

To explain the plastic covering better, my
carts fit from the inner part of the room long¬
ways toward the north. The 1st cart is at the
right north window and has plastic around
the exposed outer sides from the top shelf
down to below the bottom shelf only 3
inches of the cart end facing into the room
are uncovered and also Vz of the space on the
right inner side between the carts is uncov¬
ered. On the 2nd cart, V2 of the cart from the
inside of the room toward the north back
half is uncovered; and the 3rd cart is just
the reverse of the 1st cart. Across the backs
of the 3 carts there were open spaces between
the carts, so other plastic pieces were put
across these 2 spaces and reached to just
below the bottom shelves. Then the tempera¬
ture and humidity were the same in each
cart. Tonight the temperature is 68 degrees
and the humidity 50 per cent on each of the 2
lower shelves of all 3 carts. Without the plastic
across the 6 or 8 inch spaces between the
backs of the carts, the* temperature and hu¬
midity would be much lower.

For a while we had forgotten about the
open spaces in back of the carts and the cold
air coming into the room from outside (we
had to have vents put into the sides of the
house because of too much humidity as in
places the walls were wet for a foot above
the baseboards) on the north and east sides
made the cart shelves cold and the soil in the
plant pots was cold too. There are 4 or 5
vents around each 3 sides of the living room
where I have most of my violets.

At the present time only 9 plants are in
bloom, some are resting, others have buds,
but definitely my husband says “popping up
all over.”

Well, this is experimenting with African
violets here in Hiram County air instead of
city air, fuel oil heat instead of gas, spring
or well water instead of city chlorinated or
fluoride, and a difference of from 8 to 15
degrees in the temperature. It’s colder here,
but the violets like it. •

26

OUR NEW UST of FRESH-CUT LEAVES

Now roody with over 100 new releoses of the best

25 to 50^ PER LEAF - NONE HIGHER

Over 700 VARIETIES for your selection of the newest and best of the older choices.

We carry the entire output of several well known growers.

ALSO A LARGE LIST OF MINIATURES
PLANTS FOR SALE AT VIOLETRY - NONE SHIPPED - 35^ UP

Send in stamps for list

An extra leof will be sent WITH YOUR ORDER for this postage.

HILLHOUSE VIOLETRY

616 Columbia Street Phone Ploza 2-1414 Burlington, Iowa

HOLIDAY GREETING'S
FROM

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road North Syracuse, N.Y.

5 Minutes from Exit 36 N.Y.S. Thruway

KIDDCO VIOLETRY

Violets of Distinction

ROOTED CUTTINGS FRESH-CUT LEAVES

STARTER PLANTS BLOOMING PLANTS

Featuring both the NEW and the OLD varieties for the 1963 season from
the major hybridizers.

Numerous varieties to choose from. All violets are grown in U.C. MIX
under fluorescent lights. State of Nebraska, Department of Agriculture
Certificate No. 183.

Complete Listing Upon Request — Open After 5 P.M. By Appointment

3802 LAKE STREET PHONE 451-9048 OMAHA 11, NEB.

NEW Supplies for Growing Healthy Violets

The GRO-LUX Fluorescent Tubes, developed by Sylvania especially for growing
plants. 6-40 watt (48") lamps $14.10. No less than 6 shipped. We pay

postage.

KELTHANE: A new safe insecticide for mites. 8 oz. bottle, $2.75 ppd.

"P-40": Mix in potting soil. 2% Sodium Selenate. Makes your violets "bite back"
when mites attack them. 1 lb., $1.50 ppd.

TEDION 90: A miticide that gel's the mites that have developed resistance to
other sprays. Safe. 1 lb. con, $10.50 ppd.

Send dime today for complete Growing Supplies Catalog

BERNARD GREESON

3548 N. Cramer Street Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

AMERICA'S Africon Violet Growing Supplies Center

African Violets — Columneas — Episcios

MRS. FRED BOEHART

716 Hoy St. Woodstock, Hi.

Closed Tuesday and Friday
Except by Appointment.

Phone 338-1395 No Shipping

27

Hybridizing
As A Hobby

Manelta Lanigan, Rochester, New York

Hybridizing the African violet is fasci¬
nating, fun, and at times frustrating, but,
above all, it is an experience which should not
be missed by those who have the inclination
to try it. Most of us who have been growing
seedlings for a number of years made our first
crosses in the hopes of obtaining a wonderful
new violet, only to find that we had helped
nature to produce a lot of “ugly ducklings.”
At the same time we discovered the great
satisfaction to be gained from seeing the
wonders of nature unfold before us. We make
our crosses, plant our seed, and then study
the tiny plants as they slowly mature.
Throughout the long months of watching and
waiting we have been learning many inter¬
esting facts about how heredity affects our
violets. We become so anxious to put that
knowledge to work in future crosses that the
outcome of one is no longer important. An
exceptionally fine seedling is no longer a
must but rather it comes as an extra divi¬
dend. The good ones can make their appear¬
ance among the first seedlings one raises or
they may not show themselves until untold
numbers of seedlings have been raised; never¬
theless, everyone who so desires can make
some contribution to the improvement of our
violets.

My basic idea for getting the best results
from my efforts has been to grow as many
seedlings as time and space will allow. When
I have an idea I always make several crosses
with the one goal in mind. I would like to
suggest that the beginning hybridizer try this
method in order to procure the best seedlings
possible. If, for example, the idea is to put
a double pink flower upon a certain type
foliage, the method would be to use the
foliage plant as the seed parent and then use

1962 MOON SIGN BOOK

57th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen¬
sive guide to Lunar Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and e><act times for best planting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Postpaid

LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS

Dept. AV.

100 South Wabosho Street
Saint Paul 7, Minnesota

several outstanding double pink varieties as
the pollen parent. It is possible that all the
combinations would give similar results but
it is much more likely that one of the pollen
parents would have a propensity to produce
superior offspring. It may seem like a stu¬
pendous task to even attempt to raise seed¬
lings from several seed pods but it isn’t nec¬
essary to grow every seedling to maturity. I
always push along the strongest seedlings of
each cross in order to bring them into bloom
as soon as possible. In practically every in¬
stance, the first seedlings present a pattern
which clearly shows what we can expect from
those remaining. The cross which gives the
most promising of the representative seedlings
is the one on which to concentrate our efforts.
I have always felt that an excellent foliage is
essential to any good variety and, therefore,
I have no qualms about discarding those with
poor foliage even before they have bloomed.

Our first seedlings may not be exactly what
we had desired but they may be useful as the
foundation of future crosses. The type seed¬
ling which I prefer to incorporate into my
hybridizing program is not always the most
strikingly different one. I prefer a seedling,
close to perfection in growing and blooming
habits, which has emerged from a group of
first class seedlings. A seedling such as this
can be used to advantage when crossing with
varieties or seedlings which carry a new and
exciting characteristic but which are so often
lacking in the other qualities essential to our
standards.

I have been assuming that all our readers
understand how the various characteristics for
color, flower type and foliage behave in our
crosses. There is no need for me to discuss
this phase of hybridizing because it has al¬
ready been carefully mapped out for us in
Dr. Reed’s reports. A review of his Genetic
Check-List in the March 1961 issue gives me
several ideas for new combinations upon
which to work. Once we have taken our first
steps in the field of hybridizing, we begin to
form mental pictures of any number of excit¬
ing new possibilities. Perhaps the dark “eyes”
of so many of our varieties may be extended
to give us some velvety pansy faces. The
characteristic for Speckles could possibly mu¬
tate to pink and give us violets that resemble
the speckled pink gloxinias. Just a glance at
the new petunias pictured in the seed cata¬
logs inspires me to dream of someday seeing
our violets dressed in those same vibrant
colors. Why not? The original petunia species
carried the very same color characteristics as
the African violet. I have yet to see a yellow
petunia although I have seen some white
petunias with a green or lemon tint. When I
hear of a truly yellow petunia, I will then
believe that a yellow violet is a possibility,
but for the present let us all keep busy . . .
there is much to be accomplished and many
busy hands are needed. •

28

The

President's
Message

Dear Fellow Members:

In this, the most joyous season of the year, may I wish for you and yours the
wondrous gifts of happiness, health and success. Let me thank you one and all
for the marvelous gifts you have so lavishly bestowed upon me during this year:
your warm and often expressed support, your cooperation in all of our endeavors,
and the privilege of serving you.

The blue pages of this issue contain full details on the 1963 Convention which
will be in Kansas City, Missouri, April 4, 5, and 6 at the Muehlebach Hotel as to
Advance Registrations, Menu Choices, Hotel Reservations, Amateur Show Sche¬
dule and Rules for Exhibiting, Commercial Show Schedule, Society and Show
Awards, Convention Tour Information, as well as other items of information and
help. We urge you to read these pages carefully and to make an early Convention
registration and hotel reservation as we sincerely feel that Kansas City, because
of its central geographic location, will be one of the largest Annual Meetings we
have ever had.

Your Awards Committee has been extremely busy, as you will note in reading
this Committee’s information in the blue pages. There are many new awards listed
this year and it is our hope that each and every one of these will be won at the
National Show. There is nothing more thrilling than the happy faces of award
winners. Study all of the awards and rules carefully and complete your plans for
winning as many as possible.

We sincerely trust you will make plans to take the Convention Tour of Kansas
City as it is an outstanding tour, planned to give you the best that a great city
has to offer. In the March issue will be found additional information on the
history and growth of Kansas City, which I am sure you will find fascinating.

The Commercial Sales and Exhibits Committee has put in countless hours of
work revising the Commercial Show Schedule and devising the Scales of Points
for Judging the Commercial Show. In an article on page 51, Convention Section,
Commercial Division, of this issue, complete information is given on these various
changes and we strongly urge that every exhibitor as well as all who plan to
attend the National Show, read this article carefully so that you will better
understand the various ribbon awards, etc. of the Commercial Show.

/- — n

One of the projects of this term of office has been a packet of information to
be mailed to each Affiliated Chapter or State Society, as they affiliate or reaffili¬
ate with the National Society. This project has been brought to life through the
efforts of your Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Pearl Thomas, and the president of
each affiliated group is receiving this material now. Please use it to an advantage.

The Convention Program Committee has been working diligently toward an
outstanding Convention program and we urge those of you who may be ap¬
proached by this committee to take part in some way to reply with a resounding
“Yes, I will!” Your fine cooperation will do much toward making the work of the
Convention Program Committee a success.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

OUuuJL ^ ^ cd<uJU

29

During the past year or so, I have re¬
ceived numerous inquiries from violet
growers about the availability and use of
Endrin as a miticide.

Not being familiar with this product, I
looked through some back issues of the Afri¬
can Violet Magazine and read several articles
about Endrin.

I wrote to several agricultural chemical
companies for further information. The fact
that this product is available only in 1 gallon
quantities or more raised in my mind a ques¬
tion as to the safety of its use by the home
grower. More letters were written as a result
inquiring as to the advisability of the use of
Endrin in the home, and as to why it was not
on the market in smaller containers.

In every case, the answers came back:
“While Endrin is used extensively in commer¬
cial greenhouses and nurseries for the control
of mites, we definitely would not recommend
that this insecticide be placed in the hands of
the average home grower or gardener, because
of its extreme TOXIC nature.”

Endrin is doubtless an excellent miticide,
but it definitely should not be used indoors.

Endrin

Not Safe for Use
by

Home Grower

Bernard D. Greeson, Milwaukee, Wis.

And to use it safely in a greenhouse or out
of doors, it is required that the user wear
rubber gloves and protective clothing. In addi¬
tion, the user should wear a mask or respira¬
tor of the type passed by the United States
Department of Agriculture for protection
against Endrin.

This insecticide is poisonous by skin contact,
inhalation or swallowing. It is rapidly ab¬
sorbed through the skin. The spray mist is
not only dangerous because it drifts to other
crops or to the skin of the user or others who
might be in the area, but it also constitutes a
fire hazard since it is inflammable. It contains
about 77% hydrocarbons, 19y2% Endrin and
2.96% inert ingredients.

It is understandable that violet growers
want an effective insecticide for mites. But,
Endrin is not the answer. There are several
other miticides that are relatively safe and
effective if used properly.

It is a well-known fact that mites, like
disease germs, tend to develop or build a
resistance to an insecticide, if it is used con¬
tinuously. Thus, it is well to use two different
ones, alternately.

Many growers are using 50% Malathion.
While this is also poisonous, it is not as highly
toxic as Endrin. But if Malathion is used with¬
out an alternate insecticide, it may become
ineffective as the stronger, tougher mite de¬
velops a “hard shell resistance” to it. Some
growers use chlorobenzilate as an alternate.
Others use NNOR. Personally, I do not have
any scientific data to support the idea that
NNOR is effective against mites although it
is an excellent general insecticide for many
other African violet pests.

Two relatively new insecticides are now
available. Both are safe for the home grower
to use and are most effective. They are:
“Tedion 90,” and “25% Tedion wettable pow¬
der.” Tedion 90 is a specific miticide and will
give good control of mites that have developed
a resistance to other sprays. Effective up to
6 to 10 weeks. Usually, with any spray, it is
wise to spray twice at the time of spraying,
spacing the spray periods about 4 to 7 days
apart. This helps to get those mites that hatch
out after the spraying.

Tedion 25% wettable powder is used to kill
eggs and newly hatched mites over a long
period.

In view of the poisonous nature of Endrin,
I would urge all home growers not to use it.

In any event, whatever insecticide you use,
follow these simple rules:

1. Be careful not to get the insecticide on
your face, hands, or clothing.

2. Spray in an area that can be ventilated
well, preferably by mechanical means.

3. Do not smoke while spraying.

4. Keep hands away from your eyes and
mouth.

5. Wash thoroughly with soap and water
after spraying.

6. Wear synthetic rubber gloves.

7. Be careful about getting spray on food
or garden crops.

8. It is best to throw away unused spray
and wash out containers. If you prefer
to keep the unused spray mix, store in
well-labeled glass container.

9. Keep all spray materials out of reach of
children and pets. It is advisable to keep
them in a locked area. A high shelf
sometimes is not enough to keep them
out of reach of children.

10. READ the directions carefully and fol¬
low them to the letter.

I hope that the writers of the various arti¬
cles that have appeared in the African Violet
Magazine about the effectiveness of Endrin
will understand that in writing this article,
I do not seek to discredit their work. The re¬
sults of their studies and particularly the
study made by the Department of Entomology,
University of California, Los Angeles, show
conclusively that Endrin is most effective in
controlling mites. My point is simply this:
Endrin is too toxic to be used by the layman
like you and me. •

30

For Color
and Beauty

Myrtle Radtke
Cincinnati, Ohio

WHAT could be more re¬
warding than to have
windows filled with beautiful
African violets all year
’round? Certainly no other
house plant is more generous
with its intriguing colorful
blossoms. While most of my
African violets are grown in
the basement under fluores¬
cent lights I still want some in
my windows. These'- lovely
plants spread warmth and
beauty throughout my home
and I enjoy seeing them as I
go about my household duties.
They bloom continuously in
my east and west windows,
also in a northwest corner
window.

The plants in the east
window gave me some trouble
when we first moved to our
present home. The foliage be¬
came sunburned I tried
several kinds of shadings but
none worked. Finally I had
storm windows installed and

the double glass solved my
problem.

I have grown African vio¬
lets for about 17 years and my
interest and enthusiasm has
never waned. Aside from the
added beauty and pleasure
they have given my husband
and me, the many new and
treasured friendships we have
enjoyed because of them . . .
have made our lives much
richer.

Fill your windows
with African violets

Each winter or very early spring the new
lists come out. The early ones come with
the piles of Christmas cards. Some come to
pick you up after the Christmas let-down.
Every few weeks after that you can hope for
the yellow or pink or white folder that spells
excitement and visions and hours of study
and dreaming.

The lists are enchanting. What bold lusti¬
ness, what etherial loveliness, what clouds of
beauty are ours for the taking. To read the
descriptions, the new violets are delightful,
entrancing, gorgeous, captivating, beautiful,
terrific, heavy blooming, bountiful, prolific.
They have leaves of black-satin, fresh apple-
green, gorgeous flat Girl foliage. This one
shapes itself. This one makes a magnificent
show plant. No child waiting for that famous
visitor ever had more visions of sugar plums
in his head than I, when I read such descrip- I
tions.

Even the names are as captivating as the
descriptions. They are truly luscious. Who .
could help ordering “Eternal Youth,*' or “Di¬
vine Love" or “Heavenly Message?" I must
have “Sweet Sincerity" which is a violet, ac¬
cording to the description, so delightful and
such a prolific bloomer, it will Just naturally
be on everyone’s window sill. But here and
there I find a name that strikes a discordant
note. “Itsy Bitsy" is said to be a very desirable
plant, but I don’t want it Can you imagine
someone asking the name of it and my having
to tell him it is “Itsy Bitsy?" No! For the same , . ;
reason I don’t want “Toodleoo" or “Fudgie
Mudgy," no matter how fine a plant any of
them might be. I wouldn’t even want to say
the names to myself and I would be much too
embarrassed to tell the names to someone else.

Are there any plants in any other plant so¬
ciety named such undignified names as we
give to some of our violets? A good violet
deserves a dignified name, not “Itsy Bitsy"
or “Fudgie Mudgy."

And so I make out my new order, but this
year not quite as light-heartedly as last year
or the year before. Last year’s new varieties
are blooming. What a shot'k it is to find that
the much heralded blue ribbon winner has. ---,
come without its white edge. But wait awhile.
Maybe it will have its white edge the next
time it blooms. Another one has developed its
white edge in its second blooming. “Maple
Sugar" is exactly like one I already have in
large quantity. Yes, it is a nice plant but why
pay good money for more plants of the same
thing Just to put a new name on my already
very long list? Here is a new plant of a
variety which received quite a build-up in the
Magazine. Yes, it is prolifie. Yes, its color is
excellent. Yes, it does bloom as a very young
plant. But why, oh why, didn’t someone toll
me that the blossoms are small and (piile

ordinary, of rather flimsy texture, and that .

they bloom at the end of the pointed leaves?

If there is anything I cannot endure, it i.s

blossoms on petioles so long and pliable, that

■

Not So Fast
Please

■;4ftey feang over tlie tips of tlie leaves. I vraot
'■'ymy feiossoms to be held upright o» stiff pet-
'"ioies -which are not overly long. Here is an-
- other with blossoms 'so heavy they hang down
' 'imder ' the leaves like bunches of grapes in
'the olchfasMcmed arbor. I am stare no one is
■going to pick the plant up, and vmw li from
the underside in order to enjoy its truly lovely'
blooms. ‘^Fringed Buby Glow*' is rather pr* r
' ty, but where is the tightly fringed edge it is
.deHcribecl as having? And as to colors its
*4t«by Glow*'' has turned out to be a very
' priAty shade of cobalt blue.

So 1 am rather disillusioned and not quite
so hap,py or thrilled as I make out my new
spring orders. I have read each description
very carefully and checked it with every
source I - can find: other lists, Magazine ad¬
vertisements, the Convention reports. The de¬
scription I dislike is a verbatim quotation
from the hybridizers' lists which I usually
have also. It means that the grower putting
out the list doesn't know much about the plant
from first hand knowledge. I appreciate the
comments of the gro'wer whose list I have,

^ especially if I. have come to kiiow that the
.new varieties marked ‘Excellent,*' really are
excellent. I like to compare comments from
every source I can get. I don’t mind spending';
money for new varieties but I’m not very
happy about throwing them away when they
start to bloom because I don’t think they are
' worthy of recommending to those who come
looking for something new. I will not sell any
plant unless I feel that it will be entirely
satisfactory,

I have come to the conclusion that too much
that is mediocre, too many varieties that have
■had growing habits, too many that have new
names but aren’t really different, too many’
that are different but won’t come true, are
filling the lists today. Take several of the lists
.that you have. Count the names of the new
varieties. Watch to see how long these names
remain on the lists. You will be astounded at
the enormous numbers and the short time,
they are listed. Do they leave the lists so
quickly because they are not as desirable as
someone thought they were, or because there
are more hundreds waiting for the next list?'
Can’t the grower get business without filling
his list each year with hundreds of unfamiliar,
names? I can’t possibly buy all the violets on
one list this year. I will consider them again
another year if they are good enough to sur¬
vive that long. If they aren’t, I’m glad I didn’t
order them this year and certainly don’t want
them next. Yiolets that are really good desert^e
to be on the lists more than a year or two.
Some of the very fine ones today have been
grown for a number of years- and will be as
■ outstanding next year and the year after m
they are today.

I wish growers would describe a new va-
,, riety accurately. I don’t need a flowery de¬
scription, I have an excellent imagination and

Imclle Ealttsberfer, .Lamhertville, MleMgam

can make up my own mind as to' whether
this is a plant: that fills a need. If it is really
beautiful and a good performer, 1 want it. As
soon as I find one- described as biooming on
long graceful stems, I steer clear of it as if
it %vere the plague. In my language it means
the flowers bloom ' at the leaf tips on long
floppy stems. That is the kind of plant I am
sure to tlirow out as soon as 1 discover it; that
and the kind with sprawiy foliage which no
amouiu of Hght or aimut-ion can mnkc‘ into a
beautifully shaped, compact plant, I wish hyr-
bridizers would test- *To the third generation”
more carefully. Of course, I know what the
trouble is here. One has only to do some hy¬
bridizing to have the truth brought home to
him. This is the day of speed, and certainly
it is as true In the African violet mwld as
anywhere else.^ If a hybridizer has an inter¬
esting violet, it goes on the market, quite
often, 1 am afraid, before it Is thoroughly
tested. If he waits to test it carefully through
the third generation, someone will beat him
to it and bis work will be for nothing. So
hurry! We buy the ne*w plant. It is pretty.
Perhaps it comes true. Perhaps it doesn't.

The hybridizer’s bread and butter depends
on producing a certain number of new varie¬
ties each year. He -must have 20, let us say,
for his new list. But do you suppose he pro¬
duces the same number of fine new tested
varieties each year -- 20 this year, 20 next?
No! So we gel duplicates. Oh, maybe they are
slightly different . . . not enough so to matter
too much. The^' atv here for a season and then
gone.

So please, won’t you give us ati accurate
description of a new variety? And please, Mr,
Hybridizer, won’t you tot “thiuugh the third
generation?”^ Won’t you please pick out
rietics for us which are really different, even
if it means bringing out only IS new violate
thte year instead of the usual 20? As we come
to have eonfidence in the fact that you have
done Just this, perhaps we will buy all 15
Instead of picking around -here and there over
the 20, It could mean financial loss-? 1 don’t
Gontinued cm page 59 first column

* Many hybridizers do this and , their
plants can be bought with confidence.

3:i

I remember in 1948 when I first joined the
African Violet Society of America. Until
then I had an African violet named Blue Boy,
which was my third try at growing violets.
The first violet was given to me as a gift by
my husband’s mother; she knew I loved
flowers and saw me always trying to grow
different plants. This plant of Blue Boy
bloomed profusely and then stopped; I thought
when they stopped blooming it was the end
and I threw it out. Then she gave me another
and told me they would bloom again. However,
this plant was devoured by insects which later
I found were mealy bugs . . . very greedy
little creatures. By this time, I suppose it was
the Scotch in me, I decided this was a chal¬
lenge, that I would get another violet, and
by hook or by crook I would make it grow.
I bought another Blue Boy and at last it grew.

Then a neighbor gave me a tiny African
violet plant which she said had a pink flower.
She said, “you might as well take it because
you are always fooling around with plants.”
Well, believe me, I fooled around with this

pink one because it refused to grow. I had it
in a pot which I now know was much too
large. After this pink violet had tempted me
many times to throw it out, it finally did
grow and bloom and multiply, and I think
eventually everyone who lived near me had
a pink violet from this one plant.

I remember a new neighbor who had moved

Stella M. Dietz
Pittsburgh, Pa.

34

near me. One day she called and asked, “Is it
true you have a pink violet?” I told her I
did and if she’d come over and help me divide
it she could have one. She was from a farm
and was a whiz at planting. She told me she
had one called Blue Girl and she would give
me a start of it. I now had 3 different plants.

Then a friend of mine became interested in
violets and sent away for lists of new violets.
I remember in November 1948 I sent to Jennie
Spoutz for Bicolor and Double Duchess. How
well I remember how beautiful Bicolor’s
blooms were, but the Duchess’ buds wouldn’t
open.

I heard of a violet house in Ohio; Mr. Baxter
owned it and Mary Meeds helped him. I re¬
member the first time I went there. Mr. Baxter
and Mary were so nice to me. I was thrilled
beyond words and didn’t know what to buy.
Later, Mr. Baxter had a group called Gypsies.
They were of every hue and color and large
beautiful plants. These certainly were a credit
to the grower. I told many friends who were
interested in violets and they went to visit
him. I went down many times.

I remember waiting patiently for the Afri¬
can Violet Magazine and wanting every new
violet I read about. In 1949 and 1950 I acquired
quite a nice collection of violets. I had them
on every window sill in the house, upstairs
and downstairs, even in the bathroom. In the
bathroom they grew just lovely; of course it
was the humidity. But my family was getting
a little disgusted trying to open their bedroom
windows and me having a fit if a leaf was
touched or broken.

I remember I was hospitalized and after I
came home I was confined to my bed. My
son Allen, bless him, saw a new violet adver¬
tised in the Sunday paper; it was called Choir
Boy. As a surprise he sent to Bloomington,
Illinois, and got it for me. I remember what
a nice surprise it was and how proud he was
when he gave it to me. He was about 12
years old. I remember a couple of months
later coming home one evening and noticing
it in a different pot. He had had some boys
in and they were fooling around and knocked
it off the window sill. Until this happened, it
just stood still, but after this it grew and
bloomed. Don’t ask me why?

I remember Sunday afternoons and going
for a drive. All week long I would plan,
secretly of course, so we would get near a
place which sold African violets. This worked
fine for a while but soon my family caught
on to my little scheme and my husband would
step on the gas when he saw the sign African
violets. I remember how bad I would feel
wondering what I had missed.

I remember going to my first violet con¬
vention in Philadelphia in 1950. My husband
happened to be going to school in Philadelphia
for the company for whom he worked. One
weekend he came home and I mentioned the
African Violet Convention would be held

there. He told me to pack my bag and get
someone in to care for the children, and off
we went. I will never forget. I remember
arriving a day ahead and not knowing anyone.
Then I saw a lady registering at the hotel
with a violet at the desk. It was Mrs. Lillian
Greer and her husband from Colorado. We
became acquainted and she was lovely. I re¬
member our editor Alma Wright and also her
big hats. I remember so well the beautiful
plants and their awards, and how happy all
the people were who received them. I re¬
member Florence Foltz and her seedling called
Love Birds. I remember Boyce Edens and the
good advice he gave when he said, “Don’t try
to doctor a sick plant, get rid of it and get
another.” I remember meeting Betty Lofgren
from Jamestown, New York. Betty and I be¬
came lasting friends, it is now 12 years, and
we still write each other every week. That’s
violet friendship. I remember going to Tinari’s
whose new plant at that time was Helen
Wilson.

In 1950 the African Violet Society of Great¬
er Pittsburgh was organized. I was asked to
join but I had many duties at home; however
a year later I joined. I remember in 1952
entering plants for the first time in a show. I
never dreamed of receiving any awards. I
entered my plants and then came home be¬
cause I was having a birthday party for my
only daughter Carole who was 9 years old. I
remember late in the afternoon one of the
members telephoning me and saying I had
won some ribbons. Sue, a friend of mine, who
had gone to the show, also called and said I
had ribbons on all my plants that she could
see. I remember how excited I was. I remem¬
ber my husband telling me not to get excited
because it might be a mistake. I remember
going to the show the next afternoon and
finding I had won ribbons on every plant and
I was runner-up in the sweepstakes. How
thrilled I was! I remember the next year I
won queen of the show and sweepstakes.

I remember getting the ultimatum from my
family in no uncertain terms that the violets
had to go. I had been expecting this for some
time and I was prepared. I asked my husband
to install a fluorescent light in the basement
and I would move all of the violets out of
the bathroom and bedrooms. We did this and
everyone was happy again.

I remember in 1955 winning the sweep-
stakes at the Pittsburgh Convention. I never
dreamed this could happen to me. If I never
receive another award in my life, I really
wouldn’t care because to me this was just un¬
believable. Since then I’ve won many awards.

I remember so many wonderful people con¬
nected with violets through all these years. It
would take me pages to name them all, but I
would like to say Thank You to each and
every one, for all the happiness that has been
mine through this modest plant that gives so
much pleasure to all. •

35

Pollinizing

”The Dedera Way”

TO add to the thrill of raising African
violets, you should try hybridizing. It
takes weeks and months of work and patience,
but if you are lucky enough the reward is
worth the effort. The violet offers the greatest
possibility of creating new characteristics.
But there is the right way and the Dedera
way; this is the way we do it:

The African violet is bisexual, containing
both the male and female parts, therefore
either plant can bear the seed pod. Each flower
carries in the center of its petals a pair of
small sacs; these are the anthers which are
borne on the two slender filaments, and they
contain yellow particles that are called the
pollen or the male. The flower also has a little
stem which grows outward at an angle at one
side of the pollen sac; this is called the pistil
or the female part of the flower, which bears
the stigma at its tip.

In selecting plants for cross-pollination,
choose healthy plants that are good bloomers,
have good growing habits and good color. You
can pollinate any time of the year but I prefer
the spring. Pollen is ready for use usually
the third day after the flower has opened.

Pictured in the upper left hand corner are the tools
that can be used to pollinate. They are: a small I

brush and tweezers these are for transferring the i
pollen to the stigma; a sharp knife and scissors ■ — •
these are to cut or rip the pollen sacs to release the
pollen. The marker is used to keep track of the
parent plants and the date of pollination. The next
photograph is of the type of small capsule preferred
for safely storing ripe seed pods. Third photograph
shows how to use the tip of a knife blade to transfer
pollen to the stigma of an African violet blossom.

Last photograph in this column is of a developing
seed pod 4 months old. Below is a tray of young
seedlings. Note the difference in size of seedlings
growing in 3 small pots on left side of community
tray and those in the tray. All were transplanted
at the same time. f

The stigma is receptive when the flower is
fully developed. One method of pollinating is
to cut the pollen sac open with a sharp pointed
knife, using the tip of the blade to transfer
the pollen to the stigma of the flower on the
plant that has been selected to be the mother.
In order not to pick the stem from the plant,
tie a piece of string to the stem, and at this
time make a notation in your record book of
the plants used and the date of pollination.
This is important information to have if you
get a good seedling which you would like to
further propagate. At this point I would like
to shed a little light on one of the things you
must do if you wish to register any new
variety that you may develop. You must pro¬
pagate the seedling at least three generations
by leaf propagation; and furnish the approxi¬
mate planting and flowering dates of each
generation.

If pollination is successful, the ovary at the
base of the stem begins to swell, and this
becomes the seed pod. It takes from 4 to 9
months for the seed to mature. When the pod
begins to shrivel and turn color, it is time to
watch the pod for in a few days it will be
ready to be removed. The color of seed pods
varies from light brown to dark brown. I
usually store the seed pod in a plastic bottle
for several weeks before I plant the seed.

When I am ready to plant the seeds, I make
a medium of equal parts perlite, vermiculite
and peat moss (the peat moss is first steri¬
lized). These components are sifted through
window screening and a light sprinkling of
charcoal is added. Then moisten the mixture,
but do not get it too wet. Place the medium in
a half gallon plastic ice cream container to a
depth of about 2 inches, level it and lightly
press in. I then take a piece of white paper the
size of a postcard and on it I cut open the
ripened seed pod, then taking the card and
tilting it slightly over the plastic container I
gently tap the card with a pencil, slowly
moving the card in order to distribute the
seeds over the medium. (At this point you
don’t dare to even sneeze for fear of losing
the seed, as it is almost dust fine.) I cover
the container with a piece of glass and place
it under fluorescent lights. Each day I un-

Full grown seedling, later known as Christmas Candy.

Charles R. Dedera, St. Louis, Missouri

cover the container for about 15 minutes.
Usually in about 10 days to 2 weeks, some¬
times longer, you can see little tiny green
specks appearing here and there and every¬
where.

About the time the second leaves are show¬
ing on the little plants, it is time to start
fertilizing. I use a very weak solution about
once a week. When the little plants are about
% to % inches tall I begin the tedious process
of transplanting. I use community trays for
seedlings as I think they are much happier
growing that way and get a better root sys¬
tem than in individual pots. I use the same
type of medium as for seeds. In transplanting
I press a small hole in the medium with a
pencil and pick my small plant with a special
tweezers, then I place the roots in and slightly
press the medium around the seedling. After
the seedlings are IV2 to 2 inches tall, they
are individually potted.

When I was a boy I tried raising rabbits
and now years later I have found that hy¬
bridizing violets is just like raising rabbits —
the plants seem to multiply and soon there
are seedlings everywhere — - on the benches —
under the benches — and anywhere that there
is space with enough light to make them grow.
Every time I pot more of the seedlings my wife
asks the same question, “Where are you going
to put them?” I am afraid to throw any of
them away because maybe the one I would
throw away would be the different one. But as
time goes by I eliminate the plants that begin
to bloom but do not look any better than any
that I know. Finally I eliminated all but 4
plants that looked promising; of these 4 I
took one to work with because its flower
showed promise of being different and it also
had good foliage. I continued to propagate it
for 3 more generations.

When one member of our Knights and
Ladies Violet Club saw our seedling, she said
it reminded her of the old fashion Cliristmas
candy, the kind that had lavender and orchid
coloring on white. So our new born seedling
was christened Christmas Candy.

I am again doing more hybridizing but I
have a dickens of a time getting plants that I
want. Every time I pick a plant, my wife
informs me that she is grooming it for show.
She is a great one for grooming plants and I
have a hard time getting plants away from
her. I tried it once but when she saw the
string tied to the stem she knew what I was
up to; the ultimatum was that I could use the
plant but at show time the seed pod would
have to go whether it was ready or not. Well,
the pod didn’t make it but the plant did; not
only did it get a blue ribbon but it also made
over 95 and received the highest rating in
that class, thus receiving the gold ribbon.

So, right or wrong, that’s the way we hy¬
bridize. •

Many good articles have been printed in
our Magazine from time to time on salini¬
ty. However, for the most part, these have been
written by men from our universities. They
use many technical terms that oftentimes
aren’t too easy for the average person and
housewife, like myself, to understand so many
times we don’t bother to read them. They are
written too much above my head and I am
lost after the first paragraph or two. The
following paragraph from a friend started me
on this article:

“I wish you would write an article on
salinity, especially on young stock. It kills
more rooted cuttings than anything else. I
have spent years studying and working with
rooted cuttings, trying to grow them as near
perfection as I possibly can. Then people buy
them, load them with plant food and undo

Salinity

Mrs Scott Roder

Knoxville, I IK

all my efforts. Then they write me saying
something like this: ‘they looked fine when
they arrived, but they weren’t healthy be¬
cause in only a few weeks they have col-
lasped. I gave them the best of care, feeding
only a diluted plant food each week or ten
days and now they are gone.’ ”

I do not consider myself an authority on
this subject. I only know what I have learned
from six years of experience and I have
bought several new rooted cuttings from dif¬
ferent dealers who advertise in the Magazine
— and I might mention have good luck with
them.

When this friend, whom I have never met
but who has given me very good advice from
time to time through our notes to each other,
assured me that salinity was fast becoming a
problem for the commercial growers, as well

as for you and me, I decided to see if I could
help in any way. When I checked through
our Magazine I had to agree with her for
these words appeared again and again: “I use
a diluted solution of V4 to V2 strength every-
time I water or twice a month on baby cut¬
tings and baby plants.” No words said about
some plant food being mild or strong and no
thought given as to what they might be doing
to those young tender roots and plants.

Did you know the time of the year can
make a difference in the way the fertilizers
(which are salts in their own way) work on
your plants? Salinity is especially a problem
in the summer or warm weather. Think about
what a cool basement and warm upstairs
would do to the same plant. Plant food in the
plants is released faster when the tempera¬
tures are high. Therefore, the fertilizer in the
pot that wasn’t used when the plants were
cooler will release faster the first warm day.
Thus, they not only received the last feeding
but a lot of what was left from previous ones.
So many people seem to think that diluting
the plant food for baby plants won’t hurt
them but this is not so. Older plants and baby
plants are entirely different. As my friend
puts it — you can’t start a new baby on
steak, it has to grow into it. New born animals
must have milk not corn. Young African vio¬
lets are no different. Even the plant food
given our crops must be very, very mild or
it will burn the new shoots as they begin to
grow. Yes, we do need plant food but it should
be used in the right way and the right time.

The next time you are feeding, try this
little experiment. If you have a small scratch
or cut on your finger try putting a little of
the fertilizer solution on it. Yes, it burns and
feels just as though you had rubbed salt into
it. Imagine what those tender baby roots
must feel. No wonder they object, wouldn’t
you? Even a diluted solution will bring an
“ouch!” On older established plants the roots
have grown strong and have a tough protec¬
tive coating which will absorb the plant food
given, if given at the correct time and in the
correct amount.

“If one must feed young things,” my good
friend says, “then dilute to a 10 or 20 and do
use a mild plant food only after they are
established and growing. Save the stronger
plant food for the older growing plants.” Those
who water from the top will be less apt to
overfeed, when given at the correct time,
because they will have some leaching. So not
always are their plants unthrifty and slow to
give results. My first experience with over¬
feeding and leaching was when I noticed trays
of rooted leaves and newly planted babies
turning dark and refusing to grow. The mother
leaves had been ages in producing their babies
and they were not the strong healthy plants
they should have been. When I suspected that
I had been guilty of overfeeding I put each of
the plants on a wire cake rack and poured
warm water through them until clean. I also

38

did this to the trays by tipping them on their
sides. They were all left to dry where air
could circulate around them. This is the cor¬
rect way to leach a plant. My, if you could
have seen the dark brown coffee-like liquid
that came out of those trays and plants! No
wonder they were objecting. It took from two
to three weeks to see the difference but the
loss of the baby plants was big.

Yes, violet friends, we do need plant food
but in the right balanced amounts. Newly
planted African violets do not need it for a
while if you have a well-balanced mix. Don’t
be tempted to add more plant food to your
mix than recommended. I do believe some
feed too long and too much and never achieve
the desired results. My first lesson along this
thought was a gift plant to a friend. It was a
blooming plant at the time but imagine my
surprise to see this same plant four months
later still just loaded with flowers and lovely
to see. It had never done that for me. When I
questioned my friend she assured me she had
not done a thing to the plant since I had
given it to her — - only given it good light and
watered it carefully. Six months later, how¬
ever, this same friend complained that the
plant had not been doing any good and was
just standing still. Then, I would say that the
plant had used up all the “things” in the mix
and needed either feeding or repotted. Don’t
you agree?

When I first got the violet bug, I was what
my children called an eager beaver and I know
I was guilty of overfeeding. It was and still
is the hardest thing for me to curb my im¬
patience and withhold from rushing to feed
my plants after I have been visiting another
violet fan and see a bunch of loaded blooming
plants. I suppose there are others just like me.

Check the T. L. C. you are giving your
plants against the things your violets need.
There is lots of good information on this
subject in our Magazine. Do give your plants
plenty of light, humidity, fresh air, don’t over¬
water, and use a good soil mix. When you
feed, do it right by using the correct amount
and the correct kind. Have you studied the
analysis on the containers of different plant
foods? If you will compare, you will see that
some are high in one thing and others high
in something else. I believe it is good to ro¬
tate these on the regular feeding program
you have set up for your established plants.
Do follow directions and, if in doubt, feed
a diluted amount until you are getting the
desired results. I have found that experience
is a good teacher in more ways than one.
Of course, if you are satisfied with the results
you now have, why change?

Now that winter is here I find myself get¬
ting out the violet lists to see what is new
and what I want to add to my collection.
Nothing can chase those winter blues away
quicker than thinking what this or that new
African violet will look like in my collection.

I become so engrossed that time just flies by
and it’s meal time before I know it. Each year
the violets become more beautiful.

I buy my new plants from Magazine ads of
well-established growers or from a grower
close by where I can see what I am buying.
I feel that these well-known people have lots
of experience and do everything possible to
give you and me the best there is. I buy rooted
cuttings, if possible, for these give me a plant
and a few to trade or sell at a reduced rate
or to give to friends. Those big enough to
separate into plants are potted in small peat
pots or plastic or clay pots. They do fine if
set on wet Sponge-Rok in trays. I find the
peat pots need to be kept more damp and it
helps to set them close together in a tray. The
rooted leaves that do not have babies large
enough to separate are put in a tray of damp
vermiculite and in good light to continue
growing some more. My newly potted babies
do fine without feeding for a while. I make a
special effort to skip watering them when
feeding my older plants.

I like my mix for my young plants as well
as the older ones. The recipe came from Mrs.
Delphine Hotchkiss of Peoria, Illinois. It is
as follows: Mix together these ingredients —
4 one lb. coffee cans Black Magic
2 coffee cans Millburn peat

Vz coffee can dairy compost
I prefer to keep the fertilizer low and then
feed when the plants are ready. I sterilize
the mix with one teaspoon of V-C 13 in Vz
gallon of warm water to 14 one pound coffee
cans of mix; letting this stand, stirring occas¬
ionally, for two weeks before using it. I have
discovered that not everyone likes the same
mix but this has done well for me. If yours
suits you ■ — don’t change. I have found the
things in the mix easy to get in my locality
and it can be made up in a short time, so that’s
for me.

It is wise to use the correct size of pot for
African violets. I use the size of pot to fit the
size of the root system, then repot as the
plant grows until it reaches the three inch
size. Then the plaid is cut down by removing
the desired amount of the lower row of leaves,
some of the root ball or soil, and Li.en put
back with new soil into the three inch pot.
If you do this when the plant isn’t too dry
there isn’t too much shock to the plant. This
is necessary for me to make good use of the
room I have and still maintain a large col¬
lection. Don’t forget to let the stalk dry out
a little when you have taken off the rows of
leaves before planting — just as you must
before planting a fresh-cut leaf.

If any of these suggestions have helped you,
my violet friends, in anyway this article will
have served its purpose and if you are getting
the desired results that you wish — don’t
change without first giving much thought as
to what you might be doing wrong. Good
growing to you all! •

39

WHALEBONE WHALE

Blue Whale

Marie Dannemiller, Barberton, Ohio

Have you ever seen a whale? I haven’t
and it is hard to visualize something
weighing 65 tons and up to 120 tons or more.
Tons? Can you imagine 2,000 times 120 and
what a huge mass of flesh that would be?
(Elephants are more my speed.) Let’s do a
little pretending! The Blue Whale is the lar¬
gest living animal often measuring over 100
feet in length, and one 80 footer I read about
measured 45 feet around the shoulders. 45
feet? Why, that is the width of the lot on which
we live and it is 115 feet long; just imagine
taking the two corners of the 45 feet and
bringing them together. You know what? that
little old 80 footer would almost be looking
into our second floor bedroom windows, and
a hundred footer would leave a little empty
space at the length of our lot. Silly? Maybe,
but my curiosity was aroused when I was
given this assignment and the comparison
does help a little.

Whales are not fish, but mammals in spite
of their tapered, fish-like bodies. They have
no gills but have lungs and breathe air like
land animals; they have huge hearts that
pump warm blood, and smooth skin instead
of scales. The females mate once every two
years and when Junior is born ten months
later, mama feeds him as bossy does her calf.
He may be one third as long as she is and
weigh as much as 30,000 pounds, but he is
still her darling baby. Technically, whales
are known as “Cetacea” as are dolphins and
porpoises which have the same general char¬
acteristics.

The main divisions of the family of whales
are the toothed, such as the Sperm whale and
the toothless or Baleen whale; this name
comes from a sieve-like curtain that hangs
down from the upper jaw and is used to
squeeze the water from Plankton and Krill,
their chief foods. They are huge eaters and
as much as two tons of this food has been
taken from the stomach of one Blue Whale

Diagram left, from circular #32
(revised) GUIDE TO THE WHALES,
By Gordon C. Pike, Fisheries Re¬
search Board of Canada Biological
Station, Nanaimo, B.C.

in processing. Although their
mouths are big enough to hold
an automobile, their throats
are no larger than a man’s
arm, so their food is neces¬
sarily small.

head is enormous, sometimes
a third of the length of its body and, instead
of noses, they have blow holes through which
they breathe; they have flippers on each side
of their body for steering and balancing, but
their powerful propeller is the tail, divided
into two horizontal flukes. This enables them
to travel rapidly through the water, to dive
thousands of feet to the ocean floor where
the pressure is great enough to crush the steel
sides of submarines like tissue paper and a
few minutes later rise to the surface with no
ill effects from the “bends” which sieze man
when exposed to minor pressures. Such a feat,
it is believed, is made possible partly by their
blood supply which is larger in proportion to
their bulk than any other mammal, and per¬
haps to the thick blubber from 4 to 20 inches
which covers the entire body, and why they
are not crushed to death from the great pres¬
sure in the depths, is known only to the
Almighty Himself.

Ever since the tenth century, countless
thousands of men have hunted whales for
oil, for soap, food, paint and industry and
for glycerin, and no one knows how many,
perhaps millions, have been captured over
these centuries. In 1944 an International
Agreement was set up between leading whal¬
ing countries specifying an open season of
three months to prevent man, in his greed,
from destroying all species of these greatest
of living creatures.

Whales were formerly dissected on board
ship for the medicinal properties of the liver
and important glands, the Sperm whale for
the spermatic oil and the Baleen or Blue
whale for the baleen from which corset stays
were made, and the huge remains then thrown
back into the sea. Today, all parts of the
animal are used (perhaps like the pig, every¬
thing but the squeal). Fats and oils go into
the manufacture of margarine and the rest
into plant and animal foods; the material
used for Blue and Liquid Blue Whale is ob¬
tained from the Whaling operations of the
British Columbia Packers which takes place
off the north end of Vancouver Island. The
bone and marrow, the baleen and red meat
are all thoroughly digested, the juice pressed
out, all possible fat and oil removed, and the

SINGLE PLATE

OF whalebone

40

Right, this picture was taken during
fogs which are prevalent at the B.C.
Packers Whaling Station at Quatsino
Sound, North End, Vancouver Island.

liquid evaporated to a very con¬
centrated form; diluted with
water, it provides everything that
soil organisms require for healthy
plant growth. The liquid Whale
would not pour until it was dis¬
covered that the enzymes from
the head, acting like corpuscles in
the blood, could perform this
function, and they also helped to eliminate the
fishy odor; the musky odor it does have is not
disagreeable.

Liquid Blue Whale tests 6% organic nitro¬
gen (NOT chemically fortified with urea),
2% available phosphate, and 1% soluble pot¬
ash. It is richer than Beef Concentrate or
Fish Products because it contains whole Bone,
Marrow and Baleen, as well as the meat.

Acme Sundried Sphagnum Peat Moss is
impregnated with solubles from the whole
whale with only the fats removed, protein
count 80.20% as well as natural nitrogen,
potash, phosphorous, trace elements, minerals.
Marine Marl is added to balance the 3.4
acid whale solubles and the very acid peat
moss 3.6, thus retaining the acid benefits
while the soil is sweetened and neutralized.
The solubles are already decomposed, there¬

fore immediately available as food for the
plant and are blended with the moss in such
a way that they will not leach out under
weathering.

One part Blue Whale impregnated peat,
two parts sterilized* good garden top soil or
woods soil are recommended for African vio¬
lets and one drop of the liquid Blue Whale
added to each cup of water used each time
plants are watered, cleaned, fogged, or fed
foliarly is recommended rather than heavier
feeding at greater intervals.

All growing things respond to Blue Whale
products and folders on various plants and
their care and feeding are available. Do try
these gifts from the sea — I am sure you
will like them.

*My recommendation would be Soil Fume
caps, Chloropicrin or a similar fumigant for
sterilizing, rather, ridding the soil of insects. •

Right, note comparison in size between
man and beast. The whale has brought
healthful “sun” vitamins to children in
slums and palaces. He has the highest
protein of all the mammals from his
diet of plankton and krill (size and ap¬
pearance of small shrimp).

Left, this is the mouth of a Blue
Whale, often large enough for a dining
table, a 9 X 12 rug and very tall guests.
The baleen or whalebone is superior to
“hoof and horn” when processed for
plant foods.

41

Various Opinions
On

The New Gro-Lux
FLUORESCENT LIGHT

From Mrs. Rubin Harmon,

Red Bluff, California

Dr. Sheldon Reed’s article, “Research with
Lights,” in the March issue of the African
Violet Magazine, prompts me to tell of my
experiences to date with the new Gro-Lux
tube.

I first became interested, after reading an
article about it, and went to our electric dealer
and asked him if he carried such a light. First
he said he had never heard of it, then said
“wait a minute, the Sylvania dealer is here
now.” So I ordered a 40 watt tube, which
took about 2 months to arrive, but it has been
well worth waiting for.

The Gro-Lux tube was installed in a double
fixture along with a daylight tube. Enough
cannot be said about the glowing colors it
produces in the flowers . . . even the leaves
look so alive. It seems as though young plants
looked extra strong and vigorous in just a
short time, and they soon began to set buds.

I have had this light for 2 months, so cannot
tell too much about the growth of the plants;
but it is wonderful to hear people exclaim
over the colors of my violets when they come
into our living room.

From Mrs. Jean Keeley,

New York, N.Y.

I have been using Gro-Lux tubes since the
last of January ’62 and can say I’m certainly
pleased with the results achieved thus far.

As mentioned in the article on page 109 of
the March 1962 Magazine the pink plants
take on such a glamour. One of my unnamed
magentas is such a brilliant crimson — - a truly
red, red flower now.

Also, the leaves take on such a deep and
rich solid green with the violet cast. The
whole tray is so different now, with the change
of colors. It is truly remarkable. Friends of
mine, who also raise African violets, have been
watching the progress of my plants and the
changing of their appearance with great in¬
terest. I believe they will eventually purchase
the Gro-Lux tubes.

I have never devoted too much time to the

plants but have found the best method for me
to use and have been using the same one for
years. I pot the plants in plastic pots in Black
Magic Soil and water them when the soil is
dry on top. I feed them Black Magic Flower
Booster (a very, very little at a time) about
once every five or six weeks. I also spray the
leaves with a fine spray of food once in a
while. I leave the lights on for 14 hours in
the winter and spring but only 8 to 10 hours
during the summer.

This method has worked out very well for
me — no trouble, no insects that I read about
in the African Violet Magazine, so therefore,
my method IS GOOD for me!

From Mrs. E. L. Thompson,
Baltimore, Md.

About four months ago my husband and I
purchased two 40 watt Gro-Lux tubes and
used them over our pink, white, and variegated
African violets and are quite pleased with
the results.

The foliage on all of the plants seems to
be much darker and healthier-looking and the
blossoms also tend to have a deeper color. We
have one plant of Sleeping Beauty which has
the orchid and white blossom and the orchid
shade is very much darker than it previously
was. Star Gazer also has much deeper colors
in its blossoms. My husband thinks the pinks
are a deeper shade but I am not convinced
yet. If they are, it is not to a great degree.

I am wondering what the effect will be on
these plants when they are again returned to
the regular lights. Will they lose their deep
color or not?

From C. L. Elkins,

University City, Mo.

I had been reading, with a good deal of
interest, the various articles and literature
(obtained from the Sylvania Corporation) on
Gro-Lux tubes. With some skepticism, I ad¬
mit, I decided I would try them. I have been
growing African violets under lights for about
five years, using various combinations of day¬
light, cool white, warm white, pink, etc.,
without noticing too much difference. I ob¬
tained Gro-Lux tubes locally and have been
using them about two months. I will agree
with Dr. Reed about the improved appearance
of the foliage and blossoms (they make even
faded, brown blossoms glow with a peach
tint) and after this short interval some of the
plants show decided improvement in produc¬
ing longer and stronger blossom stems. I can
even detect more pronounced coloring in the
foliage when taken from under the lights into
daylight.

Also, I have noticed much faster germination
of violet seed when the planter was placed
within six inches of the tube, and seemingly
faster growth, but the latter might be due

42

to the particular cross I am using. Tomato
seed produced much stronger and healthier
plants under Gro-Lux tubes than those grown
under ordinary tubes. The difference would
be difficult to believe if I had not planted the
seed myself in the same soil mixture and
under identical conditions with the exception
of the lights. Further, there has been no
damping-off of seedlings even though I have
not sterilized the soil. Some members of the
Northern Illinois Garden Club told me at the
Chicago Flower and Garden Show that they
had not had any trouble either in this respect
when using Gro-Lux tubes.

I would recommend, without hesitation, that
anyone contemplating the purchase of a new
tube or fixture consider the Gro-Lux unit.

From Mrs. Edward Schutte,

West Sayville, N.Y.

At the February meeting of the South
Country African Violet Society our director’s
husband suggested that I look at the features
of the new Gro-Lux tubes since I was inter¬
ested in purchasing a light fixture. I had my
plants on the window sills and had all sorts
of problems: light, room, and the coldness
eventually cracked the leaves too large for
the space given them. I must say that upon
seeing the violet color alone produced under
Gro-Lux tubes made quite an impression on
me.

I purchased the 48 inch fixture and my
husband built a stand so the light was 18
inches above the tabletop. He and my father
went to a local sheet metal shop and a re¬
movable hood was made for easier cleaning.
The total cost of the light, stand, and hood
came to $9.55 without labor — a very worth¬
while investment since fixtures advertised as
doing the same job ran into the $25 bracket.

In just three weeks time I noticed consid¬
erable change in my plants. Some plants which
were not as symmetrical before now show
more promise and the foliage has a deeper
color since the light is more evenly distributed
and has the same intensity all the time. I do
not have to go through the bothersome chore
of continually turning the plants anymore. I
have started many new leaves in plastic con¬
tainers and these too show a great improve¬
ment over most methods tried previously. I
leave the Gro-Lux light on from 12 to 16
hours a day.

As most of my plants were previously grown
on window sills, I had to confine the plants
to smaller sizes and when they became larger
I either started all over again by propagating
or gave the plants away. Now, I will see
more progress as the plants grow to a larger
size. I now have many buds and am looking
forward to better results. Flowers now bloom¬
ing, however few, show a deeper, more bril¬
liant color.

I am quite proud of my new fixture: the
new Gro-Lux is a milestone in research. I
feel sure that persons now using ordinary
fluorescent fixtures or just sunlight would
find the change to Gro-Lux as rewarding as
I have.

From Sidney Rosen,

Rochester, New York

In the March issue of the African Violet
Magazine, it was requested that any members
who had had any experience with the new
40 watt Gro-Lux fluorescent lights write
about their findings. I have been using them
for about a year now, and here is my experi¬
ence with the Gro-Lux lights.

I have a Flora Cart with 3 tiers on it; I
have it in my basement and so far I have
only used two of the tiers. At first I was using
the regular daylight fluorescent lights; the
African violets seemed to do fairly well under
them, but something was lacking and I couldn’t
put my finger on it. I would get very nice
blooms and very good foliage, but the smaller
plants didn’t do too well at times and I had
to watch them constantly so that I wouldn’t
lose them, but I did lose some. My basement
temperature never went lower than 62 degrees,
but the African violets seemed to do all right,
as well as other plants that I have in the
basement.

Then one day I saw the new Gro-Lux lights
advertised in the African Violet Magazine and
I started to inquire about them. I received a
lot of pro and con answers to my questions.
One of my inquiries was made to Mrs. Ward
West of the West Greenhouses here in Ro¬
chester; she was using Gro-Lux fluorescent
lights in her greenhouse for African violets.
Mrs. West showed me the way the Gro-Lux
lights made the colors come out more under
their light, and she told me where to buy
them in Rochester. I went down to the Elec¬
trical Supply Company and bought two Gro-
Lux lights and installed them in my Flora
Cart, one on each tier; I still used one of the
daylight tubes with one of the Gro-Lux tubes.
I could see there was a big difference between
the plants that were under the Gro-Lux lights
and the ones that were under the daylight
tubes, so I bought two more Gro-Lux lights
and there was a big difference in the growth
of the plants and also the bloom. The colors
are more outstanding especially on the reds,
pinks and purples. The salesman at the Elec¬
tric Supply Company told me that they
couldn’t keep enough Gro-Lux lights on hand
. . . that there were more and more green¬
houses and individuals using them, and that
the greenhouses were buying them by the
dozens.

I also bought two 20 watt Gro-Lux light
tubes for a fixture stand that I made for my
violets. I grow a lot of plants from leaves that

43

I get from out of town, and from seed, and so
far I am having very good luck.

I use Tropi-Growers for some of my larger
size plants and after they have grown nicely
and are blooming profusely down in the base¬
ment under the lights, I bring them upstairs
and put them in the two east windows in the
living room, taking the ones that have stopped
blooming and putting them downstairs in the
basement under the lights again. I find that
they do very well this way by changing them
around from time to time.

From Mrs. Fausta Waite,

Exton, Pennsylvania

Further in connection with the use of Gro-
Lux tubes. Mr. Kendig’s article on page 47
of the June 1962 issue of African Violet Maga¬
zine voices essentially my own experience
with them. The testing period of SVz months
is the same, however, from the start I used
one daylight and one Gro-Lux tube in each
40 watt unit.

I have noted a tightening and curling of
the center cluster of leaves on those plants
placed immediately under the Gro-Lux tubes,
at eight inches from top of plant to bottom
of tube. Those plants rotated only, but not
removed from the same location for two
months or more. When these same plants
were finally placed under the daylight tubes,
the centers remained in the same tight cluster.
However, those plants placed under the day¬
light tubes at the beginning did not develop
tight centers until they, in turn, were placed
under the Gro-Lux tubes.

Leaves developed plantlets in four to five
weeks under the combination of Gro-Lux and
daylight tubes and plantlets before separation
from parent leaf grew very rapidly and sturd¬
ily. The newly potted plantlets grew at the
same rapid • rate until they were about six
months old. Then the rate slowed to the same
pace as when using one daylight and one
warm white tube.

I, too, cut the light exposure from 14 to 12
to 10 hours and back to 12.

Personally, I feel that, unless there is need
to hurry along the development of plantlets,
the use of one warm and one daylight tube in
each 40- watt unit for 12 hours a day is per¬
fectly satisfactory and gives more realistic
showing of the true color of the bloom.

To air or not to air soil
after it has been baked is a
debatable subject. However,
H just to be on the safe side re-
move the cover from the container
^ as the soil cools and permit any
accumulation of gases to escape.
After airing replace the cover to keep
the soil clean.

How Careless Is Your Careless Love

Mrs. Alpha Bishop, Claremore, Oklahoma

I purchased an African violet named “Care¬
less Love.” The first thing I do when I get a
new plant is to start a leaf. This I did to
Careless Love. It was not long before I saw
little leaves coming out. As soon as the leaves
get as large as my thumbnail, I take off a few
if there are several plants on the leaf. The
ones that are not large enough to go on their
own I leave on the leaf and put them back
in a rooting mixture to grow larger. When I
did this to Careless Love, I found two little
plants v/ith two leaves and no crown but they
did have buds. One plant had two bud stems
and the other had one. I took off three normal
plants. When I showed my friends and cus¬
tomers these freaks in bloom, we laughed
about the name being appropriate for them.
Has anyone had this experience with Careless
Love, or, for that matter, any variety of
African violet?

My Violets and How They Grow

Margaret C. Garbutt, Los Angeles, California

I suppose that like everyone else who has
become a violet lover, I have tried nearly
every way to grow them. The biggest job has
been to make them bloom, or I should say to
let them bloom.

My violet room has a southwest exposure
and the glass window is the length of the
room. There are two long shelves next to the
glass, and net curtains to protect the plants
from the sun.

For many years I grew my violets under
natural daylight; now I have fluorescent lights,
and just within the last month have the plants
under the new Sylvania Gro-Lux tubes. Also,
I am now using the new Schultz Instant Liquid
Plant Food, and buds are bursting out all
over. My plants have never looked so well,
with so many and such large blooms. I have
about 50 medium sized plants, and many small
ones that are now in bud. My violets are
grown in Kem-Pots.

Everyone has to find the right light, the
right soil, and the right food. For the time
being I think I have found this.

Plants can only absorb food in solu¬
tion. So, to provide your violets the
quickest and safest meal possible ferti¬
lize when the soil is moderately damp.
Then the plant food will readily pene¬
trate the entire ball of soil and danger
of root damage from fertilizer burn is
diminished. Never use stronger than
directions recommend.

44

Today I am going to write you what is hap¬
pening. My Master and Mistress (Mr. and Mrs.
Wm. Accola, Fleur de Lis Club, St. Louis,
Missouri) were down in our basement water¬
ing, feeding and cleaning us up. All of a
sudden, Mrs. Accola screamed, “Look at this.”
She seemed so excited and worried that Men¬
tor Boy, Double Dark Beauty, Sailor Boy,
Black Magic and myself stretched our leaves
and flowers to see if we could hear and see
what they had found and were saying. It must
have been something terrible they found on
Double White Pride’s nice clay pot, as they
had a look of horror on their faces.

They began to tear our silver collars off and
ripped my friend’s Pink Petticoat; and sprayed
some nasty smelling stuff all over us all and
they stopped just long enough to telephone
several times for help. . . . Just about that
time, Mr. and Mrs. Winkler, their friends and
members of the same Club, came to visit us
and when they were asked something, they
began to examine our dresses, collars, blooms
and the back of our leaves. Mr. Accola seemed
mighty disgusted and we heard him tell Mr.
Winkler that he was going to “pitch the whole
mess of us.” The Winklers talked him into
waiting for more information that not only
would help them but all the members of the
African Violet Society.

Purple Fantasy said, “Just look at what
they are doing to T-V Vallinpink; I am afraid
they will take my roots off too.” Just about
that time Shag, with a broken dress, was
thrown into the waste basket and we could
hear her crying. Then, my turn came .... Oh,
my! They broke my dress, tore off my silver
collar and Mrs. Accola poured warm water
all over my roots to release the soil but she
did this ever so gently, as I think she wanted
to save me. (I won her a prize in the show.)

Then she turned me over on my side and with
a magnifying glass she and Mrs. Winkler
studied my root system, the front and back of
my leaves, and Mrs. Accola said I didn’t have
anything, for which I was so proud. I lifted
my arms in the air after she repotted me. This
I did without even any refreshing water to
drink.

But, we were all sprayed until we smelled
like a hospital. My Master and Mistress worked
till 2 a.m. the next morning removing our
clay pots, collars, and all silver papers; then,
cleaned, sprayed, and examined and repotted
us and set us in a new section of the basement
for isolation.

The next evening, after we were just getting
settled again, Mr. Accola came home and said
he had talked to Mr. Morse of Belleville, Illi¬
nois and Mr. Morse told him we had sand lice
(horrors!) and that no amount of sterilization
had helped when he had used sand. So with
that the two of them began all over again.
They took all the sand and coarse vermiculite
and threw it all outside in the ash pit. Then,
Mr. Accola went out and bought a lot of nice
clean turkey grits and began scrubbing the
trays we sit in. He scrubbed them down to
the bare tin with some powerful sterilizer,
then spread the turkey grits out nice and even
and made our little home all shiny with silver
insulation material spread out all over the
walls to attract more light for us.

Now, all the neighbors are coming in to
admire us. Really we are very proud of our
nice home, and also of our Mistress and Mas¬
ter, as we do look just like Beauties in a
Showcase.

Those sand bugs are nasty and they run
like mad. They look like very small grayish
pebbles with lots of legs and two “feelers”
sticking out the front of their head. Of course,
they are very, very small and you cannot see
the legs unless you use a magnifying glass.
My Master poured the straight Isotox right on
one that was on a clay pot and after it dried
into the pot (which was about two seconds)
it just unfolded its legs and ran right under
a silver collar. They are not harmful to us
plants but just a very big nuisance.

You should see Gent’s Blue Cluster now that
he has a new place at home — he is spreading
out and growing beautiful. He said he didn’t
like his other place and likes this one better
as he gets much more light, air, and, of course,
attention.

This turned out to be an epistle instead of
a note but I thought you might be able to
help your Master and Mistress if they ever
encounter sand lice.

Sincerely,

Blue Girl

Sent in by

Mrs. Andrew J. Winkler
3542 Wyoming
St. Louis 18, Mo.

45

St. Louis

Show Arrangements

The Tenth Annual African Violet Show pre¬
sented by the Metropolitan St. Louis Afri¬
can Violet Society was held in the Floral Dis¬
play House, Missouri Botanical Garden on
March 24-25, 1962. The theme of the show was
“VIOLET HIGHWAYS.” The schedule for the
Artistic Division started with the class “Open
Road” and suggested a tour to various parts of
the country, going to California for the Con¬
vention, on to Hawaii and concluded with a
tour to our newest state via the class “Al-Can
Highway.”

The rules for the St. Louis show require
that in all arrangement classes, cut African
violet material must be featured and any other
plant material used must be fresh-cut unless
the class states otherwise. In all planting
classes one or more blooming African violets
must be featured and planted in a pleasing de¬
sign with other growing material. No cut
material is permitted in planting classes. Vio¬
lets must be growing in the container used and
are not left in pots. In the Artistic Division
(arrangements and plantings) accessories are
permitted in all classes to enhance the design
or help express the theme of the class.

There is one novice class in the arrangement
section and one in the planting section which
are reserved for exhibitors who have never
won a blue ribbon in our shows.

The following list (by classes according to
the numerical progression of the schedule)
gives the title of each class with the require¬
ments as given in the schedule, the name of
the blue ribbon winner, and a brief descrip¬
tion of the materials used.

ARTISTIC DIVISION Section IV
Arrangements — cut material only

Class 23 “OPEN ROAD” Arrangement sug¬
gesting a mode of transportation.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Forrest E. Marsden; Violet,
Giant Blue Crest; Other material. Wandering
Jew; Container, Rickshaw; Accessory, Oriental
traveler; Base, Lacquered bamboo.

Class 24 “CALIFORNIA HERE WE COME”
(NOVICE CLASS) Arrangement in a gold
colored container.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Harry L. King; Violets, Shag
and Wintry Rose; Other material, Heather and
Yew; Container, Footed brass; Accessory,
Small boy with travelling bag and umbrella.

Class 25 “SILVER SPRINGS” Underwater
arrangement.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Francis H. Rieber; Violet,
Blue Duet; Other material, Violet leaves; Con¬
tainer, Glass bowl; Accessory, Coral.

Class 26 “SNOW CAPPED PEAKS” A white
arrangement featuring white violet blooms
and white sprayed or otherwise treated
material.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Francis H. Rieber; Violet,

Alabaster; Other material. White sprayed dock,
lemon leaves and wisteria vine; Container,
White compote.

Class 27 “CAPE COD” Arrangement in an
antique container.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Dana R. Gipson; Violets,
Blue Ice and Pink Miracle; Other material,
Violet leaves and variegated ivy; Container,
Antique gold shoe; Accessory, Antique gilded
iron frame.

Class 28 “EAST MEETS WEST” Arrange¬
ment in an oriental container.

This arrangement won the AWARD OF
DISTINCTION in addition to the blue ribbon.
This award is given to the outstanding exhibit
in the arrangement section (Classes 23-29) if
warranted.

Exhibitor: Mrs. W. F. Anderson; Violet,
Lovely Lady; Foliage, Violet leaves, weeping
willow branch; Container, Japanese bronze
usabata; Accessory, Japanese print mounted on
brown matchstick mat.

Class 29 “BYWAYS” small arrangement
staged on shelves 5” deep by 8” long.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Emerson Brown; Violet,
Gardenia; Other material. Ivy; Container, Half
of a pecan shell; Accessory, Spinning wheel
(5” high, 41/2” wide); Base, Miniature cro¬
cheted rag rug mat.

ARTISTIC DIVISION — Section V
Plantings- — growing material, no cut material

Class 30 “BEACHCOMBER” (NOVICE
CLASS) Planting in or using shell or coral.

Exhibitor: Mrs. J. E. Fitzmorris; Violet,
Frivoletta; Other material, Ivy; Container,
Conch shell.

Class 31 “OUR OZARKS” Planting in or
using weathered wood or driftwood.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Victor Joseph Kunz; Violet,
Blue Rosette; Other material, Boston ivy and
wood moss; Container, Weathered wood; Base,
Slab of rough unfinished wood with natural
bark edge.

Class 32 “ROADSIDE SHRINE” Planting in
or using a figurine.

This planting won the AWARD OF DIS¬
TINCTION in addition to the blue ribbon. This
award is given to the outstanding exhibit in
the planting section (Classes 30-37) if war¬
ranted.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Edward A. Nelson; Violet,
White Angel; Other material, Ivy and
sphagnum moss; Container, Large clay pot
saucer painted brown; Accessories, St. Francis
figurine and wooden cross painted brown.

Class 33 “GRAND CANYON” Planting in or
incorporating rocks.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Micheal P. Pozsgay; Violet,
Afterglo; Other material, Ivy and moss; Con¬
tainer, Round rock; Accessory, Dog figurine;
Base, Flat rock slab.

Class 34 “DIXIE MELODY” Planting sug¬
gesting music.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Francis H. Rieber; Violet,
Pink Miracle; Other material. Ivy; Container,
Ceramic violin; Base, Styrofoam draped with
pink cloth.

46

Class 35 “OLE MAN RIVER” Planting in¬
corporating water as part of the design.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Francis H. Rieber; Violet,
Impudence; Other material, Driftwood, philo¬
dendron, Chinese evergreen, moss; Container,
Flat dark green ceramic bowl; Accessory,
Miniature boat dock extending into water.

Class 36 “HAWAII CALLS” Planting in or
using shell, coral or natural sponge.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Fred Tretter; Violet, Fair
Lady that had reverted to solid deep wine
color; Other material. Ivy; Container, White
coral.

Class 37 “AL-CAN HIGHWAY” Planting
suggesting Alaska.

Exhibitor: Mrs. Frank Allgire; Violet, Cloud
Cap; Other material, Ivy; Container, Weath¬
ered wood; Accessories, Two small deer; Base,
Natural bark covered with spruce needles and
natural moss.

Class 24

ST wm.

AfRICAIi

vistE!

Class 32

s«s:tT

Class 29

Class 31

Class 30

Class S4

Neva Anderson, St. Louis, Missouri

Photographs were made at the Metropolitan
African Violet Society show by Neva Anderson
for the African Violet Magazine.

All arrangement photos have their
class number printed at either the
top or the bottom of the picture to^
facilitate easier identification of the
arrangement. Please refer back to
the written material on pages 46
and 47 for the exhibitor’s name, the
requirements as given in the sched¬
ule and description of the materials
used.

Your Library

Maisie Yakie

P.O. Box 674, Port Arthur, Texas

Once again it is that happiest of seasons
and from our home to yours we extend the
Greetings of the Season and Wishes for a
Most Happy New Year.

Our Christmas present to you this year is
another new set of slides, called “Violet
Troubles.” We have long needed a new group
of slides on the diseases and pests of African
violets and this is the answer. Once again this
is the result of hard work of one of our
Library Committee members, Mrs. W. F. An¬
derson of St. Louis, who did the photography.
The rental fee on these will be the usual $1.50.

Not only did the members of the African
Violet Society of San Francisco work dili¬
gently, together with many others, to give us
such a marvelous Convention this past spring,
but they have shown their wonderful support
in yet another way. They have donated to the
Library a fine set of slides on the Amateur
Division of the National Show from the San
Francisco Convention, which we are so proud
and grateful to have.

The African Violet Society of Canton, Ohio,
some years ago had a fine program on “Va¬
rieties Past and Present.” With so many new
varieties being introduced constantly we need
to take time to study the past varieties and
select the best from them with which to
compare the new varieties, so that we will
retain for our permanent collections only the
very best varieties of both old and new.

January is a lazy month, with the let down
from the gaiety of the holidays, so a good
program for this bad weather month would
be a review of the previous year’s issues of
the African Violet Magazine. There is so much
material in this Magazine that we would
never need look elsewhere for program topics
if we did not wish to. Read some of the “fine
print” in the Society’s minutes, the small
articles you may have overlooked the first
time you read the Magazine, and so forth.
This type of program is done by the Phoenix
African Violet Club of Phoenix, Arizona, with
great success.

During the bad winter months when the
days drag on and it seems that the beauties
of Spring will never come, these are the days
when our plants are most dear to our hearts.
Order a set of slides from the Library so that
all of your club members may enjoy the color¬
ful beauty of plants as grown and shown by
people in other parts of the country, it is
almost as good as a visit with a fellow violet-
lover.

We want to again thank all of you generous
and kind people who are thoughtful enough
to retype the slide lists before returning slide
programs. Many times the lists have become
worn before we realize it or have time to

retype a new list and this help is most grate¬
fully appreciated. We try to write a personal
note of thanks to each of you who help us
in this way but it we have overlooked this
gesture in your case, please accept our sincere
thanks at this time.

Begin now to send in your reservations for
slides of the Kansas City Convention. Having
seen some of the plants that are being groomed
for that show I can tell you it is going to be
a breath-taking sight.

Remember to send in your Convention reg¬
istrations early and do make plans to be with
us in Kansas City, you will hate yourself if
you miss this Convention! See you in Kansas
City. Before you leave for Convention, tho,
be sure that you have done your part to make
this wonderful Society grow — get a new
member now.

Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!

TREASURER’S REPORT
Through an oversight it was omitted that
Ernst and Ernst of Cincinnati, Ohio audited
the Treasurer’s Report which appeared on
page 12 of the September 1962 Magazine. — Ed.

STATEMENT REQUIRED BY THE ACT OF AUGUST
24, 1912, AS AMENDED BY THE ACTS OF MARCH
3, 1933, JULY 2, 1946 AND JUNE 11, 1960 (74 STAT.
208) SHOWING THE OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT,
AND CIRCULATION OF AFRICAN VIOLET MAGA¬
ZINE.

African Violet Magazine published 5 times a year at
Knoxville, Tennessee for October 1, 1962.

1. The names and addresses of the publisher, editor,
managing editor, and business managers are:

Publisher — African Violet Society of America, Inc.,
P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee.

Editor — Alma Wright, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville,
Tennessee.

Managing editor and Business manager — None

2. The owner is: (If owned by a corporation, its
name and address must be stated and also immediately
thereunder the names and addresses of stockholders
owning or holding 1 percent or more of total amount
of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and
addresses of the individual owners must be given. If
owned by a partnership or other unincorporated firm,
its name and address, as well as that of each individual
member, must be given.)

African Violet Society of America, Inc., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tennessee.

3. The known bondholders, mortgagees, and other
security holders owning or holding 1 percent or more
of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securi¬
ties are: (If there are none, so state.)

None.

4. Paragraphs 2 and 3 include, in cases where the
stockholder or security holder appears upon the books
of the company as trustee or in any other fiduciary
relation, the name of the person or corporation for
whom such trustee is acting: also the statements in the
two paragraphs show the affiant’s full knowledge and
belief as to the circumstances and conditions under
which stockholders and security holders who do not
appear upon the books of the company as trustees,
hold stock and securities in a capacity other than that
of a bona fide owner.

5. The average number of copies of each issue of this
publication sold or distributed, through the mails or
otherwise, to paid subscribers during the 12 months
preceding the date shown above was: (This information
is required by the act of June 11, 1960 to be included
in all statements regardless of frequency of issue.)
15,850

Alma Wright, Editor

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 1st day of
October, 1962.

Billie C. Ashe

(My commission expires April 21, 1964)

50

THE NATIONAL SHOW

Hotel Muehlebach and Towers, Kansas City; Missouri, April 4, 5, 1963
SOCIETY AWARDS 1963 — FOR AMATEUR AND COMMERCIAL DIVISIONS

THE SILVER CUP of the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. will be awarded to the best registered
named variety in Classes 1 through 27 in the Amateur
Division.

AWARD OF MERIT RIBBON will be given to the
runner-up or second best registered named variety in
the Specimen Classes 1 through 27 in the Amateur
Division.

HONORABLE MENTION RIBBON will be given to the
third best re|gistered named variety in Classes 1
through 27 in the Amateur Division,

GOLD ROSETJtE AWARD or first award may be given
to the best collection of three registered named varie¬
ties of African violets exhibited in the National Con¬
vention Show.

PURPLE ROSETTE AWARD or second award of the
African Violet. Society of America, Inc. may be given
to the second best collection of three registered
named varieties of African violets exhibited in the
National Convention Show. To win the Gold and
Purple Rosette Awards each of the three plants must
be point scored for blue ribbons, each plant reaching
a total of 90-100 points before they are eligible for
the Awards. Each blue ribbon may be counted on the
number of ribbons for Sweepstakes in the Specimen
Classes even though all of the three plants may not
receive blue ribbons.

COMMERCIAL SILVER TROPHY will be awarded to

the exhibitor of the best Commercial Exhibit table.
NEW INTRODUCTION AWARD is a plaque to be
awarded to the hybridizer of the best new introduc¬
tion in Commercial Exhibit.

THE COMMERCIAL SILVER CUP of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc. will be awarded to
the exhibitor of the best registered named variety in
Classes 1 through 15 in the Specimen Plant Division
for Commercial Members.

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATION SWEEPSTAKES
AWARDS. Four sterling silver bowls to be given to
the four sweepstakes winners who are members of
the African Violet Societsf of America, Inc. and who
win the ' most blue ribbi^ns in specimen classes in
shows sponsored by Affiliated Chapters, State Socie¬
ties, or Councils of clubs. | The president or secretary
of the Affiliated Organization must send in the name,
address, name of organisation, number of ribbons
won, dates and places of shows to the Awards
Chairman, Mrs. G. P. McGraw, 4629 Elm St.,
Downers Grove, Illinois, by March 1, 1963. Only rib¬
bons won at shows between March 1, 1962 and March
1, 1963 will be counted. Ih case of a tie there will be
a drawing. The winners will be announced at the
Friday Night Banquet.

YEARBOOK AWARDS given by the Society Library
for the best yearbook of any African Violet Club.
First prize, $15.00; second, $10.00; third, $5.00.

COMMERCIAL DIVISION

Mrs. J. R. Millikan, Chairman
Commercial Sales and Exhibits Committee
640 N. Manus Drive, Dallas, Texas

One of the most interesting parts of every
African Violet Society of America, Inc. Con¬
vention is the Commercial Division of the
National Show which is made up of exhibits,
both large and small, by the Commer^al
Members of our Society. Year after year these
faithful supporters of our National Shows, and
of the Society as a whole, go to great expense,
effort, and time to stage displays which are so
beautiful as well as very interesting. We wish
to take this opportunity to express our sincere
thanks to those who have exhibited in these
in the past and to extend an invitation to all
of our Commercial Members to participate in
the Commercial Division of the National Show
at the Kansas City Convention.

From time to time changes must be made if
an organization is to grow and develop. These
changes should be viewed from the standpoint
that they will not all prove to be good and,
therefore, select for permanency only those
which will provide improvements. With these
thoughts in mind, the Commercial Sales and
Exhibits Committee is this year making some
changes on a TRIAL basis and w^ would
greatly appreciate hearing from exhibitors and
the public alike as to their opinions of these
various changes. Only by constantly working
together to become better can we succeed in
being better. To attempt to improve does not
cast any reflections on the past. As you will
note by carefully going over the Schedule, one

of the biggest changes has been the addition
of Class 7, which provides that a Pink Rosette
will be given for the BEST PLANT IN EACH
EXHIBIT. The thinking behind this is to call
to the attention of the viewing (and buying)
public the outstanding plant in EACH exhibit.

To aid in a clearer understanding of how the
Commercial Division of the National Show is
judged, we want to give the following infor¬
mation:

SHOW SCHEDULE

CLASS 1. All entries in each exhibit to be
judged individually, except those entered in
Classes 4 and 5.

CLASS 2. Horticultural perfection. Best grown
group of plants either old or new varieties.
CLASS 3. Best staged exhibit.

CLASS 4. Seedlings actually hybridized by
exhibitor or release rights given exhibitor
and not previously exhibited or judged.

CLASS 5. Sport or mutant to have been dis¬
covered by exhibitor or persons connected
with business. Not previously judged or ex¬
hibited.

CLASS 6. Only winners in Classes 4 and 5 to
participate in Class 6.

CIjiASS 7. The best plant in each exhibit,
either old or hew variety. Must be Blue Ribbon
winners to be eligible.

REMARKS

Seedlings, sports and mutants may have
suckers or multiple crowns.

51

In Classes 1, 4, and 5 Blue, Red, and White
Ribbons will be awarded to individual plants.
It will be necessary for each exhibitor to
notify the Commercial Show Chairman which
plants in their exhibit will be entered in
Classes 1, 4, and 5.

In Classes 2, 3, and 6 Blue, Red, and White
Rosettes will be awarded. In Classes 2 and 3
the Rosettes will be awarded to the exhibit
as a whole. In Class 6 one Blue, one Red, and
one White Rosette will be awarded to the
individual plants. In Class 6 it is possible that
more than one Rosette Award could go to the
same exhibitor, however, this seldom happens.

In Class 7 a Pink Rosette Award will be
given to the outstanding plant in each exhibit
table (these plants must be Blue Ribbon win¬
ners) in Classes 1, 4, and 5. Rosette Awards
will have the Convention year, date, place and
class. Ribbons will have the Convention year
date. We hope that we may have the help of
many of you in giving us your opinions on the
items outlined in this article.

SCALES OF POINTS

Scale of Points for Judging Commercial Spe¬
cimens in Commercial Division (with the
exception of seedlings, sports, and mutants).
Multiple crowns and suckers are permitted
Foliage (leaf color, shape, size and texture,

strong petioles) _ _ _ 20

Floriferousness (quantity of bloom in propor¬
tion to size of plant, multi bloom stems per

leaf, many blooms per stem) _ _ _ _ 20

Size of Bloom (according to variety) _ 20

Color of Bloom (clear color, even from bloom

to bloom) _ _ _ 20

Condition (cultural perfection, disease and
insect free, clean, spent blooms and stalks

removed) _ 20

Total Points 100
In judging foliage, it should have the same
coloring as expected for this variety, petioles
strong and in good proportion to size of leaves.
Floriferousness: size of bloom and color of
bloom should have the quantities which are
expected of each variety.

Scale of Points for Judging Best Staged Ex¬
hibit, Commercial Division

Originality _ _ _ 35

Practicality (spacious displays, legible

signs, ample lighting) _ 25

Unity (uniformly covered containers,

neatness, harmonious color and balance) 20
Beauty (outstanding view from approach

with eye appeal) _ 20

Total Points 100
Scale of Points for Judging Seedlings, Sports
and Mutants, Commercial Division (multiple
crowns and suckers are permissible)

Leaf Pattern _ 25

Floriferousness _ 25

Size of bloom (medium to large) _ _ 20

Condition (general health, strong, sturdy) 15
Color (should be a definite improvement
or different from any named variety) 15
Total Points 100

SHOW SCHEDULE AND AWARDS
FOR COMMERCIAL DIVISION

CLASS 1

All entries in each exhibit not entered in
Classes 4 or 5 to be judged individually.
Blue Ribbon, first, Red second, White
third.

CLASS 2

Horticultural Perfection: Best grown group
of plants either new or old varieties.

Blue Rosette first. Red Rosette second,
White Rosette third.

CLASS 3

Best Staged Exhibit.

Blue Rosette first. Red Rosette second,
White Rosette third.

CLASS 4

Seedlings actually hybridized by exhibitor
or released rights given exhibitor and
not previously exhibited or judged.

Blue Ribbon first, Red second, White third.
CLASS 5

Sport or Mutant to have been discovered by
exhibitor or persons connected with
business. Not previously judged or ex¬
hibited.

Blue Ribbon first, Red second, White third.
CLASS 6

Only winners in Classes 4 and 5 to partici¬
pate in Class 6.

Blue Rosette first. Red Rosette second,
White Rosette third.

CLASS 7

Best plant in each exhibit, old or new va¬
rieties. Must be Blue Ribbon winners.

Pink Rosette.

COMMERCIAL SILVER TROPHY

The Commercial Silver Trophy will be
awarded to the exhibitor of the best
exhibit table in the Commercial Di¬
vision.

NEW INTRODUCTION AWARD

A plaque to be awarded to the hybridizer
of the best new introduction in the
Commercial Division.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
CONTACT:

Mrs. J. R. Millikan, Chairman
Commercial Sales and Exhibits Committee
640 N. Manus Drive, Dallas, Texas

SHOW SCHEDULE— SPECIMEN PLANT
DIVISION for COMMERCIAL MEMBERS
Only Commercial Members who do not have
an exhibit table in the show are eligible to
enter this division. All plants entered in
Classes 1 through 15 must be single crown
plants. Rules 1 through 12 of the Amateur
Division will also apply to the specimen plant
classes for Commercial Members with the ex¬
ception of Rule 4 which shall include all
Classes, and Rule 7 which shall include Classes
1 through 15.

SECTION 1 — Specimen plants, single blossoms
CLASS

1. Blues and Purples

52

2. Reds, Lavenders and Orchids

3. Pinks

4. Whites

5. Bicolors, Variegated and Multicolored
SECTION II — Specimen plants, double
blossoms

CLASS

6. Blues and Purples

7. Reds, Lavenders and Orchids

8. Pinks

9. Whites

10. ■. Bicolors, Variegated and Multicolored
SECTION III — Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, double blossoms
CLASS 11. Any variety, any color
SECTION IV — ' Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, single blossoms
CLASS 12. Any variety, any color
SECTION V- — Specimen plants, any type or

size of blossom, any foliage

CLASS 13. Bright reds (Such as Racy Red)

14. Green Edged

SECTION VI — Specimen plants, may be
single or double blossoms
CLASS 15. Specimen plants, novelties, (al¬
binos, variegated foliage, miniatures, etc.)

16. Specimen seedlings (never before ex¬
hibited at a National Convention Show)

17. Specimen plant African violet species
(such as S. Grotei, S. tongwensis, etc.)

18. Specimen plant Gesneriaceae Family
(Achimenes, Episcias, gloxinias, etc.)

THE COMMERCIAL SILVER CUP of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. will
be awarded for the best specimen plant ex¬
hibited by a Commercial Member who does
not exhibit in the regular commercial exhibit
table section.

AMATEUR DIVISION

SHOW SCHEDULE for AMATEUR DIVISION
Hotel Muehlebach and Towers, Kansas City, Missouri, April 4, 5, 1963

THEME “VIOLET GARDEN SYMPHONY’^

SECTION I — Specimen plants, single blos¬
soms (Classes 1 through 30 must be single
crown named African violets).

CLASS

1. Purples and Blues

2. Reds

3. Orchids and Lavenders

4. Pinks

5. Whites

6. Bicolors, Multicolored and Variegated
SECTION II — Specimen plants, double blos¬
soms

CLASS

7. Dark Blues or Purples

8. Medium and Light Blues

9. Reds

10. Lavenders and Orchids

11. Bicolors, Multicolored and Variegated

12. Pinks

13. Whites

SECTION III — Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, double. blossoms
CLASS

14. Whites

15. Pinks

16. Purples and Blues

17. Reds and Orchids

18. Bicolors, Multicolored and Variegated
SECTION IV Specimen plants, duPonts,
Amazons and Supremes, single blossoms
CLASS

19. Whites

20. Pinks

21. Purples and Blues

22. Reds and Orchids

23. Bicolors, Multicolored and Variegated
SECTION V ■ — ' Specimen plants, any type or
size of blossoms, any foliage

CLASS

24. Green or Chartreuse edged

25. Bright Reds (such as Racy Red)

26. Geneva edged

27. Variegated foliage

28. Miniature and semiminiature

29. Albinos

SECTION VI ■ — > Specimen plants may be sin¬
gle or double blossoms
CLASS

30. Collection of three registered different
named varieties single crown plants (see Rule
13)

31. Specimen seedlings, sports and mutants
(never before exhibited at a National Conven¬
tion Show)

32. Specimen plant African violet species
(such as S, Grotei, S. tongwensis, etc.)

33. Specimen plant Gesneriaceae Family (Ep¬
iscias, gloxinias, etc., cross hybrids)

SECTION vn — Artistic Classes

CLASS

34. “Invitation to the Garden” — African
violet plant or plants in a naturalistic setting.
Rocks, shells, ferns, other material permitted.

35. “Missouri Birds” — Blue or purple Af¬
rican violet plant or plants used with ceramic
or other birds in suitable setting. Other plant
material permitted.

36. “Baskets I Do Enjoy” — African violet
plant or plants. Other foliage and/or ribbon
permitted.

37. “Song At Candlelight” — African violet
plant or plants with musical setting using song
title. Other plant material permitted.
SECTION VIII ■ — ■ Arrangements

CLASS

38. “Violets Bring Memories” — ■ Arrange¬
ment of cut African violet blossoms using
antiques, fans, damask or some memento on a
base. Other plant material permitted.

53

CLASS

39. ''So Pure, So Lovely” -- An arrangement
of white cut African violet blossoms in white
container, on a yellow fabric. Ferns, foliage
and other flowers permitted.

40. An arrangement suggesting the Theme of
the Show “Violet Garden Symphony.”

41. Line arrangement using miniature cut
African violet blossoms. Other flowers and
foliage permitted.

SECTION IX — Yearbooks
CLASS

42. Yearbooks (see Rule 14)

RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Entries must be made between 4:00 — -

9:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, ,1963 and Thurs¬
day, April 4, 1963 between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00
noon. Judging will be from 2:30 6:00 p.m.

2. Plants arriving too late to be^ entered
will be shown for exhibition only.

3. Only healthy clean plants will be accept¬
ed, and must have been in the hands of the
exhibitor at least three months.

4. An exhibitor may enter only one plant of
each variety in Classes 1 through 33.

5. Each variety must be correctly named or
subject to correction by the Classification
Committee.

6. The Society will afford all possible pro¬
tection to exhibits, but will not be responsible
for any loss.

7. All plants entered in Classes 1 through
30 must be single crown plants.

8. Only Blue Ribbon winners will be
eligible to receive Special or Society Awards.

9. If any entry is not entered by the owner,
the name of such person making the entry
must be on the back of the entry tag.

10. No pots or containers with flared tops,
supports, or collars under foliage will be per¬
mitted. For uniformity all pots must be cov¬
ered with dull side alumijnum foil. Exhibitors
are to print their names bn adhesive tape and
attach to the bottom of the foil covered pot.

11. All entries in both Amateur and Com¬
mercial exhibits must be removed from 11:30
p.m. to 12:30 a.m,, Friday, April 5, 1963 and
from 7:30 — - 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 to 12 noon
on Saturday, April 6, 1963.

12. The Show will be Judged by the merit
method of Judging and the decision of the
Judges will be final. 0|nly qualified Judges of
the Society will be permitted to Judge.

13. All amateur members of the African Vio¬
let Society of America, Inc., will be permitted
to enter in Class 30 to compete for the So¬
ciety’s Gold and Purple Rosette Awards. To
win these Awards, each of the three regis¬
tered plants in the collection must be point
scored for Blue Ribbons, each plant reaching
a total of 90 — ^100 points before being eligible
for the Awards. Each Blue Ribbon won may be
counted on the number for Sweepstakes in
the Specimen Classes. If all plants in the group
receive Blue Ribbons, then the exhibitor whose
entry receives the highest number of points
will be awarded the Gold Rosette Award and

the Purple Rosette Award will be given to
the exhibitor whose entry scores the second
highest number of points.

14. All club Yearbooks entered in Class 42
must be sent to Mrs. Howard Harbison, 3620
Windsor St., Kansas City 23, Missouri not
later than April 1, 1963. These books must be
no larger than 5x8 inches, being the same
books that all club members receive and once
entered become the property of the Society,
and will not be returned. It is not compulsory
for clubs entering Yearbooks to be Affiliated
with the National Society.

SPECIAL AWARDS
AMATEUR DIVISION
ALMA WRIGHT SILVER GIFT AWARDS
FOR AFFILIATED CHAPTERS One gift to
the person whose name is drawn from the
winners of the Gold Rosette Awards during
the year March 1, 1962 to March 1, 1963. One
gift to the person whose name ife drawn from
the winners of the Purple Rosette Awards
during the year March 1, 1962 to March 1,
1963. Drawings will be at the Friday Night
Banquet and winners announced then.
ARNDT’S FLORAL GARDENS AWARD —
$10.00 gift certificate to the best arrangement
. using miniature cut African violet blossoms,
Class 41.

$10.00 gift certificate for the best plant in the
miniature Class 28.

$5.00 gift certificate for second best miniature
plant in Class 28.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ AWARD to the

winner of the most Blue Ribbons in the ar¬
rangement classes of the Amateur Division.
CHARLES DAY AWARD — $15.00 for the
best double bright red African violet in the
Amateur Division. '

EDENA GARDENS AWARD — $10.00 for the
best arrangement depicting the theme of the
I show, Class 40.

$25.00 for the best plant of either Zest of the
West, Painted Doll or Delectable.

FLOWER GROWER STERLING SILVER
PLATE AWARD — for Affiliated Chapter
leadership. This Award given to any individ¬
ual member of an Affiliated Chapter for out¬
standing leadership in promoting all phases
of the Chapter’s acti’^ities in accordance with
the objectives of the African Violet Society of
America, Inc,

GRANGER GARDENS AWARD — $25.00 for
the best specimen plant of Cambridge Pink,
Midnight Seas, Ice Flo or Savannah Sweet¬
heart,

INDIANAPOLIS AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
AWARD $25.00 to the best Don Wilson’s
Coon Valley or Lovely Lady.

$25.00 award to the best Richter’s Green Dawn
or Red Crown.

INDIANA STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY AWARD — a plaque to the registrant
of the best registered named variety. Classes
1 through 29.

JOSEPHINE HASENYAGER MEMORIAL

54

Show Questions and Answers

AWARD — silver jewel box to be awarded
to the best arrangement. Class 38 through 41.
MADISON GARDENS AWARD — $25.00 for
best plant of Teahouse Pink or Jacob’s Coat.
METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY AWARD — to best arrange^
ment using cut white African violet blossoms.
African violets must predominate.

MRS. J. R. MILLIKAN AWARD — a silver
compote to be awarded to the best variegated
foliage plant in the Amateur Division of the
Show. Class 27.

POPULAR GARDENING SWEEPSTAKES
AWARD — a sterling silver bowl to the win¬
ner of the most Blue Ribbons in Classes 1
through 30.

RESEARCH COMMITTEE CROSS HYBRID
AWARD — this Award is sponsored by the
Research Committee of the African Violet
Society of America, Inc. Members or non-
members of the Society will be awarded $25.00
for the best entry of a plant or plants in Class
33, resulting from a cross of any genus of the
Gesneria family, as Achimenes or gloxinia on
the genus Saintpaulia (African violet). This
exhibit to be Judged by the Research Commit¬
tee and must give visual indication that it is
a successful cross genus hybrid showing some
characteristics of the other Gesneria hybrid.
RUTH CAREY AWARD — $5.00 to the win¬
ner of the Tricolor Award in the arrangement
section, Classes 38 through 41.

SELECT VIOLET HOUSE AWARD — $15.00
for the best specimen plant of Beaming, Patent
Leather, Our Regards, or Double Garnet.
SMITH POTTING SOIL COMPANY AWARD
— $25.00 for the most outstanding seedling or
mutation never before exhibited in a National
Convention Show. Class 31.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNCIL
AWARD — $25.00 for the best specimen plant
of the Saintpaulia Species. Class 32.

STIM - U - PLANT LABORATORIES INC.
AWARD plaque and $50.00 for the best
registered named variety. Classes 1 through
30. Plaque and $25.00 for the best purple or
blue. Plaque and $25.00 for the best red.
Plaque and $25.00 for the best white.

THE M & M AWARD — for the outstanding
program of the past year. $10.00 first, $5.00
second, $3.00 third. All entries must be type¬
written and must be a complete description of
the program. Entries sent to the Librarian by
February 1, 1963 for judging. Announcement
of winner will be at Friday Night Banquet.
TINARI GREENHOUSES AWARD — a Sil¬
ver Lustre fixed cup for the best specimen
plant of Lilian Jarrett or Lilian Jarrett Su¬
preme, either plain or variegated foliage. A
silver cup for best specimen plant of Black
Diamond, Castanet, Coral Rose Geneva, Diplo¬
mat, Fireball, Geneva Wonder, Star Gazer or
Zorro.

TUBE CRAFT INC. AWARD — - a complete
Flora Cart for the three best specimen plants,
Classes 1 through 29, one true purple, one
pink and one white.

Ruth Carey

3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tenn.

At the 1963 Kansas City, Missouri Conven¬
tion some additional features for training
judges and teachers have been added. On
Thursday morning from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
the regular judging school class for qualifying
new judges will be held.

On Thursday afternoon from 12:30 to 2:00
p.m. a class Just for judges desiring to renew
their certificates will be held. In addition, this
class should also be of interest to those who
have teachers certificates or those who wish
to qualify as such. The rules which entitle
judges to be eligible for this class are that you
have been a member of the National Society
for three years, that you have taken two
judging school courses and have made a grade
of 90 or above on both courses, and that you
have served as a qualified judge for at least
one show during the year. /

The written examination will be held on
Friday morning ~ the hours will be printed
in the program. There is also an arrangement
workshop on Friday morning, at which time
some arrangements will be made and judged.

The hours for this will be printed in the
program also. The Judging will be done by
one person so that those attending may observe
what to look for in judging arrangements.

These added features will give the judges
an excellent opportunity to further their study
on judging both African violet specimen plants
and arrangements. You will find separate
blanks (page 56) on which to register for
either the class for new Judges or the one for
refresher judges and teachers. Please fill in
the blank for the one you wish to attend and
mail to Ruth G. Carey, 3900 Garden Drive,
Knoxville, Tennessee before March 15, 1963,
but be careful to see that you have the right
blank before sending it in. All students, both
new and refreshers as well as teachers, should
study the Handbook thoroughly before coming
to the Convention. Also, a careful study should
be made of the registered varieties which were
published in the July, 1962 Issue (Volume 15
Number 5) of the Magazine. Lack of advanced
preparation for the class results in poor papers,
low grades, and oftentimes failures, so I hope
all of you will strive for higher grades and
better judging. Also note that the examination
will be held the following day of the class
which will give you an opportunity to study
after the lecture period on Thursday.

BACK ISSUES OF MAGAZINE

Please write the African Violet Society of America,
Inc., P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee for a list
of those in stock. Not all Magazines are available as
back issues. Do not send money until you get the list.
Make check payable to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Cost $1,00 per copy postpaid.

55

ADVANCE REGISTRATION FOR JUDGING
SCHOOL CLASS FOR NEW JUDGES — Hotel Muehle-
bach, Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday, April 4, 1963.
Class will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in
rooms 471-473. Examination will be held on Friday
morning. Registration fee $1.00.

NAME . - _ _ _ _ _ _

ADDRESS _ _ _ _

Sign blank and send your registration fee of $1,00
to Ruth G. Carey, 3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18,
Tennessee not later than March 15, 1963 if you wish
to attend the school. Make checks payable to the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. To obtain the
most from attending the class please study the Hand¬
book and also the list of registered varieties found in
the July Issue of the Magazine, Volume 15 Number 5
before coming to the class. Please do not confuse this
class with the one for refresher judges and teachers.

ATTENTION REFRESHER JUDGES AND TEACH¬
ERS — Advance Registration for judging school class
for refresher judges and teachers. Hotel Muehlebach,
Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday, April 4, 1963. A class
for refresher judges and teachers will be held from
12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for judges desiring to refresh
their certificates and for teachers. Anyone who has
met the requirements for teachers may register for the
class and take the examination which will be held
Friday, April 5. Registration fee is $1.00.

NAME _ _ _ _ - _ _ _

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _

Sign blank and send your registration fee of $1.00
to Ruth G. Carey, 3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18,
Tennessee not later than March 15, 1963 if you wish
to attend. Make checks payable to the African Violet
Society of America, Inc. Please study your Handbook
and list of registered African violet varieties in the
July Issue of the Magazine, Volume 15 Number 5 in
advance of the class,

ATTENTION QUALIFIED JUDGES ~ All qualified
judges who plan to attend the Kansas City Convention
and desire to judge in the National Show, please fill
out blank and send to Ruth G. Carey, 3900 Garden
Drive, Knoxville 18, Tennessee not later than March
15, 1963. Please state if you are an arrangement judge
of National Council flower shows in addition to being
a qualified African Violet Society Judge.

NAME _ _ _ _ _ _ _

ADDRESS - _ _

URGENT CALL FOR JUDGES CLERKS — Anyone

interested in serving as a clerk to the Judges of the
National Show at the Hotel Muehlebach, Kansas City,
Missouri on Thursday, April 4, 1963 from 2:30 p.m, to
6:00 p.m. (This applies only to those outside the nearby
Kansas City area.) Please fill in blank and send to
Ruth G. Carey, 3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18,
Tennessee not later than March 15, 1963.

ADDRESS _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Detach this proxy and mail to MRS. RONALD

I CALL FOR 1963 ANNUAL MEETING

I The Annual Meeting of the African Violet
j Society of America, Inc. will be held Saturday,

* April 6, 1963, at 9:00 A.M. at the Hotel Mueh-
j lebach and Towers, Kansas City, Missouri, to
. transact the following business: 1 to hear
I the report of the Officers, Directors, and Com-
j mittee Chairmen of the Society; 2 — to hold
! the election of Officers and Directors; 3 —
I to transact any other business that may prop-

* erly come before the Meeting.

^ Call for 1963 Board of Directors Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting, Hotel Muehle-
I bach and Towers, Room No. 364, Wednesday,
April 3, 1963, at 10:00 A.M. Please be present.

' Sincerely,

I Maisie D. Yakie, President
African Violet Society of America, Inc.

I REPORT OF NOMINATING
I COMMITTEE ON OFFICERS FOR 1963

I The following list of names is the report of

the Nominating Committee for 1963:

I President, Mrs. Jack Yakie, Texas
j 1st Vice President, Frank Burton, Connec¬
ticut

I 2nd Vice President, Joseph Schulz, Indiana
Treasurer, Mrs. Arthur Radtke, Ohio
1 Recording Secretary, Miss Edith Peterson,
California

I Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. E. H. Thomas,
California

I Membership Secretary, Mrs. Robert O.
Wright, Tennessee

I Board of Directors: Eugene L. Thompson,
Maryland; Mrs. John A. Landaker, Ohio; Mrs.
I Fred E. Travis, Tennessee; Mrs. J. W. Hof¬
mann, Texas.

I Nominating Committee: Mrs. Claude E.
t Greeley, Chairman, Floyd L. Johnson, H. G.

I Harvey, Mrs. Z. C. Layson, Mrs. Patrick J.

I Crowe, Sr.

:, 22454 ST. CLAIR DR., ST. CLAIR SHORES, MICH.

PROXY

The undersigned, member of the African Violet Society of America, Inc., does hereby constitute and appoint
MRS. RONALD REAUME, MISS EDITH PETERSON and FRANK TINARI the true and lawful substitute, at¬
torney and proxy (with full power of substitution and revocation) of the undersigned, for, and in the name,
place, and stead of, the undersigned, to vote with all the powers which the undersigned would be entitled to
exercise, if personally present at the annual meeting of the members of said corporation to be held April

_ _ _ , 1963, or at any adjournment of such meeting, upon any matter coming before such meeting or

adjournment, and does hereby revoke all proxies heretofore given by the undersigned as a member of said
corporation.

Signed at _ _ _ _ _ , this . . . . day of _ _ _ _ , 19 _

Member _ _ _ _ _ Witness _ _ _ _ _

Address — _ _ Address _ _

56

WKi

I African Violet Society of America, Inc.

HOTEL RESER¥ATION — for 1963 Convention and Annual Meeting^
at Hotel Muehlebach and Towers, Kansas City, Missouri, April 4, 5, 6, 1963
^ Hotel Muehlebach and Towers

§j Baltimore and Wyandotte at 12th, Kansas City 5, Missouri
I ’Please Reserve:

■ § Type Room _ _ _ _ No. Persons — _ _ Rate _____

^ Single, double, twin, suite

Arrival Date A.M.— P.M. Departure Date _ _ _ _ A.M.— P.M.

Signed _ _ _ . ______ . . . . . . . . .

Address . - . . . . . . .

City and State . - . .

Reservcitions Are Not Held After 6 P.M. Unless A Later ArriVal Time Is Specified

Reservations Are Accepted Subject To Conditions Or Circumstances Beyond Our Control

RATE SCHEDULE — All Rooms Are Air Conditioned

Single (1 Person) , . . _$ 8.00 to $16.00

Double (2 Persons) _ _ __$10.00 to $18.00

Twin Beds _ _ _ _ $14.00 to $20.00

Studio (Parlor-Bedroom) _ _ ^$12.00 to $20.00

Suites (2 Rooms) _ _ _$25.00 to $ 75.00

Suites (3 Rooms) ____$39.00 to $100.00

Suites (4 Rooms) _ _ $57.00 to $100.00

Sample Rooms 13. 00 to $ 25.00

If Room Is Not Available At Rate Requested, Reservation Will Be Made At Next Available Rate

TOUR — $2.50

Thursday, April 4, 1963, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. I

Through downtown district to Clark’s Point. Visit i
Kansas City’s beautiful Country Club district, Swope '
Park, Starlight Theatre, Kansas City University, Nel¬
son Art Gallery, Liberty Memorial and many other j
points of interest. No reservations after March 20, '
1963. Reservations may not be cancelled after March
28, 1963. Remittance must accompany reservation.

Mail to: Mrs. E. H. Dixon, 3915 West 57th Terrace, '
Mission, Kansas ,

SPECIAL MENU NOTICE (Check Preference)

FRIDAY LUNCHEON:

Baked Ham . . . Halibut Steak _ _ _

FRIDAY BANQUET;

Loin Butt Steak . Salmon Steak _

Detach and mail with Hotel Reservation to:

HOTEL MUEHLEBACH AND TOWERS
Baltimore and Wyandotte at 12th
Kansas City 5, Missouri

ADVANCE SOCIETY REGISTRATION BLANK FOR 1963 CONVENTION
April 4, 5, 6, 1963, Hotel Muehlebach and Towers, Kansas City, Missouri

NAME.

ADDRESS— _ _ _ _ _ _ — _ _ _ _

Registration for the entire Convention, including the Show, Thursday Dinner Meeting, Friday
Luncheon Meeting and Friday Banquet Meeting is $23.50.

Please send in your reservation before March 20, 1963. If you cannot attend the entire Conven¬
tion, please check below the meetings you will attend. We MUST know definitely how many
to prepare for.

One registration fee admits both husband and wife when either is a member.

— _Registration fee for entire Convention - ... - ......... - ..... — .. $6.50

_ _ Registration fee for one day only — - - .... - ........ - - - 3.50

_ _ Registration fee for one single meeting..—— - ........ — ... - ........... — - 2.00

_ _ —Thursday Dinner Meeting _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ......... - .... - 5.75

— —Priday Luncheon Meeting _ _ _ ........ — - ... - - - — 4.00

_ Friday Banquet Meeting _ — — - - ................... — .. — 7.25

Sign and send in this reservation not later than March 20, 1963, to the Registration Chairman:

Mrs, E. H. Dixon, 3915 West 57th Terrace, Mission, Kansas
Reservation will not be honored without remittance. Please assist the Committee and simplify
registration by sending check or money order with your reservation. Your tickets, badge,
program, etc. will be ready on your arrival. If circumstances make it necessary to change
plans, contact the Registration Chairman before March 28, 1963, and money will be refunded.
MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC.

57

What To Do ?

Rene L. Edmundson

417 Arlington Ave. East McKeesport, Pa.

IF you have been elected to pilot your group
as president, chairman or by some other
name, the first thing you should do is acquaint
yourself with the bylaws of your organization
and elementary parliamentary law. Sometimes
classes in parliamentary law are available
through the Y.M.C.A. or Y.W.C.A., and some
of the public schools have evening classes. If
no other means of education along this line is
available you might get a goodly amount of
training through a correspondence course.

Some of the rules that will make you an
efficient presiding officer if followed are:

1. Be prompt in getting to the meetings. It
is better to be there a half hour before the
meeting starts than to walk in a few minutes
before or after the scheduled starting time.

2. Set an example for others to follow in
fairness and courtesy.

3. Obey all of the rules and laws it is your
duty to enforce.

4. Recognize the rights of members to the
floor and assign it to them impartially.

5. State all motions clearly, which have
been properly introduced, so that each member
understands just what the question they are
about to vote on is and what effect it will
have on the organization.

6. Guide debate so that both sides of a
question shall have equal opportunity to ex¬
press their views on the subject.

7. Decide points of order and answer (or
have answered) parliamentary inquiries per¬
taining to the business pending.

8. Be familiar with the standing rules as
well as the bylaws with a copy of each at
hand for ready reference on controversial
questions.

9. Maintain order at all times, and protect
the rights of all members,

10. Stand to state a question or put it to
vote and to announce the results of the vote
and what will be done as a result of the vote.

11. Be seated when reports are being read,
the roll is being called, the minutes are read
and speeches are being made.

12. Be impartial, understanding and friend¬
ly.

The presiding officer does not have the right
to appoint committees, fill vacancies or assume
other authority not provided for in the bylaws
or standing rules. He should not say “I think”
or ‘T decide”; he should say, “The chair is
of the opinion or decides” and if he is un¬
decided he should say “The chair is in doubt”
and requests the assembly to make the de¬
cision. He is ex officio a member of all com¬
mittees only if this is provided for in the
bylaws. He should welcome an appeal from
any decision made ‘by the chair (himseip in
a closely contested matter for this relieves
him from being blamed, should the decision

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Reaume, 22454 St. Clair Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

RAINBOW AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,
COLORADO, Mrs. Floyd Hammond, Pres.,
1087 S. Madison, Denver 9, Colorado.
RIVER BEND AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
IOWA, Mrs. Golda Wolf, Pres., 3131 Keota,
Davenport, Iowa.

PENATAQUIT AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,
N.Y., Mrs. Hilda Ketcham, Pres., 50 South
Bay Ave., Brightwaters, N.Y.

WICHITA AFRICAN VIOLET STUDY CLUB,
KANSAS, Mrs. L. L. Clerico, Pres., 3316
Countryside, Wichita, Kansas.

MR. & MRS. AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
OF REDFORD, Mrs. Russell Asher, Pres.,
14032 Da Costa Ave., Detroit, Michigan.
New State Society:

NEW YORK STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Mrs, John Windecker, Pres., 19
Mulberry St., Clinton, New York.

Attention Show Chairmen When return¬
ing the Gold and Purple Affiliated Chapter
Rosettes, please do not fold them— and mail
them in the correct size envelope. Your co¬
operation with this will be appreciated.

Your Affiliated Chapter Committee wishes
you a very Merry Christmas and the best
New Year ever.

Dorothy Reaume, Chairman
Committee Members: Betty Greenmiller, Olive
Foster, Dorothy Gray.

be a wrong one. He should enforce the rules
with tact and good judgment. In assemblies
where the members are unfamiliar with par¬
liamentary procedure it is unwise to be too
strict upon technical points as long as no one
is being defrauded of his rights and the general
will of the majority is being observed. Par¬
liamentary procedure was designed to help
carry out the wishes of the majority rather
than to hinder the assembly in conducting
business. It is better to deviate a little rather
than adhere so strictly to a rule that the intent
of the procedure is lost in entanglement. He
has the same right to vote that any other
member has; in ballot vote he must cast his
ballot, before the tellers start counting the
votes, but in roll call voting he votes last
thereby being able to make or break a tie but
in any case he can vote only once. He should
be as quiet and calm as he wishes the assembly
to be and one stroke of the gavel will command
more respect than a lot of loud banging. It
is better not to take his place before the
assembly until it is time to call the meeting
to order, then facing the assembly he should
wait a few seconds for the noise to subside,
then rap the gavel lightly once and call the
meeting to order. •

58

Not So Fast Please continued For The Novice

want that. I don't believe any of us do. You,
of all people, get little enough for your work.
You have to be a dedicated soul to devote
yourself to the time consuming task and low
monetary rewards of hybridizing. I, for one,
am willing to buy less of the mediocre and
duplicates and pay more for something worth¬
while. But before I pay out my money, I would
like to be reasonably sure that the new plant
really is worth buying.

Now we all know that not all things apply
to each one in the business. Very few growers
or hybridizers “gild the lily” in their descrip¬
tions of varieties. But when I find one who
does, I wouldn't consider buying anything that
he puts out, even though by so doing I miss
some very worth-while varieties. There are
many hybridizers who are meticulous in their
testing. Even the carefully tested varieties will
sport now and then. That only adds spice to
our growing of African violets, and is wel¬
comed provided the variety comes at least 95
per cent true. I believe that a great many
hybridizers put on the market new plants that
are not particularly different from existent
ones. Some of this is the work of amateur not
commercial hybridizers and may be partially
condoned by the fact that they are not fami¬
liar enough with the existent field. But the
problem is there, none the less. We are put¬
ting on the market hundreds of new violets
that won’t be around two years from now. It
is a little, ridiculous, isn’t it?

So, let’s think about it. Let’s try. And, if
it is humanly possible, in the interest of ex¬
cellence, let’s slow down, please! •

N.B. All names used are ficticious. If any
name happens to be the same or simi¬
lar to one in use, it is completely acci¬
dental.

-BINDERS-

You Will Enjoy The
Convenience of Keeping
All Your Copies of The

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

in permanent binders, two for $6.50
postpaid. Each binder holds ten copies.
African Violet Magazine is attractively
lettered in gold on the dark green
covering.

Single binders are not sold.

Write to:

African Violet Society of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 1326
Knoxville, Tennessee

Hope Ireland, Flushing, New York

If you are trying to start a collection of
African violets and you are having difficulties,
here are a few tips that may help you:

1. Select varieties that are easy to grow.
All African violets do not grow with the same
ease, so it will help if you begin with those
that give the least trouble. Ask the grower
you are buying from; he or she usually knows
which plants will perform with “the greatest
of ease.” To start with, try not more than a
half dozen varieties at one time.

2. If you are just beginning you probably
don’t have a potting soil mixture set up for
yourself. A good formula under these circum¬
stances is to get a bag of Baccto African Vio¬
let Soil. Mix two cups of the Baccto with one
cup of vermiculite.

3. Take the plant or plants you have pur¬
chased and with great care remove as much
of the outer soil as you can without disturbing
the basic root system. Now repot the plant
in the Baccto-vermiculite mix.

4. Do not water very much for a week.
Just make certain there is moisture in the
soil: that is just short of being dry. This is
so the plant will establish itself. I like to
think that it will grow roots more quickly if
it has to “go looking for water.”

5. The second week after potting you should
begin a feeding program. Feed only if the
plant has not lost any lower leaves; if the
plant IS losing lower leaves it is not estab¬
lished and does not need fertilizing. You should
recheck your watering procedure. Water less,
cover the plant with a plastic bag to hold the
humidity in around it and help it recover.
VERY easy on the water around the roots at
this time.

6. When your plant has been in the new
soil for two weeks and has not had a setback,
you can, as I mentioned before, start a feeding
regime. Never apply fertilizer on dry soil.
Don’t feed a very wet plant either. Just make
certain the plant is not dry, for if it is and
you feed you will burn the root system. If it
is too wet, the fertilizer just runs through.

Your feeding schedule should be:

1st week — Atlas Fish Emulsion — for leaf
and stem

2nd week — Plant Marvel — for bloom

3rd week — • Hyponex — for roots

Dilute each according to the printed direc¬
tions on the containers and rotate these feed¬
ings. You are now feeding with one of the
above three plant foods once a week and in
six to eight weeks you should have bloom —
if your light and humidity are both adequate.#

59

Growing Violets
In The Barbados

Mrs. E. W. Scripture,

Marietta, St. James, Barbados

These violets are growing on stands and
shelves on a verandah facing the west
and the Caribbean Sea. In this position they
are sheltered from the prevailing winds
which, except on a very few occasions, come
from the east. They get a little afternoon sun,
filtered through the coconut palms.

I use Black Magic potting mixture. I find
in this warm climate that it is better to keep
the plants quite moist, and the Black Magic
mixture seems to drain better than some
others. I feed a very weak solution of the
same company’s liquid fertilizer, about once
a week. •

This plant is growing in a coral pot, which it seems to
like, as it never stops flowering. It is a pale mauve,
the name of which I have lost.

Winterizing Window Sills

Mrs. R. J. Hainstock,

Fort William, Ont., Canada

As I have spent all forenoon winterizing
my window sills, it now occurs to me that
I should pass on my method, which was tried
out last winter for the first time and, for
once, I really had bloom during the blizzards.

First, you obtain “insulating bats” and un¬
roll them. Then cut them wide enough to com¬
pletely cover the sill and reach up to lower
edge of the glass. Set your pots in saucers with
upturned lids so that drainage does not inter¬
fere with the bottom of your plant pot. Re¬
place on sills and watch the leaves so that
they do not touch the glass. In warmer climates
you will not have six months of cold weather
to bring plants through, but here we really
have it.

Our storm sashes are draft free aluminum
and the window framing has been well
caulked. Nevertheless, the pots would be “cold
as charity” and there the plants sulked all
winter — that is, those which did not take
root rot. Water violets in the winter one must,
but even warm water does not undo the
damage done by cold pots. When one has
room for floral carts and fluorescent lighting,
there is no winter problem but we do not all
have space for such things, especially those
really “bitten by the bug.” Here, for instance,
I have eight windows crammed full, and then
always looking for “room for just one more.”

Happy violeting, one and all! •

Sure Cure For Ground Mealy Bug

Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Angeles, California

If your plant has become small in the center
and the flowers are much smaller or there
are none at all, look for the ground mealy
bug. If the plant is sitting in a saucer they
will show there, or around the top of the
crown just under the petioles.

The ground or soil mealy bug is a very
small, waxy, creamy-white looking bug about
the size of a pinhead, a little longer than
wide. You can see them but it is difficult to
see them move except under a magnifying
glass. They could be mistaken for Sponge-Rok
or vermiculite. Most of our saucers are black,
which makes it easier to see them. They are
found in uncultivated or undisturbed soil.

The cure is to drench the soil with a
solution of Malathion with 5 per cent Lindane
added, using 11 drops to a cup of water, and
applying until it comes out the bottom of the
pot. In other words, wet the plant through
thoroughly. Be sure to spray all tables ^ and
racks on which the plants are sitting.

Then leave the plant until it needs watering
again, and repeat. This should get them all,
but if not, repeat again in ten days. The plant
will come back and bloom normally, and will
start to grow again. •

Gerald Darver, Dallas, Texas

Beginner’s Lnck

I am a senior in high school and attended my
first African violet show last year. The
president of the Lone Star Violet Society,
Mrs. Dorothy Stubbs, gave me my first leaf
and plant after that show, and I was on my
way. I now have about 450 plants; and I make
redwood and aluminum lighted portable carts
for many of the violet growers in this area.

My advice to all new “addicts” is to borrow
a copy of the African Violet Magazine from
someone who is a member of a club; get all
available books on violet culture from the
library; and follow the club member’s advice
when you start.

1. Root leaves in a glass cereal bowl (the
10c kind from the variety store); place foil
on the top and then the labels may be pasted
on by each leaf and you can see when the
leaves root. (Pill bottles topple over and it
is difficult to label them.)

2. Do discard leaves, and only save the
plants you really like and want to keep.

3. Use a fertilizer that is high in phos¬
phorus if you want lots of bloom, and stick
to it. Don’t try every fertilizer you hear about
as different locations react differently. Alter¬
nate with some sort of fish emulsion occas¬
ionally.

4. Use any one of the good violet soils
carried by a commercial grower in your vi¬
cinity. Making a chore out of cooking dirt,
etc. takes the fun out of culture.

5. Do repot after the first blooming; and
then see if the plant is root-bound before the
second repotting.

6. Do groom your plants so that they form
a complete circle at all times. Keep your
lights low if you want a symmetrical plant
for show instead of one that reaches up to the
light. Remove all suckers.

Do not overwater ... I find this the worst
fault of new growers. I like to let the plant
feel very dry to the touch before watering. I
usually give the Society’s African Violet Cul¬
ture Sheet to everyone to whom I give a
plant, including a person who is ill. I think
that these instructions from your Society, if
followed, can help a new grower produce
good plants.

Light. This is why I wrote you in the first
place. I did “The Effect of Artificial Light on

Plant Growth” for my physics project this
year, and built the cart; and on page 109 of
your March issue you asked for research
information on this subject.

I started using the Gro-Lux lights in De¬
cember 1961, after seeing how they affected
the plants of a grower in the Harlingen area.
The plants are healthier, there are more
blooms, larger blooms, and the pinks are more
intense. I use the lights from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
turn them off, and then turn them on at mid¬
night, with a timer, for four hours. This was
also my project: that plants like a period of
rest during the day and grow during this
midnight period. The Renner Foundation here
just made their award to two research scien¬
tists for this discovery. I haven’t used this
timing long enough to give the results on vio¬
lets.

Anyone can get information on Gro-Lux
lights by writing to the Commercial Engineer¬
ing Department, Sylvania Lighting Products,
Salem, Massachusetts, or by calling this de¬
partment in your area, and they will send you
their Bulletin 0-230.

I also use the General Electric deluxe warm
white lights, with good results, but I keep my
lights lower than most of the growers, in
order to produce a more compact plant. I do
air condition during the day in summer and
keep an electric heating fan type heater going
at night in the winter, for proper temperature
and to prevent mildew. An outer door is kept
open most of the time, and all night, for
oxygen.

Always remember that violets like light
but not the sun’s rays.

I use a battery type water filler to water
with, and use a bucket to water from. I keep
a piece of Kleenex handy to wipe off im¬
mediately any water that gets spilled on the
leaves. I water from the top only, but have
seen beautiful violets that are watered from
the bottom and are wick-fed. I feel that many
people let their violets worry them. I like to
enjoy my plants . . . that is why I have them
in the room that we use most frequently . . .
where we eat ... so that our pleasure is to
see them at all times. I could never grow them
in a basement where the only time I enjoyed
them was when I had to take care of them. I
also feel they should be where they have a
home . . . not on every available spot and
window sill and shelf. Once you have a
lighted cart and have all your beautiful plants
together, growing like a family, you will truly
enjoy your violets just as I have enjoyed
mine during this past year. •

61

African Violets

Myrtle Gray Rigdon, York, Alabama

Since this is our Magazine, we think we
should have our say. How about it people?

We live with our mistress and her 89-year-
old invalid mother away down South in the
western part of Alabama. During the winter
months we live in a big old-fashioned kitchen
with double windows facing the east. As soon
as the warm days of spring come, we are
moved all over the house, and rest and grow
on tables facing the north, the south, and the
west. When the sun peeps in too brightly,
curtains are drawn to protect us.

We grow in Ortho potting soil with Terra-
Lite and charcoal added. We get new soil,
larger pots, and more space when we need it.
After we are repotted, we are placed on in¬
verted pots in the bathtub and allowed to
remain for two or three days. We enjoy the
cool moist atmosphere as the watet* drips from
the faucet. Our mistress calls the bathroom
our recovery room.

Our drinking water is boiled, cooled and
allowed to stand in gallon glass jars for at
least 48 hours. It is then reheated to room
temperature. We do not like cold drinks, nor
are they good for us.

We are fed Vio-Vim, Hyponex, and Plan-
tabbs alternately at two week intervals dur¬
ing our active growing season. During the
rest of the year, we get about half as much.

We get a warm Ivory Soap bath followed
by a rinsing with warm clear water, monthly.
This bath cleans our leaves, flushes the salts
accumulations, and routs the insects. We are
never allowed to enjoy bright light or the sun
until we are thoroughly dry. Otherwise, we
would be all freckled and unsightly.

We are bathed in the kitchen in this way:

First, we get a good brushing off with a
half inch cameFs-hair paintbrush. This is to
remove some of the dust which might leave
streaks after our bath.

Second, we get into our shower togs plastic
collars to keep our soil from washing from

our pots.

Third, one by one we get our all over bath
in a dish pan of warm sudsy water (90°F.).
Our mistress always uses Ivory Soap because
it is 99% pure.

JDish pan in kitchen Sink

Fourth, we are removed to large serving
trays and placed in the sink where warm
water from the faucet rinses every trace of
soapy water from our leaves and petioles.

62

Fifth, we are allowed to drain on our
trays, our collars are removed.

Sixth, we are carried back to our tables
and rest behind drawn curtains until we are
thoroughly dry.

Seventh, when we are dry we are shining
and clean and ready to greet the light of day.

Our mistress watches the thermometer and
tries to keep our living quarters at 60 to 75
degrees in winter. We will have to confess
we get pretty warm during the summer days.
It is then we get even with our mistress by
refusing to put on a blossom display.

We are not complaining about the humidity
situation. Some of us sit in trays of moist
Terra-Lite, and there are always little glass
jars filled with water that are scattered among
us on our tables. Then, we get our daily spray¬
ing with warm seasoned tap water.

We live in 21/4 and 3 inch clay pots which
are collared in aluminum foil. Those of us
who have no trays of Terra-Lite have our own
aluminum pie pans and we are not crowded.
Our 22 by 60 inch pine tables were built
especially for us.

Mites? Oh no! We get our periodic dosages
of sodium selenate. We also get a good spray¬
ing with Wonder Garden Spray, one teaspoon
to one quart of warm seasoned water, weekly.
When new plants come to live among us, our
mistress puts them in an isolated ward until
she is reasonably sure they will not contami¬
nate the rest of us either by disease or pests.
You see, our predecessors all went the mite
way more than a year ago, and we young’uns
just aren’t taking any chances.

When our mistress brings in leaves to root,
she gives them a warm Tide bath and rinses
them in clear warm water. She then dunks
them in a solution of Wonder Garden Spray
and lays them aside for 30 minutes. They are
then placed in baby food jars of water. Wax
paper secured by rubber bands keeps the
blades from coming in contact with the water.
When the roots are from 1/4 to Vz inch long,
they are set in IVz by 51/2 by 2V2 inch fiber
seed flats filled with milled sphagnum moss.
Here they grow until they are separated and
planted in regular potting mix in 21/4 inch
clay pots.

Our mistress has kept records since Janu¬
ary 20, 1957. She has only to refer to our diary
to find when, where, and how she acquired
us. Our general characteristics, date of propa¬
gation, blooming date, fertilizer, and pest con¬
trol dates, and even the casualties, are noted.

We owe our well-being to the help given
by the members of the African Violet Society
through the many excellent articles which
make up the African Violet Magazine; to
Montague Free’s All About African Violets;
to articles in various other magazines, and to
the many friends our mistress has who, too,
are African violet lovers. •

Stubborn Leaves

Mrs. R. B. Pearsall, Groton, N.Y.

Has anyone been tried with leaves which
just refused to root? Well, I certainly have.
The first week in April I purchased four
beautiful, fresh leaves at a local African
violet show. I placed them in water and wait¬
ed patiently for the roots to appear, but, to
my great disappointment, none showed for
two months. The leaves and stems stayed nice
and fresh with no signs of rot. I was just at
the point of tossing them out when I decided
to look in the National Magazine for the best
dates to root leaves. I found the table in the
December 1961 issue. So, on June 3rd I cut
off one quarter inch from each stem and
replaced them in water. Within two weeks,
roots began to appear and soon the leaves
were ready for my rooting medium. I use
vermiculite with some potting soil added.
Now I am eagerly awaiting the appearance
of plantlets.

Who says it is just a whim to plant and
grow by the moon signs? I know from my
experience that it really works. Now when I
want to start new leaves from my plants for
some friends, I look in this table for the
right dates. •

On Growing Episcias

Sidney Rosen, Rochester, New York

For a long time I tried to grow Episcias
and never had any luck with them. I even
tried growing them under the lights down in
the basement, and although I had a little
better luck with them, I still couldn’t do much
with them. Then I discovered that when I
rooted them in perlite or vermiculite they
would grow very well, so I decided to try
some by putting them in perlite or vermiculite
in plastic refrigerator containers that are
square and hold about a quart or a little more.
The result was fantastic. I have four of these
plastic containers on my living room table,
which sets in a picture window on the east
side of the house. The growth of these Episcias
is something to see. I have about six different
kinds including the Lipstick plant (Aeschy-
nanthus Lobbianus) which I had never been
able to grow. Every one is blooming and some
of them have runners all over the table and
are even growing up the Venetian blind.

I noticed in the March issue of the African
Violet Magazine, a letter from Mrs. F. C.
Darragh, Covington, Louisiana, saying that
she raises Episcias and has about 24 different
kinds. I wonder if she has any to spare or if
she could tell me where I may obtain some
different ones. •

63

A Fund-Raising Idea

By the Editor

(I hope that it is clearly 'understood , without my
saying so, that / am in no way connected with
PHOl'O STAMPS except to pass this information on
to you.—Editor)

Every year the same old question of how
can the club raise money for the show, this
project, or that piece of equipment rears its
ugly head. It can really be a big problem, as
you well know.

Recently I was talking with Sherman Dove,
a photographer friend of mine, regarding this
very issue and he suggested a plan that I
simply must tell you about. The idea isn’t
just novel and different but it’s quick, easy
and with no expense to the club whatsoever.
I’ve never heard of a plan that required abso¬
lutely no investment and this is the main
reason I want to tell you about PHOTO
STAMPS.

Everyone loves pictures! Can you imagine
a clear, sharp little picture just the size of a
postage stamp in sheets of 100 regular size
stamps or 50 airmail size stamps, gummed so
they will stick anywhere and perforated so
they may be easily separated. What if every
letter you received from a new violet friend
or enthusiast had a small stamp photograph
of the writer enclosed? Wouldn’t it give more
of a personal touch to the letter especially if
you were not previously acquainted with the
writer? Think of how much more interesting
“Round Robin” correspondence would be ... .

The plan to raise money doesn’t start there,
however. This was just a side suggestion of
my own to show how you, as an individual.
Club or Chapter, could sponsor the sale of
the little photo stamps to other clubs, schools,
or neighbors in your community. You, being
a subscriber to the African Violet Magazine,
have an advantage — you may purchase these
stamps for yourself at a 25% discount while
other organizations and individuals cannot. In
other words, you can have your cake and eat
it too.

You might think 100 pictures would be
expensive but here again I was surprised —
the price is only $2.00 for 100 (2 cents each).
Now that’s a bargain within itself, but wait,
there’s more! Your personal order or the club
or chapter orders are discounted 25%: you
make 50c on each sale — 10 sales $5.00, 100
sales/$50.00, 1,000 sales $500.00 etc. Before
my enthusiasm runs away with me perhaps I
should give in full the idea as it was presented
to me and let you be the judge. Order yourself
a set of the stamps, discuss it in your next
meeting for an all-out money-raising plan. I
feel it would be a success — with little effort
involved and no inventory left on your shelves
after your fund-raising drive is completed.

The following is quoted from Photo Stamps
literature:

It’s easy! Just show photo stamps to anyone
and mail their orders to us. No selling neces¬
sary; photo stamps sell themselves. They are
novel, different, with hundreds of uses — a
wide open field with no competition.

You keep 25% for your commission — 50^z:
on each $2.00 order, $10.00 on just 20 orders
(a normal size Sunday school or nursery
school class), $50.00 on 100 orders (a normal
size neighborhood or club), $250.00 on 500
orders (a normal size grammar school),
$500.00 on 1,000 orders (a normal size high
school).

Photo stamp is a quick sale! Any photo that
your customer has on hand can be used •—
such as snapshots, billfold pictures, school pic¬
tures, Polaroid, etc. (the customer’s picture
will be returned unharmed).

About photo stamps — -

Each Photo stamp is a professional high-
gloss photograph, perforated in sheets of
100 of the small size or 50 of the large
size, with gummed backs, just like a sheet
of postage stamps.

Photo stamps have hundreds of uses —
stick them on Christmas cards, business
cards, personal calling cards, autograph
books, application forms, record labels
for identification, nursery school, gram¬
mar school, and Sunday school annuals or
composites, personalized stationery, invi¬
tations, and thank you cards — ■ just to
mention a few.

What your customer pays for photo stamps:

100 Small size stamps $2.00

50 Large size stamps (Airmail size) $2.00

Tenn. Residents add 3% Sales Tax.

How to send orders for photo stamps:

1. Write clearly the name and address of
your customer on a piece of paper, stat¬
ing which size stamp they desire. (Do
Not write on picture.)

2. Scotch tape one edge of this paper to the
back of your customer’s picture. (Do Not
use paper clips or staples.) We will mail
the finished photo stamps and the original
picture (unharmed) postpaid, directly to
your customer within 3 weeks after order
is received. (On large school orders
where 100 or more sets are to be mailed
together allow 4 weeks for delivery.)

3. Keep your commission of 25% and send
customers’ photos, addresses, and $1.50
for each order enclosed to: Photo Stamps,
P. O. Box 9003,' Knoxville 20, Tennessee.

If you would like a set of the photo stamps
made from one of your own photos to use as
samples, you may deduct your commission and
order one sheet of each size for $3.00 or, if
you prefer, one sheet of either size for $1.50.

Write —

PHOTO STAMPS

P. O. Box 9003, Knoxville 20, Tennessee

64

Violets or Babies?

The Happy Ending

Mrs. Francis Johnston, Chevy Chase, Md.

It’s taken me a long time to get around to
writing the happy ending to my story. In
fact it’s really the happy beginning, since I
anticipate many more years of violet and
baby raising. As I said in my little story
“Violets or Babies?” in the March 1962 issue
page 87 we were expecting our fourth baby
right at the time of the Metropolitan African
Violet Society Show, Washington, D.C., and
I was wondering how on earth I’d ever get
my plants ready, much less actually make it
to the show. The way things happened went
something like this:

In November we bought a new house. We
rented the old one and had to move out a
month before our new home was ready.
Luckily we were able to move in (complete
with violets) with my parents. I found make¬
shift quarters for the violets on every avail¬
able table. Then three days before Christmas,
1961 we moved into our own home leaving
the violets behind until my husband could
set up their permanent place in the basement.
What with moving twice, getting the other
children settled in a new school, painting,
cleaning and getting ready for Christmas,
something had to give. Naturally, it was the
violets that “gave.” My parents had gone
away for the winter, so by the time I brought
my violets to their new home they were a
pretty scraggly lot. Some had gotten chilled,
others had broken leaves from all the moving,
but I was still determined to have something
to enter in the show.

The new light set-up my husband had made
seemed to be ideal. He had cut another heat
vent into the basement so the temperature

never dropped below 65, and I added plastic
“curtains” on the shelves for more humidity.
In the 2 months left before Baby and Show
time, I hoped I could have some nice plants.

By the first week in March they looked
better. Some were already in full bloom,
others showing buds. I felt with a few more
weeks of intensive care, I’d be ready for the
show. What happened was that the baby was
already ready for his show and arrived in
full bloom — a month early. When I brought
him home needless to say I hadn’t any time
for the violets. Superphosphate and Fish Emul¬
sion gave way to Similac and Pablum. The
violets languished and drooped in the base¬
ment, while the baby flourished and blossomed
upstairs in his new crib.

A few days before the show I went down¬
stairs to see which violets, if any, could be
salvaged. There were Vallinpink and Cava¬
lier almost out of blossom . . . Melody Air
looked more like Funeral Dirge and Double
Pink Fire had flickered out to a Double Gray
Cinder. I wound up choosing only four plants.

The Metropolitan A. V. Society Show is no
ordinary show, and the quality of the plants
is really professional. My poor little plants
looked doubly sad next to most of the other
entries, except for my Shag which finally did
win a red ribbon. As I sadly repacked my
plants the next day, I thought, no blue rib¬
bons for me this year. But on the way home
I smiled to myself and composed in my head
this announcement:

JOHNSTON’S VIOLETRY ANNOUNCES
A BLUE RIBBON WINNER F-1 SEEDLING
First Exhibited March 10, 1962
Variety: “Samuel Del Johnston”

Color: Pink with blue eyes
Size: 5 lb. 13 oz. (a miniature)

Foliage: “Boy” type

NOTE: This specimen is for show only. We
are not taking orders for any more at present.

Bulletin Board Is Convenient

Pegboards may be purchased reasonably
and make excellent bulletin boards for ready
experience and reminders of correspondence,
important reports, schedules, records, etc. They
are easily attached to a wall or uprights with
screws using spacers in front and back of the
pegboards. The front spacers prevent the
screws from digging into the board. The back
spacer provides the distance to insert the hook
for holding the material, which is hole
punched, to slip over the hook. Enlarged
sketch shows detail and method of installation.

This bulletin board provides quick reference
and ready current and past information for
your convenience and once placed in an ac¬
cessible location gives much satisfaction and
pleasure to records that sometimes get lost
or buried in the files. •

65

Proper Soil Balance Gives More
Floriferous Violets

Mr. and Mrs. C, E. Elderkin, Toledo, Ohio

Most African violet fans would be happy
if all of their plants had 100 buds and
blooms. While on vacation in Nova Scotia,
Canada, last year, I saw an African violet
plant with 100 blossom stems bearing from
15 to 19 buds and flowers per stem ~ over
1,500 buds and blossoms on a plant! The lady
who owns this plant said she had started the
leaf, the plant grew from, about a year before.
The plant filled a 12 inch pot in one year!
We saw this variety in other parts of the
province with a few buds and blossoms but
nothing outstanding, so we investigated and
found that the soil made the difference.

A perfect soil gives plants the proper pro¬
portions of minerals, organic matter, soil orga¬
nisms, soil atmosphere, and soil water. If we
just change the proportion of one of the nec¬
essary ingredients the soil is said to be “out
of balance.” Then, it will not produce nice
plants.

Very few of us can buy soil like that, but
we could make some. Our forefathers did not
realize that they could exhaust the fertility
of America’s God given soil. Soil chemists
know that one or more of the essential ele¬
ments have been “farmed out” of some soils.
Other soils would have these elements but
other elements would be depleted, so when
you go on vacation why not collect samples
of soil from different localities? If we collect
soils of different colors and textures we will
find that our African violets will love it. Do
not dig more than 3 inches deep.

If we select our samples of soil by the
“weed test” we will find that the yellow and
greyish soils do not grow healthy vigorous
weeds so let us give weeds credit for knowing
good soil. While we are talking about weeds
we suggest that you take their roots along
too as a lot of weeds are healthy because
they produce antibiotics which protect them
from plant eating microorganisms.

You will gather a few samples of sandy
loam which is 75% sand, 10% clay, and 15%
silt. You will find the weeds like clay loam
which is 35% sand, 25% clay and 40% silt.
You will also notice that weeds love silt loam
which is 5% sand, 15% clay, and 80% silt
so you will have samples of the 3 types of
loam.

Soil which passes through sieves with
meshes 2 to .05 mm diameter is called sand
which usually is pulverized quartz mixed with
small quantities of mica, feldspar, magnetite,

etc. Soil which passes through meshes .05 to
.002 mm is called silt which feels like flour
when rubbed between your finger tips; it
came from rocks pulverized by the glaciers
and other forces of Nature. Soil which passes
through .002 mm sieves is called clay which
is chiefly aluminum silicate, when mixed with
other ingredients it will bake as hard as a
brick.

Every year some of our readers visit Nova
Scotia in the neighborhood of “The Land of
Evangeline,” Perhaps you would like to know
something about the silt loam which makes
the famous dyked marshes so productive. No
doubt you know that sea water carries all of
the trace elements a plant needs as well as the
major elements. The rivers running into the
Bay of Funday have 40 foot tides which rise
and fall twice in twenty-four hours. . Ocean
going ships sail in with the tide to be left
high and dry six hours later. These fast moving
tides deposit layers of silt loam on the marsh¬
es. Dykes have been erected to keep out the
salt water. After the salt has been leached
out these dyked marshes produce huge crops
without using additional fertilizer. We visited
a farm where some of this salt marsh silt
had been hauled on the cornfield to add trace
elements. The farmer cut a few stalks of corn
to show us; they measured 25 feet long, it
grew that tall in 10 weeks. That man knew
how to farm.

If you would like to collect samples of silt
loam from these dyked marshes it would be
necessary to get permission from the owner
who would not object, I feel sure, if you took
your samples from the bottom of a shallow
ditch. Here the loam would actually be more
fertile than anywhere else. You would use
the “weed test” here too. Avoid soil where
you see a weed called Fox Tail — this weed
grows best where the soil is too salty for
African violets.

While we are discussing Nova Scotian soil,
may I tell you briefly a little about the lo¬
cation where the almost perfect soil is found
which was used to grow that 1,500 bud and
blossom violet. This plant was growing in
a home in a fishing village 25 miles from
Digby the nearest town. Fishermen have been
living there about 200 years. This village,
which is called Little River, is on a long
narrow neck of land which is all that is
left of the oldest mountain on earth. Most of
the soil on the side of that old mountain is

66

poor and rocky, but small fields which have
been used to grow crops have been fertilized
with kelp (a seaweed) and fish refuse. You
know the seaweed would have an opportunity
to use a well-balanced supply of all of the
necessary elements from the sea water, and
the fish would supply extra nitrogen and
phosphorus in an available form, so, down
through the years the soil in those small
fields has accumulated a balanced plant food.

A few of our readers could collect kelp or
some other seaweed if they live near the
seacoast. We suggest that you wash all of the
salt from the seaweed while it is pliable;
then you could make a compost with the
soil samples and seaweed. If you do not have
a yard where compost could be made and
stored, just make plastic bags for your com¬
post and keep them in a warm place out of
sight.

The rest of us who live inland have another
valuable source of all of the necessary ele¬
ments, as well as a valuable source of organic
material, and soil microorganisms: that is
poultry manure. Secure this from a poultry-
man who buys the most up-to-date mixed feed
for his poultry. This mixed feed is a balanced
combination of all of the necessary elements
required by poultry but it is not in balanced
proportions for your violets. So, it will be
necessary to experiment. First we will sterilize
the soil samples and mix them carefully. Then
we measure the following materials for our
compost:

2 parts of mixed soil

2 parts of coarse sand

1 part poultry manure

1 part cow manure

1 cup of pulverized egg shells per gallon
of mixture

1 tablespoon air slacked lime or ground
limestone per gallon of mixture

4 tablespoons bone meal per gallon of mix¬
ture

1 cup pulverized charcoal per gallon of
mixture

This compost needs 2 parts of vermiculite
after the material has been thoroughly worked
over by the microorganisms.

Perhaps we should tell you about the Re¬
curring Scales at this time. You know about
the recurring scales of sound; perhaps you also
know about the recurring scales in chemistry.
Biologists, now, are beginning to arrange
plants and animals in recurring scales.

If we could study the microscopic plants
and animals in the poultry manure we would
find that they Just about fill in all of the
positions in the recurring scales of micro¬

organisms found in our part of the country.
Then, when we start them working in the
compost the different species of bacteria,
yeasts, and fungi which live on living plants
and animals would be destroyed by the di¬
gestive fluids of other single celled plants
with the help of the microscopic animals
(Protozoa). So that they would be followed
by plants which live on organic matter which
has not been decomposed. If we collected
some of the roots of the varieties of weeds
which produce antibiotics in the soil the first
two types of microscopic plants would soon
be eliminated. When the compost reaches the
crumbly stage we would find that the majority
of those microorganisms are the useful kind
which digest the soil particles for the roots
of our hungry African violets. Other useful
organisms digest the humus in the flower
pot and liberate carbon dioxide in the soil
where it will do the most good. This compost
and vermiculite should grow very good Afri¬
can violets, but perhaps you want to grow
super violets. So, we start our experiments
with soil organisms, and two major elements
— nitrogen and phosphorus. If an African
violet club is making a project of this, one
member would have a lot of fun, and produce
some outstanding plants.

Only .03 of 1 per cent of the atmosphere
is carbon dioxide (CO2), so if your violets
had to depend on the CO2 in the atmosphere
to produce plant tissue they would have to
work hard for their food. About 80% of the
dry matter in your violet is carbon and oxy¬
gen so you see that gas usually is one of the
“Limiting Agents” because your plants do not
get enough to grow on from the air. So, the
member with this project could give the soil
bacteria a little sugar and a little ammonia
once in a while when she is watering her
plants. Violets can also take some sugar
through their leaves if sprayed with 1 tea¬
spoon of sugar dissolved in a cup of warm
water. Next day spray with warm water with¬
out the sugar.

It is so easy for anybody to read instruc¬
tions and make mistakes so we suggest that
all experiments should be tried on expendable
plants first. Use a number of plants of the
same variety. Keep number one for a check
plant. Don’t give it any plant food, but give
it the same light, etc. The second plant will
be for a nitrogen experiment, and the third
for a phosphorus experiment. A cauliflower
plant could be grown for the nitrogen de¬
ficiency indicator plant and if the old leaves
begin to turn bright orange, or have red
and purple tints, then drop off early, that
would indicate nitrogen deficiency. With Af¬
rican violets the older leaves turn yellow
prematurely. A rape plant or seed turnip
would be a very good phosphorus deficiency
indicator plant. Deficiency results in restrict¬
ed growth. Grows upright and spindly; leaves

67

small. Defoliation starting with older leaves
is premature. With African violets, the plant
quits blooming, then other symptoms follow.
We must keep a balance between nitrogen
and phosphorus to produce large blossoms so
it is necessary for the same member to work
with both of these elements. In order to grow
super violets it is mandatory to increase the
quantities of both elements until maximum
production is attained. That would be very
simple if we did not have a few little things
to complicate matters ....

Phosphorus is concerned with the efficient
utilization of nitrogen and root development.
Some collections of soil will have a high iron
content which has a high “fixing power” —
makes phosphorus “indigestible” for your
violet. So, we multiply the soil bacteria with
a little sugar. These soil bacteria will digest
the phosphorus for your plant, but they help
themselves to all of the nitrogen they want
at the expense of the violet, so it is necessary
to add a little nitrogen with the sugar. This
sugar will produce some acid in the soil: too
much sugar may produce enough acid to
burn the roots, so it will be necessary to add
a little lime water the next time you water
your violets. Too much lime also makes phos¬
phorus indigestible. Iron fixes the P. when
the soil is acid and lime fixes the P. when the
soil is neutral or alkaline. If you give your
plants a little too much lime water the bac¬
teria will increase their activity and make
a little more acid and use up the nitrogen.
The reason for the egg shells in the compost
was to keep that material from becoming too
acid. Another advantage: if you add a little
more egg shell than you need the soil does
not become alkaline. You will see the impor¬
tance of a slightly acid soil when we consider
the other essential elements.

Nitrogen is required in all growth processes.
When it is deficient the foliage begins to hug
the pot and older leaves turn yellow pre¬
maturely — when you increase the intensity
of light, or increase the length of time plants
are exposed to light. You know your violets
grow faster and give more blossoms when
they get enough light, because light is nec¬
essary for the process of making plant tissue
out of CO2. Here again the activity of soil
organisms make nitrogen available, or “di¬
gestible” for your violets if you like that
word.

Plants like nitrogen in the nitrate form
but they can use ammonia. The next compli¬
cation — if you add too much nitrogen in
proportion to the potash the plant will suffer
from potash deficiency, so the member who
is experimenting with nitrogen and phos¬
phorus should grow a potash deficiency indi¬
cator. The best plant for that job is a potato.
After you get the plant started from a potato
tuber, remove the tuber so that it will not
interfere with the test. When potash is defi¬
cient, the potato leaves will grow flat or curl

backwards near the margins. Color will be
bluish-green or bronzed. There may be some
chlorosis between veins, with leaf margins
scorched. Much brown spotting on undersur¬
face. In advanced stages of potash deficiency,
leaf stems often wither prematurely.

Those hard working soil organisms liberate
nitrate, sulphate and carbon dioxide and these
acting as acids dissolve corresponding or
“equivalent” amounts of base-forming ele¬
ments, particularly calcium. Further changes
then take place: the calcium in particular will
bring other “bases” into solution such as
magnesium and potash by base exchange re¬
actions with the extremely minute particles
in the soil (called colloids) and the humus
materials. When you are collecting your soil
samples the heavier soils will contain higher
amounts of potash than the sandy soils. This
potash will be fairly strongly “fixed” as an
exchange base. It appears that violets with
a deficiency of potash are stunted and produce
too many suckers and few or no flower stems.
Older leaves will brown at tips, the margins
will scorch and there will be brown spots
most numerous near margins.

If there is an unnecessary amount of potash
available your violets will try to absorb all
of it. Nobody is quite sure about the function
of potash. The element is present in all parts
of the plant and an outstanding characteristic
of this element is its mobility. If it is in short
supply it can be neutralized by young tissues
at the expense of the older leaves. That is
why they brown at the tips and develop
“symptoms” first. Excess potash may result
in insufficient manganese and calcium (lime)
so the member who is experimenting with
potash should grow some oats in a flower
pot for a manganese deficiency indicator. The
leaves of the oats will develop buff specks
and break off in the middle and older leaves
will die off.

If you find the leaves of your African
violets severely distorted with tips hooked
back, and margins curled backwards or for¬
wards, perhaps brown scorching; try feeding
them a little lime water. It could be lime .
deficiency symptoms. If neglected the crowns
will die. Calcium is readily leached from
sandy soils, but if you have some clay loam
in your violet soil the extremely minute clay
particles will hold the calcium as well as the
magnesium and potash as “exchangeable
bases” so they are less easily washed out.

Cauliflower plants make good manganese
deficiency indicators. Leaf margins curl in
and margins spot and turn brown. Chlorosis
is a most common symptom in violets. When
the pH of the soil is above 6.5 some soil orga¬
nisms render manganese unavailable to the
plant. Manganese and iron are concerned with
chlorophyll formation. Adding salts of man¬
ganese to the soil would not help much, so
the only thing to do is feed the acid producing

68

bacteria sugar or add sulphur. If your soil
was growing healthy weeds there is ample
manganese. Too much of that element will be
toxic, so, “Go ’aisy’ with the sugar.” An abun¬
dance of manganese in the plant may decrease
the solubility of iron in the plant. Conversely,
manganese deficiency may be induced by ex¬
cess iron. The ratio of the manganese to iron
is more important than the absolute concen¬
tration of manganese. Optimum ration is 3
parts per million of iron to 2 parts per million
of magnesium.

Iron oxides are responsible for the color
of red and brown soils. Insoluble forms of
iron are made available to plants by the action
of acids and depressed by phosphates. Defi¬
ciency is generally induced. Iron deficiency
may result from high concentrations of man¬
ganese, zinc, copper, cobalt, chromium, and
phosphorus in the nutrition solution. It may
also be induced by deficiencies of lime, mag¬
nesium, or potash. When the pH of the soil is
near neutral, phosphates may play an impor¬
tant part in preventing absorption of iron.
Deficiency may be aggravated by deficiency
of potash.

One of the main deficiency symptoms is
chlorosis of the leaves and young growth. This
may be due to a boron deficiency. Try mak¬
ing soil more acid. Usually the boron has
been made insoluble with too much lime or
some other basic element. If you want to add
boron do not use more than .5 parts of boron
in 1,000,000 parts of water — see your drug¬
gist.

Zinc and copper form a pair of mutually
co-ordinating catalysts. Zinc deficiency brings
excessive destruction of the growth promotion
substance described in the African Violet Mag¬
azine as “Substance X” (December 1961 issue,
page 50). Liming reduces availability of both
elements. If you put your violets’ drinking
water in a galvanized pail for about an hour,
enough zinc will be dissolved to keep them
happy. They only need 100 parts of zinc in
1,000,000 parts of soil. Their copper require¬
ments are the same. Usually there is enough
zinc and copper in soils where weeds grow
luxuriantly, and your little friends the soil
bacteria work hard to keep these elements
available for your violets to use if you keep
the soil slightly acid.

Molybdenum produces beneficial effects on
plants when supplied up to 2,000 parts per
million of soil, but above that it is toxic. It
appears to be widely distributed in small
amounts. The availability of this element is
increased by adding lime.

We have tried to cut this article down as
we have enough material to fill a 400 page
book. Your body and my body are made from
the elements from soil which is one of the
most wonderful gifts from OUR CREATOR
— I know you would not call this material
“Dirt.” •

Christmas

Gift

Idea

Margaret Waff, Cary, North Carolina

An ideal Christmas gift for an African violet
friend is a file for pertinent information about
all the problems of growing violets.

Get a metal recipe box; they usually come
in shades of green. Then cut out a colored
picture from one of your older copies of the
African Violet Magazine and glue it on the
top. Use glitter glue to outline and then glitter
it. If you have the time and can paint, na¬
turally that would be better.

Recipes can be of the information we use
in the better culture of our African violets,
such as: Simplified Soil Formula, December
1959 Magazine. It is too time consuming to
have to go through many magazines to look
up information, and this way you have a file
with the information at your finger tips. As
the magazine comes in and you come across
sornething you think you may use, type it or
write it on a card and then put it in your file.

Thank You,
Northern California

We of the Los Angeles African Violet So¬
ciety are sure that by now nothing has been
left unsaid about the resplendent beauty of
the staging of the National Convention Show
at San Francisco. It surely provided a magni-
ficient setting for the hundreds of gorgeous
specimen violets exhibited.

It is with tremendous admiration that we
wish to commend the Northern members for
the enormous effort put forth to achieve such
spectacular beauty and efficient operation.
All of the well coordinated “behind the scene”
activity did not go unnoticed by us as we have
staged and survived ten large shows ourselves.

We can only sing your praises and “thank
you for the memories.” So hats off and cheers
to all who so ably and successfully engineered,
produced and supported the great National
Convention at San Francisco! And last but
never least, thanks to our violets for their
eternal inspiration.

69

Margaret Goehler,

Los Angeles, California

Grace and Bill Wilson in their greenhouse.

ttXl/HY not start an African violet club?’'

W Thus reasoned Mary Cahill and Lucile
(Georgia) Gransky a little over 3 years ago.
After all, we discussed our violets at every
available opportunity, so why not have one
big get-together? We could talk “shop” and
not be interrupted by our children or hus¬
bands, or have the lunch hour come to an end
and have to dash back to work!

That is how, on a Friday evening in De¬
cember 1959, a group of 14 violet enthusiasts
met at the home of Mary Cahill, whose violet-
filled windows furnished an appropriate set¬
ting. There, for the first time, some of us
became aware that violets had names and that
an African Violet Magazine was published and
was devoted exclusively to these fascinating
plants! At that time I was the owner of 14 —
now I have over 100 (not counting the num¬
erous leaves with plantlets, as I can’t resist
putting down a leaf just to experience the
thrill of seeing that first little green shoot
breaking through the soil).

The next month 24 of us, including 3 men,
met at Marion Walbeck’s home. We elected
officers, decided to meet on the third Friday
every 2 months at the Perry Point Community
House (where we would have more room),
and to pay dues of $1.00 a year. Mrs. Cameron
of Elkton demonstrated various methods of
culture, and we all nearly had heart failure
when she cut off a gooseneck plant so it would
grow into a respectable looking violet again,
after growing new roots in water. (How green
we were!)

Next we held an executive committee
meeting at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Hegedus.
In order to get the chapter affiliated by
March 1st, all officers paid their National dues.
We also selected our club name: “Susquehanna
African Violet Society.” Being located on the
Susquehanna River, we felt it was very ap¬
propriate. It was also decided to limit the
business meetings to 2 hours, after which re¬
freshments would be served.

In between our meetings, some of us visited
local greenhouses where violets were grown.

We never knew they existed before, and
what fun it was locating them, then walking
in and gazing upon a panorama of African
violets of every description. Naturally we
couldn’t resist buying “a few” and, of course,
we shared our new finds with the club mem¬
bers by taking leaves labeled with their names,
to the meetings. Georgia Gransky, by this
time, had set up a Ways and Means Committee
which furnished soil, plant foods, pots, etc. to
the members for a nominal fee, thus adding
to the treasury.

When our club was almost a year old, we
started formulating plans for our first show.
Not one of us had had any experience with
such a project, but we were fortunate in

Bert Beaty, first president, Grace Wilson, present
president, Mary Cahill, second president.

selecting Nellie Fadeley as show chairman.
Her ingenuity and enthusiasm, plus the driv¬
ing ambition of the other members, created
“Our First Year with African Violets,” the
beauty of which surpassed our wildest expec¬
tations. Each month of the year was depicted
by violet arrangements set up on card tables.
These decorated the stage and impressed both
the judges and our recorded attendance of
182. We had 138 entries, plus 6 artistic ar¬
rangements, an educational exhibit, sale of
small plants, a Ways and Means table, and
refreshments. From the enthusiastic com¬
ments of those present, we knew that our first
show was a success. This fact inspired us all
to begin plans for more entries for our shows
to follow.

70

We profited very much from this first ex¬
perience. Expenses were incurred that weren’t
necessary. Our publicity and staging should
have been given more consideration at an
earlier date, as they are two vital factors for
a successful show. We know now that all
judges must be certified in order for us to be
eligible for the Purple and Gold Rosette
Awards, and that ribbons and cards should be
the same color to simplify matters. All these
factors will improve our next show ... I hope
so, as I am chairman!

At later meetings we made plans to increase
our membership and to have a judging school.
Mrs. Cora Spath of Baltimore conducted the
class, at which 12 attended the lecture, 9 took

Lucile Gransky and Mary Cahill the originators of
our Susquehanna Violet Society.

the examination, and 8 passed. We also
planned a trip by bus to Tinari Greenhouses,
Bethayres, Pennsylvania. Twenty-seven of us
participated in this. It was so thoroughly en¬
joyed (the Tinaris were wonderful hosts), that
we unanimously agreed since that this or
some similar trip should become an annual
affair of our club. We also included 3 of the
women patients from the Veterans Adminis¬
tration Hospital as our guests. They have
become part of the club’s project to encourage
the patients to become interested in violets
so that they may have entries in both our
show and the Perry Point Arts and Crafts
show held annually on the hospital grounds.
Since then each member has donated several
nice plants which were delivered to the

Adele Reynolds, Perryville, Md.

women’s wards, where instructions were given
on caring for African violets.

Who could have envisioned that after 3
years of having our own club, such drastic
changes in our lives would have been wrought
by such a simple, yet beautiful, plant — the
Saintpaulia? Our homes are filled, practically
overflowing, with larger and lovelier named
plants. Grace and Bill Wilson (he’s retired)
are the proud possessors of their own green¬
house. (How we envy them!) Incidentally, he
built it himself. New friendships have been
formed. We wait, impatiently, for each issue
of the African Violet Magazine. Our non-violet
friends shake their heads and wonder how we
find so much to talk about and where we find
the time to care for so many plants. It DOES
take time and effort, but when one becomes
a violet “addict,” nothing else matters and
the work is transformed into pure and simple
pleasure.

“Why not start an African violet club?” •

The author with “a few” of her plants. (They are in a
converted bookcase — - the back was knocked out and
a fluorescent light installed for the bottom shelf.) In
case you’re interested Mrs. Reynolds is holding “Blaz¬
ing Glory” which is a variegated plant.

I received my first little purple African vio¬
let as a gift over 9 years ago, but I do not
know the true name of it to this day. It
bloomed and grew so well that I thought I
must surely try others. I certainly am an
amateur but think growing violets should
be tried by all housewives who love growing
plants, regardless of what the husbands say;
African violets are so beautiful and interest¬
ing to play with. There are very few women
who come to visit who wouldn’t love to take
a plant or two home with them, and often
they offer to pay for plants.

There are many things I would like to
understand better, such as: the best soil mix¬
ture, the one that will retain exactly enough
moisture; how, when I am forced to change
water, may I tell how unfavorable the new
water is as to the salts content, etc. (this I
find can ruin a lovely plant within a month);
also, what should I feed in addition to the
regular pantry food I use, and what about
the other products I read about which are
said to be good for African violets .... (I
believe it is unwise to use a fertilizer if you
do not understand what you are doing.)

I grow over 100 plants in my windows,
find it a bit crowded at times, but use the
shelves shown in the picture to take care
of them: they work very well to show the
violets and are real space savers. I try to
place the small plants on the top shelves as
it will be warmer there. I run a fan to move
the air and don’t have any trouble with heat
because of this. I use Venetian blinds and a
thin curtain on the south window and just
a Venetian blind to the east. I do, however,
when the sun is too hot, tip the shades to
keep the foliage nice and blossoms from burn¬
ing: it works very well for me, the blooms
seem to get larger before they wilt if they
are protected from the hot sun. My plants
get continual daylight and flower well except
when the temperature gets above 90 degrees
outdoors, then they will usually stop budding
if the heat prevails very long.

Plastic pots are best for me: they are pret¬
tier and require less attention. I do add more
holes in the bottom especially near the cor¬
ners to facilitate drainage and avoid a muddy
condition in the bottom of the pot as I think
the feeder roots work from there.

I use top watering as I believe that our
water supply isn’t always good . . . and feel
it is better for the plants to run some through
the soil each time they are watered so that
any salts or crystals that may have accumu¬
lated in the top soil will be washed through.
Using water other than rain water and not
draining it through seems to me to be a sure
way to damage a blooming plant. However,
bottom watering is the easiest. African violets
do not like a water that is alkaline or that
contains too many- chemicals. If I were prac¬
ticing watering from the bottom, I would
always be careful to run the water through

Violets In Eastern Montana

June Jordan, Hathaway, Montana

from the top of the pot every few waterings,
just to be certain an accumulation of ferti¬
lizer salts had not built up in the soil.

Sometimes peat moss makes the soil too
acid after African violets have been potted
in it for a length of time. If the plants show
signs of buds starting and not being able to
open, turning brown, etc., or poor color after
they have opened, acidity might be the cause,
provided the trouble isn’t caused by some
insect pest or by improper watering. I use
litmus paper to test the soil. It is so simple:
just lay the paper on the wet soil after water¬
ing and it will turn the color indicating
whether acid, basic or otherwise. If it shows
acid, and mine usually do, I then apply a
lime watering for a couple of times to reduce
the acidity. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of lime in a
quart of distilled or rain water, stir the solu¬
tion thoroughly and let it settle overnight,
then use the drained water. It doesn’t take

ni'uch so be very careful not to overdo — a
little is better than an overdose. If your
water is neither distilled or rain water, I
would suggest you be watchful of any crys¬
tals that may form on top overnight and
strain the water. These little crystals are
harmful to a violet’s roots. Be sure to use
hydrated lime. It really does work well for
me and I have often wondered if the pantry
food wasn’t about the same thing. Maybe
someone can answer this for those of us who
just read and then wonder about what to do
to use the nice sounding items and recipes.

Thanks to Neil Miller I know about and
use sodium selenate (Millcaps), also V-C 13
and Fermate. I use Vitamin B, especially on
my young plants and it really speeds them
in growth. I, also, use Instant Vigoro on the
small ones; I have not been able to find the

72

markings on the can that Mrs. Arndt sug¬
gested looking for. Wonder why they label
it in some parts of the country and not others?
There are so many things we cannot purchase
here; even our greenhouses do not know how
to grow violets too well and plants they order
for the holidays are the unnamed varieties.

My soil is extremely heavy so I use a
mixture of peat moss, soil, sand, charcoal,
bone meal and Fermate. At times I have add¬
ed rotted manure, if it is available, as it
improves the soil; make certain that any ma¬
nure you use is well rotted. I also use com¬
mercial soils when it is cold weather and I
haven’t any prepared. I purchased a soil test¬
er and was really surprised at the results I
found from some of the ready-made soils. I
believe you must really follow through on
your feeding program when using these (but
it says so on the package most of the time).
I find commercial soils quite satisfactory but
wonder why they do not mark them steri¬
lized; this is the main reason I mix my own
~ it is too risky if they just label it as ready
for planting. In these days and times it must
be clearly written there for us to read or we
don’t dare take a chance. The peat I buy
doesn’t say anything about being sterilized
so I sterilize that too — it doesn’t take long.
I sterilize a batch of ingredients at a time,
but do not use them immediately after steri¬
lizing. I believe sterilizing is very essential
as any insect in a little pot of soil, no matter
what kind, doesn’t leave room for the violets
to do very well: there just isn’t room for both.

Care should be exercised so as not to over¬
pot. When in too large a pot my African
violets seem to grow more foliage and must
reach a certain size before they will bloom;
also, it is easy to get the soil waterlogged if
they are overpotted. I do not have success
with pots that have no drainage, but know
that some people do; I do believe that if the
water I use was better I might be able to
grow a pretty one.

I may have underwatered my African
violets for years, letting them get bone-dry
between waterings as I was afraid I would
overwater. I believe one should use a proper
potting mix; a mix made up just exactly right
for the individual’s cultural requirements.
Never let the pots stand in water — either
run the water through the soil from the top
and drain before placing back on the stand,
or, if you are using bottom watering, fill the
tray with the required amount to bring damp¬
ness to the top soil. Then, don’t water again
until the soil will not stick to your fingers
when you finger-tip test it for dryness. If
the top soil is damp, wait until it is dry
before you water again; and be sure to run
water through from the top occasionally to
remove fertilizer salts.

I experiment all the time with a few plants
and among other things have tried gibberellic
acid. I really believe I liked it for small,

newly potted plants (Just used it once), how¬
ever, I think it upsets the usual form of a
mature plant unless one knows exactly how
to use it. It makes odd growths and slim
blooms, also slender leaves when I tried using
it monthly.

My shelves are made of plywood, are on
rollers, and were built to fit at the windows;
the shelves are 14 inches apart. I shellacked,
then varnished them— shelves also look very
nice if they are painted. I roll mine to dif¬
ferent parts of the house very easily and have
no trouble cleaning windows and shades.

I really enjoy the African Violet Magazine
and have benefited from all of the articles.
I especially like Mr. William Malone’s articles
and those by Mrs. Grace Arndt of Troutdale,
Oregon. Also I was interested in the article
about phosphate, but again they do not tell
me, in enough detail, how much or how often
to use it and whether to mix it in the soil
or try to dissolve it in water and use. I would
appreciate more specific directions.

There are about 5 of us here who grow
violets and I don’t believe we have many
pests — I guess it gets too cold in the winter
— but we all are cautious nevertheless and
don’t take many chances with flies, insects,
and the like getting into the house. We did
find that we must be careful what sprays we
use on our violets. If the can does not say it is
safe for African violets, we should not use
it. I believe some sprays contain different
bases — if the label says for the garden, be
sure not to use it for your African violets.

We women here who are interested in vio¬
lets feel sometimes as though we are in a
wilderness by ourselves. None the less, we
are introducing violets to others all the time
by giving them as gifts. Our flowers make
lots of conversation when flower lovers hap¬
pen to drop in; then there are ladies who
come just to see the plants when they are in
full bloom. Spring is the prettiest time here
for the little flower to perform its best, and
they are truly lovely when the air is moist
and we can have fresh air coming in the
house all the time. We are aiming to have a
violet club here ....

I have obtained several members for the
Society; I am always proud to give them the
membership blank to fill in as I know they
cannot help being pleased when they receive
their African Violet Magazines. I think the
staff is just wonderful to put out this Maga¬
zine that does so much to stimulate our in¬
terest in growing African violets. I am hoping
to attend the Convention some time when it
is near Montana.

Good growing to you all. Remember, this
article is for homemakers like myself who
are only growing African violets as a hobby
to relieve some of the dullness that goes along
with being a housewife . . . my ideas may
not be the very best, but they have given me
lots of satisfaction and success with violets.

73

VIOLETS AEE ENOUGH
Violet from Africa,

Boon for weary eyes,

Daintily so coy, demure.

Not too great in size.

You’re the flower, of this I’m sure,

Bound to bring me rapture —

Whether pink or mauve or blue,

You my love can capture.

Why seek orchids, iris, mums,

When from you such pleasure comes?
Edward E. Bill
Garden City, Kansas

I JUST AIN’T GOT “IT” NO MO

Once I had plants in bloom, purple, white,

blue and pink . . . But I think . . . I’ve lost
my erg, my id, my quo ... I sure ain’t got
“it” no mo . . . My plants are all “neck” or
they droop or sit ... I quit . , . I’ve lost the
know and how to grow . . . This window sill
dame — of great fame . . . I’ll clean house I
guess, on this mess . . . Throw this one and
that, my benches I’ll clear . . . But, Oh dear! —
Black Magic’s not bad . . . Nor Fair Lady, or
Sir Galahad ....

You’ve guessed it, my erg is rising and glow¬
ing . . . and I’m looking for new ones “THE
MAGAZINE” is showing.

Mrs. J. L. Goesch
Moorehead, Minn.

SWAPPING

I had a dozen violets,

But I didn’t have them long.

A neighbor fell in love with one,

And she took it right along.

I didn’t mind a bit though,

As I had one just the same.

I told her how to care for it.

And let her know its name.

^y neighbor on the other side
Then raved about one beauty
I’d two, so gave her one of them —

I felt it was my duty.

This happened two times more you see,
But let me set you straight,

I always kept one like the gift,

Now all I’d left was eight.

My shelves had lots of room now.

But this did not continue,

For neighbor number one soon came
And said, .“This plant will win you.”

She bought it from a man who grows,
Most every brand new kind.

She gave me several leaves from it,

I really didn’t mind.

My other neighbors also came
And brought me leaves galore.

They all grew plants and now my shelves
Are as crowded as before.

Perhaps if you are passing by,

You’d stop and visit me.

Perchance we’d even swap a leaf,

And have a cup of tea.

And once we’d traded leaves, you’d be
A special kind of friend —

It happens all the time, I’m sure
This game will never end.

Elinor Kunda
Lebanon, Pa.

WILL GOD MAKE A RED ONE?

Oh, the lovely little violet . . . God sent
down to earth one day ... To cheer the
hearts of humans ... As they toil along life’s
way . . . On rays of radiant light they come
. . . Royal purple, true blue, and purest white
. . . With others of various tints and shades
. . . They make a truly thrilling sight . , .
But why no red? Does the heart of God . . .
Grieve for souls still wandering and lost
. . . Whom to redeem. He gave the sacrifice
... Of His precious Son on Calvary’s cross . . .
When all the world believes and is filled . . .
With His love, humility and peace . . . Then,
God, with all the angels will rejoice . . . And
all His grieving will forever cease . . . Over
His dear Son’s blood that was shed . . . Then,
me thinks that He will make another violet
. . . Dressed in a robe of richest red.

Ella Whitfield
Virginia Beach, Va.

VIOLET BLOSSOMS

Like baby birds snug in their nest ... We grow
so very fast . . . Our mistress works her very
best . . . And gets us set at last ... We all are
of a different sort . . . Reds, whites, and pinks
to blues . . . Some are tall, and others short
. . . But each a lovely hue . . . Nestled near the
stately stem . . . Baby blossoms do appear . . .
To shine and sparkle like a gem . . . The work
of God — - this one so dear , . . Our blooms
are seen by all who stray ... To this house
where violets play , . . But once each hour,
we all pray . . . That not a plant be cast away.
Mrs. Walter Adams
Elliott, Iowa

74

V-I-O-L-E-T

V is for violets that sit on my window sill.

I is for interest that creates such a big thrill.
O is for others to see and enjoy.

L is for love that each violet spills.

E is for encouragement — once you get bit.
T is for thanks you see in their faces,

when these little violets bloom in their
places.

Mrs. Helen E, Yeomans
Chillicothe, Mo.

VIOLET MAGIC

The “Open Sesame” of a friendship
For interest and challenge and fun
May be found in the heart of a flower
So beautiful no one can shun.

Its beauty of color and its texture
Enchants all who see it, ’tis true.

If you want to try this magic

One wee violet will do it for you.
Martha M. Snow
Salt Lake City, Utah

ON GROWING VIOLETS

The following poem was written by Wayne
W. Schroeder, a member of the Evening Saint-
paulia Society of Chicago, for their “Men’s
Night” meeting.

It all began one cold winter day
When a friend of mine called up to say
She’d love to have me come for a cup of tea
And asked that I bring a friend with me.

Inside her home it was a gorgeous sight — -
Blossoms of blue, of pink and of white.

They seemed to spread good cheer around
On this cold winter day with snow on the
ground.

I asked this friend if she would show
The two of us how violets grow.

She told us first about the leaf,

Then rooting, potting, and feeding — it was
quite brief.

She told us that each plant had a name
And not one of the leaves or flowers were
the same.

Some of the blossoms were white like the snow
Others so pink they seemed to glow.

“You see,” said my friend, “these are my own
pets.

I truly enjoy growing violets.

With love and lots of tender care
Violets can be grown most anywhere.”

“They spread good cheer but even more.
They bring beauty and happiness inside your
door.”

So, tonight I’m working, but have no regrets,
You see, I’m grooming and feeding MY
VIOLETS.

LACK OF SPACE

Violets on the windows . . . violets on the
stairs . . . Violets on the table . . . Also on
the chairs . . . Finally hubby says, “eeny,
meeny, miney, mo , . . Something or someone
has to go” ... So he packed up and headed for
the west . . . But soon found oiit that home
was best . . . When he opened the door one
night ... No violets were in sight ... It
really gave him quite a fright ... So he said,
“Honey, are they all dead?” . . . She answered,
“No darling, I put them under the bed.”

Mrs. D. D. Willison
Wiggins, Miss.

ON THE MOVE

My husband hurried home from work,
And said, “You’d best sit down.

We’re moving from our present home —
We’ll live in a faraway town.

My boss says I am transferred.

And I will get a raise.

What’s wrong, dear? You look as if
You’re in somewhat of a daze.”

“But what about my violets?”

Said I, while still in shock,

“I’ve umpteen dozen lovely plants,

I cannot leave my flock.”

“We’ll take them all along,”

The bossman stanchly cried,

Although a look of sudden doubt
Upon his face I spied.

We packed them up as best we could,

And climbed into our Lizzie,

We counted boys, pots, and trunks —

We sure were in a tizzy.

“Now, boys, just sit there nice and still,
You know how father rants
When you disturb him on the road - — ■
Who’s stepping on the plants???”
We’re driving on the turnpike now,
“Watch out, that sign says ‘Bump,’

So don’t apply the brakes too fast,

The violets will all dump.”

“No boys, you cannot stretch your legs,
You’ll only crowd RED LADY.”

“I think, dear, that you should slow down,
You’re doing over eighty!”

“There’s a place just up ahead
Where we can get a snack —

They’ll fuel the car up while we eat,

And then we’ll hurry back.”

“Now tell the man to ‘fill ’er up’

And check the oil, I think.

And clean the windshield off and then
Give all the plants a drink.”

“No fighting, boys, we’ll soon be there,
Let’s, please, just have some peace.

Just simmer down and watch for cows —
Who’s sitting on BERNICE???”

At last we’re here all safe and sound
’Tis such a big relief.

And miracles of all miracles —

We did not break a single leaf.

Elinor Kunda
Lebanon, Pa

75

Paul Arnold, Bing^hamton, N. Y.

Gesneriads

COMPANION PLANTS

for African Violets

^ GLOXINERA ‘MARY A’
(right) is one of those remark¬
able intergeneric hybrids that
are surprisingly common among
members of the African Violet
Family. It is one of a series of
“mules” produced in Philadel¬
phia in 1960 by Bruce A.
Thompson, using another Glo-
xinera for the seed parent (Sin-
ningia eumorpha X Rechsteineria
cyclophylla) and a nodding or
“slipper type” Gloxinia for the
pollen parent. As our picture
shows, the flowers are short and
stout, compared to most Glo-
xinera flowers, and are rich
wine red in color, blending to
pink hues inside the tube. The
plants are more compact than
typical classic or reciprocal Glo-
xineras, and they flower over a
period of several months
throughout the year. Gloxineras

rooted gesneriads because the tuber buffers
the plant against drying out in heated rooms.

REHMANNIA ANGULATA is pictured at
the left. This native of China is often grown
in flower beds out of doors as a biennial and
is said to be hardy in England. The plant pro¬
duces a rosette of leaves more or less resembl¬
ing a dandelion plant. Very large. Gloxinia¬
like nodding flowers are borne on a two-foot
long stalk, bright lavender in color with gold¬
en yellow throats, spotted with red. The plants
can stand full sun in the open and need to be
grown close to the glass when raised indoors.
The genus name Rehmannia celebrates
Joseph Rehmann, a physician in St. Petersburg
(1779-1831) and the specific term “angulate”
relates to the margins of the leaves which are
coarsely angled or notched.

RECHSTEINERIA SELLOVII (above). Mr.
Sellow’s Rechsteineria, from Brazil, is too tall
to grow under lights and will grow to four
feet on a window sill or in a greenhouse. The
tall spikes adorned with many deep purplish-
pink tubular flowers with bright red faces are
spectacular when in flower in late summer.
The plants are grown from tubers which per¬
sist year after year, constantly increasing in
size. Rechsteineria Sellovii plants, in spite of
their tallness, are easily grown in the home
and are quite tolerant of abuses such as going
for long periods without water.

^^VCOLUMNEA ‘CORNELLIAN’ (above) is
one of the “College Bred Columneas” produced
at Cornell University in 1960, using C. vere-
cunda ‘Florence Carrell,’ the type with yellow
flowers and stiff, upright habit, as the seed
parent, and C. crassifolia as pollen parent. The
pollen donor has glossy leaves and bright
scarlet flowers with yellow markings in the
throat. The hybrid Columnea ‘Cornellian’ has
the erect habit of the seed parent, making it a
satisfactory house plant to grow in a 4 or 5
inch pot. The color of the flowers is dark
reddish-orange with a throat of vivid yellow
and a dark orange-yellow tube. It blooms con¬
stantly throughout the year. The bright red
undersides of the leaves make a spectacular
showing.

COLUMNEA VERECUNDA is pictured at
left. A photograph of Columnea verecunda was
published in our September 1961
issue, showing a sturdy, up¬
right plant with bright yellow,
tubular flowers. Subsequently,
C. verecunda material was col¬
lected in Costa Rica in 1960
having red flowers and more
pliant, trailing stems. This re¬
cently introduced material is
shown in the accompanying il¬
lustration. To distinguish the
two different forms of C. vere¬
cunda, Dr. R. E. Lee in August,
1962, assigned the cultivar name
‘Florence Carrell’ to the type
with yellow flowers. Our present
subject makes an attractive plant
to grow in a hanging basket. The
leaves are smooth, almost glossy
and very dark green in color
with red underneath.

The practice war games were on. From
high in the air a remote control plane
zeroed in on its target and plunged down¬
ward. Watching nearby, the commanding offi¬
cer let loose an exultant, “Yippee” ■— just
as the enemy ground forces thundered in for
retaliation.

Scene: our living room. Airplane: a paper
one. Commanding general: my six-year-old
son. The target: my new African violet.

After the smoke of battle had cleared, I
started a salvage operation that taught me
how to grow African violets.

First I selected three of the most mature
leaves and put the stems in a small glass of
water where roots would sprout in four to
six weeks. This time, though I didn’t wait for
water rooting, but bought a package of planter
mix. I also read several articles on growing
Saintpaulias.

Many violet experts, I discovered, advise
wick-watering for African violets. So, before
I did any planting I threaded a piece of old
shoelace through the hole in the bottom of
a four inch pot. With one hand I centered the
upper half of the lace, while with the other
I spooned mix evenly and loosely around it.
Then I tucked the leaf stems into the soil. By
setting the pot in a small saucer I could keep
the contents moist by filling and refilling the
dish.

Violets drink their wick-water tepid. Like
the gourmet who demands his vintage at a
certain temperature and selects his dinner
with care, violets also have definite food pref¬
erences. A few drops of commercial violet
food diluted in water every two weeks is
their choice of entree; in fact, their complete
diet.

These fastidious plants will tolerate a light
shower occasionally — as long as the water
is no cooler than the air temperature. And the
air should be warm, never below 60 degrees.
It also should be free, or fairly so, of artificial
gas.

After making sure the truce in the dive-
bombing war was still in effect, I set my
newly planted leaves in the west window of
the living room. Why the west window? Well,
an east window would be just as suitable, and
a north window would be okay, too, provided
none of them was too sunny. Even a south
window is acceptable as a home for a violet
if it’s curtained lightly. Too much sun turns
the green leaves a mottled yellow. Chlorosis,
this is called.

I kept the planter mix moist. In a month
or two, just when I’d about given up hope,

Dee Scheyer, Hermosa Beach, Calif.

Thread a cut piece of old
shoelace up through the
drainage hole in the pot
and pull it through. Then,
ravel out the ends until the
strands of thread may he
evenly spread over, the
inside bottom of the pot.

Now, place the pot over a
small glass dish or jar
which will be used
as a reservoir for
water. Cut shoelace off
where it touches bottom
of dish.

Violet leaves
are easily
cleaned with
Kleenex. Rub
surface lightly
to remove dust.

tiny leaves appeared at the base of each of
the stems. As they grew bigger and spilled
over the sides of the pot, clusters of buds
flowered into blossoms. It soon became appar¬
ent there was too much plant for too little pot.

“Repot,” a nurseryman said, “Work your
hand down in under, turn the pot upside down
and tap the bottom. Don’t divide. Repot in
a larger pot. You’ll give it a setback if you
divide it.”

I broke several stems in following his in¬
structions and now, I’ve some more starts.

Meanwhile, I’m watching my big plant for
signs of pests or illness. One day I found a
cutworm getting fat on deep purple blooms.
I also look for oval white, soft cottony mealy
bugs and if I find any, I’ll give them the
brush-off — with a soft brush. Curling leaves
would mean mite infestation. Should I notice
this, I’d have to throw away the entire plant.
Spotless housekeepers sometimes fret over the
dust-catching tendency of the violet’s hairy
leaf. I erase this problem with the swish of a
piece of Kleenex.

Really, violets have few enemies — • not
counting imaginative six-year-olds. I’ve found
if I keep my air raid warning system in op¬
eration, violets are easy to grow. •

How I Learned To Grow
African Violets

This violet game was composed for the an¬
nual birthday party of the Springfield, Pen¬
nsylvania African Violet Club. The members
enjoyed it so much they thought it should be
published so that other clubs, if they cared
to do so, might have a similar type contest.
Use the plants your club members are most
familiar with. The Clues included are my own
— the members thought them helpful.

As far as scores are concerned, 30 or more
correct answers out of 35 called for is out¬
standing, 25 to 29 is excellent, 20 to 24 is
average, 15 to 19 is poor, and less than 15 is
failing. (No peeping at the answers!)

1. Description: Plain foliage. Double white

with faint touch of color in center. Clue: It’s
registered by Fischer’s and named for a well-
known person in the violet world. _ _ _

2. Description: Quilted foliage. Dark blue

single Geneva. Clue: A famous American, who
at one time lived in Springfield, Pennsyl¬
vania. ... _ _

.3. (a) Description: (Brown) Plain foliage.
Light blue single, white edge. _ _ _ _ . _ _

(b) Description: (Shaffer) Reg, Quilted

foliage. Multicolor single. _ _

(c) Description: (Fischer) Wavy foliage.

Semidouble fringed white. _ _ _ _ _ _

(d) Description: (Reed) Blue with white
edge. Single and double on same plant.

Clue: These are all articles for the bride.

4. Description: Spooned. Lavender and

white striped and rayed single. Clue: Reg.
(Brown) Something seen in the skies below
the Mason-Dixon Line. _ _ _ _ _

5. (a) Description: (Lakin) Reg. Wavy,

pointed dark leaves. Heavily fringed single
pink, green edges. _ _ _ _ _ ^ _

(b) Description: (Baxter) Plain foliage.

Large pink double. _ _ _ _ _

(c) Description: (Lyon) Wavy foliage.

Purple fringed single. _ _

Clue: It’s a dream.

6. (a) Name the first single white. _ _

(b) Name the first single pink. _ _ _

(c) Name the first double white. _ _

(d) Name the first double pink. _ _ _

(e) Name the first Girl type. _

(f) Name the first Star shape, _ _ _ _ _

(g) Name the first with variegated foliage.

7. (a) Description: (Vallin) Dark bronzy

leaves, red-backs. Fringed pink single. _ _ _

(b) Description: (Hammond) Reg. Long
pointed wavy leaves. Deep blue double, white
edges. _ _ _

Clue: Something our Grandmothers wore, but
they were rarely pink.

8. Description: (Reichert) Shiny notched
frilled leaves, red-backs. Bright blue semi¬
double, Clue: Often used on an article that is
worn by the bride and tossed to the wolves.

9. (a) Description: (Tinari) Reg. Large,
round du Pont type leaves. Blue single. Clue:

What Violet Is This ?

Anna B. Ricker, Norwood, Pennsylvania
The name belongs to the musical world.

(b) Description: (Select) Reg. 'Plain foliage.
Double white, pink edged. Clue: Music float¬
ing in space. . . .

10. Description: (Wilson) Quilted foliage.
Double purple. Clue: A Biblical character, re¬
membered for splendor and power.

11. (a) Description: (Leigh) Variegated
Holly leaves, chartreuse rucMng. Semidouble
frilled orchid bicolor. Clue:. Something Sis
would wear. —

(b) Description: (Fischer) Girl, Blue single.
Clue: Something worn by men in a foreign
country. , _ _

12. (a) Description: (Ulery) Plain foliage.

White single, blue eye. _ _ . .

(b) Description: (Madison) Reg. Semi-
Supreme. Double white, orchid markings.

(c) Description: (Ulery) Reg. Quilted foli¬
age. Lavender bicolor single. _________

(d) Description: (Granger) Dark leaves.

Double white, mauve markings. . .

Clue: All are beauties, and only one is

married.

13. (a) Description: (Lyon) Semidouble

purple Star. Clue: It’s a bird. _ _ _ _ _ _ _

(b) Description: (Vallin) Reg. Dark pointed,
wavy leaves. Double purple. Clue: It’s for the
bees. _ _ _ _ _

. 14. (a) Description: (Meeds) Dark leaves,

red-backs. Deep blue double. _ _ _

(b) Description: (Meeds) Reg. Pointed Girl

leaves. Lavender double. _ _ _ _

Clue: These were named after two large
cities — - both plants came out in the same
year.

15. (a) Description: (Tinari) Reg. Dark

leaves. Blue double. Clue: What the Admiral’s

wife carried. _ _ _ _ _ _

(b) Description: (Fischer) Bronzy wavy
leaves. Purple single. Clue: A fairly recent
one. Found at the edge of the sea. _ _ _ _ _ _

Answers: 1. Alma Wright, 2. Mr. Lincoln,

3. (a) Bridal Wreath (b) Bridal Veil (c)
Bridal Lace (d) Wedding Ring, 4. Dixie Moon¬
beam, 5. (a) Dresden Dream (b) Fleet Dream
(c) Day Dream, 6. (a) White Lady (b) Pink
Beauty (c) White Madonna (d) Pink Cloud (e)
Blue Girl (f) Star Sapphire (g) Winter green,
7. (a) Pink Petticoats (b) Lace Petticoats, 8.
Blue Lace, 9. (a) Blue Flute (b) Melody Air,
10. King Solomon, 11. (a) Sissy Britches . (b)
Dutchman’s Breeches, 12. (a) Blue Eyed

Beauty (b) Sleeping Beauty (c)" Lavender
Beauty (d) Beauty Bride, 13. (a) Raven (b)
Purple Honey, 14. (a) Mr. Chicago (b) Miss
New York, 15. (a) Navy Bouquet (b) Drift¬
wood.

79

Conventions Are Friendly

Mrs. Victor Haube, Toledo, Ohio

ON Good Friday my husband and I left our
home in Toledo, Ohio, for a month’s vaca¬
tion to the West Coast. Our immediate destina¬
tion was my brother’s home in Santa Clara,
California, and we wasted no time getting
there, stopping just one-half day in Salt Lake
City to make a tour of the Mormon Tabernacle
and enjoy an organ recital.

Upon arriving in Santa Clara on Tuesday
afternoon, I selected a name from the Mem¬
bers’ Handbook, a Mrs. Ha Tallmon, and
phoned her. Introducing myself, I asked if she
sold plants, or if she would sell me some
blooms in order that I might enter several
arrangements at the Convention and Show in
San Francisco. She was very enthusiastic and
in just a short time arrived with a lovely box
of blooms. Even though she was very busy and
was just about ready to leave for San Fran¬
cisco, she came to my assistance and I cer¬
tainly appreciated it.

I then scoured the neighborhood for greens,
the five and ten cent stores for containers,
and was ready to get to work. The evening
was spent in making and remaking several
arrangements before I was satisfied with my
efforts. I did want to take a ribbon home from
the West Coast . . . any color would do.

Early Thursday morning my husband and
I left for San Francisco. I didn’t have a reser¬
vation at the hotel; guess I couldn’t believe I
would really get to the Convention and had
been reluctant to go alone, thinking I would
feel a little like a petunia in an onion patch.
Through an exciting maze of interchanges,
we arrived safely at the hotel, only to find
there was no room available; I was told sev¬
eral people were registering at a hotel up and
around several corners. A little flustered, I
went to pick up my Convention registration
and talk to several hostesses. Upon my return,
I found my luggage had been moved and the
box of arrangements I had so zealously guard¬
ed had been either stepped on or turned upside
down. In plain words, they were a mess and
I was not able to salvage even one. Chagrined,
we started for another hotel, and after my
dutiful husband had settled me there we re¬
turned to the Sheraton-Palace, without ar¬
rangements, needless to say.

My husband had other plans, so I was left
quite alone in the lobby of the hotel. About
that time I was a little dismayed and felt
very unnecessary. I bought a paper, sat down
on a settee, and tried to look nonchalant.
Soon another “violeteer” sat down beside me
and said her feet hurt. It is indeed cruel but
I have since been glad that they did hurt. She
looked at my name tag and I at hers . . . you
always do that.. Saying she thought I was
quite a distance from home, I answered that

I was just then wishing I was anywhere else
but there and that I would just as soon be
with my husband on his way out of San Fran¬
cisco. During the conversation, I told her my
tale of woe: no reservation, no arrangements,
and how alone I felt. She immediately said
that southern California hospitality couldn’t
allow anyone to feel that way and from then
on she and her two friends took me under
their wing and we were constantly together
to the end of the Convention. I can never
adequately express my appreciation for their
kindness and friendship when I was feeling
so ‘down.’ They were: Mrs. Barden (she was
the one with the hurting feet), Mrs. Russell
and Mrs. Thrasher, from the Santa Monica
African Violet Club. The Convention is now
just a memory, but a cherished one, thanks to
three new California friends.

After the Convention, my husband, my
brother and his wife, met me and we toured
San Francisco. Chinatown intrigued me and
I found tiny containers and some accessories
I hope to be able to use in future arrangements.
On leaving we stopped at the airport for din¬
ner and were pleased to meet Mr. and Mrs.
Gonzales and daughter from San Jose. They
were ready for the take-off for Hawaii — I’m
sure there never was a dull moment on that
tour with Mrs. Gonzales aboard.

The next several days were spent acquiring
some California varieties of African violets
to bring home. We visited Mr. Hammond at
Freemont and he made arrangements for us
to go to Mr. Thomas’ greenhouse at Walnut
Creek the next day. Both men were very
congenial and helpful. Mr. Thomas even asked
us in to see his wife’s antiques . . . she was
with the group in Hawaii. Now I had several
boxes of really new western varieties (quite
a few of them had been blue ribbon winners
in San Francisco) to bring home to Ohio and
I was just a little pleased with them and
myself. This enthusiasm was dampened when
I was told several days later that I would not
be able to get them across the border into
Arizona. No one was optimistic, and I found
that there really was an inspection at the
border. I called Mr. Hammond and he sug¬
gested that I come back and get inspection
stickers, and see if they would help the situ¬
ation any. With the stickers on the boxes, we
left Santa Clara to continue our trip. For the
next tvvo weeks, we hauled those violets from
one place to another: they visited old friends
in San Fernando and Monrovia, had a four
day stay at Laguna Beach, and then started
with us on our trip back home. I surely did
baby those plants and I wasn’t about to lose
them if I could help it. At Oceanside we had
a little tire trouble and I took the opportunity
to go to a market and purchase a plastic bread
box, a box of cotton, and Scotch tape. I had
a quart of water in the car for watering the
violets, and I now felt that I was prepared to
salvage at least the leaves if I was challenged

80

at the border. I had been told that they al¬
lowed you to take freshly cut leaves across,
and was hoping this was true.

With mingled feelings we arrived at the
inspection station. There the dutiful inspector
asked in a very business-like manner to look
in the trunk. All we had in the trunk that we
thought might interest him was some man-
zanita, but he said that was all right. He was
then ready to look in the car, and to prepare
him my husband said in a very gentle voice
that we had some violets from an inspected
nursery, on the back seat. Mr. Inspector asked
if they were African violets and when the
reply was affirmative he motioned us on.

All we had to do now was to get them
across the desert several times, with the tem¬
perature at 103 degrees. I started out with
the boxes enclosed in plastic bags but found
that, that was too hot for them. I finally dis¬
covered that if I covered them with Scott
towels and then wrapped the entire box in
newspaper, they faired very well. I believe
the newspaper actually kept them cooler than
we were. The buds have blasted due to a
lack of light, and some of the leaves are
bruised, but all in all they are in pretty good
shape. Those plants have now traveled with
us to Tucson, Phoenix, back across the desert
to Oak Creek Canyon, the Grand Canyon,
Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, and on
to Evansville, Indiana, where we visited for
two days. It has been terrifically hot all the
way, but we have carried two boxes of violets
in and out of motels every night. We un¬
wrapped them and examined them, watered
them if they needed it, and then in the morn¬
ing rewrapped them for another day’s journey.
It has been two weeks since we left California
with our cargo of violets on the back seat. As
I write this, we are 400 miles from Toledo
and on our last lap of the trip. I believe the
violets and the Haubes will both be glad to
light in one spot for a while.

All in all, our trip which had been planned
to include the Convention at San Francisco
for me, has been a wonderful experience for
us. We met many new people and visited
relatives and old friends. The Convention was
made a personal success through the generous
friendship of Mrs. Tallmon and the three gals
from the Santa Monica Club. I’ll not forget
them soon. I cannot close without mentioning
Mr. John Rymer of Bellflower, California; I
enjoyed talking with him very much. I shall
always remember my visits to the violet
houses of Mr. Thomas and Mr. Hammond . . .
I am very glad I met those two gentlemen.

It would seem from all this that I should
find a moral for anyone afraid to attend a
Convention alone in a strange city. I guess
this would sum it all up: When you are among
violet lovers, you are never, never alone, no
matter how far from home. •

Growing Violets To Music

W. M. Sierk, 7640 Orlando, Jacksonville, Fla.

I have been interested in African violets for
many years and in working with them have
discovered they have distinct personalities, as
I am sure nearly everyone realizes.

Through experimentation I have discovered
how the plant wants to be grown, and have
encountered many hardships on the way.

A few years ago I discovered that growing
the plants “to music” and using “thought
waves” has proved astonishingly effective for
lush-growing plants. Some plants will get
enormous in size and produce huge showy
blossoms as a result of this combination.

People used to ridicule my methods when
I described how having a radio playing just
for the plants produced much faster growth.
When I told them of how I handle each plant
to de-sucker it, remove bad leaves, etc., and
in the same time give it a “positive-thought-
treatment” of persuading it to grow into a
fine, big, beautiful plant, really made my
friends smile ....

However, when the scientific report came-
out in a newspaper and also in a magazine
about the discovery that music definitely in¬
fluenced plants to grow better, due to the
vibrations aiding them, my friends were quick
to tell others of my method.

Then another article in the newspaper stat¬
ing that some people have powerful “thought
waves” that induce plants to grow better,
really made them comment about my ability
to do just that. So now my used-to-be scoffers
are my staunch supporters in this newest
method of growing African violets.

At any rate, the “Special Award” ribbon
we received last spring for the exhibit of our
beautiful hybrids in the Florida State Flower
Show, made my wife and I very happy.

I find there is something new to learn
every day and get quite excited over some of
the plants we produce. For instance, I experi¬
mented with a graft between a gloxinia and
an African violet and the result was a cam¬
bium graft. I used T-V Rose Frill and
an unknown gloxinia in the experiment and
the plant produced huge leaves, six inches
across on all succeeding plants. The resulting
flower was large, green-edged and the leaves
were Supreme type. Two normal Rose Frill
and one giant plant came from the initial
graft. The leaf resembles both parents; shape
of Rose Frill, but texture and size of gloxinia,
and I am still experimenting to gain a larger
blossom. I feel safe in classifying this plant
as a super Supreme as the petiole is up to
1/2” thick and the leaves are thicker than a
regular Supreme. I have tentatively named
the plant “Gloxipaulia.” I would like for you
to print this article and my name so that I
might hear from others that may be experi¬
menting in this same field. •

81

ONE evening in the spring of 1958 my hus¬
band and I were entertaining some friends
who expressed interest in my house plants.
At that time these consisted of many of the
varieties of ivy, Rhoicissus Rhomboidia, Cis-
sus Striata, Sansevieria, etc. and I was very
proud of them. I lavished care and attention
upon them, and they flourished in response.

During the evening I was told about a
collection which would make me swoon with
envy and delight. Had I ever heard of African
violets? Yes, I had read about them but had
only seen pictures of them. I was promised
an early introduction to the owner of these
plants and thus it was that one evening in
June found my husband and I and our friends
traveling through the pretty country lanes
which lead to a village called Walkington.
Driving through an orchard of young trees,
we swept up a drive which led to a new
bungalow with beautiful picture windows
overlooking the rolling countryside. In the
windows were masses of house plants grow¬
ing in riotous abandon so that it appeared as
if the garden were indoors instead of out. But
oh! What a never-to-be-forgotten sight as I
crossed the threshold! A brief exchange of
courtesies with my host and hostess was all
I could spare. I was lost in the beauty of
dozens of varieties of the most beautiful plants
I had ever seen — and which I learned were
African violets.

Fortunately, my hostess was as enthusiastic
a collector then as I am now and my uncon¬
scious tribute to her skill and artistry out¬
weighed my lack of party manners. Her
charming husband also recognized the fact
that here was a “brand for the burning” and
left us to enthuse together while he looked
after my husband and our mutual friends.
Before I left that evening I was the proud
possessor of six African violets, namely:
Bernice, Revelation, Pink Cloud, Finlandia,
Blue Peak and Georgia Peach. I had pumped
my hostess dry on the matter of their culti¬
vation and was warned not to despair if at
first I did not succeed.

Needless to say, before I went to bed that
night, one leaf had been severed from each
plant, the wound dried and each leaf had been
placed in its individual glass of water. These
leaves were inspected hourly for the next 3
or 4 weeks and when roots appeared on all
of them and babies followed, I was a lost
woman.

I now have a most beautiful collection to
which I add as many varieties as I can afford
and have the space to display, but, best of
air, I have two new friends who have shared
many happy hours with my husband and me.
I have had great success with my African
violets and have derived much knowledge and
pleasure from my membership in the African
Violet Society of Anaerica which I joined in
1958. By the end of’ 1958 I had 14 different
varieties but by 1961 — - 130. Since then I

have had to weigh each plant on its individual
merits and discard the poorest. Though it
breaks my heart to abandon any, I have had
to do so- to accommodate the newer ones.

At first I bought from the English growers
but now I am buying direct from America
and sharing with you, my fellow members,
the pleasures of some of the new introduc¬
tions as they appear on the market. I have
made many friends amongst your professional
growers who have been most kind, sharing
their experiences and giving me advice. How
I love your friendliness and lack of ceremony.
It is so nice to have someone write “Dear
Stella” (which is really an invitation to you
all) and know that in a fellow member one
has another friend.

My method of growing African violets has
developed as a result of reading, studying,
and practical experience. The original 14
plants I obtained between June and August
of 1958 were accommodated on suitable win¬
dow sills but it soon became apparent that I
should need some form of fluorescent lighting
and heating before the winter. I persuaded
my husband that I needed more kitchen cup¬
boards in the breakfast room, which was the
only room with a fairly constant temperature
as it was heated by an Esse stove. I designed
a cupboard so that it should be in 2 parts: a
top and a bottom separated by deep recess.
The base of the top cupboard was to have a
fluorescent light.

Having been my spouse for 25 years my
husband has acquired a deep insight into
feminine guile and saw through my machina¬
tions. Fortunately, however, he was also in¬
terested in trying to provide the correct con¬
ditions for the violets and therefore the cup¬
board was built and all my plants weathered
the winter. During the spring and summer
which followed they overflowed into the rest
of the house and we realized that during the
winter of 1959 the breakfast room was going
to be congested. We managed to keep my
collection during that winter by having tin
troughs made to fit the window sills, and in
the troughs we placed an inch of gravel and
as many plants as they would hold. The re¬
maining plants perched on shelves, cupboards,
tables, mantel-shelves and in many other
perilous places and so the difficulties of an¬
other winter were successfully overcome.

My Violet Room

During 1960 my husband acknowledged that
African violets were here to stay and designed
a three tier fitment with fluorescent lighting,
which he erected in the smallest bedroom,
where he fitted electric tubular heating to
provide the necessary warmth. Each shelf of
the fitment contained 2 large trays of gravel
on which the plants were to stand. A similar
fitment was added in 1961; also a shelf, to
hold leaves and babies, was fitted in front of
the window which faces east. The “Violet
Room” as it is now called, is so full that we

82

Stella Harvey

Hessle, E. Yorks, England

can only just walk round the fitments. When
my new plants arrive from America this year
I shall have to be very drastic when I review
my violets to decide which of the older varie¬
ties must be discarded. I am starting a col¬
lection of miniatures and trailers this year,
to add interest to my displays.

Feeding the Violets

I feed my plants during the natural growing
season with alternate feeds of Liquinure and
Maxicrop, approximately every 10 days, and
as a result of articles in this Magazine I have
decided to experiment with foliar feeding
this year.

I have been in communication with the
firms which manufacture Liquinure and Maxi¬
crop and they have given me the following
information:

Liquinure

The research department of Liquinure rec¬
ommend 3 teaspoonsful (% of a fluid ounce)
in 2 gallons of water for fairly constant feed¬
ing. During the act of growth and under per¬
iods of high transpiration the feed might
with advantage be reduced to 2 teaspoonsful
( y4 fluid ounce) to 2 gallons.

They also recommend that during periods
of less active growth that Liquinure General
be used. The analysis of this material is N 9%,
Soluble Phosphoric Acid 6.6%, Potash 4.1%.

During periods of active growth they rec¬
ommend the use of Liquinure Flower which
has an analysis of N 12%, Soluble Phosphoric
Acid 7.2%, Potash 4%. Both materials con¬
tain trace elements.

Foliar Feeding. With regard to foliar feed¬
ing using Liquinure, I am advised that the
full facts concerning this manner of feeding
have not been worked out and much more
research work required to be carried out be¬
fore they feel confident in committing them¬

A section of Mrs. Harvey’s collection of plants growing
under fluorescent lights.

selves to precise recommendations. It has been
suggested I try a dilution of 1 teaspoon (Vs
fluid ounce) to 2 gallons of water for foliar
feeding.

Maxicrop

In a letter received in April 1962, I am
advised that the usual dilution for plants such
as African violets would be one part Maxicrop
to 1,000 parts of water for regular weekly
applications.

The 3 teaspoonsful to 2 gallons of water
(my usual dilution of Maxicrop) is, I am told,
stronger than 1 in 1,000, but is perfectly
satisfactory. Therefore, I shall continue to
use Maxicrop in this dilution.

Foliar Feeding. Maxicrop if used neat or
strong as a foliar feed may leave a slight stain
on leaves, but this I am told will disappear
in 3 or 4 days. I have been advised to use
50-50 for foliar feeding.

Having proved that both these products are
excellent fertilizers for the usual watering in
method, I am now experimenting with Liqui¬
nure and Maxicrop for foliar feeding in the
recommended doses, using 2 separate groups
of plants in my breakfast room. I will report
the results of these experiments at the end of
the year*. Naturally I shall not try foliar
feeding on my main collection until I have
proved the advantages of so doing.

Insecticides

Until recently I have used an aerosol type
spray only, but feel that I have been careless
in risking the health of my collection to this
method of prevention of disease, which is
somewhat hit and miss. I am, therefore, plan¬
ning a more comprehensive scheme which I
shall put into operation shortly.

83

4

Soil Mixtures

My soil mix consists of: 4 parts John Innes’
Compost No. 1; 4 parts leafmould; 2 parts
peat; 2 parts chicken grit or coarse sand; 2
parts vermiculite; 1 part fine charcoal; and
1/2 part bone meal.

This is always sterilized, as are my squatty
pots, the gravel and trays on which the pots
stand.

Aluminum Foil

I place inch wide strips of aluminum foil
round the tops of pots to prevent leaf damage,
and I place gravel in the pots for drainage.

Leaf Rooting

When I had a small collection I rooted
leaves in water but now I use a mixture of
1/2 peat and Vz chicken grit in large tin troughs
which I have had made to fit all my shelves.
I feed the rooting leaves whenever I feed my
plants. When the babies are large enough I
plant them in 2 inch squatty pots, placing a
little of leaf growing medium over the roots
(to lessen the shock of the change) before
adding the soil mix.

Polythene Bags

After watering and draining the pots I place
them in polythene bags (2 to each bag), fold
over the tops of the bags and, apart from an
occasional inspection, I leave them like this
for 2 weeks. At the end of the second week
I open the bags and the pots remain in the
open bags until the end of the third week,
when I remove them from the bags and place
them under the lights.

I plan to take a brief holiday in Jersey
(Channel Isles) in the near future, where I
hope to make the acquaintance of another
African violet member whose name I have
seen in our list of members.

Practical Gift Suggestions

Liza Damron, Washington, D. C,

My friend, Mary Poe, makes lovely hand-
painted gifts and they are so nice to mail to
friends, especially when the weather is too
cold to mail our precious violets. Aprons made
of fine Dan River Gingham with elaborate
cross-stitch designs are $3.50. Those in white
Oxford cloth, colored border, have pretty
painted designs on front for $4.00. Martex Tea
Towels, with flowers, fruits, berries or little
girl faces with flower hats are $1.25. Pillow
cases of fine percale in white are $3.50 a pair
(in colors, $4.00 a pair) and have violets, wild
roses, bleeding heart, daffodils, petunias or
sweet peas. To order any of the above beauti¬
ful and practical gifts, send your check or
M. O. to Mrs. C. W. Poe, 949 North Walnut
Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Add 10%
for postage and insurance. Mary also has a
wonderful selection of African violets. She
will ship leaves, weather permitting.

Membership List Helpful

Mrs. W. Squires, 128 Dufferin Street
Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

I am so excited because through the won¬
derful African Violet Magazine I have gotten
in touch with my relatives in England. One
day as I was reading the names of people in
the membership list who lived in England
I came across an address of some people
living near where I remembered my family
living at one time. I wrote the lady and she
found my cousins and showed them my letter.
It had been fifteen years since I left England
and during moving I lost their address. My
uncle, whom I thought must be dead, is still
living and is 81 years old. My cousins are
very thrilled also and cannot wait until I
write again. We have so much news for each
other. I thought perhaps the readers of the
Magazine would be interested in my good
fortune in finding my folks again through
the “July Issue” of the Magazine.

(The African Violet Magazine is published 5 times
a year: September, December, March, June, July — Ed.)

Registration Report

Adele Tretter, 4988 Schollmeyer Ave.

St. Louis 9, Missouri

The following applications have been received during
the period from June 19, 1962 through September 1,
1962. Plant and Registrant:

Timbuc-Tutie (1283) WC3sL, Mediterranean
Dusk (1284) V82sL, Mediterranean Moon¬
light (1285) WC583sS, 6/28/62, Hope Ire¬
land, 104-63 42nd Ave., Corona, N.Y,

Razzle Dazzle (1286) P584dS, 7/24/62, Anna-
lee Violetry, Leila M. Egenites, 29-50 214th
Ave., Bayside 60, N.Y.

Happy Ending (1287) 07983dL, 8/23/62,

Champion’s Skylark (1288) B73dL, Champ¬
ion’s Waterlily (1289) P753dL, 9/1/62

Champion’s African Violets, Ethel Champ¬
ion, R. D. 2, Clay, N.Y.

srame Reservations: The following name reserva-
ns have been received during the period from June
1962 through August 27, 1962: (Renewed) Hercules
Ik, King Edward, Playmate, Sparkle Plenty; (New)
spberry Twinkle, Pink Whisper, Star Impenal, Ice-
;aker. Blushing Mermaid, Magenta Pirate,
ik Chips, Jet Fire, Monique, Rio Rita, Helena
velle, Highlight, Berries and Cream.

84

Anne Tinari

Once again we approach that season of the
year when we pause to count our many bless¬
ings. The Christmas spirit helps to reflect
and express the sentiment in our hearts for
new and renewed friendships. My heartfelt
appreciation especially to you readers who
have been so helpful and cooperative in con¬
tributing to the Question Box.

“As Christmas bells ring out, May God impart,
The things held dearest in your heart.”

Sincerely,

Anne Tinari

As an added Christmas feature I have as
a guest Mr. John. P. Mills of Tropical Nursery,
Stockton, Calif., with answers to some of the
questions asked at our San Francisco Conven¬
tion.

Q. Is there a substitute for sodium selenate?

Mrs. J. R. Millikan, Dallas, Texas
A. There are several substitutes that may be
used in place of sodium selenate. Private
growers generally prefer to buy ready made
mixtures which are sold, with proper use
instructions and cautions on the label. Avail¬
able substitutes for selenium are listed in the
order in which they are most effective, Kel-
thane, Aramite, Ovotran, Endrin, Ethion, and
other chlorobenzilate products. It usually takes
selenium from 2 hours up to become effective
while 1 teaspoon of Kelthane per gallon of
water drenched on the plant is effective in 10
seconds and need be applied twice only for
sure control. Systemic insecticides poison the
plant and can kill it if conditions are not
right. By systemic I mean selenate, Systox,
and related products.

Q. I believe 2, 4-D weed spray has killed
many of my plants. It seems the fumes enter
my violet growing area. Can you give any
suggestions on this?

Mrs. H. D. Meyer, Wayzata, Minn.
A. 2, 4-D (dichlorophenoxacetic acid) is
essentially a hormone weed killer and even
fumes thereof are toxic to broad leaved plants.
It causes the plant to grow itself to death
when properly applied and should never be
used on ornamentals or in or near the house.
Temperatures should be above 72 degrees F.
when applied. Otherwise it is not too effective.
It cannot be classed as an insecticide. If used
in extremely light doses it will promote plant
growth but this is absolutely a matter of
experiment that may lose plants. My sugges¬
tion is do not use it indoors on any plants.

John P. Mills, Stockton, Calif.
Q. I am most curious to know how the poll
is taken on the “Best 100” appearing in the

Bethayres, Pa.

recent A. V. Magazine.

Mrs. B. Desmond, Romeo, Mich.
This is only one of the many letters I have
received asking this question. For a full ex¬
planation I have received a direct answer
from the Editor of “Best 100” as follows:

“Each year all Affiliated Chapters are
asked to have their members submit lists of
what they consider their Best Twenty-Five
varieties. The Chapter then makes a com¬
posite list of twenty-five and notes the num¬
ber of votes each plant received. These lists
are mailed to the ‘Best 100’ Editor. She, in
turn, tabulates the votes.

“At the Convention each year, members
who have not voted through a club, are polled.
These votes are tabulated.

“From all the varieties submitted, the 100
receiving the most votes are listed as the
‘Best 100.’

“Anyone who grows Saintpaulias and would
like to vote but does not have an opportunity
to do so by one of the above methods, may
mail in her list to the Editor before March
15, 1963.

“The Editor would also welcome any sug¬
gestion that would make the list more repre¬
sentative of the choice of the entire member¬
ship. She also welcomes any suggestions which
would be of help to the members in the
matter of ‘Best 100.’ ”

Mrs. Theodore Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd. #6E, Mequon, Wis.
Q. Some years ago I bought a du Pont
labeled Number 3 or 5. It is a beautiful blue.
Has it ever been named?

Dorothy Cowen
A. I believe you are referring to the du Pont
Series listed in 1949 by the firm of Good &
Reese, Springfield, Ohio. These were identified
as du Pont Number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and were all
blue. Number 1 was the darkest in the group,
being a deep rich blue; Number 5, a pale blue
was the lightest. I have no knowledge that
they were ever given names or too widely
distributed commercially.

Q. Will you please describe the violet Shag
for me. Also, can you tell me how to make a
solution out of Sel-Kaps put out by the Stim-
U-Plant Co.?

Neva Boyington, Minneapolis, Kans.
A. I have known Shag to be a frilly double
wine-bicolor with bronze foliage. I note this is
also the description given by several reputable
Saintpaulia growers, although there may be
another plant by the same name but different
description.

Tinari Greenhouses

85

Directions for Sel-Kap solution may be
found on the box as follows: Dissolve one
Sel-Kap into 10 tablespoons of water apply
this solution evenly between two small -pots.
Q. Why can’t I keep my foliage shiny ahd
glossy? I use warm water and spray overhead
periodically to keep plants clean but so many
lack the luster which I desire.

Kathryn Ford, Northport, L.I., N.Y.
A. Some types of leaves are naturally more
shiny than others. For .instance, plants that
possess foliage like Zorro or Afterglow will
have more sheen than Supreme or du Pont
types culture, too, may play an important
part. Foliar feeding is also a point to consider.
The only hairless type foliages (which na¬
turally do not collect dust particles like the
average leaf) are the ones developed by' the
late Harvey Cox.

Q. Here in Mexico there are no greenhouses
that grow violet varieties. I would like to be
the first to specialize — ~ I have over 50, named
varieties and many unnamed. I feel that I
must not only establish a greenhouse but also
educate the masses to purchase, grow, and
care for African violets. The Mexican people
love plants and I think they would especially
like one that promises to bloom the year
’round. Do you think this sounds feasible?

Nancy M. de Levy,
Sta. Monica 21, Mexico 12, D.F.
A. I love your pioneer spirit. I see no reason
why African violets would not adapt to good
growing and selling in Mexico. You may find
cultural conditions differ slightly from ours
due to climate, environment, etc. ' But with
patience, persistence, trial and error and with
the extensive knowledge available it can be
done. You are fortunate too, in having our
wonderful AVSA with the Magazine, Library,
and other helpful literature to guide you.
Many of us were not that fortunate at the
start. True, the Mexican people are great
lovers of flowers and beauty, and should
readily accept the African violet. Good luck
and God Bless You! It should be interesting
to hear from you further.

Q. Can you tell me why Gro-Lux lights take
the color out of red and pink blossoms? I have
Cherry Red and Frosted Red under these lights
and they took the color out of both the blooms
and leaves.

Mrs. Cecil Lacher, Freeport, Illinois
A. I do not understand why your red and
pink blossoms should be fading under Gro-
Lux. From all the data that we have received
on African violets, we have no indication of
color bleaching. In fact, the information that
we have received points out the fact that the
color pigment of the blossoms has been in¬
creased. When such blossoms were compared
under sunlight with blossoms of the same color
grown under other light sources, the Gro-Lux
blossoms had a deeper shade of color.

I believe that the color fading may be due
to other factors such as pH, soluble salt con¬

centration, fertilization, and temperature.

Christos C. Mpelkas, Plant Physiologist
'■ - Sylvania Lighting Products,

Commercial Eng. Dept., Salem, Mass.

Q. I work in an office, or perhaps I should
say a room, in which there is fluorescent
lighting and air conditioning, but there are no
windows. I believe the room would brighten
up a bit, if I could have an African violet or
two on my desk, but I’ve hesitated' because I
was afraid it wouldn’t bloom or perhaps not
live at all. Do you think I could grow a couple
of violets in the office on my desk under these
conditions?

Barbara Sabbatini, Detroit, Michigan
A. I most certainly think you could grow
violets on your desk to brighten up your of¬
fice. Please do not fret about air conditioning:
from personal experience I can tell you plants
thrive beautifully under it. They like the even
temperature and soon get used to it. Your
overhead lights (5 feet away) may be too far
from your desk top. Have you considered the
desk type lamp that holds a 15 to 25' watt
fluorescent tube? Perhaps you could get one
in which you could use the new Gro-Lux tubes
which throw off a most attractive rosy light.
It is certainly worth a try even if only one or
two violets is the limit. Also I would suggest
using floriferous varieties such as Lilian
Jarrett or White Pride. All light is beneficial
especially if on constantly during the day.
Good Luck to you!

Q. My club suggested I write you, I plan to_
have .a booth at -the Maryland State Fair and
need to get my plants in good shape and size.
I am 15 and have worked with violets in 4™H
demonstrations during the past three years.
My greatest pro'blem is small blooms which
die before they open. Besides fertilizing more
often what else can I do? Some of my plants
show new growth which is rather small light
green and- waxy. How soon should I pinch the
buds back for show preparation?

Carolyn Case, Randallstown, Md.
A. You did not say how often you fertilize.
May I caution you against overfertilization
which is such a temptation when growing and
planning for a show. Fertilization is only
necessary every two weeks. Some prefer it
even more sparingly, depending on the type
soil preparation used. Never feed when plants
are too dry as damage to feeder roots may re¬
sult. Besides overfertilizing, these factors m.ay
also contribute to bud blight: insufficient
light, low humidity, lack of fresh air, poor air
circulation, artificial gas fumes, using too
large a pot, or a soil lacking - in nitrogen and
other beneficial elements.

Buds may be pinched off 6 weeks in ad¬
vance of the' show for sturdier, bigger blos¬
soms, however, I would allow 8 weeks for the
double flowering and' Supreme types which
are sometimes slower to - mature and open.

Try to borrow from your library the book
“1001 African Violet Questions Answered by

86

Twelve Experts” edited by Helen Van Pelt
Wilson. It contains many good tips on show
plants. Also an inexpensive good handbook on
this subject is put out by Ruth G. Carey, 3900
Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tenn.

Dear Readers: I would like to share with
you the following letter which arrived at my
desk concerning a recent question used in
the Question Box. I am always so thankful
and appreciative for people, who have had
experience on specific subjects we discuss, to
write and give me their views.

Dear Mrs. Tinari: I enjoy your “Question
Box” in the A. V. Magazine each issue. What
has prompted me to write you is the answer
given on nematodes in the June issue.

My interest in such things stems from the
fact that I was a research chemist for the
U. S. Dept, of Agriculture for 38 years and
always a lover of flowers. I retired almost 6
years ago and took up African violet culture
a couple of years later — which' I have found
exciting.

Nematodes have been of interest as well as
concern to me and others of our violet club.
It is necessary as you stated, to have a com¬
pound microscope available in order to ob¬
serve them. The magnifying power required
for the root knot nematodes, however, does not
need to exceed 80x because in real active
colonies some of the nematodes may exceed
1/20” in length and the smallest ones appear
observable at this magnification. I made these
observations after purchasing a relatively
cheap microscope (Japanese) having a range
of 80x to 120x. I take a section from the
suspected tissue and as gently as possible,
crush it in a small amount of water; I then
transfer a small quantity to a glass slide and
do not use a cover glass. Once recognized the
nematodes are easily found since they possess
an eel-like shape which is very distinctive.

Also, I would like to make a suggestion. I
know that hybridizers must have their “trade”
secrets to come up with so many beautiful
varieties each year. But an amateur like my¬
self would like to see a good article on the
subject of hybridizing. What little I have done
in this line has not been encouraging because,
I suppose, I did not start with suitable varie¬
ties.

R. T. Balch, Mobile, Alabama

Philip A. Chandler

It is with sincere sorrow we note the passing
of Philip A. Chandler, U.C.L.A. horticulturist and
plant pathologist. A native of England, he was
trained at Kew Gardens and the Innes Institute.
He was the co-author of the book on The U. C.
System for Producing Healthy Container-Grown
Plants, and was responsible for most of the
research for this growing medium. For many
years, he did personal research on the diseases
of African violets, especially concentrating on
stunt. He will be greatly missed in all circles of
the plant growing world. We will all, I am sure,
remember his wonderful talk at our last Na¬
tional Convention in San Francisco.

Esther Sherer

Planting By The Moon

Carl L. Wes'chcke, St. Paul, Minnesota

The best dates for flower planting dur¬
ing the coming year — 1963 are given
below. The dates in, bold type indicate
the most fruitful times for planting Afri¬
can violets.

JAN. 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 27, 28, 31
FEB. 1, 5, 6, 25, 28
MAR. 1, 4, 5, 28, 29, 31
APR. 1, 7, 8, 24, 27, 28
MAY 5, 6, 7, 25, 26
JUN. 1, 2, 23, 28, 29, 30
JUL. 1, 2, 26, 27, 28, 29
AUG. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26
SEP. 4, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 30
OCT. 18, 19, 28, 29
NOV. 24, 25, 28, 29
DEC. 21, 22, 26, 27

Violet Friends
Around The World

Luella Marmaduke, Aliquippa, Pennsylvania

John Glenn, Jr. flew Friendship Seven
around the world three times in a few hours.
So has the friendship with Mrs. E. I. Hamilton
grown by a round trip our letters took by
jet, starting in Agincourt, Canada, her l^ome,
on to Argentina, South America, back by way
of the United States, where I picked up the
trail, sending it on to the starting point.

Spanish is the national language of Argen¬
tina, so most all their magazines and periodi¬
cals are in Spanish. My daughter, Iris, lives
there, so naturally she was glad to receive
a subscription to our African Violet Magazine
which is, of course, in English. Not long after
the Handbook, showing the names and address¬
es of all members of the African Violet So¬
ciety, was published last year, she received
a letter from Mrs. Hamilton, president of the
Toronto, Canada, society, hoping to compare
violets in South America with those in Cana¬
da. As far as is known, there are no African
violets in Argentina, so the letter was for¬
warded to me in the United States, hoping I
would answer it. Through this round about
way covering almost 20,000 miles, I met Mrs.
Hamilton. We began a correspondence, have
exchanged articles, show slides and yearbooks,
from our societies, and have become good
friends through correspondence.

Mrs. Hamilton has now consented to visit
Pittsburgh and speak to our club, the Greater
Pittsburgh African Violet Society, where I
hope to meet her in person for the first time.

No doubt many of our members can say
they have met distant members and made
good friends through our violets. Isn’t our
world small after all? •

87

Show Calendar

•The second annual SOUTH FLORIDA AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET SHOW will be held March 8-
9-10, 1963 at the duPont Plaza Buildorama,
Miami, Florida. Schedules may be had by send¬
ing 4c stamp to Mrs. Robert Baker, 9201 S.W.
35th St., Miami 55, Florida. Schedules ready
in December. All vacationing National Judges
are invited to register and vacationing Na¬
tional members invited to attend.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF IN¬
GLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA will hold its tenth
annual show on March 29-30, 1963 at the
Professional Women’s Clubhouse, 820 Java
St., Inglewood. The show will be open to the
public on Friday from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission
will be 25 cents.

•The LONG BEACH AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY will hold its annual show in Norway
Hall, 681 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, Cali¬
fornia on April 6-7, 1963. Doors will be open
from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on the 6th and
from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the 7th. Theme
of the show will be “Suddenly It’s Spring.”
Donation 25c. Mrs. Dorothy Powell will be
chairman.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET .S O C I E T Y OF
GREATER NEW YORK will cooperate with
the Horticultural Society of New York to
stage and produce the amateur division for
African violets of the 45th International
Flower Show to be held March 9th through
17th, at the New York Coliseum. If you wish
rules and schedule, write Leila M. Egenites,
29-50 214 Place, Bayside 60, New York.

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should know: No photos can be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, Ronte 3 Box 284, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

•The ILLINOIS AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,
INC, held its seventh annual show and meet¬
ing at Evanston, Illinois April 28-29, 1962
with the theme of “Violet Splendor.” The
African Violet District Council of Northern
Illinois acted as hostesses. Mrs. Walter Grell
was general chairman with Mrs. Roy Stock-
bridge, Skokie, cochairman. Mrs. Walter Grud,
Chicago and Mrs. Tom Robinson, Evanston
did the staging. Queen of the show was a
plant of Lilian Jarrett entered by Mrs. John
Nelson. Mrs. Edward Gordon won sweepstakes
•and also the largest plant. The tricolor ribbon
for best arrangement went to Mrs. Harry In-
veson and Mrs. Lou Alt won the Taylorville
African Violet Club trophy.

•The second annual judged show of the
NAUGATONIC AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
held in April was a huge success. The theme
of the show was “Violets in Orbit” and the
arrangements class was “New Horizons.” The
miniature arrangements were called “Little
Satelites.” Mrs. Newell Mallette won queen
of the show award with her plant of Roches¬
ter. First runner-up, Mrs. Julius Fargeot with
a plant of' Big Sweep. Second runner-up, Mrs.
Newell Mallette for Dark Eyes. Mrs. Mallette
also won sweepstakes. First runner-up Mrs.
Joseph Adams, second runner-up to Mrs. Mary
Gooch. In the invitation class first award went
to Southern Conn. African Violet Society;
second to Lower Conn. African Violet So¬
ciety; third to Sparkling Waters African Vio¬
let Society and fourth to Thimble Islands

African Violet Society. Mrs. Julius Fargeot
and Mrs. Newell Mallette were cochairmen.
•The GLASS CITY AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
of Toledo, Ohio held its sixth annual show
on April 12-13, 1962 at Trilby Methodist
Church with Mrs. R. C. Mathewson as show
chairman. Mrs. Clarence Kuder won the Na¬
tional Gold Ribbon Award with plants of
Coon Valley, Navy Bouquet, and Lilac Dale.
She also won the queen of show with Green
Dawn; Princess, with Caravan Phantom; first
in the Ohio State class with Innocence Im¬
proved, Giant Snow Prince and Fandango;
the Irene Fleming and Jean Baker awards
for special seedlings and sweepstakes with 44
blue ribbons. Mrs. Carl Fleming won the Na¬
tional Purple Ribbon Award with Tim Tam,
Wedgewood and Never Lovelier; second place
in Ohio State class with Mary Suhr, Mighty-
Lak-A-Rose, and Purple Princess. She also
won the Mary Suhr award for best plant of
Maumee Vespers and the largest plant with
Pink Double One. Mrs. James Baker won the
Beatrice award for best single pink with Pink
Reveille and the Mary Suhr award for best
plant of Typsie.

•The LONE STAR AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Dallas, Texas held its second annual
show in March, using as its theme “Four
Seasons of African Violets.” Mrs. Herring won
sweepstakes with eleven blue ribbons and
the queen’s trophy with her plant of Fair
Lady. She also received an award of appre¬
ciation for her educational exhibit “From

88

Seed to Blossom.” Mrs. J. E. Willis won
runner-up to sweepstakes. A project trophy
was given to Mrs. Earl S. Bowden for her
plant of Jacob’s Coat grown from a leaf cut¬
ting. The tricolor award for arrangements
went to Mrs. James B. Fridstein. Mrs. D. H.
Herring of Grand Prairie was show chairman,
Mrs. J. B. Tomson, cochairman, and Mrs. T. J.
Stovall was staging chairman.

•The CENTRAL CALIFORNIA AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY held its third annual show
on March 25, 1962 at the Fresno County Fair¬
grounds. The Central California Orchid So¬
ciety put on a beautiful orchid exhibit also.
Mrs. Glen C. Matthews won the sweepstakes,
queen of the show and princess awards. She
also won trophies in special classes of “Dou¬
ble Blue Boy,” trophy donated by Mr. and
Mrs. Harry M. Johnston, and a new plant,
Rhapsody in Blue, trophy donated by Hall’s
Sunnyside Gardens. Mrs. Bert Hall won
awards for the best arrangement and best
table centerpiece. Second best arrangement
award went to Mrs. Maude Neel and third
best to Mrs. Peter Hill. Several other blue
ribbons were awarded. Judges were Willard
C. Hill and Mrs. Margaret Moore of Visalia,
California; Mrs. John P. Mills, of Stockton,
California.

•The HAINES CITY AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Haines City, Florida, held its fifth
annual display March 24 and 25th at the
Florida Power Lounge. “Violets by the Sea
Shore” was the theme of the show and the
focal point was a sea setting with violets
nestled amid sand, sea oats, coral, sea shells,
with a large fishing net being used as a back
drop. Mrs. F. A. McNair, Jr., received a spe¬
cial award for her plant Blackberry Fluff,
largest plant in the show. Mrs. K. M. Averill
received an award for her miniature arrange¬
ment using Star Holly violets. Mrs. Geo.
Justice received an award for her Silver Lin¬
ing Episcia.

Quite a number of others were given blue
ribbons for their plants. The show was judged
by Mrs. David E. Buchta from Racine, Wis¬
consin. Show chairman was Mrs. Ernest Blass.
•“It’s Violet Time Again” was the theme of
the show presented by the CAPITAL DIS¬
TRICT AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Al¬
bany, New York. The show was held at the
Woman’s Club of Albany on March 31 and
April 1st. Entries included 153 plants and 60
arrangements.

Queen of the show was Jubilee by Ann
Kilroy. Runner-up was Moanna also by Ann
Kilroy. Junior queen, Gorgeous Blue Wonder
by Janet Coughtry and runner-up was Racy
Red by Ida Cook. Sweepstakes went to Helene
Galpin and runner-up went to Ida Cook. Ar¬
rangements queen was won by Connie Grasso,
runner-up by Dorothy Raymond. Dorothy
Raymond also took sweepstakes, runner-up
went to Mary Knight. Ann Kilroy had largest
blooming plant and also smallest blooming

plant. National Award was given for three
plants entered by Ida Cook, Crusader, Naomi’s
Afterglo, and Trifari. First New York state
award went to Helene Galpin for Tim Tam
and second award went to Janet Coughtry for
Afterglo.

•The tenth African violet show sponsored by
the St. LOUIS METROPOLITAN AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY was held at the Missouri
Botanical Gardens March 24 and 25, 1962,
with a theme of “Violet Highways.” Mrs. T. C.
Irwin’s plant of Faberge won queen of the
show and maid of honor. Her entries of Fal-
staff and Wintry Nite were best in show. Mrs.
Chas. Dedera won the Gold Ribbon Award
with her Double Ruffles, Miss New York and
Christmas Candy. Mrs. Dedera also took
sweepstakes with 20 blue ribbons. Highest
honors in the miniature or semiminiature
class went to Mrs. Chas. Gaines for her Dolly
Dimples. Mrs. W. F. Anderson and Mrs. Ed¬
ward A. Nelson won awards for arrangements.
A gold ribbon was awarded for the highest
scored blue ribbon plant in the 21 classes of
specimen plants.

•The GLENDALE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY proved that “Violets on the Moon” was
a very effective theme for its fourth annual
show held March 23rd and 24th, 1962. Tables
for the beautiful arrangement entries were
placed along two walls and formed a border
for long tables displaying the plant entries.
The theme arrangement added to the overall
picture of beauty.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Collier¬
ville, Tennessee, held its first show with a tea
in the High School Agriculture Building
April 1st, “Violets in Nurseryland” was the
theme, carried out in arrangements. Mrs.
Vander T. Bryan won queen of the show with
her plant of Pastel Swirls. She also won sweep-
stakes. Mrs. Louise Doddridge won sweep-
stakes in the artistic division and Miss D.
Hinton and Mrs. Gretzinger won blue ribbons.
•The twelfth annual African violet show of
the TWIN CITIES area was held April 5, 1962
at Donaldson’s Golden Rule of Minneapolis,
Minnesota. The theme of the show was
“Music.” Mrs. A. T. Dingman of Minneapolis
was show chairman.

Best plant in show was Lilian Jarrett,
owned by Mrs. Monroe Trapp of the Falcon
Heights Hi-Loa Club. Best table of violets was
won by the Falcon Hi-Loa Club as well as
best table design. There were 2 tables of vio¬
lets which included 17 clubs, 2 home growers,
and a display by Tonkadale Greenhouse. Also
a booth displaying Living Earth by the Chung
King people.

•The TOWN AND COUNTRY SAINTPAULIA
CLUB presented Denver’s seventh annual Af¬
rican violet show April 5, 6, and 7th at Den¬
ver Dry’s Lakeside Store. Charles Vestal was
club president, John Coryell was show chair¬
man. The theme of “April Showers” was
carried out in the many arrangements. Maude

89

Clipp won queen of the show with her plant
of Black Magic Supreme. Mrs. Vidas won
largest plant in the show with her Red Rasp¬
berry. Dorotha Coryell entered the smallest
plant, a miniature Debbie Lee. Dorotha Cor¬
yell won sweepstakes.

•The tenth annual violet show of the AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Syracuse, New
York was held on April 7-8, 1962, at the
Furman Community House with the theme of
‘TOth Anniversary.” Mrs. V. J. Abraham won
the National Award with her three registered
plants. She also won the New York state
award with Tim Tam., the Lyndon Lyon tro¬
phy for Hi Hopes, and runner-up to sweep-
stakes in the amateur class. Queen of the
show, Coon Valley, was entered by Mrs. Peter
Guereschi. Runner-up went to Mrs, Robert
Walsh for Silver Crest, Mrs. Walsh had
largest blooming plant with Wintergreen,
junior queen with Easter Egg, and won sweep-
stakes in the amateur class. Mrs. Guereschi
won runner-up to junior queen with Double
Dogwood.

Queen of the show, commercial class, went
to Mrs. Duane Champion for Delft Imperial.
She also won runner-up to queen and the New
York state award with her Green Confetti.
Dark Eyes, the largest blooming plant, was
entered by Mrs. Champion. Mrs. E. D. Graves
won junior queen with Quink and runner-up
with Rosey Posey. Mrs. Harold Rienhardt won
sweepstakes, Mrs. Champion won runner-up.
In the decorative class queen of the show and
runner-up 'was won by Mrs, Lucas Henry, The
sweepstakes award went to Mrs. Rienhardt
and Mrs. Henry won runner-up.

•The PARADISE GREEN SAINTPAULIA
CLUB of Stratford, Connecticut, held its
seventh annual show at the Garden Exchange
April 7-8th with a theme of “Showers of Vio¬
lets.” This theme was carried out as a feature
of the show and proved very effective. Mrs,
Frank Oliver was chairman and the judges
were Mrs. Frank Allen, Mrs. Julius Fargeot,
and Mrs. Alexander Brock. Christmas Jolly
was queen of the show, entered by Mrs. An¬
drew Chickos, for which she was given a silver
bowl. First runner-up for a plant of Pink
Petticoats, went to Mrs. Fred Nelson. Second
runner-up for a plant of Holly Doodle, went
to Mrs. Edward dela Pena. A special award
went to Mrs. John Tabak for her plant of
Azure Beauty.

•The STATEN ISLAND AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY held its third annual show April 7,
1962 with the theme of “Violet Gems.” Show
chairman was Mrs. Joseph E. Bedell, assisted
by Mrs. William Strobach. Wintry Nite was
queen of the show, entered by Mrs. Herman
Kienzle. Mrs. Walter Hunt’s plant of Shag
won show princess. Mrs. Hunt won the Na¬
tional Gold Ribbon Award for her entries of
Double Pink Cheer, Trifari, and Angela. She
also took the New York state award for Star
Chimes, and sweepstakes in horticultural

classes. Mrs. George Cole won second New
York state award with Isle of Dreams. Mr. S.
Frederick Hall, Jr. won a trophy for best
plant grown by a man, Caravan Coachman.
Mrs. Joseph Bedell had best arrangement.
•The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of
Dallas held its eighth annual show April 7, 8,
1962 at Lambert’s Landscaping Company.
“Rainbow of Violets” was the theme. The
National Gold Ribbon Award went to Mrs. C.
Hugh Heard. She also won sweepstakes in
horticultural division, best collection of three
named varieties and an aw^ard of m^erit. The
Purple Ribbon Award went to Mrs. Vernon
G. Cox, also an award as runner-up in sweep-
stakes. Mrs. Edward E. Bone’s plant of Wedge-
wood was queen of the show. Mrs. J. W.
Hofmann won the tricolpr award for the
theme of the show arrangement. Mrs. Chris¬
tine Osborn won an award for her compo¬
sition of violets with driftwood.

•The LONG ISLAND AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY held its eighth annual show April 7, 8,
1962 in Sagamore Room, Roosevelt Field
Shopping Center, Garden City, L.I, Mrs. Sid¬
ney Bogin was chairman. “Violet Follies” was
theme of the show. The Gold Ribbon Award
went to Mrs. Harry Wathey with plants of
Iris, Naomi’s Afterglo, and Double Pink Cheer.
Queen of the show, Snow Ballet, by Mrs,
Frank Krumenacker. Runner-up, Bud’s China
Doll, by Mrs. A. R. Colyer. Junior Queen,
Red Crown, by Mrs. Edward M. Hagan.
Runner-up, Double Snow Squall, by R and R
Welker. Largest single crown plant, Wedge-
wood by Mrs. Homer Boltz. Sweepstakes in

1— Left to right, Mrs. C, H. Heard, Mrs. J. W. Hof¬
mann, and Mrs. Edward E. Bone at the First African
Violet Society of Dallas, Texas show. 2— -Mrs. Sidney
Bogin, show chairman, and Mrs. Frank Krumenacker
admire Snow Ballet which won queen of the show for
Mrs. Krumenacker at the Long Island African Violet
Society show. S—Mrs. Homer Hall and her plant of
Summer Cloud which won ■ queen of the Santa Clara
Valley African Violet Society’s show. 4— ’The awards
table at the Santa Clara African Violet Society show,
the theme was “Rainbow of Violets.” 5— Left to right,
Mrs. Andrew Chickos holds Christmas Jolly, queen of
the show, Mrs. Fred Nelson and 1st runner-up, Pink
Petticoats, and Mrs, Edward dela Pena, 2nd runner-up,
Holly Doodle at the Paradise Green African Violet
Show, Stratford, Conn. 6— -The educational table at
the Levittown African Violet Society of New York
show. 7— A view of the display house of Missouri
Botanical Gardens at the St. Louis Metropolitan Afri¬
can Violet Society, Missouri. 8-~Mrs. T. C. Irwin holds
her plant of Faberge which won queen of the St, Louis
Metropolitan African Violet Society show. S—Mrs.
Roscoe Jones, sweepstakes winner, at the Des Moines
African Violet Club show In Iowa, 10-— Left, Mrs. David
Johnson, Jr. holds her queen of the show plant, Coon
Valley, and right, Mrs. Karl Ohlson with Irresistible,
runner-up at the Bay State African Violet Society of
Massachusetts show. 11— Holding their prize-winning
plants at the North Shore African Violet Society, Lynn,
Mass, show are, left to right; Mrs. Alice Parker,
Spooned Wine; Miss Dorothy Hutchinson, Pride of
Rochester; Mrs. Pearl McIntosh, Bridesmaid Sport;
Mrs. Fred Coombs, Pink Puff; Mrs. George Byrne,
Coon Valley. 12— Mrs. Manus Sharp_ and Mrs. Sidney
Rainey at the Tennessee Valley African Violet Club’s
display in the Tennessee Valley Flower Show, Knox¬
ville, Tenn. 13— These members of the Richmond
African Violet Society, Virginia are viewing the prize¬
winning plants of the show. 14~Display of theme,
“Roundup of Violets,” at the Siouxland African Violet
Society show. 15~HoMing their prize-winning plants
at the Fort Vancouver African Violet Society, Wash¬
ington show are, left to right, Mrs. Kenneth Rams;
Mrs. Joseph Augenblich, and Mrs. William B. Huttel.

90

horticulture, R and R Welker. Sweepstakes in
arrangements, Mrs. J. Howard Poulson. Best
arrangement, LeRoy Van Houten. Second,
Mrs. Fred Chapman. Smallest blooming plant,
Mrs. Frank Krumenacker.

•The POMONA VALLEY AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY held its ninth African violet show
at First National Bank of La Verne, April 14,

15, with the theme of “Violet Wonderland.”
Mrs. R. C. Rathbone of Norco was chairman,
Mrs. Cecil Houdyshel of La Verne, is presi=
dent. Mrs. Frankie Miller won the sweepstakes
trophy, queen of the show with a plant of
Fairyland Fantasy, and the Council rosette
for the best California introduced violet which
was Marvella. Mrs. Mildred McKeague and
Mrs. Alex Mueller tied for the best compo¬
sition using African violet plants.

•“Rhapsody in Blue” was the theme chosen
when the BORDER CITIES AFRICAN VIO¬
LET CLUB presented its ninth annual show
April 14, 15, at Dom Polski Hall in Detroit,
Michigan. Show chairman was Mrs. A. M.
Leslie assisted by Mrs. Bernadine Tanis and
many others in the club. Queen of the show
was a plant of Colorado Peach entered by Mrs.
Ward Cherry. Mrs. Cherry also won sweep-
stakes.

•The METROPOLITAN AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Peoria, Illinois held its eighth
show on April 15th at Glen Oak Park Pavi¬
lion. “Violet Revue of ’62” was the theme of
the show. Mrs. Ira Johnson and Mrs. M. G.
Meints were cochairmen with Mrs. Edward
Goble serving as general chairman. The show
was carried out by beautiful displays of nicely
grown violets. Mrs. Walter Randall displayed
plants under the new type of fluorescent
lights. Mrs. Albert Beasler set up a propaga¬
tion table and Mrs. Ethel Moore arranged the
educational table.

•The HARMONY AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Boise, Idaho held its seventh show
in the Y.W.C.A. on April 21-22, 1962 with
the theme “African Violets on Easter Parade.”
Show chairman was Mrs. John Booth. White
violets at the base of a large white cross
against a blue background curtain made a
beautiful stage setting. The National Gold
Ribbon Award for plants of Pink Pride, Blue
Electra, and Fair Elaine, went to Mrs. W. T.
Kirtley. She also won sweepstakes. Coon Val¬
ley was queen of the show, entered by Mrs.
A. B. Vestal. Double Pink Waver ly was prin¬
cess and Coon Valley was largest plant in
show. Mrs. H. B. Chase had largest single
blooms, Mrs. T. A. Flood the largest double
bloom. Best artistic design went to Mrs. John
Booth and Mrs. A. A. DeMeyer won sweep-
stakes.

•The CLEVELAND SAINTPAULIA SOCIETY

held its twelfth African violet show at
Sterling-Lindner’s, Cleveland, Ohio on April

16, 17th. Their theme was “Easter Time is
Violet Time.” Chairman of the show was Mrs.
Robert Dale; cochairmen Mrs. Henry Loesch

and Mrs. Charles Dautel. Queen of the show,
P. T. Burma Ruby, entered by Mrs. Charles
Dautel. Princess, White Trumpet, by Mrs.
Charles Dautel, Sweepstakes and a special
award for Red Crown was also won by Mrs.
Charles Dautel. Mrs. Henry Loesch won most
points scored in Sections one and two and a
special award for her plant, a sport of Amer¬
ica. Best arrangement trophy went to Mrs.
Joseph Hodan. Mrs. Loesch won best single
blue or purple and best double pink. Mrs.
Dautel won best double blue or purple, double
white and best seedling. Judges were Mrs.
Mary Meeds, Mrs. Ralph Berst, and Mrs. C. H.
Bradshaw.

•The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET STUDY
CLUB of Ashtabula, Ohio held its seventh
annual show April 25-26th at the Lake Avenue
Methodist Church. “Pretty as a Picture” was
the theme of the show and Mrs. Fred Kiphart
used a picture frame with two Bonne Foi
plants to depict the theme. Mrs. Walter Gar¬
vey won queen of the show with her plant
of Dixie Frost. Mrs. Gordon Conley was the
sweepstakes winner.

•The eleventh annual show of the SIOUX-
LAND AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Sioux
City, Iowa, was held in the Municipal Audi¬
torium April 29, 1962 with the theme of
“Roundup of Violets.” There was a display of
arrangements and a fine educational table.
Door prizes of violets in bloom were given
during the day,

•The JAMESTOWN AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB, Jamestown, N.Y. held its ninth annual
violet show April 28, 29th with a theme of
“Fairyland of Violets.” Mrs. George Hall won
the Gold Ribbon Award with her plants of
White Pride Supreme, Cavalier and Pink
Riot. She also won sweepstakes and the tri¬
color rosette for best New York state regis¬
tered plant. Isle of Dreams. Queen of the show
was a plant of Banner, entered by Mrs. Sigurd
Flyger. Runner-up, Donna Marie, entered by
Mrs. Claude Swanson. Blue Modiste, the larg¬
est blooming plant was entered by Mrs. Fly¬
ger. She also won queen of the decorative
division. Mrs. Arthur Agnew won sweepstakes.
•The LIVINGSTON COUNTY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY held its eleventh annual spring
show “Violet Pow-Wow” April 29th at Gene-
seo, N.Y. Mrs. Roy Wingate of Livonia and
Mr. Lewis Cook, Gainesville, were cochair¬
men. In culture classes Mrs, Olin Owen took
queen with Isle of Dreams; runner-up was
Mrs. Madge Hoar with Shag. Mrs. Elmer Ace,
took junior queen with a plant of Dom and
Mrs. Hoar’s Waterlily was runner-up. Mrs.
Hoar took sweepstakes and Mrs. Owen, runner-
up. Mrs. Elmer Ace took queen with her
arrangement, runner-up and also sweepstakes.
Mrs. Madge Hoar was runner-up to sweep-
stakes

•The METROPOLITAN AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY, Washington, D.C. held its show
April 28-29, 1962 in Woodward & Lothrop’s

92

T\

3;

_

3

L.J—

1— “Violet Harmony,” theme of the Cedar Valley
African Violet Club, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 2— Pictured
at the Cleveland, Ohio Saintpaulia Society show are
left to right, Mrs. Charles Dautel, Mrs. Stephen
Bekeny, and Mrs. Henry Winkler. 3— Pictured from
left to right are the award winners at the Santa
Monica Bay Chapter show: Mrs. Clifford Burton, Mrs.
Charles Leland, Mrs. Hugo Juline, Mrs. Gifford
Thrasher, Mrs. Lawrence Swartfager, Mrs. J. B.
Garacochea.

Seven Corners Dept. Store, Falls Church, Va.
The theme of the show was “African Violet
Crown Jewels.” Double Jubilee won queen of
the show. Single Jubilee won second, both
entered by Mrs. Stanley Skelton, of Falls
Church. Double Black Cherry won third.
Sweepstakes award went to Dr. and Mrs.
Thomas McKneely. A plant of Zorro was voted
best plant in the show, entered by the Mc-
Kneelys. Mrs. Solomon’s entry of Double
Black Cherry was next best.

•The BAY STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Massachusetts held its third annual
show on April 28-29, 1962 at Horticultural
Hall, Boston, Mass. “Rainbow of Violets” was
chosen as the theme and was staged by Mrs.
Frank Davis, of Walpole. Mrs. J. A. W. Rich¬
ardson of Lincoln served as show chairman.
The National Gold Ribbon Award went to
Mrs. David Johnson, Jr., for her plants of
Angela, Clusters O’ Blue, and Top Sail. The
Purple Rosette Award went to Mr. Leonard
Schavone of Ashland. Mr. Johnson’s plant of
Coon Valley won queen of the show and the
Olga MacLean award. Mrs. Karl Ohlson of
Lynn, won runner-up and honorable mention
for her plants of Irresistible and Pink Wing.

1— -Mrs. Robert Dale was chairman of the Cleveland
Saintpaulia Society show and Mrs. Henry Loesch was
cochairman. 2— -Left, Mrs. Mildred Smith president of
the Kitchner-Waterloo African Violet Society. Right,
Mrs. Harry Pellar who grew over a hundred plants for
the club’s show. 3— Judge Willard C. Hill with Mrs.
Glen C. Matthews at the Central California African
Violet Society show.

A number of judges from surrounding com¬
munities served to judge the display of plants.

•The FORT VANCOUVER AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY of Vancouver, Washington

held its third show on May 4-5, with the
theme of “Heavenly Violets.” The show was
held in the auditorium of the Public Utilities
Department. The award for best plant in show
was an entry of Mimosa, entered by Mrs.
Kenneth T. Rains. Mrs. William B. Huttel was
winner of the advanced amateur sweepstakes
award and also the award for the largest blue
ribbon plant exhibited. Mrs. Joseph Augen-
blich won the amateur sweepstakes award as
well as the award for smallest blooming plant.

•The SUSQUEHANNA AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY, Perryville-Perry Point, Maryland,
held its second annual show on May 5-6th
with the theme of “In Living Color” which
was carried out by the staging chairman, Mrs.
Robert Cahill and her committee. Queen of
the show, junior queen, best artistic arrange¬
ment, and sweepstakes award went to Mrs.
Grace Wilson who is club president. Mrs.
M. J. Oldaker won runner-up to queen with
Thunderhead. Mrs. Paul Young was junior
sweepstakes winner. Mrs. Raymond Reynolds
was show chairman. Organ music was fur¬
nished through the courtesy of Fontz Organ
of Baltimore and a display of gesneriads by
Merle Roemers from Newark, Delaware added
to the attractions.

•The SANTA CLARA VALLEY AFRICAN
VIOLET CLUB presented its fourth annual
show May 18-19, 1962 in the St. Claire Room
of the Emporium, Stevens Creek. The theme
“Rainbow of Violets” was carried out with a
big rainbow of new plants displayed above
the awards table and could be seen from any

angle in the room. Show chairman was Mrs,
Charles Geraci. Mrs. Roland Fogg was staging
chairman. Queen of the show went to Mrs.
Homer Hall for a plant of Summer Cloud.
Princess rosette went to Mrs. Melvin Tallmon
for a plant of Pepsodent. Northern Council
awards went to Mrs. Tallmon for first; Mrs.
H. O. Strange, second; and third place went
to Mrs. T. Quamme. The Edith Waller trophy
was given to Mrs. R. Moore for the best
Waller seedling which was the club project.
This is a revolving trophy established and
presented this year for the first time in mem¬
ory of Edith Waller, the founder and first
president. Mrs. Tallmon won sweepstakes.
•The NORTH SHORE AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Lynn, Massachusetts, held its
seventh annual show May 5-6, 1962 at the
Community Hall of East Lynn. There were
many plants entered, also quite a number of
arrangements, with naany blue ribbons being
awarded. The show was judged by accredited
judges of the African Violet Society of Amer¬
ica, Inc. There was also a display of gesneriads.
•The FIRST HALIFAX AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY held its eighth annual show May 5th
with the theme “Maytime Magic.” The theme
was carried out with a black silk topper, a
rabbit, a wand, a rainbow chiffon scarf and
a beautiful Black Magic violet. Best plant in
the show was Emperor Wilhelm, entered by
Mrs. Maude de Lege. The most artistic ar¬
rangement was won by Mrs. D. J. Dunn’s, May¬
time Bride. Most points were won by Mrs.
de Lege. The judge was Mrs. W. T. Tyner,
St. John, N.B.

•With the theme of “Violet Time in Virginia”
the RICHMOND AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
held its spring show May 5-6, 1962 in the
Carillon at Byrd Park, Richmond, Virginia.
The rooms were beautifully decorated to carry
out the theme. The National Gold Ribbon
Award went to Mrs. Danna J. Stradling for
her plants of White Puff, Double Racy Red,
and Zorro. The Purple Ribbon Award went
to Mrs. Benjamin S. Cooke, for White Pride,
Wintry Rose, and Sky Blue Supreme. Mrs.
Cooke also won sweepstakes in both cultural
and artistics. Tricolor went to Mrs. Stradling
for Double Rose Wing, and to Mrs. Donald W.
Fergusson for arrangement. Judges were Mrs.
C. M. Ward, Mrs. Larry L. White, Mrs. Lois
F. Miller all of Norfolk, Virginia, and Mrs.
Daniel F. Kelly of Richmond, Virginia.

•The SOUTH COUNTRY AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Long Island presented its first
show using as its theme “A Birthday Party”
which was most appropriate at the end of a
successful first year. It was held in St. Paul’s
Parish Hall in Patchogue on May 22nd. Mrs.
Robert Verschure was awarded queen of the
show. Sweepstakes arrangement was won by
Mrs. Grant Haviland and Mrs. Carl Lange
had best in horticulture. Several other indi¬
vidual awards were given also.

•The COUNTRYSIDE AFRICAN VIOLET

CLUB of Madison, Wisconsin, held its first
judged show May 10-11, 1962 at the Sherman
Avenue Methodist Church with the theme
“Sing Along With Violets.” Afterglow, a plant
exhibited by Mrs. C. O. Sothre was queen of
the show. Mrs. Sothre also won sweepstakes.
The State Council gave them the gold ribbon
award for second rating in their first show.
•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Utah
held its tenth annual show April 14-15, 1962
in Salt Lake City. “Our Ten Years with Afri¬
can Violets” was their theme. Mrs. Charles T.
Bintz was chairman. The National Gold Ribbon
Award went to Mrs. Hoyt Conger for her
plants of Caliph, Coon Valley and Lingo. Mrs.
Marvin Strong received the Purple Ribbon
Award for Alabaster, Charm Song and Lilian
Jarrett. The tricolor award went to Mrs. Hers-
chel Roberts for her plant of Lilian Jarrett.
This plant also won queen of the show.

•The DES MOINES AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB held its eighth annual show April 14-
15th at the Waterworks Park with the theme
of “Anytime is Violet Time.” Mrs. Xen Q.
Lindell and Mrs. Geo. Ilstrup were cochair¬
men.

•The KITCHNER - WATERLOO AFRICAN
VIOLET CLUB, CANADA held its ninth an¬
nual display and tea at the Trinity United
Fellowship Hall on May 4th and 5th. The
theme of the show was “Violet Wonderland.”
More than 40 individual displays by members
included a violet Christmas tree, a Mother’s
Day subject, a cart blooming with violets and
arrangements combining violets, Scotch pine
and sansevieria. Mrs. Harry Pellar contributed
100 plants. The tea table carried a combina¬
tion of driftwood and violets with mauve
candles. Mrs. Chris Lubitz and Mrs. Norman
Doncaster were in charge of the guest book.
Mrs. Carl Smith, president of the club, was
the general chairman, with Mrs. Joseph Kies-
wetter and Mrs. Alfred Schmidt as cochairmen.
•The WEST END AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
of Baltimore, Maryland held its eighth an¬
nual show at Westview Community Hall on
April 6-7, with the theme of “April Showers
of Violets.” The outstanding plant was Ardent
Red exhibited by Mrs. Helen Gray who was
also the sweepstakes winner. Mrs. Marie Tarr
was runner-up. Mrs. Dorothy Kern won first
in arrangements.

•The third annual show of the AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY OF GRAND RAPIDS,
MICHIGAN was held April 26th in the Black
and Silver Room of the Civic Auditorium.
Mrs. Victor Cermanski was chairman of the
show which was noncompetitive.

Plants were displayed on white covered
tables with different shades of net. Special
arrangements were placed on tables covered
with pink taffeta. An educational table proved
most interesting and informative. One busy
corner was taken up by the sale of plants,
rooted leaves and fresh-cut leaves.

•The CEDAR VALLEY AFRICAN VIOLET

94

CLUB of Cedar Rapids, Iowa held its eleventh
annual violet show April 29th at the Noel-
ridge Park Pavilion. The theme was “Violet
Harmony” and Mrs. Stanley Nemec was chair¬
man. Mr. George Wessale received a trophy
for show queen. Mrs. W. H. James had the
best arrangement, Mr. Carl Franks second
best. Mr. Nemec won a trophy for educational
exhibit. There were a number of blue ribbon
winners in plant exhibits, arrangements and
educational exhibits.

•The second annual show of the VANCOUVER
AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB of Vancouver,
B.C., Canada was held May 26th from 1:30
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Kerrisdale Community
Centre, Vancouver, B.C. The theme was
“Violets in May.” The show was opened by
Mrs. Alsbury, the Mayor’s wife. Mrs. Ruth
Doxsee of Bellingham, Washington judged
the entries. Queen of the show was Fairy-Lee,
grown by Mrs. H. Klein. Mrs. Klein also took
the Merilees silver bowl for winning the most
ribbons in the show. There were many rib¬
bon winners and also fine commercial ex¬
hibits. Club members donated plants for sale,
also Forsell’s Greenhouse. The club wishes to
thank Acme Peat Products for materials do¬
nated and Later Chemicals for their fine
display.

•The SANTA MONICA AFRICAN VIOLET

CHAPTER held its tenth annual show May
26-27th in the Santa Monica Auditorium. The
theme was “Violets Parisienne.” Mrs. Charles
J. Leland served as show chairman with the
president, Mrs. Gifford W. Thrasher and an
able committee of members to aid her. Mrs.
Clifford Benton won queen of the show with
Black Cherry Supreme. Mrs. Charles J. Le¬
land won princess of the show, Mrs. Hugo
Juline won the Southern Council rosette;
Mrs. Gifford W. Thrasher won sweepstakes;
Mrs. Lawrence Swartfager, runner-up to
sweepstakes and Mrs. J. B. Garacochea the
award for theme of the show arrangement.
•The FIRST RAPID CITY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY of Rapid City, South Dakota,
held its annual show at the Pretty Girls Party
and Banquet House May 12th. The theme was
“Show Time — A Year of Violets.” Twelve
tables featuring the months of the year were
displayed. One outstanding display was of the
1961 list of “Best 100” violets. Mrs. R. F.
Brittain was show chairman.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SPO¬
KANE, WASHINGTON held its fifth annual
show and plant sale at the Coliseum on May
11th from 2 to 9 p.m. The theme was “Violets
Unlimited.” A feature of the show was “A
Calendar of Violets” with an arrangement for
each month suggesting a special day. Mrs.
Gilbert Eisenhauer won top honors. National
Awards were given to Mrs. Eisenhauer and
Mr, C. H. Stowell. Nancy MacDonald was
given an award for her educational display.
Judges were Mrs. Lena Enochs, Mrs. Arthur
Davidson, and Miss Arnetta Bjornson all from

Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Eisenhauer served as
chairman, Mrs. Martin Hicks, cochairman.
•The FIRST NIGHTERS AFRICAN VIOLET

SOCIETY of Decatur, Illinois held its first
show in the YMCA on May 26-27th with a
theme of “Through The Garden Gate.” Mrs.
Willard Henson was chairman. The theme of
the show was featured by a white wrought
iron fence and gate through which to walk
into the garden. There were many nice dis¬
plays and plants.

•Members of the TORONTO AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY entered a display in the horti¬
cultural show sponsored by the Garden Club
of Toronto and held at the beautiful Civic
Garden Centre, Toronto, Canada, on June
15-16th.

Two semicircular, three tier stands, draped
in pink, flanked a large wheel, into which
eight pots of violets were inserted. White net
and philodendron greens set off the 45 vari¬
eties of violets shown.

•The SAINTPAULIAS OF WILLIAMSVILLE,

New York, held its first annual show June
30th with a theme of “Summer Violet Sym¬
phony.” Mrs. Angelo C. Alaimo won sweep-
stakes, Mrs. Leigh Merkle second sweepstakes,
Mrs. Oehman third sweepstakes. Blue Cluster
won queen of the show, entered by Mrs.
Alaimo. Runner-up was a plant of White Ma¬
donna, also by Mrs. Alaimo. Little Orchid
won junior queen, entered by Mrs. Peter J.
Oehman, runner-up was Flash by Mrs. Alaimo.
Mrs. Alaimo had largest plant, Mrs. Oehman
the smallest. Mrs. George Reister took first
in miniatures with Daisy Mae. Mrs. C. Forest
Richard won the tricolor and trophy for ar¬
rangements. There were also several blue
ribbons for arrangements.

•The WACHUSETT AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Gardner, Massachusetts held its fifth
annual show May 2, 1962 with the theme
“Parade of Violets.” Queen of the show was
Blue Modeste, entered by Mrs. Ralph Nelson.
Pink Riot was runner-up, entered by Miss
Judith Lajoie. Mrs. Nelson’s plant of Skylark
also was judged a runner-up to the queen.
Miss Judith Lajoie was chairman.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SAN
FRANCISCO participated in the annual San
Francisco Flower Show held in the Garden
Center of Golden Gate Park, August 23-26th.
Legionnaire, exhibited by Mrs. Alice Hamai,
was best plant in the show. Double Pink
Waverly, exhibited by Mrs. Maria Hardman,
was largest plant. Sweepstakes in beginners
class went to Mrs. Ellen Schloffel; the amateur
class, Mrs. Maria Hardman; advanced amateur
class, to Mrs. Alice Hamai.

Division manager was Mrs. Evelyn Nien-
stadt. Judges were Mrs. Millie Blair, Mrs.
Charles Dias, Mrs. Roland Fogg, Mrs. Roletta
Frazer, Mrs. Minnie Hall and Mrs. W. L.
Roberts. Mrs. Esther Ottolini was chairman
of the educational exhibit which won a second
place ribbon.

95

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PIPING ANDMOZZU lAV-OUT fOR MIST SySTfM
/MAS/HAIL 6R££NIIOU6e

Mist Systems
For Small Greenhouses

Harold E. Gray, BSAE, Ph.D.

Reprinted with permission of Under Glass

There is an increasing amount of interest
among home greenhouse hobbyists for in¬
stalling mist systems for improved growth of
certain crops. During hot summer days when
the humidity is normally low, mist in the
greenhouse helps to increase the humidity and
and at the same time has some cooling effect
through the evaporation of water. These fac¬
tors tend to reduce the water lost from the
leaves of the plants. Not all plants however
can be grown successfully under mist because
of the possibility of disease and other physio¬
logical problems. But those that can be grown
with mist appear to do much better, particu¬
larly in the summer, when mist is installed.
The simplest way to inject mist in the green¬
house is through a system of pipe lines and
mist nozzles laid out in a manner similar to
that in the accompanying sketch. In small
greenhouses it is most satisfactory to install
a line over each bench. Then nozzles can be
spaced from four to six feet along each line.

One half inch pipe or copper tubing is of
adequate size for a system of this capacity.
The nozzles to be used are of a special misting
type made for greenhouse use. These nozzles
are rated according to their discharge capac¬
ity at a given pressure. A nozzle rating of one
half or three quarters of a gallon per hour
at 40 pounds pressure should be satisfactory.

Nozzles selected should be the type with
built-in strainers. The higher the water pres¬
sure, the finer the water is broken up. Most
mist nozzles will operate satisfactory at pres¬
sures down to 25 pounds, although there may
be some drip and large droplets of water. If
the pressure is low, sensitive plants should
not be placed directly under the nozzles.

The height of the nozzles should be about
eighteen inches to two feet above the tops of
the plants if possible. Many owners choose to
put hand valves in each line so that any indi¬
vidual line can be shut off when plants are

grown under that line that do not use mist. If
the mist lines are tied together by a pipe
across the end away from the supply, it will
help to reduce “shock” when water is turned
into the system.

The simplest control for the mist system
would be an ordinary hand valve in the supply
line; however this would require constant
attention for turning the mist on, and off. For
automatic control an electric solenoid valve
must be installed in the supply line. A simple
method of installing the solenoid is shown in
the accompanying diagram. The arrangement
shown includes a manual by-pass that permits
operating the system by hand in the event of
any problem with the automatic system. It
also permits the simple removal of the sole¬
noid for cleaning. A line strainer is recom¬
mended just befo.re the solenoid even though
individual nozzles have their own strainers.

For control of the solenoid valve, two meth¬
ods are commonly used. One method employs
a humidistat and the other uses time clocks.
A humidistat reacts to humidity and thus
activates the solenoid. The humidistat should
be specified as one which makes contact on
humidity drop. The humidistat is best located
at some point in the greenhouse but not di¬
rectly under a nozzle. The humidistat should
be protected by a sun shade that not only
keeps direct sun off the instrument but also
prevents mist falling directly on the humid¬
istat to affect its reading.

For a time clock control, two clocks are
necessary. One of these has, a twenty-four
hour dial which can be set to turn on in the
morning and off at night. In series with this
clock is installed a fast cycle repeating timer
that turns the system on and off when the
24 hour clock permits. The 2 most popular
models are the 6 minute and 12 minute timer.

The six minute timer makes a complete
cycle in six minutes and has adjustable steps
of six seconds. In other words it can turn the
mist on for six seconds or any multiple thereof
every six minutes. The 12 minute' timer op¬
erates in a similar m,anner but with 12 record
steps. The adjustable steps permit varying the
amount of mist according to weather condi¬
tions by pre-setting the timer. Time clocks
are best located on a gable end wall preferably
near the entrance door where they can be
conveniently reached for adjustment.

Humidistat control is probably preferred
by more people because it automatically works
on humidity and does not require the clock
adjustment and, therefore, requires the mini¬
mum of attention. Some minor changes may
be desirable in the humidistat, however, for
different temperature and light conditions de¬
pending upon the desires of the owner.

Equipment for mist systems is readily avail¬
able, Special mist nozzles, valves, solenoid
valves, strainers, and time clocks can be
purchased from Lord and Burnham in Irving¬
ton, N.Y. The piping and pipe fittings should
be available from a local plumbing shop. •

96

The Crosstown African Violet Club of

Madison, Wisconsin won a red ribbon for its
yearbook for 1962 at the National Convention.
As we are a newly organized club and this
was our first yearbook we are quite proud of
our achievement. This year we are fortunate
in having members of the Countryside African
Violet Club of Madison as guest speakers for
our programs.

Our members exhibited plants at the show
“Sing Along with Violets” sponsored by the
Countryside Club on May 10th and 11th with
Mrs. C. O. Sathre, one of our group, winning
queen of the show with a plant of Afterglo.
Mrs. Sathre also won the sweepstakes ribbon.
Several other members received blue ribbons
on their entries.

The African Violet Society of Greater Pitts¬
burgh, Pennsylvania has just completed a
most successful year. Among its activities, the
society has had a bus tour to Granger Gar¬
dens, Medina, Ohio; a Christmas bazaar; a
silent auction; a cookie exchange, at which
members exchanged favorite cookies and reci¬
pes; and the annual spring violet show, held
at the Pittsburgh Garden Center.

At some of the meetings there were guest
speakers, but a favorite, ever popular program
was the panel discussion on violet culture by
the members. A class for judges in which
twenty-five members participated, was con¬
ducted by E. Pearle Turner. The May meeting
was a birthday party at which beautifully
decorated tables depicted the months of the
year and members were seated at the table
representing their birth month. A pantomime
of violet names, to be guessed by the mem¬
bers, added to the fun at this “May Frolic.”
At the final meeting of the season, a June
luncheon at Hotel Webster Hall, the following
officers were installed: president, Mrs. C. G.
Dietz; first vice president, Mrs. Gilbert Thies-
sen; second vice president, Mrs. L. C. Hall;
recording secretary, Mrs. Richard Rowan;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. W. G. Stewart;
treasurer, Mrs. Walter Zischkau,

The South Shore African Violet Society,
Seaford, New York, under the leadership of
the president, Mrs. Henry Luhman, brought
its second season to a close with a luncheon
June 20th at the Harbour Lights, Amity Har¬
bour, New York. The Society sponsored a
successful exhibit at the Seaford Garden Club
Spring Show in May. A number of the mem¬
bers won ribbons in the open class. During

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. noth Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Club News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for December issue, September 1st;

for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

the summer the members had a social get-to¬
gether which was enjoyed by all. A campaign
to increase membership has been conducted
this fall, thus sharing with others the joy
of African violets. Meetings are held the
fourth Wednesday of the month.

The Springfield African Violet Society of
Delaware County, Pennsylvania began its
fifteenth year this month. The newly elected
officers for the year are: president, Mrs. G. W.
O’Grady; vice president, Mrs. C. A. Wood;,
treasurer, Mrs. H. J. Roth; recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. Mark Saville.

The Minuet Violet Club of St. Paul, Minne¬
sota held its regular monthly meeting on
Wednesday, May 16th, 1962 at the home of
Mrs. Frank Filipczak. Results of the election
of officers for the year 1962-63 are as follows:
president, Mrs. Horace Miller; vice president,
Mrs. Ben Siegel; secretary, Mrs. Mark Web¬
ber; treasurer, Mrs. Herman Meyers.

The annual violet show of the Twin Cities
Clubs was held at Donaldson’s Department
Store in Minneapolis on April 5, 1962, the
general theme this year being Music. The
Minuet Club’s table representing “Three Coins
in a Fountain” placed second in the judging
of tables. Mrs. Milton Kluge won a blue ribbon
for her Avalon while her Huguenot and Mrs,
Ely Pratt’s Duke tied for honorable mention.
A project started a year ago was brought to
a satisfying conclusion in June with the judg¬
ing of Avalon plants by a qualified judge. A
similar project is on the agenda for the com¬
ing year together with others now in the
planning stage.

The African Violet Club of Butler, Missouri

participated with the merchants of their city
on “Hay Day,” which is a special outdoor
sales promotion. Each member contributed
and displayed many lovely varieties of African
violets at the Newspaper office and enough
money was realized from the sale of the plants
to buy a Lifetime Membership in the Bates
County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Mrs.
Ludwig Becher, president of the Auxiliary
and also a member of the club presented a
Certificate of Merit to the club president, Mrs.
Raymond Gepford and notified the members
that the club’s name was placed permanently
on the plaque in the hospital. The other offi¬
cers serving this year are: vice president, Mrs.
Ben Schwanders; recording secretary, Mrs.
Jerry Leonard; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Goldie Clark; treasurer, Mrs. Stanley Noe.

97

Photo left, from left to
right, Mrs. Daisy
Hurst, Mrs. F. E. Glass
and Mrs. Edward Pol¬
lard, members of the
Indianapolis African
Violet Club, Indianapo¬
lis, Indiana. Photo
right, Mrs. H a r ol d
Stein, left, and Mrs.
Philip McCloskey,
right, of the Green
Bay African Violet
Club admiring some of
the lovely plants that
w'ere grown by the
club members.

The Bay State African Violet Society of
Massachusetts, at its annual meeting held in
April, elected the following officers for the
1962-63 year: president, Mrs. Irwin B. Frank¬
lin; first vice president, Mr. Stephen C. Kanela;
second vice president, Mr. Milton Webster;
recording secretary. Miss Sonja Kartuz; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Irene Dolan; treas¬
urer, Mr. Carl G. Johanson; and historian, Mrs.
Percy Crane.

The Harmony African Violet Society of
Houston, Texas held its annual spring lun¬
cheon at the Briar Club on May 4th. Installa¬
tion of officers was conducted by Mrs. C. A.
Dwyer. The new officers are: president, Mrs.
C. E. Mandeville; vice president, Mrs. W. W.
Hedrick, secretary, Mrs. W. C. Jackson; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Otis Gammill; and corresponding
secretary, Mrs. William Hardeman. Mrs. E. H.
Taylor was the luncheon chairman.

The African Violet Society of Staten Island,
New York elected and installed, at its May
meeting for the 1962-63 year, the following
officers: president, Mr. S. Frederick Hall, Jr.;
vice president, Mrs. Herman Kienzle; record¬
ing secretary, Mrs. Gertrude Ferris; corres¬
ponding secretary, Mrs. Edith Lawrence; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Carol Mullich.

The Livingston County African Violet So¬
ciety, New York held its March meeting at
the home of Mrs. Roy Wingate, Livonia, N.Y.
After a short business meeting, the members
made a tour to a neighboring violet growers
home as the program. The April meeting was
held at the home of Mrs. Marion Nichols,
Lima, N.Y. Show business for the 11th annual
show was discussed. Mrs Elmer Ace and son,
Alan, then presented a program of slides on
violet shows held in Geneseo, Rochester and
Syracuse. The May meeting was held at the
home of Mrs. Fred Flory, Geneseo, N.Y. The
June meeting was held at the home of Mr.
Lewis Cook, Gainesville, N.Y., with a business
meeting at 2:30 followed by a picnic supper.

The Pioneer African Violet Society of Nor¬
folk, Virginia celebrated the tenth anniver¬
sary of the society at its May meeting. A
luncheon was held at the home of Mr^. L. J.

Detrick. A beautifully decorated cake was the
centerpiece of the luncheon table. The officers
elected for the coming year are: president,
Mrs. Ben Do we; first vice president, Mrs.

L. L. White; second vice president, Mrs. L. B.
Cherry; recording secretary, Mrs. J. T. Lum-
ley; corresponding secretary, Mrs. George
Schreiner, and treasurer, Mrs. Ruth Sadler.

The society received a white ribbon for
its yearbook entered at the National Conven¬
tion in San Francisco. The project for the year
has been giving cash to the Visually Handi¬
capped. The money was used to buy Books of
the Bible records which were given to those
desiring them, by the Home representative
of the Virginia Commission of the Visually
Handicapped. Several times through the year |
the club used oral judging at its monthly |
meetings. This is helpful in teaching members
how a show plant is judged, also to know the I
requirements of a show plant. The Pioneer
African Violet Society sponsored a judging
school in October 1961. Six members passed
the examination and became qualified judges.

The Racine African Violet Society and the
Lakeshore Afternoon Saintpaulia Club, both

of Racine, Wisconsin were hostesses on May 7,
1962 to the Wisconsin Council of African
Violet Clubs. At the luncheon, held at noon
at the Elks Club, the invocation was given by 1
Miss lola Pierson. Table decorations were I
carried out with plum blossoms and pink |
African violets. Tiny containers holding vio¬
let blossoms and leaves tied with a bow,
marked each place. Honored at the luncheon
were Mrs. Marvin Luttrop, Milwaukee; Mrs.

W. J. Hadley, Green Bay; and Mrs. D. E.
Buchta, Racine, all past presidents of the
Council. Mrs. Laurence B. Hotchkiss of Peoria,
Illinois was the guest speaker. Her topic was,
“How Not to Grow Violet Plants.”

The Council sponsored a judges school
in Milwaukee on September 24th, at Mitchell
Park Pavilion with Mrs. Ruth Carey as the
instructor.

The Elite Violet Society of Chicago, Illinois
installed the following officers for 1962-63
season: president, Mrs. H. G. MacDonald; first

98

vice president, Mrs. J. Lackey; second vice
president, Mrs. P. Gosswein; corresponding
secretary, Miss Olive Reece, recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. V. K. Brown; treasurer, Mrs. Wil¬
liam Higganbotham. Many interesting events
are planned for the coming year. The first,
a luncheon and visit to Richter’s Greenhouse,
Hammond, Indiana.

The African Violet Club of Stanley County,
North Carolina held its first meeting of the
new year, 1962-63, on Sunday May 20, in the
home of Miss Ruth Patton in Badin. The
following officers were elected: president.
Miss Ora Ross, vice president. Miss Ruth
Patton; secretary, Mrs. Robert Hatley; treas¬
urer, Mrs. J. Theo Hinson. The club members
enjoyed viewing the many lovely African
violets throughout the Patton home.

The Jamestown African Violet Club, New
York held its March meeting at the Hotel
Jamestown with Mrs. Vernon Burmeister pre¬
siding. Violet leaves of Trifari and Snow
Ballet, a project for the 1963 show, were pre¬
sented to each member. Mrs. Lavern Clawson
gave an interesting talk on “Decorative Ar¬
rangements.”

The following new officers were installed
at the May meeting: president, Mrs. Murray
Smith; vice president. Miss Myrna McKinney;
recording secretary, Mrs. Harry Johnson; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs Gordon Carlson;
treasurer, Mrs. Floyd Burrows. Mrs. Arthur
Agnew was the installing officer.

The Omaha African Violet Club, Omaha,
Nebraska installed the following officers for
1962-63: president, Mrs. Leslie Jensen; vice
president, Mrs. Floyd Corson; recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. L. A. Lenz; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. May Gamble and treasurer, Mr. Frank
Kucirek.

The annual show will be held in the Joslyn
Museum on March 23 and 24, 1963.

The Town and Country Violet Club, Koko¬
mo, Indiana held its annual picnic dinner at
the home of Mrs. Oliver Richey on June 15th,
1962. After dinner a short business meeting,
opened by the president, was held. Installa¬
tion of the new officers followed and they
are: president, Mrs. Herman Hedrick; vice
president, Mrs. Fred Cline; secretary, Mrs.
Andy Rioth; treasurer, Mrs. Oliver Richey.
Mrs. Nellie Francis was the installing officer.
She used the African violet plant as her
theme. To the treasurer she gave the roots
saying they represented the funds of the club.
To the secretary she gave the stems, repre¬
senting the activities of the club. To the vice
president, she gave the leaves, representing
the co-ordination of the club. Then the out¬
going president, Mrs. Evan Cardwell handed
the new president, Mrs. Hedrick, the soil with¬
out which there would be no growth of the
club. The opening prayer was given by Mrs.
Goldie Samuels and in closing all members
sang one verse of “Blest Be The Tie That
Binds.” Mrs. Hedrick gave a demonstration on

repotting a violet plant. After the meeting,
pictures were taken in the rose garden.

The Crusader African Violet Society of
Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania met at the
Inglenauk Tea House in Swarthmore on June
13th for its annual luncheon. After the lun¬
cheon they went to the home of Mrs. John
Ricker of Norwood for the business meeting.

The following officers were elected for the
coming year: president, Mrs. Frank Gricunas;
vice president, Mrs. John Ricker; correspond¬
ing secretary, Mrs. William Crossen; record¬
ing secretary, Mrs. Elizabeth Crothers; treas¬
urer, Miss Beatrice Benners. After the meeting
was adjourned, Mrs. Ricker entertained the
club by showing pictures taken at the National
Convention in San Francisco and the Hawaiian
Tour.

The Sioux Falls African Violet Club, South
Dakota held its June meeting in Tuthill Park
with a brunch on the 13th. Their new year
began in September. Mrs. George Donmisse
installed the following officers: president,
Mrs. William Merry; vice president, Mrs. S. G.
Swenson; secretary, Mrs. F. W. Witte; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Francis McKee. She presented Mrs.
W. E. Poley, retiring president, and the four
incoming officers with corsages.

The Sparkling Waters African Violet Club,
Connecticut elected the following new officers
at the meeting held in June in the West Shore
Firehouse, West Haven, Connecticut: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Richard Boardman; vice president,
Mrs. Gerald Bartram; recording secretary,
Mrs. Nicholas Kot; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. Irving Held; treasurer, Mrs. Steve Ger-
encser.

Mrs. Harmon M. Voltz of West Haven was
appointed chairman for the club dinner held
in August. The Sparkling Waters Club draws
its membership from the shore towns of Mil¬
ford, West Haven, Orange, East Haven and
Branford.

The African Violet Society of Springfield,
Pennsylvania held its annual luncheon at the
Westtown Farmhouse, Westtown, Pennsylvan¬
ia on June 5th. This was followed by the
installation of new officers for the year 1962-
63. They are: president, Mrs. G. W. O’Grady;
vice president, Mrs. Charles Wood; recording
secretary, Mrs. Mark Saville; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. Robert Maciver; treasurer,
Mrs. H. J. Roth.

The African Violet Socifety of Akron, Ohio
elected the following new officers for the
coming year: president, Mrs. Clarence Wal¬
lace; secretary, Mrs. George Klewe; treasurer,
Miss Evelyn Hawk. At the May 18th meeting,
Mr. Herbert Schumacher, one of our mem¬
bers, gave a very interesting and educational
talk on “Fluorescent Lighting for Violet Cul¬
ture.” On July 22 the club held a picnic at
the Elliot Lake home of Mrs. Bartlett.

The African Violet Society of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania elected the following officers
for the coming year: president, Mrs. William

99

Brady, Sr.; vice president, Mr. Richard Meyers;
recording secretary, Mrs. Lyle Minnich; cor¬
responding secretary. Miss Clara Schoeler;
treasurer, Mrs. G. W. Northhardt.

At the June meeting of the Mohawk Valley
African Violet Society, New York the follow¬
ing officers were elected: president, Mr. Ben¬
jamin Smith; vice president, Mrs. Fred Theile-
mann; secretary, Mrs. Karl Flaetgen; treas¬
urer, Mrs. E. R. Spittler. The installation was
held at the September meeting. The society
meets the 4th Monday of each month except
July, August and December, in the St. An¬
drews Church Hall on Sacandaga Road in
Scotia, New York.

The Indianapolis African Violet Club, In¬
dianapolis, Indiana recently celebrated its 11th
birthday at the Hansel and Gretel Story Book
House with a luncheon for its members and
guests. The center of attraction was the beau¬
tiful violet cake and Betty Stoehr’s usual gift
of a new variety plant to each member present.

Mrs. Ray Thorne, an authority on flower
arranging, gave a special program on arrange¬
ments with African violets. These arrange¬
ments were given as door prizes. The following
officers were elected for the coming year:
president, Mrs. F. E. Glass; vice president,
Mrs. Edward Pollard; recording secretary,
Mrs. Dallas Pierce; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. Nick Suding; treasurer, Mrs. C. D. Mon¬
ger.

The Hi Hopes African Violet Society of
Kentucky and Illinois was formed September
1961. The membership is now ten members.
The following are serving as officers: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Mildred Padon; vice president,
Mrs. Lola Cossey; secretary-treasurer, Mrs.
Hazel Wedeking.

Meetings have included a small show in
December, scheduled trips to nearby growers
and Convention films.

New officers of the Happy ’Ours African
Violet Society, Hawthorne, New Jersey are:
president, Mrs. Frank Hopper; vice president,
Mrs. Howard Hammock; treasurer, Mrs. David
Everson; recording secretary, Mrs. William
Baker; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Philip
Maneri.

The Paradise Green Saintpaulia Club of

Stratford, Connecticut elected the following
officers for the 1962-1963 season: president,
Mrs. Andrew Chickos; vice president, Mrs.
James Cooper; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Robert Allenby; recording secretary, Mrs.
Gordon Howes; treasurer. Miss Doris Steiner.

The Wachusett African Violet Society of
Gardner, Massachusetts met at the “Fox Run”
in Phillipston, Massachusetts on May 17, 1962
for its annual meeting. Following a delicious
dinner, officers were elected for the ensuing
year. They are: president, R. Stanley Kendig;
first vice president, Mrs. Mary Watts; second
vice president, Mrs. Madeline Rafferty; sec¬
retary, Miss Elizabeth LaFleur; treasurer,
Miss Hazel Curtis.

The Utica African Violet Society, Utica,
New York installed the following officers for

the 1962-63 season on June 14th at its month¬
ly meeting held at the Diplomat Restaurant:
president, Mrs. Vincent Arlotto; vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Emory Berkins, secretary, Mrs.
Arthur Hutchins; treasurer, Mrs. Harold
Leighty. After the installation Miss Mary
Warmuth was presented the past president’s
pin.

The Countryside African Violet Club, Madi¬
son, Wisconsin held its annual potluck picnic
at the lakeshore home of Mrs. Thomas Ritchie.
There was an auction of plants, leaves and
white elephants. The club’s September pro¬
gram was “Favorite Ways With Violets.”
October featured “Ceramics and Violets,” and
the December meeting will be a Holiday
luncheon with a plant donation project to
several nursing homes.

Officers for the African Violet Club of
Greater Kansas City, Missouri, elected for
1962-63 were: president, W. Keith Myers; vice
president, Mrs. Irvin Danly; recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. E. H. Dixon; corresponding secre¬
tary, Mrs. Howard Harbison; treasurer, Mrs.
B. Bruce Richardson.

New officers for the Harmony African Vio¬
let Society, Boise, Idaho were installed at the
annual June, no host luncheon, at Hill House.
They are: president, Mrs. L. F. Koehler; vice
president, Mrs. H. B. Chase; secretary, Mrs.
T. S. Flood; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
A. B. Vestal; treasurer, Mrs. A. J. McPherson.

Mrs. B. B. Paine, a past president, conducted
an interesting garden installation and pre¬
sented each officer with a corsage, the gavel
to the new president, and the past president’s
pin to Mrs. W. T. Kirtley. Mrs. E. T. Biwer,
retiring secretary, received a lovely plant for
her two years work. Mrs. John Booth and
Mrs. B. B. Paine were in charge of the lun¬
cheon.

The newly organized Lehigh Valley African
Violet Society, Pennsylvania meets the fourth
Thursday of each month, in Allentown, Penn¬
sylvania. The club has had an excellent start
with approximately 20 charter members.

The first meeting was held on May 24th
and drew both husbands and wives from a
radius of more than 30 miles around Allen¬
town. The elected officers are: president, Mrs.
John Poulette; vice president, Mrs. Marshall
Werner; secretary, Mrs. Louis Krause; treas¬
urer, Mr. Richard Mutton.

The Community African Violet Club of
Malden and Melrose, Massachusetts, at its May
meeting, elected the following officers for
the ensuing year: president, Mrs. George Yan-
tis; vice president, Miss Elfrieda Tiede; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Frank Gould; recording secretary,
Mrs. Earle Cail; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Walter Maciver.

To encourage more active participation at
meetings, two new features have been success¬
fully tried out this past year. 1— The Arrange-

100

merit of the Month. Especially note-worthy
under this was at the November meeting when
a most interesting Christmas arrangement
using African violets was shown by Mrs. Mil¬
dred Eismann. 2 — The Problem of the Month,
under the direction of Miss Dorothy Rothe,
current problems such as crown rot, yellow
leaves and increasing humidity were discussed.

The following are the newly elected officers
of the Des Moines African Violet Club No. 1
Des Moines, Iowa, for the 1962-1963 year:
president, Mrs. Xen Lindel; vice president,
Mrs. Ray Fountain; recording secretary, Mrs.
E, E. Findlow; treasurer, Mrs. G. A, Johnson;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Milo Thornton.

The newly elected officers of the First
African Violet Society of Grand Rapids, Mi¬
chigan are: president, Mrs. Ray Smith, vice
president, Mrs. Victor Cermanski; secretary,
Mrs. Clarence Huizinga; treasurer, Mrs. Peter
Kroeze.

The Livingston County African Violet So¬
ciety, New York elected the following new
officers for the year 1962-63 at their annual
meeting in June: president, Mrs. Elmer Ace;
vice president, Mrs. Ethel Wingate; recording
secretary, Mrs. Mildred Redman; correspond¬
ing secretary. Miss Gladys Mitchell; treasurer,
Mrs. Olin Owen.

The First African Violet Society of Lake

Charles, Louisiana has elected the following
officers for the year 1962: president, Mrs.
G. B. Allen; vice president, Mrs. Louis Kiehl;
secretary, Mrs. Abner G. Smitha; treasurer,
Mrs. E. C. Stamm. Installation was held at
the May meeting. The club will hold its spring
show on April 6th and 7th, 1963 at the Lake¬
side National Bank in Lake Charles.

Mrs. E. V. Ketcham, Jr. was elected presi¬
dent of the Penataquit African Violet Society
of Bay Shore, Brightwaters, New York, for
the coming year.

Serving with Mrs. Ketcham are: vice presi¬
dent, Robert Jeffrey; treasurer, Sidney John¬
son; recording secretary, Mrs. Carle Schultze;
corresponding secretary, Miss P. Egly. Homer
Boltz, first vice president of the New York
State Society, was installing officer.

The Metropolitan African Violet Society,
Washington, D.C. installed the following of¬
ficers for the coming year: president, Mrs.
Alberta Cooke; first vice president, Dorothy
Lydon; second vice president, Virginia Jus-
sen; recording secretary, Bessie Pivar; cor¬
responding secretary, Loisie Liles; treasurer,
Stanley Skelton. Installation was held at a
general meeting on June 12, 1962.

A buffet supper in Glebe Road United
Church, on June 19th, marked the close of
another very successful year for members of
the Toronto African Violet Society, Toronto,
Canada. Following the supper, election of
officers took place. Mrs. E. I. Hamilton was
returned for a third year as president. Vice
president is Mrs. J. R. Dobson; secretary, Mrs.
T. Konopka; treasurer, Mrs, J. McDonnell. •

Tennessee Valley
Club Exhibit

Ruby Rainey, Knoxville, Tennessee

The Tennessee Valley African Violet Club
of Knoxville, Tennessee maintained a booth
for display and the sale of African violets at
the 1962 Tennessee Valley Flower and Garden
Show which was held April 7th through the
14th in Knoxville’s new civic auditorium —
the Coliseum. The Coliseum (not counting the
Exhibition Hall, which was not used in this
year’s show) has a total of 22,790 square feet.
Television, radio, and newspaper publicity
was concentrated within a radius of 200 miles
. . . such a radius having a population of
almost 9,000,000 people. The show was a
herald of spring when it transformed the
Coliseum into elaborate gardens, fountains,
garden and patio ideas, remarkable blendings
of trees, shrubs, flowers and prize-winning
features. The show was sponsored by the
Knox County Council of Garden Clubs and
was patterned after the Chicago World Flower
and Garden Show. One of the Official Design¬
ers in the Chicago Show assisted in designing
and developing the Tennessee Valley Show.

The African violet booth contained a space
of 10 by 40 feet. The theme for the display
was “Violet Safari.” The theme scene was
built on tables the entire length of the booth.
A roadway made of oyster shells and con¬
taining carts carrying lovely blooming violets
extended the length of the table. On either
side of the roadway reindeer moss and friend¬
ship fern seemed to grow profusely. The com¬
plete scene was covered by fluorescent light
fixtures, each carrying two 40-watt Gro-Lux
tubes. The Gro-Lux lamp is the new energy
source for stimulating plant growth and the
colors of the violets in this setting were in¬
tensified to a marked degree. The sign over
the booth was two African head hunters
supporting large packages wrapped in brown
paper and tied with twine string. The pack¬
ages bore the inscription “Violet Safari.” Mrs.
Sidney Rainey was chairman of the booth,
Mrs. Manus Sharp, cochairman, and Mrs. Eda
Walker, staging chairman. Mrs. L. L. Kile is
president of the club.

A sales table of violets was maintained at
the front of the booth. All tables in the booth
were covered with burlap in its natural color.
A chain made with links of burlap cut in
strips about 1 V2 inches wide protected the
front of the booth. •

JULY ISSUE, VOLUME 16 NUMBER 5

(Membership List): The deadline is
March 1, 1963. Changes of address and
corrections must be in before this date.

101

RESEARCH

The Effect of X-Rays on Morphological Changes

In Saintpaulia*

Ralph S. Quatrano

PROBLEM

HE hundreds of varieties in cultivated
Saintpaulia have come about through
spontaneous mutations and random breeding
in a wholly uncontrolled fashion since their
introduction into this country in the mid
1930’s. It has been known since 1927, after
the publications of Muller and Stadler, that
radiation could increase dramatically the
spontaneous frequency of mutations in plants.
A great -deal of research has been done in this
area, and its tremendous upsurge in the past
ten years has produced a wealth of informa¬
tion coneerning the production of useful mu¬
tations by radiations (Sparrow, Bennington
and Pond, 1958). Not until recently (Sparrow
and Schairer, 1960), however, has Saintpaulia
been irradiated to induce commercially use¬
ful mutations.

X-rays are the most common form of radi¬
ation that can produce mutations in plants,
but many other ionizing radiations (alpha,
beta and gamma rays, neutrons, protons, etc.)
can be used if available. In brief, these radi¬
ations produce energy within tissues which
produces two main types of changes at the
sub-molecular level, namely, physiological
and genetic. Both of these changes alter the
physico-chemical patterns of various plant
systems and eventually produce morphological
changes. Among these changes, new, commer¬
cially useful mutations in flower color are
hoped for. This paper consists of two parts;
the effects of X-rays on (1) root growth and
formation, and (2) ultimate changes, if any,
in leaves and flowers of Saintpaulia.

METHOD

Material

Leaves from experimental Saintpaulia
plants were obtained from a commercial
grower and breeder, Lyndon Lyon of Dolge-
ville, New York. Two sets of leaves, each set
taken entirely from one plant, were cut from
whole plants not yet named or placed on the
commercial market. To facilitate reporting
results, leaves from a cross between Gay 90’s
and Racy Red will be in Group A, while leaves
from experimental plant lEA 9 will be in
Group B. The plant from, which Group A
leaves were taken produced deep reddish-
purple flowers while the plant yielding Group
B leaves was known to produce white flowers.
Both leaf groups are composed of leaves of
the “boy” type.

*A11 research was carried out at the Botany and
Chemistry laboratories at Colgate University in
Hamilton, New York in partial fulfillment of Depart¬
ment of Botany Honors, June 1962.

Apparatus

The X-ray machine used (Type 718) was
a therapeutical type purchased by the Chem¬
istry Department of Colgate University from
the Waite and Barllett X-Ray Manufacturing
Company, a division of Picker X~Ray Com¬
pany. Treatment of the leaves was performed
at 60 kvp-., 1.5 ma. X-rays at a dose rate of
approximately 76 roentgens (r) per minute.

The leaves were placed in a Ve” thick lead
box with an additional lead donut-shaped
sheet (1/4” thick) placed in the box, covering
the upper portion of the petioles and all of
the leaf blades. The lower inch of the petiole
and roots were left exposed, due to an open¬
ing in the lead sheet.

Before and after irradiation, leaves were
grown in regular insulating type vermiculite
which was poured into new Polystyrene trays.
The trays were situated upon warm moist
sand (70°F.), which had an electrical wire
heater running beneath it, and 30” below
fluorescent lamps. A special fertilizer was
manufactured in Philmont, New York by the
Swiss Farms Company with the following
guaranteed analysis:

Total Nitrogen (water soluble) 5.0%
Available Phosphoric Acid 14.0%

Potash (water soluble) 9.0%

When new plantlets were large enough, they
were removed from vermiculite and placed
in a special composition of soil, proved suc¬
cessful in Saintpaulia development, called
Living Earth.

Procedure

Approximately 100 leaves were planted in
sterilized vermiculite and arranged in trays
under fluorescent lamps for about 33 days.
Lights were kept on for 18 hours per day and
temperature held between 60"70°F. They
were watered once every eight to ten days
with a special fertilizer. Interim waterings
were given with lukewarm tap water if the
vermiculite seemed especially dry.

Following this period, to insure good root
growth, 80 leaves were selected, 40 leaves of
each -variety, and were sub-divide-d into 8
groups of 10 leaves in each. All selected
leaves were then removed from, vermiculite
and kept on moist filter paper while the
number of roots was counted and length of
each root measured. Following measurement,
two of the groups were returned to the trays
and served as controls, one control for each
variety. The remaining 6 groups were placed
in a special lead box and irradiated. Each of
the 6 groups was irradiated separately and at
various dosages (see Table I) predetermined

102

Table I. Various dosage groups of leaves irradiated

Sub“group

Rate of Irradiation

Total Dosage

A-1,

B-1

Control

0

A-2,

B-2

76

r/min.

for 13 min.

and

20

sec.

1,000

r

A-3,

B-3

76

r/min.

for 20 min.

and

0

sec.

1,500

r

A-4,

B-4

76

r/min.

for 26 min.

and

40

sec.

2,000

r

by previous research (Sparrow 1960). Follow¬
ing irradiation, the leaves were transferred
back to the trays and arranged accordingly.
After 14 days all the leaves were again re¬
moved so that the number and length of roots
could be measured for comparison. When new
plantlets reached a height of 1-2” they were
separated and removed to trays filled with
a special mixture of soil. When they reached
a height of 3-4” they were set in small plastic
pots for further individual development. The
same temperature, lighting and watering pro¬
cedure has been followed.

RESULTS

The first part of this report deals with the
effects of X-rays upon root growth and root
formation. Prior to and two weeks following
irradiation, the length of each root and the
number of roots on each leaf of all 8 groups
were measured.

In Group A and B it was clearly demon¬
strated that as the dosage of radiation in¬
creased, the additional growth of the roots
and number of new roots formed decreased
proportionately. The results are reported be¬
low in Figures 1 and 2, and a photograph in
Figure 3.

The second part of this report is concerned
with any morphological effects of radiation,
especially on over-all growth, leaf and flower
color changes. At the date of this writing no
plant has flowered and therefore, no report
can be given concerning flower color muta¬

tions. However, several other morphological
changes were observed and are reported.

Growth of plantlets from irradiated leaves
seemed to be inhibited, directly proportional
to the dosage given (Figure 4). Comparison of
various other sub-groups also confirms this
result. There was also observed, in one sub¬
group especially (A-3), changes in leaf color
and form. Color changes resulted in a de¬
crease of intensity of the deep green color
characteristic in the control leaves of Group
A (Figure 5). Some of these leaves arising
from irradiated parent leaves seem to exhibit
a curling at the leaf edge, and appear to be
arising in more of a clump than the controls
(Figures 5 and 6).

It might be mentioned here that another
very characteristic effect of radiation was
observed, namely, death. All parent leaves,
except one, irradiated at 2,000r were killed;
10 of 20 at l,500r were killed; 8 at l,000r and
only one of the controls did not survive.
Parent leaves that died were scored as killed
only if they did not have any surviving
plantlets. Several parent leaves died after
several healthy plantlets were growing and
were not scored as killed. Less than half of
the ones killed died during the first three
weeks, while the rest were scattered over a
ten week period following irradiation. All the
leaves that appeared killed by the radiation
lost their turgidity and withered away at the
lower half of the petiole. Upon further ex-

0.&-

•? 0.7-

Ci

yt 0-6\-
*0

° 0.51-

vl

r

%

o

O.IJ.

I

\

V S.r2UP JB _

Figure 1. Summary of root growth
in 14 days in Groups A
and B at various levels of
radiation.

NOTE:

Control 1,000r 1,90Or 2,0D(fT

for Figures 1 and 2 the measure¬
ment of length and number of
roots are represented in the
graphs as an average for each
sub-group. The average mean
deviation is also included.

103

Figure 2. Summary of new
root formation in
Groups A and B
leaves at various
levels of radiation.

amination, it was found that root growth was
severely damaged. These results show death
increases as dosage reaches 2,000r.

DISCUSSION

The method of vegetative reproduction in
Saintpaulia is not common in other higher
plants. The first, and to this date, the most
detailed anatomical study of Saintpaulia (Nay¬
lor and Johnson, 1937) reported that a new
shoot originates in most cases from a single
epidermal cell of the petiole. From this re¬
port it was reasoned that since a new plantlet
could arise from one cell, or a cluster of cells,
it should be relatively easy to produce mu¬
tant plants by irradiating the lower half of
the petiole. The shielding of the leaf blade
and upper portion of the petiole allowed the
use of higher doses than would otherwise be

Figure 3. Two Group B leaves showing the effects of
radiation on root length and number of roots. Control
is on left and irradiated (l,500r) leaf is on right.

practical. One may ask whether the induced
mutations can be transmitted by seed. The
answer to this question is in the process of
experimentation, but there is every reason
to assume that the mutant characters can be
seed propagated since, if the mutant shoot
is derived from a single cell, all tissue in the
new plant should be mutant. Unless sterility
has been induced, which is frequent in
radiation-induced mutations because of vari¬
ous kinds of chromosomal aberrations, the
mutation should be transmitted by seed.

This report outlines one procedure used in
trying to show how radiation affects higher
plants in producing recognizable mutations.
Although it is too early (seven months after
irradiation) to say whether this method is
successful in producing flower color change,

Figure 4. New plantlets arising from base of irradiated
petiole exhibiting inhibition of growth directly pro¬
portional to radiation given.

104

Figure 5. Two Group A leaves showing difference in
leaf color of new plantlets.

Figure 6. Two Group A leaves showing how the ir¬
radiated one (right) is smaller and exhibiting a clump¬
ing around parent petiole and cupping of leaves.

certain morphological effects are or were
quite evident; root growth and root formation
were inhibited, leaf color seemed changed to
a pale green, and overall growth was hin¬
dered more by higher doses of X-rays.

Concerning the inhibition of root growth
and root formation, the most easily detectable
change when cells are irradiated, with sub-
lethal doses, is a delay in cell division for a
limited period of time and consequently a
retardation of growth. Mitosis does not stop
immediately after irradiation, but goes on
for some time before reaching a period dur¬
ing which there is no division. The reason for
this delay is that cells which have started
division are not particularly sensitive to radi¬
ation and the cells most affected are those
which are still a short way from division
(Alexander, 1957). Since new roots, like new
plantlets, arise from epidermal cells, the ir¬
radiation of the petiole of 2-week old roots
probably caused a delay in cell division pro-
ducing inhibition of normal root growth and
the retardation of new root formation.

As the dose of radiation is increased above
that necessary to produce only mitotic arrest,
|f some of the cells which have gone into divi¬
sion after some delay are not normal and
will degenerate. The radiation has not killed
r the cells outright, but has produced some
V permanent defect which is not repaired and
which the cell cannot overcome. This injury,
while not preventing several and perhaps
even many more divisions, eventually brings
about the death of all cells which were de-
‘ rived from the one that had been initially
damaged. This partly explains the delayed
: death of some parent leaves and the severe
[ root damage at the time of death, as com¬
pared to no visible damage of roots 2 weeks
; after irradiation.

The variegation in plantlet leaves seemed
at first to be minor color changes that emerg¬
ing leaves may normally exhibit. But as the
leaves developed, the color intensity de¬
creased, as compared to the controls, until in

spots there appeared to be no color. Further
development seems to indicate that this leaf
color change is permanent, at least at this
time. This “mutation” of leaf color is prob¬
ably not a leaf color gene change, but more
likely represents a deletion causing a color
inhibitor gene to exert more of an effect
(Reed, 1954).

CONCLUSION

A method of obtaining mutant plant char¬
acteristics from X-ray treatment of Saint-
paulia petioles is described. Overall growth
inhibition and minor Ifeaf color change were
exhibited due to l,000r, l,500r and 2,000r.
Root growth and new root formation were
also inhibited by these doses of radiation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The author is very grateful for the helpful
suggestions and material supplied by Dr.
Arnold H. Sparrow of Brookhaven National
Laboratory; for the kindness of Mr. Lyndon
Lyon of Dolgeville, New York, for supplying
all the plants used in this experiment; and
for the help given me in all phases of this
research by my adviser Dr. M. Joseph Kling-
ensmith. I would also like to express my
thanks to the Botany and Chemistry Depart¬
ments of Colgate University for supplying
most of the materials for this study, and to my
wife for preparing the final manuscript.

LITERATURE CITED

Alexander, P. 1957. Atomic Radiation and
Life, Whiteface Press, London.

Naylor, E. and Johnson, B. 1937. Histological
Study of Vegetative Reproduction in
Saintpaulia ionantha, American Journal of
Botany, 24:10.

Reed, S. C. 1954. African Violet Genetics,
Journal of Heredity, 45:225-230.

Sparrow, A. H., Pond, V., Bennington, J. P.
1958. Bibliography on The Effects of Ion¬
izing Radiations on Plants, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, Upton, New York.
Sparrow, A. H., Schairer, L. 1960. Use of X-
rays To Induce Somatic Mutations in
Saintpaulia, African Violet Magazine 13:4.

105

Roots of a nematode free plant (left) and roots of a nematode infested plant (right). Note the galled, knotted,
twisted, sparse, roots of the infested plant. Nematodes stop normal root development. Interfere with food and
water translocation, and cut off millions of tiny root hairs too small to be seen in the picture.

Control Nematodes On African Violets

John H. Wilson, Jr., Research and Development Department
Virginia-Carolina Chemical Corporation, Richmond, Virginia

African violets are very susceptible to
nematode diseases caused by the feeding
of tiny microscopic animals on their roots and
occasionally on other parts of the plant. One
group of nematodes called the root knot
nematodes are especially injurious to African
violets. A single pear-shaped female root knot
nematode is capable of laying as many as 500
eggs. Tiny young worm-like nematodes (called
larvae) emerge from these eggs and begin
feeding on the tiny violet roots. A complete
life cycle from egg to adult may be completed
in 6 to 8 weeks. Although not all of the nema¬
todes reach maturity it is easy to see how a
few nematodes under favorable conditions
may soon reach very high numbers. It appears
that African violets are not only a favorite
food but that the conditions under which they
are grown are most favorable for nematodes.

Because nematodes usually attack hidden
plant roots and cannot be seen with the naked
eye it is very difficult to diagnose a nematode
problem. Plants may show a lack of thrifti¬
ness, loss of natural leaf color, stunting of
growth or poorly developed root systems.
Growers naturally at first tend to blame these
symptoms on temperature, plant food and
watering practices. However, when plants
fail to respond when given the best attention
this is a good sign nematodes are present.

Many people falsely believe if nematodes
are present that their plants will be killed in
a very short time. Nematodes actually rarely
kill plants. A single violet may have 10,000 or
more nematodes feeding on its roots and yet,
although very sick, may not die. If the nema¬
todes are reduced, or better still eradicated,
the plant can recover.

Root knot nematode damage can best be
diagnosed by examining the roots for the
presence of irregular shaped knots or galls.
Unfortunately, not all plant parasitic nema¬

todes cause knots and galls. Some nematodes
cause hard-to-see lesions, cut off tiny root
hairs or leave other non-prominent symptoms
as they feed on the plant. These nematodes
can usually be diagnosed only by laboratory
methods with the aid of a good microscope.
An excellent description of nematodes which
attack African violets can be found in an
article by Dr. M. B. Linford published in the
September 1954 issue of the AFRICAN VIO¬
LET MAGAZINE (Now out of print~Ed.).

African violet growers are interested fore¬
most in preventing nematodes and secondly
in what they can do with infested plants.
Most people agree that a nematode infestation
can be avoided if you start off with nematode
free soil (sterilized), if you select nematode
free plants and if you follow rigid sani¬
tary practices to avoid nematode contami¬
nation. These are excellent suggestions
but the latter two are easier said than done.
Many people believe thatv. when you find
nematode infested plants the only solution is
to destroy them. Unfortunately, if you find
one infested plant chances are good that in
time you will learn that most of your plants
are infested.

In a recent research project African violets
were planted in both nematode infested and
sterilized soil to study the effect of various
chemicals on nematode populations. Every
precaution (we thought) was taken to keep
the plants in the nematode soil separated from
the plants growing in the clean sterilized soil.
Four feet of space separated the plants in
the infested and clean soil. Despite these pre¬
cautions and every effort to keep them clean,
the plants in the originally clean soil became
accidentally contaminated.

It is well proven that pretreating potting
soil with V-C 13 (1 teaspoon in 1 quart of
water worked into 1 cubic foot of soil) and

106

waiting ten days before using the soil will
give excellent nematode control. Not only are
nematodes eliminated at the time of treatment
but the residual effect of V-C 13 continues to
kill nematodes that might be accidentally in¬
troduced at a later date. A fumigant nema-
tocide only kills the nematodes present at the
time of treatment and leaves no preventa¬
tive insurance against nematodes. Therefore,
many growers who fumigate their soil also
use V-C 13 either before planting as a soil
mix or drench the plants as soon as they are
established. Some growers drench their
plants every 6 months as added insurance
against nematodes.

A large commercial grower informed us
about a year ago that many of his violets had
become badly infested with root knot nema¬
todes and he was going to destroy the plants.
Instead, he gave us the plants for our re¬
search projects. This grower had been prac¬
ticing a successful nematode control program
for over five years but admitted he made one
serious mistake. He had been starting off with
sterilized soil and giving his plants regular
preventative drench treatments with V-C 13
Nemacide. He heard that the sterilized soil
alone would be sufficient so he dropped the
V-C 13 treatment. Six months later his Afri¬
can violet growing business was in sad shape.

We have conducted tests concerned mainly
with the control of nematodes on established
infested plants. The results obtained from
treating the severely infested plants from the
commercial grower mentioned above were so
encouraging that we obtained additional small
clean plantlets for additional tests. These
plantlets were planted in soil uniformly inocu¬
lated with root knot nematodes and allowed
to grow without treatment for eight weeks
before treating for nematodes.

Four methods of treating infested plants
were attempted and each is briefly described
below as a matter of interest and not because
they are all recommended.

(1) Root Soak Method. Infested plants
were removed from the infested soil and the
excess soil shaken from the roots. The plant
roots were then soaked at various concentra¬
tions and for various times in V-C 13 solutions
and then replanted in clean soil.

(2) Soil Ball Soak Method. Infested plants
with the soil ball intact were removed from
the pots, soaked in V-C 13 solutions and then
replaced in clean pots.

(3) Transplant to Treated Soil Method. In¬
fested plants were removed from nematode
soil and washed free of excess soil. They were
then planted immediately in soil treated with
V-C 13 just prior to transplanting.

(4) Soil Drench Method. Infested plants

growing in root knot soil were drenched with
various amounts and concentrations of V-C
13 solutions.

Plants treated by each of the above methods
were observed and assayed for root knot
nematodes at monthly intervals for five
months. Of the methods tested the Soil
Drench Method was superior to the others
because it gave better nematode control, was
simpler to use and caused less shock to the
plants.

The table below shows the number of
nematodes per pint of soil 2, 3 and 5 months
after treating one group of plants in which
root knot nematodes had been feeding for 2
months prior to being treated.

The results obtained by soil drenching other
plants with V-C 13 were similar to those
in the above test. Nematode populations were
reduced by more than two-thirds at the low
V-C 13 rate and by nine-tenths at the high
V-C 13 rate two months after treatment. After
five months (seven months after being in¬
fested) the untreated plants had 11,520 nem¬
atodes per pint of soil. Compare this with 128
nematodes in the low rate V-C 13 treatment
and no nematodes in the high rate V-C 13
treated plants.

Based on our tests and the experience of
African violet growers over the years we
make the following recommendations for the
control of nematodes on African violets.

1. Sterilize your soil since this practice not
only kills the nematodes in your potting soil
but also kills many harmful bacteria, fungi,
insects and weed and grass seed that may give
you trouble.

2. Try to select good clean, nematode-
free plants and leaves for propagation.

3. Be careful not to contaminate your
plants through carelessness. Avoid spattering
water from one pot to another, overcrowding
your plants or adding soil that may be con¬
taminated with nematodes. Check with the
people from whom you obtain new plants to
make sure they have followed a nematode
control program.

4. Use V-C 13 as a preventative preplant
or drench treatment to insure nematode free
plants.

5. If your plants become infested through
failure to use the above practices or if they
become accidentally contaminated, save your
plants by drenching them with V-C 13 Nema¬
cide.

Many African violet growers no longer take
chances with nematodes. They have learned
(many the hard way) that it pays to prevent
nematode damage if you want healthy plants.

Drench Formulation

Amount per pot

Nematodes per pint after

2 months 3 months 5 months

Check

— Water only

5 oz.

1,024 1,344 11,520

1 teas, of V-C 13 per 2 gals, water

5 oz.

384 32 128

2 teas.

of V-C 13 per 2 gals, water

5 oz.

128 188 0

107

/

"Eor\ T. and Natalie N. Kolb send

you the friendliest Christmas Greetings"

ROOTED LEAVES

WITH PLANTLETS

Offer good only until

March 15, 1963 — Minimum order $5.00 plus

$1.00 for postage and

packing. All $10.00

orders postpaid. Please

list substitutes, so you may have FREE cuttings.

Orders will be filled in the rotation in which

1 we receive them and ALL orders will be acknowl-

edged as to shipping

date. Shipping begins April 22, 1963, weather permitting. Descriptive list

— send stamp.

$1.25

Bella Vista

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Marthann

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Shangri-La Queen

Busy Lizzie

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Red Carnation

Temple Bells

Ever Gae

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Pagan Queen

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$1.00

Athena

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Rebel

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Dizzy Dame

Lili

Red Edge

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Emerald Isle

Lilian Jarrett Sup.

Red ’n Lilac

Blue ’n Pink

Emeraude

Lisa

Sea Chantey

Blue Linda

Fairy Fire

(88) Love and Kisses

Silver Anniversary

Bold One

Fairy Tale

Lunita

Snow Holly

Bold Skies

Fancee

My Flame

South Pacific

Brilliant Jewel

Fischer’s Follies

My Souvenir

Snow Ballet

Calypso

Fuchsia Velvet

Orientale

Spring Fever

Castanet

Gala Pink

Pam

Spring Song

Charmer

Giant Clover

Paradise Flowers

Star Talk

Chopsticks

Gram’s Fancy

Persian Brocade

Sweet Lelanie

Clem

Green Goblin

Persian Pink

Talent Show

Clusters of Pink

Green Petticoats

Peggy ^

Tamarack

Coed

Gold Top

Pink Commotion

Texas Tricolor

Concord

Heldie

Pink Top

Tinsel

Coral Rose Geneva

Highlighter

Pink Treasure

Tina

Corinthian

Hilarity

Prince Albert

Velvet Ball

Cozy

Ice Flo

Prism

Winifred Leigh

Crested Coral

Jolly Joker

Purple Carousel

Whisper

75i

Ann Spencer

Frosted Red

Orchid Glaze

Spring Rose

Arabian Blue

Gabriel

Nightshade

Suga

Artist’s Touch

Green Ribbon

Personality

Sun Valley

Babbling Blue

Heldie

Pink Jade

Symphony

Bells of Ireland

Heritage

Rare Treat

Sweetheart Blue

Black Willow

Hi Hopes

Red Candle

Tall Talk

Blue Guard

Ice Flow

Ruffled Pinafore

Tam O’Shanter

Blue Lace

Jacob’s Coat

Sally Ann

Touch of Fire

Bloomin’ Fool

King’s Ransom

Savannah Sweetheart

Truly Pink

Cracker Jack

Lady Estelle

Shannon

U.C. Blue Pink

Cortez

Lavender Caribbean Shelly

U.C. Dbl. Geneva

Dark Mistress

Leopard Spots

Shauneen

U.C. Red Frills

Doll Dance

Mandy

Singapore Sling

Vicky Lee

Elizabeth Durkin

Mary Sunshine

Sioux

War Admiral

Executive

Miniature Orchid

Sleepy

White Lace

Fable

My My

Spring

Woody Woodpecker

VARIEGATEDS

$1.00

$1.00

$1.00

75?!

Dawn C.

Persian Brocade

Scarlet Slippers

Blush ’n Snow

Dark Eyes

Persian Dandy

Silver Carnival

Carnival

Comic Opera

Persian Doll

Silver Crest

Green Confetti

Easter Dream

Persian Peach Puff

Silver Threads

Persian Pink

Grand Canyon

Persian Swirls

Summer Song

Talent Show

Happy Ending

Persian Sunbeam

Sweet Dreams

Heaven Sent

Pink ’n Snow

Trail’s Ehd

Keepsake

Pink Taffy

Tuffy

DvfS

Mint Frappe

Prize Entry

Waterlily

Cindy

Party Gown

Purple Showers

Geisha Doll

Perlette

Lilian Jarrett

Open Doily

9 AM. to 6 P.M.

KOLB'S GREENHOUSES

Closed Sundays

'"Where Quality Counts"

725 Belvidere Rood

Phillipsburg, New Jersey

108

Season ’s

TO OUR MANY
FRIENDS IN THE
UNITED STATES
AND AROUND
THE WORLD!

We at the Fischer Greenhouses extend a Merry
Christmas and a happy New Year to all of
you, who in the past, have made our years
so bright!

The years past have contained many new and
exciting events, not the least of which has
been shipping our African Violets not only
to the 50 United States, but to these other
countries:

Canada

Iceland

Bermuda

Puerto Rico

Venezuela

Panama

Italy

Switzerland

England

Germany

Japan

Australia

India

South Africa

Mexico

Hong Kong

* *

*

H< * *

* * *

*

1963 f^review

DISTINCTION— Huge Lavender, open-faced double showing much pollen. Wonderful performer-
one of our best for '63. Excellent show plant, heavy bloomer, and symmetrical grower.

TWILIGHT— Light blue, edged in white (Double Geneva). Heavy flowering, medium size blossoms.
Compact grower. Slightly waved, medium green foliage.

PINK CAMELLIA— Giant Double, deep pink. Full bodied flowers resembling small pink camellias.
Medium green diminutive type foliage.

PAGEANT— Deepest pink with a cerise center. Sport of our past favorite. Spotlight. Nearest to
true red. Will add rich color to your violet collection.

THE SLIPPER GLOXINIA— ITs new. It’s compact. It’s red. It’s a hybrid Slipper Gloxinia and it’s
the most promising violet companion plant that we’ve seen since the Episcia first found popularity
some ten years ago.

GREENHOUSES

LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

DEPT. AV.

MAY WE SUGGEST THE FOLLOWING GIFTS FOR THE VIOLET GROWER
The following sent promptly, order direct from this ad.

VIOLETREE

^ Delightful gift for ¥iolet
• and plant hohhyiste

Now you can own an artistic-
^ designed “Viol.eTree” to hold

W • ^ , your choice plants in neat, space-

saving order. Sturdy steel con-
struction 56 ¥2 in. tall, 25 in. in
: diameter. 21 in. from floor to
jKS5v first arm and cup. Well-balanced,

1 -yimjBF' neatly finished legs with rubber

revolve and can be
placed at any angle. The holders
a cups, 31/2 in. wide x IVe in,

■| 1 ; deep, of heavy durable black

1 1 , ' : plastic. Suitable to hold 21/4 or 3-

5 >3 ‘ ■ in. pots and 4-m. standard size.

2 /siX ; VioleTree stand in antique

I i 5/ '• black or silver color finish.

(Please state color choice.)

21 cups, $23.95, postpaid.

25 cups, $25,95,. postpaid.

At Christmas Give A
Gift Plant Certificate

in any amount you request.
Card and greeting will be
sent promptly, plants will
follow as soon as warm
weather permits.

25 CUP VIOLETEIE

Junior Growing Lamp

Top in dark leaf green *;■.(
wrought iron black, alum¬
inum legs. Height — 14”,
length — 26”, width TO”.
Plant area 18” x 28” ad-ii
tional space on either end.

One 20 watt tube included, ifl
$12.75 ppd.

Adjustable Growing Lamp

Top is easily raised or low ■ '
ered .on tubular aluminum
legs. Each lamp adjustabl*-
from l”-20”. Overall height
24”, width 12”. Top in leaf
green or black. Complete.
with 2 fluorescent tub*-:'. M

switch, cord, and plug. “

Junior Model (28” lo'!;/, >
shipped parcel post— $19.75

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tubes

6—20 watt 24” Gro-Lux tubes
$13.20 postpaid
6—40 watt 48” Gro-Lux tubes
$14.10 postpaid

Shipped only in carton of six

Son-of-a-Gun Mist Sprayer

Aerosol type mist gets
under and around leaves
for excellent and even cov¬
erage. Made of long lasting
plastic and nylon $2.25
each, postpaid.

Ceramic violet Jar in pink, green, white,
gray, blue $2.50 each ppd., special 2 for

$4.75 ppd. . X .

No. 1 Jar— Handmade and hand painted m
glossy ceramic with suitable space for four
of your favorite plants. Proper drainage
hole in bottom. Stands 5 ¥2 in. high and is
approximately 5% in. across.

Vertical

Plant Stakes — A 4y2”

Stake 100 for $1.50 ppd.

21/4” Mottled plastic pots, $3.50 per
100 ppd,

3” Mottled plastic pots, squatty

tubs, $4.75 per 100 ppd.

4” Mottled plastic squatty pots,

$12.00 per 100 ppd.

3” Mottled plastic saucers, 100

for $5.00 ppd.

4” Mottled plastic saucers, 100

for $6.25 ppd.

Rooting Powder 35c — 2 oz. jar
$1.35 ppd.

Optox Spray — 6 oz. $1.35 ppd.

Liqua Vita — 8 oz. bottle 75c ppd.

Antrol Spray Bomb — 6 oz. $1.25
ppd.

Dept. A. V. BETHAYRES, PA.

“1001 African Violet Questions Answered by Twelve
Experts”— by Helen Van Pelt Wilson. $4.95 each, ppd.

mmn s

my.

^MMli

Grow Healthy African Violets with NATURE'S WAY®PRODUCTS

Contains Ruhm's Phosphate^ Greensand, Dolomite Limestone, Peat Moss, Sharp Sand, Elk-Organic,
Ropco, Fish Meal, Charcoal, Cottonseed Meal, Fertilife Compost and Actumus. This mix featured in
March 1961 AV Magazine 5-ib; $1.50 ppd ($2.00 zones 6, 7, 8), 18-ib: $2.95 (We bill you for
postage and handling), 50-lb: $6.50, 100-lb: $12.00 (Shipped motor freight collect.)

SUNLIGHTER, SPACESAVER Plant Stands

Beautiful 8-tray light
weight steel stand. 55"
high 24" long and 27"
deep. Equipped with soft
green hi-impact plastic
trays. 8-tray model:
$34.95; 4-tray model:
$21.95; 2-tray model:
$9.95. All postpaid (Add
10% west of Denver).
Fluorescent lights for
each shelf, single tube:
$8.95; double tube:
$12.95 each. Timer:
$9.95. For Gro-Lux tubes,
add 75^z: per tube. Instal¬
lation brackets included
for lights.

PLANT FOODS .... all good for violets

KAPCO Plant-i-lizer: 8-oz, $1.10 ppd; 3-lb,
$2.50; 25-lb, $10.35
RA-PID-GRO: 1-lb can $1.30
Canadian BLUE WFIALE: 28-oz can $2.25 ppd
NUGRO, NUBUD: 4-oz bottle of each $2.50 ppd
PLANT MARVEL: 1-lb can $1.50

Prevent MITE damage with ....

SEL-KAPS (4% Sod. Selenate) 48 capsules:

$2.20 ppd

"P-40" (2% Sod. Selenate) Mix with potting
soil and forget about mites. 1-lb: $1.60 ppd
50% MALATHION Insecticide 4-oz: $1.75 ppd
KELTHANE (Miticide) 8-oz: $2.75 ppd
99% SODIUM SELENATE: 12 caps $1.75; 28
caps $3.45; 100 caps $9.65 All postpaid.

TEDION 90 (AAiticide) To get the tough-shelled
mites. 1-lb can: $10.50 ppd

STOP Leaf-cutting ROT (Damping-off) with

PANO-DRENCH 2-oz: S2.25 ppd

SATISFY 'Trace Element" Hunger with

TRU-GREEN Organic Chelate 8-oz: $1.75
ppd

GRO-LUX Fluorescent Tubes 6-48" (40-watt) tubes:
ppd. Shipped in cartons of 6.

NATURE'S WAY®

Organic Soil Ingredients

Blood Meal (Nitrogen) 2-lb: 75^^

Charcoal (Granulated) 2-lb: 75^

Cottonseed Meal (Phosphorus and Nitrogen)
2-lb: 75(^

Dolomite Limestone 4-lb: $1,00
Elk-Organic (Soil Naturalizer 100% organic)
4-lb:

Feather Meal (Nitrogen) 2-!b: 75^

Bone Meal, steamed (Aids bloom) 5-!b: 85^;

50-lb: $4.75; 100-lb: $8.50
Greensand (Potash) 4-lb: $1.00
Hard Wood Ash 2-lb: $1.00
Hoof Meal (17% Ammonia) 2-lb: 750
Leather Dust (Nitrogen) 2-lb: 750
Hybro-Tite (Potash) 4-lb: $1.00
Ruhm's Phosphate Rock (Phosphorus)

4-lb: $1.00

Tobacco Dust (Fluffs poor soil) 4-lb: $1.00
Bat Guano (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potash)

6-qt bag (3-lb) $1.48

Fish Meal (Nitrogen) 4-lb: $1.50; 25-lb: $4.50;

50-lb: $8.50; 100-lb: $15.00
Ropco Soil Inoculant (Conditions soil)

21/2-15: 980

The above prices are NOT postpaid. We will
bill you for postage and handling to your postal
zone,

STERILIZE Soil Chemically

V-C 1 3 (for nematodes) 8-oz bottle:

$2.75 ppd

FUMI-SOIL Capsules (No need to bake soil
when you use V-C 13 and FUMI-SOIL
Capsules) 24 Capsules: $1.75 ppd.

ROOT leaves FASTER with

SPONGE-ROK 432 Cu. Inch Bag: $1.20
Roigina Leaf Starter 6-oz: 980
Thompson African Violet Leaf Rooter 2-oz:
$1.25 ppd

Westinghouse Electric Starter Greenhouse
$14.95 ppd

$14.10 ppd. 6-24" (20-wQtt) tubes: $13.20

8 TRAY

$34.95

SPECIAL: Carton DISCOUNT PRICES on Plastic Pots. Packed 72 to the carton. Assorted colors.
Minimum order: 1 carton. Postage and handling to your zone billed extra.

2"/$2.15 2i^"/$2.45 21/2"/$3.35 3"/$4.98 3i/2"/$5.98 4"/$8.98

We handle a complete line of plastic pots, planters, labels, saucers, violet tubs, thimble pots, and
PERM-A-NEST plant trays.

AMERICA'S AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING SUPPLIES CENTER

FRED A. VEITH BERNARD D. GREESON

3505 Mozart Ave., Dept. M63 3548 N. Cramer St., Dept. M63

Cincinnati 11, Ohio Milwaukee 11, Wisconsin

You can order Nature’s Way ©products from either of the two above dealers, which ever is nearer
to you. Send dime for complete list of growing supplies or order directly from this ad. Minimum
order: $2.00 or add 50c packing charge. No C.O.D. orders. Send check or money order. All prices
subject to change without notice.

0 am jumping for ^oy

because I can now introduce
A Unique New Product

STURDY

(Friendly Gardener Formula No. 1)

Don't throw away that plant with the
scanty but beautiful bloom or the one
with the weak stems.

Groom it to Win — with STURDY!

STURDY can actually change the character of a plant — - it is a builder of fiber — ■ it stiffens
stems — - it makes petals have a heavier texture. The effect is almost immediate and is always
noted after the second application. STURDY will help plants to be in a better condition to withstand
the rigors of travel and will help plants to give a peak performance at the Show even if they
naturally are shy bloomers and have weak stems. Yet STURDY, used unwisely, either too much or
too often, can burn and make a plant woody.

STURDY can help to build very sturdy 36" plants — - part of STURDY is an old professional
secret. STURDY must be shaken well before it is used because the organic base of bone must be
mixed with the chemicals which give it an available analysis of 0-15-14.

It isn't possible to answer all the specific questions about "How to Use STURDY." The Friendly
Gardener learned how to use STURDY and you can too - — and with only the best results if you
realize that STURDY is very concentrated, that a "little is good" and a lot is bad. We have never
had a complaint about STURDY. Most indoor and outdoor plants need STURDY during some time
in their lives. It has proven exceptionally good for Bonsai work.

Unnatural size and quantity of bloom with stiff stems can be obtained by using occasional
alternate feedings of STURDY with regular watering-feedings of Liquid Whale. Overfeeding with
Liquid Whale throws it out of balance and gives a nitrogen effect — this can be balanced by
using STURDY when the eye sees the beginning of a nitrogen runaway.

Liquid WHALE is whale — totally organic; it never burns. BLUE WHALE is whole incorpor¬
ated with the protein-glue from whale bones into the best sphagnum peat moss. These products
are the pride of my producers. Their money-back guarantee has never been taken advantage of!

STURDY, like fire, can be a hazard or a great blessing — according to the willpower of the
user — to use only a little, and that not too often!

Yours for the very best growing.

The Blue Whale

"Instant" Soil-less Planting Mix.

BLUE WHALE, Sample bag, 2 pounds when packed $1.00
BLUE WHALE, Bantam bag, 10 pounds

when packed _ each 3.60

Liquid WHALE, 1 4 ounce can _ 1 .25

Liquid WHALE, 28 ounce can _ 2.25

Liquid WHALE, 1 40 ounces, in new plastic gallon jug

(holds more Whale than old can) _ _ 6.85

STURDY Concentrate, 8 ounces _ 2.00

STURDY Concentrate, 1 gallon _ _ _ 9.85

INSTANT Planting Mix, 10 pounds when packed _ 3.85

Introductory COMBINATION OFFERS
Liquid WHALE 14 ounce can and sample bag of

BLUE WHALE _ _ _ 2.00

STURDY 8 ounces, Liquid WHALE 14 ounces,

INSTANT Planting Mix, packed together to

weigh four pounds _ - _ _ 3.85

STURDY 8 ounces, Liquid WHALE 14 ounces,

INSTANT Planting Mix, packed together
to weigh ten pounds _ _ _ 6.25

U.S. gardeners: Order as usual — no red tape — -same postage as U.S. (No C.O.D.)

Payment with order, and please add 15c for cashing checks and U.S. money orders.

ACME PEAT PRODUCTS LIMITED OF CANADA

DEPT. A.V. 122 R.R. 2, RICHMOND, B.C.

P.S. See page 15 for description of

Flash

I f you will send 1 0^1 to Acme
Peat Products Limited of
Canada, R.R. 2, Richmond,
B.C., we will send you a
twelve months' calendar for
1 963 with spaces for garden¬
ing notes. Additional calen¬
dars will be sent to your
gardening friends, as greet¬
ing cards from you, for 10^
each. Be sure to include
name and address.

1

Our Cover: Blossom of Red Lilac
fro7n the collection of Lucile Kile.
Originated by F. M. Haga and Son.

OFFICERS

Mrs. Jack Yakie - President

Post Office Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

Joseph D. Schulz _ 1st Vice Pres.

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Mrs. Harold Baker - 2nd Vice Pres.

2182 Stanford Avenue
St. Paul 5, Minnesota

Miss Edith Peterson _ Rec. Secy.

1545 Green Street
San Francisco, California

Mrs. E. H. Thomas _ Corr. Secy.

461 Bridge Road
Walnut Creek, California

Mrs. Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area
Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass’t Editor
5 Center St., Bernardsville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Anne Tinari, Paul Arnold

NEWS REPORTERS:

Marie Dannemiller, Margaret Travis,
Joy Hutson, (Eng.), Charlotte
Marshall, Lucile Rainsberger

BUYER’S GUIDE:

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

^f^lrican

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 16

NUMBER 3

MARCH 1963

22

23

24
26

27

28
30
32
34
40
42
44
46
53

57

58
60
62
63
68

69

70

72

73

74

78

79

80
81
82

83

84
86
88
89

93

95

99

102

107

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

More About Toxic Vermiculite

African Violets in Scotland

Make-Believe Yellow

Reynolds Pierced Aluminum Sheets

My Experience in Raising Irradiated Leaves

Try Something New

Chlorine Neutralizer

Controlled Humidity ... A Greenhouse Must
Proven Success with Sugar
More About Sinningia Pusilla
Liquid Whale

The Future in the Violet World
The Miracle of a Leaf
Fumi-Soil Its Origin and Use
Tanganyika

Sea Kelp for African Violets
Malathion as a Spray
Exactly What is a Supreme?

From Leaf to Leaving

Prevention is Best — A Cure May Be Too Late
On Making An Arrangement
Why — What and How?

Soil Mealy Bugs
Saintpaulias?? No Thanks!!

Greater Kansas City

Problems of a Recruit

New Varieties to Come

Organized Frustration

Easy to Make Arrangements

An Escape from Reality

African Violets — A Pleasurable Pastime

My Story About African Violets

My Violet Story

Be My Guest

Grow to Show

The Good Earth — What is It?

African Violets and How I Grow Them
Zebrama

Destruxol Spider-sMite
“The Kansas City Kaper’’

Let’s Choose the Best 100

Violets in a Crawl Space

My Violets and I on Vacation

Installation Ceremony at Muscle Shoals

Ideas from Here and There

Why Register?

Fertilizing Dry Plants

Use of Hyponex for Potting Shock

First Society of Lake Charles Holds Clinic

Don’t Be a Blossom Judge!

A Guide to Violet Terminology
Solar Window Greenhouses
Eggcraft

CONVENTION

52 Program — 1963 Convention

54 Minutes — 1962

56 Special Awards Amateur Division

EVERY QUARTER

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

The African Violet Magazine is pub¬
lished 5 times a year, September, De¬
cember, March, June and July by the
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., at 325 W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville,
Tenn. Second-class postage paid at
Knoxville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00
per year. Office Address: P.O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1963.

17 Buyer’s Guide
31 President’s Message

56 Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund
66 Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African Violets
85 Grooming and Judging Specimen Plants
90 Show News and Views

94 Registration Report

95 New Affiliated Chapters

96 Your Library

97 Question Box
100 Club News

RESEARCH

103 Rooting and Growth of African Violets Under
Four Fluorescent Light Sources
106 Types of Peat

From the Editor

o'

Surely hope our advertisers will understand our problem and help
us ... . Due to complications caused by billing for credit, prior payment
is now required for all advertising beginning with this issue of the
Magazine. We feel that this will eliminate a great deal of administrative
effort and enable us to hold our costs at their present level. Therefore,
please be advised that advance payment is the only way future ads will
be considered. For the best interest of its readers the editor and publisher
of the African Violet Magazine reserve the right to accept or reject
and/or modify all advertising material. Advance payment in no way
. , .. means that advertising material will be used or not modified. If material

is rejected it will be accompanied by a monetary refund if such accompanied the material submitted. For
further inforrnation please contact Floyd L. Johnson, Advertising Manager, 183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua, N.Y,
I am looking forward to seeing many of you in Kansas City and hope that you will take the time to look
me up and say “hello.”

Sincerely, CaSl

<>0

BETTER PLANTING

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum
moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

m\m uiniFT miv

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 WAYSl

BETTER FEEDING

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants

13. Balanced 5-8-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

SPRAY Post Control

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

EASIER FEEDING

SYSTEMIC CON^TROL

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru roots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

SeIi-K&ps

,***^*** 18. Same balanced 5-8-7

1 % ^ formula.

19- Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

1 21. All food — no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
^ elements.

Other Aids & Club Materials

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus.

40. Free samples.

41. Show tags and
booklets.

42. Displays for
educational booths.

I Laborat

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

1

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results— if so desired—
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50 _ _ _ _

New TAbTe MOdIl” New

MODEL FM240

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

” for^2”tu b1s“1o~watt““

MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Monufactyrers
217 Brood Avenye

■FAIRYliW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

□ MODEL FH240 $10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) $12.50

□ MODEL FH220 $ 8.90

□ Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _ .

In addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name - - - - -

Address - - - -

City . . State _

More About Toxic
Vermiculite

Libbie Coufalik, Hiranij Ohio

I have noticed two articles in the African
Violet Magazine which mentioned the effects
of toxic vermiculite on African violet leaves.
One article mentions the use of hydrated lime
when the vermiculite is toxic, but does not
say how much to use.

In the September 1960 African Violet Maga¬
zine, pages 98 and 99, an article on toxic
vermiculite by Henry Ten Hagen mentions a
characteristic swelling Just above the rooted
end of the petiole. That happened to my
regular vermiculite plantings in 1960; a pen
pal in Iowa had the same trouble.

In the December 1960 African Violet Maga¬
zine, pages 50 and 51, an article on toxic
vermiculite and irradiated African violets by
Mr. Elderkin states that a small quantity of
hydrated lime is added to vermiculite to make
the boron unavailable to plants and it will
remove the toxicness.

Mrs. Guey of Washington, D.C. wrote me
that she found the amount to use in the
Elderkin’s price list of irradiated leaves. In
this list Mr. Elderkin describes vermiculite
‘'as one of the best rooting mediums on the
market, but some lots of this material are
toxic due to too much boron. Fortunately this
boron will not harm your violets if you add
one teaspoon of hydrated lime per gallon of
water, to wet the vermiculite the first time.
Do not use plant food with lime. Give them
plant food the next time you water.”

I tried this last method with vermiculite
Wyolite but lost patience with it, and now I
start my leaves in large Zonolite, Detroit
peat moss, and tiny perlite. •

IMPOETANT NOTICE TO ADVEETISEES!

Effective January 1, 1963 checks or cash must
accompany all advertising copy.

The above notice is self explanatory and has
been prompted in an effort to eliminate extra
correspondence, record keeping and to hold
our postage and other expenses as low as pos¬
sible. We do not wish to increase advertising
rates because we consider our ads a service to
members. They are an important part of our
Magazine and we want to maintain our pre¬
sent status quo. I trust our advertisers will
understand our effort in this connection and
assist us. In the future no advertising copy
will be accepted without payment accompany¬
ing same.

If you have space reserved for your ad,
please see that your checks reach me prior to
closing deadline dates for advertising or your
ad will not be repeated.

Floyd L. Johnson, Advertising Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St,, Canandaigua, N.Y.

4

qjujnL

AFRICAN VIOLET
LEAF ROOTER

Successfully Used by Growers
and Hobbyists Everywhere
Quart $1.25 (concentrated) Gallon $3.25 ppd.

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Phillipston (near Fox Ryn)
Royte #1f Athol, Massachysetts
DEALERS INQUIRIES INVITED

UNBEEAKABLl PLASTIC VIOLIT TUBS

24 tubs 3^2” across in Cream White or neutral
utility color for $1.75. Everlasting, made of
‘heavy shock-proof plastic. No sharp edges. 3
holes for positive drainage. 50 for $3.25;

100 for $6.00; 4” size 24 for $1.95; 50 for $3.75;
100 for $8 95; 5” size 24 for $3.95; 50 for -$7.75;
100 for $14.95; 6” size 24 for $5.95; 50 for $10.75;
100 for $19.95. Postpaid. Catalog 20c (free with
order). Flower pots, saucers, unusual hard-to~
find supplies.

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

P.O. Box 856 Oxford, Maryland

Enjoy the Finest in Indoor Gardening!

^iora C^art

World^s Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Rapid-Start Fluorescent Lights!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practical unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and
get strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW
every Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded
fiberglass trays . . . lightweight and strong, easy to
keep clean and impervious to moisture, chemicals or
weather! Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays,
$57.00; 2 Trays, $44.50. (Light Fixtures additional.)
Rugged lifetime construction of beautiful aluminum
tubing. The large heavy duty A" diameter rubber-tired,
ball bearing swivel casters makes it easily movable,
even over heavy carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with
Combolite fixtures designed especially for flower culture,
combining incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved
superior to either one alone! Uses new Rapid-Start
fluorescent lights and regular incandescent bulbs (not
furnished), available from your local merchant. No
starters ore necessary.

NOTE— The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy to
again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete unit) as an award
at the 1963 Convention, Kansas City, Mo., April 4, 5, 6, 1963.

CLASS— Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1 white,
any variety) scoring the highest points. Each plant must score at
least 85 points. These plants are to be entered in the regular classes
for true purples, pinks, and whites.

PREVIOUS WINNERS — '

1953— — -Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954— Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955— — Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956— -Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957— Mrs. J, R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958— Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959— Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

1960 — Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer, Brightwaters, New York.

1961 — -Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1962~Mrs. J. W. Shuey, Richmond, California.

ORDER TODAY * * .

Send check or money order.
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts and accessories.

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street

CleveJand 2, Ohio

NOW . * . with NEW
Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.

1 tray — - $8.50; 2 trays — $16.00;
3 trays $23.50. F.O.B. Cleveland,

5

ATTENTION MEMBERS

Experiencing trouble and inconvenience locat¬
ing your African violet supplies? Not if you
first consult —

THE GARDEN MART

Dept. AV.

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

— WRITE FOR LIST —

HyPDHfiX

AFRICAN VIOLETS

GET MORE BEAUTY AND BLOOMS FROM
YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS/ USING THESE

HYPONeX AFRICAN VIOLET FOOD

Perfectly balanced for African Violets and other plants. Simply
dissolve in water and apply to root system as directed. Quickly
feeds every part of plant without over stimulating. Fine for
seedlings and cuttings. Reduces transplant shock.

10 oi» Pkg.f mokat 60 Gal».» — PotYpaidr f 1.00

PANONeX VIOLET SOIL

Complete African Violet growing medium. Light, porous, odor¬
less. Controls air and moisture. Ready to use.

y* Qt., 29c — 2 Qtf., S9c — 4 Qti., 9ic

BUGONeX AFRICAN VIOLET BUG KILLER

Triple action spray kills chewing and sucking insects. Controls
black spot, mildew, other plant diseases.

9 oi. cpray bomb, 9tc — 15 ox. spray bomb, $1.59

THEONeX African Violet Book, Postpaid $1
Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write for price list of complete ONeX line.

HYDROPONIC CHEMICAL CO.. INC.. Copley 21. Ohio. U.S.A.

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED
We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. To mention a few we have crosses on
Constance Hansen, Charm Song, Afterglo, Good
News, T-V Rose Froth, Pale Blue Waver ly and
April Love. Because the stock available changes
quickly we don’t print a list of these crosses.
If you will write and inquire, we may have
crosses on your favorite variety. The price is
approximately 100 seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A — more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B— from varie¬
ties having “girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C — from single flowered varieties crossed
with double flowered varieties 150 seeds $2.00;
Mixture D — from pink flowered varieties crossed
with other pink or white varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture FM— our best mixture, 300 seeds
$3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, fringettes.
Special Seed Starting Tray containing excellent
growing media designed for a “no failure” $1.00
plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

African Violets in Scotland

Crissie T. C alder bank,

Darvel, Ayrshire, Scotland

I am very much of an amateur in the
culture of African violets but I get great
pleasure in growing and tending them. I had
never been interested in house plants, but one
day I bought an African violet plant with
single purple flowers, not knowing the name
of it and having no idea there were so many
varieties. In this part of the country one sees
only the purple variety. Having heard plants
could be started from leaves, I duly started
two leaves, with some success, and of course
was thrilled. I then heard about W. C. Wicks,
Ltd., Nottingham, England, being expert grow¬
ers of African violets and I sent for a selection
of eight pots, all different and beautiful
colours: pink, lilac, dark purple and white.
They were beautiful and flowered from May
until October; they then, I think, had rather
a long rest, and have only now started to
flower. Perhaps I did not feed them enough.
Again this year I bought more plants from
Messrs. Wicks and now have 11 pots, having
given away a few to friends.

The African Violet Magazine gives me great
pleasure and I envy all the things one can
buy in the United States. Your plant stands,
pots, etc. are all so attractive. The “better
feeding” articles in your Magazine are most
interesting, but here I only use a fertilizer
called Liquinure.

My violets are grown on two window sills
in my sitting room; I have no fluorescent
lights. I have a coke fire all the year ’round,
at least part of the day, and the room is
always warm, even during the night; my
plants do well and are always greatly admired.
Perhaps one day I will have more time and
space to experiment, as so many of your
members do, but meanwhile I shall carry on
being a member of the Society and enjoy to
the full all your Magazines. •

ROOTED CUTTINGS

(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH-CUT LEAVES

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

PLASTIC POTS AND SAUCERS

Award winning varieties from the Na¬
tional Convention in San Francisco, for
spring shipping. A postcard will bring
complete listing of violets and supplies.

Violets by Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

— VISITORS WELCOME —

6

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube - Available

NEW STARLITE GARDEN LAMP IN 2 SIZES like
thousands of glittering stars reflected through the
perforated shade this Starlite Lamp is a perfect
setting for your violets, both useful and decorative.
Black wrought iron finish, inside of reflector is white
enamel. Rubber tipped legs never mar or slip. 2 sizes
18” high 13” wide and 32” long with 2-20 watt tubes or
18” high 13” wide and 26” long with 2-15 watt tubes,
with cord, plug and switch $22.50 postpaid. With 2-6
watt sockets add $2.00. State Choice. With Gro-Lux
tubes add $2.00. “GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS” By Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95.
Now $4.30 Postpaid.

SHATTERPROOF PLASTIC trays with removable in¬
serts 12” X 18” X 2%” high. Trays only $9.30 doz.
postpaid. 15 or 24 pot inserts $9.30 doz. postpaid. 12
trays and 12 inserts $17.50 postpaid.

TIME-ALL TIMER 1875 Watt $11.95 REDUCED to
$9.25 postpaid.

SON OF A GUN MIST FOGGER AND SPRAYER for
plants (also fine for ironing) $2.50 postpaid.

Send for Prices and Literature on Lighted Plant Carts and Planters

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770

Oak Creek, Wis.

AFRICAN VIOLETS — BEST of OLD and NEW
— Send Stamp for List — —

MARY O. BLACKBURN

404 Montlieu Ave. High Point, N. C.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

New Beauties from Edena Gardens, Champion’s,
Coniber’s, Richter’s, Haga’s, Mason and many
others.

Stamp for List Closed Saturdays

MRS. LEO SPENGLER

15 W. Preston Ave. Orlando, Florida

For years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically^balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrat¬
ed food elements needed for rapid, healthy
growth and bloom. Very easy and economical
to use ... a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c
package makes 125 gals., $1.49 package makds
250 gals., of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No
harm to bloom or foliage wheh used as directed.
Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to
children and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal
insecticide. 5 oz. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

Dept. Av29, 624 W. 119th St.

Chicogo 28, Illinois

7

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or block finish, and 1 8", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V2" ^ — $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 10" — $2.98
each or two for $5.50; 30" x 10"- — $3.49
each or two for $6.50. Order by size and color.
VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40— $1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

RIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Gtenerous
bag for^$1.00, with full directions.
TROPI-GROWER — See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid.

21/4” peat pots — 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29.
3” peat pots— 25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Also free
reflecting sign catalog.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. M32 Wausau, Wis.

Make-Believe Yellow

Marion Schanbacher, Sharon, Mass.

This is the story in back of Mr. Pfeninger’s
entry. (See the Friendly African Violet Club’s
report of its show on page 92 and 93 of
Show News and Views. Ed.)

The week before the show he came up with
the idea of "A Dreamer’s Dream.’’ Then, how
to make white violets yellow? Putting them
to soak in yellow food coloring didn’t work,
neither did yellow fabric dye, or dipping
them in egg yolks. So the night before the
show, he started spraying them with yellow
paint. They took on a pale, sickly yellow. Up
he got with a can of spray, at 1:00 o’clock,
2:00 o’clock and finally at 3:00 o’clock he was
still at it. By then his wife had had enough.
She said, “For goodness sake (or words strong¬
er), give me that spray can, you have ruined
my last three white violet plants.” So she
carefully tucked Kleenex over the leaves, and
gave the flowers a drenching of yellow paint,
which brought forth the desired golden yellow
color. The Pfeningers fell into bed with ex¬
haustion, only to be up and off at 6:00 o’clock
for their trip to Norwood.

I am sure it was worth Mr. Pfeninger’s
efforts, because his arrangement was the laugh
of the show. •

RICHTER'S THREE FOR '63

CARMELITA

Glowing, exciting color! Semidouble blossoms in a vivid fuchsia shade, with
a suggestion of a white edge. Fluted olive green foliage with deep red-reverse.
A ''must-have'' for your collection.

NOAH

A big one! Big double blue frilled blossoms, excellent foliage which will
shape up to a big show plant.

DEAR ONE

Brilliant rose-pink frilled double, bright green frilly foliage. Strikingly
attractive.

These three — and more — to watch for at Kansas City in '63.
SENORITA SONGSTER

SPRING RAIN DIAMOND LIL

POLKA TIME CONFECTION

FIRE SPRITE

A stamp will bring you our spring list, with these new introductions as well
as many older favorites. Shipping season starts during April, depending on
weather.

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSES

607 HOFFMAN STREET

9529 WICKER PARK BLVD.

Hammond, Indiana

Highland, Indiana

8

IDiAL VIOLiT STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3”— Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Weal for Violet Shows— Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays
e for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

Visitors Welcome

4921 Transit Road Williamsvllle 21, N. Y.

CHOiCiST OF NEW VIOLETS

Sold here at house ... I do not ship plants.

now !

THE NEW c^ube Graft

WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUBE CRAFT, INC,, DEPT. C

1311 West SOth Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

HOOT MON!

HERE'S REAL ECONOMY!

THRIFTEE

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

Now

Available
in

COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

• Permanent— Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones— -and at competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Made by the makers of famous
LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a
damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Markers are a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plant
markers are required in quantity at a

minimum price!

THRIFTEE Marker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2,55

500

1.60

2.50

3,65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3’

’ Thriftee Markers— 7/16” wide;
4”, 5”, and 6” — 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.
Be sure to specify color desired — ~
otherwise, all orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS

Dept. 45

P.0. Box 216 Clyde, Mich.

9

DIE-SLUG

Metaldehyde Emulsion
Fortified with Dieldrin

Kills Slugs and Snails in Flower Beds, Gardens
and Greenhouses.

See Article page 88, Volume 15, Number 2,
African Violet Magazine.

PRICE POSTPAID

1 Pint . $2.00

1 Quart . 3.00

1 Gallon .... 9.00

Distributorships Available
Monufactured in U. S. A. by

TRIANGLE CHEMICAL COMPANY

P. O. Box 1501 Macon, Georgia

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES
This list cancels all previous lists and circulars.
Squore Pots — - White

21/4” 25/$1.40 50/$2.50 100/$ 4.40

21/2” 25/$1.65 50/$3.00 100/$ 5.75

3” 25/$1.95 50/$3.60 100/$ 6.60

4” 25/$3.30 50/$6.00 100/$11.00

Square Pots — (Utility) Mottled Colors

25/$1.10
25/$1.40
25/$1.65
25/ $2. 20
Round
25/$l,10
25/ $1.40
25/$1.50
25/$1.65
25/$2.20
25/$3.00
* 25/$4.15

Round Pots —
25/$1.10
25/ $1.40
25/$1.50
25/$1.65
25/$2.75
25/$3.30
25/$4.55
25/$6.50

50/$1.95
50/$2.50
50/$3.00
50/$4.15
Pots — White
50/$]^5
50/$2.50
50/$2.75
50/$3.00
50/$4.15
50/$5.75
50/ $7 .70

100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.40
100/$ 5.75
100/$ 8.00

100/$ 3.00
100/$ 4.50
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.50
100/$ 7.70
100/$11.00
100/$13.50

(Utility) Mottled Colors

50/$1.95
50/$2.50
50/$2.75
50/ $3.00
50/$5.25
50/$6.00
50/$8.75
50/12.50

21/4'

3”

4”

IV4’

2”

21/4’

21/2’

3”

31/2’

4”

2”

21/4’

21/2’

3”

3y2 ’

4”

5”

6”

Round Tubs — (Squotties) in White and Utility
In Sizes — 3^ SVa", 4", 5", 6" Same Prices
Respectively As Round Pots.

Round Plastic Saucers — Black Only

#2 for 2”. 21/4”, 21/2” Pots —

25/$1.10 50/$1.95

#3 for 3” Pots and Tubs —

25/ $1.40 50/ $2.50

#4 for 31/2”, 4” Pots and Tubs — -
25/ $1.95 50/ $3.60

#5 for 5” Pots and Tubs —

25/$3.25 50/$6.00

#6 for 6” Pots and Tubs — ■

25/$3.75 50/$7.00

Bantam Flats of durable plastic,
for seeds or cuttings
BF90 Size 2%” x 5” x 71/2”:

3/$1.40 6/$2.60

BF123 Size 2%” x 6V4” x 8”:

3/$1.50 6/$2.75

Plastic Markers - White 41/2” long
Waterproof Pencils — 25c each,

'Tost-A-Note'^

Regulation size postcards with spray of Purple
violets — - 40 cards to box $1.10

'Tiolet Select-A-Note"

24 Notes and Envelopes Box $1.25
Please add 10% of total order for postage.
15% West of Rockies

Mrs. N. B. WILSON

41 LOVE STREET AUSTELL, GEORGIA

Dept. A.V.M.

100/$ 3.30

100/$ 4.40
100/$ 4.95
100/$ 5.75
100/$10.00
100/$11.00
100/$16.50
100/$24.00

100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.40
100/$ 6.60
100/$10.00

100/$13.50

good drainage

f 12/$ 4.95

12/$ 5.25
100-$1.25
for $1.00

Item 34 Item 33

Reynolds Pierced
Aluminum Sheets

Polly Schmeltzer, Arlington, Virginia

SOME of the many uses my understanding
and ingenious husband has made of the
36 inch square Reynolds aluminum “Do It
Yourself” sheets, are:

The sheet called Item 34, he uses to cover
the pea gravel in the large trays in our violet
room. This keeps the pots standing straight,
and much cleaner. When he starts to prepare
a large tray for use, he cuts a 2 inch plastic
tubing in half, placing one of the halves flat
on the bottom of the tray from the corner to
the center of the tray. He mitres the tube at
the corner end so that he can join it with a
short piece of mitred half tubing that will go
to the top edge of the tray. He places a small
piece of mesh over the open end of the tube
in the middle of the tray before he pours pea
gravel in to cover the bottom of the tray to a
depth of 1 % inches. He uses a block of wood
to even the gravel, then pats it down before
he places the pierced aluminum sheet on top.

We water with a hose into the tubing and
it doesn’t disturb the gravel, nor do you get
gravel in the siphon when you siphon off the
water.

When we use our Perm-A-Nest 22 by 11
inch trays for 2 inch pots, we cover the
grooves with a piece of pierced aluminum so
that the pots will stand straight. He gets eight
9 by 18 inch pieces out of the 36 inch square
piece. Many of our customers who need more
humidity put pea gravel in the bottom of their
Perm-A-Nest tray and then cover it with a
piece of pierced aluminum.

My husband uses the Pierced Aluminum Do
It Yourself Item 33 sheet to cut into squares
to place over the holes in 2 and 3 inch clay
pots when we are potting. They give an even
intake of water when you water from the
bottom. They can be sterilized and used over
and over again. The Item 33 aluminum sheet
has small Va inch holes surrounded by small¬
er holes, which makes it easier to cut into
strips and then into squares. He measures over
30 holes for the 2 inch pots and gets 1,500
pieces out of the 36 inch square. He measures
over 4 holes for the 3 inch pots and gets 1,000
pieces out of the 36 inch square.

These sheets may be purchased at hardware
stores and hobby shops that handle Do It Your¬
self supplies, at a cost of about $3.00 per sheet.

#

10

— New SylTonio Gro-Lyx Tube ^ — ■

NOTICE! We can now supply NEW SYXiVANIA
GRO-LUX TUBES as described on page 27 of
the September, 1961 and page 109 March, 1962
Issues of this Magazine.

Slx-40 Watt 48” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each— $14.10
Six-30 Watt 36” GRO-LUX at $2.35 each— $14.10
Six-20 Watt 24” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each— $13.20
Six-15 Watt 18” GRO-LUX at $2.20 each— $13.20
Packed 6 in Shipping Carton to avoid breakage.
NO LESS SHIPPED. We pay the POSTAGE.
Send for literature on our planters.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Oak Creek, Wis.

Send for free list.

EVELYN MASON m DORA iAKER

372 S. Mils. River Blvd 21§2 Stanford Ave.
St. Paul 5, Minn. St. Paul S, Minn.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION
for BETTER AFRICAN VIOLETS

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
For vigorous growth, fine texture of foliage and
profusion of rich colored blooms on your Afri¬
can violets, use non-burning, 100% organic
ATLAS! Only 1/4 teaspoon per quart lukewarm
water every 10-14 days. Try it — buy it today*
and see the difference.

At dealers everywhere. If not availafiie, order direct.

Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart $1.90; Gallon $6.28.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., Room 560
San Francisco 11, CaL

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
■Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay
Your choice of pure white, spring green,
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky
(We will ship green if no color is given)
LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS
SIZES AND STYLES
A— 4^” vertical stake
B— 2”x5” tee stake
B4— 4” T stake, removable tab
C— >6” vertical stake
D— l”x2’* horizontal tie-on tag
E— horizontal tie-on tag
F— ■%”x2” notched tie-on tag
H— tee stake
J— 3”xl2” tee stake
K— 4i^”xl8” tee stake
p_=l”xl2” vertical stake

gay

blue

SIZE

7/16^

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

THRIFTEE

Postpaid Quantity

Prices

Style

50

100

500

A

$1,25

$ 5.50

B

$27o'o

2.75

11.00

B4

1.50

6.00

C

1.50

2.25

10.00

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F

1.25

5J0

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

Included

with E

1, E, and F.

ILE COLORED

LABELS

100

125

250 500

1000

$1.00 $1.60

$2.50

_ $1.00

1.55 2.50

3.90

$1.00

2.30 3.65

4.80

1.15

2.55 4,10

5.40

1.45

3.40 5.40

7.20

’ X 3” vertical marker
x4” vertical marker
X 5” vertical marker
X 6” vertical marker
X 8” vertical marker

See Information Above Relative to Colors
TRIAL ASSORTMENTS; No. 1—50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H— $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2—125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes— $1.00 postpaid.

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS; 75 Style A, $1.00; 1,000 Style A, $7.95 ppd.

Ask for free complete folder showing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification.

1126 ARTHUR ST.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

Dept, M3 3

WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

11

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES
Newest Designs In Plant Lights

NEW 1963 CATALOG — of unusual and hard-
to-find supplies, equipment and accessories for
African violets, Gloxinias, Geraniums, Azaleas,
all greenhouse and indoor plants. 60 illustrated
pages. Everything from potting mixes and plas¬
tic pots to large aluminum plant stands and
fluorescent lights. Largest selection any catalog
specializing in African violet supplies and equip¬
ment for indoor plants. Send 20c now in stamps
or coin for your copy.

The House Plant' Comer

Box 854 Oxford, Maryland

FRESH-CUT LEAVES 25^ EACH
Nono Higher

Old and New, Variegateds, Miniatures
Soft Plastic Rim Guard— covers sharp
edges on all sizes and shape plastic
pots. 10^ foot, 25^ shipping and
handling. Complete line of supplies.

4^ Stamp for List

J's AFRICAN VIOLETS

6932 Wise Are. St. Louis 10, Mo.

Mi 7-3755

My Experience In Raising
Irradiated Leaves

Sidney Rosen, Rochester, New York

About five years ago I started raising Afri¬
can violets when I was attending the Rochester
Institute of Technology. One evening I was
at the home of one of the instructors; his wife
had about 300 violets on the dining room
table and in a big picture window, and they
were blooming very well. When I left, she
gave me about 75 different leaves. I rooted
these leaves in water, and finally had about
300 plants. As we only had a three room apart¬
ment at that time, you can imagine where I
had plants: they were in the kitchen, living
room, in the bedroom, and some were even in
the basement.

Finally I had to sell some of them, and I
gave away many of them. I wish you could
see some of them today; they are huge plants
and bloom profusely. Due to illness I gave up
raising many plants, but after we bought the
home where we live now, I really started
growing African violets once again, and have
them all in my basement.

When I noticed an ad in the African Violet
Mazagine by a Mrs. Elderkin of Toledo, Ohio,
who had irradiated leaves for sale, I sent for
some and experimented with them. I was so

Lyndon Lyon -- " ‘Where ^'^he WoUts J^re "

14 Mutchler St. Dolgeyille, N.Y. Phone 3591

NEW! Imagine in one year all these never before seen striking new combinations of characteristics.

FROSTED FUCHSIA — ^Combines the brilliant new fuchsia Star dbis. with a sparkling nonfading white
edge.

PURPLE WAX — and PINK WAX — -Two brilliant new dbIs. a new departure in shining, waxy dark
strawberry type foliage.

PINK SPLATTER — Deepest dbl. fuchsia splashed and rayed with sassy pink.

THE THREE DOGWOODS

DBL. PINK DOGWOOD- — ^Where else can you find a combination like this?

STAR DOGWOOD — -Twinkling white tipped purple Star, the first!

FUCHSIA DOGWOOD— A wonderful deep fuchsia red, white tipped, wild type flower never before
seen in this color.

THREE MORE PIONEERING FIRSTS

VIOLET 'N GOLD— The heaviest, rolled, light yellow-green edge on any Star flower.

FROLIC^ — Giant pink Stars with Va inch bands of deep pink with white frilled edges.

WHITE PERFECTION— To top it off, here is a new white which we guarantee to make all others
obsolete, it is pure white, full dbl. big strong stemmed and is happy all the time.

Also there are many more, all definite advances in size, color, performance and foliage.

Starter plants or cuttings of above $1,00 each or any 6 for $5.00,

Minimum order $5.00 plus $1.00 for postage and SPECIAL DELIVERY.

Please send for new descriptive price list.

12

pleased with the size of the plantlets on them
that I have sent two or three more orders to
Mrs. Elder kin.

My experience with raising irradiated leaves
is that it is challenging, exciting, surprising
and rewarding for the efforts one puts into
raising them. You never know what colors or
kind of plants you are going to raise, also you
never know how many plants you will obtain
from one leaf. I recently divided two leaves
which I had received in my first order from
Mrs, Elder kin: from one I obtained 13 plants
and from the other 14 plants. I haven’t had
any bloom yet but they are coming along fine
and I should be having some in bloom very
shortly.

Mrs. Elderkin also sends along with each
order a chemical that can be sprayed on the
leaves and plantlets. This helps them mature
faster and helps to keep the X-raying of the
leaves so they may change color and even
their form of growth. I lost a few leaves in
the beginning when I first started with them,
but I think that was because I tried to grow
them in my upstairs windows. Now I have
reached the stage where I have everything
under control; the last two shipments are
growing fine and should be blooming very
shortly, once they are divided. My irradiated
leaves seem to like it in the basement: the
temperature ranges from 65 to 70 degrees. •

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insecticides, Soil, Plastic Labels, Pots, itc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle $1.55

Mildex (mildew) — — — 1.25

NNOR, per bottle 1 .55

Kelthone, per bottle 1.55

Vitamin Bb per bottle 1.15

25 - V/d in. (Thumbnail) plastic pots 1.00

Soilene, 8 oz. ... — - - - — 1,40

Tropi-Grower 2.98

110 Greenplast labels ....... — ............ 1.00

12 capsules sodium selenate 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate 3.30

100 capsules sodium selenate — — 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil ™ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik 1 ,00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide $1.00

COMPLETE LINE
WRITE FOR CATALOG

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street
FINNS GROVi 6, NJ.

formula do YOU need?

mm,

15-30-15 30-10-10 18-18-18 10-30-20

GENERAL PURPOSE
FORMULA

• Low Bieuret content • Contains Trace Elements in completely chelated form

• Sequestered to prevent precipitation • Contains no Chlorides and no excess
Sulfates • Designed for Injection Feeding.

Peters soluble fertilizers are used by more commercial florists and nurserymen
than any other brand. Now available in 1, 5 and 25 pound packages. Write for
your free brochure “The Peters system of soil fertility control”

Designed and manufactured by: ( Prices on request)

ROBERT B. PITERS CO., INC. 2833 PENNSYLVANIA ST., ALLENTOWN, PA.

13

Try Something New

Ruth S. Doxsee, Bellingham, Washington

If you like to experiment, as I do, try a
package of seed of the gesneriad blend. I have
many new kinds of plants but I will have to
admit that I have been unable to find the
correct name for them.

Not being very successful with small seeds
for many years, I now can really get a crop.
In a national garden magazine I read of a

F ond C African Violet Booster

(Not a fertilizer — Nature's own soil condi¬
tioner.) Will make African violets grow and
bloom better and longer than anything you
have ever used. Will not burn tender plants.
(Non-Poisonous.) Also, far above the average
for other plants. Use one teaspoon once a year.
$2.00 for one and one-half pounds, postpaid.
Order with your personal check or money order.
Money back guarantee.

F and C PLANT BOOSTER

P, O. Box 676 Fortuna, California

good mix that prevents damping-off — my
downfall always. I will pass it on to you as
it is wonderful: 2 parts vermiculite, 2 parts
Sponge-Rok or perlite, 1 part milled sphag¬
num moss.

Mix thoroughly and then put a film of the
sphagnum moss as a “frosting’’ over the top.
Have the mixture moist. Sprinkle on your
seed. Put stakes in each end of the pot to
keep the plastic off the mix as it will pick
up your seeds. Slide the container in a plastic
bag and close. Check each day to see that the
bag is not too steamy; if so, leave it open for
a time. I like the plastic planters (long ones)
that have trays in the bottom to which I can
add water as it is needed. Feed the seedlings
with a weak solution of Hyponex, Ra-Pid-Gro
or such occasionally, and transplant them as
they get larger. I find this same mix, with
possibly one-fourth of the total amount in
sterilized potting soil added, is excellent to
use for the transplanted seedlings.

MILLED SPHAGNUM MOSS is not peat
moss, as the local stores argue with me. It is
the fresh sphagnum moss ground to a dust.
This moss grows in swamps and on logs here
and over the nation. It contains a natural
antibiotic. One can make his own by putting
the dry moss through a meat grinder. I ob¬
tained a bushel bag of it from the George C.
Parks Nursery in South Carolina. •

The Vio Holda Plant Stand

Will not tip or tilt.

^or

m

AFRICAN VIOLETS

. . and other plants

Sturdy, heavy gauge all-steel welded. 40'' high.
Will not tilt or tip. Holds 11 plants, 10 on
revolving arms extending outward 6" to 12"
from center shaft. Arms movable to any posi¬
tion to enhance beauty of display and allow
even sun and air exposure. Light weight. Easily
dismantled for cleaning. Antique black, white
or fawn tan enamel.

Specify color desired. Send check or money
order; or C.O.D. immediate shipment. Satis¬
faction guaranteed. Circular on request.

— ORDER BY MAIL TODAY —

Only $14.9S Each, plus $1.00 for Packing and Postage
($2.00 for Conada)

THE VIO HOLDA COMPANY

P.O. BOX 915 Dept. 1363 TOPEKA, KANSAS

14

NEW— NEW— NEW _

Based on University of California Formula
^5. A Soil-less Mix packaged for Home
Gardeners. (Used by foremost Nurserymen
on the West Coast.) The ultimate in Water-
Holding Capacity. USE “ASTS.” Free of
Weeds, Disease and Harmful Salts. Measured
and Constant Fertility — Forming known
base for liquid fertilizing for heavier feeders.
(If desired, drainage can be added for plants
such as cacti.)

See page 1 for prices

ACME PEAT PRODUCTS

Leaves — Rooted Cuttings Plants

The choicest of the old and new. Come sit, relax
and converse ... 700 varieties are our hobby,
too.

Rose Knoll Gardens

In the heart of Lincoln Land
Assumption, Illinois

FLUORESCENT LIGHTING by FLORALITE

New Sylvania Gro-Lux Tube^^

Six 40 watt 48" or Six 30 watt 36" Gro-Lux at $2.35 each, $14.10 ppd. Six 20 watt 24" or Six
15 watt 18" Gro-Lux at $2,20 each, $13.20 ppd. Packed Six in a carton to avoid breakage.
NO LESS SHIPPED. We Pay the POSTAGE.

Send for literature on Lighted Plant Carts and new Planters.

A NEW DUAL LIGHT FLUORESCENT FIXTURE for

violets and other plants. Can be used four ways, as a
four (4) tube, as a four (4) tube plus 2 incandescent,
as a two (2) tube or as a two (2) tube plus 2 incan¬
descent 48-^A inches long ]5~V2 inch reflector.
Choice of cool white, warm white or daylight fluores¬
cent tubes. With RAPID START BALLAST $30.00
Postpaid.*

EXTRA WIDE SPACED DUAL LIGHT FIXTURE I-Va
inch centers with 2 incandescent sockets, 1 3 inch
reflector 48-^A inches long with 2-40 watt tubes.
$19.00 Postpaid.* With Rapid Start Ballast. Choice
of cool white, warm white or daylight tubes.

DUAL LIGHT a combination of incandescent and flu¬
orescent lights made especially for African Violets 48
in. long, 13 in. reflector, 2-40 watt tubes. 2-15 watt
sockets with Rapid Start Ballast $17.00 Postpoid.*
Choice of cool white, warm white or daylight tubes.

* Add $1.00 west of Rockies.

**Add $1.00 for each Sylvania Gro-Lux tube in above fixtures.

Legs for any Fluorescent Fixture $2.00 Postpaid. Adjustable chains to hang any Fluorescent Fixture
$1,50 PostpaFd. All 48 inch Fluorescent Fixtures include cord, plug, switch, tubes and Rapid Start
Ballasts. No Starters are necessary. Certified BM Ballast guaranteed 3 years.

GARDENING INDOORS UNDER LIGHTS by Frederick & Jacqueline Kranz was $4.95 reduced to
$4.30 Postpaid. Send for Literature and Prices on Lighted Plant Carts etc.

FLORALITE COMPANY

4124 E. Oakwood Rd. Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

LIMITED OF CANADA

SOLANGE SLIVKA

203 N. Ohio St. Fayette, OMo

Due to a severe back injury I have been unable
to do any shipping for a few years. I’m now
able to get around and will ship again this
Spring. Thanks to those of you who have been
so patient. Visitors always welcome. A 4c stamp
for list.

Trouble-Free, Soil-less

INSTANT

PLANTING MIX

15

Grow Prize Winning African
Violets the Safe and Easy Way

Let us do the work and produce the Growing
Medio. YOU hove fun . . . just supply the
Plant, Loving care, proper light and humidity

.... And watch your plants grow to prize

winning Quality,

Wallace Mineral — A mineral and trace element
mix for feeding and balance.

1 pd. box $1.00 5 pd. box $2.00

Golden Earth — Ready to pot - — potting mix,
nothing to add. Will not pack or sour,

1 pd. bag $1.00 3 pd. bag $2.00

Holy Cow — Top quality dehydrated manure.
Clevei* pink package. Makes excellent gag gift,
5 pd. bag $2.00

Dandee Peat — German type peat, rich and
dark, ground to specifications with high
analysis.

4 pd. bag $1.50

Magnite Low Nitrogen, High Phosphorus
Fertilizer with trace elements.

1 pd. box $1.00 5 pd. box $2.00

Wolloce Floral Mix More economical and
heavier type ready to pot — potting soil.

3 pd. bag $1.50

Packing and shipping charges included.

All Wallace Products are tested and proven.

Send for one or all today.

Wallace Mineral Corp.

170 West Virginia Avenue
DENVER 23, COLORADO

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

Fresh-cut and rooted leaves only
Best old and new varieties
Send for free list and special service offer.
Stamp appreciated.

MRS. FRANK FOSNOT

Sunnyside Washington

Chlorine Neutralizer

Mrs. Earle S. Brown, Hawthorne, California

There has been so much talk about the
chlorine in our tap water and its effect upon
our beloved violets that I decided to do some¬
thing about it as I had had so much trouble
with root rot. First I tried the water drained
from a tropical fish aquarium, as had been
suggested in the National Magazine. Then I
thought, “why not neutralize the water the
way they do?”

There are several brands on the market but

1 chose one at our local pet shop called “Pemco
Chlorine Neutralizer.” This called for one tea¬
spoon per 5 gallons of water. I broke that
down to 12 drops per gallon, which is the
amount that I prepare. It is ready for use in

2 minutes, and can be kept indefinitely. I keep
the water in a gallon glass Jar on the grille
of my stove. The pilot keeps it just right and
always ready when I see a thirsty plant. I use
this water on the pea gravel under my plants,
and use it for moistening the planter mix.

On the label of the Pemco Neutralizer is
the following information: “Chlorine Neutra¬
lizer is a scientific compounded preparation,
the function of which is to remove chlorine,
fluorine and Chlorine-T from city tap water.”

I have been using this for over a year with
the exception of a few months last winter
when I was able to save some rain water. •

Miniatures — New Releases — - Wild Species

DRAKE'S VIOLET SHOP

Rt. 1, Box 96 Hampshire, Ill.

Look for our sign 8 miles west of Elgin on Rt.
20 in Pingree Grove. Open Mon., Thurs. 9 A.M.
to 5 P.M. Also 2nd Sun. of month 1 to 5 P.M.
Closed for vacation May 24 to June 10. Send
stamp for shipping list

Phone 464-8331 Clubs Welcome

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The “Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20” x 52”) aluminum
trays for bottom watering. Provision is made for mounting an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR-AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest
quality of all “apartment greenhouses.” You will be proud to show it to
your friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with
which the lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly
18” above the trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two shelve^.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for mak¬
ing and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other
plants by artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95
postpaid.

Also available ■ — Peggie Schulz’s book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.50.

We now have the remarkable new GRO-LUX lamps in stock for im¬
mediate shipment. Prices: 6-40 watt Gro-Lux lamps $14.10 ppd. 6-20
watt, $13.20 ppd. (Postage extra on less than 6)

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur Sl Dept. M3 1 Wausau, Wis.

16

Buyer’s Guide

Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1, Box 143, Greenwood, Ind.

How often we complain because one of the
new plants does not perform as we think it
should! It may be a very beautiful plant, but
it produces little plants with both tailored and
wavy foliage, or variegated and plain green,
or single and semidouble blossoms. Although
we would never admit it to ourselves, we are
as much or perhaps more to blame for this
situation than the hybridizer. Who of us has
not begged to buy that new plant that a grower
has displayed at a show even though he tells
us frankly that it is a sport and may never
reproduce the same thing again? He would be
more than superhuman if he did not let some
of them go for several reasons. If he is not
definitely interested in proving a plant further,
it is only good business to sell it to someone
who wants it, regardless of its pedigree. And
since we are always nipping at the heels of the
hybridizer for something new, he cannot pos¬
sibly grow all of the interesting seedlings or
mutations through the three or four genera¬
tions necessary to prove stability, so the next
best thing is to let others work with some of
them. Of course, some of those he keeps may
prove inferior to some he has released which
adds to the general confusion.

Another factor that the hybridizer cannot
control or even predict is the environment in
which a plant is grown. There are some plants
that are perfectly beautiful growing in a
greenhouse, but when they are brought into
the supposedly ideal setup under fluorescent
lights will sulk indefinitely. Two years ago I
bought three plants of the same variety, which
were covered with bloom in the greenhouse.
Shortly after they were added to my collection
they stopped blooming, and have only recently
produced their first blooms, in spite of being
very healthy appearing plants. This is an ex¬
treme instance, I know, and I almost never
keep a plant that does not bloom profusely,
but I was curious to see if I could overcome
the trouble. I have only strengthened my
belief that some plants do not like the fluores¬
cent lights.

Votes are still coming in on Double Black
Cherry, and the statistics are very uniform,
with one exception. One grower reports slight¬
ly wavy foliage, instead of the tailored, as
most of us have. Has anyone else found this
variance?

Blue Blaze: Here we have quite a diversity of
descriptions. This plant should have white
edged blooms, and for me has been semidouble
with a few single blossoms. However, many of
you report this as a plain blue single blossom.
Hi Hopes: This is a plant that has two faces,
each so beautiful that we could not condemn
it. Some of these plants have tailored foliage,
and some beautifully waved foliage, and from
a leaf taken from either version, you will get
either or both. Confused? Just enjoy the plant.

SWINGING "GARDEN-GATE"
PLANT RACKS

Enjoy the beauty of o window-full of bloom

Large size: 40” high
X 13” across the bot¬
tom. Removable fluted
trays. Will hold pots
with up to and incl.

3” bottoms. Black
wrought iron. Hard¬
ware incl. $14.95 pair.

New size: 24” high x
13” across the bottom.

3 trays on each rack.,

$11.95 pair.

All orders postpaid
east of the Miss. Add
$1.00 postage per pair
west of the Miss. $2.00
Canada. No C.O.D.’s
please. Satisfaction
guaranteed.

Penna. residents add
4% sales tax.

ROULETTE PRODUCTS

Dept. AV
Kemplon, Pa.

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c sales
tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

6520 Broadview Rd. Cleveland 34, Ohio

it is always in bloom with huge semidouble
dark blue Stars, with a white edge^ — at least in
the winter. Have you noticed how many of
these plants lose their white edge in the sum¬
mer, just as the variegated foliage frequently
goes green in the summer then back to its
beautiful variegation with the arrival of fall
and cool nights.

Fischer’s Gala Pink: I have a first report in on
this plant, and would like more information
on its performance.

Savannah Sweetheart: Good reports are now
coming in from the West Coast on this good
double pink.

Trifari: How did this plant come through the
heat of summer for you? I had a few com¬
plaints on it, and had some trouble myself,
although my plant room never gets really hot
during the summer. •

17

Controlled Humidity...

A Greenhouse Must

Reprinted with permission of Under Glass

Many greenhouse owners ask, “What is
relative humidity?” In meteorology, relative
humidity is the ratio of the quantity of vapor
actually present in the air to the greatest
amount possible at the given temperature.
This is, of course, technical verbiage. But we
certainly can feel this ratio. In summer we
often suffer from high humidity, while in
winter we suffer from lack of it. The average
home with a relative humidity of 15 per cent
is drier than the Sahara desert.

Dry air leads to many winter illnesses and
the medical profession recognizes that proper
humidity is vital to health. A humid green¬
house atmosphere is just as essential to healthy
plant life. It helps control transpiration —
the rate of moisture foliage retains or gives off.
Plants breathe and absorb moisture through
their leaves. Water at their roots is not enough;
the atmosphere surrounding leaves must con¬
tain sufficient moisture. If the air is allowed
to become too dry, the foliage gives off mois¬
ture faster than roots can take it up. This con¬
dition often exists when plants are grown in
hot homes or apartments, but it can take place
to a lesser degree in your greenhouse or con¬
servatory.

WATER ‘N’ WATCH this pre-seeded AFRICAN
VIOLET garden grow dozens of bright beauties.
Free gift garden given growers producing award
winners from WATER ‘N’ WATCH gardens.
Germination guaranteed. Instructions included.
$3.50 each.

PEGGIE SCHULZ, INC.

Dept. V, 7714 Fairfield Rd. N.
Minneapolis 30, Minn.

VIOLETS FROM SUNNY COLORADO —
ALL THEY LACK IS YOU!

Fresh-cut and rooted leaves. Large and small
plants. Over 600 varieties to choose from — old
and new. Open evenings 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday.

Visitors Welcome Send stamp for free list

GER-Xd'S house of violets

CMR-RD 1575 - No. 799 Delta, Colorado

AFRICAN VIOLETS by KROGMAN'S

1325 Parkway (S. 125) Brookfield, Wis.

LARGEST SELECTION
“FAVORITE” and “NEWEST” VARIETIES

Send dime for list. ]0<f refunded on order
Clubs or individuals invited to visit us by
appointment. Phone — Milwaukee — SUnset
2-7359. 1 mile from Hwy. 15, 16, 18, 30, 45,
94 and 100 at 59 (Greenfield Ave.)

As plants continue to grow under these ad¬
verse conditions, newly developing leaves will
be smaller and smaller until growth turns hard
and becomes sickly. Once this happens, most
plants become stunted and lose their ability
to take up nourishment again.

To produce that thick, vigorous growth you
always admire in greenhouse plants, it takes
a fresh atmosphere laden with the right
amount of moisture. Plants grown in the
proper humidity yield fresh, full blooms that
are a pleasure and a credit to the grower.
Humidifiers discharge a very fine water vapor
that is held in suspension in the surrounding
air. The minute particles of water are carried
throughout your greenhouse by air currents,
creating an atmosphere comparable to that
near a waterfall, where cascading water hitting
rocks is broken up into minute particles. Re¬
member that at the bottom of falls there is an
abundance of vegetation with a color that is
a sight to behold. The suspended moisture in
the atmosphere makes the plants thrive so
well, and this same condition can be achieved
in your greenhouse with humidification.

Humidifiers are scientifically engineered and
designed, and precision built of non-ferrous
metals. Due to complete absorption by the air,
you will find that water vapor will not con¬
dense or precipitate on any of the plants be¬
neath the unit — thus avoiding damp rot and
other diseases caused by dampness.

A humidifier may be controlled automatic¬
ally by using a humidistat, a hair-element-
type instrument which, when connected in
series with the humidifier, gives accurate auto¬
matic control. This humidistat acts as a switch
to shut off the humidifier when the desired
relative humidity has been reached. (For addi¬
tional information please write Lord and Burn¬
ham, Irvington, N.Y.) •

Have You Read Any Good Violet Lists Lately?

While I don’t expect mine to win the Pulitzer
Prize it does have some interesting features like
descriptions, lots of new varieties, all fresh-cut
leaves at 25c each and .... Well, you be the
judge by sending a 5c stamp for a copy.

MILDRED V. WOODS

6007 Bergenline Ave. West New York, N.J.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Plants and Rooted Cuttings with plantlets. We
only mail lists to customers and those who
request a list. We will ship orders to any State.
Please send for list. New and better older

varieties.

MAE'S VIOLETRY

4301 nth St. N.W. Des Moines, Iowa

18

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

Athol, Moss. RFD #1

Plants ■ — ■ Rooted Clumps — Leaves
(State Inspected)

American Beauty
Dainty Bess
Hearts Afire
Red Cadet
Pagan Fire
Persian Treasure

Pilgrim Dignitary
Pilgrim Witch
Pilgrim Sentry
Pilgrim Sheerluv
Pilgrim Velvet
Pilgrim Curch

All plants and cuttings are of the highest
quality expertly packed and sent to you in
pots where they have been growing. We do
not substitute, and we try to send very full
cuttings. Gifts in the same price range are
included. Your satisfaction is always uppermost
in our minds.

(Stamp brings list)

Visitors Welcome — - location is in Phillipston
(near Fox Run)

Phone Athol

CH 9-4949 Closed Mondays

RETIREMENT SALE

Small plants for growing on 5 to 100 ■ — all
different, labeled 25c each. Blooming size plants
5 to 100 labeled, all different 35c each. Leaves —
your choice, most 25c each. Add 10% for
postage — minimum postage 50c. House plants,
Begonias, Episcias. Send stamp for list.

MRS, T. C, BEE

Route 3, Box 120 Newnan, Georgia

FRESH CUT

LEAVES

$1.00 Each — Any 10 for $9.00

Balboa

Love Story

Blue Checkers

Miss Universe

Bright Forecast

Paris Labe!

Casanova Cupid

Pink Trill

Chinese Lantern

Sombrero

Compromise

Something Blue

Gift Wrapped

Theresa Moeller

Glorified

Torch Song

Hearts and Flowers

Yerba Buena

Latin Lody

Floating Clouds

75^ Each ■ — ■ Any 10 for $6.50

Angel Island

Gay Feather

April Glamour

Grand Ruler

Confection

Greenbriar

Cricket Hill

Green Gage

Diamond Lll

Harbor Lights

Exotic

Kiss Y Tell

Fancy Free

Pink Dogwood

Festive Frills

Pink Lotus

Frosted Fuchsia

Sierra Giant

Fuchsia Dogwood

Star Dogwood

Minimum order $5.00 pi

us $1.00 postage in

U.S., Canada and Hawaii

postage $1.50. Hun-

dreds of other varieties

— list on request.

Make check or Money Order payable to Doris

Intile.

DORIS' AFRICAN VIOLET CORNER

308 Franklin St.

Bloomfield, NJ.

Phone PI 8-S48S

— SIERrS NURSERY —

African Violets Our Business
introducing our new exquisite French Series.
Fresh-cut leaves only. Send stamp for list.

7640 Orlando Ave. Jacksonville 8, Florida

Nebr. Agriculture
Certificate # 1 83

THErRE NEW

KIDDCO VIOLETRY Fresh-Cut Leaves

Violets of Distincfion Rooted Cuttings

THEY'RE EXCITING

Vollin's New Show varieties: SHOWIE YOUNG AMERICAN — RED SATIN
JIM DANDY RED CARNATION — RED WITCH
NeprasNs SHANGRRLA SERIES — BuynakY LAKE ERIE SERIES
Madison Gardens' PARADISE SERIES — Lanigan's PERSIAN SERIES

Numerous New and Old varieties for your pleasure from leading hybridizers. Stomp for complete
listing.

TERMS: Ad effective as long as supply lasts. Minimum order $3.00 plus $1.00 postage for first
15 cuttings; 50^ eaqh additional 10 or part thereof. All orders filled in rotation received. Shipping
season starts when weather permits.

Open after 5 P.M. by appointment

3802 Lake Street Phone 451-9048 Omaha 11, Nebraska

19

- Madison Gardens -

Violet Hybridizers

May we show you our new varieties at the
Convention in Kansas City, April 4th and 5th?

Write for spring price list

West- Middle Ridge Rd. Madison, Ohio

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leaves — • Rooted Cuttings — Plants

A. CARR

1823 Chestnut St. Rockford, III.

Phone 964-9773

QUALITY STARTER PLANTS

Stamp for List

Plastic Pots, ''Organaire'" Violet Soil
Open by Appointment only . . . Ne 1-3829

NORMANDY VIOLETS

6246 N. Normandy Ave. Chicago 31, Ill.

OUR NEW PLANTS
FOR 1963

Catolog has complete descriptions.
Please send 5^ stamp for your copy.

NAOMI'S

P* O. Box 123 Brockport, N. Y.

Proven Success
With Sugar

Estelle Kieezle, 68 Bay view Avenue
Staten Island 9, New York

IN the African Violet Society of Staten Is¬
land, we have a workshop class that meets
every Tuesday evening. The first half of the
meeting is devoted to theory, and the last half
is practical experience. Notes are taken by the
members and then reviews are conducted
every few months. We meet at each others’
homes, as our class is small, and are able to
help members: with their plant problems, -un¬
der their own conditions.

One of the experiments in our workshop
class was with the use of sugar for nematodes.
Out of the nine plants that were used, only one
plant was lost. On removing the soil from this
plant we could see that the main stalk was
badly damaged half-way through. I used 10
parts soil to one part sugar. I believe the rea¬
son for the problems with sugar soil is with
the basic soil used. I do not use fertilizers of
any kind in my soil; I add them when I water.
I have read where others have a problem of
fermentation, mold on the top, and a black
sticky substance on the bottom of the soil in
the pot. I did not have any of these problems.

I removed all the plants from the pots so
the members in the class could see what
nematodes looked like or what the roots
looked like. Then we each took a plant and
removed as much of the soil as possible, then
put the sugar soil in the same pot, and then
the plant. I watered just enough to keep them
moist. Four weeks later we removed all the
plants. The soil looked no different than any
other soil. The plants all had buds and there
was no sign of root-knot; all the new roots
were growing in. Also, when we first took
these plants out of the pots and removed the
soil, there were white hair-like things wiggl¬
ing all through the soil; but four weeks later
there was no sign of them either. So the sugar
soil got rid of these also.

Now I have the idea that if sugar soil will
rid plants of nematodes, why not use a smaller
amount of sugar in soil to prevent them. But
the problem is: where to get more plants that
are infected. I Just happened on the others.

If anyone is interested in this experiment,
I would be very happy to hear from them,
and will answer any questions. •

SHELLINGErS AFRICAN VIOLETS

Fresh-cut leaves 25c. Choice new varieties.
Shipments packed to arrive in excellent con¬
dition. Stamp for list.

YIONA G. SHELLINGER

351 E. Works St, Sheridan, Wyoming

20

More About Sinningia Pusilla

( The Littlest Gesneriad )

Irene Bailey, Fairhope, Alabama

In the June 1958 issue of the African Violet
Magazine, Mr. Cornelius Ackerson had a very
interesting article about the “Littlest Ges¬
neriad.” He gave the history and description
of the species, and stated that the reason for
its scarcity was because it did not seed itself,
therefore the bulbs were scarce.

My experience has been quite the opposite.
A friend gave me some seed to try, and I
planted them just as I plant African violet
seed. They germinated very quickly, even un¬
der natural light, and bloomed even faster. I
bought thumb pots to transplant into and had
quite a time transplanting over 200 tiny plants
into these pots. For a growing medium I cut
sphagnum moss into small pieces with a scis¬
sors, filled the little pots, made a hole in the
center, and put the small plant in the hole
and pushed the moss around it. Then they
were set in a bed of damp vermiculite in a
garbage can lid. About 21/2 months after the
seeds were planted, the first bloom came.
From then on they bloomed, and, contrary to
Mr. Ackerson’s experience, set seed and seeded
themselves down. I couldn’t see any percent¬
age in trying to separate the seedlings from
the larger plants in those little pots, so I re¬
moved all of them from the pots and planted
them directly into the bed of vermiculite. Now
they have room to bloom, seed, and grow all
they want to.

They require no special care, just water
and an occasional feeding of Hyponex, Plant
Marvel, or a similar plant food. My Sinningia
pusillas are growing in a greenhouse, under
natural light, and have had some bloom ever
since the first little flower came out about
two years ago.

Now I am looking for Saintpaulia pusilla
seed. Who has some? •

Liquid Whale

Viola Rembold, Leavenworth, Washington

Besides using Liquid Whale as a fertilizer,
I like to use it for leaf feeding and cleaning
in one operation. It is not used as an aid in
cleaning the leaves but rather as an aid to
more beautiful foliage.

To give the violets their baths, I use a
rubber bulb sprayer which holds about IV2
cups of water. To a quart of warm water I
add 3 or 4 drops of Liquid Whale. Then, tilting
the plant sideways over the sink, I spray seve¬
ral cups of water on the leaves, turning the
plant until every leaf has had its shower. After
the bath is finished, the plant is placed on the
table to dry, out of the bright light. I do only
a few at a time, in order to have room for the
dripping plants. •

NEW AUTOMATIC
TIME CONTROLS

Control the light and dark period of your
fixtures from one convenient unit. “ON” time
adjusts from to 23 hours a day. Set time
of day you want the fixtures to be turned on
and off each day and the Time Control turns
them on and off each day without attention.
Constructed of 20 gauge aluminum. I2V2
inches long. For all 115 V. ac. current. Includes
instruction plate on unit and informative leaflet.

HOBBYIST TIME CONTROL
Has 4 outlets (1 in clock). Shown above. Will
handle 6 ■ — ’2 light 40-watt fixtures or equal
electrical appliance load.

Cat. No. HTC-4 _ $15.95

PROFESSIONAL TIME CONTROL
Has 8 outlets. Same design as above with 4
outlets in Time Control and 4 timed outlets on
8 foot heavy duty extension cord. Will handle
15 - — 2 light 40-watt fixtures or heavy ap¬
pliances such as air conditioners, heaters, etc.

Cat. No. HTC-8 _ $18.95

NOTE: Cat. No. HTC-8 can be supplied with an
additional 3 outlets on 2nd 8 foot extension for
$2.95 extra. (Gives 11 timed outlets.)

Include $1.00 postoge and handling.

10c brings catalog of growth fixtures, growth
units, inexpensive fluorescent fixture kits, parts,
etc.

SHOPLITE CO. Phone: NOrth 7-6021

650 Franklin Ave., Nutley 10, N.J.

Violets Anyone ?

The African Violet Society of Greater New
York, Inc. will again sponsor the African violet
information booth in the International Flower
Show held this year from March 9th to the
17th at the New York Coliseum.

Last year found the violet classes filled to
capacity. One hundred and twenty plants were
entered. The largest number ever to be shown
since the flower show began 46 years ago. Not
only did we have quantity but also quality.
The violets were virtually a “show stopper”
and the management had to take steps to keep
the traffic moving past the display.

We hope to find the show larger and of
better quality (if that’s possible) this year.
And the way this can be done is for you to
show your plants. Anyone is eligible to enter
the International Flower Show. A schedule
may be had by writing R. B. Famham, The
Horticultural Society of New York, Inc., Essex
House, 155 W. 58th St., New York 19, N.Y.

21

The Future
In The Violet World

Harry Meese, Falls Church, Virginia

OMETHING new, something different in¬
trigues us all. It is a universal trait. And
so it is with violets; any new development
carries with it interest, curiosity, rejection or
acceptance. An evolvement that betters the
plant carries with it the responsibility for
further improvement sO' that the violet is in a
continual stage of evolution, and the advances
are never ending. Hundreds of variations of an
old theme can then be incorporated into the
new until the advent of a major change that
will start the process all over again. We have
been in one of these stages for some time,
waiting for the next transition. Many think
today’s African violets are sO' highly developed
that any changes to them can only be made
by slight degrees to the^ present plants. This
is true until a major new characteristic is
born, and because of recessive genes and
others, changes will go on by degrees for many
years. The Star gene has not as yet been fully
developed with all of the present known char¬
acteristics.

There are so many avenues to go down the
genetic trail that it is maddening to be able
to sample only a few. It is impossible to seek
out all of them, for one soon finds, out that
by spreading out so thin one gets nowhere.

VISITORS WELCOME

See and buy African violet plants by appoint¬
ment. Call Phillips 4132. Fresh-cut and rooted
leaves by mail, free rooting. Stamp appreciated
for current list.

MRS*

RUSSELL KIRCHMEYER

Route 1

Phillips, Wisconsin

LATEST WESTERN VARIETIES

* Grace Arndt’s latest originations including

DIAMOND TIARA. CORALLINA. NIGHT¬
INGALE, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, and SCOUT’S
HONOR

* Edena Gardens Silver Trophy winners

* Latest Miniatures including BABY ROSES,

WILD VIOLET, and MISCHIEF
Send a stamp for spring catalog describing
these and many more.

KELTHANE; for mites, $2.25 ppd
KARASPRAY: (Mildex) for mildew $1.00 ppd
MAXICROP: (Liquefied Seaweed)

V2 Pints - 80c ppd

Pints _ $1.50 ppd

Quarts _ $2.50 ppd

Please Add 10% E of Minneapolis /S of Dallas
(for extra postage).

Arndt's Floral Garden

Rt. 2f Box 336 Troytdale, Oregon

There simply have to be more hybridizers in
the field to accelerate the advancement of the
violet.

A major event has taken place and the new
look is here to stay for a while. Ill venture to
predict that all of the present day violets we
love so dearly are now on their way out and
in time will become a curiosity. They are the
victims of that horrible state- of affairs, obso¬
lescence, purely the conspiracy of society in
the name of progress. Yes, we are to blame for
wanting the new and not being satisfied with
the old.

There are many faults with today’s violets
if we look at them objectively. One of them is
muddiness of color, which some day will be
corrected. We are now approaching the jewel
colors, especially in the blues.

^ At the moment things are breaking fast for
violets. There is the patent leather foliage, and
good cream-colored blossoms; a more stunning
and elegant combination cannot be had in the
flower world. The all chartreuse blossom is
not far off and should appear in the near
future. These will require new classifications
to properly record them.

There are varying degrees of polyploidy in
hybrid violets ranging from the diploids to
the octaploids. The sterility of the triploids is
gradually being overcome. These triploids
have the large blooms of the Supreme and the
multiplicity of bloom of the ordinary violets,
and much will be seen of them from here on.
This also will create a new classification.

The disappointment with cluster type violets
because of undesirable flower size and insuffi¬
cient flowers per stem has been overcome.
Really, flower size is immaterial for good
cluster blooms are now up to 27 per stem,
with about 6 by 6 inch display area of color.
When adjacent stems are blooming there is a
mass effect that can be doubled and redoubled
around the plant supporting hundreds, of
blooms that cover up the foliage.

Today’s doubles are of the open-faced type,
lacking in fullness of bloom. There has now
appeared on the scene curved and curled
blossom, petals that stand out in a good third
dimension, giving the effect of roundness of
bloom. This new development has an impor¬
tant bearing on the unfolding of new future
varieties.

I have saved the icing for the violet cake
until last, since a, most outstanding new feature
has taken place that will revolutionize the
appearance of the violet. The conventional
violet has from one to four layers of petals of
random and irregular pattern, giving a shal¬
lowness of bloom. There has now been a break¬
through. in the doubling of the double blossoms
in that we now have a violet with eight layers
of petals. This is a noteworthy event because
with , the twO' genes now available, one for
fullness of bloom, and the other for multilayers
of petals, w© have the ingredients and the
making of carnation, dahlia and marigold
types of bloom for our African violets. •

22

The Miracle Of A Leaf

Eva G. Bonner, Parsons, West Virginia

mvi.

FOR. YOUR

3LaCarl

BEAUTIFUL
MOLDED FIBER GLASS

THE ALL-PURPOSE TRAY FOR FLOWER GROWERS!

FITS ALL ^ioradaA6^ . . Interchangeable
on all models!

ATTRACTIVE "nEUTRAL COLOR . . . Perma
nently molded-in to every tray!

LIGHT- WEIGHT AND STRONG . . . Easy to
handle. ..Won't dent or break!

RUST-PROOF -RESISTS CHEMICALS .

Impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY-TO- CLEAN SURFACE... Washable,
hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN ... For draining
...without removal of plants!

Prlc«: ITRAY -$ 8.50 2 TRAYS- 16.00 3 TRAYS- 23.50

me. 1311 West 80th Street
rCIi w Cleveland 2, Ohio

Several years ago my sisters and I decided

to buy Mother a plant for Easter. We went
to a local greenhouse and just by chance
admired and bought an unnamed African
violet. Some time later, on one of my visits
home, I noticed Mother’s violet was not bloom¬
ing and needed some special care. I took the
plant with me to my home to see if I could
help it to recuperate. I moved it to a larger
pot, added new soil, and tenderly watched
over it for the next few days. Then I could
see it was greener and starting to grow.

Soon afterwards, my sister brought me some
small plants. They grew well and before too
long were loaded with blooms. By now I was
a violet enthusiast acquiring a new plant
whenever possible. Naturally, I wanted to
know all about growing and caring for Afri¬
can violets so I felt my next step should be
learning how to grow plantlets from leaves.

Easy Propagation

With a very simple method, a bag of ver-
miculite, and leaves from a few varieties, I
started to work. I filled labeled containers
(either plastic, glass, or tin without drainage
holes) with vermiculite, moistened it and let
it stand over night. From healthy plants I cut
firm leaves with about 2 inches of stem; then
let them lie for about one hour to heal. Using
a pencil, I made holes one inch deep into
which I inserted each leaf; then firmed the
vermiculite around the stems until the leaves
stood upright. I placed the containers in a
warm room (temperature 65 to 70 degrees F)
where the leaves received plenty of light but
no direct sun.

Watering

Watering care was now most important.
Since I use tap water for all my plants, I have
special jars and let the water set for at least
24 hours before using it so any chemicals will
evaporate. When watering, I held the leaf con¬
tainer slanted and let the water run slowly
down the side, taking care not to wet the
leaves and making sure the vermiculite was
only moist, never soggy. Drying out should
be avoided too as this will cause the young
roots to die.

Some plants appear within a few weeks;
others take much longer, depending on varie¬
ties, time of year, and conditions in general.
When I gave my plants African violet food, I
also gave a feeding to each pot of leaves. I
believe this hastened the growth process.
Within a few months my efforts were greatly
rewarded and I was known as the lady with
violets all over her house. To me it seemed
a miracle, having so many vigorous plants
from a handful of leaves.

I did not remove the plantlets from the
mother leaf until they were at least 2 inches
high. I have some discarded silverware which

I found invaluable in separating the small,
tender plants without breaking or bruising
them. Some I placed in 2 1/4 inch plastic pots,
first adding one spoonful of granulated char¬
coal then enough light, porous African violet
soil to cover the plant to the crown. Each pot
was given an individual saucer as I prefer
bottom watering until the new plants show
they are settled and heading toward maturity.
Then I move them to an east window where
they get one to two hours of sun each day,
and plant food every two weeks.

As an experiment, instead of potting in
soil I tried putting the plantlets into new
vermiculite again and found they will start
a root system faster, and with regular feedings
will grow into a blooming size plant sooner.
A plant kept in vermiculite until buds appear
can be potted into soil without visible shock.
Of course the buds already formed will ma¬
ture, and usually the plant keeps right on
blooming.

I eliminate regular sprayings by isolating
all new plants that may be infected, and by
using only sterilized pots and soil. I clean my
pots thoroughly, then let them set for a few
hours in a Clorox or V-C 13 solution.

For 10 years 1 have derived a great deal of
satisfaction and enjoyment from growing
plants from leaves and watching for blooms
which should appear approximately one year
after leaf planting. •

23

1963 MOON SIGN BOOK

58th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen¬
sive guide to Lunar Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and exact times for best planting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Postpaid

LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS

Dept. AV.

100 South Wabasha Street

Saint Paul 7, Minnesota

FERNE V. KELLAR

Feme For African Violets

827 N. Main Harrisonburg, Va.

The Newest and Older Varieties
Granger, Lyon, Kahler, Haga, Richter, and other
Grower’s Varieties.

Write for List

Rooted Leaves With Small Plantlets
Fresh-Cut Leaves

Plan a trip to see and take home from the
lovely display of African violets. Highway No.
11. Do not take Bypass.

YOARS GREENHOUSE

Bunker Hill, Indiana

Plants — Varieties for indoor growing. Guaran¬
teed healthy. State Inspected. Sodium Selenate
50c stamped envelope; V-C 13, $2.50 ppd. Send
stamped envelope for list, or other correspond¬
ence. We ship gift orders. Open to visitors.

Phone PR 9-8673 Visitors Welcome

- GRACE'S VIOLETRY -

Grace and Michael Welky

We specialize in Miniatures and Variegateds
Also

Hundreds of other Varieties — — New and Old
From All Leading Hybridizers
Our collection on display Monday through
Saturday — 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. or by appointment.

434 Clifton Ave. Clifton, N.J.

Fumi-Soil: Its Origin and Use

Cora Spath, Baltimore, Maryland

Fumi-Soil capsules, if properly used, can
solve all the in-the-soil pest problems that
plague the careful gardener with the average
flower and vegetable bed. Each capsule con¬
tains V2 cubic centimeter of pure ethylene
dibromide. Ethylene dibromide was first ex¬
tensively used to control nematodes in pine¬
apple plantations in Hawaii, truck gardens in
the Salinas Valley in California, cotton fields
in the south, and the corn, sugar beet, straw¬
berry, and potato fields of the north and east.
These capsules were invented by Wallace G.
Kay who realized the hazard and difficulty
of the diluents which are commonly present
in commercially available ethylene dibromide
soil fumigating mixtures. With these things
in mind, he perfected the sealing of the opti¬
mum dose of pure ethylene dibromide in a
gelatin capsule.

The method in which Fumi-Soil is used for
fumigating the soil for house plants such as
African violets: sift the soil, place one bushel
in a container with a tight fitting lid such as
a garbage can, dampen the soil slightly, but
not too wet, make two holes half way down
through the soil, bury a capsule in each, then
add another bushel and do the same until the
container is filled or until all soil has been
used. If you should have just one half bushel
of soil, use only one capsule. Place the lid on
the can and avoid opening the can for two
weeks. Then aerate well, this will take three
or four days, turn the soil several times during
the day. This procedure is done out of doors;
do not bring the soil into the house until it
has been aired. And, have the soil remain in
the can until you are ready to use it.

Fumi-Soil capsules may be purchased from
seed or hardware stores, or may be ordered
from Sherman Laboratories, 503 Grandy Ave^
nue, Detroit 11, Michigan. List No. 711 — 24
capsules $1.45.

I have used this method of fumigating soil
for a long period and have found Fumi-Soil
most satisfactory. •

10,000 African Violets

For your selection. One free 216 inch
violet for each party visiting our dis¬
play from out of town or state, just
mention ad. $1.25 each parcel post or
75^ each at greenhouse.

MORRISON FLORAL CO.

4801 N. Meridian Oklahoma City, Okla.

24

NOW! More Efficient
Pfant Growth Fluorescents

• Gleaming aluniinum reflectors.

• Exclusive wide spaced tubes for
more even lighting.

• Space saving thin design.

Prices start at less than $5. 10 (f. Brings Catalog.

SHOPLITE CO.

650 V Franklin Ave. Nutiey TO, NJ.

SPECIAL NOTICE TO CANADIAN MEM¬
BERS: When mailing in your membership dues
please keep in mind the difference in exchange
rates. Remittance should be the equivalent of
four dollars ($4.00) in United States funds.

SQUARE PLASTIC FLOWER POTS

Twenty-four pots 2" square for $1 postpaid!
Hold as much soil as larger round pots but
need less space for growing. Perfect for seed¬
lings, cuttings, and rooting African violet
leaves. 4 drain holes for better root growth.
50 for $1.75; 100 for $3.00; 23,4” size 24 for
$1.50; 50 for $2.75; 100 for $5.25; size 24

for $2.95; 50 for $4.75; 100 for $9.25 postpaid.
Catalog included tells low prices, unusual hard-
to-find supplies. 60 illustrated pages. Send
20c in stamps or coin for catalog only.

THE HOUSE PLANT CORNER

Box 852 Oxford, Maryland

White Cover — 1960 Third Revised Edition

“AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOR
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure,
African violet arrangements, judges, judging,
species, gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules,
and other (helpful) up-to-date information.
$1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

Three tier Tube Craft Floral Cart with fluore¬
scent lights, practically new — $35.00.

MRS. G. H. CLAMER

128 Woodland Road Asheville, N. C.

Rooted Clumps Leaves Small Plants

PAULINE KUNTZ

Route 4 Winterset, Iowa

PINK POODLE — very ruffled and curly; deep
vivid pink ruffled blooms are gorgeous
against dark shining foliage
EMERAUDE — exquisite dbl. pink with widest
ruffled fringed green edge; lovely waved
ruffled foliage; a gorgeous beauty
WATERLILY — huge round, softly waved lily-pad
leaves flecked in pink and dull gold; big
soft pink dbl. blossom

FIRE BRAND — brilliant pink with lighter edge;
full dbl. and quite ruffled; beautifully
variegated compact foliage
DILLY — huge frosty pink blossoms with deeper
rose eye; foliage is round, thick; excellent
bloomer and grower; brand new!

STAR SHINE — beautiful black heavy waved,
quilted and ruched leaf with white hairs;
single white with deep blue center flushed
in green

PERSIAN CARPET— deep purple ruffled dbl.
bloom; beautiful ruffled variegated leaf;
small plantlets almost pure pink
BALLAD — huge notched dbl. pink with green
reverse lovely very dark scalloped leaf;
winner at 1962 National Convention
Many more such as Hoi Polloi, Prize Entry,
Sweet Dreams, White Rose, Ubangi, O-O-La-La,
Florentine Lace, and new miniatures.

Stamp for Shipping List

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leaves — Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants

New and Older Varieties, Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7322

Violet

Hanky

Your choice
of violet
bouquets or
violets
and
forsythia

Imported from Switzerlond

Violet bouquets in true-to-life colors on fine
batiste. Hand rolled hem. 131/2" square. Gift
envelope. $1.25 ppd.

D. H. BECKER

1378 East 8th St. Brooklyn 30, New York

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 N. Gorden Boise, Idaho

Our aim is to grow and ship the newer and
better varieties of rooted clumps.

Stomp for List

25

"Frathel's Originations"

Lovely New Plants for '63 are waiting for You.
New Colors, New Foliage, more Lush Plants.
Such as Kitten, Victoria, Windswept Fantasy,
Misty Sheen, to mention a few of the many,
many Brand New Plants.

ORDER NOW FOR EARLY SHIPPING

STAMP FOR LIST PLEASE

252 Clay Ave. Rochester 13, N.Y.

WATER ‘N’ WATCH this pre-seeded GLOXINIA
GARDEN grow a gay parade of 2-inch minia¬
tures, doubles, slippers and singles. Ideal for
windows or under lights. Germination guaran¬
teed! Instructions included. $3.50 each.

PEGGIE SCHULZ, INC.

Dept. V, 7714 Fairfield Rd. N.

Minneapolis 30, Minn.

ORGANIC SUPPLIES

We are now packaging a Nutrient Soil Mix
Additive such as we use in our Super Sheen
Glo Soil Mix. Enough for a bushel of Soil
delivered to you for $3.50.

Our 1963 Master Catalog which contains many,
many new and reliable varieties is now available
with a coupon worth 25c in trade — all for 15c.

Quality Violet House

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7, Mich.
Phone 243-6651

Open by Appointment

MARY'S VIOLETS

Leaves — Rooted Cuttings — - Plants
Newest and Older Varieties

163-35 19th Ave. BA. 9-0222

Whitestone 57, N. Y.

Miniotures Popular Varieties Supplies

1963 Baker Introductions
Many Edena Gardens Varieties
Money saving Special Offers
in our Free Catalog

We ship FRESH-CUT LEAVES and STARTER
PLANTS as well as a complete line of supplies.

Spidell's African Violets

1380 Garfield Street Eugene, Oregon

Tanganyika

Miss Mary E. Archbold, Korogwe, Tanganyika

The African violet grows in many places in
the Shambala Mountains, in which Ambangulu
is situated; Korogwe is at the foot of the
mountains. The violets grow in damp places,
usually on rocks round a waterfall where the
air is always moist. In some places they grow
on rocks in dense forest where no water is
visible but presumably the rock is damp all
the time. There is one place near Tanga where
they grow on the rocks in a gorge right down
to sea level, but otherwise they are always
found at about 2,500 feet. The river they grow
by at Tanga is the Zigi which comes down
from the Shambala Mountains so they may
have gotten transferred in a time of flood. The
gorge is a peculiar place with caves and hot
springs. Amboni is just outside Tanga to the
north. Someone has recently made sulphur
baths at the springs.

The violets are usually the deep purple ones
but one place between Bungu and Ambangulu
I have found white ones with faint purple — -
the centre — the flowers are, of course, small¬
er than the cultivated ones now so popular in
England and I expect in America too. There
is a small stream coming over and out of some
rocks on the upper side of the road and passing
under the road to run down the hill, and the
violet was growing on these rocks. The road
there runs through a forest area and is cut
out of the side of the mountain so that there
is a cliff above the road and a precipice below
the road. This is so steep that one part of it
is called Kaput — one of the few German
words remembered in the District. The story
is that a German woman rode over the preci¬
pice on a horse, and presumably someone
exclaimed “Kaput!” on seeing the result.

The wild ones may be kept as pot plants but
the watering is tricky in so hot a place as
Korogwe and they eventually give up, usually
in the middle of the dog season. I was more
successful with them when I lived at the
Nagila Mission near Anbesa where the rain¬
fall is higher and more evenly distributed over
the year.

(Editor’s Note: Inasmuch as the area be¬
tween Bungu and Ambangulu is the natural
habitat of Saintpaulia orbicularis, pictures of
this species were sent to Miss Archbold, and
she writes that there is no doubt that the
plant shown in the pictures is the same as she
found at Ambangulu.) •

AFRICAN VIOLETS

When traveling through Western Massachusetts
stop at

VERA'S VIOLETS

335 Maple Rd. Longmeadow, Mass.

Off Route 5

Late Varieties No Shipping

26

Sea Kelp for Afriean Violets

Blanche Gelineau, Lawrence, Massachusetts

Sometime ago I was given a suggestion re¬
garding the use of sea kelp for African violets
and decided to try it as sea kelp contains all
the trace elements. The sea kelp I used was
gathered off the rocks at Bald Head Cliff,
York Beach, Maine, and I find it very satis¬
factory.

I wash the kelp thoroughly in fresh water
while it is still green. When it has dried out
a bit, I cut or grind it before placing it in a
plastic bag to decompose. I use a good table¬
spoon of it to a 4 inch flower pot, placing the
kelp around the rim and covering it with
potting soil. I find that the plants are healthier
and the blossoms are much more plentiful. I
have used it on other house plants, including
calla lily begonias, with excellent results.

For my potting soil I use the following: 1
quart garden loam, 1 quart builder’s sand
(bake both for one hour in a 300 degree oven),
then add 1 quart peat moss, 1 quart vermicu-
lite, 4 tablespoons bone meal, and Vz cup of
pulverized egg shells. Allow the entire mix¬
ture to cure for two weeks.

The original formula for the use of sea kelp
was given to me by an African violet grower
in Ohio and called for planting the violets
directly into the mixture. Here is that formula:
60 pounds sea kelp (washed and cut or
ground), 2 teaspoons per quart of a nitrogen
plant food, 1 cup of lime or pulverized egg
shells, and Vz cup of sugar for faster growth.
Mix everything raw and then add 30 pounds of
good garden soil that has been baked in a 300
degree oven. Store the entire mixture in
plastic bags to decompose. Then use as a pott¬
ing soil. •

HOORAH IT'S SPRING!

From the home of
RAZZLE DAZZLE and

RIO RITA — Best in commercial seedling class
Fall 1962 N.Y. State AV Conv.

Send stamp for the most complete list from all
the leading hybridizers of

1963 Releases
New Miniatures
Fabulous variegated foliage
Old Favorites

Rooted cuttings and fresh-cut leaves
All stock government inspected

ANNALEE VIOLETRY

29-50 214 Ploce Bayside 60, N. Y.

Keep your
Violets

free from mites
use time-proven

SPIDER-sMITE

Destruxol Corporation
Pasadena, California

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Silver Cup and Blue Ribbon winners of San
Francisco Convention in fresh-cut and rooted
leaves. Some small plants available.

Best of the New and Older Varieties
Stamp for Catalog

Try our amazing all organic potting mix. Fine
for rooting leaves. Helps prevent crown and
root rot.

All white plastic pots and other supplies.
Visitors Welcome

Linda's African Violets

Umafilia, Oregon

NOW SHIPPING PLANTS

1963 Releases — All Variegated
BERRIES and CREAM— Huge double lavender
bicolor (pictured in Sept, issue).

MERRY GO ROUND— Blue Star (pictured in
New Varieties this issue).

VICTORIAN PINK— Double pink, with dark
stems. Heavy bloomer. Coon Valley type
foliage.

MOONLIGHT and ROSES— Double pink with
very good Girl foliage. Excellent show plant.
* * *

SPRING LIST ready. Plants and leaves shipped.
Retail only. Includes all our other variegated
varieties, old favorites and “best of the new”
of other growers. Visitors welcome. Huge show
plants on display.

Champion's African Violets

Von Hoesen Rood, R.D. #2, Cloy, New York

Located in Syracuse area, 4 miles west of Cicero,
1 mile north of Route 31.

27

Malathion As A Spray

Viola Rembold, Leavenworth, Washington

I had been using Optox as a spray when,
to my horror, one summer day I found aphids
on my violets. When I was at a loss to know
what to spray with, my husband suggested
Malathion. He had used it a great deal in the
garden and orchard. It was sure to kill aphids,
and he thought it would be safe enough for
violets. At that point I was willing to try
anything to kill those critters.

I grouped the violets on newspapers, and
used my pump sprayer to spray them all very
thoroughly with a mixture of Va teaspoon of
Malathion to a quart of warm water, shaking
it well to mix it properly. A good spraying
killed the aphids but I gave them two more
sprayings, five days apart, to be sure the job
was complete.

Some may think that Malathion is danger¬
ous and extra precautions are necessary, and
that might be, but I took no precautions except
to keep it off my hands and I tried not to
breathe too much of it. I used it right in the
room, of course with the doors open. This
treatment did no harm to the plants except
to brown all the blossoms. •

DECORATIVE PLANT LAMP

Baked Black Wrought Iron
(white enamel inside)

Beautiful Pierced Panels at sides. Lamp ad¬
justable to 24 inches high. In three sizes,
switch, cord and plug included. 26" long with
2-20 watt lamps $19.95. 38^' long with 2-30
watt lamps $23.95. 50'' long with 2-40 watt
lamps $24.95. Add $2.00 for Gro-Lux Lamp.
50" has Rapid Start Certified Ballasts. All
prices postpaid,

Floralite Company

4124 E. Oakwood Rd, Telephone SO 2-1770 Oak Creek, Wis.

THE CONIBERS

Offer

New and Beautiful

Introductions for

1963.

Also the BEST from Others.

Stamp for list —

Closed Fridays

5149

Eliicott St. Rd.

Rt. 63 S. E.

BATAVIA, NEW

YORK

SPOT-THAT-MITE

(with this 20x pocket microscope)

Check the outsides of clay pots, top of soil
and centers of olants with the aid of:

Spot-That-Mite-20x

hand microscope $3.25
Micro-Lite — flashlight

with adapter _ $3.00

Mike and Light

together _ $5.95

Many of the country's most
prominent growers and hy¬
bridizers find this "mike"
most useful to them. Excel¬
lent for examining plants for
show entries. (Judges please
note.)

Further information — see
A.V.M. March 1962 pages
7 and 96; December 1961
page 23; March 1960 pages

A Brighter Image is 83 and 84.

a Better i mage

Send check or money order to

NORMA B. BUTLER

906 Le Roy Road North Syracuse, N. Y.

TRAVELING?

Stop and See Our African Violets
Latest Releases

Grown in U. C. Mix No Shipping

Visitors Always Welcome

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

104 Fay Road N. Syracuse, N.Y.

5 Minutes from Exit 36 N. Y. S. Thruway

28

CONViNTION TIME IS NEAR

See — Mary Meeds
for NEW VARIETIES

Specializing in rooted cuttings.

Circular ready, stamped envelope please.

The Select Violet House

P.O. Box 1444 Youngstown, Ohio

SPONGE-ROK

A perlite of the highest horticultural
quality for soil aeration, drainage,
lightness, etc.

At your dealers or write:

SPONGE-ROK SALES

7112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wis.

RE-VITA

A natural and organic soil supplement
that will not byrn. RE^VITA is easy to
use and may be worked into the top
soil around plants, or mixed with
potting soil.

TOP VIOLET GROWERS AND PROFESSIONAL
NURSERYMEN USE RE-VITA
2 — 5 lb. boxes mailed postpaid, EAST of
Rockies, $4.00, WEST of Rockies, $5.00.
Sample mailed free.

HOOSIER SOIL SERVICE

RR # 1 Terre Haute, Indiana

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Large selection of new varieties
Retail and Wholesale

CERRI FLOWERS

Route 49, 1 ]/2 miles west of Utica
3 miles west of Thruway Exit 31
MARCY, NEW YORK

AFRICAN VIOLETS: Vigorous plants grown in 2]/2 inch pots — 75^i, $1.00, and
$1.25. Many new varieties. Send for our new Spring illustrated African violet list.

VOLKMANN BROS. GREENHOUSES

2714 Minert Street Dallas 19, Texas

29

A Supreme is the result of chromosome
doubling, or the rearrangement of chromo¬
somes. The foliage is generally thicker and
hairier, and the blooms are exceptionally
large. It can occur from natural causes, an
instance being when you take apart a cutting
to pot up, you suddenly notice something
different in the baby plants; look closely — -
you may have a Supreme type mutation. A
new cultivar has been born, and may grow
on to become queen of show one day.

A Supreme can also result with the use of
colchicine; see December 1959 issue of the
African Violet Magazine for directions. When
using colchicine, bear in mind that it is a
poison and should be handled carefully. Col¬
chicine prevents cell division, but not of the
chromosomes, therefore, doubling the number
of chromosomes found within the cell. It will
ultimately give rise to a tetraploid (Supreme).
If growth seems to stop, then colchicine has
been effective.

Another method to induce mutation is
through the use of X-rays and, of course,
hybridizing, provided the plants are fully
fertile. If a plant is to be fully fertile its

chromosomes must pair and separate to the
daughter cells with great regularity. They
will only pair if they are considerably alike.
So, if anyone has been unable to set seed on
their Supremes, then it means either one or
both plants are sterile and that the chromo¬
somes are not alike and will not pair if they
are dissimilar and uneven in number. If you
find that a plant is a poor seed setter, then
reverse and try using it as the pollen parent.
If this does not work, then both plants are
sterile. Sterility can be caused by defective
pollen or ovules, and the stamen or the style
may be deformed.

One of the natural causes is gene mutation;
gene mutation in most instances is recessive.
Only occasionally are dominant ones found.
When dominant traits or characteristics that
appear in the offspring are passed on to the
next generation, it is called heredity. Any
change that occurs in genes will cause a
change in the plant that develops. This is
then passed on from one generation to an¬
other. This is mutation. As you examine a
Supreme as it grows into maturity, it may
resemble its parent, but they are not exactly

Rita Luciano, Cresskill, New Jersey

alike. Close scrutiny is required in some in¬
stances to detect mutation, as they may affect
different portions of a plant’s roots, stems,
leaves, or flowers. To determine if it is a
true mutation, the change in characteristics
is passed on. Any change that appears in a
plant may be due to mutation. Raising several
generations will bear this out.

The embryo (seed) is composed of hundreds
of cells which develop the complex structures
seen in a plant. The nucleus of the cell con¬
tains the chromosomes, which control the
growth and development of the plant. The
chromosome is an organic structure and houses
the units of inheritance (genes). These are
arranged in sequence. They always occur in
pairs, except the germ cells where they are
single. The number and kind of chromosomes
and genes remain the same in every cell
except when germ cells are formed. The life
cycle of every plant is made up of two stages.
The germ cell stage where you find one of
each type of gene, and the body cell stage
where two of each type of genes are found.
Enzymes help the action of genes during
growth and development. They control chemi¬
cal reactions that convert food into the nec¬
essary body structures.

Variation inheritance occurs once in every
generation when germ cells are formed. This
is a reassortment of genes. Each chromosome
has only one other it can pair with. If chromo¬
some number doubles, then there are four
identical sets, so every chromosome has three
others it can pair with when there are more
than two sets. They are called polyploids.
When the number of chromosomes increases,
the cell size increases. Larger cells mean
larger plants, leaves, flowers, etc., as with
Supremes.

A question has been raised about the dif¬
ference between an Amazon, duPont and Su¬
preme. Visually there is little difference. The
only visual difference between Amazons, du-
Ponts, and Supremes is that the Supremes
excel in floriferousness. Some of my Supremes
are the result of chemical mutation. Many
others are the result of pollination. The
amount of blooms sometimes staggers people
because of the misapprehension that Supremes
do not bloom well. This is not so — - only
Amazons and duPonts are sparse in bloom.
There is no trick to growing Supremes. They
grow and propagate as well as any other type
of African violet. They prefer the fringe areas
of light. The blooms are unusually large. A
chromosome count and other microscopic tests
might help distinguish one from the other.

The duPont was developed by Mrs, William
K. duPont from seed which came from Suttons
of England. She selfed one plant and con¬
tinued the strain until her death in 1951.

A few Amazon originators are Mrs. G. Val-
lin, R. A. Brown, and Tinari’s Greenhouses. •

30

The

President's

Message

I

Dear Friends:

It is Convention Time again! What thoughts of old friends met again, of a
beautiful show to enjoy, good fellowship to revel in, come to mind when we
think of Convention. In just a few short days now we shall be packing our
bags, buying our tickets and putting our cares behind us as we head for Kansas
City! You are going to be there, aren’t you?

The A VS A has been blessed with over three hundred fine affiliated clubs
and groups. We hope that each of these groups is taking advantage of all the
benefits available to such Affiliated Chapters. Mrs. R. B. Reaume, Chairman of
the Affiliated Chapters Committee, has cleverly devised a new method of mailing
out the Gold, Purple, and Green Rosette Awards that brings them to you without
a wrinkle. The new Green Rosette awarded for a Standard African Violet Show
is truly a beautiful ribbon and one any club will be proud to own and display.
Let me take this opportunity to call to your attention again that the Magazines
mailed to the Affiliated Chapters are not the property of any one person belonging
to that club, nor is the Affiliated Chapter membership the property of any
individual — as such materials and membership belong to the club as a whole.
The Affiliated Chapter membership card will not entitle any individual to enter
the Convention — you will have to present your individual membership card
for this purpose. Once in a while I learn of a club that has forgotten or overlooked
renewing its affiliation. Won’t you check today and be sure that your club is an
affiliated group and thus in a position to enjoy the many benefits such affiliation
offers?

Elsewhere in this issue, you will find the Kansas City Convention Program.
We are extremely proud of this outstanding program which has been prepared
by our Convention Program Committee, Mrs. John Buckner, Chairman. Mrs.
Buckner and her committee have tried to offer a diversity of subject matter,
timely material and outstanding speakers. We congratulate them on a fine job.

To our many commercial members we wish to say that several weeks ago
you should have received invitations to exhibit and sell at the 1963 Convention.
In this letter you were given full information as to cost, location, hours, etc. If
you have not yet sent in your reservation for display (show) or sales space
won’t you stop and do it NOW. If for any reason you have not received such a
letter and you are a commercial member, please contact Mrs. J. R. Millikan,
640 N. Manus Drive, Dallas, Texas, at once for full details. The participation
of our commercial members lends greatly to the success of our Convention - — we
need you there and hope to see all of our faithful supporters of years past as
well as many new commercials this year.

There are so many more wonderful things I would like to say about the
work of your various committees but space being limited we will save the rest
for our next message.

See you in Kansas City!

Sincerely,

31

Erma R. Truell
Hempstead, New York

Yes friends, I was bitten by the well-known
violet bug and from one lonesome plant
of Blue Boy given to me by a well-meaning
friend, I acquired more and more plants and
now have over 300 blooming plants at all
times, growmg in every window, in every
exposure, and under all conditions. My for¬
mula for growing violets is very simple but
geem.s to get results. TMs is how you do it:

First, go to your local hardware or grain
store and purchase a half dozen or so green
baby chick feeding trays which are about 14
inches long and 3 inches wide. Discard the
center piece and they are ready for use.

ChoO'Se good sturdy young leaves which you
want to propagate and break or cut them off
back to the main stalk of the plant (if any
butts are left they might rot and cause trou¬
ble). If the wound on the stalk is too large
from breaking off the leaf, dust it with a cotton
swab which has been dipped in Flowers of
Sulphur. This will prevent infection and hurry
the healing process at that spot. Label each
leaf as you remove it and this is done by
cutting a small piece of adhmive tape and
putting the name on it with ink. Press the
tape on the leaf lightly, and it is labeled with
something that will not harm it in any way,
and will stay until such time as you are ready
to put it in a pot. Cut the stems at an angle
with a sharp knife or razor blade about IV2
inches below the leaf blade, and leave them
on the shelf to dry off for a few hours.

When the leaves are ready, first fill the'-
trays to be used with vermiculite and add
warm, water until the vermiculite is quite
moist but not soggy, then take an old pencil
or small stick and make two. rows of holes in
the vermiculite about Vz inch apart down the
length of the trays. After dipping each leaf
end lightly in a good rooting medium, insert
it in a hole and lightly press the vermiculite
around it. Have the leaves on one side go all
in one direction and those on the other side go
in the opposite direction. They should all have
plenty of room and will be easier to remove
when ready to pot. Keep the tray in a light
place but not in direct sun, water lightly, and
make sure that the vermiculite stays damp but
not too wet or soggy.

Before long the little green dots will start
to show; however, re-member that some varie¬
ties will take much longer than others to root,
so do not be discouraged if all the leaves do
not show signs of plantlets at once. Use a
weak solution of fish emulsion in the trays
every 2 or 3 weeks.

When the plantlets are about 2 inches high,
transplant them to 1 Va inch pots, either plastic
or clay. B-efore starting to transplant make
sure the pote and planting medium are ready.
I use Black Magic Violet Mix entirely because
it is easy and clean to use and gives me the
best resets. Follow the instructions for pre¬
paring it, making sure to use very hot wate-r
over the dry material to activate it, and let
it stand until cool enough to use with your

hands. Fill the bottoms of as many pots as you
tMnk are to be used, and everything is ready.
An aluminum spoon called Plantender is per¬
fect for lifting out one plantlet at a time. If
one is a bit Scotch, as I am, and wants to
use a leaf over again (particularly if it is a
favorite), break the Imf off close to the soil,
or if the plantlet can be disengaged from the
leaf without damaging it this can be done and
you will have a root system already on the leaf
when you return it to the tray. If there is more
than one plantlet, divide them and put one
only in each little pot, set the plantlet care¬
fully into the pot and finish filling the pot
with a bit more mix, press' in gently, and one
more future beauty is on Its- own.

I then consign my baby plantlets to the
Flora Cart where they have the benefit of cool
white fluorescent tubes which are on 12 hours
every day. My timer is set for 12 ho-ur cycles.
The plants are watered Just the same as the
ones in the windows and fertilized about every
10 days to 2 weeks. Just before the young
plants start to bloom I repot them to a 3 inch
pot and back they go to the Flora Cart.

As soo-n as they have started to bloom in
good shape, I place them in a window and
there they s-tay until sold. I never offer to
sell a plant from my Flora Cart because from
my own personal experiences I know that a
plant taken from under artificial light and
carried to a new home and put in a new s-pot
under natural light is apt to be retarded and
pO'Ssibly stop bloo.niing; where-as, one that is
used to the regular light stands a much better
chance of continuing its blooming cycle when
moved to a new home where undoubtedly the
light, ^heat, air and water are different.

One word of caution: never bring a sitrange
plant into your home and put it directly with
your own plants, even if it is from your best
friend. It may be all right and again it may
not, and what sorrows can develop if it is one
of those which is not. I put mine in the bath¬
room window where they stay for at least a
month, and how the-y love that steam from
the sho.wer or tub. When they have proven
themselves to be free from any signs of trou¬
ble, off they go to join the-ir new friends and
one more spot must be made for them.

Systematic watering and feeding and a bit
of attention is all they need. I water my plants
from the bottom and never let them, sit in
watCT over one-half hour. I use quite warm
water. Any water that is left in the dish after
the half hour is drained off; and dead leaves
and old blossoms are removed. I generally go
around at least every other day also and re¬
move old leaves or dead blossoms. A weU-
groomed violet is as ^sential as a well-
groomed person; also, it must present its pret¬
tiest face to the customer, which after all is
the most important. From June through Sep¬
tember I have very sheer curtains which I
have dyed yellow that are drawn across the
windows so that my plants will not get dire'Ct
sun which would bum the leaves very quickly.

33

The following article was written for the
African Violet Magazine by Mr. Greeson. It
will deal with modern insecticides and fungi^
cides which may be used by African violet
growers to combat African violet pests and
diseases. Mr. Greeson is by profession, head
of the department of Speech and Dramatics
at Shorewood High School, Shorewood, Wis¬
consin. He ■ grows violets as a hobby and is
particularly interested in experimenting with
various soil mixes, fertilizers, and insecticides.
He is a commercial member of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc. and the Mil¬
waukee County African Violet Society, and
features mail order growing supplies for
African violet growers. Mr. Greeson is a grad¬
uate of Parsons College at Fairfield, Iowa and
Northwestern University at Evanston, Illinois.
-—Editor

PART I

PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE

The next time you go into a food market,
be sure to take particular notice of the
fine fruit and vegetables which are displayed.
It is a certainty that if the fresh produce you
see there was not disease free and free from
insect damage, you would not be likely to
purchase it. Likewise, when you go into your
local florist shop or greenhouse, you expect
to see healthy, disease free, flowers and plants.
If you see any evidence of disease or insect
damage, you do not buy.

The commercial grower knows that if he is
to have a healthy product, he must be con¬
stantly alert to the evidences or indications
of the presence of disease or destructive in¬
sects. The wise and truly successful grower
does not wait for the onset of disease or pest
damage. He probably has learned by bitter
experience that “An ounce of prevention is
worth a pound of cure.” He knows that pre¬
vention is always better than a cure.

True, good cultural practices, which include
good soil, proper temperature, light and hu¬
midity, together with the use of good ferti¬
lizers, proper sanitation methods, and the
selection of strong, disease resistant stock, will
reduce the possibility of disease and the attack ^
of pests. Yet, without a preventative spray
program, the risks are too great. So whether
there is any evidence of disease or pests or
not, the commercial grower knows that sooner
or later — without a spray or fumigant pro¬
gram — disease and pests are likely to rob
him of Ms crop and his livelihood. Good
cultural practices are not enough. — to shirk
in the never-ending battle against plant ene¬
mies is to fail in growing a healthy product.

While most of us do not grow violMs for
a livelihood, nonetheless we do not like to
lose our favorite plants. We all get pretty
discouraged and disgusted when we lose plants
to disease or pests. We can well afford to take
a serious lesson from the commercial grower

and practice the policy of “An ounce of pre¬
vention is worth a pound of cure.” Every
violet grower needs to have a regular spray
program or schedule. Don’t wait until it is too
late. It is true that luck may be with you.
Maybe you have never lost a violet. Maybe
you have never recognized any evidence of
disease or damage by pests. But then again,
the insects you may think your violets don’t
have, may be hatching eggs by the millions
and chewing away on your violets right now
while you read this article. How can you be
sure, when before you notice it, disasterous
damage can be done by the mighty mite which
you cannot even see with the naked eye?

All experts in the field of safety education
agree that the greatest problem is the fact
that we, as individuals, think, “It can’t happen
to me” so we tend to defy the rules. We drive
too fast, we jaywalk, we climb on unsafe
ladders, and very often, the law of averages
catches up with us. The same is true with
growing African violets. We, too often, are
inclined to take the risk, and neglect one of
the most important aspects of effective violet
culture: regular preventative spraying.

I always become rather amused when I over¬
hear one violet grower say to another: “Did
you know that Mrs. — — has mites on her
violets?” or “You know, she was spraying her
plants when I went to visit — she must have
mites on her plants.” This is so often a gossipy,
sinister implication that this poor violet grow¬
er has done some terribly dishonorable thing.
No violet grower, and I repeat, no violet
grower is immune to an attack o,n his plants
by nematodes, mites, mildew or other insects,
fungi, or disease.

While I treat my violets every 6 months
with V-C 13 Nemacide, another violet grower
once wrote to me that she had found evidence
of nematode damage on plants she had pur¬
chased from me. She did the right thing. She
wanted to help me and I appreciated her
letter. Needless to say, my plants got another
dosage of V-C 13 within a few days.

My point is simply this: you need not be
ashamed if your plants become diseased or
infested by pests. It may happen to the very
best grower . . . BUT it is less, yes very
much less, likely to happen where there is an
effective, regularly administered preventative
spray schedule.

You are probably now asking: “What con¬
stitutes a good preventative program?” I sus¬
pect that if I were to answer this too specific¬
ally I might very well bring down an ava¬
lanche of letters from growers, manufacturers
of insecticides and supply dealers. There are
so many different insecticides, fungicides and
other remedies which are on the market and
which are often equally effective that I would
consider it unwise to make specific recommen¬
dations. However, there are certain rules to
be observed and certain things to do or prac¬
tices which should be included in an effective
prevention program. They are as follows:

34

prevention is
best - a cure
may be too late

Bernard D. Greeson

3548 N. Cramer Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

1. Employ careful sanitation methods in

* handling plant materials.

2. Use sterilized soil, pots, propagation
media, and utensils.

3. Use an effective nemacide regularly, at
least every 6 months.

4. Mix dry insecticides and fungicides in
proper proportions in all soil mixes.

5. Isolate all plants immediately which
show the slightest signs of being un¬
healthy.

6. Study the literature on diseases and
pests which attack violets and learn to
recognize the signs.

7. Keep newly acquired plants in isolation
for several weeks and treat with sprays
and a nemacide.

8. Begin a regular spray schedule with an
insecticide you know to be effective.
Spray again within 7-10 days and then
continue to spray regularly every 2-4
weeks.

9. It is a good idea to alternate with an¬
other spray known to be effective. In
this way insects are less likely to build
up a resistance to an insecticide.

10. Study the manufacturer’s directions
carefully as to recommended dosages,
and the handling of an insecticide.

11. Be sure that you know and follow all
safety regulations in the application
of and the handling of an insecticide.

12. Be thorough in your spraying proced¬
ures. Be alert to the possible presence
of other diseases or insects possibly not
covered by the general insecticide you
are using.

13. It may be necessary occasionally to use
another insecticide in addition to the
regular use of the general insecticide.
For instance, you may have a case of
powdery mildew show up. Then you
would need to use a specific chemical
because the ingredients in the general
insecticide that you are using do not
effectively combat this fungi. Thus,
you will need to use a special powdery
mildew fungicide.

14. When using more than one insecticide,
fumigant, or fungicide, it is important
that they be compatible. That is to say,
that the combination of two or more
may be damaging to the plant.

PART II — COMMON AFRICAN VIOLET
PESTS AND DISEASES — PRE¬
VENTATIVE INSECTICIDES,
FUNGICIDES AND NEM-
ACIDES

Since the prime purpose of Part II is to
deal with various insecticides, fungicides and
nemacides, not much space will be devoted to
the common diseases and pests of the African
violet. This subject has been covered many
times in the African Violet Magazine and
several chapters are devoted to the subject in
the leading books on violets. However, it will
serve our purpose well to review the main
and most common difficulties encountered.

In Part I, we attempted, to convince you as
a reader that a preventative pest and disease
program should be carried on regularly by
every violet grower. We set up a 14 point
prevention program to be followed and in this
section we will point out to you some tested
pesticides which you may fit into the suggested
program. Generally all plant diseases may be
divided into 4 categories: 1) Foliage, 2) Stem,
3) Flower, and 4) Root. The most common
violet diseases are listed in this order.

1) Foliage Diseases: Fungus Leaf Spot, Botry-
tis Blight (Gray Mold Blight, Bud Rot,
Blossom Blight), Powdery Mildew, Leaf
Curl, Ring Spot, Leaf Scorch, Stunt, Mealy
Bugs, Thrips, etc.

2) Stem Diseases: Petiole Rot, Stem and
Crown Rot, “Glassy” Petiole, or “Efflor¬
escence” Disease, Verticillim, Fusarium and
Bacterial Wilt.

3) Flower Diseases: Powdery Mildew, Blight,
Stunt (due to mites), Thrips, Mealy Bugs,
Aphids and Plant Lice.

4) Root Diseases: Root Rot, Root Knot Nema¬
todes, or Gall.

For the sake of general classification the
foregoing is good but it should be said at this
point that when pests and diseases strike your
violets, it is seldom indeed that the damage
is confined to one area. Usually the entire
plant is affected and the cause of the
trouble may not be singular. There may be
numerous causes. Since the causes and the
effects are so very closely interrelated, it is
sometimes difficult to correctly assess the
trouble. So like the medical doctor, you may
have to try several remedies before you come
up with the right answer. As we suggested in
Part I, it is important that you study the
literature and the books written about African
violets and their pests and diseases and learn
to recognize the various symptoms, then you
can apply the proper remedy. Better still,
begin now on a preventative care program,
spray regularly, apply nemacide regularly, and
follow the recommended 14 point program
carefully, and you will most assuredly have
healthy, disease free, pest free plants.

Within the past decade, many new, insecti¬
cides have been developed. It is estimated that
there are presently better than 30,000 differ-

35

ent pesticides registered with the U.S. Depart¬
ment of Agriculture. It is small wonder that
the home gardener like you and me finds this
subject confusing. Further than that, it is also
sometimes difficult to find out which insecti¬
cides are safe to use in the home. In the
following paragraphs, we have attempted to
list a few of these pesticides which are con¬
sidered effective and which are safe to use as
long as moderate cautions are observed. These
pesticides have been classified as follows:
1) Soil Pesticides and Fumigants, 2) Systemic
Insecticides (insecticides which are absorbed
inside the plant structure), 3) Contact Insecti¬
cides or Fungicides (those which kill on con¬
tact), 4) Miticides (insecticides which are
effective on contact with mites), 5) Miscellan¬
eous Specific Pesticides.

1. SOIL PESTICIDES AND FUMIGANTS

V-C 13 Nemacide. To be used to kill soil
nematodes and to prevent nematode damage
to root system. Available in 6 oz. size bottle.
It is a contact nematocide and can be used
safely in infested soil around living plants.

Recommended Dosage: (a) On potting soil,
apply at the rate of 1 teaspoon to 1 quart of
water. Stir and mix thoroughly with 1 cubic
foot of soil (8 gallons). Soil should NOT be
used until after 12-14 days, (b) To apply as a
drench to potted African violets, apply at the
rate of 1 teaspoon to 2 gallons of water. This
is enough to treat 125 three inch pots, 50 four
inch pots and 20 six inch pots. One such
treatment is considered to be effective up to 6
months. It is not advisable to treat newly
transplanted plants with V-C 13. V-C 13 does
have an odor and it would be best to treat
plants at a time when the windows may be
open or when plants may be taken to the
basement or outside. V-C 13 is highly toxic
and must be used with care. Do not swallow,
do not breathe fumes, do not get on skin, in
the eyes or mouth, and do not smoke while
using it. Wash hands and face thoroughly after
using it. Keep away from food and out of
reach of children and pets. These are the usual
precautions which should be observed in the
use and handling of all pesticides. Other con¬
trols include Nemagon, Nemadrench, Nemex,
Nemafume, Dowfume, Vapam, etc. However,
V-C 13 seems to be the most widely used
nemacide.

Fumi-Soil Capsules. To be used to fumi¬
gate soil. The active ingredient in each capsule
is 4 cubic centimeters of ethylene dibromide.
This substance will kill most pests found in
soil such as grubs, earthworms, ants, nema¬
todes, wireworms, etc. While no claim is made
that it is as effective as steam sterilization or
baking of soil, it is nonetheless an effective
soil fumigant and is certainly a much easier
method of soil sterilization.

Recommended dosage: Bury 2 capsules half¬
way down in a bushel of potting soil. The soil
must be moist and it is suggested that the
container be covered for several days. The
moisture in the soil causes the capsule to

MB. GREESON

dissolve thus releasing the ethylene dibromide
which becomes a gas. The gas is the killing
agent. Let the soil stand from 10-14 days and
then aerate well. Do not use the soil until the
odor is gone. Fumi-Soil Capsules may also be
used as a soil drench for some potted plants
but I have never used it on violets. If you
desire to try this, follow the directions given
in the folder inside the package. Fumi-Soil
Capsules are available in a 24 capsule box.
Treatment with the fumigant is considered
effective up to 6 months. Users are warned
about prolonged breathing of the gas. Follow
the usual precautions in using this fumigant.

Other reliable soil fumigants include Dow¬
fume MC-2, which is available in 1 lb. can but
requires an applicator, thus additional expense,
and Vapam. Vapam is a soil fumigant used
widely in commercial greenhouses but, to my
knowledge, is riot available in small quantity.
Another product which is capsulated like
Fumi-Soil is Soilfume-Caps. This may be used
in the same manner as Fumi-Soil.

Since oil fumigants depend upon poisonous
gas for their effectiveness, it would seem best
to advise the use of a capsulated fumigant.
It is a safe and effective method.

2. SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES

These insecticides are absorbed through the
roots into the plant structure and become a
part of the plant fluids. As the insects (mites
and other sucking insects) feed upon the plant,
they are killed by internal poisoning. These
are important insecticides since sucking insects
are usually very difficult to reach with a
contact spray. This is particularly true where
extensive damage is already done. In my opin¬
ion, a systemic insecticide is the best insurance
against mites. Many will not agree because
of the fact that when such an insecticide is
used, the plant itself becomes poisonous.
That is to say, that if the leaves, stems, roots

36

INSECTICIDE-FUNGICIDE-MITICIDE GUIDE for AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS
Prepared by Bernard D. Greeson, 3548 N. Cramer, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

PESTICIDE

PESTS

Controlled

RECOMMENDED

Dosages

FREQUENCY

REMARKS

V»C 13

Nemacide

Nematodes

Potting soil:

1 tsp. to qt.
for 8 gal. soil.
Potted plants:
Drench: 1 tsp.
to 2 gal.

6 mos.

Aerate soil
before use.

Preventative

Program.

Fumi-Soil

Capsules

Soil Pests

2 capsules to

bushel potting
soil.

Effective

6 mos.

Aerate well
before using
soil.

99% Sodium
Selenate

Mites

Method A: 4 caps,
to gallon water.
Method B: 1 cap.
to gallon water.

One appli¬
cation.

3-6 mos.

To be used
for a cure.
Preventative
program.

Sel-Kaps

4% Sodium
Selenate

Mites

1 cap. to pot
(3-4 inch).

Smaller pots:

1 cap. to 10 tbsp.
water. Divide
between 2-3 pots.

Repeat in

1 month.

Then each

3 months.

Expensive
but safe.

P-40

2% Sodium
Selenate

Mites

Scratch in pinch
each pot.

Potting soil:

2-21/4” pot to bu.

Effective

6 months
or more.

Do not apply
to new
transplants.

NNOR

General

Insecticide

Low Strength:

1 tsp. to gal.

High Strength:

2 tsp. to gal.

Every 2

weeks.

Safe to use.

Not effective
in severe
infestation.

50% Malathion

General

Insecticide.

Mites, Thrips
Mealy Bug,
Aphids, White
Flies

1 tsp. to gal.

Every 2

weeks.

Relatively

safe.

Lindane

General

Insecticide

3 tsp. to gal.

Every 2

weeks.

Not effective

for mites.

Kelthane

Mites

1 tsp. to gal.

7-10 days after

initial appli¬
cation. Then
repeat every

2-4 weeks.

High ini¬

tial kill.
Residual
action.

Tedion 90

Mites that
have develop¬
ed resistance.

% tsp.

to gal.

Every 2
months.

High residual

action.

Tedion 25

Newly hatched
mites and eggs.

2 tsp. to
gal.

7-10 days
after Tedion

90 or other
miticide.

Karathane

(Mildex)

Powdery

Mildew,

Mites.

% tsp.
to gal.

On first
evidence of
mildew. Re¬
peat 7-10
days.

Pano-drench

Damping-

off.

% tsp.
to gal.

Drench
soil or
propagation
medium.

Repeat at
first sign
of rot.

37

or flowers were to be eaten, they would
poison whatever ate them . . . birds, pets,
children, etc. It does not mean that the plant
is poisonous to touch and it is extremely doubt¬
ful that anyone breaking off leaves and flow¬
ers, or repotting such plants would ever be
poisoned. Sodium selenate is the only systemio
insecticide we will discuss although there are
others being used and much experimentation
is being done in this field.

99% or Pure Sodium Selenate. This insec¬
ticide is used primarily for mites and other
sucking insects. It is available in the bulk and
in 1/4 gram capsulated form. No violet grower
should attempt to use selenate in the bulk.
Always buy in capsules.

Recommended Dosage: Method A: Dissolve 4
capsules to 1 gallon of water. When the cap¬
sules are dissolved, water plants being careful
not to get the solution on the leaves. This is
the strong solution and 1 application should
cure a severe case of mites. Method B: This
method is the one recommended for a pre¬
ventative program. Dissolve 1 capsule in 1
gallon of water. When the capsule is dissolved,
water plants. Apply again in 3 to 6 months.
Be most careful not to get the solution on
the leaves. Be sure to use warm water when
dissolving the capsules.

Selenate probably should not be used on
very old plants, on newly transplanted plants,
or on leaf cuttings. It must be used only as a
systemic poison and never as a spray.

99% sodium selenate is a deadly poison and
must be used with extreme precautions. Spent
leaves, blossoms or any part of a selenated
plant being discarded should be burned.

Sel-Kaps. To be used for mites. These cap¬
sules contain only 4% sodium selenate. The
other 96% are inert ingredients. These cap¬
sules are much more safe to use and easier
to use than 99% sodium selenate capsules.
However, they probably are not strong enough
to rid a plant of severe mite infestation. They
are, however, most effective as a preventative.
Sel-Kaps act as a systemic insecticide like the
99% capsules but are usually used in a dif¬
ferent way.

Recommended Dosage: Place 1 capsule in
the soil of each pot and water well. After 1
month, place another capsule in the pot and
1 each 3 months thereafter. This treatment is
recommended for 3-4 inch pots. For smaller
pots, it is suggested that you dissolve 1 capsule
in 10 tablespoons of water. Then divide the
selenate solution equally between 2 or 3 small¬
er pots. Repeat the treatment in 3 months.
While the Sel-Kaps method is more expensive,
it is certainly a very safe method of selenating
your violets.

“P-40”. This is a 2% sodium selenate
composition. It is specially prepared phosphate
rock treated with a hot solution of sodium
selenate. It is likewise a systemic insecticide
but comes in a dry granular form which is
applied as a soil ingredient. As water comes
in contact with the “P-40” the selenate is

dissolved in it and it is taken into the plant
through the roots.

Recommended Dosage: Some users, as well
as the manufacturers, recommend “scratching
in” a very small amount in each pot. It is
used widely by some commercial growers as
a potting soil ingredient. It is suggested that
it be applied at the rate of one 2” to 2V4”
potful to the bushel of potting soil. It is con¬
sidered to bei effective as a preventative up to
6 months. The manufacturer warns against the
use of this product on newly transplanted
plants. This must be meant to apply only when
all the soil has been knocked from the plant,
because I have used it in my potting soil for
several years and have never experienced any
bad effects. If you use the “scratch in” method,
use only about l/32nd of a teaspoonful or a
“pinch” to the pot.

I consider “P-40” to be the easy way to
selenate. Just mix it in your potting soil and
spray with a good general insecticide and you
can forget about mites.

It should be remembered though that even
2% sodium selenate is a fatal poison if taken
internally. Do not breathe the dust, do not
smoke, wash after using, keep away from
children or pets and follow all the usual
precautions.

3. CONTACT INSECTICIDES (GENERAL)

These are sprays which kill by direct contact
with the insect. Such insecticides are further
classified as “General” and “Specific.” A gen¬
eral insecticide will kill or control several
insect pests. A specific insecticide will usually
kill only one pest. There are literally thou¬
sands of each classification. We will discuss
only a few old stand-bys and some new ones
which have been found to be effective.

NNOR. This is an old stand-by which is a
general spray material in liquid form contain¬
ing rotenone. It is practically harmless to
humans and pets. It is an effective preventa¬
tive spray which is adequate insurance against
almost all violet pests. Unfortunately, it is no
longer bottled by the manufacturer in small
containers. However, there are still some violet
supply dealers and garden centers where it
can be obtained in 1 and 6 ounce bottles. Some
garden clubs are buying the gallon size and
bottling it up in smaller sizes for members.

Recommended Dosage: As a preventative
spray use low strength proportion or 1 tea¬
spoon to the gallon and spray every 2 weeks.
If plants are infected, use the high strength
proportion which is 2 teaspoons to the gallon.
In case of mite infestation use the high
strength solution and dip the plants. Be sure to
use rubber gloves when you do this. There is
no guarantee, however, that in case of severe
infestation that NNOR will do the trick.

50% Malathion. This is a phosphate spray
with 50% Malathion emulsion. It kills mites,
thrips, mealy bugs, and is considered to be
effective for symphyllids, aphids, white flies,
and many other pests. It is indeed a very
excellent general insecticide.

38

Recommended Dosage: Spray thoroughly
every 2 weeks. Apply at the rate of 1 teaspoon
to the gallon of warm water. It is available
from numerous manufacturers in 4 ounce bot¬
tles. Malathion is a relatively .safe spray with
usual precautions to use in the home although
it does have an unpleasant odor.

Lindane. According to local distributors
this product is going to be discontinued by the
manufacturers.

Other general sprays which are quite gen¬
erally used include the aerosol spray such as
Antrol, Stim-U-Plant African Violet Spray,
DDT, Diazinon, Optox, and others too numer¬
ous to mention. The best general spray, in my
opinion, is 50% Malathion.

4. MIITCIDES (SPECIFIC INSECTICIDE)

These insecticides are for specific use in the
control of mites. If you are using a good gen¬
eral insecticide which is effective against
mites, then you may not need a miticide spray.
On the other hand, you may need it badly. If
you are unlucky to get a severe infestation of
mites, then a specific poison may be necessary.
Also, mites tend to build up a resistance to
insecticides. Thus, it may be wise to spray
with a specific miticide once a month in addi¬
tion to your regular general insecticide. In a
good preventative program, this is imperative,
especially if you do not elect to use a systemic
insecticide such as sodium selenate.

Kelthane. This is a specific miticide which
kills both adult and young mites. It has a high
initial kill and is effective for several weeks
after spraying. It is available in small quantity
both as a wettable powder or as a liquid. Some
noticeable residue is left on leaves after spray¬
ing. Kelthane is safe for the householder to
use with the usual precautions.

Recommended Dosage: If you use the pow¬
der, mix 3 teaspoons to the gallon. Use 1 tea¬
spoon to the gallon when using the liquid. It
may be used with most other general sprays as
it has a high degree of compatibility. After
the first spray with Kelthane as with other
miticides, repeat application within 7 days to
be sure that you reach the mites that have
hatched out in the meantime. Then spray every
2-4 weeks thereafter.

Tedion 90 Wettable Powder. This specific
miticide is relatively new but considered to
be quite safe to use and it is noted for the
fact that it gives control over mites that have
built up resistance to other miticides and gen¬
eral sprays. It also has residual action (lasts)
from 6-10 weeks. Unfortunately, it is not yet
available in smaller than 1 pound quantity and
is rather expensive. But the advantage of long
lasting action and the safety aspect may out¬
weigh the disadvantage of the extra cost.

Recommended Dosage: % teaspoon to the
gallon of water. Apply every 2 months.

Tedion 25 Wettable Powder. This miticide
is especially designed to kill eggs and newly
•hatched mites. It would be excellent to use
in combination with Tedion 90. It is quite safe

to use. Like Tedion 90, it is available only in
large amounts. A 2 pound can is the smallest
that we know to be available.

Recommended Dosage: Apply at rate of 2
teaspoons to the gallon of water 7-10 days
after applying Tedion 90 or about once a
month when used with a general spray.

Other specific miticides include Dimite,
Chlorobenzilate, Aramite, ThiO'dan, and many
others.

A word of caution should be added at this
point. There are many miticides available
which SHOULD NOT be used by the home
grower. This is because they are so highly
toxic or poisonous as to be extremely dan¬
gerous to use. A recent guide which I received
from the Agricultural Exte^nsion Service of
the University of Wisconsin lists the following
as highly toxic: Demeton or Systox, Di-Syston,
Endrin, parathion, phorate (Thimet), Tepp,
Ompa. Since there are miticides which are
safe to use, why take a chance on those not
recommended?

Endrin is often being recommended as a
miticide to be used on violets. As I have
pointed out in a recent article submitted to
the African Violet Magazine, even the manu¬
facturer does not recommend the use of Endrin
by home growers because of its toxity.

5. MISCELLANEOUS PESTICIDES

Kara thane (MiMex). Kara thane is available
as a powder or liquid and is effective as a
miticide but is especially e'ffective as a fungi¬
cide for control of powdery mildew. Available
in small quantity.

Recommended Dosage: For mites, and mil¬
dew, use % teaspoon to the gallon. Repeat in
7-10^ days. Orthorix is also good for mildew.

Mildex. “Acti-Dione PM” is another fungi¬
cide very similar tO' Mildex and is being used
extensively by commercial growers. Seems to
be more readily available in small quantity.

Pano-drench. This is a fungicide especially
formulated to control “damping-o-ff” and for
prolonging disease control obtained from
steam sterilization of soil. It is available in
small size bottle and is safe to use. By way of
definition, “damping-off” is the rotting of cut¬
tings, rotted cuttings and seeds.

Recommended Dosage: Two teaspoons to 3
gallons of water. Apply as a drench to the
propagation medium in. which you are starting
your leave'S. If any cuttings begin to rot, re¬
drench.

Formalde^hyde and Fermate are also- used
for control of damping-off but I have e-xper-
ienced the best control with Pano-drench.

I hope that the foregoing discussion has been
simplifying and clarifying, rather than confus¬
ing. If you have questions please feel free to
write to me. I will attempt tO' answer yo-ur
questions by letter or in future mues of the
African Violet Magazine.

Begin your prevention program now! Re¬
member, “Prevention is Best, A Cure May Be
Too Late.” •

39

Dorothy Dengler, Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.

On Making An Arrangement

Finding time to write this article is my
biggest problem as it’s either time to water
the Saintpaulia or time to feed the Saint Ber¬
nard; both are equally important and neither
can seem to wait. Creating an arrangement or
writing a story are akin due to the fact that
you must be inspired; usually this inspiration
occurs in the middle of the night and you upset
the entire household by switching on lights,
frantically searching for paper and pencil (I
think my son eats pencils for we never seem
to have any when we need them), or dashing
down to the basement for that container which
will be just the thing.

Before you decide to set the world on fire
by making the perfect African violet arrange¬
ment, do learn the mechanics of flower arrang¬
ing by going to a good teacher. Once you have
learned the mechanics and become deft
through practice, you will find yourself mak¬
ing small arrangements for your end table,
using driftwood with violets for your coffee
table, or perhaps making that milk glass
goblet look darling with pink violets and ivy
for your breakfast table. One of the courses
that I took to become a judge was excellent
because our instructor could not only teach
but could also make beautiful arrangements.
Combining these talents is unusual. She said,
and I quote, ''You create an arrangement by
combining the elements, used according to the
principle of design, in order to create beauty,
expression, simplicity and harmony.” If you
repeat this to yourself, over and over, you
will realize that she has put the whole idea
in a few words.

We’ll assume that you want to exhibit at
your annual violet show; let us also assume
that you are not only a member in good
standing, which means you pay your dues on
time, but that you are also a willing worker.
Therefore, you not only have to groom your
plants for exhibit but you will also have to
work like mad to make the show a success.
Maybe you are staging chairman, so you will
have to stay up half the night painting, pinning
and praying that the whole setting won’t fall
apart before judging time; or possibly you are
taking care of the judges this year. This is
a challenge because you must be charming,
well dressed and poised, whereas, inwardly,
you are a nervous wreck. You know the lun¬
cheon will be awful . . . have you enough
money to pay the tab . . . and why didn’t
you wear a hat instead of being so informal?

Now, ‘in addition to all of these problems,
you have decided to enter an arrangement
or two. ^tudy your schedule well in advance,
choose the classes you wish to do, and stick
to the schedule. If your arrangement calls
for rhythm, then give it motion with foliage

or oddly-shaped driftwood; Scotch broom is
also excellent for this and can be used to
advantage to make a crescent design. Some
of the flowers that blend well with African
violets are snapdragons, gladioli (miniature),
delphinium, larkspur, belles of Ireland . . .
all for spikes; for your other forms you may
use lily of the valley, forget-me-not, sweet¬
heart roses, daisies, grape hyacinth and small
tulips. The leaves of gloxinia, Episcia and
other so-called companion plants are fine for
hiding your mechanics and also add to the
appearance of your creation. Don’t forget that
anything goes as far as mechanics are con¬
cerned, provided the judges cannot detect
them.

If I plan to make my arrangement in the
morning I prepare my material the night
before. I place all live material in tepid water
for 12 hours. This means African violets too.
Violets may be elevated by placing them in
orchid tubes and wiring a stick to the tube,
which is then placed in the pin holder or
oasis. Oasis should be soaked for 24 hours
before being used. In order to keep the ma¬
terial fresh for two days, I like to make my
arrangement, add the water, then place the
whole thing in the refrigerator for about two
hours. This seems to harden all the material
well and it stays fresh and lovely for the
duration of the show.

Many shows include corsages in their sched¬
ules and I find that camellias, carnations,
sweetheart roses, and the small florets of the
lowly geranium are lovely when combined
with white violets. Again you use your small
orchid tubes for your violets, add maline for
a backing, and use small ivy leaves, fern,
springerii and/or baby’s breath for softeners.

Before I draw this to a close, do let me
stress one point: if you are going to be an
exhibitor then be a good sport. If you win,
be happy and proud but don’t gloat. If you
don’t win, even though your heart is breaking
and you’d like to go home and cry your eyes
out, just remember that there will be other
shows, go ahead shake hands and congratulate
the winner, and resolve to try harder next
time.

Now I really must go ... my radio happy
husband is calling from the attic that he Just
spoke to someone in Connecticut with his
C. B. unit . . . son Wayne hollers from the
cellar that he wants me to watch him make
his bullets . . . and Sir Lancelot (our dog) is
barking for his supper. Sweet Fluffy meows
softly to remind me that she too has not been
fed. How nice to have such a busy household;
how lucky we are to be alive and happy in
this wonderful world! •

40

I

I

Above, A Corsage for Milady, made of
a single white carnation, flanked by
clusters of vivid blue double violet,
Double Dark Beauty. White maline
and ribbon enhance it. Episcia
Splendens is the foliage. Below,
Serenity seems to fit this composi¬
tion. St. Francis with the doves against
a piece of driftwood used for a tree
stump. Moss surrounds the pool which
is a small silver tray. Chocolate Soldier
Episcia and pink Pride of Rochester
blooms complete this picture. The base
is a flat stone.

Left, This tiny arrange¬
ment is six inches high
and three inches wide.
Baby daffodil leaves are
the spikes, miniature pink
Geneva the flower. Small
E. dianthaflora leaves
hide the pin holder. The
container is pale pink
with a black wooden base.

Right, Pink snapdragons
with heather and lavend¬
er-colored violets make
this arrangement. Daffodil
leaves and philodendron
are the foliage. An Easter
basket with cup pin hold¬
er is the container.

Right, Easter Finery is
the title of this arrange¬
ment. Pandanus and Dief-
fenbachia leaves are the
foliage, white snaps with
pink violets as focal
point. White alabaster
bird bath with matching
pedestal as base. Pink
gloves draped along base
tie in with the pink vio¬
lets.

Why ■ What and How?

JUST the other day a Chicago lady said
to me, ‘"Why do my nice big violets sud¬
denly get limp and rot off at the root and
die? They were so beautiful.” I have some
do this almost every summer and the answer
to this type of problem is usually OVER¬
WATERING. In the spring when you turn your
heat down, use less water, even skip a day.
When fall starts in and the heat is turned on
they will soon tell you they need a little more
water.

“You have so many lovely blooms and I
have only 1 or 2 in comparison. Why?” My
answer is usually something like this, “Do
you feed them regularly?” I use plant food
regularly, at least every 3 weeks and some¬
times every other week. But remember NOT
TO OVER DO. It is not difficult to do. I use
liquid plant food and find it much easier to
use. If the directions say 1 teaspoon to 1 quart
of water, I use about 2-3 times as much
WATER and Just water oftener. You will soon
have lots of bloom. Don’t let your plants get
bone dry. That way it drys up the little buds
that are forming above each leaf near the
crown, and sometimes even 3 or 4 rows down
from the center of the crown where we don’t
always see them.

“WHY DO WE HAVE SUCKERS?” Some¬
times you pull the bloom stalk off too soon.
It’s best to clip the dead blooms off. The stalk
will soon dry and brown then you can take it
off easily, with no harm to the new buds
underneath. If you bruise it, most likely this
is where a sucker or small plant will form on
your plant and spoil its beauty. If you do have
a sucker form, REMOVE IT CAREFULLY. I
use a sharp-pointed object such as a knife or
small screw driver, but do be careful not to
bruise the stalk. And above all, be sure it is a
sucker before you do remove it, not a bloom
stalk forming. If you have any yellow and
limp leaves on the outer edges, remove these
too. This will also help in keeping your plant
healthy as well as lovely to look at.

Do not OVERPOT. If you have to put your
plant into a larger pot, fine, Just watch your
watering. No two people do the same thing
the same way so what works good for you,
STICK TO IT. If you have a good potting soil
stick to it. If you grow your plants in an east
window and have good luck, LEAVE THEM
THERE. They do not like to be switched from
one place to another.

If you like the way someone else does things,
good, try it out in a small way before you
change your whole system. Be sure it is going
to work for you and your lovely plants before
you make any rash wholesale moves and pos¬
sibly lose your whole collection of violets.
Also, be sure it is going to make your plants
much more beautiful than they ever were

before you possibly upset your whole routine
and plants, as well as your family, no doubt.

‘‘How do you keep your foliage so dark and
healthy and not a speck of dust on it?” This
is something we all love to hear, and I’m no
different than any of the rest of you. I have
quite a lot of humidity and that helps to make
them shiny. If they get dusty they get a good
bath once in a while, but not every week. I
take them to my kitchen sink and use my
spray on them. I spray them gently with warm
water. Shake all the water off each one, blow
in the crown to dislodge any water there and
DO NOT TOUCH THE LEAVES while they
are wet. If you do you will find it will have
a spot wherever you touch it. Set them out of
the strong light ’till they are good and dry.
Then you can place them back in their usual
spot, under the lights or in your windows. If
you have quite a few plants set your plants
in a tray of warm water and let them drink up
all they want. Do this quite frequently, if at
all possible, as the added humidity is some¬
thing they dearly love.

I do not have a greenhouse but grow a great
many in the basement. I, also, have at least
300 plants on a west porch the year around
and they all look the same. I do not have all
the newest equipment either but I still have
a wonderful time with my violets. Many have
said I have truly beautiful plants and I think
of them in just that way, too. I am only too
glad to pass on a helpful hint or two if at all
possible as they afford so much pleasure for
me.

When Mr. Richter was in Rock Island he
asked me what I used to make my blossoms
so deep in color. It could be the plant food —
but I think the soil has a lot to do with it.
While we were in San Francisco at the Con¬
vention Mrs. Herb Mason of Largo, Florida
stopped by our house. She later wrote that she
had peeked in our porch windows and she
wanted to know what I was doing to make
such a deep color in my blooms and such large
ones. I consider both of these people to be out¬
standing authorities on African violets and
their culture so I was greatly flattered by
their questions. Many of you will remember
Mrs. Mason as she formerly lived in Peoria,
Illinois and had very lovely plants. She is also
one of our past SWEEPSTAKES WINNERS
at a National Convention. I do feel that a good
sterile healthy soil with plenty of nutrition
in it and a regular feeding program are the
answer to my success in having deep color tone
and large blooms.

Now we come to the part about spraying. I
am very careful about keeping my plants clean
and free of insects. ALL NEW PLANTS are
set aside for 2-3 weeks. First they all get a
good bath in Red Arrow, 2 tablespoons to 2y4
gallons of lukewarm water. Incidentally, a
good bath in Red Arrow once or twice a year
will do wonders for any of your plants. It is
OK to use it on all of your house plants as
well as your violets, they will appreciate it.

Mrs. George Benner, Sr., Rock Island, Ill.

We use V-C 13 two or three times a year just
to keep on the safe side. All trays get it too.
We use a formula of 2 tablespoons to a gallon
of water. Set your violets in a tray and let
them soak up their soil, also you can put this
solution on the soil from the top. After the
soil is well saturated set them back into their
own watering dishes and let them dry out
before watering again.

I must add one thing here, “There is no
need for any of us to have mite or mealy bug.
If you do get it there is no reason to KEEP
IT.” It is very easy to have mite in the sum¬
mertime. It can come from the air, if you have
lots of flowers, or you can even bring it into
your violets on your hands. Always wash your
hands good before going near your violets if
you have been working in the yard. There are
many safe sprays on the market . . . we use an
Antrol Spray Bomb and find it is exception¬
ally good.

“WHAT ABOUT STUNT? HOW DID I GET
IT?” These are questions often put to me. Yes,
stunt can come to your violets rather suddenly.
We all have a tendency to forget some of the
little things. Things like a drafty door or
window left open by mistake or one left open
just a couple of minutes too long. Stunt in your
violets can come from SHOCK. If your plants
are wet and a temperature drop should occur,
say 10 to 15 degrees, or a draft blow on them
for too long a time. Also, overwatering in hot
weather can be the culprit. If this is your
problem DO NOT WATER for about a week.
Dust the top of each plant with Fermate
lightly. I use a small paint brush for this and
take great pains that I do not touch the plant
with the brush any more than is absolutely
necessary. After the plant drys out water it
very lightly. It is best to set the plant in a
warm spot out of the strong light but where
there is good air circulation — no drafts. In
a few weeks you’ll be surprised that you will
not have to remove the center, that is, if you
found the trouble in time. This treatment with
Fermate is also a very fine idea for a tight
crown where you are sure there is no mite.
When you see the new growth, gently blow
the Fermate off. Do not try to wash it off, be
sure to water only very lightly while treating
your plants this way.

All of these things I have learned the HARD
WAY and, as we all know, experience is the
best teacher. After about 30 years I know I
still have many things to learn about African
violets, but I love every minute of the time
I spend with them.

Just one more tip before I close. In order
to reuse many of my old clay pots I soak them
in a strong solution of bleach for about 24-36
hours and then scrub them well. A good dip
through clear water and I set them up to dry
out thoroughly and they are almost as good
as new. •

43

Millie Blair, Vallejo, California

Soil Mealy Bugs

(Rhizoecus Falcifer, Junkel)

Reprinted ivith permission of Simset Magazine, September 1962

IN the early months of 1961 many African
violet growers in California became aware
of another soil pest that had found our favo¬
rite house plant: the soil mealy bug. It is
reported to be quite common in garden soil
throughout California, where it works on the
roots of a wide variety of plants including
grasses. It does not by itself kill plants, but
weakens a plant by continually eating off the
root tips, which means that the plant does not
receive the plant nutrients and water it needs
for continued growth.

Its effect on African violets is that they
appear to have root rot, with limp, wilted
leaves that lack luster and are dull in color.
In the first stages you may have some blos¬
soms but as the infestation increases the plant
soon stops blossoming altogether; no amount
of water will revive the plant, instead it usual¬
ly speeds its decline and eventual death. To
determine whether root rot or soil mealy bug
is the cause of a violet decline, tap the plant
out of the pot, over a paper and away from
the rest of your collection. If the bugs are
present you will be able to see them crawling
over the surface of the root ball, usually where
the root ball comes in contact with the side of
the pot. Infested plants decline and die rapidly
if overwatered. I am sure there were a great
number of us who had no idea of what this
soil pest is.

I had never seen the soil mealy bug until it
was shown to me by another grower. It can
readily be mistaken for a piece of Sponge-Rok.
This pest can easily be seen with the naked
eye, but a magnifying glass will give a definite
check. The soil mealy bug is a slender species,
pale in color, about 1/32 or 1/16 of an inch
long, and covered with a thin white, powdery
wax coating. They are not cottony like the
mealy bug commonly found on the above¬
ground plant parts. Sometimes in the soil near
the roots of the plant there is a cottony ap¬
pearing mass which is a deposit of eggs.

I found some information on the soil mealy
bug in the Agriculture Extension Service
Bulletin published in 1949 by the University
of California, but this bulletin is now out of
print. In it the soil mealy bug is classed as a
common greenhouse pest. A letter from Dr.
H. M, Butterfield of the University of Cali¬
fornia Extension Service states that the prob¬
lem is to find something which will kill the
mealy bug but not injure the tender plant
roots. As yet there has been no spray material
that is fully effective in controlling the soil
mealy bug on the roots of plants. Anything
that will completely kill the mealy bug may

also seriously damage the tender roots of
plants.

If you use a good sterilized soil you should
have no trouble with the soil mealy bug, but
if you should get an infected plant, and not
know you have the bug, you can infect your
collection as the bugs do travel. The soil
mealy bug travels from pot to pot by the
simple means of being washed out through the
drain holes in the bottom of the pot and work¬
ing its way through water or other medium
that might be in the trays to provide humidity,
up the drain holes to the tender roots of the
next plant. It is a good practice to use Mala-
thion at the rate of one tablespoon to a gallon
of water to wash or drench the medium in
the tray in order to prevent the soil mealy
bug from spreading in this way. This pro¬
cedure is a good practice in many ways, to
keep your trays clean and free from other
sources of trouble to your violets; this does
not injure the plants in any way.

Some of the treatments that have been used
by different growers who have found the soil
mealy bug in their collections are:

A product which has been used with appar¬
ent good results is one called Ortho Lawn
Fungicide with BHC, at the rate of 4 level
tablespoons in 3 gallons of water. Used 3 times
at intervals of 10 to 14 days, gave some control
and the plants showed no ill effects. Be sure
the soil is damp before the application.

Another treatment which has been reported
to have good results is the application of 25%
DDT at the rate of 2 tablespoons per gallon
of water, in 3 treatments at 7 to 10 day inter¬
vals. 50% DDT may be mixed in the potting
soil as a preventative.

Recently another treatment that is much
easier and simpler has been tried against the
soil mealy bug. Buy napthalene flakes, or

(Editor’s Note: It is most important that
both pots and potting soil be sterilized, and
kept sterile, as insurance against soilborne
diseases and pests.

To sterilize soil by baking place blended
soil or soil mix in a porcelain roaster. Do not
fill the pan too full. Add enough water to
thoroughly wet the soil and have some water
stand on top. Stir well from the bottom. Add
more water if necessary. Cover and bake in a
preheated oven at 275° for 1 hour. The soil
should be actively steaming all over at the
end of the hour — this steam is what sterilizes
the soil. Remove from oven and uncover.
Place in a safe place for 3-4 days to dry out
and permit any accumulated gasses to escape.)

44

Soil or ground mealy bugs are very small and may easily be mistaken for a piece of Sponge-Rok or vermicu-
lite. They feed on the roots of plants, extract moisture, and will weaken and eventually kill a plant by eating
off the root tips.

pulverize some mothballs; use V4 teaspoon of
flakes to the top of a 4 inch pot, sprinkle it
over the surface of the soil, and water it from
the top to water it down throughout the soil.
When checked about 3 weeks later there was
no sign of large live soil mealy bugs, but on
digging into and around the root ball some
very small soil mealy bugs were found; these
were a new crop from the egg masses that had
been laid by the older crop of soil mealy bugs.

So another treatment should be used to make
sure that all the small newly hatched bugs are
destroyed. The napthalene flakes do not affect
the plants in any way.

Also, Dieldrin-Aldrin granules in the potting
mix are effective, but somewhat slower. This
treatment takes longer, but plants treated
earlier now show no signs of infestation. I
wasn’t given the amounts to use for this treat¬
ment. •

45

How well I'* remember saying just these
three words, thinking of course that that
was the end of it. How little I knew then! My
wife and I had been paying a visit to a friend,
J. B. Dunning, with a view to buying some
good house plants to sell in our fruit shop.
We had just given the shop a face lift, as you
might say, having just recently bought it.
Whilst we were there, I remember it particu¬
larly well, because an Iron Cross Begonia had
just arrived. In those days it was more of a
rarity than now, and very expensive too. Joe
asked me if I was interested in Saintpaulias;
it was then I uttered the above words — No
Thanks! But I had a look at Joe’s plants; they
had been through a rather trying time after
suspected mite damage. I thought it was most
fortunate seeing them as they were then,
thinking of course I was convincing myself I
would never be bitten by the Bug Violetitis.

I had no idea then that Joe and I would
become the closest of friends - — like a family
more or less or that we would ultimately
grow one of the best collections of African
violets in the Dominion. Thanks are due to the
African Violet Magazine and the U. C. Man¬
ual. But that’s the end of my story; let’s go
back a bit.

Joe persuaded me to take a few African
violets to resell; they looked good, so I did.
Selling them was another matter as I didn’t
know then the many prejudices there were
against the African violet in New Zealand. It
was always the same story: “They have flow¬
ers now but after these have gone they won’t
flower again, they always die off.” And this
in a climate congenial to growing African
violets! Usually in those days to have six or
more blooms to a plant was wonderful; if any
more, you were suspected of wizardry. Any¬
how, we persevered and sold some until win¬
ter time. We hadn’t the knowledge to flower
all the year round then. I had a couple of
plants so I took those to a window ledge in
the house, split one up, got four plants; some
leaves were broken, so they went into a saucer
of perlite. Lo and Behold, before much time
had elapsed I had plantlets by the dozen in
clumps, so I split these into separate plants,
potting some to 2 inch plastic pots. All this
in the winter time, on a window sill, with a
night temperature sometimes as low as 45
degrees!

Meanwhile I kept selling some African
violets for Joe, telling him from time to time
of my exploits with a couple of his plants. He
already knew I once raised cactus by the
thousands for sale (this was in 1949), experi¬
menting even then with lighting, incandescent,
of course, but the results were good both for
propagation and lengthening the day, using
the latter for retarding the blooming of crys-
anths. This was in England with its short
winter days, and very cold too, except in
Cornwall where we lived for a few years
prior to coming to New Zealand, which has

1’

I Ssiintpaulias??

No Thaaks!!

#t!

Charles W. Allen,

Heme Bag, Auckland, New Zcalai

an ideal climate for gardening and is very
good for African violets. I am a Scot, by the
way, came to New Zealand five years ago and
we haven’t looked back since. We feel ac¬
cepted as though we had always lived here.
A very pleasant country!

After seeing how the plantlets thrived under
Spartan conditions, my fingers got the itch
again . . . for growing these delightful plants,
giving them, as nearly as possible, conditions
approximating their natural habitat. I have
always propagated something or other; I find
it very rewarding and satisfying. In my imagi¬
nation I could see trays of small plants
sprouting everywhere (now a reality). Joe
knew this, I am sure, as he kept giving me a
push, so I began. Incidentally, by this time
Joe had some benches built and was growing
successfully under fluorescent lighting. This
really decided me; I was in too!

On my next visit to the nursery, I bought a
good plant each of several varieties, came
home, set up the window ledge with lights
(bought at a sale), made a small propagator,
and before I knew where I was I had hun¬
dreds of the little beauties in 2 inch plastic
pots. Now I had to move, so on to the spare
room where I set up a tiered arrangement of
benches and proceeded to fill these. This was
exactly 18 months ago, at the end of June
1960. I asked Joe one day to come and have
a look at them. He was floored, could hardly
believe it was true.

By this time Joe had quite a lot on his
hands, the nursery having developed to a
propagating house, another large new glass¬
house, lots of slotted verandahs with benches
for fuchsias (he specializes in these), slatted
begonia house, African violets in two-tiered
sets of benches under lights in the basement,
and an idea in the back of his mind for an
African violet glasshouse (now a fact).

Meanwhile I had borrowed some African
Violet Magazines, and truly this was a new
world! Having a few relations in the U.S.A.
and Canada, I immediately became a writer,
albeit temporarily, resulting in some parcels
of leaves, plants, etc. of new and wonderful
varieties completely new to New Zealand. I
won’t forget that first parcel! Fresh-cut leaves!
I’m afraid I just left the management of our
shop to my good wife; I spent all afternoon
placing these very carefully in trays. I gave
Joe a ring to come and see them, as he had
been waiting as anxiously as I, and we were

both amazed at the perfect condition in which
they arrived.

It was about this time that Joe was begin¬
ning to feel he had a little less time than he
could afford to devote to propagating on the
scale he would have liked, with everything
increasing so rapidly, all the mixing and
preparation, repotting of all his other house
plants, etc. He gave me an order for small
African violets in 2 inch pots on a barter
system for house plants (I was still selling
these), and from there we have gone on. I
now do most of the propagating of small stuff
for both of us, and it is a pleasure. I derive
the greatest satisfaction from propagating
well.

During this period, or initial stage so to
speak, both of us were anxious to increase
the number of varieties, etc. that we bought
from other sources, and though we didn’t
know it at the time we bought trouble with
a capital N, Nematodes!! Joe kept saying some
plants weren’t doing well at all; I got some
too. They just wouldn’t grow, flower or any¬
thing, and were throwing lots of offsets. They
didn’t look particularly healthy either. Most
fortunately I didn’t propagate these offsets,
but I did use leaves from them and of course,
when you haven’t many to play with, you are
inclined to use basal leaves too. We did! Never
again though. Well, everything just slowed
down, even some trays of new varieties from
the U.S.A. I was foolish to mix them. Came
the day, after hours of swotting all the Afri¬
can Violet Magazines I could lay hand on, and
books too, that I decided we had gall nema¬
tode. I rang the growers concerned and in¬
formed them of our root disease. They said
yes, some of their plants had this thing but
that they (believe it or not) and some other
friends also growing plants who had the same
trouble, had just put it down to root trouble
and carried on. We then took some of these
plants to our Agricultural Research Station,
fortunately nearby, and they confirmed our
suspicions. That was a black day for our
calendar. Our next step was to send to the
U.S.A. for V-C 13 to treat everything. Those
not showing signs of nematodes we kept and
treated; everything else went out. This set us
back quite a bit, but gave us the solution as
to why people in New Zealand (still interested
in African violets, mind you) were cautious
about buying more plants. This was good to
know though at the time a lot of trouble for
us, but we were fortunate it happened then
and not now.

It has taken us 12 months to eradicate this
pest, apart from the heartbreak involved of
discarding almost daily dozens and dozens of
apparently healthy looking young plants . . .
and imported peat moss costs $35 a bale!

May I pass on a little word of advice here.
If a plant doesn’t look its best, even if it looks
all right, and has an unusual number of off¬
sets, for your own sake and others’ too, give

it a thorough inspection before propagating
offsets. Sometimes no swelling or gall will be
showing, just a thicker than usual main stem,
especially if it is at all slower growing than
you think it should be. If in doubt, any offsets
from below soil level should be washed
thoroughly clean and inspected before plant¬
ing. Even at the initial stages, a small brown¬
ish lesion can be seen at the junction of roots
and stem; on an older plant it can be a grue¬
some sight, similar to club root in the brassica
family.

And now to more recent growing. We have
flowered almost all of the Best 100, some of
which (we believe now) we will always keep
with us, but then we are always getting so
many new and sometimes startling varieties
from you in the U.S.A. that we keep changing.
At the time of writing this I am awaiting a
fresh consignment of leaves and starter plants
from you, which I know will contain some
surprises. Descriptions of these are good, but
never actually create the anticipation a young
plant does coming into flower for the first
time.

The photos show part of the propagating
and stock plant room. I have covered the
fixture (next page) in polythene, making a
semipropagator; small plants spend 4 to 6
weeks here after being potted in 2 inch pots
straight from the trays. The humidity here is
very high, the bottom two trays being heated
by cable; moisture forming on the walls is
returned to the trays by a collar at the base
of each, thereby maintaining a very constant
rate of humidity. The temperature is kept even
by a thermostat set at 80 degrees, giving an
average of 75 to 80 degrees. This holds 600
plants in 2 inch pots, and a month in here
works wonders. The plants are hardened off
on open shelves prior to moving to the glass¬
house benches (oh yes, I’ve just built one
too!). I have now had plants at varying stages
of growth in here for 10 weeks. I’m reversing
my growing methods here from a night drop
in temperature to having them warmer at
night, 70 degrees during darkness, and a day¬
light temperature of 60 degrees; this after
reading an article by Dr. F. W. Went in Vol¬
ume 15 No. 3 of the African Violet Magazine.
Don’t know how I will go on in our summer¬
time (it gets hot here) but I will meet that
when it arrives. I have one Vent Axia in¬
stalled.

I find the colouring of foliage, blooms, size
of blooms are all much better when finished
growing in natural light; it has indeed amazed
me. Under the lights they were getting 200
foot candles; in the glasshouse on most nor¬
mally bright days it varies from 150 to 300
foot candles (we are seldom without sunshine
in New Zealand). These are winter time read¬
ings only.

I haven’t as yet computed any schedule of
greenhouse growth over a definite period . . .
it’s in its early days yet. I intend, however,

47

Above left, plants grown here under artificial light. Above right, I have covered the fixture with polythene.
Below, I am holding White Pride which is in a 3 inch pot.

48

Above, closeup of plants growing on benches under fluorescent lights. Below, this picture gives a better idea
of the layout of greenhouse. Bench in foreground displays mature plants and small variegated Fair Ladys.

49

to do so since this particular greenhouse is cov¬
ered in Mylar, a duPont product imported
from the U.S.A. So far in every way I have
found it to live up to the maker’s specifica¬
tions, particularly the one claiming lower
heating cost because of its greater insulation.
JL had a temperature of 120 degrees before I
insulated the inside of the house with poly¬
thene and shaded the whole area, plus 4 vents
at the roof and 1 louvre at ground level. I
now maintain as nearly as possible daytime
temperatures of 60 to 65 degrees and night
time darkness 70 to 75 degrees.

So far the plants look very well indeed;
small plants flowering much quicker than
before, first blooms attain good size and main¬
tain these blooms until at least 20 to 30 blooms
are all open at once. Truly a remarkable
change indeed. It gives me real pleasure. The
White Pride in my left hand in the photo is
only in a 3 inch plastic pot. Am now starting
to feed it a little to see how long it will
remain in a 3 inch pot as is. It has a spread
of 17 inches, and is approximately six months
old. Another one, Meri-Lee, has a spread of
21 inches, is exactly IVz months old, and is
in a 4 inch pot. This pot is something new
here in New Zealand; it is made of a foam
rubber composite, is quite rigid, about 5 T6
to ¥2 inch thick, ranging from rim to base;
put your hand inside and it feels warm . . .
an excellent pot indeed for winter time grow¬
ing of African violets, especially as most of
these are kept on window ledges in the home.

These two plants were grown in a mixture
of 50 per cent vermiculite, 50 per cent U.C.
mix Table D, fertilizer 2D, from leaf settings
and potted to 2 inch plastic pots straight from
splitting up, into U.C. mix Table D, fertilizer
2D, and from there to their respective pots,
3 and 4 inches, before making too much root
in the 2 inch pots. No extra fertilizer was
given at any time during growth, and I am
only now starting to feed after they have been
in full bloom for nearly 5 weeks.

Now that I am beginning to see good results
for my efforts, I have decided (I think) to
begin fertilizing fortnightly at V2 strength,
alternating Maxicrop and Liquid Blue Whale
or one of the U.C. tables recommended. Orig¬
inally, 12 months ago, I started this fortnight¬
ly programme but discontinued it when we
discovered nematodes, believing that any extra
fertilizer given would help to cover any dam¬
age done by the infestation by keeping the
plants looking better than they actually were.
I am quite sure this paid off, as we were able
to detect unhealthy plants at a much earlier
stage than would have been possible otherwise.

Whenever anyone mentions nowadays about
their plants not doing well or dying of root
rot or something similar, we check with them
the condition of their plant, appearance of
foliage, etc. We tell them about nematodes,
and not to overwater especially during winter
time, and we are now in the happy position
of having many repeatedly satisfied customers,

even to the stage of returning with their
plants that had one or two blooms when sold
to them and now have up to 60 full size
blooms at once.

We attribute some of this to the fact that
our small plants are grown under pink tubes,
I have since tried to buy replacements in New
Zealand but they are now unobtainable. Hon¬
estly, I am sure you don’t know just how
fortunate you are in the U.S.A. , having every¬
thing for the African violet. Factually speak¬
ing, here in New Zealand we have absolutely
nothing at all. One firm has actually put out
an African violet mix in small plastic bags.
I’m sure I’m correct in saying this is the one
and only product we have here related spe¬
cifically to African violet growing. Had I the
time and finance I’d enter this field myself,
but how could I survive not growing African
violets? We are quite happy as we are, though
it is a bit frustrating sometimes especially
when the African Violet Magazine arrives,
displaying all the wonderful aids to good Afri¬
can violet growing, superior light fittings,
pots, label printers, 400 hole watering nozzles,
fertilizers, etc. I could fill a whole page here,
but when we produce plants as in the photos,
I’m sure you will agree we don’t do too badly.

Seriously, I would say our good results
stem from correct humidity and temperatures
. . . without one the other is lost, and vice
versa. How do I know when they are right?
I have a very keen sense of smell and my
nose tells me when to ventilate, water, and
raise or lower the temperature. All our plants
are grown on trayed benches 1 Vz inches deep,
lined with thick black polythene. These are
filled with scoria, a volcanic type of rock, 1/4
inch particles, very absorbent. This is kept
moist and I believe is responsible for the
handsome sheen we get on our leaves. I have
even had a Ruffled Queen foliage with a
shine (almost). This method too cuts our
watering table to a minimum as long as we
keep it wet, but not under water. I have
known plants to go for four weeks in 3 and
4 inch pots without any other watering.

Lighting: We haven’t yet got this to the
fine art you enjoy in the U.S.A. so at this
stage my own conclusion is that to me it is
secondary since I have seen some real speci¬
men plants grown under 300 to 350 foot
candles, also equally good plants at 150 foot
candles, some in semishade, only 6 to 7 hours
natural shaded light a day. By far the best I
have seen were in 2 inch pots I gave to a
friend: leaves dime size, grown and finished
off in a white shaded greenhouse, double
glazed, 200 to 250 foot candles, in the spring
of the year. These were good. The colour of
the blooms was really something; some varie¬
ties did show bleaching but recovered when
placed in a shady corner. Particularly good
here were Fire Dance, Pink Halo, Double Pink
Miracle, Truly Fair, Blue Blaze, Smoke Rings,
Lilian Jarrett, Galloway’s Sensation, Star

50

Unruly leaves may be
trained to lie flat by gentle
band pressure. Press foil
age down firmly
each day or when
plant Is watered
and turned. Soon the
leaves will begin to grow
into the desired position.
Always turn the high
side to the light.

For rust free, nonrotting and permanent markers,
a light, thin gauge zinc sheet metal makes a most
satisfactory tag to identify a violet plant. Cut it
out with a pair of tin shears in the shape shown
here, using a crayon or permanent
ink for writing in the name
of the plant. Place the
pointed end down
in the soil near
the outside of the
pot and bend down.

This type of marker
will not be in the
way, nor will it ob¬
struct plant growth.

Sunset

Gazer, Little Jewel, and Pink Calico. Inclined
to bleach were Isle of Dreams and its sport
Rose Dust, and all others of similar paler
foliage of this type; but these all proved their
merit in semishade.

Foliage brings me to the sporting of some
varieties. I have been most fortunate in having
some of this happen to my plants. One shown
(small plants lower photo p. 49) is Fair Lady,
as handsomely variegated as any, all over
white, yellow and green, a light green border
to each leaf; it has not flowered as yet but
I am still hoping. It is 5 months old ... I
will reroot a couple of leaves from each, hop-
ing to promote a more vigorous growth. Some¬
times this succeeds, but it is a little slow. One
coming into flower now is from White Pride
Supreme; it is going to be deep lilac, with

handsome Girl foliage, very symmetrical. An¬
other from Blue Blaze . . . almost Supreme
foliage so far . . . hope it develops that way
and retains the same flower only bigger. A
huge double deep blue colour, thick fleshy
quilted foliage . . . have yet to name this
one ... it came from an unnamed double
blue violet. A most interesting field is this
when you are as fortunate as I have been.

Seedlings: Until I do my own crossing, build
another glasshouse, etc., I have given these
entirely too much space and time, for the
very few good plants worth growing, and
particularly when one cannot extend beyond
a certain limit. Famous words, these. I have
said them many times, read them hundreds
of times in the African Violet Magazine; but
we keep finding more space, don’t we? It’s
truly amazing. I have never known it to
happen for any other plant.

Starter plants from America have arrived
in perfect condition. Just recently received a
wonderful shipment from C. W. Fischer; they
are all in their new pots and look as if they
had been grown on my shelves. And, there
were only two leaves broken during their
long trip!

Before I take leave, may I repeat myself
and speak for many of us here who have a
common interest in African violets. Your
Magazine is the best of its kind and we truly
appreciate it . . . just a pity it isn’t a regular
monthly issue, but then the anticipation of
waiting for each copy wouldn’t be half so
great, would it?

Incidentally, I couldn’t have managed all
this without the help of my wife, Olive. All
along the way she has been really wonderful
about it all, due to the fact that she loves
African violets too. Fair Lady is her favorite.
She has potted for me, usually prints all my
labels, helps me to cut these too, and in every
way is a wonderful help, especially as she is
left to manage the shop when I have a par¬
ticularly large amount of splitting up and
potting to do. What more can a man ask?

We would be very interested to hear from
any African Violet Society members in the
U.S.A., particularly any fellow member grow¬
ing violets under similar conditions to our¬
selves, finishing, or growing from start to
blooming, in natural conditions, in green¬
houses, with regard to temperatures over the
seasons, density of shading, foot candles, etc.,
as I don’t think any one of us will ever know
enough about Saintpaulias and their wonder¬
ful aptitude of adaptation to extremes of
everything, from what I have seen and heard.

P.S. Since writing the above, on the night
the U.S.A. exploded the huge nuclear bomb
and our sky was red even here in New Zea¬
land, that particular day a seedling had opened
its first flower — cream single, blood red
centre shading to wine, following the shape
of each petal. I can only call it one name —
AURORA. •

51

PROGRAM

" Violet Garden Symphony

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3rd

6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Registration — Mezzanine

THURSDAY, APRIL 4th

8:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Registration — Mezzanine

7:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Beginners Judging School for
New Judges — Rooms 471 and 473

9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Hospitality Room Open (Coffee
and Cokes) — Room 4, Mezzanine

9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Commercial Sales Room Open
— Music Room

12:30 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. Refresher Judging School for
Judges and Teachers — Rooms 471 and 473

2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Hospitality Room Open — Room
4 Mezzanine

2:00 P.M. Tour of Kansas City — Muehlebach and
Towers Entrance

6:30 P.M. — Convention Convenes
Dinner Meeting — Grand Ball Room
Invocation: Frank Tinari, Bethayres, Pennsylvania
Presentation of National President, Mrs. Jack H.
Yakie, Port Arthur, Texas

Introduction of Convention Chairman and Cochair¬
man, Winfred E. Albright and Mrs. Albert Lefebvre,
Kansas City, Missouri

Introduction of Program Chairman, Mrs. John T.
Buckner, Pleasant Hill, Missouri

“WELCOME TO KANSAS CITY,” The Honorable
H. Roe Bartle, Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri
RESPONSE, Mrs. Jack Yakie, President
“FOCUS ON VIOLETS,” Don Biellier and Bill Morn¬
ing of Barnard’s, Country Club Plaza, Kansas City,
Missouri

9:30 P.M. to 12 Midnight. Exhibits open (Registered
Convention Members Only). National Show, Ama¬
teur Division — Colonial Ball Room. National Show,
Commercial Division — Colonial Ball Room. Com¬
mercial Sales — Music Room

FRIDAY, APRIL 5th

8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Registration — Mezzanine
6:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M.

Exhibits open for Amateur Flash Bulb^ Photogra¬
phers only (Registered Convention Members Only).
— Colonial Ball Room

7:00 A.M. to 8 A.M.

Exhibits open for Amateur Bar Light Photographers
only (Registered Convention Members Only). —
Colonial Ball Room

7:30 A.M. to 9:15 A.M. Judging School Examination —
Grand Ball Room

7:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M.

Commercial Members Breakfast Workshop — Tea
Room. Don Wilson, Commercial Activities Commit¬
tee Chairman, Roachdale, Indiana, presiding. (Reser¬
vations required. Please make reservations at regis¬
tration desk by 9:00 P.M. Thursday)

WORKSHOP SESSIONS —

7:30 A.M. to 9:15 A.M.

Session I — Rooms T21 and T22. Mrs. A. W. Ald¬
ridge, Panama City, Florida, presiding. “CLUB PRO¬
GRAMS,” Mrs. Jack Yakie, Port Arthur, Texas
“REGISTRATION OF PLANTS,” Mrs. Fred Tretter,
St. Louis, Missouri
Session I — Rooms 471 and 473

“PESTS, DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL,” Mrs.
Charles E. Miller, Moderator, Tonganoxie, Kansas;
Panel: Mrs. Harold Baker, St. Paul, Minnesota; Frank

A. Burton, Old Saybrook, Connecticut; Mrs. R. S.
Young, Des Moines, Iowa
Session I — Trianon Room

“GRO-LUX FLUORESCENT LIGHT SOURCE,”
Christos C. Mpelkas, Plant Physiologist, Sylvania
Lighting Products

9:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Hospitality Room Open —
Room 4, Mezzanine

9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

Session II — Rooms T21 and T22

“PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE,” Mrs. Rene Ed-
mundson, East McKeesport, Pennsylvania
Session II — Rooms 471 and 473

“BUYER’S GUIDE,” Mrs. Charles R. Stoehr, Green¬
wood, Indiana

“BEST 100,” Mrs. Theodore Rosenak, Mequon, Wis¬
consin

Session II — Trianon Room

“ARRANGEMENTS” A — “Interpreting the Show
Schedule,” Mrs. W. F. Anderson, Mrs. Charles Ded-
era, Mrs. F. H. Rieber, Mrs. Thelma Usinger, St.
Louis, Missouri. B — “Judging Arrangements,” Mrs.
James B. Carey, Knoxville, Tennessee

11:00 A.M. to 12 Noon. Exhibits open (Registered
Convention Members Only). National Show, Amateur
Division — Colonial Ball Room. National Show,
Commercial Division — Colonial Ball Room. Com¬
mercial Sales — Music Room

12:15 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. Luncheon Meeting — Grand
Ball Room

Invocation: Mrs. Glenn B. Hudson, Westfield, New
Jersey

“IMPROVING AFRICAN VIOLETS,” Dr. Sheldon C.
Reed, St. Paul, Minnesota

AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY AWARDS FOR 1963,
Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Downers Grove, Illinois

3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Hospitality Room Open —
Room 4 Mezzanine

3:00 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. Exhibits open (Registered
Convention Members Only). National Show, Amateur
Division — Colonial Ball Room. National Show,
Commercial Division — Colonial Ball Room. Com¬
mercial Sales — Music Room

6:30 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

Banquet Meeting — Grand Ball Room

Mrs. Jack H. Yakie, President, Port Arthur, Texas,

presiding

Invocation: Mrs. Edna Jones, Beaumont, Texas
Introduction of Life Members (These members are
requested to sit at the reserved tables in front of
the speaker’s table.)

Roll Call of States

“A PILGRIM FROM ‘DOWN UNDER’ VISITS MEC¬
CA,” Dr. Sydney Crawcour, Melbourne, Australia
AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY AWARDS FOR 1963,
Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Downers Grove, Illinois

10:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. Exhibits open (Registered
Convention Members Only). National Show, Ama¬
teur Division — Colonial Ball Room, National Show,
Commercial Division — Colonial Ball Room. Com¬
mercial Sales — Music Room

SATURDAY, APRIL 6th

9:00 A.M. Morning Meeting — Grand Ball Room
Paul R. Younger, New York, N.Y., presiding
Invocation: Mrs. G. C. Scofield, Tucson, Arizona
“REPORT ON RESEARCH”

“REPORT ON BOYCE EDENS RESEARCH MEM¬
ORIAL FUND,” Mrs. Harold Rienhardt, Syracuse,
New York.

“STUMP THE EXPERTS,” (Panel — Audience Par¬
ticipation)

ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING, Mrs. Jack H. Yakie.
President, presiding
Convention Adjourned

52

Greater Kansas City

Reprinted permission Bell Telephone Company

PREDICTING Kansas City’s future more
than a century ago, Senator Thomas Hart
Benton said . . .

“There, Gentlemen — where the rocky bluff
meets and turns aside the sweeping current of
this mighty river . . . the Missouri ... a large
commercial and manufacturing center will
congregate — another generation will see a
great city on these hills.”

Around the beginning of the 18th century,
lured by the hope of finding silver in the moun¬
tains at the headwaters of the Missouri River,
Etienne Venierd de Bourgmont, a Frenchman,
came west from Detroit with a war party of
Osage Indians and penetrated as far as the
mouth of the Kaw.

In 1826 Francois Chouteau established a
trading post which actually was the center of
a French settlement that occupied the first
river front site of Kansas City. This little
French community was accessible to Westport,
and a new road was carved through the bluffs
from the river in 1836 to provide for easier
transportation of goods, stimulating the use of
Westport Landing as the last western river
port serving the Santa Fe trade.

In a little more than a century. Greater
Kansas City has utilized its geographic site
and natural resources to rise from a little
riverport landing to a strong national hub.
Today, giant industrial plants have replaced

buffalo grazing grounds . . . the lighted win¬
dows of gracious residences shine where once
twinkled Indian campfires . . . river, rail and
air installations have replaced the rutted Santa
Fe Trail.

Renowned as a city of homes, Kansas City’s
beautiful residential districts and gently roll¬
ing topography give it charm and character.

Located almost dead center of the nation,
Kansas City has a stable, broadbased economy.
Although it is located in the heart of America’s
farm area, Kansas City’s economy is diversi¬
fied. The area’s roots go deep into agriculture,
cattle and grain. Kansas City has built many
industries that serve not only the metropolitan
area, but the farm and ranch as well. The
Greater Kansas City area has become a finan¬
cial center and a production and distribution
center for a great midlands empire. Its strate¬
gic location provides air, rail, truck and river
transportation.

Detecting the growing revolution on the
American farm. Midwest Research Institute
was organized as a hub of research, one of a
dozen private centers in the nation, with an
annual research volume running into millions
of dollars.

Linda Hall Library of Science and Tech¬
nology is one of the largest scientific libraries
in the United States, pro viding . ref erence ma¬
terial for over 500 institutions throughout the
United States and many foreign countries.

William Rockhill Nelson Gallery of Art and
the Mary Atkins Museum of Fine Arts typify
Kansas City’s interest in aesthetics. The Harry
S. Truman Library houses the former presi¬
dent’s Presidential papers. Starlight Theatre,

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC.

MYRTLE RADTKE, Treasurer
P. O. Box 1326

Knoxville, Tennessee Date.

Please enroll me as a member of African Violet Society of America, Inc. My Dues are
enclosed. All Classes of Memberships are Defined on Page 54. Please turn page.

SELECT

AND

CHECK

ONE

□ Individual Membership is $4.00.

□ Commercial Membership is $13.33.

□ Research Members pay $20.00.

□ Sustaining Membership is $10.00.

□ Life Membership is available for $66.66.

Print Name and Address: New Member □

Renewal □

Name

Street Address

City and State

Make Checks Payable to African Violet Society of America, Inc.

53

outdoor summer stage featuring light opera
and latest musicals, and the Kansas City Phil¬
harmonic orchestra, among the 10 best in the
nation, bespeak this area’s fine entertainment
attractions.

A multi-million dollar intercity expressway
permits east-west traverse of downtown Kan¬
sas City in minutes. Anticipating the space age,
Mid-Continent International jet airport is lo¬
cated on 4,600 acres just minutes from home
or office.

And so Kansas City comes full cycle of the
prediction uttered by the Missouri Senator
in 1853.

It is one of the nation’s most important auto
assembly centers. It has a steel mill, and
metal fabricating plants, meat packing and
food processing plants.

It ranks —

1st as a Stocker and feeder cattle market
1st as a distribution point for farm equip¬
ment

1st as a hard wheat market
1st as a cash wheat market
1st as a primary wheat market
2nd as a futures wheat market
2nd as a sorghum grains market
2nd in grain elevator capacity
2nd in wheat flour production

As the nation’s hub, it is served by:

12 trunk line railroads
8 airlines
145 truck lines
2 barge lines

Minutes - 1962

ANNUAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING, APRIL 25, 1962

The annual session of the Board of Directors of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. was called to
order shortly after 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 25,
1962, by the President, Mrs. James B. Carey, in the
Sheraton-Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California.

In the absence of the secretary, Mr. Floyd L. John¬
son was elected to act as secretary pro tern.

There being no objection, the following committee
was appointed by the president to approve the minutes
of this Convention: Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Chairman,
Mrs. Robert Slocomb and Mr. Frank Burton.

Roll call showed the following members and the
Parliamentarian, Mrs. Thos. J. Edmundson, present:
President — Mrs, James B. Carey — present
First Vice President — Joseph Schulz — absent
Second Vice President — Mrs, Harold Baker — present
Treasurer — Mrs. Arthur Radtke — absent
Recording Secretary — Mrs. Edna Jones — absent
Corresponding Secretary — Albert Buell^ — present
Membership Secretary — Mrs. Robert Wright — present
Director — Mrs. Robert Slocomb — present
Director — Mrs. Z. C. Lay son — absent
Director — Mrs. Edmund Sherer — present
Director — Mrs. R. R. Blackburn — absent
Director — Miss Orpha Hall — absent
Director — Mrs. Dean Kuntz — absent
Director — Mrs. Vernor Watters — absent
Director — Mrs. Glen Fisher — present
Director — Mrs. Norma Bowers — absent
Director — Miss Edith V. Peterson — present
Director — Frank Burton — present
Committee Chairman Affiliated Chapters —

Mrs. R. B. Reaume — absent
A. Hort. Society — William Carter — absent
Awards — Mrs. G. P. McGraw — present
Bylaws — Mrs. Marge Lotz — absent
Com. Activities — Don Wilson — absent
Convention Time and Place —

Floyd D. Johnson — present
Finance — Mrs. P. J. Crowe — absent
Library — Mrs. Jack Yakie — present
New Membership — Mrs. Fred Tretter — absent
Nominating — Mrs. Claude E. Greeley — present
Official Pin — Mrs, Pearle Turner — absent
Program — Mrs. John T. Buckner — present
Registration — Mrs. G, F. Coleman — absent
Research — Dr, Charles Fischer — absent

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Subscription to the Magazine is included in Membership Dues

THE AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE is published 5 times a year, September, December,
March, June and July.

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS . . . Individual
members pay $4.00 per year (a year may
be any twelvemonth period), payable in
advance.

COMMERCIAL MEMBERS ... All persons
or firms who annually sell one thousand or
more African violet plants or leaf cuttings
of the same; or who manufacture or sell
fertilizer, disease and insect-control ma¬
terials and equipment, tools, or any other
merchandise pertaining to or applicable to
growing African violets shall be commer¬
cial members. They shall pay $13.33 per
year (a year may be any twelvemonth
period).

RESEARCH MEMBERS . . . Research mem¬
bers pay at least $20.00 for each twelve-
month period of membership, and at least
85% of each membership paid shall be
applied to the Research Fund of the Society.

SUSTAINING MEMBERS . . . Sustaining
members pay at least $10.00 per year (a
year may be any twelvemonth period).

LIFE MEMBERS . . . The payment of
$66.66 or more shall entitle any person to
life membership, and life members shall be
exempt from any further dues.

MEMBERSHIPS OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

The Society is happy to welcome members from all parts of the world. Application for
membership should be sent direct to the Treasurer. Remittance for membership dues,
by check, draft or postal money order, should be made payable in United States funds.

54

Boyce Edens Memorial Fund —

Mrs. Fred H. Rosebrock — present
Parliamentarian — Mrs. Thos. J. Edmundson — present

There being no objection, recesses for meals were
set as follows: Lunch, from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., and
Dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

The president reported that she had compiled from
the minutes of previous years, a list embracing the
Standing Rules of the Society, and distributed copies
of same to all Board members present. She also
reported compiling a list of Duties of Committees
which was turned over to a committee of Mrs. Slo-
comb, Mrs. Wright and Mr. Johnson to verify.

The report of Mrs. Radtke, treasurer, was read and
copies of the audit by Ernst and Ernst, Certified Public
Accountants, were distributed and the audit was
accepted as printed.

The Executive Director, Mrs. Wright, reported that
a Revised Variety List will be available soon and that
due to Postal Regulations the Handbook will be con¬
sidered a magazine in the future and will probably
have to be mailed at a different time.

The Affiliated Chapters report showed 25 new Chap¬
ters, 2 new state societies and a total of 309 paid up
Chapters.

Mrs. McGraw, chairman of the Awards Committee,
advised that the committee report would be submitted
after the Banquet and distribution of awards.

The report on Commercial Sales was accepted as
submitted by Mrs. Constance Hansen, chairman of the
committee.

The time being 12:30 p.m. the meeting was ad¬
journed for lunch.

AFTERNOON SESSION

The afternoon meeting came to order at 2:00 p.m.
with roll call being answered by all present at the
morning meeting and no additions^ all others being
absent as in the a.m.

Reading of the Registration Committee report re¬
sulted in the following actions being taken on the 6
items in the report by motions as follows: by Mrs.
Baker item #1 was changed so that all records of this
committee will be kept by the chairman or one of its
committee members (rather than in a Central Office)
in the future; by Mr. Burton the chairman has per¬
mission to change the forms used in registering plants:
item #4, will be carried out by motion by Mrs. Wright
with action delayed on item 6 by motion by Mr.
Johnson. Buell’s motion to limit registrants to Na¬
tional members was lost and by motion of Mr. Burton
anyone may register a variety.

Mrs. Yakie, Librarian, read the library report, which
was accepted.

The report of the Commercial Activities Committee
was given in the absence of the chairman. Same was
accepted but the recommendations contained therein
were returned to the committee for further work.

Report of the Research Committee was read and
after discussion Mrs. Yakie moved to turn it over to
the Finance Committee, the motion was adopted.

Report of the Convention Time and Place Commit¬
tee was given by the chairman, Mr. Johnson who
advised that there are several possibilities for the

1966 convention. Letters from Mrs. Ben G. Cook of
Englewood, Colorado and Mrs. W. H. Campbell, Presi¬
dent of the Rocky Mountain Council were read in
connection with the Denver possibility. Invitations
from Richmond, Va.; St. Louis, Mo.; Miami, Fla.; New
York, N.Y., and other locations were discussed. It was
the unanimous decision of the Board to let the selec¬
tion for 1966 carry over until the next Board Meeting.
The Board approved the selection of Boston, Mass, for

1967 by motion of Mrs. Baker, seconded and carried.

Mrs. Greeley read the Nominating Committee report

upon which no action is required by the Board.

Mrs. Wright moved that the standing rule pertaining
to support collars be suspended for the 1962 conven¬
tion. The motion was seconded and requiring a %
vote was carried.

The chairman of the Show Preparation and Judging
Committee, Mrs. Carey recommended that all previous
rules for teachers be rescinded and adopt the rules as
read, in the committee report. A motion to this effect
was seconded and received the necessary vote and
carried.

A request by the Atlas Fish Fertilizer Company,
concerning African violet brochures was given to a
committee of which Mr. Buell was named chairman,
the committee to study the request and bring back
recommendations to the Board.

The president announced that the Bound Volumes
of minutes of past Conventions are kept in a safe
place in the Knoxville Office.

The reports of the Official Pin Committee and the
Convention Program Committee were read and ac¬
cepted.

The Parliamentarian was asked to read the proposed

revision of the Bylaws because no member of the
committee was present. Copies were distributed to
each member and time was allotted for discussion after
each section was read.

The meeting adjourned at the 6:00 p.m. dinner hour.

EVENING SESSION

The evening meeting came to order at 7:30 p.m.
Roll call showed the same members present as were
at the afternoon meeting, all others being absent.

The reading of the Bylaws revision was continued
with discussion until completion.

The Special Committee appointed to review the
Duties of Committees brought in a favorable recom¬
mendation of adoption. The question of hearing these
duties read was brought up and Mrs. Wright moved
to dispense with the reading of this material. The
motion was seconded and carried and there being no
objection the duties will be as compiled.

The question of the charter and the executive offices
being in different states was discussed and Mr. Buell
moved to have the parliamentarian take any necessary
steps to thoroughly investigate the situation, using the
services of an attorney if needed. The motion was
seconded and carried. The question of protecting the
name of the Society and of the Magazine was also
delegated to the parliamentarian for investigation and
by motion of Mr. Burton, seconded and carried. The
names will be registered if necessary.

The meeting adjourned by motion, seconded and
carried.

16TH ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING

The 16th annual business meeting of the African
Violet Society of America was held at the Sheraton-
Palace Hotel, San Francisco, California, April 28, 1962.

Mrs. Frances H. Hamtil introduced Mrs. Verne C.
Bragg who gave the invocation.

The meeting was presided over by the President,
Mrs. James B. Carey with Mr. Floyd L. Johnson acting
as secretary pro tern.

The report of the auditors, Ernst and Ernst, Certified
Public Accountants was read by Mr. Johnson in the
absence of the Treasurer, Mrs. Arthur Radtke. The
report was accepted by motion, seconded, and vote.

The Resolutions Committee Chairman, Mrs. Sammye
P. Ballard read a resolution of appreciation to the
committees responsible for this fine Convention and
by order of the committee moved its adoption. Motion
was' carried.

The Nominating Committee report was read by the
Chairman, Mrs. Claude E. Greeley, putting the follow¬
ing names in nomination for the offices listed:

President .. - - - Mrs. Jack Yakie, Texas

First Vice President _ Joseph Schulz, Indiana

Second Vice President _ Mrs. Harold Baker, Minn.

Treasurer _ _ _ Mrs. Arthur Radtke, Ohio

Recording Secretary _ Miss Edith V. Peterson, Calif.

Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Pearl Thomas, Calif.

Membership Secretary . . Mrs. Robert Wright, Tenn.

DIRECTORS:

Frank Tinari, Pennsylvania
Mrs. Dorothy Gray, Michigan
Robert Merrilees, Canada
E. H. Dixon, Kansas

Since there were no nominations from the floor,
only one name was in nomination for each office and
there being no objection the election was by acclama¬
tion and all of those named on the nominating com¬
mittee slate were declared elected.

The new president announced that Winfred Albright
and Mrs. Albert Lefebvre will be cochairmen of the
1963 Convention.

There being no further business to come before the
assembly, the meeting adjourned to meet next in
Kansas City, Missouri.

Floyd L. Johnson
Secretary Pro Tern

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
APRIL 28, 1962

The annual Saturday session of the Board of Di¬
rectors of the African Violet Society of America,
Incorporated, was called to order at 10:00 a.m., Satur¬
day, April 28, 1962, by the President, Mrs. Jack Yakie,
in the English Room of the Sheraton-Palace Hotel,
San Francisco, California.

There being no objection, the President appointed
the following committee to approve the minutes of
this meeting: Mrs. G. P. McGraw, Mrs. Robert Slocomb,
and Frank A. Burton.

Roll call showed the following members of the Board
of Directors and the Parliamentarian, Mrs. Thomas J.
Edmundson, present:

President — Mrs. Jack Yakie — present
1st Vice President — Joseph D. Schulz — absent
2nd Vice President — Mrs. Harold Baker — present
Treasurer — Mrs. Arthur Radtke — absent

55

Recording Secretary — Miss Edith Peterson — present
Corresponding Secretary —

Mrs. E. H. Thomas — present
Membership Secretary — Mrs. Robert Wright — present
Past President — Mrs. James B. Carey — present
Director — Frank A. Burton — present
Director — Mrs. Robert Slocomb — present
Director — Mrs. Z. C. Lay son — absent
Director — Mrs. Edmund Sherer — present
Director — Mrs. F. H. Rosebrock — present
Director — Mrs. Glen Fisher — present
Director — Mrs. Norma M. Bowers — absent
Director — Miss Edith Peterson — present
Director — Frank Tinari — present
Director — E. H. Dixon — present
Director — Robert Merilees — absent

CHAIRMEN OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Affiliated Chapters — Mrs. R. B. Reaume — absent
American Horticultural Society —

William B. Carter — absent
Awards — Mrs. G. P. McGraw — present
Boyce Edens Memorial Fund —

Mrs. Harold Rienhardt — present
Commercial Activities — Don Wilson — absent
Commercial Sales and Exhibits —

Mrs. J. R. Millikan — present
Convention Program — Mrs. John T. Buckner — present
Convention Time and Place — Floyd Johnson — present
Executive Director — Mrs. Harold Baker — present
Finance — Mrs. Edna P. Jones — absent
Library — Mrs. Jack Yakie — present
Nominating — Mrs. Claude Greeley — present
Official Pin — Mrs. E. Pearle Turner — absent
Publications — Mrs. Robert Wright — present
Registration-r-Mrs. Fred Tretter — absent
Research — Dr. Charles Fischer — absent
Show Preparation and Judging —

Mrs. James B. Carey — present

President Yakie read the appointments for the fol¬
lowing year, and requested the Board’s permission to
make recess appointments where necessary to complete
Committees. Mrs. Carey moved that the appointments
be accepted as listed and that permission be granted to
the President to make recess appointments. The motion
was seconded and carried.

New Board members were introduced by President
Yakie.

The new officers were given an opportunity of pre¬
senting items for discussion and Mrs. Carey asked the
Board to rule on the use of flared-top pots in the
future. Discussion on this subject resulted in a motion
by Mr. Burton to continue with the old ruling which
provides that, “No supports or collars under foliage
will be permitted.” The motion was seconded, and
under discussion Mrs. Carey moved to amend the
motion by adding the words “flared-top pots” after the
word “no” for clearer intent of the motion. The
amendment was seconded and carried. The motion as
amended was adopted with but two dissenting votes.
Mrs. Wright requested that it be recorded that she
voted no on both the amendment and the motion, the
other no vote on both issues being made by Mr.
Johnson.

The Secretary read the proposed budget for the year
1962 which is attached hereto in itemized form. This
budget was adopted on motion by Mr. Burton, second¬
ed by Mr. Johnson, and carried.

Research problems were discussed but no action
taken.

Report of the Special Committee appointed to con¬
sider the proposal of the Atlas Fish Fertilizer Company
in regard to the printing and distribution of pamphlets
was heard, and resulted in the adoption of a motion
that the Society cooperate with any commercial firm
requesting information on the culture of African vio¬
lets for printing in pamphlets wherein application
forms for membership in the African Violet Society of
America are included provided that there shall be no
cost or obligation to the Society.

Mrs. Rosebrock moved that Mrs. Robert Wright be
named Editor of Publications. Motion was seconded
and carried.

Mrs. Carey moved that Mrs. Robert Wright be ap¬
pointed Executive Director for the ensuing year. Mo¬
tion was seconded and carried.

By motion of Mrs. Wright, seconded and carried,
it was ordered to pay the expenses of the Parliamen¬
tarian attending this Convention.

Mrs. McGraw, Chairman, presented the report of the
Awards Committee covering the presentation of
Awards made at the San Francisco Convention. The
report was accepted without objection.

There being no further business, the meeting was
adjourned at 12:00 noon.

Edith Peterson, Recording Secretary

Report of Boyce Edens
Research Fund

Mrs. Harold Rienhardt

4463 W. Seneca Tpk., R.D. 2, Syracuse 15, N.Y.

We wish to thank the many Affiliated Clubs
that have made generous donations to this
worthwhile project. We would also like to
point out that we would be very pleased to
receive donations from any of the many indi¬
viduals who do not belong to an African violet
club and feel that they would like to be a
part of this work. You may send your donation
direct to the chairman whose name appears
above or you may include it when you are
renewing your membership.

The following gifts have been received dur¬
ing the last quarter:

Wachusett African Violet Society, Gardner,
Mass. $10.00

Metropolitan African Violet Society, Washing¬
ton, D.C. 5.00

Raleigh African Violet Society, Raleigh, N.

Carolina 10.00

Fort Worth African Violet Society, Fort Worth,
Texas 10.00

Cedar Valley African Violet Club, Cedar Rap¬
ids, Iowa 25.00

Utica African Violet Society, Utica, N.Y. 5.00
African Violet Society of Mobile, Alabama

20.00

Des Moines African Violet Club #1, Des
Moines, Iowa 10.00

Sheridan African Violet Club, Sheridan, Wyo¬
ming 3.00

African Violet Society of Greater New York,
Inc., New York City 5.00

African Violet Society, Springfield, Pa. 5.00
Desert African Violet Club, Lancaster, Calif.

10.00

High Point African Violet Society, High Point,
N. Carolina 10.00

Minuet African Violet Club, St. Paul, Minn.

2.00

Community African Violet Club of Malden and
Melrose, Mass. 5.00

Alexandria African Violet Club, Alexandria,
La. 5.00

Des Moines African Violet Club #2, Des
Moines, Iowa 2.00

SPECIAL AWARDS — AMATEUR DIV.

ATLAS FISH FERTILIZER COMPANY
AWARD — a cup on pedestal for the best
specimen plant, green or chartreuse edged.
Class 24.

DIRECTOR’S SILVER GIFT AWARDS — one

to the winner of the most blue ribbons in the
specimen classes of the Amateur Division. One
to the winner of the most blue ribbons in the
Arrangement classes of the Amateur Division.

56

Four years ago when I first became innocu-
lated with the violet bug, overwater-
ing was one of the many problems. The hu¬
man instinct of believing that all plants live
on more water than soil is our greatest mis¬
take. Thus we have come to the point of water¬
logging the soil and the plant grows limp and
eventually drowns. Keeping plants a little on
the dry side is far safer; at least they aren’t
drowned in aqua. To overcome this, I turned
my attention to that particular problem. Yes,
I made many mistakes and plants were lost,
I believe that I have found the answers to
some of these questions; this took four years
to prove. Using measured containers, the
temptation of overwatering has become nil.
The first year was devoted to trial and error;
the following 3 have proven the true results.

To the beginner, my experience may be
helpful. I have no secrets to hide by not telling
my friends what I do to keep my plants in
good condition.

First, the plastic pots and saucers have
proven ideal, that is, when you purchase the
appropriate saucers to match the pot. When
we get into clay pots and saucers trouble
begins. I have found that the clay saucer takes
up most of the water. This leaves the pot and
soil to dry out. To overcome this, water is
applied frequently. When the clay saucer has
overcome its dryness, waterlogging the soil
begins.

To combat the above, throw out your clay
saucers. For each 2^/4 inch clay pot, use the
lid of an ordinary mayonnaise jar or the lid
of standard size zinc screw top fruit jars.
Chip out the glass insulator in the top; a
slight tap of a hammer will break it. The two
types of lids hold just the right amount of
water; and the pot, soil and plant get the use
of the water. Small glass Pyrex custard cups
with a top diameter of 3 V2 inches and 1 V2
inches deep, approximately one-half full of
water are also an answer to the problem. You
will find that waterlogging will become some¬
thing of the past, and crown rot will practi¬
cally disappear.

For 3 inch standard clay pots I have found
the lids from pound size peanut butter jars
hold the right amount of water. They too
may be painted with nail polish or dope. Other
containers such as jelly dishes, that are pur¬
chased in grocery stores (filled with jelly, of
course), with a diameter of 3 1/2 inches and a
depth of 2% inches, half filled with water
will also meet the requirements. A berry dish
4 1/2 inches in diameter and 1 V2 inches in
depth, half filled with water, takes care of a
3 inch clay pot.

There are 2 types of cheese packages now
sold at your local food stores. One, a square
plastic container measuring 31/2 inches square
and 1 1/2 inches deep, half full of water, will
do the job. The other type is a rather heavy
aluminum cheese container; this one measures
4 inches in diameter and IWs inches deep, and

Problems Of A Recruit

A. Ernest Beeg, Sr., Charles Town, W. Va.

filled half full of water, it will meet all re¬
quirements. It should be noted that each one
has a concave center. Placing drainage ma¬
terial such as sand, fine grits or scalded cind¬
ers in the bottom will keep the pot from tip¬
ping, and will also provide additional humi¬
dity. On the aluminum dish, use a hammer or a
smoothed-end piece of lumber and gently tap
the concave center down. The pot will stand
level by using drainage material.

The new twist-off caps for jars that are
sold in our local grocery stores may be put to
use. For instance, one with a diameter of 2
inches and % inch in depth will hold suffi¬
cient water for 2t4 inch plastic or fiber pots.
Instant coffee jar lids will also accommodate
21/4 inch plastic or fiber pots.

Square plastic pots were a problem for a
while, but after several tries, screw type lids
were found to work. For instance, 2 inch
square pots fit snugly into a twist-off cap and
are just right. The 21/2 inch square plastic
pot sets snugly in a twist-off lid 2^/2 inches in
diameter and meets its requirements.

Now the 3 inch square pot did bring about
some trouble, but it was soon overcome. Lids
from cream cheese and cottage cheese boxes
fitted the bill perfectly. The plastic cream
cheese lid measuring 3 V2 inches in diameter
and % of an inch deep was used. Then, a
peanut butter jar lid measuring 3 Vs inches in
diameter and Vz inch deep, with a little less
water, also met the requirements. Finally, a
plastic lid from a cottage cheese container,
measuring 4 inches in diameter and Vk inch
deep, also proved satisfactory.

Mrs “B”, in addition to the many other
things she does for me, has become a lid saver.
The more lids she saves the more interested
she becomes in these tests. Plants are no
longer waterlogged. Crown rot has dis¬
appeared. I believe crown rot is started by
too much water, soggy soil, and improper
drainage. This experiment has been used
successfully for 3 years; maybe you think I
am Scotch, but I am not.

Of my many hobbies, violetry is the most
interesting of all. There are many things I
have to learn. Yet, with all the disappoint¬
ments, one or two successful experiments over¬
comes all of them, and I am ready to try
another. There is always a reward. What I
shall undertake next, I don’t know at this
time. However, you may be assured it will be
something I can write about. There is always
the hope that it will help someone else. I have
found many helpful hints in the Magazine. To
me it serves as an exchange of ideas; there¬
fore, I am happy to reciprocate with mine. •

57

ANGEL WINGS — beautifully ruffled blue and white
double flowers on rich, shiny, medium green wavy
foliage. Naomi’s African Violets, Brockport, New York

New Varieties
To Come

BABY ROSES — a miniature. Blooms, blush pink shad¬
ing to coral. Foliage, light chartreuse green, plain or
tailored. Arndt’s Floral Garden, Troutdale, Oregon

ABEY — cupped blossom, intense cherry shading into
deep eye which blends into lighter lower petals. Girl
leaves. The Select Violet House, Youngstown, Ohio

FRATHEL’S SHEER GENIUS — scalloped variegated
foliage with shades of white, greens, creams, pink, and
chartreuse. Double pink. Violet Frathel, Rochester, N.Y.

CHORAL — a double, wavy, light shell pink flower on
dark serrated foliage that has a red-reverse. Meese’s
Flower Shop, Falls Church, Virginia

WHITE CHRISTMAS— the blossoms are lacy or heavily
frilled double whites without any hint of color. Victor
B. Constantinov, San Francisco, California

JUMBO GENEVA — jumbo single deep purple blossom
with sugar white edge. Blossoms held well above Su¬
preme type leaves. Tinari Greenhouses, Bethayres, Pa.

MERRY GO ROUND — large, medium blue Star.
Smooth, round, cupped foliage variegated with pink
and chartreuse. Champion’s African Violets, Clay, N.Y.

CARMELITA — vivid fuchsia red semidouble with sug¬
gestion of white edge. Olive-green leaves red-reverse.
Registered. Richter’s Greenhouses, Highland, liid.

WHITE PERFECTION— a prolific big pure white de¬
pendable full double with olive-green foliage that does
not hug pot. Lyndon Lyon, Dolgeville, New York

DIXIE MISTER ED- — large, loose red semidouble, with
distinctive white edging. Pointed medium green foli¬
age. R. A. Brown and Sons Co., Newnan, Georgia

POMONA— a rich, clear, semidouble pink with blooms
held w'ell above dark tailored foliage. Sold at green¬
houses only. Hi Hill Gardens, Etters, Pennsylvania

OlG A MllZIE. D f RU5T RATH 0W
A.H Northrop

Warner "Robins, Georgia

Let this be another story of a frustrated
husband and a happy wife.

Quackenbush is the name we remember.
Not because Quackenbush is the principal in
the story, but rather because the good Mrs.
Quackenbush started it all when she gave
the principals an African violet. (1)

Not long thereafter, a dinner party at a
neat and lovely home (2) introduced the
principals of the story (3) to a plant of a
different color. Not only was the flowering
portion unique but the leaves (4) themselves
were different. A polite after-dinner conver¬
sation indicated that if a single leaf were
placed in a pot of dirt — it would grow. (5)
A trip across the boundary into Canada was
an eye-opener. Not only because of the in¬
teresting English china that was on display,
but also because the people were so unusually
gracious and friendly. In the living area be¬
hind one shop were window shelves covered
with cracked saucers, jelly glasses, pie pans,
assorted pots, etc, all filled with exploded
mica insulation material (6), and each con¬
taining one or more “St. Paulia” (7) leaves.
Bone china cup and even the brick-red Wedg¬
wood became secondary. Souvenirs were to
be sold: this was an economic necessity. Vio¬
let leaves were used to cement friendship! We
had hit our first jack pot! (8)

Somehow or other, the Air Force (9) saw
fit to issue transfer orders. Fine antique fur¬
niture, plate glass mirrors, oil paintings and
Oriental Rugs were entrusted to the vans for
the trip out of the North Country. The violet
leaves, vermiculite, Windex spray bottle, and
all travelled in a Pork and Bean carton (24
can) in the family car. (10)

(1) One plant with a white flower. Seri¬
ously now, who ever heard of start¬
ing it with two plants?

(2) All homes are neat and lovely when
fixed up for a dinner party.

(3) That’s us. You would have guessed
it soon anyhow.

(4) “Foliage” to the initiated.

(5) What the conversation did not reveal
was that two leaves in two pots would
grow into two plants . . . and that
three leaves . . . etc. etc.

(6) Vermiculite is now a household word.

(7) How these flowers are connected to
the Bible character I never did dis¬
cover.

(8) If only I had known, I would have
declared the- little leaves and let the
customs authority destroy them! Not
knowing, we brought them back and
now have “Canada Lady” numbers
1 through 8.

(9) We, the principals, are an Air Force
family.

(10) This was the second chance to dis¬
pose of the lot. There has not been
another.

The return to more formalized civilization
was uneventful except that we were again
in the area of the super “dime store.” (11)
How things had changed! Saintpaulia, ver¬
miculite, potting soil, guppies, hamburgers
and Absorbine Jr. — - in fact, any and every¬
thing was to be had for a price. It was in this
tantalizing situation that the Amazon side of
the Principals almost entered a life of crime,
I say “almost” because until she actually
breaks a leaf off a living plant, I do not think
it would be construed as theft. However, she
did “find” leaves in the trash box by the
counter! Now we have plants named “Kresge
1, 2, 3, etc.”, “Woolworth” ditto, and these
are further scientifically subdivided as “Man-
hasset Newberry’s”, “Macon Sears” etc. (12)
Time marched on. The little beggars grew.
Catalogues arrived. Flower shows were at¬
tended. Membership in the Society was
sought. (13) The window seat overflowed to
the dining table. A flower pot manufacturer
was located. (14) Montgomery /Roebuck “Dec¬
orator” burnished brass brackets (15) were
installed for window shelves. And then they

(11) Don’t believe they are called “Dime”
stores anymore!

(12) I wish our cancelled bank checks
were as scrupulously documented!

(13) And accepted.

(14) Moved again and live in Middle Geor¬
gia now.

(15) Permanent fixtures in most stores
. . . but . . . “Not For Sale.”

60

bloomed!! Pink — blue — white — purple
— fringed - — double — single — Stars —
Genevas — 20 — 30 — 60 plants at a time!

But through it all there developed a frus¬
tration. Names! Incongruous high sounding
meaningless names. The Mrs. Principal loved
it. It gave her a sense of superiority to be able
to discuss the crop (16) as though the mastery
of nomenclature were a scientific achieve¬
ment. This was especially true when two
growers developed the same plant. Somehow
this doubled the name calling pleasure. Such
a situation inevitably touched off a profound
dissertation. The flood of names seemed end¬
less, and the uninitiated learned the true mean¬
ing of being an “Outsider!”

On the other hand, the Mr. Principal could
only remain silent, cogitating all the while
on the idea that the entire problem must
surely lend itself to some logical system. Num¬
bers surely could be used. Bell Telephone did!
Social Security has reduced us each to a num¬
ber! Why not violets?

^ *

And so a system was born. To be sure, it was
a weakling. It has not bloomed yet. The Mrs.
said it resembled a mutation that remained
mute. It was logical enough, but that seemed
to be the trouble. The mistake was in assum¬
ing that logic was above romance, and who
can be logical about Saintpaul-issimus? Ro¬
mance (17) and mystery somehow seem to be

(16) “Harvest” or “Yield” — to me it
indicates a sizable quantity.

(17) At my age?

inherent in anything with individuality and
as yet our two hundred-odd plants are indi¬
viduals. There are no duplicates! We cannot
seem to progress beyond the stage of collect¬
ing varieties.

That is the story. No, we have not developed
a common interest only an interest in differ¬
ent aspects of the same thing! (18) And yet,
despite the frustration, we must be and are
grateful to the one responsible for this inter¬
esting hobby. We salute you, Mrs. Quacken-
bush, wherever you may be! (19)

* ri: t- 'Af

I think my husband has something here.

At first, the names fascinated me. Now they
overwhelm! Even more so since I’ve been
receiving the new catalogs and listings. I’m
convinced something should be done.

In looking through the MAGAZINE for

Dec. 1961, I finally gave up on the listings
such as on pages 5 and 21. Many names were
unfamiliar to me. I tried to find them in
catalogs that I have, couldn’t, and finally quit.
If a numbers system such as the enclosed
were universally used (with improvements

or modifications), one could at least get an
idea of what a certain plant was like, and
without a lot of words. The “Remarks” could
even be omitted.

I’m all for a system!!

Mrs. A. H. Northrop •

(18) This distinction may not be possible,

(19) I think she moved to California.

TYPE (Refer to key) REMARKS NAME

A

B

C

D

E

3

4

5

5

0

Very Fringed

Pink Parfait

1

3

2

1

0

Blooms in Clusters

Charm Song

3

1

6

9

7

Unusual Bloom

Sea Sprite

1

2

2

6

0

Semiminiature

Redderness

3

2

3

2

9

Prolific Bloomer

Matchmate

7

4

3

2

0

Good Bloomer

Blue Canoe

8

2

4

9

7

Dainty

Bunny Hug

2

6

2

4

0

Reliable

Cindy

3

5

2

7

8

Pretty Plant

Meteore

1

2

1

9

0

Large Blooms

Giant Snow Prince

KEY

A— LEAF FORM

B— LEAF COLOR

C-~BLOOM FORM

D, E— BLOOM COLOR

(Primary & Secondary)

1

Boy

1

Light Green

1

Single

1

Light Blue

2

Girl

2

Medium Green

2

Double

2

Medium Blue

3

Ruffled (Wavy)

3

Dark Green

3

Semidouble

3

Dark Blue

4

du Pont

4

Red Back

4

Star

4

Light Pink

5

Holly

5

Bronze

5

Fringed Single

5

Medium Pink

6

Supreme

6

Variegated

6

Fringed Double

6

Dark Pink

7

Spoon

7

Lavender

8

Longifolia

8

Purple

9

Grotei

9

White

61

Easy To Make Arrangements

Mrs. George Pondella, Glendale, California

AS I walk through my garden, I get so many
ideas about making arrangements. I es¬
pecially like to work with dried material
mixed in with the violets; I’ll pick up a piece
of driftwood or a dried blossom and work it
into an arrangement. It’s fun to see what you
can turn out; it d,oesn’t take much material,
especially if you have a lovely African violet
you want to display.

The pictured arrangements were made with
the help of material from my garden.

Above, three plants set
in driftwood with a vine
in background draped
around driftwood.

In the center of the page,
a composition in pink.

Left, bird of paradise blossoms and
leaves from the garden, with a blue
violet that matched the blue in the
bird of paradise flowers. Lower right
corner, two violet plants set in a
coconut seed pod — which is quite
large. Dried paparus is used for the
background.

Above, two light blue
plants arranged with pink
coral rock.

Below, two pieces of
driftwood with a pink
violet in the center.

1 An Escape

1 From Reality

1 Berniece Glass

1 Indianapolis, Indiana

, Ji ■ :

IN this world of turmoil and confusion, dic¬
tators, communism, the iron curtain, na¬
tional integration orders, chaos in the Congo,
trouble im Laos, unrest in Asia, Castro at our
door step, the United Nations a place of
arguments, shouting, and shoe pounding, no
one knows what lies ahead of us. We reach
out for composure and serenity. . . . Can
one escape those unpleasant realities? Many
people do many things to try. My answer
is, “Have a hobby.” Webster defines “hobby”
as “an engrossing topic, plan, etc. to which
one constantly reverts,” also “an occupation
or interest to which one gives his spare time.”
My objection to the latter definition is the
“spare time” phrase: one just has to take
the time. I take the time for several interests,
but the one which gives me the most all
around pleasure is my African violet hobby.
As a little child I planted and cared for
growing things. I can’t remember when my
father did not take me to the woods in the
spring, give me a trowel, and help me dig
up wild violets. Then we would bring them
home where he and I set them out in my
wild flower bed. Violets have always been one
of my favorite flowers. On my 16th birthday,
an old Irvington boy brought me a big bunch
of lovely blossoms which he had picked from
violets in his own yard: my girlhood heart
was warmed and thrilled. Years ago I saw a
plant in a flower shop window. It did not look
exactly like a wild violet, yet I knew it was
some type of violet. I went in and bought it,
but I do not remember asking its name. In
time it died, but I was not discouraged. Later
I bought others, only to have them die, too.
Some place along the way I learned these
plants were African violets.

Further interest in African violets brought
to my attention that this plant was introduced
into this country only recently. I learned that
back in the year 1892, in Tanga Province of
East Africa, the African violet was discovered
by Walter von Saint Paul, the District Gover¬
nor of German East Africa. Hence the name
Saintpaulia was given to this lovely violet
in honor and recognition of its discoverer,
Baron Saint Paul sent some of these plants
to his father in Germany who, in turn, gave
them to Hermann Wendland, a prominent
botanist of the day, to identify and name.
Herr Wendland was also to make arrange¬
ments for their commercial distribution
throughout Europe. By June of 1893 the Afri¬
can violet had become known to horticulturists
of many lands. The botanist in describing it

said, “Because of its enhancing beauty I will
call this plant one of the daintiest hothouse
plants to be introduced in many years.” Thus,
to flower lovers everywhere, was brought
this gem of all indoor plants. It has given
untold interest and new pleasures to count¬
less thousands of people. To grow African
violets and make them bloom is not always
easy and as much as I wanted to be success¬
ful with them I was not having any luck
even though I had always loved working with
flowers of all kinds and had grown most of
them well.

In the spring of 1949 an article accompanied
by a picture appeared in one of our local
papers. It told how Mrs. Rumbaugh of Tipton,
one of two cases in medical history, up to
that time, had come out the winner in a 10
year fight with multiple sclerosis. The picture
showed her in her violet room surrounded
with hundreds of plants. Much of her re¬
covery, so the story said, was due to her
violet hobby: it had become such an absorb¬
ing health giving interest. Her recovery began
when a friend brought her an African violet
saying, “I hope you will be interested enough
in this to take care of it yourself.” As she
lay helpless in bed ... to one so stricken
this was an inspiring challenge . . . Mrs.
Rumbaugh won out. The more I thought about
it I came to a decision I would go and see
Mrs. Rumbaugh! As the morning dawned
warm and bright, my sister, our faithful
friend, Blanche, and I set out for Tipton. We
not only found Mrs. Rumbaugh at home, but
Mr. Rumbaugh as well. Our meeting was so
pleasant and the violets so beautiful that
time seemed to fly. “Do you think I could
grow African violets with your instruction?”
I asked. “I do not see why you can’t,” she
answered.

So, we came home with many little plants
with which to try our luck. Here was the
real start. I put them in the windows, to the
east and north, and they did pretty well.
However, I was not successful as they sooner
or later began to fail as the others had done.
In the meantime we three had been back to
Mrs. Rumbaugh’s several times, and more
plants came home with us to replace those
which died. Time passed but not my interest
in African violets even though I could not
grow them with much success.

It was on Sunday May 6th, my birthday,
as my husband and I were out pleasure driving
that he slowed the car down and stopped.
“Why?” I asked. He answered, “Don’t you
see the African violet sign? I thought I would
like to buy you a plant, just for today, your
birthday.” Thus, I met Kathryn Wiebel of
Mooresville. We spent a most enjoyable hour
in her home. This meeting led to my ac¬
quaintance with the late Mable Kitch and then
membership in the Indianapolis Violet Club.
These women take violet growing seriously,
and are a most congenial group. Every one

63

works at whatever task presents itself. Here
was my inspiration. I listened with my ears,
watched with my eyes, then tried out different
things I had learned. All of this in detail would
make too long a story.

In the years that followed, our club put
on several shows. (I did not exhibit in them
as I was still learning and hesitated .... Then,
we planned for a show to be at the Marott
Hotel.) By now my violets had improved in
quality as well as quantity and I felt that I
was beginning to get someplace in the chal¬
lenge of growing them. However, I had con¬
siderable timidity about taking any to be
judged in a show. “What if all of us felt
that way?” inquired one of my very good
friends in the violet club. I had to admit
there was some merit to what she had said.
The night before the show I packed up 13
plants which I thought looked “pretty good.”
Those plants came out of the show with 13
ribbons. This gave me a lift as well as an
assurance that I was on the right track. By
now you are wondering what the right track
is: there is no one track. Violets do well in
various soil mixes. I make mine by the same
method by which I cook, “No rhyme or reason
to it.” Really though, it is not quite that bad,
for I know they must have a light, loamy
and fertile soil. I use about equal parts of
leaf mold or humus, well rotted stump, cow
manure maybe a little sand, and some soil
conditioner or fertilizer. More African violets
are killed by watering them too much than
from any other cause. Violets cannot survive
long in a heavy soil — which holds water
over a period of time because the plants roots
need air for healthy growth. The best bloom
comes from a plant which is more or less
root bound! A large plant in a small pot will
give beautiful bloom, whereas a small plant
in a large pot will give none. One can trans¬
plant less frequently and feed oftener with
a well balanced plant food, or, transplant
more frequently to the next size pot and fer¬
tilize less often. Take your choice.

Do you remember our first violets? They
were all in shades of purple and blue. We
wondered if we would ever get a pink one.
Hybridizers all over the country were at work
to see what new varieties they could produce.
It was evident the “violet bug” was
taking hold everywhere. “Pink Beauty” fin¬
ally came. It had a single pink flower, rather
pale in color, with light green foliage, but
we thought it was beautiful. Then, of course,
we wanted more. Would we ever get a white
one, double blooms, bigger blossoms, prettier
foliage? We have them all now, thanks to the
hybridizers who have worked so hard to
produce new kinds for us. Out of 5,000 seed¬
lings, if lucky, a hybridizer may get one
good new African violet. We are promised a
yellow one some day, and we are eagerly
looking forward to this color break. When
you visit a large greenhouse and see acres

of violets in full bloom it is truly a wonderful
experience. After a new plant is produced
it has to come true for three generations be¬
fore it is supposed to be registered with the
National Society. There are thousands of reg¬
istered varieties today, no two with the same
name supposedly . . . but there have been
a few slip-ups in this ....

A new plant is usually propagated by break¬
ing off a leaf and putting it down in damp
sand or other rooting medium. When the little
plantlets reach a height of 1 Vi to 2 inches
they are removed from the mother leaf and
put in small individual pots.

Violets may be grown in either natural or
artificial light. For a long time I held out
because I did not want to go to the basement
to enjoy my hobby, I wanted to grow them
upstairs where I could see them often, and
certainly our home was not to become a
greenhouse, as some places I had seen.

In 1954, along with 14 members of our club,
I attended my first National Convention and
show in St. Louis. I had a wonderful time.
Here the prize plants had all been grown
under fluorescent light and I had to admit to
myself that they were of superior quality.
One from our group entered the plant which
was judged to be best in the show, and was
awarded the SILVER CUP. Of course, this
plant had been grown under fluorescent light.
Violets require plenty of light, a thing most
areas do not provide all the year around.
Artificial light provides an even light inten¬
sity for the same number of hours each day,
at the proper distance from the plants. By
this method one does not have excessive light
part of the time and deficient light at others.
Even the light from a lamp on a table will
help produce better bloom, if you place your
hard to blossom variety by the lamp each
evening. I had heard a lot of talk about
growing African violets under artificial light
even before the St. Louis Convention, but
here one whole program was given to it. A
speaker from the General Electric Company
told how the florists of today were using
fluorescent lights, thus giving their plants the
light they would naturally get in certain
seasons when they most needed it.

I came away from St. Louis knowing that
I would have to try artificial light. About
this time the Crown Laundry bought a bank¬
rupt dry cleaning plant, and I saw a pile of
lighting fixtures in the back of the place as
it was being dismantled for our use. Here
was my chance. At first I only had two fixtures
over a discarded door which served as a table.
This proved immediately successful. Soon my
old basement found itself all dressed up with
new paint, aglow with lights, and about 200
violets. Violets enjoy an even temperature,
high humidity, and fresh air. Did you know
that all house plants require fresh air? Afri¬
can violets soon die if they are left for too
long in a closed house. However, they will

64

grow and flower moderately well even if
conditions are not just perfect. For this reason
the African violet has skyrocketed in only a
few years to national prominence, and is today
the favorite of most indoor gardeners. This
rapid rise in popularity is due to its ability
to produce lush foliage with a variety of
colors, sizes, and shapes of blossoms and to
adapt readily to varied climates and growing
conditions, and provide flowers the year round
in the home.

Never let your African violets have more
than a single crown — many heads are not
pretty on anything, and an African violet with
several is out of shape, unsymmetrical, and,
to me, ugly. To keep to a single crown they
must be groomed and the little suckers which
appear between the leaves, at their base, must
be removed.

At our club’s last show at the Marott Hotel,
the one where I won the 13 ribbons, Don
Wilson, of Wilson Brothers Geranium Grow¬
ers of Roachdale, Indiana, introduced a new
plant he had hybridized. In the beginning
when Don became interested in violets his
brothers and brothers-in-law, called him the
“crazy one.” Being “crazy” has been so profit¬
able for Don that six years ago they built
him a new big greenhouse just for African
violets. Don and his wife, Betty, have always
been wonderful friends of ours and he has
honored us often by introducing his newest
releases at our Indianapolis show. At the
Marott Hotel that year it was Coon Valley.

Winning those 13 ribbons gave a new im¬
petus to my violet collecting. My friends in
the violet club were as thrilled as I was, at
least they seemed to be. So overjoyed was I
that I kept talking to our visitors while every¬
one else bought Coon Valley, and when I got
to Don’s sales tables there were only three
or four plants of Coon Valley left. I picked
over them, just tiny things wrapped in cello¬
phane, and I chose what I thought to be the
best one. It was about 1 V2 inches high with
two spindly looking leaves on it. I thought
to myself, “How does Don have the nerve to
charge me 75 cents for this?” But loving Don
and Betty as we all do, and appreciating their
loyalty to us both as individuals and as a
group, I would probably have paid twice that
amount and never said a word. So — I took
Coon Valley home.

For the past six years we have had an
Indiana state organization and the state show
has taken the place of our former club show.
At the October 1959 show, Don Wilson offered
a $10.00 cash award for the best specimen of
Coon Valley. The little plant I had carried
home two years before grew and grew. By
show time it measured 26 inches across. It
was pretty, had symmetry and was in good
bloom. So I entered it. To my great surprise
it won the $10.00 award as well as a special
merit award ribbon. During the two years
growing period my plant had been repotted

three or four times, with the loving care that
I had so enjoyed giving it, this was the result.

There is a certain amount of personal satis¬
faction in watching a plant grow from two
spindly leaves into a beautiful prize-winning
beauty. I do not grow violets just to win
ribbons as I love to work with them and
would do so even if I never won anything.
Many people have asked me, “How do you
grow such plants?” I tell them, “That could
run into quite a story.” I am really one of
that endless procession of violet lovers who,
at one time or another, begins to feel com¬
pletely licked after years of failure. Had I
been a person who gives up easily on a proj¬
ect, I might have dropped by the wayside
long ago.

At the banquet in St. Louis I sat beside a
most personable woman from Toronto. She
had flown down to attend the Convention;
She said to me “Actually my sister is worried
about me. Anyone who would fly down to St.
Louis from Toronto, Canada, all by herself
to attend an African violet show has lost her
mind, to my sister’s way of thinking. She just
can’t understand it, and is really quite con¬
cerned and distressed about me. My husband
has a very bad heart condition and in order
to be at his office even part of the day he
has to retire around seven o’clock in the
evening. I used to knit a lot and loved to do
it, but I found one can knit and knit well and
still think about his troubles — it becomes
such a routine thing. A friend of mine gave
me an African violet plant and said that she
hoped I would become interested in growing
this pretty house plant. I tried hard and had
success, so I added more. I find when you
take care of African violets you have to keep
your mind on what you are doing: you can’t
think about your troubles. Caring for them
and having them bloom has given me a calm¬
ness and serenity of mind.” Here, in a hobby,
my acquaintance from Toronto had found the
way to escape from reality.

African violets are only one of my hobbies.
I do not give them a big portion of my day
but I love the hours I spend with them and
find this time most relaxing. Once in a while
it may take most of the day to do what is
necessary, but this is not a weekly obligation
by any means. They will take a certain amount
of neglect but when this continues for a long
period of time they begin to look sad. Instead
of greeting you with upturned faces on strong
erect stems, they hang their heads and seem
to say, “Please give us a drink of water and
some food.” No matter how tired I am I
can go to the basement and spend an hour or
two with my violets and come out with a
feeling of satisfaction, accomplishment, and
peace of mind. I usually have around 200
plants, and there are times when I wonder
if I have a hobby, or it has me . . . sometimes
I am sure it has me but I love it all the same
. . . and it is often my way of happy escape. •

65

Paul Arnold, 26 Hotchkiss St. S.
Binghamton, New York

Gesneriads

COMPANION PLANTS

for African Violets

^DIASTEMA QUINQUEVUL-

NERUM. A native of Colombia,
Diastema quinquevulnerum is a
choice pot plant that has been
cultivated since the start of the
present century. Bright green
leaves adorn the 6 to 8 inch up¬
right stems which bear white
flowers different from those of
D. vexans (illustrated in the
December 1960 issue), in having
spots of paler color on the flower
lobes. There are hardly any spots
on the two upper lobes of D.
quinquevulnerum flowers. Both
species grow from scaly rhizomes
and go dormant during the win¬
ter months. Right.

-V ACHIMENES FLAVA. Yellow flowers are
rare among the African violet relatives, which
makes it difficult to understand why this
Achimenes flava with rich buttercup yellow
flowers, growing wild in many States of
Mexico, should have avoided collection for
cultivation until 1962. The plant was named
by C. V. Morton in 1936 from dried material
collected in 1933 but was not introduced to
gardens until Prof. Harold E. Moore, Jr.
brought living specimens from Mexico to
Cornell University in 1959. Plants of A. flava
have rather long internodes, which makes it
more suitable to grow in a hanging basket
than upright in the container. Nevertheless,
the bright yellow flowers are a pleasing addi¬
tion to this genus of house plants with predo¬
minately lavender and purple flowers. Hy¬
bridizers have already been busy crossing
E. flava with some of the Achimenes having
larger flowers and more upright habit. Left.

C^ACHIMENES ‘ATROPURPUREA’. The
origin of this Achimenes with brightly colored
purple flowers on dwarf, compact ten-inch
plants is not known but stocks in the United
States appear to have come from India. Achi¬
menes ‘Atropurpurea’ can be found in most
Achimenes collections of any size and it is
well worth growing. It appears to be an A.
grandiflora hybrid, flowering in midsummer,
and a good subject for the window garden or
for growing under lights because of its short
stems. The flowers are “deep reddish purple”
(Munsell 2.5 RP 3/10) to “purple” (lOP 3/9).
Above.

ACHIMENES ‘CRIMSON TIGER’. Two

Achimenes with semidouble flowers were
announced by Park Seed Company in their
1962 catalog; ‘Coral Gem’ and ‘Crimson Tiger.’
The latter proved to be an A. coccinea hybrid
of dwarf stature, growing only 6 or 8 inches
tall and producing late in the summer tiny
red flowers with a petaloid development of
the stamens filling the speckled throats. The
flowers are charming, though scarcely to be
compared in size and decorative effect with
‘Violacea Semi-Plena’, which had been hereto¬
fore the only double Achimenes in cultivation.
Achimenes ‘Crimson Tiger’ blooms from late
summer almost until the end of the year.
Above.

EUCODONOPSIS ‘KUAN YIN’. This
bigeneric hybrid between an Achimenes and a
Smithiantha was produced in Durham, New
Hampshire by Mrs. J. D. Batcheller. The cross
was made in 1959 using pollen from an
Achimenes longiflora hybrid to fertilize a
zebrina hybrid Smithiantha. The resulting
plants were discarded except for the one
shown here. The selected plant was named
‘Kuan Yin’ and it received international re¬
gistration number 61011, in February 1961. A
limited number of the plants are being re¬
leased for sale in 1963. This interesting “mule”
blooms in late summer, producing a large
number of yellowish flowers, striped with
purple radiant lines from the throat to the
corolla edges. The flowers fade to a pink tone
as they age. A remarkable habit of this pretty
plant is the frequent production of flowers
with 6 corolla lobes instead of the typical five
lobes. Right.

African Violets --

A Pleasurable Pastime

Mrs. Hugh Childs, Gainesville, Georgia

WE, my husband and I, have been growing
African violets since 1944. When he
came back from the army, he became in¬
terested in some of the leaves that I had
rooted and the plants that I had bought, so
we began collecting, and even though there
are so many, many varieties, we are still in¬
terested in getting as many new ones as we
can.

We root our leaves in Terra-Lite. We put
charcoal in the bottom of the tray in which
we root our leaves, and we put charcoal in
the bottom of the pots in which we plant the
violets. We try to have a good garden soil
with which we mix Terra-Lite and peat moss
— 1/2 soil, V4 Terra-Lite, and V4 peat moss.
We do not put fertilizer or plant food in our

Above, glassed-in porch, windows have double glass.
Below, stands in front office by plate glass window.

mixture, but we do at times put some chicken
fertilizer in the bottom of the pot above the
charcoal. We feed our plants every ten days
in the winter time with some good plant food.
We let them rest a while in the summer.

We grow our violets in three different
places. I have a good number growing under
fluorescent lights in the basement. They are
on tables. Above them is this canopy painted
silver with fluorescent lights built into it.
The canopy is swung up with chains and it
can be lowered or lifted depending on how
far we want the plants from the lights. We
have a time switch, and the lights stay on
from eight in the morning until eleven at
night. In the basement are our washing
machine and clothes dryer, and the violets
really like the moisture from these. On our
glassed-in porch where we just live most of
the time, my husband has a table of violets.
He won’t ever have over two dozen up there.
Among the violets he places water goblets
which he fills with water. It is amazing how
much water it takes to keep these glasses full.
At each end of the table he has lights to turn
on in case the days are dark and dreary, but
ordinarily the violets get plenty of light
through these double paned windows. The sun
doesn’t burn them through these windows in
the summertime either. The third place where
our violets are grown is at our store. I did not
have enough time to work with violets at
home, so I brought some to the office to look
after in my spare time. I have part of them
on stands and they get their light through
the plate glass windows in the front part of
the store. I also have some on shelves under
fluorescent lights. Many people stop and look
at the violets and a lot of them come in the
store. Very often I give people leaves and
cuttings and get others interested in violets.
We do have even temperature at all three
places — gas heat.

I don’t imagine that any one has ever got¬
ten any more pleasure from violets than I
have. I don’t know whether I have enjoyed
the violets more or the friendships made
through the violets. •

Violets growing in basement under canopy with lights.

1

A violet totem pole is in the backg^-ound. Left front,
Fire Dance in a redwood knot, right front. Double
Holly in a rock.

My Story

About African Violets

I love African violets and like to watch them
grow from baby plants to beautiful bloom¬
ing plants. It is such a thrill to watch a plant
come into bloom, then to keep it growing and
blooming. When things don’t work out just
like I want them to, I know I have neglected
to do something that was necessary.

The violet bug bit me about 12 years ago,
and my small greenhouse was purchased
about 8 years ago. I started with 2 or 3 plants,
but I soon had to have more room . . . and
I could use more room now. I have a 3 tier
Flora Cart in the front room of my home.

I make my own mix as I have about 400
plants. The mix is sterilized by putting it in
the oven for one hour at a temperature of
250 degrees. V-C 13 is used to sterilize my
clay pots. At one time I had cyclamen mite,
and now I make it a practice to use sodium

A glimpse of a section of Mrs. Bearham’s greenhouse
where her violets grow well.

Pictured above are mature plants of Romance, Sky
Trailer (which is also shown in photo below) and
Black Cherry.

Mrs. Perry Bearham, Encino, California

selenate twice a year, with very good success.

My plants are fed with two kinds of plant
food, which I alternate and apply at two week
intervals, using it at half the strength the
directions call for.

I find it very important to have plenty of
humidity and good light for nice foliage and
for blooms . . . the blooms seem to be more
plentiful and of better color. Also, it is much
better to never let the plants get dry; if they
are kept moist or damp they seem to grow
better and the leaves are not as inclined to
droop down over the pot.

We live in the San Fernando Valley where
it gets very hot and dry in the summer, and
there is a lot of wind which has a very drying
effect. I prefer my greenhouse for nice plants
as there they seem to bloom profusely, with
good color, and the blooms are of a good size.

African violets need a lot of tender loving
care. They know when they are loved, and
respond by performing beautifully. It may be
a lot of work, but it is worth it. •

Left to right. Mentor Boy, Sky Trailer and a violet

Mrs. Bearham doesn’t know the name of.

My Violet Story

I have been raising African violets for 14
years. I really didn’t know too much about
them at first, but I had been growing house
flowers and outside flowers as annuals and
perennials for many years, and my violets did
well. I started with about 6 plants in different
shades of blue. After I heard there were other
colors, I could hardly wait to try them. A
lady in a neighboring town had African violets
for sale so I went to see her, and, of course,
like many others have done, fell in love with
them and came home with about a dozen
plants. This lady told me about the African
Violet Magazine and I subscribed at once.
This was in 1952, and I owe much of my
success in growing violets to the wonderful
African Violet Magazine.

In the beginning I did not sterilize soil as
I had never heard of nematodes. I have been
an organic gardener for several years and
have used compost, sand, good garden dirt,
limestone dirt from the hills near here, with
good success. After reading in the African
Violet Magazine about so many things that
could happen to violets, I started sterilizing
my soil. Then later I learned how to make a
soil mixture Nature’s Way (thanks to Mrs.
Marie Dannemiller and the Magazine).

My violets have done well in the Nature’s
Way mixture due, I think, to the different
kinds of ground rock used in the mixture.
We are fortunate to be near several rock
quarries. My husband hauls trailer loads of
ground rock, including granite dust and two
kinds of dolomite, for our garden and outside
flowers, shrubs, trees and lawn. Of course, I
always keep a supply of each for my violets.
There is a dolomite quarry and milling plant
called Valley Dolomite Company in Desloge,
Missouri (a town near here). We also use a
lot of charcoal in our garden, and we get this
from the Hardwood Charcoal Company at
Steelville, Missouri. They make a finely
ground charcoal which is ideal for the violet
mixture.

Most of my plants are started from leaves
rooted in water, with charcoal added. After
the roots are formed, the leaves are placed in

vermiculite to make plantlets. For choice
leaves, I use a small plastic greenhouse.

Two years ago I got a sack of toxic vermic¬
ulite and lost a few leaves before I discovered
the cause (thanks to an article in the Sep¬
tember 1960 issue of the African Violet Maga¬
zine). Now I always try a few leaves in some
vermiculite from each new sack before I use
it for choice leaves.

New plantlets are potted in one inch, IV2
inch or 2^/4 inch clay pots, according to the
size of the plantlets. When these become root-
bound, they are transplanted to 3 or 4 inch
pots, but mostly in 3 inch pots as the violets
bloom better for me in smaller pots. I use
pieces of charcoal in the bottom of the pots
after first putting in a small amount of sphag¬
num moss (the stringy kind). Then when I
repot all I have to do is punch a nail in the
hole at the bottom of the pot and the roots
and all slip out easily. The potted violets are
placed in saucers with small sterilized gravel
or pebbles in the bottom of the saucers. I use
aluminum foil around the rims of the pots.
If a plant starts to wilt a little after potting
or repotting, I make a tent over the plant
with a piece of Handi-Wrap, folding the edges
under the pot. If moisture forms, I open one
corner for air. Handi-Wrap may be purchased
at any food supermarket.

Before watering, I sometimes use a tooth¬
pick (the flat kind) to loosen the soil on top,
being careful not to prick stems or leaves. I
water my violets just when the top of the
soil begins to get dry. I prefer keeping the
violets moist as being too dry causes the
blossoms to fall (of course I never let them
stand in water). I water both from the top
and bottom, using warm rain water: from the
top to wash down mineral salts; bottom water¬
ing encourages roots downward into moist
sphagnum moss in the bottom of the pot and
also into the moist pebbles in the saucer. This
aids humidity. I let water steam in a teakettle
for extra humidity (a check is kept on the
humidity indicator). Also every week or so I
spray a fine mist of warm rain water over the
tops of the violets, using a pinch of dusting
sulphur in the water for mildew; a Windex
bottle is used for the sprayer. The water mist
settles down on the violets and not only aids
humidity but keeps the violet leaves clean and
shining. Of course the violets are kept out of
the sun and strong light until they are dry. I
try to keep faded flowers and stems removed,
and occasionally wash the mineral salts from
the outside of the pots by holding the plants
sideways under a faucet in the sink.

I feed my violets every 2 weeks, using a
weaker solution than the directions call for.
There are many good plant foods and I have
used several kinds but the one I like best is
Mer-Made Fish Emulsion. It is 100% organic
nitrogen, it makes the minerals in the soil
available, and also contains vitamins, amino
acids and trace minerals. It makes profuse

70

blooms and foliage. It may be ordered from
Break’s, 250 Breck Building, Boston 10, Mass.
It is made by Gray Chemical, Inc., Gloucester,
Massachusetts.

My African violets are on a table in front of
a large picture window facing north, also on
a small porch with windows on the north,
east and south. Shelves are on the north and
east sides. The bottom board shelf is IV2 feet
wide; there are 2 rows of glass shelves above
this. The violets like the east sun in the
winter but I have to use thin curtains when
the warm days start. On dark winter days
I use a fluorescent ceiling light.

When the hot summer days begin, the
violets are moved to a room under the porch
which we had windowed-in especially for my
violets. All the east side is windows. There is
a small sliding window on the south side
which I open at night to let in the cool air.
The room under the porch has a door opening
into the basement, and air circulates from a
small sliding window through the basement
windows. It is ideal for the violets in the
summer as it is 10 degrees cooler than the
upstairs porch. The plants just love it and
keep blooming even though I stop feeding
them, and water them only once a week. The
tree frogs like it too as every now and then I
find one in a dish of rooted leaves, with its
eyes peeking out of the damp vermiculite.

I don’t have a regular spray program, and
because of sinus trouble I cannot use poison
sprays. I use Marvel Spray and Raid House
and Garden Spray if I see any plant that
doesn’t look just right. I always disinfect and
spray the shelves where the violets are to be
placed. All leaves and plants I buy are kept
isolated and sprayed until I am sure they are
all right. The violet summer room is sprayed
occasionally for any bugs which might come
in from the garden. For organic bugs I use
Soilene and Rotenone. Soilene may be sprin¬
kled on top of the soil or in the saucers and
is very effective for springtails. For organic
bugs which sometimes are found on the sides
of the pots, I dust the sides of the pots with
a piece of cotton dipped in Rotenone. Dusting
sulphur is used on the stems of plants after
removing leaves, also it helps to heal bruises
and is good for rust that sometimes comes on
the stems.

I usually have about 250 plants, counting
small ones, and try not to go over that num¬
ber; there are about 80 varieties, some of the
newest and the best of the older ones. I sell
plants and give them to friends, the sick and
shut-ins; last spring a number of plants were
given to the Baptist Children’s Home in St.
Louis, Missouri.

I love to have people come to see my violets,
and I always try to help with their violet
problems if I can, as all of us have violet
problems sooner or later. I always recommend
the African Violet Magazine to them as it
has been so helpful to me. •

Cleo Clemons, Irondale, Missouri'

Leaf cuttings are rooted
in water to which some
fine pieces of charcoal are
added. After the roots
form the cuttings are
placed in vermiculite to
make plantlets.

When potting up young
plants or transplanting
older ones place a small
amount of sphagnum moss
(the stringy kind) in the
bottom of the pot over
the drainage hole then
cover with pieces of char¬
coal. This makes it easier
to push the soil mass out
of the pot when repotting.

A fine mist spraying of warm rain water
over the tops of plants, every week or so,
is most beneficial. Add a pinch of dusting
sulphur to the water for mildew. A Windex
bottle is used for the sprayer. The water mist
settles down over the violets — and not only
aids humidity but keeps the foliage clean
and shining. Do keep the plants out of strong
light or the sun until the foliage is dry.
Also, do not set them in a cool or drafty
place until dry.

_ ^

Sometimes, before water¬
ing a toothpick is used to
lightly loosen the soil on
top, care being taken not
to prick the tender leaf
stems or damage the
leaves. The flat type of
pick is best to use. Do not
dig too deep and disturb
the roots.

Try dusting sul¬
phur on the stems
of plants after re¬
moving leaves. It
will help to heal
the bruises and is
good for rust that
sometimes comes on the stems. A piece of
cotton makes a good applicator. Attach cot¬
ton to pick or small stick for easier applica¬
tion if necessary.

71

Be My Guest

Frank A. Tinari, Bethayres, Pennsylvania

At a recent commercial growers meeting
much emphasis was placed on the enor¬
mous healthy growth of our National Society
from its early days of 17 years ago. With this
delightful news, we suddenly realized that a
great portion of our membership has no real
opportunity to become acquainted with the
many commercial growers whose primary
business is to serve them and grow the finest
and best plants in their interest.

So if you will be my guest, for a brief visit,
I shall guide you through the Tinari Green¬
houses and give you a little insight to our
daily routine and the life we choose in grow¬
ing the finest violets for the best people in the
world.

A trip to our greenhouses could well be
combined with an historical visit to many
Philadelphia shrines, as we are located only 15
miles north of Independence Hall, 20 miles
east of Valley Forge (a fairyland of dogwood
in the spring), 15 miles south of the famous
Washington Crossing and only 85 miles from
the brilliance of a great metropolis New York
City with super highways to bring you quickly
and efficiently to our door.

As you approach the greenhouses you may
drive into a large parking area, which has
many times held 50 cars and several sight¬
seeing buses, used by African violet and gar¬
den groups. Our operation sits in the center
of a 5 acre peaceful valley and is surrounded
by the famous Pennypack stream and wooded
area. Here we have ample space to store the
great abundance of organic material and leaf
mold greatly needed in commercial growing.

On entering our salesroom you will see a
display of home grower needs: various pots,
plant stands, light fixtures, violet jars and all
materials to help people grow better African
violets. Two adjoining areas are devoted to
these supplies with our main office situated
at one end of this convenient set up.

During holidays the girls go all out with
decorations in keeping with the theme of the
season and they display violets in every pos¬
sible way as a gift suggestion. Anne and I
established this business some 18 years ago
and with the assistance of our wonderful chil¬
dren, who have contributed real help and
interest, and a devoted brother, excellent fore¬
man and grower, Mr. Anthony Giovannangelo,
we have been able to maintain this family
business. Along with our daily workers, we
are fortunate in having capable and interested
part-time help which is always available dur¬
ing our busy periods.

The first greenhouse we enter is our show
house, a large self-service glasshouse holding
approximately 3,000 plants. We take pride in
keeping this display in bloom at all times.
Groups of 50 or more plants of a variety are

all correctly labeled and priced for the public
to select from, compare, and see in their nat¬
ural color and form. In this house the aisles
are concrete for easy, clean walking and wide
enough to accommodate our many wheel chair
patients who are always welcome and who
greatly enjoy visiting the show house where
they can move slowly along and enjoy the
beauty of Aiherica’s number one house plant.
Various gesneriads and ferns are maintained
in plantings under benches and suitable nooks
to create “an atmosphere” to delight the scores
of visitors from all parts of the U.S.A. and
abroad. It is our greatest desire to first impress
our guests with the natural beauty and effect
of the choicest cultivars assembled in such
harmony of color — - all under one glass roof.
Self-service, we feel, enhances the purchasing
of violets. Customers are allowed the privilege
of selecting the plants they wish to purchase.
Small carriers are provided for their conven¬
ience so they can shop at leisure; high pressure
is forbidden. Our yearly catalog is our silent
salesman. As we prepare our 18th issue for
the 1963 season, I am reminded of the years
spent bringing this catalog to you. Twenty
years ago this was only a dream . . . today
it is a pleasant reality.

Next let’s look into the working quarters.
Our workroom is known commercially as a
head house. This area is a large connecting
glass top building in the center of the green¬
houses. All of the packing and plant shipping
is done here. Worktables and stools line the
walls and at one end the large potting benches,
with all available material for potting, are
stored. Convenient plant carts to carry flats
to any of the houses are stored here. An
asphalt tar floor provides warmth and is most
practical because of the constant use of water
and soil — making cleaning easy on this type
of floor. Good overhead light and proper ven¬
tilation is also a great asset.

Now step with me into the large greenhouses
where top production and top quality growing
goes on the year ’round. You will notice our
benches are all asbestos for greater cleanliness
and durability; all are placed at an easy work¬
ing height. Thousands of cuttings under prop¬
agation are in metal trays. Proper sterilization,
after each propagation, permits these trays to
be reused.

Our greenhouses are heated by an oil-fired
hot-water system. This we find is clean and
most efficient for the quick varying tempera¬
tures in this part of the country. Thermostat
control provides immediate assurance of fast
heat performance when needed. However, we
have often done some wishful thinking for a
gas or oil well to suddenly appear, as our
yearly oil bills look like a small war debt.

We are most fortunate in having an abun¬
dant supply of good water. It is not uncommon
to spend as much as 5 or 6 hours at one time
watering, especially during the winter months
when houses must be well-heated continually
day and night.

72

A fumigation program in constant operation
is maintained. All soil used is sterilized and
all plants are given a V-C 13 treatment every
6 months as an extra precaution. All of our
greenhouses' ventilators are screened: first,
because we are State and Federal certified and
can ship anywhere in U.S.A. and abroad;
second, to keep out bees and insects that may
enter and do much unwanted poUinization.

We have two small greenhouses for hybri¬
dizing and plant testing as research is very
vital to carry on our operation. We have had
our fair share of Joy and disappointment in
this very selective field. Having originated and
registered many good cultivars on the market,
we look forward confidently to the future for
there still is much to be accomplished.

African violets today are a far cry from
those we first grew so many years ago and
they are possibly a mere stepping stone for
those of the future. We have come a long way,
too, in the knowledge and management of
pests and diseases. Some of these were un¬
known in the early days and some are yet to
be discovered but always there has been the
great desire to learn and grow only the best.

I am forever grateful for the great number
of letters received from customers in all parts
of the world. There is always one that thanks
you for the multitudes . . . this I found in a
recent note addressed personally to me,
“Please select for me 3 of your most beautiful
hardy varieties and send immediately — as
I cannot see." To me this is the rich payment
and thanksgiving for the years of patience,
growing problems, trials and errors that are
costly and time consuming.

We, African violet folk, are a fortunate
group of people because with plant culture
there is always another season, another year,
and a hope for tomorrow. Through our great
Society all of our efforts, knowledge, skill,
research can be combined to ever improve a
plant that has spread good cheer, friendship,
and a common interest to people in many
corners of this world. •

-BINDERS-

You Will Enjoy The
Convenience of Keeping
All Your Copies of The

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

in permanent binders, two for $6.50
postpaid. Each binder holds ten copies.
African Violet Magazine is attractively
lettered in gold on the dark green
covering.

Single binders are not sold.

Write to:

African Violet Society of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 1326
Knoxville, Tennessee

Grow To Show

Gwen Eggerton, Meridian, Mississippi

One of the greatest pleasures in growing
African violets is showing them, either in the
home or at a show. If you are growing gor¬
geous show plants, don’t change your method,
but if you aren’t quite satisfied with the
quality of your plants, try these few DO’s and
DON’Ts.

1. DO select (no later than 8 months before
show date) plants for spring showing. Remove
baby leaves, suckers and any bud stems, then
repot into 4 inch pots.

2. DO fertilize regularly: one-half strength
solution weekly, rather than full strength at
longer intervals.

3. DO foliar feed about every third week
for lush, velvety foliage. Use a little less than
the amount recommended by the manufac¬
turer, and you won’t have spotted foliage or
blooms.

4. DO keep bud stems pinched off until
about 12 weeks before show date, and suckers
are much easier to “punch off’’ if you find
them Just as the tiny first leaves appear.

5. DO keep the humidity high (50 to 60
per cent) if you want huge blooms. Keep the
temperature even; 65 to 70 degrees gives me
the best results.

6. DO give your plants room to breathe and
grow. A few less plants in a tray will mean
more blue ribbons at the show.

7. DON’T wait until the foliage droops be¬
fore watering. If your soil is light, porous and
drains well you need not worry about over¬
watering. Always use warm water: rain water
is best if it is available.

8. DON’T let dust accumulate on the foliage.
Syringe the entire plant with warm water
weekly. This also helps keep humidity high.

9. DON’T let insects and fungi get a head
start. Spray once a month with an insecticide,
and dust a fungicide into the air around the
benches, not on the foliage.

10. DON’T give too much light. Twelve
hours daily is sufficient until you are ready to
let the plants start budding, then increase to
14 hours daily.

11. DON’T fail to tiun plants daily, even
those directly under the lights as well as those
on the outside.

12. DON’T take your plants to the show
without a last minute inspection. Be sure the
foliage is clean, spent bloom stems are all re¬
moved, there are no suckers, and toothpicks
or stakes that have been used to hold leaves
in place are removed.

NOW, sit down, ease your tired feet out of
your shoes, relax with confidence and a cup
of coffee. You have done your best for your
“Pride and Joys,’’ and they have repaid you
with lush, crisp, shiny foliage and mounds of
blooms. Who knows, maybe one of them will
even be queen. •

73

ONE goes through several stages in the
growing of African violets. They are not
clear cut so that we can say we have passed
from the first to the second, or from the second
to the third. They seem to overlap. Sometimes
we find we are in a combination of them,
never completely giving up an earlier stage
when we have progressed to a more advanced
one.

The first is, I believe, the acquisitive stage.
This is the one in which we want every new
African violet we see and every one with a
new name whether different or not. We ac¬
quire every new plant we can buy or beg. We
take gladly anything anyone gives us. We are
not a bit discriminating in our taste. New
leaves, each carefully labeled, sprout like
grass in spring in every conceivable place. We
haven’t yet considered what we will do with
the dozens and hundreds of new plants which
will grow from those leaves. I could go on to
describe the resulting difficulties and confu¬
sion resulting from such indiscriminate col¬
lecting but I don’t need to, for you know all
about it if you have lived through it. If you
are in this acquisitive stage, no word of mine
could possibly deter you from proceeding on
the course upon which you have embarked.

Now the next stage often runs concurrent
with the first. Some people never get over it,
but I assure you violet growing is much more
fun when this stage is not rampant in our
lives. It is the,' one in which we try every
different way of growing African violets that
we hear about or read about. We try each new
idea on our whole collection for what is good
for one plant must be good for all. Someone
has told us that the only way to water violets
is by setting them in a pan of water until they
are thoroughly wet. So, with much trouble
to ourselves, we set all our plants in a big flat
pan of water, a few at a time, until all are
soaking wet. The next week we hear that this
is an excellent way to spread nematodes or
other soil organisms, if we happen to have any.
To avoid so, we must water individually each
plant sitting in its own saucer. So we change
our method. Someone tells us that she waters
her violets once a week on Wednesday morn¬
ing, and “Oh, you should see the bloom!” So
we water once a week, but after several weeks
of this we find our plants look different.
Wilted leaves never fully revive and although
we have pulled off the worst, we have diffi¬
culty keeping the leaves from drooping to the
table. Oh well, maybe they just need to be put
up on an overturned pot. Could be it is the
climbing variety we have heard about. And
so it goes. We try this fertilizer, then that;
this soil mix, and then another, never com¬
pletely satisfied. Of course we try everything
on our whole collection. Isn’t it a wonder any
of our violets ever live through all the indig¬
nities imposed upon them through our ignor¬
ance and gullibility! Now we know that trying
different ideas is good, otherwise how could
we ever find out what really is the right way

or what course to pursue to produce the best
plants and most prolific bloom.

Gradually out of all this confusion, there
emerges a third and very desirable stage, if
our violets have been sturdy enough to stand
up under the abuses suffered in the afore¬
mentioned “fumble and try” period. It is a
stage of comparative calm after the storm. We
have, for the most part, arrived. Though don’t
think for a minute that we won’t ever fumble
again, and some of us will keep on experiment¬
ing until our dying day. We’re just made that
way. But we’re not quite so apt to experiment
with all our plants at the same time — just
half of them, perhaps! How do I know? I’ve
gone through each of the stages in its most
virulent form so I speak from a very broad
education gained from experience. But know¬
ing myself quite well, I’m sure I’m going to
fumble now and then, much to my sorrow. I
never seem to be able to avoid it completely.
However, for the most part, I have arrived.
What a comfortable feeling that is!

, Now, what does it mean when we say we
have arrived? For me, it means that I have
finally decided just what soil, what fertilizing
program, what methods of watering, potting,
lighting, what soil drenches, insecticides and
fungicides give me the best results. I am no
longer eager to try every new idea that comes
along for I am satisfied with my way of doing
things.

For many growers in the early stages, soil
is one of the most provocative questions. I
have tried as many mixes as anyone who has
ever grown violets and have had probably as
many failures ... or perhaps more. At first
I went back into our maple woods and dug
up black, sandy leaf mold. I don’t believe I
even sterilized it. I had never heard of nema¬
todes; I don’t believe the woods soil had either
for my plants grew beautifully. However, since
I didn’t like all the weeds growing along with
my violets, I decided to bake my soil in the
oven. In spite of baking it at too high a tem¬
perature, my plants still did well. But, having
read about soil mixes, I decided finally that
the woods soil wouldn’t do; I’d have to have
a “mix” too. I developed one. I can’t tell you
all that was in it, but one of the ingredients
was leaf mold from our compost pile. This
mix had two very definite advantages. The
mature plants in 3 inch or larger pots seemed
to like it quite well. There wasn’t the yellow¬
ing of older outside leaves that I have some¬
times now. The second advantage was that it
kept me so very busy I didn’t have time to
get into trouble . . . very much, at least. My
divided cuttings didn’t like it. Salinity became
dangerously high soon. So I spent my time
transplanting young plants into mixes that
had less and less leaf mold. I never did arrive
at a satisfactory one. But I am very stubborn.
All my friends were using Marie Dannemiller’s
“Nature’s Way” and I was determined I wasn’t
going to change to it, but I did. A good friend
of mine grew many very lovely plants. I

74

decided to experiment, so I got some of her
Nature’s Way and planted about 10 or 12 small
plants in it and the same number in the mix
I had been using. After a couple of months,
there was no doubt as to the outcome nor what
I was going to do about it. Nature’s Way had
won in every respect — better root system,
faster growth, better color. Swallowing my
stubborn pride, I have mixed and used Na¬
ture’s Way ever since. I have no desire to try
any other mix. For me this is the ultimate. In
this respect, I have arrived. (I still have a
desire to experiment by adding some leaf mold
to my Nature’s Way. The only thing which has
kept me from trying it is the fact that I have
always been too busy. I won’t be satisfied
until I do. But, I’m not going to put all my
plants into it, only some expendable ones. If
it works, I will tell you about it.)

I have had quite a number of requests for
my soil formula. I explain that Marie Danne-
miller has given it in detail in the March
1961’ issue of the African Violet Magazine.
Most often the answer is that he doesn’t have
the Magazine as he has joined since March
1961. For all those growers who have joined
since then, I will give you the directions. I
do not do everything the way Marie does it.
I do it the way it works best for me, but the
formula is hers. I have modified it in one
respect to conform wi'-h the use of plastic pots.
I need a slightly sandier soil so that drainage
is quick. Plants will not thrive if waterlogged.
Marie’s formula calls for 15 pints of peat moss;
I use about 14 or slightly less but keep the
same amount of sand as in her formula. I don’t
measure the peat any more nor will you after
a. while. You will fill your sterilizing con¬
tainer to the same depth as usual and tell also
by the feel of the finished mix. Here is Marie’s
formula, given in the order in which I use the
ingredients:

15 pints peat moss
5 pints builder’s sand
2 pints dehydrated cow manure
2 tablespoons Activo

1 tablespoon fish meal

2 tablespoons cottonseed meal

1 pint Hybro-Tite or Greensand
1 pint fine charcoal
1 pint Ruhm’s phosphate rock
1 pint dolomitic limestone

I believe you need more than just the for¬
mula for a mix, so will tell you what I have
learned about the ingredients and methods of
putting them together.

PEAT MOSS

Use a coarse grade. For a long time I found
Premier Brand satisfactory. About six months
ago I bought a bale which was much finer
than it had been. The mix made with it was
not satisfactory as plants put into it stayed

1. African Violet Magazine, March 1961, page
84, “Nature’s Way For Health,” Marie

Dannemiller.

the good earth—

wet too long. So, I bought a bale of imported
German peat. The texture is entirely different
— much coarser and considerably more expen¬
sive. I am using the two about half and half.
Maybe you can use a finer peat with clay pots,
but I have an idea the coarse would still be
better.

SAND

Many of you will have to buy Builder’s
Sand. Watch what you are getting. There are
differences here. Be sure to get a coarse grade.
The type of sand I like best is glass sand
obtained from the shore of Lake Erie. I like
it full of little pebbles and shells which make
it quite coarse.

DEHYDRATED COW MANURE

Be sure this is cow manure. Do not substi¬
tute as some other kinds are more potent.

ACTIVO

There are probably other activators which
can be substituted for this but I have never
used any other kind. It seems to be generally
known,

FISH MEAL

Buy your fish meal during the winter
months, preferably from a supply house which
has a good turn-over so that you can be sure
it is fresh. The best months are probably
January and February. Buy a year’s supply;
take it home and immediately put it into glass
jars with the tops screwed down tight. If you
buy it at any other time of year, or if you do
not seal it immediately, you are quite apt to
find your meal inhabited. I had that experi¬
ence. My jar of fish meal was honeycombed
with little tunnels, quite intriguing if you like
that sort of thing. I didn’t, so took it back
and was told there was nothing there that
would hurt my plants. I was of a different
opinion. I couldn’t conceive of working a mix
with my hand with those inhabitants in the
soil nor did I want to put my plants into it.
The danger is due, of course, to the fragrant,
or should I say “odiferous” nature of fish meal.

COTTONSEED MEAL

I have had no difficulties with this but do
put it in jars, more for convenience sake than
anything else.

HYBRO-TITE

This comes from a rare form of granite
gneiss quarried at Lithonia, Georgia, near the
famous Stone Mountain. It is said to be the
only deposit of its kind on the North American
continent. It was formed millions of years ago
when white hot rock boiled out of the earth’s
interior and mixed with the surface rocks. As
a result, a hybrid type of granite was formed,
containing potash and 19 trace elements which
are exceedingly important to plant growth.

Marie uses a different form of potash known
as Greensand. Read her article on this subject,^
Use Hybro-Tite or Greensand interchangeably
in your mix.

CHARCOAL

I use number 10 charcoal. It is sometimes
called “chick charcoal.” This is finely ground
but not pulverized. Charcoal has the capacity
of absorbing and holding nitrogen until the
plant can use it. One grain will absorb 80
times its own bulk of organic nitrogen given
off in the soil by the breakdown of various
plant foods, as for instance fish meal or ma¬
nure. This gas is extremely volatile and is
easily lost from the soil. Charcoal, by its
absorptive ability, saves this valuable ferti¬
lizing material until roots can use it. Notice
how the tiny rootlets of a plant hunt out and
cling around the charcoal particles.

Charcoal also has the capacity of destroying
injurious acids and at the same time absorbing
undesirable odors. We say it keeps the soil
sweet.

Because of its ability to conserve nitrogen
and to destroy injurious acids, the salinity
level of your soil is kept from becoming dan¬
gerous for a much longer time.

I cannot overemphasize the value of char¬
coal. The mix is better with twice as much or
even several times as much. It is exceedingly
valuable when rooting leaves or in your mix
for young plants. May I suggest you read the
fine articles on charcoal which we have had
in the Magazine. ^ ^

RUHM’S PHOSPHATE ROCK

Phosphate rock contains calcium and phos¬
phorus and some 25 valuable trace elements.
If you read Marie’s article on this subject®
you will understand why I specify this instead
of colloidal phosphate which I used before I
knew better. There is one thing to watch in
making your mix. Do not add the phosphate
rock, which is powder fine, while your mix
is quite wet or it will lump. The lumps will
not hurt the roots of your plants but it will
be a better mix if the ingredients are evenly
distributed.

DOLOMITIC LIMESTONE

This adds both calcium and magnesium to
your mix. When the limestone rock contains
30 per cent or more magnesium, it is called
dolomitic limestone. It comes ground powder
fine. Don’t add to a wet mix. Be sure you get
dolomitic. Do not use hydrated lime. It is

2. African Violet Magazine, September 1959,

page 36, “Greensand Mar 1,” Marie
Dannemiller.

3. African Violet Magazine, June 1960, page

61, “Charcoal, The Invaluable,” Reprint
from Northwest Gardens.

4. African Violet Magazine, March 1962, page

29, “Use More Charcoal.”

5. African Violet Magazine, December 1960,

page 50, “The Story of Phosphate,”
Marie Dannemiller.

76

i

quick acting, will burn off the roots of your
plants, and will lead to the locking up of iron
in your soil so that plants will exhibit iron
chlorosis. Do as Lizeta Hamilton suggests in
her article.*^ Learn to read the label on the
sack and do read it before buying lime. Read
also Marie’s fine article on Limestone.^

Now we will mix the ingredients given.
Measure out the first three into your steriliz¬
ing containers. All three, peat moss, sand and
manure, must be sterilized regardless of what
you may have heard. The 100 per cent organic
people may not agree, but let them take the
risks involved, not you. Many people see the
value of sterilizing the peat moss and sand
but don’t realize the risk they are running by
not sterilizing the manure also. We sterilize to
get rid of nematodes, weed seeds, and possibly
infestations I don’t know about. We sterilize
the manure because it harbors fungus gnats
(the annoying little black fly which bothers
so much when we use manure in a mix) and
ground mealy bug, a pest if there ever was
one and not at all easy to exterminate. If you
have never received your education on the
subject, just be very thankful and very care¬
ful. You don’t know you have it unless you
repot and see the white cottony egg masses in
the soil, or until the small mealy bugs emerge
from the ground and set up residence in the
leaf axils. In sterilizing the manure, we run
the risk of losing some of the nitrogen for
which it has been used. True, this is not good,
but is by far the lesser of the two evils. I have
found that the least objectionable way to
sterilize the manure is to alternate layers of
dry peat moss and dry manure, always putting
a thick layer of peat moss on top and bottom
of your container. I pour boiling water over
this and cover. Before putting it into the oven
to bake, I run a cake knife down through the
mass to see if there are any dry pockets. I
want the entire contents to be wet but not
any more so than it has to be. It is this water,
turned to steam, which sterilizes. I bake this
in a preheated oven at 275 degrees for 2 hours,
usually in the evening, then leave it in the
oven until the next morning. I am probably
being overly cautious. My containers hold from
7 to 9 quarts at a time. If you use a much

6. African Violet Magazine, December 1961,
page 68, “What About Lime,” Lizeta
Hamilton.

7. African Violet Magazine, September 1960,

page 56, “Limestone,” Marie Danne-
miller.

8. Manual 23, The U.C. System for Producing

Healthy Container Grown Plants, ed. by
Kenneth F. Baker, page 127, “Treatment,
Temperature and Time.”

9. African Violet Magazine, September 1961,

“More Humidity Needed,” Lucile C.
Rainsberger.

smaller container, you can be sure it will
steam through in a shorter time. You might
even be able to set your oven at 250 degrees.
It is the low heat and the use of a completely
wet peat moss or sand which minimizes the
odor you will get from the sterilizing material.
It takes 30 minutes at 212 degrees’’ to make a
complete killing, and I want to be very sure
that every little varmit is 100 per cent dead.

This will be quite wet when you take it out
of the oven. I have an old wooden mixing
spoon, the handle of which I use to make holes
in this, and then I leave the mix in the con¬
tainer. I measure out the Activo and sprinkle
it into the holes. Let this stand for several
days. It will be far less objectionable done
this way than if turned out into your mixing
tub immediately. A thick, whitish fur of mold
may form. This is good. After you turn it out
into the tub, break up the lumps with a spoon,
then add the fish meal, cottonseed meal,
Hybro-Tite and charcoal. The Hybro-Tite will
help dry it up. The charcoal will also, and
in addition will absorb unpleasant odors. It is
probably too wet to mix by hand, so stir a
bit with a spoon, make holes with the wooden
handle, and let sit undisturbed until dry
enough to work by hand. When this stage is
reached, add the Ruhm’s phosphate rock and
the dolomitic limestone. Mix thoroughly by
hand. If the rest of your peat and sand are
moderately dry, they can now be added. If
this is too wet to work by hand, stir with a
spoon, make holes and leave until dry enough
to be worked. Then work by hand, every inch
of it. It will take about two such workings
to fluff it and blend the ingredients. As soon
as this stage is reached, it may be put away
in a covered container to keep until used.
Never let it dry out completely. I have used
this at the end of one week with no ill effects.
Usually it is a couple of weeks before it is the
right consistency to use. Work? Yes, but well
worth it. Usually I have a batch in the tub in
the process of being mixed, and another in
sterilizing containers drying out and waiting
for their turn in the tub.

This is an excellent mix for plants with a
good root system. I use it for transplanting out
of starter pots. I do not use it for freshly
divided cuttings or seedlings. They did not
seem to do so well for me in it so now I put
all starts into the very mild Starter Mix de¬
scribed in an earlier article.*' Since there is no
food value in it, I fertilize alternately with
very mild (half strength) Fish Emulsion and
plain water. They grow rapidly handled this
way. With plants put into Nature’s Way, I
follow a very definite fertilizing program. I
will tell you about it some day.

The “good earth;” what is it? For my violets,
it is Marie Dannemiller’s Nature’s Way made
up as described. If you have never used it,
you will never know what a joy violets can
be until you try it. For your own sake, try it
soon. Try it, your violets will like it, •

77

Left, Mrs. Devick’s violet tree stand in the dining room window. Right, Mrs. Devick is pictured holding
Moon Empress and Lilian Jarrett.

African Violets and How I Grow Them

Are you looking for a good hobby . . . one
that will give you a lift at all times and
be extremely interesting as well?

AFRICAN VIOLETS . . . thaFs the answer.
I started with violets 12 years ago, attending
my first violet show in Aurora, Illinois, in
1952 where I joined the African Violet Society
of America. The violet bug had really gotten
me by this time. On our anniversary my hus¬
band, my sister, her husband, and I started
out for Yoars Greenhouse in Bunker Hill,
Indiana, which is about 165 miles from our
place. It was a beautiful cold February day
as we left home, but when we neared Chicago
Heights it began to snow and sleet. Anyone in
his right mind would have turned around and
gone home for we saw cars and trucks in the
ditch, even a big semitruck turned over on
its side. However, because I’m violet crazy
we drove carefully and arrived at Yoars
Greenhouse safe and sound. We purchased
several varieties of violets; my husband bought
me a violet tree stand for an anniversary gift.
We returned home safely with violets and all
intact. I had over 50 varieties by this time.

Then, with our children both in school and
my husband farming over 600 acres of land,
I got busy taking the children to and from
school; and with extra men to feed, my violets
got neglected until one by one I lost all but
about a half dozen plants by 1956.

While visiting a friend in Sugar Grove,
Illinois, and seeing what beautiful plants she
had under fluorescent lights in her basement,
I started collecting leaves and plants and put
up a fluorescent light with two 20 watt bulbs
in my basement. That was in 1959. I now have
over 100 varieties and about 150 plants. I have

Mrs. Lyle Devick, Newark, Illinois

given away over 100 plants and have sold |
quite a few of the larger full blooming plants. |
I enjoy trading leaves and plants with people ij
interested in violets.

I grow most of my plants in the basement
under fluorescent lights. I now have two 40 j
watt fixtures and a 20 watt fixture. I use
one daylight and one Gro-Lux tube in each.

I have used the Gro-Lux since April 30, 1962,
and like the improvement very much. Up
until this time I used one daylight and one
warm white. Most of my plants are in 3 inch
clay pots and set in individual saucers on wet
vermiculite. The lights are about 16 inches
from the top of the flower pot rim. They turn
on and off by an automatic timer, and are on |

for 12 hours a day from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. I |

water with well water which has been put in j

Left to right, labeled leaves in tumbler of water, tray
of leaves with plantlets, young plants in aluminum
container, small plant in 3 inch pot, and behind, young
plant in flower.

gallon jugs so it will be room temperature. I
alternate watering from the top and then from
the bottom; and am very careful not to let
the water get on the leaves for it will spot
them.

I also have violets on 2 glass shelves in my

north kitchen window above the sink; I have
never been without blooming violets on these
shelves since I started in 1950. There are
violets on my tree stand and a tea cart in the
south dining room window, and they are pro¬
tected from the sun by sheer curtains.

Many people have asked how I start my
violets. I cut the stem on a leaf diagonally
leaving about one inch of stem, and label the
leaf with adhesive tape. I dip the stem end
in Rootone and place them in a tumbler of
water. A piece of wax paper is put over the
tumbler and secured with a rubber band.
With a pencil I punch holes for about 3 leaves
in each tumbler and place the leaves in water.
When roots are about one-half inch long, I
plant them in a mixture of about two-thirds
vermiculite and one-third violet dirt. I put
several leaves in a container about 2 inches
apart. After the crowns or tiny leaves have
grown from the mother stem and are about 2
inches tall, I gently pull the crowns apart and
plant them in aluminum containers with about
4 plants in each 5 by 4 by 2 inch container.
They don’t seem to dry out so fast in these
containers as they do in the very small pots.
When they are large enough, they are planted
in 3 inch pots.

I use mostly 3 inch clay pots and cover each
pot rim with a one inch strip of aluminum foil
to protect the leaves. The pots have been
washed and boiled, and in each goes a broken
piece of pot over the drain hole. Only steri¬
lized violet soil is used, and I have used several
kinds. Each plant is treated with V-C 13 by
drenching the soil when planted. This treat¬
ment is good for 6 months. The mixture is
one-half teaspoon V-C 13 to each gallon of
water. The name of each violet is put on
adhesive tape on the side of the pot. It isn’t
long before the violets are in full bloom.

My violets are sprayed with Raid House and
Garden Spray Bug Killer about every 3
months. They are treated with sodium selenate
extra dilute solution about once a year; and
they are fertilized with Instant Vigoro.

As our daughter is now married and our
son is a senior in high school, I find more
time to spend with my violets. My family
enjoy the violets with me; they bought the
first 40 watt fluorescent light fixture and the
automatic timer for a Christmas present for
me. Our son changed the legs on his train
table to a convenient height so I could use
it in the basement for the violets.

I still have some of the old varieties such as:
Fantasy, Royal Girl, Moon Empress and Sir
Lancelot, which I cannot part with to make
room for the newer varieties. They are some
of the first violets I had and to me are still
some of my favorite ones. •

Above, Zebrama leaf,
right, Red Pepperomia.

Zebrama

Dale W. Ulery, Springfield, Ohio

Zebrama is the first in what is hoped will
be a series of new and strikingly different
Saintpaulias. It is named for its unique foliage
which is corrugated and quilted like a wash¬
board. The coloring is light green on the
ridges, blending to a dark green in the valleys.
The flower is medium dark blue.

Zebrama was developed from a sport of
Red Pepperomia which is from Red King. This
sport was then crossed with Purple Knight.
Hybridization with other Saintpaulias with
traces of the corduroy type leaf was then
accomplished through several generations.
Crosses were then made again with Red Pep¬
peromia, which produced Zebrama. At the
present time hybridization is being done to
establish plants of different colored blossoms.

The corduroy type foliage is outstanding and
should have much appeal for all those inter¬
ested in the culture, propagation and hybridi¬
zation of African violets. •

Destruxol Spider-sMite

Viola Rembold, Leavenworth, Washington

Destruxol Spider-sMite contains Kelthane,
the ingredient that really takes care of mites.
It is obtained from the Destruxol Corporation,
Pasadena, California. It is a clear amber liq¬
uid; it leaves no residue on the foliage nor does
it burn the blossoms.

Use one to two teaspoons per gallon of
water. For a small job, use eleven drops to a
cup of warm water. Agitate until it is well
mixed, and it needs no further agitation while
it is being used.

I use a small pump sprayer, one with a fine
mist. Newspapers are placed on the table, the
plants are set on them and then given their
beauty treatment. I spray on them, under
them, and over them, and leave them to dry
before replacing them on their shelves. •

79

”The Kansas City Kaper”

Sally Arbuthnot
St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

IT all began the March morning the kids
came racing down for breakfast, whooping
past me, as realistic as the Navajoes blazened
on their flannel bathrobes. Bob and Timmy’s
voices, a full octave higher than normal,
echoed shrilly, “We heard a robin — the first
robin.”

Halted in the act of filling bowls with their
favorite SPACE JET cereal, spilling from a
fresh giant package, with half-pint miniature
replicas of the pictured jet within, I stammered
weakly, “Come back here, you’ll catch cold
. . . what robin?”

At the kitchen window over the sink, I
carefully pushed aside my special baby violet
plants, turning Athena and White Lace the
prescribed y4 inch. I could barely discern
Mr. Robin, spring’s traditional harbinger, pos¬
turing and posing in all his male arrogance.
“Hey,” I murmured, “where's his red vest
and why does he look so drab — such dull
and dingy plumage!” I reached a logical con¬
clusion within seconds, for the strengthening
sunshine traced streaky patterns across the
pane, stamped indelibly with winter’s trade¬
mark, a view obstructing accumulation of oily
film, gritty ice and particles of dirty soot. The
fault did not lie with Mr. Robin.

My conscience prodded and pricked, need¬
ling me, until my mind spelled out the dis¬
quieting phrase, “Spring Cleaning.” Finally,
the boys returned arguing, between mouthsful
of cereal, over the ownership of the replica
toy jet and who would tell the teacher about
the “first robin.” I sipped coffee and leafed
through the new issue of African Violet Maga¬
zine, assiduously avoiding the blue pages de¬
scribing and beckoning us to the 1963 Con¬
vention in Kansas City. I knew too well I
must be content with nostalgic memories of
the Atlantic City Convention in 1960.

Later, as I left the tantalizing pages of the
Magazine, I experienced another nasty twinge
of conscience, for as I stashed away a mass of
garbage wrapped in a soggy old newspaper,
from the limp coffee-brown pages, the re¬
proving eyes of the Winter Works Campaign
Chairman challenged mine. Bold black head¬
lines admonished: DO IT NOW! DO IT NOW!
My brain triggered a negative reaction, but a
splinter of an idea lodged in my head —
maybe, just maybe, if my timing proved right,
it might eliminate the drudgery of Spring
Cleaning.

That night, after supper, ceremoniously don¬
ning my rubber gloves, I announced to a prone
masculine figure, reclining, well within ear¬
shot, “You know, I used to have really nice
soft hands . . . (sigh) but after ten years of
housework . . . (sigh) they’ve taken on that
old dishpan look.”

Now, I have discovered men can be quite
obtuse, so I decided to dispense with subter¬
fuge, allowing the full deadly rays of my “Let
Someone Else do the Spring Cleaning” idea
fall on the nearest target (my poor defenseless
husband). I continued the attack in deadly
seriousness. “They say it’s simply wonderful
to have one of those Complete Housecleaning
Services come in, take over and do absolutely
everything, starting at the basement.” These
verbal blows were effective, but he rallied
quickly, uttering just six words, “ARE YOU
OUT OF YOUR MIND?” Women are resilient
creatures and I rallied quickly, too. So, in
my battle of Spring Cleaning, I decided to
settle for some workmen to DO the floors.
“Clean, scrape off the old wax, rewax and
polish to a new shining lustre.” This delightful
phrase was the advertising slogan of the
Twinkle-Twankle Floor Cleaners.

A deep masculine voice answered my tele¬
phone call, “Yes m’am, we clean floors. Is
there any furniture in the house?” Amazed, I
admitted ours was bulging . . . didn’t all homes
contain furniture? The man’s voice dropped
a shade, “We specialize in cleaning floors in
empty houses.” He awaited my decision. I
stuck it out for all of ten seconds, for it seems
I had made a monstrous mistake. This partic¬
ular firm got your home twinkle-twankle
clean if you were moving out or moving in.

I reflected that there would be a certain
joy at least in having the windows cleaned by
professional hands, and the thought renewed
my lagging spirits. After scanning a list of
names in the directory, I was seized with a
roguish sense of adventure ™ reached for a
long, pointed darning needle (which could
have been better employed) and, shutting my
eyes, stabbed a listed name at random. The
point pricked, Casey’s Cleaners.

“Casey’s Cleaners, Joe speakin’!” The words
blasted my eardrums. “. . . the boss’ out.” I
explained my plight, over the phone to Joe,
who proved sympathetic, but, like a stage
actor with a well-rehearsed line, kept repeat¬
ing “, . . the boss’ out.”

Eventually recovering, I cheered up enough
to recall that Girda, a former cleaning lady,
should be back in town. In the past, I have
been blessed with some wonderful cleaning
ladies, including Girda, who actually whistled
as she worked (“areas,” she called these col¬
oratura warblings). I remembered Rose, who
joined us for breakfast with, “A cuppa tea,
luv, Tore I bring urder outa kay-oz.” Then,
there was Gertrude, dear, dear, Gertrude; big
as a minute, who gave us, on each visit, an
analytical case history of her five operations,
as I carefully shooed the children out of ear¬
shot.

I loved all my cleaning ladies. They loved
me but they didn’t stay. I must admit I felt
rather wistful, as I watched the other reliable
cleaning ladies who, rain or shine, regular as
clock work, every Friday, helped out my
neighbours.

80

However, Girda might just come to my
rescue! After an inspired phone call, she told
me they had returned that very week from a
trip to Florida. I listened enviously, managing
to interject a few happy sounding phrases like,
“Terrific” and “How Marvellous” in a false,
tinny enthusiasm. The conversation ended on
a low note, when, in Girda’s words, she in¬
formed me, “My husban’, he don’t want me to
work no more!” I held unsteadily, onto the
last rung of my phantom housecleaning ladder.

There was nothing left now but to call my
dear friend, Dora, indomitable Dora, who
rather overwhelms me with her charm, cheer¬
fulness and complete self-confidence. For
tucked away in Dora’s cranium storehouse (of
I.B.M. proportions) seems to be a little black
book, filled with useful data, efficiently cross-
indexed from which, at will, she can pluck
helpful hints and suggestions. Across the sizz¬
ling telephone wires I could almost hear Dora
tapping the magic buttons for immediately
she referred me to a Mrs. Doakes, a treasure
more than just a cleaning lady, with the res¬
ervation of course, she might be what is de¬
scribed succinctly as “filled up.” Dora ended
her recital of Mrs. Doakes’ virtues with, “Of
course, there are references.”

I waited tremulously for Mrs. Doakes deci¬
sion, and I began to wonder if there was not
some switch in the usual employer-employee
relationship. Maybe I should supply the ref¬
erences. We settled for a Thursday and later,
as I got the house ready, I planned cunningly
to ingratiate Mrs. Doakes with a particularly
tasty lunch.

On the appointed day I watched the bus
pull up to the stop, allowing a stream of
reliable cleaning ladies to descend. I knew well
all their faces and figures but no Mrs. Doakes!

“Maybe she missed the bus,” I reassured
myself as I grew dizzy watching them whizz
by. I took stock of the rooms, stripped for
their annual spring purge; new mops and
brooms, wooden sentinels; pails standing at
“the ready”; cleaning abrasives guaranteed to
perform miracles in three easy swishes, I
envisioned other houses in the neighbourhood
rapidly undergoing a metamorphosis of Spring
Cleaning.

So, swathed in a cover-all apron (my pur¬
pose being to create a working team image) I
returned to the kitchen for re-enforcements —
a second cup of coffee. Perhaps in my present
state of mind an iodine cocktail might more
permanently have suited my needs for, as the
kids say, I was heading straight for “Depres-
sionville.”

All was quiet. Only the big clock ticked out
its metronome accompaniment to the thoughts
doing their own variation of the Twist, and
dancing through my mind: DO IT NOW! DO
IT NOW! DO IT NOW!

As I picked up the African Violet Magazine,
I asked, “Who, me?” The clock’s bland face,
prim fingers pointing reprovingly to eleven,
the little red hand, scurrying to catch up, un-

Let’s Choose The "Best 100"

Elisabeth Rosenak

10852 N. Lakeview Rd. 6E, Mequon, Wisconsin

If you do not vote for the “Choice 25”
through an Affiliated Chapter and would like
to have a voice in choosing the “Best 100”
please mail me a list of your favorite 25
African violets by April 5th. Choose good
growers and steady bloomers, please. Also

omit the names of the plants which appear on
the Honor Roll. They are as follows:

HONOR ROLL 1955-60

Azure Beauty Pink Cheer

Black Magic Ruffled Queen

Boyce Edens White Madonna

Navy Bouquet

HONOR ROLL 1961

Bridesmaid Granger Gardens’

Blue Peak Blue Nocturne

Blue Pom Holiday

Cavalier Mary Thompson

Cydonia Ohio Bountiful

Dixie Moonbeam Painted Girl

Double Pink Cloud Pink Ideal

Bud’s Strike Me Pink Sea Sprite

Emperor Wilhelm White Pride

Evelyn Johnson White Pride Supreme

White Puff

HONOR ROLL 1962
Bud’s Kimberly Meteore

Double Black Cherry Pink Miracle

Fascination Granger Gardens’

Fischer’s Fire Dance Santa Maria

Iris T-V Vallinpink

Lorna Doone Valor

nerved me. The chimes bonged hollowly. Nine!
Ten! Eleven! Prophetic, how very prophetic.
I acknowledged their message, “For Whom the
Bells Tolled.”

Another bell trilled, the telephone, pulling
me out of my lethargy.

“Hello, Mrs. Doakes?” hopefully I queried.

My voice descended, “You are! Tomorrow
. . . by plane . . . and your sister, she wants
you to spend a month with her. How nice,”
I lied. “WHERE???” I shrieked, “No ... did
you say Kansas City? You’ll be there in April?
Oh, no! I mean, wonderful Yes . . . I’ve never
been there . . . African Violet Convention?
Yes, I’ve heard about it. Well, have a good
time, Mrs. Doakes and thanks for calling.”

My mind did a complete switch.

“What if I did all the housecleaning myself
and saved the money I intended to pay out
for help . . . what if? Quickly I reached for
the African Violet Magazine and riffed the
pages to the blue pages. Maybe, just maybe
there was time to register. I leaned back,
shutting my eyes .... Now what would my
husband say, ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR
MIND? But, it’s a woman’s prerogative to
change her mind, isn’t it? Kansas City, here
I come!

81

Charles Garrod, Spotswood, New Jersey

Violets In A Crawl Space

Above and below, views of the crawl space.

Mr. Garrod pictured in the recreation room.

num insulated foil on the walls, which reflects
the light wondrously. The access to it is right
off the recreation room. Some might feel that
this space is too cramped to work in, but
nevertheless I installed 30 double fluorescent
4 foot fixtures and now have many hundreds
of plants growing in there. While I visit them
much more often, it is really only necessary
to go in there once or twice a week to water
them, as the lights are controlled from the
recreation room.

I would like to break off at this time and
go back to the beginning and relate how I
got started in African violets. Four years ago
I couldn’t have told you the difference be¬
tween an African violet and any other house
plant. To say the least, I wouldn’t look twice
at any potted plant. One day while browsing
through the five and ten cent store, I noticed
some voodoo plant bulbs for sale. The novelty
of a bulb that could grow without any soil
intrigued me. I purchased one and put it on
top of my desk calendar at work. This, of
course, became the standing joke in the office
and each day we would carefully inspect it to
see if it grew any. It would grow about 6
inches tall and die off, only to come up with
a new shoot that would do the same. After
a few months I had to admit that as a grower
of voodoo plants I was a failure, so to restore
my lost prestige I said I would bring in a nice

WHILE I didn’t realize it at the time, the
builder who built my house seemed to
make it with a violet enthusiast in mind. He
made a 3 1/2 foot high space beneath my living,
dining room, and kitchen. He made this com¬
plete with cement floor, heat, and even alumi-

82

blooming plant that a friend of my wife’s
raised. A few days later I took a trip during
lunch hour to this lady’s house and purchased
an African violet ... it was an Ohio Bountiful
in full bloom. It thrived under the office con¬
ditions, and everyone would come in to admire
it.

The fellow at the next desk informed me

that he belonged to a society made up of
people who grew them, and he told me quite
a bit about them. I learned that you could
propagate them from a leaf and suggested
that we try it in the office. We soon had
the window sills full of little Ohio Bountifuls,
and the natural next step was for me to try
it at home. Soon I became eager to add another
color or two to my home collection and before
I knew what had happened I had several
dozen different varieties. I visited growers and
ordered leaves from the advertisers in the So¬
ciety’s book (by this time I had joined the Af¬
rican Violet Society of America). I joined the
Hightstown African Violet Society and from
it I gained quite a bit of knowledge. I read
every book and magazine article that I could
find, to gain more knowledge about them.
Meanwhile, back at the office the violets ex¬
panded and bloomed well. The boss took a
very dim view of the whole business, but
nevertheless tolerated it.

I renovated my recreation room at home,
lining the walls with shelves and fluorescent
lights, removing the ceiling to install all the
necessary wiring. Although this gave me room
for several hundred plants of all sizes, it soon
became obvious that we would have to either
expand or stop taking trips to such places
as Tinari’s, Lyon’s, Fischer’s and Champion’s.
Naturally we only had one choice to make,
and that is why we put our crawl space to
work.

After I originally became interested in vio¬
lets, my wife soon joined in the fun of raising
show plants and exhibiting them. She has
many blue ribbons to show for her efforts.

My preferences are: plastic pots (no rim
burn, less watering, and nicer appearance);
my own sterilized soil (although I sometimes
use Bacto) and Capco fertilizer. I now work
with about 350 varieties and am constantly
replacing them with newer ones. I only replace
an established older variety after it has proved
itself with me; I have found that just because
a variety is new, it does not mean that it
is better.

In November of 1961 I received my first
shipment of Gro-Lux tubes. I put several dozen
of them to use and while I still feel it is
too early to come to many conclusions, they
definitely have some good points. I have found
that for my purposes a mixture of one cool
white and a Gro-Lux gives the best results.

In conclusion I might say that when you
run out of space on your window sills, which
all of us do who grow violets, then look around
the house and perhaps you will find a spot
that can be easily converted. •

My Violets and I On Vacation

Mrs. Ray Finke, Shawano, Wisconsin

Having been a member of the African Vio¬
let Society since 1949, during the years
I have derived much pleasure and much help¬
ful advice from the African Violet Magazine.
Besides, the pictures of the new varieties al¬
ways tempted me to buy more and more, so I
usually have about 125 varieties. I dispose of
the ones that are shy bloomers and replace
them with newer varieties.

We have traveled throughout most of the
United States and much of Canada and, of
course, looked up violet nurseries everywhere,
through the ads in the African Violet Maga¬
zine, so I could take home some new plants as
delightful souvenirs to grow and treasure. In
the meantime, my violets at home were sitting
comfortably in their moist vermiculite. Al¬
though it is a bit of work to get them ready
before we leave, we really don’t mind when
it is our beloved violets. This is the way I
have had very good luck while we were vaca¬
tioning:

VoU
i/cTmicuUtz

Veep aluminum
tma frozen opfife

Confvmer^

The day before leaving, water them well if
they need it. Then set the pots on trays, in
small bowls, cereal dishes, or any such avail¬
able items, and fill up in between with the
vermiculite. Before leaving thoroughly wet the
vermiculite and let the containers stand on the
kitchen table which is moved near the win¬
dows or on some other old tables near the
light. When the plants are in wick-fed pots,
I just fill the base with water. When we re¬
turn, we just pick up the pots and put them
back in their usual places.

I have also grown many varieties of Episcias
since I saw the first picture of one in the Afri¬
can Violet Magazine, I think it was back in
1949, It was a picture of the plants of Mrs.
E. Anderson of Michigan, and I wrote to her
and inquired what the name of it was because
it was so lovely. When I received her kind
answer, I started looking through various lists
until I located and ordered my first one. It is
very easy to start them and grow them in
moist Black Magic. I treat them the same as
the violets while we are on vacation.

I sincerely hope this information will be of
help to some of our members when they
travel. •

83

Installation Ceremony

Mrs. M. J. Hester, Florence, Alabama

The following is an installation ceremony
composed by Mrs. Hester for installing of¬
ficers of the Muscle Shoals Society.

Throughout the years from June 1950 to
1962 the Muscle Shoals African Violet Society
has grown thriftily and beautifully. During the
early years it was a group of curious, eager
violet enthusiasts seeking for knowledge and
striving to acquire for themselves, to have and
to hold a few precious violet plants or leaves
for propagation from Blue Boy, Patented Blue
Girl, White Lady, or the lovely Pink Beauty.
That was long before the adventure into cross¬
pollination and the miracle of violet seedlings
becoming a glorious fact. Soon came the time
when “Mrs. Ordinary African Violet Society
Member,” with a little time, effort and pati¬
ence could produce seedlings. Several kinds,
colors, leaf patterns, ruffled and plain, doubles
and singles, would emerge from one solitary
seed pod. Then the study of violet culture
worked like a charm. Soil mixtures and plant
food formulas . . . everything from parched
egg shells to superphosphate and gibberellic
acid . . . insecticides to combat baffling
diseases . . . root knot, soft petiole, thrips,
mealy bugs, to the invisible cyclamen mite
and nematodes and numerous other ailments,
became the constant topic of conversation and
gave the innocent African violet the repu¬
tation of being a “persnickety household pet.”
Through it all, interest and persistence became
a virtue of the enthusiasts. The search for the
elusive know-how, for getting bud sets for
abundant blossoms for public showing seemed
an almost impossible, evasive art. But pa¬
tience, courage, persistence and perseverance
overcame the obstacles one by one and we
meet today to install a victorious group of
officers of the Muscle Shoals African Violet
Society for our new year. Let us think of
each as an integral part of some of the finest
cultural aids in growing the African violet.

PARLIAMENTARIAN: Mrs. V. E. Lund,
you are the humidity in which the healthy
violet plant thrives. Your volume of knowl¬
edge gleaned from years of experience and
constant interest in growing African violets,
and, by your position as leader of this group
as president, you become that kindly atmos¬
phere of information to guard and guide the
members as they strive to learn and to practice
correct executive procedure. Your kindly vigi¬
lance and encouragement will make the shy,
timid violet, blossom boldly into a fine flower¬
ing member, worthy of attention from the
most complimentary public.

LIBRARIAN: Mrs. D. T, Wilcoxson, as
librarian you became the gentle, slanting rays
of sunshine that helps the violet to form its
bud-sets from which will emerge the shining
blossoms. As you circulate from the library

entrusted to you, reviews of the facts learned
and the new knowledge to gain, may your
font of knowledge never fail. Be careful with
your checking out and checking in of these
sources of information and be careful of your
records so that each member may be served
to her best advantage and so effectively that
none of the precious information may be lost.

HISTORIAN: Mrs. James Spencer, you are
the propagation of the species. The continuing
existence of African violet beauties. Yours is
the pleasant task of reminiscing the colorful
history of the Muscle Shoals African Violet
Society. Yours is the joy of creating by des¬
criptive words and colorful pictures the con¬
tinuation of this beautiful history. Keep it
well, keep it carefully, and it will keep itself
interesting, not only to this year’s members
but to those who come in the future years.

TREASURER: Mrs. W. F. Parks, you are
the improved varieties. Ever the new is chal¬
lenging ... as in everything else, the same
is true in violets. Many are the miracles that
produce them. As treasurer, you hold the purse
strings: use this privilege wisely and well,
because from its bounty comes the purchasing
of new knowledge and beauty, and the sharing
with the underprivileged child and the hos¬
pital patient, some of the joys of life from
which they would otherwise be deprived, but
that are made possible by its generosity.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: Mrs.
Virgil Haddock, you are the insecticide, yours
is the duty to dispel the infectious diseases of
pettiness and discord that may seek to enter
into and destroy your good unity and fellow¬
ship of your happy group. Use your influence
to dispel any foreign element that might inter¬
fere with and distort the kindly intentions
of a full growing, healthy society, so that
each member becomes, as do the varieties of
violets, true sisters in service to each other.

RECORDING SECRETARY: Mrs. Almon
Kennedy, you are the soil nutrients and friable
soil in which the violets must grow to
maturity. You give food for substance and
development. As you keep the timely records
of procedure and activities, keep them accur¬
ately. With each monthly review will come
sustained interest from happy, cooperative
workers.

THIRD VICE PRESIDENT: Mrs. Earle
Trent, you are the showing and growing of
African violets. As flower show chairman it
becomes your pleasant duty to display for your
own and the enjoyment of others, the combined
efforts of your sister members of this society.
Know each member’s possibilities and poten¬
tialities. Know their collections of violets and
plan once a year to display them in their
gayest beauty for enjoyment of the members
with their friends and neighbors and other
violet enthusiasts. Since we have been told
that “a thing of beauty is a joy forever,” plan
to show the violets to their best advantage,
knowing full well that the joy of showing
overcomes the tedious labor of displaying.

84

SECOND VICE PRESIDENT: Mrs. F. C.
Headrick, you are the water . . . the life giving
fluid of African violets. As second vice presi¬
dent, it becomes your duty to keep the year¬
books in mind, stepping from the old to the
new in a continuing journey. By retaining the
most helpful of the old and wedding it to the
most challenging of the new, it becomes an
informative auricle in the hands of its owner,
reminding her of timely events and keeping
her ever alert to her obligations and oppor¬
tunities in such a way that each duty becomes
a pleasant service.

FIRST VICE PRESIDENT: Mrs. A. J. Berg-
bauer, you are the plant foods of which there
are many and various kinds, all have the
necessary elements to help the violets grow
and blossom. It becomes your duty to assign
to various members a program of challenging
opportunities, to know that they may grow the
best in violet culture. This is an important

duty, for without proper food the plant will
wither and die. Put your own vivacious per¬
sonality into your plans and elevate your pro¬
grams to their highest quality.

PRESIDENT: Mrs. J. T. Landers, you are
the root system of beautiful show specimen
violets. The root system is of life giving im¬
portance. As the leader of this group, you
must share with them knowledge, endurance
and patience as you guide them with every¬
one’s interest at heart, through the beautiful
path of service in the coming year. Yours is
not an easy task but it is a most honorable
one. By duty enhanced by loving service, you
will go down in Muscle Shoals Society history
as one most adored and beloved.

And to all of you may I say: “To get the best,
you must give the most.” So may you each
become a sparkling gem of service in 1963.
With this token goes best wishes for a success¬
ful, prosperous year of growth and service. •

Grooming and Judging Specimen Plants

Ruth Carey

3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tenn.

1. When should an exhibitor begin to groom
plants for a show?

Ans. At least 6 months in advance, or from
one year to another.

2. What procedure should be followed to
groom show plants?

Ans. Proper soil, which is loose and porous:
the ingredients may vary and still grow fine
plants. Proper feeding, decide what particular
fertilizer you think your plants need and con¬
tinue using as directed. Proper watering, being
careful not to allow plants to become too dry
or stand in water for a long period of time.
Proper exposure, find the right exposure for
your plants and keep them there: light is a
most important factor. Proper humidity, Afri¬
can violets do need moisture to flower and
grow. Keep away from drafts and direct cold
air. Proper temperature, plants which are
chilled or grown at high temperatures do not
perform at their best. Avoid a sudden rise or
fall in temperature. Proper space, this will
determine the shape of your plant. A specimen
show plant cannot be grown if it is crowded
or is not turned gradually at regular intervals.
Proper cleansing and spraying, clean foliage
greatly contributes to a healthy plant. If spray
is used remove evidence before show time.

3. Give 6 things the judges look for in
judging symmetry of specimen plants.

Ans. Gaps in symmetry. Length of petioles.
Suckers should be removed or the plant will
be disqualified. Flat or upright foliage accord¬
ing to variety. Number of leaves on plant,
foliage should be heavy enough so that soil
cannot be seen. Perfection of leaf pattern,
evenly spaced like a wheel.

4. What consideration is given to florifer-
ousness?

Ans. A plant should have the average num¬
ber of blooms for that named variety. Only
open blooms are counted.

5. What is condition?

Ans. The physical growth or cultural aspect
of the plant at the time it is judged. Judges
will take off points for yellow foliage, dust,
water marks, residue from sprays, color of
foliage not typical of variety, bruised leaves,
plant not in center of pot, plant not in pro¬
portion to pot, evidence of diseases and in¬
sects. Also, long necks on plants, spent bloom
stalks or brown blossoms, seed pods, and blos¬
soms not evenly spaced around the plant.

6. What do judges look for in size of bloom?

Ans. They expect the flower to be the ap¬
proximate size for that particular variety.

7. How do judges consider color in a speci¬
men African violet plants?

Ans. It should be the color or shade which
the hybridizer or grower has advertised it
should have. Plants which do not reproduce
true to variety should be disqualified from
competition by the classification committee.

8. Should judges write comments on en¬
tries?

Ans. Yes, they should by all means if time
permits them to do so. Comments help the ex¬
hibitor to know what particular fault the
judges considered. Comments should be con¬
sidered only as constructive. They help the ex¬
hibitor improve entries for the next show.

9. What courtesies should be shown the
judges for their services?

Ans. Thank you notes should be written,
lunch if they judge around that time of day,
or at least light refreshments.

10. Should judges receive compensation for
judging?

Ans. No, only reimbursement of travel ex¬
penses, such as transportation, meals and hotel
if this is necessary for them to reach the show.

85

It maj annecessaru bat
the precauHon of- ujoSh mg the
honds Pefore handling otner
pidrrts. pots etc .0)1/1 prcacnt
the spread of efrseose and pest
fmestat/on. common pen
mnifaiion pajs off!

iloKe.
holes m
ot plastic
better. „
especially
of srfuore

extra
bottom
pots for
clro'/noge,
nearcorners
pots-

Ideas From
Here and There

2 If^EEKS

VACATION mTERING

Be sure to ujoter oH plants thor¬
oughly uHh tvarm water. L ightly
sprog qH Jofhge

GlAIZ GOBLOZrROMJHL Qlf^L 5WRL

IS a 5u»igestl0rT_ hrono MfS •
£:.L.Goetz,Gtenoteuu, Xlf. j-or aolleat -
(prs ojho ore Umifpd to one wlnd-
ouO j-or V'lolefs. fo gjt /mor& on
the shelj set pJonrs ih high and
louO pebhle dtsh^S oHexho-fing
therr>. )/oo Con hoae o/mnost dopUe.
-the nurmheP of- p/anfs pJoced /n
-t-his rnnonhefi

/. ihr range oH plants around
but /older than uooter pan.

2. Use con\/enieni length cotton
wicKfng. Coder ojith fdi! to
prevent evaporoiion.

3. Place one end in uoter, other
end in sod. Use one ouort
ujocer for everjj Pot.

86

To Clean Claj^Pots

MfiiKL

jfrom

bottles

rubric

detergent
bleoch

or Jugs

5oaVc Po,ts
tr\ 5o\utiQn
12 Hours

^ Cup Vinegar

err

jl^CupCIOTOX

+0

4cjuoTts Hater

To clean clou pots and remove
salts encru Am inside ^outside
sooK owniaht in 72- cup of vineqor
to I gallon OT uQ+oT.

-tnem.

"t^nen Aerilize

Core must be eycerc/secj m Cutting this
durable p^05t/c tpihen ^ /

bloc/p. The best control ond the safest
for qccuro<^ /5 to cut o f/hf^ at a time. .

Hoh tn

center
and hotf-
a/aj dotun.

nt^uricl UjHh ine j/ngets cj-fhc.edf

hand Sondpopdr'Sui 5mooi-h t>p

the roaqh -edges ood eucn tne
top of the Container

athed

•oi mois
~/noif be pre -
^sooKcd tudh
„ pose. Use a
^cnxv Oor or hommer
a rod bo penetrate tpe Pole o}
peat half- ujoy doton, moion<) the
hole lorqe enough hr hose to enter
Turn faucet on just enoujh so Umt

moss (vill obsorb the vueder

(jut t bout ooerflooj'in q. Son K for

/0-/Z hrs.

Uncerta/ntu at reaching all the
plant u)m Insect/ciaes can be^

entire

Ujrop to prevent son spillage
and rubber glooes to protect
the sKm.

87

Why Register?

Helen Coleman, Marion, Indiana

1. Do you believe in the qualities of your
new originations or introductions enough to
give them a name?

2. Do you want their names “protected” to
the best of anyone’s ability at this time?

3. Are you indignant when you happen to
find another (or more) variety bearing “your
name” after the months spent in propagating
your special one, and perhaps releasing some
where they might be in rather wide distribu¬
tion?

4. What is your reaction if you have pur¬
chased or have grown plants for your local or
state shows, or garden club shows, whose
schedule is set up under State, National, or
International horticultural rules on “registered
named varieties” to compete for awards of
these societies, only to find that your plants
could have won top awards, but they HAD
NOT BEEN REGISTERED? And in our own
“Reee-ally Big Shooo-ow” your truly terrific
plants may sit only for display beside a very
noticeably inferior plant that wears a crown
— “and a legal” name — but yours was not
“in the blue book.”

5. And how about the “family tree” of your
own family of special plants, especially if you
are a hybridizer — amateur or old-hand? The
AIM of any brotherhood, society, etc., is to
study and work toward the betterment of
mankind. The AIM of our African Violet
Society of America, Inc., is to further the
study of, and improve the propagation and
culture of the African violet, for the good of
mankind. In breeding for improvement of
swine, kine, equine, or feline, much research,
study, and care is given to their lineage, down
through the long years of their procreation.
This research can only be profitably carried
on through accurately kept records of breed¬
ing, so-called “pedigrees.” These facts cannot
be gathered unless accurate records are some¬
how kept. For these reasons, the Registration
department was set up within your organiza¬
tion.

The greatest handicap our Society has en¬
countered is the reluctance of growers of new
varieties to release this material for recording,
and probably also because of pure negligence
in keeping accurate records. There is an in¬
hibition of “secrecy.” Firstly, the “secret” is
not wholly ours. The clay we work with is
of the workshop of our Master Creator, and
loaned for only such a short time. Secondly,
whether an amateur or experienced hybri¬
dizer, the time and study given to a new
variety is seldom repeated for much, if any,
gain. Just supposin’ that you, personally,
crossed two good varieties . . . you wait 4 to
6 months for the maturing seed pod ... a
few more weeks, or months, before the seed

is planted . . . then 4 or 5 months to 2 years
for resultant blooming plants . . . then, the
testing and building up stock for distribution.
Meanwhile, probably with some of the first
blooming plants from this group you have
proceeded with further hybridizing to improve
upon the chosen ones. You are going to better
things by the time your first “litter” is in
distribution. Some of your “public,” who has
been intelligent and discerning enough to buy
of your wares, instinctively wants to know
from whence it came, or the parent varieties
that have produced these fine beauties. They
would not want this information only to waste
the time and effort to produce the same, now
outmoded, product. It might be used only as
a conversation piece, such as, “Can’t you just
SEE the qualities of the parents: Blushing
Beauty crossed onto Pink Dream?” Or these
good qualities may be wanted to combine with
those of still different originations. The pattern
goes on and on in an ever-widening arc of
interest with a warm glow of sincere con¬
tribution and grateful appreciation for the
loan from the Master’s Hand.

This is an honest endeavor to answer the
oft’ asked question, “Why Register?” It would
be so much easier to toss it all to the winds
and wait for the deluge of disaster that would
be the end result. I do not even pretend to
know all the answers — ■ I only have the
“feeling” that IT IS RIGHT to register plants.
Perhaps this can be simmered down to just
one plain short statement: “For posterity.” To
be as lucid as possible, I believe a few concise
rules should be followed in selecting, naming,
and registering plants:

1. Be very selective — choosing and keeping
only the best of your cultivars.

2. Give appropriate and dignified names.

3. Test your selections thoroughly. In the
meantime, send your chosen names to the
Registration Chairman to be put on Name
Reservation — the fee is $1.00 for each name.
This gives the Registrar time to clear your
names: to check the files on whether “your
name” has ever been reserved or registered
previously, when and by whom, etc. If it is
found that the name you selected has been
used and put into fairly wide distribution,
you then have time to choose a new name.

4. There will always be indecisions on the
length of time and number of propagations
given in testing new varieties. Hence, a ruling
had to be set. Testing a new variety over 3
generations is none too many and gives your
original plant full time to mature. “Three
generations” cover the term of (1) your orig¬
inal plants (seedling, mutant, etc.); (2) a leaf
propagation (s) from #1, and (3) leaf propa¬
gation from #2. In addition, sucker propaga¬
tion is often beneficial.

5. Before time to register your plants per¬
manently (or at the time of your name res¬
ervation) request from the Registrar the num¬
ber of registration forms you will need. You
will be sent 2 forms per plant to be registered.

88

One form is to be filled in as you desire (pen
or pencil) and kept as a duplicate copy by
you; the other is to be typed, printed, or
written very clearly and filled out completely,
with your personal signature (written) on the
back of the form. Send this copy, plus testing
data (this may be given in the space on the
card for “Additional Information,” if possible)
and the fee of $2.00. Full registration fee is
$3.00. Name Reservation fee of $1.00 is de¬
ducted. The Society supplies the forms and
envelopes.

To be eligible for African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Awards, registration must have
been published in, or before, the last issue of
the African Violet Magazine before a show.
This ruling was adopted by the Board of
Directors at the 1961 National Convention in
French Lick, Indiana. Judges, Show Chairmen,
Entries and Classification Committees should
use their Volume 15, Number 5 of the African
Violet Magazine plus the Registration Reports
published in the Magazine, between printings
of the July Issue, including the last current
Magazine before the show.

It is only natural that there will be mistakes
and omissions but I am sure your Registration
Committee is always grateful for them to be
called to its attention. It would, I am sure,
also appreciate any suggestions offered, pro
and con, that might help improve the opera¬
tion.

Fertilizing Dry Plants

Mrs. Joseph Soit, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

From what I have read, it seems that most
violet growers water their plants the day
before they are to be fertilized. I don’t see any
good reason for doing this, so I fertilize my
plants when they are dry enough to be wa¬
tered. Some times a plant may even be dry
enough to be slightly limp . . . not droopy
though, or loose in the soil. By so doing, I
water and fertilize at the same time and have
no reason to believe that this method is harm¬
ful in any way. I never have had any root
rot or crown rot, and no indication of over¬
fertilization. In fact, there seldom is any ferti¬
lizer deposit on the pots.

I use several different kinds of fertilizers,
always at the recommended strength of the
manufacturer — no stronger. Water and fer¬
tilizer are always applied to the top of the
soil, until it runs out of the drain hole, and no
water is ever allowed to remain in the saucer.
I use both clay and plastic pots.

I try to fertilize every two weeks but some
times it gets to be three or even four weeks
before I get around to it. But for about six
weeks starting in December and all of Janu¬
ary, I let up entirely because the plants seem
to want to rest. When the days begin to get
longer and I see buds forming, I start to
fertilize again. •

Use of Hyponex
for Potting Shock

Mrs. Albert Lefebvre

1245 Bellair, Kansas City, Missouri

After trying many ways of potting small
plants taken from the parent leaf, I find
that using Hyponex in the first watering helps
them over the shock of potting. These plants,
potted in their own “premature soil” as I call
it, are watered with a solution of one level
teaspoon of Hyponex to one gallon of warm
water which has been aerated at least 24
hours. Do not use too much water as this
makes the soil heavy; only make it damp and
then don’t water again until the soil dries out.
By doing this, the little roots are given a
chance to take hold. These baby plants are
potted in 2V2 inch pots, placed in flat pans,
and in this way they all get the same amount
of moisture.

For “premature soil” I use: 1 gallon of leaf
bedding mixture and 1 quart of my own soil
mixture.

For leaf bedding mixture: 1 gallon Michigan
peat moss, 1 gallon Sponge-Rok, 1 gallon
vermiculite, and 1 quart of my own soil mix¬
ture.

I would like to give my soil mixture again
as there is a slight change in it: 1 bushel good
garden soil, 2 gallons Michigan peat moss, 1
gallon of rotted manure (pulverized), 2 gallons
of Sponge-Rok, 1 gallon of fine (not pulveriz¬
ed) charcoal, 1 gallon of sand, 4 tablespoons
of Fermate, 8 tablespoons of superphosphate,
and 4 tablespoons of 10% Chlordane dust.
(The tablespoons are all level.)

Sterilize the soil, manure and sand. I use
rotted manure from the farm; if using com¬
mercial fertilizer, which I think is stronger, I
believe I would cut this to Ve gallon.

In mixing my own soil, I try to limit it to
twice a year as it may be stored and kept
indefinitely, I do all the sterilizing myself,
then this is heaped on the basement floor,
which has been hosed good and rinsed with a
V-C 13 solution; then I add the other in¬
gredients and my husband mixes this good by
using a shovel and turning and turning it. We
have small oil drums which were obtained
from filling stations, and have been washed
thoroughly with hot soapy water and well
rinsed to remove all traces of oil. The mixture
is placed in these drums and before storing
them they are covered with plastic. When
they are to be used and the plastic is removed,
you will find the soil mix is as moist as it was
when stored.

I have tried to make this as clear as possible,
but if anyone has any questions and wishes
to write to me, I will be more than happy to
help, if possible. Good Luck and happy potting
days. •

89

Show Calendar

•The VI CLUB OF DETROIT, Michigan,

will stage its African violet show in a Ha¬
waiian theme at the Brightmoor Community
Center, 14451 Burt Road, Detroit. The show
will open to the public March 23rd from 2 p.m.
to 8 p.m. and on the 24th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Mrs. Arnold Bloomer is show chairman.

•The METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY will hold its eleventh an¬
nual show in the Floral Display House of the
Missouri Botanical Garden, 2315 Tower Grove
Ave., St. Louis, Mo., on March 23-24, 1963.
Doors open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the 23rd
and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 24th. “Vol¬
umes of Violets” will be the theme and Mrs.
Fred Tretter is show chairman.

•The PARADISE GREEN SAINTPAULIA
CLUB will hold its annual show March 30-31,
1963 at the Garden Exchange, Madison Ave.,
Trumbull, Conn. Doors open from 1 p.m. to
6 p.m. on the 30th and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
on the 31st. The theme will be “Occasions to

Remember” and Mrs. Fred Nelson is chairman.
•The UNCLE SAM AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Troy, New York will present its
fifth annual Show April 20 and 21, 1963 at
the Masonic Temple, Troy, New York. The
theme will be “Violets on Tour.”

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
SPRINGFIELD, Delaware County, Pennsyl¬
vania will hold its fifteenth annual show on
Saturday, April 27, 1963 at the Township Com¬
missioners Building, 50 Powell Road, Spring-
field, Pennsylvania. The theme will be “Afri¬
can Violets Through the Years.”

•BAY STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,

Massachusetts, will hold its fourth annual
African violet show on May 3-4, 1963 at
Shopper’s World Auditorium, Framingham,
Massachusetts. Doors open from 2 p.m. to
9:30 p.m. on May 3rd and from 9:30 a.m. to
5 p.m. on May 4th.

•The BALTIMORE WEST END AFRICAN
VIOLET CLUB on May 3 and 4, 1963 will hold
its ninth annual show in the Westview Com¬
munity Hall.

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should knoiu: No photos can be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, 4392 W. 20th St. Rd., Rt. 3, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SPO¬
KANE will hold its spring violet show on
April 30, 1963. The theme of the show will be
“Violets in Song.” The show will be held at
the Spokane Coliseum and will be open to the
public from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

•The GLENDALE CHAPTER OF THE AFRI¬
CAN VIOLET SOCIETY will present its fifth
annual violet show April 26-27, 1963 in the
Glendale Y.W.C.A. Auditorium, 734 E. Lex¬
ington Dr., at Glendale Ave., Glendale Cali¬
fornia. The show will be open on the 26th
from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on April 27th from
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The theme will be “Violets
in Fairyland,” Mrs. Helen Carpentier is show
chairman; Mrs. Frances Moote is cochairman.
There will be a plant sale table, a supply table
for needed materials to grow lush plants and
a snack bar for refreshments. Admission, 35c.
•The SANTA MONICA BAY CHAPTER of the
AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY will hold its
eleventh annual show May 3-4, 1963 at the
Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. “Violet Car¬
ousel” is the theme of the show. Mrs. Charles
Leland is show c.hairman. An interesting fea¬
ture of the show will be the judging of plants
grown in a mystery leaf contest by members.
•The SPARKLING WATERS AFRICAN VIO¬

LET CLUB of Connecticut will hold its fourth
judged show April 6-7, 1963 at the Gardenway
Nurseries, North St., Milford, Conn. The show
will be open the 6th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
and on the 7th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Theme
for this show will be “April Showers.” Ad¬
mission free.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET CLUBS OF THE
TWIN CITIES AREA will hold their thirteenth

annual show April 18, 1963 at Donaldson’s
Golden Rule department store in St. Paul,
Minnesota. Show will be open from 9 a.m. to

9 p.m. and admission is free. The theme of the
show will be “African Violets for Every Oc¬
casion.” Each of the 22 clubs in the area will
prepare a table display for judging. Individual
competition of plants is also scheduled. Awards
will be given by Donaldson’s Golden Rule for
the best table arrangement, the best table of
violets and the best plant of the show.

•The NAUGATONIC AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Naugatuck Valley, Connecticut, will
hold its third annual judged violet show April
20-21, 1963 at the Garden way Nurseries, 945
North St., Milford, Conn. The hours will be
from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on the 20th and from

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the 21st. There is no
charge for admission.

90

t

I •The NORTH SHORE AFRICAN VIOLET SO-

[ CIETY of Long Island, N.Y., will hold its
' fifth annual show on May 4-5, 1963 at Mem¬
orial Junior High School, Pidgenn Hill Road,
Huntington Station. Mrs. Herbert W. Sullivan,
Mrs. Charles Mannillo and Mrs. Frank Vietje
will be cochairmen.

•The NORTH COUNTRY AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Malone, N.Y. will hold its second
annual show on May 11, 1963 at the Flanagan
i Hotel in the South of the Border Room. Mrs.

Nettie Russell will be show chairman. The
: show will feature not only many arrangements
and specimen plants but a table of gesneriads
j as well. Commercial growers will have avail-
i able many of the newest and best violets for
sale.

•The CHAIN-O-LAKES AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB of Ingleside, Illinois, will have its dis-
1 play of violets May 11, 1963 at the Lake
County Savings and Loan Bank, Community
Room, of Grayslake, Illinois. Show will be
open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Theme of the
i show will be “Violets to Mother.”
j •The FORT VANCOUVER AFRICAN VIOLET
I CLUB of Vancouver, Washington will hold its
j fourth annual show on May 16-17, 1963 in the
I local P.U.D. Building. The theme will be
' “Violets in Fairyland” and Mrs. James Muhn
I is chairman, Mrs. Kenneth Rains, cochairman.

1 •The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF THE
' EAST BAY, INC., will hold its fourth annual
i show May 25, 1963 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. and
I May 26th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Lake-
i side Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave.,
Oakland, Calif. Theme, “Violet Escapades.”

I •The LEHIGH VALLEY AFRICAN VIOLET
I SOCIETY will hold its first annual show in the
! lobby of the Hotel Bethlehem, 437 Main St.,

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on March 16-17,
1963. The show will be open to the public on
March 16th from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and on
March 17th from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The theme
of the show will be “Spring Thaw.” Mr. and
Mrs. Marshall Warner and Richard Mutton
are cochairmen.

•The PARADISE GREEN SAINTPAULIA
CLUB will hold its annual show and plant
sale at the Garden Exchange, Madison Ave.,
Trumbull, Conn. The show will be open to the
public March 30th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and
March 31st from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will
be sections devoted to display plants, shadow
boxes, and a plant and leaf sale. Mrs. Fred
Nelson is chairman.

•The FIRST AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, will hold its an¬
nual show and plant sale on April 4, 1963 at
the Shawnee Woman’s Club, 4224 W. Broad¬
way, Louisville, Ky. “Drifting Along with
Violets” will be the theme. Doors open from
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mrs. Wm. Genenwein is
chairman.

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF PIO¬
NEER VALLEY will hold its annual show on
Friday and Saturday, April 5-6, 1963 in the
8th floor auditorium of Forbes & Wallace de¬
partment store, Springfield, Massachusetts. A
timely theme has been chosen, “Easter Parade
of Violets.” Mrs. George Brodeur is show
chairman, Mrs. Nicholas Boccasile is staging
chairman.

•The METROPOLITAN AFRICAN VIOLET
SOCIETY of Washington, D.C. announces its
fifth annual show will take place April 6-7,
1963 with Mrs. Thomas B. McKneely as chair¬
man. The show will be held at the Ft. Buffalo
Room of the Woodward & Lothrop store at

j

j

I 1 — -Mrs. John Kiconski, East Subur¬
ban African Violet Club. 2— -Mrs.
Jack Yakie, Bonn Houser and Mrs.
L. L. Kile at Tennessee Valley Club
j show. 3— -Prize-winning plants at
I San Joaquin show. 4— Mrs. George
I Adams, Wichita, Kansas. 5-— Prize-
i winning table at East Suburban
show.

7 Corners, Falls Church, Virginia. The theme
chosen is “Over the Rainbow.” There will be
competitive classes in African violets and
gesneriads for members and nonmembers, and
arrangements for members only. Of special
interest, this year there will be a class for
violets grown by children of members.

•The UTICA AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY,
Utica, New York, will hold its annual spring
show on April 6-7, 1963 in the Ballroom and
Venetian Rooms of the Hotel Utica. Mrs. Ar¬
thur Hutchins is chairman and Mrs. Vincent
Arlotta, cochairman. This year’s theme will be
“Garden of Dreams.” The Garden Clubs of
Utica will be invited to show arrangements.
•The WICHITA AFRICAN VIOLET STUDY
CLUB of Wichita, Kansas, will hold its show
in the Blessed Sacrament Gym on March 16-17
1963 with Mrs. Wm. M. Ratzlaff as chairman.
Doors will open at 2 p.m. and until 6 p.m. on
the 16th and from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on the
17th.

•The SPRINGFIELD AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Springfield, Pa., will stage its an¬
nual show April 27th, 1963 from 10 a.m. to
9 p.m. The theme will be “Violets Through the
Years.” This will be an educational display
showing the development of the Saintpaulia
from species down to cultivated named varie¬
ties. There will also be specimen plants and
arrangements for judging as well as an horti¬
cultural table showing methods of growing
fine plants.

•The SEATTLE SAINTPAULIA SOCIETY,

INC., will hold its tenth annual African violet
show and plant sale at the Norway Center,
300 Third West, Seattle, Washington, on May
4-5, 1963. The show will be open to the public
from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m, on May 4th, and from
12 noon to 7:30 p.m. on May 5th. The theme
will be “Violets and Memories” and Mr. Rich¬
ard Hammond will be chairman.

•The TENNESSEE VALLEY AFRICAN VIO¬
LET CLUB held its fourteenth annual show
at the First Methodist Church October 12,
1962. The theme “Violet Artistry,” was de¬
picted by a huge artist’s palette bearing violets
in various colors. On each side card tables,
holding designs with violets predominating,
interpreted famous art masterpieces. Mrs. John
Humphries’ table, “Rebecca of Sunnybrook
Farm,” won first place. Mrs. W. J. Cowart’s
table “Dance of the Wood Nymphs” was
second.

Double Black Cherry won queen of the show
for Mrs. L. L. Kile. Donn Houser’s plant of
Gumdrop was runner-up. Mr. Houser won the
National Society’s Gold Award with Double
Black Cherry, Lilian Jarrett and Golden Gate.
He was also horticultural sweepstakes winner.
Sweepstakes winner in arrangement classes
was Mrs. Roy Walker. Mrs. Joseph Harriss was
runner-up.

Mrs. Thomas L. Parker was show chairman,
Mrs. Manus Sharp cochairman. Mrs. C. A.
Rollins was staging chairman. There were two
groups of judges; Mrs. W. A. Brown, Mrs.

George Martin and Mrs. Paul Gillespie of
Chattanooga. Mrs, Jack Yakie of Port Arthur,
Texas; Mrs. J. B. Carey and Mrs. Sidney
Rainey of Knoxville, Tennessee. A coffee hour
honoring Mrs. Jack Yakie, National President,
preceeded the show.

•The SAN JOAQUIN AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY of Stockton, Calif., held its tenth an¬
nual show at the P.G. & E. Auditorium, Oc¬
tober 6 and 7, 1962 with the theme “Harvest of
Violets.” Mrs. Lee Cartwright was chairman,
Mrs. Norman Pilatti assisting. Mrs. John Gari¬
baldi and Mrs. Virgil Cassilis were in charge
of staging.

Mrs. Norman Pilatti won the sweepstakes
trophy, Mrs. Cartwright was runner-up. Mrs.
Donald Cortner won queen of the show with
a plant of White Pride. Mrs. Louis Weaver’s
Lovely Lady was second and Mrs. Cartwright’s
Zorro was third. Mrs. Cassilis won the ar¬
rangement trophy with her arrangement. Har¬
vest of Violets.

Special award ribbons were given to Mrs.
Lester Brown for her arrangement, Days of
’49, and to Mrs. Frank Edgerton for her
educational exhibit, also to Tropical Nursery
and Franz Nursery for their commercial dis¬
plays.

Judges were: specimens, Edith Abbott, Min¬
nie Mobley and Pauline Duarte, all of Sacra¬
mento, Calif. Arrangements, Elsie Arminino,
Caroline Claussen and Stella Anson, all of
Stockton.

•The first violet show of the TOLEDO SUB¬
URBAN AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY was

held in the home of Mrs. Carl Fleming on
November 13, 1962 with the theme of “Dress
Rehearsal.” Ten of the society’s members
entered seventy-nine plants and eleven ar¬
rangements. Colorado Knight, shown by Mrs.
Carl Fleming was queen of the show. Mrs.
Fleming also won sweepstakes with twelve
blue ribbons.

Judges were Mrs. Charles Crawford of To¬
ledo and Mrs. Clarence Kuder of Bowling
Green, Ohio.

•The LAKESHORE AFTERNOON SAINT¬
PAULIA CLUB of Racine, Wisconsin staged
its first African violet display at the Bank of
Elmwood in Racine, September 14, 1962. “Vio¬
lets Artistique” was their theme. Arrangements
in variety were displayed on tables or in
niches, the reddish colored varieties being
highlighted by red spotlights.

Mrs. Gerald Houdek received the popular
vote for her arrangement of “Paris in Spring”;
Miss Margaret Teuscher for her miniatoe
arrangement; Mrs. Frank Luedtke, Sr. for her
large plant of Potpourri.

Mrs. D. E. Buchta was chairman and a num¬
ber of the members served as hostesses.

•The fifth annual show of the FRIENDLY
AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB was held in Nor¬
wood, Massachusetts, October 20, 1962. Mrs.
Frank Davis, who designed the stage setting,
won queen of the show with her plant of
Hi Hopes and was awarded the silver bowl

92

for best arrangement. Mrs. Walter Moore’s
plant of Double Uncle Bob was runner-up; her
Azure Beauty was Junior queen, and she also
won the silver bowl sweepstakes award, given
by Mrs. Percy Crane. Mrs. Charles Pfeninger
won runner-up to junior queen with a plant
of Priscilla Landaker.

Mrs. Murray Purdy won a special award for
her educational exhibit and the Junior award
went to eleven year old Anne Keyes for her
arrangement entitled “The Winner.”

Mr. Charles Pfeninger’s arrangement, “A
Dreamer’s Dream,” was unique. A large mug
in the shape of an elderly gentleman’s head,
sprouted violets that had been painted yellow.
A fan of $100 bills and piles of money sur¬
rounded the mug.

•The WICHITA GARDEN CENTER HOLIDAY
SHOW, held Nov. 3-4, 1962 at the Blessed Sac¬
rament Recreation Room had as its theme “Pa¬

rade of the Seasons.” Mrs. L. A. Lallement was
show chairman.

In the violet section a plant of Coon Valley,
entered by Mrs. Wm. M. Ratzlaff, was best in
the show. Mrs. Geo. O. Adams was sweepstake
winner and her plant of Double Uncle Bob
was second best of show. Judges were Mrs.
L. A. Fossey and Mr. Le Roy Johnson, both
of Mound City, Kansas.

•The EAST SUBURBAN AFRICAN VIOLET
CLUB, East Detroit, Michigan held its an¬
nual show November 4, 1962 with the theme
“Violet Carnival.” A plant of Pink Polka Dot,
entered by Mrs. John Kocinski was queen of
the show. Mrs. Kocinski also won the Na¬
tional Award Ribbon and sweepstakes. The
new National Green Rosette Award was given
to the club for all over show perfection. This
is the first club in the National Society to be
given the Rosette. •

First Society of Lake Charles Holds Clinie

The First African Violet Society of Lake
Charles, Lousiana held an educational clinic
at the United Gas Corporation Auditorium,
Oct. 27, 8:30 to 12:00 noon.

The purpose for which this clinic was
planned was to interest the public and other
violet growers in forming an affiliated violet
club, to secure members for our club, and to
earn money with which to finance our violet
show in April of 1963. Members of the club
sold tickets to interested patrons and prospec¬
tive violet growers, and Just plain visitors,
prior to the date set. Programs were printed,
publicity and photos in all the local papers
were worked out with much enthusiasm and
cooperation from the press. Mrs. Jack Yakie,
and Dr. R. H- Hanchey, Lousiana State Univer¬
sity accepted our invitations to speak-

Guests registered by filling in a question¬
naire. This form gave our membership com¬
mittee all the information we would need on
the prospective members, and one of the ques¬
tions asked was, “Are you interested in be¬
coming a member of an affiliated violet club?”

From 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. we held our plant
sale of new and old varieties of African violets.
During this time we scheduled a demonstra¬
tion of propagation methods. Mrs. J. G. Miltner
and Mrs. Abner Smitha, both enthusiastic and
successful violet growers, demonstrated propa¬
gation methods, potting and repotting, and
proper spraying of violets. Also, during the
plant sale Mrs. Ralph Liles showed colored
slides of the 1960 National Show at Atlantic
City and of arrangements using African violets.

The evening before the date of the clinic
all of the club members met at the Auditorium
and set up their beautiful displays of choice
African violet show plants.

On the morning of the clinic guests began
arriving early, and a lively interest was dis¬
played in all activities scheduled. Mrs. Louis
Kiehl, vice president of the club and chairman

of the “Educational Violet Clinic,” welcomed
the guests. Mrs. G. B. Allen, president, intro¬
duced the guest speakers. The plant sale was a
huge success and more funds were realized
from the clinic than required to finance our
1963 violet show. Some of our visitors indi¬
cated their interest in becoming members of
a violet club, and we invited them to attend
our November meeting.

At 10:00 a.m. Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Kiehl, Mrs.
Yakie, Mrs. Miltner, and Dr. Hanchey were
seated at the speakers’ table and the guests
gathered in the Auditorium — reluctantly
leaving the plant sale and potting demonstra¬
tion. Dr. R. H. Hanchey spoke to the group
about “Light Your African Violets for Best
Flowering.” Coffee and cookies were served
to the guests and members at intermission.
Mrs. Jack Yakie, of Port Arthur, Texas, presi¬
dent and librarian of the National Society,
discussed “The History of the African Violet
and the African Violet Society.”

This clinic was the first to be held in Lake
Charles. It was so enthusiastically received
that the First African Violet Club hopes to
make it a yearly project.

Left to right, Mrs. Utsie J. Duhom, reservations chair¬
man, Mrs. G. B. Allen, president, Mrs. Jay Miltner,
propagation table, Mrs. Louis Kiehl, publicity.

Registration Report

Adele Tretter, 4988 Schollmeyer Ave.

St. Louis 9, Missouri

The following applications have been received during

the period from August 27, 1962, through November 29,

1962. Plant and Registrant;

Sir Anthony (1290) WVC93dS, Sylvia Ann
(1291) PRC93dS, 9/6/62, Mrs. L. Clyde
Williams, 7046 Clayton Ave., Dallas 14, Tex.

Skyline (1292) LBWC3sL, 9/10/62, Mrs. Elmer
Kramer, 2923 Portugal Drive, St. Louis, Mo.

Tammy (1293) DPXSsL, 9/11/62, The Select
Violet House, 2023 Belmont Ave., Youngs¬
town, Ohio.

Oceanside Skies (1294) MBX59dfL, Oceanside
Glamour Babe (1295) MPX59dfS, 9/14/62,
Mrs. Frank Krumenacker, 2958 Court St.,
Oceanside, New York.

Richter’s Rebel (1296) DBV83dS, Richter’s
Diamond Lil (1297) MP83dS, Richter’s Car-
melita (1298) DP5dS, Richter’s Confection
(1299) LPC583dfS, 9/25/62, Richter’s Green¬
house, 9529 Wicker Blvd., Highland, Indiana.

Fairy Frills (1300) OVC593dfS, 10/11/62, Mrs.
Ethel Eaton, P.O. Box 504, Long Beach,
Washington.

My Flame (1301) RX8dcS, Tall Tales (1302)
PVC8scS, Hi Hopes (1303) VWC8dcS, Ori¬
ental Red (1304) R8dcS, Startling (1305)
OBC9dcS, 10/19/62, Lyndon Lyon, 14 Mut-
chler St., Dolgeville, New York.

Shangri-La Cupid’s Dart (1306) DP591dL,
Shangri-La Angel Song (1307) MP591dL,
Shangri-La Sabre Dancer (1308) DB91dL,
Shangri-La Angel Wings (1309) P58dL,
10/22/62, Bob Neprash, P.O. Box 1706,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Wagon Wheel (1310) WRC8dL, Crinkled Crepe
(1311) P5sL, Red Melody (1312) R8dL,
Tattered Pink (1313) PXSsfL, Green Hornet
(1314) OVC5sL, Purple Robe (1315) V5sfL,
Silver Shadows (1316) WX5dfL, Isle of
Capri (1317) PC5sfS, 11/9/62, Kolb’s Green¬
houses, 725 Belvidere Road, Phillipsburg,
New Jersey.

Vacation (1318) LBC583dfL, 11/13/62, Mrs.
Byrdene Woodley, Maltbie Rd., Gowanda,
New York.

Rabbit Ears (1319) OX83sS, Fireball Supreme
(1320) RX63sS, Tinari’s Pink Twist (1321)
P5dfS, Red Sunset (1322) RWC8sS, Jumbo
Geneva (1323) VWC6sS, 11/20/62, Frank A.
Tinari, Bethayres, Pa.

Height of Fashion (1324) DP83dL, Cambridge
Pink (1325) DPX93dS, Delft Imperial
(1326) LBX593dfS, Purple Falcon (1327)
VC593sS, Ice Flo (1328) W93dS, Theresa
Moeller (1329) MPX43dS, Midnight Seas
(1330) V583dfS, Velvet Tempest (1331)
RP58sS, Sierra. Giant (1332) VWC83dL,
11/21/62, Granger Gardens, #2 1060 Wilbur
Road, Medina, Ohio.

Eventide in the Rockies (1333) OVC5dL,
11/23/62, Mrs. Richard Carr, 2585 So. Julian,
Denver 19, Colo.

Westward Ho (1334) DB8dL, Betty Lou (1335)
W8dS, Autumn Splendor (1336) WRVC5dS,
Lola Montez (1337) ROC9sfS, Zest of the
West (1338) DB5sL, 11/23/62, Pearl and
E. H. Thomas, Walnut Creek, California.
Ordalia (1339) OX389dL, 11/23/62, Mrs. W.
Keith Myers, 4956 Booth, Shawnee Mission,
Kansas.

Blue Chips (1340) DB983sL, Claret (1341)
DR53dL, 11/29/62, Naomi’s African Violets,
141 Holley St., Brockport, New York.

Name Reservations: The following name
reservations have been received during the
period from August 27, 1962 through Novem¬
ber 29, 1962: Shangri-La Pease, Shangri-La
My Bob, Merry Go Round, Clover Blossom,
Victorian Pink, Moonlight ’n Roses, Night Sky,
Salad Bowl, Gold Dust, Surfside, Galaxy,
Barbara Mary, Monarch Queen.

FROM THE REGISTRAR:

The Registration Committee has been work¬
ing hard to bring you a more complete descrip¬
tion of registered plants. We are using the
hybridizer’s registration cards for our infor¬
mation on the color and type of flower, type
of leaf, and size of plant.

The code for the size of plant is as follows:
M for Miniature or Semiminiature, 6” and
under; S for Standard size, over 6” to 12”;
L for Large, any plant over 12”.

For the variegated flower we are using the
letter C as Multicolor. Example: if the flower
is white with blue streaked, spotted or other¬
wise the code will read WBC. If the flower is
blue with a green edge it will also be classed
as BC. We are doing this because there is no
code for green. We have added to the code
the letters L for light, M for medium, and
D for dark. For example, if the color is noted
as light blue then we will state as such, LB.

Also, new to the registration list you will
notice the cross-file of some plants. Names
that are listed under a Hybridizer’s Series we
will list as follows: under John Doe Series as
Blue Bird; then cross-filed as Blue Bird, see
John Doe Series.

Due to some of the cards not having the
complete information there will be some omis¬
sions in the descriptions.

If the hybridizers have cause to feel that
some of the information is wrong, the Regis¬
trar will be happy to correct the mistakes in
the future issues of the African Violet Maga¬
zine if she is contacted.

Will the hybridizers please follow the Afri¬
can Violet Society’s code in describing the
color of the flower? The Registration Commit¬
tee is not familiar with the color charts of
other societies.

Bear with us as there will still be mistakes.
We are doing our best and hope you will like
the new set up.

94

Don’t Be A Blossom Judge !

Neva Anderson, St. Louis, Missouri

Are you familiar with the scale of points
for judging specimen plants? If you are,
it is easier to understand why the highest
awards often fail to go to the largest plants,
or to those with the most profuse bloom.

In the scale of points for judging a specimen
plant, according to the African Violet Society
of America, Inc., the leaf pattern or symmetry
is given 30 points. A good plant has perfection
of leaf pattern showing foliage that grows
evenly from a center crown with leaves spaced
like the spokes of a wheel, each row over¬
lapping the petioles (or stems) of the row
below. There should be no gaps in spacing and
shorter under or baby leaves should be re¬
moved. No supports or collars are permitted
under the leaves. No specimen plant will have
a sucker. Multiple crown plants are not con¬
sidered specimen plants and therefore are not
accepted as entries in any class in the National
Show. Some local shows have classes for
multiple crown plants. However, when exhibi¬
tors learn how suckers spoil the symmetry of
the beautiful violet plant, they soon are con¬
verted to growing specimen single crown
plants.

The condition or health of the plant may
grade up to 20 points of the total score. A plant
must be clean with good, healthy colored foli¬
age, which may vary from light green through
olive and pine to a very dark green, or may
be variegated showing colored or creamy
markings according to variety. Leaves should
not be bruised, broken or marred by water
marks or sunburned spots and there should
be no stub of a petiole left where a leaf has
been removed. The plant must be in proportion
to the pot. The neck of the plant should not
extend higher than the rim of the pot. A plant
should be free from insects and disease and
show no evidence of spray material residue.

The amount, color and size of bloom make
up the other half of the points a plant may
score. Here the plant is judged according to
variety. Only fresh, opened blooms are count¬
ed. All faded blooms should be removed, and
no blossom stubs, spent bloom stalks or seed
pods are left on a show plant.

Standards for floriferousness vary from 10
blooms for some varieties of the du Pont
strains to 25 or more for standard varieties.
Blooms of the du Pont and Supreme strains
should be at least two inches in diameter,
while the standard plants are expected to pro¬
duce blooms at least one inch across. Blooms
of miniatures may vary in size.

A show plant is produced when the grower
has given regular attention to proper soil,
feeding, watering, exposure or light, humidity
and temperature, and also has allowed enough
space for the plant to develop properly. It is
necessary, of course, to take precautions to

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Reaume, 22454 St. Claif Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

VI-O-LETTES, Mrs. Ed. J. Le Claire, Pres.,
221 E. 18th, Spokane 35, Washington
EXHIBITOR’S CLUB, Mrs. John Nelson, 5541
Ardmore Ave., Chicago, Ill.

SKI HI VIOLET CLUB, Mrs. Colleen Osborn,
Pres., 1831 Newton Dr., Cheyenne, Wyo.
MOBY DICK AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB, Mrs.
Charles Pfeninger, Pres., 225 Her son St.,
New Bedford, Mass.

DALLAS NORTH AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Mrs. Lewis C. Owens, Pres., 5555
Richard St., Dallas 6, Texas
HAPPY VIOLETEERS, Mrs. A. B. Helton,
Pres., 502 Redbud Lane, Dallas Texas
THE NYASALAND AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY, Mrs. Gladys McNally, Pres., P.O.
Box 152, Blantyre, Nyasaland, E. Africa

Notice To Affiliated
Chapter Presidents

To prevent misunderstanding, I would like
to explain. What and to whom the following
belong:

1. The Affiliated Chapter copies of the
African Violet Magazine, belong to the Chap¬
ter and is sent to the person designated, on
your Affiliated Chapter blank.

2. The Affiliated Chapter Charter belongs
to your Chapter.

3. The green president’s card, belongs to
the president of your Chapter, and shows she
is the president of an Affiliated Chapter. This
is not a personal membership card. But, an
Affiliated Chapter membership card for the
president of the Chapter.

Blank for Evaluating African Violet Shows.

If your Chapter requires, both the Gold
and Purple Rosettes, and the evaluating blank,
please request both at the same time.

Returning Rosettes.

Please check to see that you have the correct
amount of postage, on the envelope. Do not
fold the Rosettes — mail back in an envelope
large enough so they will not be wrinkled.

prevent disease and insect attacks. The final
very important step is to groom the specimen
properly so it will receive full credit when

shown.

A violet show is a golden opportunity to
compare varieties and select the type you like
best to add to your collection. When you attend
a show, look at the symmetry, condition and
good grooming in blue ribbon plants. Don’t
judge a plant solely for its bloom. •

95

Your Library

Maisie Yakie

P.O. Box 674, Port Arthur, Texas

IN the South this should be one of our finest
violet flowering months before the warmth
of spring really gets here. In the North I am
sure that all of you are enjoying the beauty
of your plants particularly compared to the
bleakness of the outdoors. Even those of us
who have grown violets for years never cease
to thrill to the Joy of seeing new buds rise
and open their petals with grave dignity,
bursting into full bloom while our backs are
turned it seems.

At the forthcoming Kansas City Convention
the Library will participate in a workshop on
Program Planning, which will be held during
the first workshop session (see the Conven¬
tion Program elsewhere in this issue). We
invite all of you to be with us. Since there
will be two others participating in this same
workshop, we can assure you that you will
receive a wide range of information which
should be both helpful and interesting.

Let me urge all of our Affiliated Chapters
to participate in the yearbook contest at the
1963 Convention. If you have not sent in your
yearbook do so at once. There are three prizes
available and your yearbook will be added to
the permanent Library collections which are
used by thousands of members each year.

Not only did the kind folk in San Francisco
give us one of the finest Conventions we have
ever attended, but they have added kindness
upon kindness. The African Violet Society of
San Francisco, Mrs. Ellen Schloffel, president,
has given to the Library a very fine set of
.slides of the San Francisco Convention. These
slides are different from those previously
available from the Library. Also, for many of
you whO' wanted slides of this Convention, but
were unable to^ secure rese*rvations because of
the heavy demand for the other Library slides
on this Convention, we feel that this offers
you a wonderful opportunity to now get a
reservation for these new slides. So if you have
wanted to see the S.F. Convention slides and
not been able to do so before, won’t you send
us your request now and we shall be most
happy for you to view these beautiful gift
slides from the S.F. A VS. Our sincere thanks
to you, Mrs. Schloffel, and to each and every
member of yO'Ur wonderful club!

If ever there was a group that has literally
worked its head off for the Library it is the
Metropolitan St. Louis African Violet Society,
Mrs. Edward A. Nelson, president. After many
long hours of work they have again gifted the
Library with a new set of slides on arrange¬
ments. This group of slides approaches ar¬
rangements from a different viewpoint than
we have had before arrangements are fun!
It is called “Another Violet Hobby: Arrange¬
ments” and is both beautiful and charming.

We never seem to adequately express our
appreciation for your fine support and co¬
operation, St. Louis girls, but we trust you
know^ how very much your many kindnesses
are appreciated.

The African Violet Society of Lake Charles
Louisiana, Mrs. G. B. AUen, president and
Mrs. H. Ralph Liles, program chairman, re¬
cently conducted the first workshop of its type
in their area of the South. It was extremely
well planned and ambitiously conceived and
was a resounding success. It was in three parts.:
the first being a demomtration of the elements
of culture, such as correct potting technique,
etc.; the second was information on varieties
through use of Library slides; and the third
was a short lecture period with an outstanding
speaker discussing the use of artificial lights
in growing superior African violets and an¬
other speaker on the history of the African
violet and history and grO'Wth of the AVSA.
The writer had the pleasure of attending tMs
workshop and we cannot urge other groups
strongly enough to stage such' a workshop in
your areas. It was open tO' the general public
and the attendance was good. There is a write¬
up of this workshop in this issue of the Maga¬
zine, so look for it, won’t you? Our congratu¬
lations tO' the Lake Charles members for a
Job well done.

The Boot Hill Club of Dodge City, Kansas
(organized in 1955) had an outstanding pro¬
gram on “Summer Care of My Violets and the
Results.” It will shortly be summer vacation
time again and the care of our violets while
we are away from home or while it is hot
will soon be a problem for nearly all of us.
So a program of this type seems particularly
fitting now.

The Glass City African Violet Club of
Toledo, OhiO', had a roll call O'U “Varieties Easy
to Train for Show,” but we suggest that this
idea be expanded into a full program. There
are definitely some varieties that make better
show plants than O'thers sO' it would be both
interesting and help-ful to share our knowledge
of what makes a good show plant and which
varieties possess these characteristics. They
then had a follow up program on “Training
Show Plants.” This could be beneficial to every
member whether or not they ever plan to
exhibit in a show.

We will be looking forward tO' having many
new slide groups ready for you soon. Let us
remind you to send in your reservations for
the National Show at Kansas City NOW. We
have seen the plants they grow in K.C. and
believe me, they are beauties.

If you have not had some of the Library
materials recently won’t you send for some
now? See the list in the September 1962 AV
Magazine in the “Your Library” column. We
hope that one of these days soO'ii we will be
able to say we have served in one year eve^ry
affiliated group and many hundreds of our
individual members. Remember, all Library
materials are available to- any member.

96

QUESTIOI^ BOX

Aime Tinari

Tinari Greenhouses

Bethayres, Fa.

The most popular question received during
the past four months was in reference to the
soil mealy bug, root mealy bug or ground
mealy bug as it is commonly known in some
areas.

Due to the fact that I lack sufficient per¬
sonal experience with this culprit and the
personal nature of the confidential letters, I
shall this time deviate from the specific ques¬
tion and answer routine we adhere to in this
column. So, with the help of many kind read¬
ers and friends, who have sent me their ex¬
periences in combating this pest, I shall give
you some general information I have compiled
from their findings.

The ground mealy bug is a rather small
white bug approximately 1/16 of an inch or
smaller, and is easily seen under a low pow¬
ered magnifying glass or microscope. They
possess 6 legs but do not resemble the common
cottony white mealy bug which thrives above
the ground, but are rather slim in structure
having a firmer white wax coating often re¬
sembling a particle of perlite or Sponge-Rok.
This bug is known to attack the roots of a
plant and eat the root tips, thus weakening
the very foundation of the plant. Infested
plants will often seem to be wilting of root rot
or overwatering.

Might I inject at this point, the urgent need
of sterilizing all soil mixtures before using
them unless you are positive this has been
done before they were purchased. The greatest
difficulty lies in using an insecticide strong
enough to destroy the pest without doing gross
injury to the plant. If too strong an insecticide
is used, I am told, the plants will go into
shock, or they are killed outright.

One grower reports success using DDT 50 %
strength in powder form mixed in his potting
soil as a preventive. Malathion used as a
drench was reported to give successful results
used in the proportion of % teaspoon per
gallon of water. Another source reports 25%
liquid DDT in the proportion of 1 tablespoon
per gallon of water was effective. Apply at
least 3 treatments at 7 to 10 day intervals.
Also, 50% wettable DDT in the soil produced
favorable results.

These are only a few of the successful results
sent to me. Most of the people using material
in greater quantities reported much loss among
plants. Systox, which I have referred to re¬
cently, I have been told now on good authority,
is too dangerous to be used by the laymen and
should only be used under greenhouse con¬
ditions with great caution.

I do not make this report to alarm you but

only to help you through others’ experience.
If infestation is discovered on only a few plants
(especially older plants) I would suggest dis¬
posing of them and start with new plants in
fresh sterilized soil. I would welcome any
suggestions experienced by other readers.

An article, page 60, of the December Maga¬
zine by Mrs. John Gutridge, Los Angeles,
Calif., on this subject is worth referring to.
Also, our good editor has assured me an article
will appear in this current issue and others
are scheduled for subsequent issues on this
vital and important subject. Please look for
them.

Only by being aware of diseases and their
constant existence can we maintain caution
and seek knowledge for prevention.

Q. A question asked so often by apartment
dwellers is, “What plants will do best on my
apartment window sill?” For the answer to
this I am very grateful to Dr. Pauline Klein
who has written me her experience. I shall
quote direct from her correspondence.

Dear Mrs. Tinari: I would recommend,
especially for beginners growing under apart¬
ment light and conditions, these plants: Purple
Knight, Pink Geneva, Blue Tango and Snow
Prince. I have found in my apartment the
following plants grow the best, flower the
most freely and retain their shape best, they
are: Arctic Snow, Blue Tango, Double Pink
Geneva, Fringed Snow Prince, Hi Hopes, Jane
Starr, Lilian Jarrett, Pink Cushion, Pink Ge¬
neva, Pink Polka, Purple Knight, Snow Prince,
Vallinpink, White Pride, White Tango.

In this group are plants that flower well
but the foliage (usually Girl type) bunches,
probably from insufficient light or dry apart¬
ment air, leaving the leaves quite yellow. They
are: Breathless, Cherry Pink, Fireball, Fringed
Pom Pon, Helen Van Pelt Wilson, Lingo,
Painted Girl, Pastel Swirls, Strike Me Pink,
Royal Purple.

The following I find unsuccessful for apart¬
ment culture due to their Supreme type
foliage. They are: Apollo, Double Black Cher¬
ry, Double Inspiration, Ionic, Kimberly, Lilian
Jarrett Supreme, Racy Red, Shrill, Wedding
Ring, White Pride Supreme.

Those I found unsuitable were: America,
Black Diamond, Blue Flag, Frosty Nite, Isle
of Dreams, Zorro.

In general, plants with Girl foliage, light
colored leaves or very thin leaves do not do
well in apartments.

Plants with dark leaves, but not Supremes,
do better in an apartment.

The color of the blossoms on the plants is

97

not a factor in the flowering. All colors do
very well.

All apartment house plants do better under
fluorescent lights; they keep their shape better;
the leaves do not yellow as fast but the color
of the flowers is better under sunlight.

Dr. Pauline Klein
501 East 79th St., New York 21, N.Y.
Q. Please tell me how to grow the Lipstick
Vine (Aeschynanthus Lobbianus). I have love¬
ly long runners and foliage, but no bloom.

Mrs. K. F. Liljegren
422 Normandy Ave., San Antonio, Texas
A. This plant requires much light and sun to
perform. Avoid too much water. Keep soil
slightly moist but water only 2 times or at
the most 3 times a week. I have found feeding,
especially during the winter months, every 2
weeks with Liqua Vita, 1 teaspoon to 2 quarts
of water, very helpful. You will find runners
get very spindly if not given sufficient light.
Q. Where may I obtain Zonolite?

Ray Windom, Summerfield, Ohio
A. Zonolite is a form of vermiculite. It is a
brand name. Many garden supply stores stock
this item.

Q. Please tell me the names of some good
miniature violet varieties.

Peggy Eaton
428-36th Ave., Santa Cruz, Calif.
A. If you will refer to A. V. Magazine, Vol.
15, No. 4, the June issue, you will find a good
article on miniatures by Laura Moriarty, Web¬
ster Groves, Missouri. She has some good ad¬
vice on their culture and also lists many
varieties.

Q. My plants are growing in a very tight
bunch at center, leaves are very brittle, flow¬
ers don’t develop. Can this be from overwater¬
ing or do I have nematodes? I am a NEW
devotee of African violets and need help.

Mrs. G. Bulten, Grand Rapids, Michigan
A. Your description of affected plants sounds
like the familiar cyclamen mite trouble: brit¬
tle, twisted leaves and center deformity.

May I suggest you remove any badly infest¬
ed plants from your collection. Mite can be
spread so easily that it may be wise to discard
any that are beyond recovery. The ones that
you wish to treat you might try either the
Antrol Bomb (an easy to use push-button type)
or Optox with 10% DDT (apply with a fine
mist sprayer in the proportion of 20 drops to
1 pint of warm water. Repeat this treatment
every 3 days for 3 times ) . There are also many
other insecticides which may be used — - the
above mentioned are probably two of the
safest. Nematodes are a root disease.

Q. Why do my rooting leaves act so wild
and unruly? New growth appears all over the
petiole and some even show a bloom on the
stem before plantlet is developed. Does this
sound normal?

Mrs. Florence Wingett
Box 153, Elk Point, S.D.
A. It is very normal for leaves to send off
new growth if they are accidentally split or

cracked as any part of a leaf will grow,
especially when rooted in water. We find our
best results are by cutting the petiole to an
inch and a half and rooting in fine mica with
half builders sand. By dipping leaves in Pro-
liferol Powder we get a more even sturdy
growth. However, once in a while a young
cutting will throw off a blossom before a plant
is ever formed.

Q. I have read that miniatures should not be
placed in larger than 2 1/2 inch pots. How, then,
do I repot these pot-bound plants?

Mrs. Helen B. Mayer
1231 Park Blvd., Baton Rouge, La.
A. If plants are true miniatures they will not
need any larger than a 21/2 inch pot. It is not
necessary to repot in fresh soil if plants are in
proper sterilized soil to start with and supple¬
mented with feeding periodically. Being pot-
bound they should blossom more profusely. If
you have reason to repot then carefully remove
the plant from the pot and shake off any loose
soil without disturbing the fiberous root
growth.

Q. How do I make a finger test so I can
water my plants properly?

Mrs. J. C. Crowley
64 Maynard St., Arlington, Mass.
A. Use your index finger to feel the top of
the soil. If it is slightly damp there is sufficient
moisture to refrain from watering. If the soil
feels dry to the touch you should apply water
— warm water is most beneficial.

Q. Is White Tango a pure white?

Mrs. Richard Steier, Palisades Park, N.J.
A. White Tango often appears with a tinge of
blue in the center. Many times it will sport to
an off-white, blue-tinged blossom. It is very
prolific.

I am always so gratified to receive answers
to questions by interested readers who are
gracious enough to share their knowledge and
personal experiences with us. The following
very helpful suggestions to questions asked
in this column were sent to me by Mr. Lloyd
Gibson.

To Mrs. Marshall Gifford, Dowagiac, Michi¬
gan, who is concerned with what we both
agreed were “fungus gnats.” I once was trou¬
bled with them, and found a fine solution to
their cure in “The New American Garden
Book,” from which I secured the following
information: The roots of plants are often
injured by tiny maggots or worms in the soil.
These are very different from earthworms,
being white, harmless looking creatures which,
when their development is completed, emerge
from the soil as small flies called fungus gnats.
A corrosive sublimate, such as bichloride of
mercury, makes an effective soil drench which
may be prepared and used at the rate of one
71/2 grain tablet dissolved in a pint of water.
Purchase only enough for immediate use as
this material is very poisonous. If it must be
stored be sure it is out of the reach of children,
pets, careless, or irresponsible adults. Prepare
the solution in a glass or wooden container. If

98

it is used in a metal container it will corrode
it. I wish to add that the solution should not
be permitted to come in contact with the skin,
without immediately washing it off.

Mrs. Norman Young of Freeport, Ill., won¬
dered about how to soften water. I would say
that any water supply produced for human
consumption by a community would not be
particularly detrimental to potted plants, al¬
though rain water or distilled water would be
better. If one collects the water from a de¬
humidifier, and puts a little charcoal (granu¬
lated) in it, it would be much the same as
rain water. The charcoal is to deodorize the
water.

You recommended nitrogen for Mrs. Louise
Napolitano, of Coytesville, N.J. whose plants
seem to lack a dark enough green color. Blood
meal is a very potent nitrogen fertilizer, and
I am taking the liberty of sending her a small
quantity to try on a plant or two. I will caution
her to use it very sparingly, since it has a high
percentage of nitrogen.

READERS, can you help locate any of these
wanted items, if so, please correspond directly
to them.

Q. , I would like to buy an original Vol. 1
No. 1 and also the following: Vol. 2 No. 1, 2, 3
of the African Violet Magazine.

Mrs. E. Gordon, 1199 Hiawatha Dr., Elgin, Ill.

Q. I have available for interested purchasers
every issue of the A. V. Magazine from Vol. 1
to the present time. Also, several extra num¬
bers. Mrs. R. J. Snyder

405 E. Main St., Endicott, N.Y.

Q. I am in search of several back issues of
the Magazine, Vol. 2 No. 1, 2, 3. I also have
available some extra issues: Vol. 9 No. 1, 2, 3;
Vol. 8 No. 1, 2, 3, 4; Vol 7 No. 1, 2, 4; Vol 6
No. 3. Irene Moffatt

24 Arlington St., Huntington Station, N.Y.

Q. I am anxious to get a starter of the cul-
tivar, Bernadotte. Mrs. Earl Summers

232 10th St., Havre, Montana

Q. Where can I purchase McFarland’s Blue
Warrior and also the Supreme type?

Mrs. John Slivka, Fayette, Ohio

Q. I am in search of wick-fed type pots with
saucers. J. C. Bun ten, Osteen, Florida

A. There are many good sources advertised
in this Magazine. If readers have any special
types they have found exceptionally good they
will, no doubt, contact you.

BACK ISSUES OF MAGAZINE

Please write the African Violet Society of America,
Inc., P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee for a list
of those in stock. Not all Magazines are available as
back issues. Do not send money until you get the list.
Make check payable to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Cost $1.00 per copy postpaid.

A Guide To Violet
Terminology

Charles C. Day, San Antonio, Texas

Are you a newcomer to the ranks of violet
growers, breathlessly scanning the first Afri¬
can violet lists you ever received, paralyzed
with indecision as to what to choose? Or an
old hand who has never quite achieved the
knack of penetrating the “purple-prose fog”
that envelops some of the violet descriptions.
Then this is for you. Below are listed some of
the phrases which occur with great frequency
in descriptive lists with translations for the
benefit of the bewildered would-be purchaser:

HEAVY BLOOMER: One plant of this va¬
riety was known to have three bloom stalks at
one time.

MUCH SOUGHT-AFTER: Somebody wrote
in for a leaf of this one; the seeking-after part
is the grower trying to find where that one
plant could possibly have been stashed.

COLLECTOR’S ITEM: If you are growing
every variety available today and are so, so
tired of it all — buy this little number — it
will certainly make you appreciate all the
others.

NEVER OUT OF BLOOM: There is never a
time when there isn’t at least one tired blos¬
som hanging on grimly.

BIG AS A SILVER DOLLAR: Ascertain if
the reference is to pre-inflation; as you are
probably aware, the dollar just ain’t what it
used to be!

NEW AND DIFFERENT: Your friends will
be SO surprised when you tell them it ISN’T
a dandelion.

LOVELY: In violet talk, this is the same
thing as calling someone “sweet” in people
talk — you can’t think of anything else to say
about them.

SCARCE — BETTER ORDER THIS TO¬
DAY: (While it’s still $2,00 a leaf; next year,
if it manages to make anybody’s list, you can
get all the leaves you want at two for a
quarter.)

GORGEOUS, STRIKING FOLIAGE: Go
back and read that description again. Did they
ever mention that it also blooms?

BLOOMS FLOAT LIKE CLOUDS ABOVE
LOVELY FOLIAGE: Just breathe in their
direction and watch ’em come floating down.

WE JUST CAN’T KEEP ENOUGH OF
THIS: The little monsters just seem to fade
quietly away before we can ship them.

HUGE, RUCHED FOLIAGE, SINGLE BLUE
BLOOM: A Blue Boy whose mother was
frightened by a cabbage. •

99

^^EUiS

The First Rapid City African Violet Society
of Rapid City, South Dakota installed its offi¬
cers at the November meeting. They are:
president, Mrs. A. H. Noltensmeir; vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Everett Crooks; secretary, Mrs.
Theodore Norman; treasurer, Mrs. R. C. Wil¬
liams. Mrs. Leon Tiahot, installing officer,
presented a past president’s pin to Mrs. Carl
Reinhold, retiring president. Plans were made
to hold the annual violet show on April 20,
1963 at the Pretty Pines Party and Banquet
House.

On December 9, 1962, the Metropolitan
African Violet Club of Washington, D.C. gave
a Christmas party at the Aged Woman’s Home
of Georgetown, Washington, D.C. The theme
of the party was “To Bring Joy and Happiness
to the Guests of the Home.” Tea was served,
followed by a short program including a talk
on the care and culture of African violets and
the rooting of leaves.

Twelve little girls sang Christmas carols to
the “older girls.” Gifts were distributed to the
guests of the Home, among which was a violet
in a decorative basket for each guest, a pack¬
age of plant food, instructions on the care and
propagation of African violets. A small per¬
sonal gift was included for each guest of the
Home. The party was well attended by mem¬
bers of the Metropolitan African Violet Club
and the party left them with a glow of happi¬
ness they had given to the guests of the Home.

The Lansing Saintpaulia Society, Lansing,
Michigan elected the following officers to serve
for the years 1963 and 1964: president, Mrs.
H. W. Wilcox; first vice president, Mrs. Ernest
Porter; second vice president, Mrs. Richard
Koshnick; secretary, Mrs. Ruben Johnson;
treasurer, Mrs. Del Sherman.

The Kentuckian African Violet Society,
Louisville, Kentucky met November 15, 1962
at the home of Mrs. Ethel Co vault. The follow¬
ing officers were elected for the coming year:
president, Mrs. Emily Slack; vice president,
Mrs. Edith Hubbard; recording secretary, Mrs.
Margaret Wolke; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Thelma Beeten; treasurer, Mrs. Bess Brink.

At the November meeting of the Capital
City African Violet Society of Springfield,
Illinois the following officers were elected for
the year 1963: president Mrs. John Wetterau;
vice president, Mrs. William Metzke; secretary,
Mrs. C. W. Hayes; treasurer, Mrs. Clifford Neil.

A Christmas dinner party took the place of
the regular Dec^ber meeting.

The Tri-City African Violet Society of Para¬

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. noth Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Club News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for December issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

mount, California elected the following offi¬
cers to serve for the coming year: president,
Mrs. Lillian Hathaway; vice president, Mrs!
Cassie Friday; secretary, Mrs. Marge Riley;
treasurer, Mrs. Marian Droze.

The Uncle Sam African Violet Society of
Troy, New York elected officers are: president,
Mrs. Besse Rudebush; vice president, Mrs. Joan
Stone; secretary, Morton Walrath; treasurer,
Mrs. Helen Pettinger.

New officers for the South Florida African
Violet Club for the 1962-63 period are as
follows: president, J. E. Moody; first vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Erma Carter; second vice president,
Robert Baker; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Henry Bassing; recording secretary, Mrs.
Thomas Seum; treasurer, Mrs. Leo Bojeski.
Mrs. J. D. Chestnut of the Miami Club was the
installing officer. She also presented Mrs.
Robert Baker, founder and past president,
with a pin.

The North Country African Violet Society,

New York elected the following officers for
the coming year: president, Mrs. Evelyn Far¬
ley; vice president, Mrs. Audrey Tavernier;
recording secretary, Mrs. Margaret Steenberg;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Mildred Chaffee;
treasurer, Mrs. George Lintner.

Installation of officers and a Christmas party
was held in the Hotel Flanagan South of the
Border Room in December.

At the October meeting, the Capital District
African Violet Society, New York, elected the
following officers for the 1962-63 term: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Mary Shufelt; vice president, Mrs.
Mary Knight; recording secretary, Mrs. Isa¬
belle Bradley; corresponding secretary, Mrs.
Ann Kilroy; treasurer, Frank Kilroy.

The Metropolitan African Violet Society of
Peoria, Illinois elected the following officers
for 1962-63: president, Mrs. Herman Teater;
first vice president, Mrs. Arthur Van Cleave;
second vice president, Mrs. Dick Heiser; sec¬
retary, Mrs. George Ringness; treasurer, Mrs.
Frank Schneider.

The Town and Country African Violet Club
of Rapid City, South Dakota held its annual
election of officers on October 3, 1962. The
following officers were elected: president, Mrs.
John Oyler; vice president, Mrs. Walter Oyler;
secretary, Mrs. Dale Stumer; treasurer, Mrs.
Lee Myers.

The First African Violet Society of Shelby

County, Kentucky was seven years old in Sep¬
tember. “We celebrated our seventh anniver¬
sary at the home of our president, Mrs. Cecil

100

Tipton, who served a delicious luncheon. The
color scheme was blue and white and the
birthday cake was decorated carrying out
these colors. After lunch we toured her home
seeing many new varieties and some old fav¬
orites. Mrs. S. G. Bundeen gave the history of
the club, which was most interesting.

‘Tn October we had our regular sale of
violets, each member who sells violets gives
10% of sale to the club. In November we had
a white elephant sale. We support our club
by these two means.”

The Racine African Violet Society of Racine,
Wisconsin celebrated its tenth anniversary
with a delicious turkey dinner at the local
Y.M.C.A., on October 29, 1962. Forty members
and guests were welcomed by the president,
Mrs. David Buchta. Mrs. Finer Nielson read
a poem which she penned, “Me and My Vio¬
lets.” Charter members of the club still active
were recognized and presented with corsages.
The past presidents were also honored. A
history of the club was read by Mrs. Edmund
Schultz telling how the club was formed and
a resume of the annual shows and meetings
over the past ten years. A humorous skit
depicting two “violet buyers” was presented
by Mrs. Buchta and Mrs. Roy Christianson.

The following officers have been elected to
serve the club for the year beginning January
1963: president, Mrs. Gordon Dummer; first
vice president, Miss lola Pierson; second vice
president, Mrs. Ann Glidden; secretary. Miss
Claire Mulholland; treasurer, Mrs. Ray Reed.

The Lake Shore Afternoon Saintpaulia Club
of Racine, Wisconsin elected the following
officers to serve for the next year: president.
Miss Margaret Teuscher; vice president, Mrs.
D. E. Buchta; secretary, Miss Anne Neitzel;
treasurer, Mrs. Gerald Houdek.

The following are officers of the Trenton
African Violet Club, Trenton, New Jersey:
president, Mrs. R. M. Brennfleck, vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Victor Gaug; secretary, Mrs. Walter
Minschwaner; treasurer, Mrs. George Rowley.
Pins were presented to our past president and
to our newly elected president. The monthly
participation of members on the program
proved highly informative and educational.

The First African Violet Society of Cary,
North Carolina met at the home of Mrs. Doug¬
las Branch for its November meeting. After the
business meeting the installation of officers
was held. The following officers are: president,
Mrs. J. R. Atkins; vice president, Mrs. Douglas
Branch; secretary, Mrs. T. M. Jones; treasurer,
H. J. Waff, Jr.

The outgoing president was presented with
a lovely A. V. S. A. lavalliere with gavel from
the members. It was presented by Mrs. H. J.
Waff, Jr., first president and organizer of the
club.

The following officers were installed for the
African Violet Society of Long Beach, Cali¬
fornia on November 16, 1962 in an impressive
and beautiful ceremony conducted by Mrs.
Dorothy Parker: president, Mrs. Dorothy Po¬

well; vice president, Mrs. Paul Nuss; secretary,
Mrs. Gwen Valliant; treasurer, Mrs. Viola
Wilson.

For this event, Mrs. Parker chose as her
theme “The Colors of the Rainbow.” As each
officer accepted her office, she was presented
with a violet in a basket decorated in a color
representative of her office.

The Happy Violeteers of Dallas, Texas, held
its final organization meeting at the home of
Mrs. James F. Stubbs, Dallas, on November 14,
1962. Mrs. A. B. Helton, Dallas, was installed
as charter president in a very clever “mar¬
riage” ceremony by Mrs. L. E. Stark, Dallas,
installing officer. Other officers installed were:
first vice president, Mrs. T, J. Stovall; second
vice president, Mrs. R. D. McCain; recording
secretary, Mrs. George Street; corresponding
secretary, Mrs. James B. Fridstein. The new
club has twelve members and several prospec¬
tive members who were entertained at the
Christmas party, and plans are already com¬
pleted for the first annual show.

The South Shore African Violet Society of
Seaford, New York elected and installed the
following officers at its second birthday party
on September 26, 1962. Mrs. Kermit Jaediker
was elected president; vice president was Mrs.
Russell Beard; secretary, Mrs. Russell Elling-
sen; treasurer, Mrs. George Aring. The meet¬
ings are being held in the new Parish House
of St. Michael and All Angels Church in Sea-
ford at 1:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of
each month.

November 20, 1962 was the date of the third
annual violet bazaar, sponsored by members
of the Toronto African Violet Society, Toronto,
Canada. This year for the first time the bazaar
was open both afternoon and evening, and
an unusually large crowd attended. Mrs. S. A.
Clancy, bazaar convener, set up most attrac¬
tive arrangements for the various items being
offered. Five long tables of large and bloom¬
ing plants, rooted and fresh-cut leaves, drew
the visitors as they entered. Another section
displayed violet gifts, needlework and china,
while the usual growing needs did a brisk
business. A beautiful plant of Dresden Dream
centered the tea table, presided over by Mrs.
C. Mortson. Six small tables provided a pleas¬
ant place for shoppers to rest and visit.

The following are officers of the African
Violeteers of Pompano Beach, Florida: presi¬
dent, Mrs. Nels Holm; vice president, Mrs.
Joseph Simonson; treasurer and secretary, Mrs.
George Nichols. Meetings are held the second
Monday of the month at 1 p.m. in the homes
of the members.

The Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the Afri¬
can Violet Society, California installed the
following officers for 1963: president, Mrs.
Gifford Thrasher; vice president, Mrs. J. B.
Garacochea; recording secretary, Mrs. Charles
Leland; corresponding secretary, Mrs. Stanley
Russell; treasurer, Mrs. L. G. Swartfager.

“Ship Ahoy,” an original and impressive

101

ceremony, was used by Mrs. John M. Gut-
ridge, installing officer.

The Crosstown African Violet Club of Madi¬
son, Wisconsin elected the following officers
for 1963 at the October meeting: president,
Mrs. John Roe; vice president, Mrs. Conrad
Lewis; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. C. O.
Sathre.

At the November meeting slides from the
National Society, “Shows Around the Country”
were shown. A project leaf was given to each
member and the best plant grown from them
will be judged at the October meeting of 1963.
A Christmas potluck luncheon was held De¬
cember 5th at the home of Mrs. C. O. Sathre
and the officers were installed for the ensuing
year. Gifts were also exchanged.

The Northern Hills African Violet Society,
Cincinnati, Ohio elected the following officers
for the coming yea r: president, Mrs. Ray
Schaffner; vice president, Mrs. Carl Szeghi;
recording secretary, Mrs. James Archibald;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Louis Reinert;
treasurer, Mrs. Melvin Aston, Jr.

The following are officers of the Central
California African Violet Society of Fresno,
California: president, Mrs. Minnie Sigmund;
vice president, Mrs. Mabel Windle; secretary,
Mrs. Paula Matthews; treasurer, Harry Johns¬
ton. A past presidents’ pin was given to the
outgoing president, Mrs. Mary Johnston, by
Mrs. Minnie Sigmund at the September meet¬
ing.

The Union County Chapter of the African
Violet Society of America, Inc., New Jersey

elected the following slate of officers for the
two year period of 1962-1964: president, Mrs.
Glenn B. Hudson; first vice president, Mrs.
Frederick Beach; second vice president, Mrs.
Michael Hughes; secretary, Mrs. Herbert Ter-
hune; treasurer, Mrs. Fred Brenner.

The Naugatonic African Violet Society of
Connecticut held its monthly meeting on No¬
vember 14, 1962 at the Derby-Shelton Com¬
munity Center. The following officers were
elected for the coming year: president, Mrs.
Joseph Adams; vice president, Mrs. Kendrick
Gooch; treasurer, Mrs. James Branch; record¬
ing secretary, Mrs. Lawrence Pulaski; cor¬
responding secretary, Mrs. Lester Nettleton.
The December meeting featured a Christmas
party and installation of officers.

H. G. HARVEY — passed away suddenly
November 19, 1962. Mr. Harvey became
a member of the National Society in
1947 and served as president during
1958-59.

MRS. LILLIAN BRAGG, a Regional
Councilor

MRS. GEORGE PENDLETON

i

Solar Window Greenhouses i

Indoor gardening, the hobby that enlists
200,000 new devotees each year, may take a j
wider share of America’s leisure time now
based on the impetus of window greenhouses
announced here recently. Lord & Burnham, j
a century-old firm which counts the National
Conservatory in Washington, D.C. among past ■
accomplishments, will retail their new green- 1
houses from $70 in 36 standard window sizes.

Made entirely of aluminum and glass, the
new “living windows” slip together without
tools in 5 minutes for weather-tight fit in any
conventional double-hung or sliding window. ^
They do not restrict normal window usage, nor
permit home or apartment heat loss or drafts.

In most seasons, 200 varieties of plants and
flowers can be nurtured to full bloom with i
room heat obtained by opening the window ’
inside the greenhouse. A small electric heater
in the greenhouse provides adequate supple- ;
mentary “growing heat” for most plants when '
outside temperatures dip below freezing.

A spokesman for the firm, whose founders
were contemporaries of Washington Irving i
here in legendary Sleepy Hollow, noted that
African violets, orchids, camellias and other
plants have attracted more people to amateur =
floriculture in the past five years than in any
comparable period in a century. The hobby,
however, has been largely restricted to owners i
of conventional greenhouses. With a single
window greenhouse, anyone with a sunny win¬
dow and a green thumb can grow as many as |
150 plants year round in their natural environ- ;
ments.

The standard Solar Window Greenhouses (
will fit windows from 33” x 28” to 48” to 72”
while custom units can be ordered to fit any
size or shape of window. Free descriptive lit- :
erature and indoor garden growing guides are
available on request. (Write Lord and Burn¬
ham, Division Burnham Corp., 2 Main St.,
Irvington, N.Y.) • '

102

RESEARCH

Rooting and Growth of African Violets
Under Four Fluorescent Light Sourees

J. W. Boodley and F. F. Hortoni

Cornell University, Ithaca, New York

The use of fluorescent lights for producing
African violets is not new. Recently, new
light sources have been introduced on the
market particularly developed for home owner
growing of plants. These light sources have
energy in the wave lengths that are supposedly
best suited for photosynthetic purposes.

Although the intensity of illumination for
growth of African violets is generally accept¬
ed, there is not too much information on what
this species will do insofar as rooting and
subsequent growth is concerned under differ¬
ent light sources and at different distances
from the lights. To obtain information of this
type, an experiment was started at Cornell
University.

Leaf petiole cuttings of the African violet
variety White Spray were propagated Febru¬
ary 5, 1962. Sixteen cuttings were struck in
vermiculite, in plastic containers that meas-

1 Associate Professor and greenhouse experimentalist
respectively.

2 Supplied by Sylvania Electric Company.

ured 8V2 X 5% X 2% inches. There were two
containers in each treatment.

The treatments consisted of 4 light sources
and 2 distances from the lights. The light
sources were all 4-feet, fluorescent tubes;
warm white, cool white, both 40 watt lamps,
Gro-Lux 12, and a new experimental lamp,
Mark VI. 2 The fluorescent tubes were placed
in commercial reflecting fixtures that held 4
tubes each.

These light sources were placed 6 inches and
12 inches from the containers. The experiment
was carried on in a subterranean room where
temperature is maintained between 68 and
73 °F. The plants were lighted immediately
upon placing in treatment and received 14
hours of light from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The light intensities that were obtained
under the various sources were measured by
a Weston light meter. Table 1. Since this meter
measures only in the visible range, the values
given for the Gro-Lux 1 and Mark VI lamps
will tend to be much lower than for the warm
white and cool white lamps. This is due to
the fact that the primary radiation in the

Figure 1. Rooting
response of White
Spray cuttings. Re¬
lative root develop¬
ment.

103

Table 1. Light intensities in foot candles of 4 photo sources at 2 distances as determined
by a Weston light meter with a selenium cell.

Light Sources

Distance

Warm White

Cool White

Gro-Lux 1

Mark VI

6-inch

1350

1300

400

510

12-inch

980

805

265

370

Table 2. The number of cuttings of African violets, variety White Spray that showed burning
injury propagated under 4 light sources at 2 distances from the lights. There were
32 cuttings per treatment.

Distance

Light Sources

Warm White Cool White Gro-Lux 1

Mark VI

6-inch

15

5

12

6

12-inch

2

3

5

1

Table 3. Degree of injury of White Spray propagated under 4 light sources.

Light Sources

Distance

Warm White

Cool White

Gro-Lux 1

Mark VI

6-inch

severe

severe

extremely

moderate

severe

12-inch

slight

very slight

slight

very slight

Table 4. Rooting response of White Spray to 4 light sources. Figures are averages of 32
cuttings per treatment. The higher the figure, the better rooting evaluation.

Light Sources

Distance

Warm White

Cool White

Gro-Lux 1

Mark VI

6-inch

4.37

4.68

3.22

3.62

12-inch

3.09

3.19

4.34

3.06

Table 3. Fresh weight

in grams of White Spray African

violets. Figures

are averages of

6 plants.

Light Sources

Distance

Warm White

Cool White

Gro-Lux 1

Mark VI

6-inch

8.0

10.8

12.3

15.7

12-inch

18.5

17.9

18.1

24.2

104

Gro-Lux 1 and the Mark VI lamps is in the
red and blue end of the spectrum.

RESULTS

The cuttings were evaluated March 17, 1962,
5 weeks after propagation. Observations were
made on the degree of injury and the degree
of rooting under the various light sources.
Injury existed primarily as a moderate to
severe burn of the leaf margin. Rooting was
rated on a descending scale of 6, best to 0,
poorest. Fig. 1 shows the relative amount of
root development on the basis of the scale
used.

Injury was evaluated on the basis of the
number of cuttings that showed damage and
the extent of damage. Table 2 gives the data
for the number of cuttings damaged. In Table
3, the degree of injury is presented.

Slight injury was designated when only a
small portion of the margin showed damage.
Extremely severe injury was when one-third
of the leaf area was damaged.

Generally the leaves placed at the 12-inch
distance sustained the smallest amount of in¬
jury.

Rooting. Table 4 presents the data on root¬
ing response. The cuttings were rated on a
6, best to 0, poorest or no root scale (Fig. 1).

The best light source/distance treatment for
rooting was cool white — 6-inches. Although
greatest injury occurred at the 6-inch distance
from the lights, all of the cuttings rooted under
the cool white light source. Under the other
light sources, there were some cuttings that
did not root.

The second best treatment was warm white-
e-inches. Poorest rooting occurred at the 12-
inch distance for all lamps except Gro-Lux 1.
The treatment Gro-Lux 1 — 12-inches was
the third best in the study.

When evaluating the rooting response from
Table 4, attention should be paid to Tables 2
and 3 in regard to the extent and severity of
injury that resulted in the various treatments.

Following rooting evaluations, the cuttings
were planted into 2V4-inch plastic pots. Six
plants were placed under each treatment as
previously described. The plants were handled
similarly in cultural procedures.

The study was terminated August 1, 1962 at
which time the plants were cut off and fresh
weight obtained. These data are presented in
Table 5. The relative size of the plants may be
seen in Fig. 2.

The smaller amount of growth, as evidenced
by fresh weight, at the 6-inch distance, was
probably a result of too high light intensity.
Many of the leaves contained chlorotic and
necrotic spots. There were many dead basal
leaves on the plants.

The best distance from the light source was
that of 12-inches. There was little difference
in fresh weight of the plants grown under the
warm white, cool white, or Gro-Lux 1 lamps.
The average weight of the plants in these
treatments was 18.16 grams.

Figure 2. Growth of White Spray African violets pro¬
pagated February 5, 1962. Top row 12-inch distance;
bottom row 6-inch distance. Light sources left to right.
Warm white, cool white, Gro-Lux I and Mark VI.
Photograph August 1, 1962.

Growth under the Mark VI lamps, at 12-
inches, was superior to that of any other treat¬
ment. These plants were 33 per cent heavier
than those at the same distance under the
remaining three light sources. These plants
were also slightly greener in color than those
grown under the Gro-Lux 1 lamps.

SUMMARY

White Spray African violets propagated as
leaf petiole cuttings were placed 6 and 12
inches from 4 fluorescent light sources. Four-
feet, fluorescent tubes of warm white, cool
white, Gro-Lux 1 and Mark VI were used.

The cuttings received 14 hour days in a
temperature environment of 68-73 °F.

Cuttings placed at the 12-inch distance were
less severely damaged than those at the 6-inch
distance. Rooting was best under cool white,
6-inches. Warm white, 6-inches and Gro-Lux
1, 12-inches treatments were next best in that
order.

Subsequent growth, as measured by fresh
weight determinations, was best at the 12-inch
distance. Plants grown under the Mark VI
lamps at this distance, were 33 per cent
heavier than those grown under warm white,
cool white or Gro-Lux 1 lamps.

Reduced growth, as measured by fresh
weight,. and increased injury was obtained by
all plants at the 6-inch distance. The Mark VI
lamps were superior to any of the other light
sources used at this distance.

Further studies of the use of various light
sources are continuing. •

105

Types of Peat

William J. Hanna

New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station
Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N.J.

Few names in horticulture are more con-
fusing than those for the natural organic
materials peat, muck or humus. Ask a dozen
gardeners what these terms mean and you’ll
get a dozen answers. What’s just as bad, or
worse, ask a dozen expert botanists, geologists,
or pedologists and the variety of answers will
be no less.

This confusion arises from the wide differ¬
ences between peats and mucks which occur
in nature. The one common characteristic is
their origin from organic matter under water.
Everyone is familiar with the difference in the
amount of organic material, mostly from
plants, which may be found in various parts
of the earth. The amount of these factors in
turn influence the relative rates of growth of
plants and decay of plants and plant parts.
Organic debris which will accumulate is con¬
trolled by climate and the local topography.

Organic residues tend to accumulate more in
cool, wet regions than in areas which are warm
and dry. Large, deep deposits of plant residues
are found in cool moist areas of North America
and Europe. Most of these deposits, called
bogs, are the sites of old lakes, ponds, and
swamps that are or were once covered by
water. This water has retarded decomposition
by sealing off the organic matter, and the
microbes which would attack it, from the oxy¬
gen of the air. Whenever these deposits are
drained and exposed to the air, the organic
residues are subject to more rapid decay.

The types of plants which thrive and accu¬
mulate in these moist areas vary with the
temperature and rainfall as well as the chemi¬
cal nature of the surrounding soil. The soil
influences the amounts of minerals dissolved
in the ground water. In areas of high rainfall,
cool climate, and poor soils, the predominant
vegetation is the sphagnum mosses with some
woody species, such as bog-rosemary, Lab¬
rador-tea, Cassandra, and the birches. Where
the soil is more fertile and the water contains
more nutrient elements the predominant spe¬
cies in the bogs are the reeds and sedges, such
as carex and phragmites, and the alders and
birches. Often there has been a sequence of
species in the same bog where the reeds and
sedges have been overgrown by the sphagnum
mosses.

These organic deposits are of two types,
called peat and muck. These are described by
Ames of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment
Station as follows: “There are so many grada¬
tions between peat and muck that it is difficult
to make any sharp distinction between them.
They vary from coarse, fibrous, brown-colored
material to fine-grained, dark-colored organic

matter. When the process of decay has not
proceeded to the extent that the cellular struc¬
ture of the peat is destroyed, and portions of
leaves, twigs, and partially decayed wood are
present, the deposit is properly designated as
peat. As decomposition proceeds the more
resistant parts of the plant residues are dis¬
integrated and the color darkens. This is the
transition stage from peat to muck. Further
reduction of the organic residue to a mass of
finely divided organic matter, having no re¬
semblance to the fibrous plant remains, change
it to a true muck.”

Waksman, of Rutgers, The State University
of New Jersey, has classified peats into four
groups. “1. Upland or highmoor peat, also
called bog peat, moor peat, moss peat, sphag¬
num peat, or true peat. The vegetation consists
of various species of sphagnum mosses, as well
as several woody shrubs. These peats are
formed in waters, poor in mineral nutrients,
originating in rainfall or from mineral poor
soils. Such peats may be formed on top of a
lowmoor peat, a forest peat, or directly on
sand, clay, or rock. This type of peat usually
occurs in cold and moderate climates, with a
high rainfall.

“2. Lowmoor or lowland peat, frequently
spoken of as marsh peat, muck, reed peat,
sedge peat, or humus peat. The dominant and
characteristic species of plants in this type of
peat are the various sedges and reeds, and
certain trees and shrubs. These peats develop
chiefly in filled in lakes and in river valleys;
the bogs are fed by ground waters rich in
mineral salts.

“3. Forest peat, often spoken of as swamp
peat. The common vegetation consists of var¬
ious species of trees and shrubs. Small amounts
of sphagnum mosses may be present on the
surface. These peats develop along the upper
curves of rivers and may occur at the end of
sphagnum bogs.

“4. Aquatic peat, also called mud peat, sedi¬
mentary peat, or colloidal peat. Formed large¬
ly by algae and other aquatic plants and ani¬
mals, with an admixture of spores, pollen, and
particles of clay and sand. These peats are
usually found in the lowest layers of other
peat deposits, although they may form inde¬
pendent bogs.”

The chemical nature of the various peats
is important in their use in horticulture. The
moss peats and forest peats are usually acid
and low in nitrogen, phosphorous, and other
minerals. Sedge and reed peats and most sedi¬
mentary peats are nearly neutral and contain
relatively large quantities of nitrogen and
mineral elements. The physical properties of

106

Properties of Various Peats
(after Waksman and others)

Type of Peat

Property

Moss ‘

Peat

Forest

Peat

Reed

Peat

Sedimentary

Peat

Water-holding
capacity (%)

800-1600

400-1200

400-800

200-500

pH Nutrient Content
(all as % of dry matter)
a — nitrogen

0.4-1.0

0.5-1.5

1.5-3.0

2.0-3. 5

b — phosphorus

0.01-0.05

0.02-0.10

0.10-0.30

0.10-0.30

c — potassium

0.02-0.04

0.03-0.08

0.05-0.20

0.10-0.35

Total minerals
(ash — % )

2.0-5.0

3.0-10.0

10.0-30.0

15.0-40.0

peat are also important in the horticultural
use of peats. The moss peats and forest peats
are coarser textured and have a higher water
holding capacity than do the sedge, reed, and
sedimentary peats.

The various peats in the horticultural trade
include all four types listed above the geog¬
raphical origin usually serves to identify the
type of peat. Moss and forest peats offered
for sale in the eastern United States are mostly
from Maine, eastern Canada, or northern
Europe. These peats are sold in bales held
together by burlap and wire. Sedge and reed
peats are usually sold in paper or plastic bags.
They originate in the northern states from
Michigan eastward to New York and New
Jersey for sale in the eastern United States.
Trade names of the sedge and reed peats often
contain the word “humus.”

Sources and Further Reading

1. The Nature and origin of peat. Composi¬
tion and Utilization. Part A of the Peats of
New Jersey, Bulletin 55, Geologic Series,
Department of Conservation and Develop¬
ment, State of New Jersey, Trenton, by
S. A. Waksman.

2. Peat and Muck Soils. Monthly Bulletin
Number 4, Ohio Agricultural Experiment
Station, by J. W. Ames.

3. Nature and Use of Organic Amendments.
A chapter in Soils and Men, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture Yearbook for
1938, by L. C. Feustel.

4. Properties of Peats. U.S. Department of
Agriculture Technical Bulletins 214, 389,
532, and 690, by L. C. Feustel and H. G.
Byers.

Egg shells used as containers for baby
plants may be made attractive when
placed in an empty egg carton as shown
in the sketch. Believe it or not they are

far less delicate than you might think.
Here’s how it is done: Gently tap an
egg at the top until an area is made
about the size of a silver dollar.
Then remove the broken part
of the shell carefully a little at
a time to prevent over break.
Save the contents for cooking.
Rinse the shell until it is
thoroughly clean and then tap a
a small hole in the bottom for
drainage.

Spray the egg box any color, yellow
or whatever may be your taste. Using
different colored shells will make a most
attractive spot in, the room and without
cost serve well in its usefulness for grow¬
ing young plantlets, or seedlings.

107

1963 DOUBLE VARIETIES

GIGI — Large double blossoms and dark green foliage with red underleaf. A
strong grower selected from hundreds of seedlings.

IMAGINATION— New! Large, deeply fringed single rose-pink blossoms. Dark
green wavy foliage with red underleaf.

PINK JADE-— Huge, full double pink with some chartreuse edging. Nicely waved
foliage with pink under leaves.

GALA PINK— Fringed pink with deeper pink edging. A semi-double with attrac¬
tive, slightly waved medium dark green foliage.

KINGS RANSOM— A fine, large, clear pink single flower with frilled chartreuse
edging. Beautiful, waved deep glossy green foliage.

PINK HALO— A full petalled single pink with a distinct white edge. Deep green
foliage with shaded pink underleaf.

JERSEY PRIDE— Large, bright pink, deeply fringed single blossoms. Attractively
waved medium dark green foliage.

ROSE DUST— Exceptionally bright single pink flowers, lighter frilled edging. A
profusion of blooms above beautifully waved medium green foliage.

PINK MAGNOLIA— New! Giant, full petalled, rich pink blossoms. Diminutive
type, dark green foliage with red veining highlights.

PINK FINESSE— New! Exceptionally frilled, soft pink semi-double, occasional
chartreuse edging. Deep green waved foliage, red underleaf.

- EXOTIC— Giant, deeply fringed double white, some chartreuse edging. Bright
pollen center, waved medium green foliage.

WHITE BOUQUET— Large, full, double white blossoms. Good, dark green leaves.
A symmetrical grower.

SPRING SNOW— Giant, pure white single blossoms. Surely our best single white
yet! A strong grower with dark green foliage.

SNOW SPRITE— A heavy blooming single white with fringed flowers standing
high above slightly waved medium green foliage.

ALPINE— New! Highly ruffled, double white giant. Blossoms full petalled. Heavy
flowering with bright pollen centers.

TINSEL— A bright blue double with a good white edge. A heavy flowering semi¬
miniature. Medium green foliage, slightly waved.

SEA HAWK— Outstanding, giant, frilled dark purple single. Blossoms high above
strong and gently waved foliage.

BLOSSOM TIME— Huge, ruffled, royal blue double blossoms. Bright pollen centers
with medium green, slightly waved foliage.

FISCHER'S FOLLIES— Giant, medium blue, very ruffled double flowers. Attractive,
medium dark green waved foliage

SMOKE RINGS— Giant, semi-double, dark blue Geneva with a good white edge.
Fine, dark green, glossy foliage.

BLUE ECLIPSE— Medium blue single flowers with a good white edge. Dark green
leaves with red veining on underleaf.

VENUS— New, A lovely pastel blue double Geneva. Free flowering with lightly
rufflied blossoms. Good, medium green, slightly fringed foliage.

BONANZA— New! Giant, deep royal blue, open-faced semi-double blossoms with
slightly waved petals and bright-eyed with yellow pollen.

FLIRT— A very fine full double, lilac lavender with crepe-edge petals and show¬
ing much yellow pollen.

WISTERIA— Large, frilled, single blossoms of rich wisteria color. Beautifully
waved medium dark green foliage.

EVENING SHADOWS— New! Full double lavender blossoms. Rich wisteria color-
ing with deeper highlights.

N.A.— Not Available

EXCITING

AVAILABLE IN
ORDER NOW FOR

REG. STARTER FRESH
PLANTS PLANTS CUTTINGS TOTAL

$1.50

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SPECIAL OFFERS

TOTAL

Special offer may be applied to fresh cuttings, starter plants, regular plants, or any combination. Any $25.00
selection . . . only $20.00 postpaid • Any $15.00 selection . . . only $12.75 postpaid • Any $10.00 selection . . .
only $8.75 plus postage • Any $7.50 selection . . . only $6.75 plus postage • Any $6.00 selection . . . only
$5.50 plus postage.

Ischer

GREENHOUSES

DEPT. A.V. • LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

VARIETIES FOR 1963

REGULAR PLANTS, STARTER PLANTS & FRESH CUTTINGS
PROMPT SHIPMENT IN EARLY MAY!

1963 SINGLE VARIETIES

LAVENDER CARIBBEAN— Huge blue lavender full double blossoms, many show¬
ing yellow pollen centers. A diminutive symmetrical grower.

MARS IMPROVED— A free flowering, two-tone deep lavender single with waved
blossoms. Medium dark green semi-glossy foliage.

TOREADOR— New! Red lavender, giant flowering, open-faced semi-double show¬
ing bright pollen sacks. Foliage medium dark green, very slightly waved.

ATOMIC BLAZE— New! Our deepest fuchsia red. Brilliant single blossoms on tall,
graceful flower stems. Dark green quilted foliage.

MOLTEN FIRE— New! Companion plant of Atomic Flame. Vibrant red double with
same dark green quilted foliage and colorful red underleaf.

GLOWING EMBERS-A two-tone cerise red with upper petals lighter than lower.
Occasional chartreuse edging. Foliage deep green with red underleaf.

0RIENTALE-A raspberry fringed semi-double with some chartreuse edging.
Deep green, fringed, glossy foliage; red underleaf.

MISS ATLANTIC CITY— Large, raspberry pink, frilled single flowers. Beautifully
waved dark green foliage.

NOBILITY— Large, deep raspberry red double blossoms. Shiny green foliage.

IMPERIAL— New! Our largest red lavender single. Outstanding in blossom size
and performance. Huge flowers on tall flower stems.

LAVENDER SPLENDOR- New, Very large red lavender semi-double. Open-faced
beauty showing bright pollen sacks. Attractively veined dark green foliage.

MINIATURE ORCHID— Small, cupped, single white fringed blossoms. A semi¬
miniature with orchid"markings in the center. Dark green wavy leaves.

RASPBERRY SPLASH-A semi-double tu-tone in raspberry and white. Diminutive
grower with medium dark green wavy leaves.

GAY CONFETTI— An exciting blue and white tu-tone semi-double. Medium dark
areen foliage. A terrific bloomer and outstanding performer.

BEWITCHING— New! Blooms of tu-tone single and semi-double blue and white
outlined with vivid blue. Clusters of blossoms above deep green wavy
foliane.

HI-HILL GARDEN'S ATHENA— Giant frilled, double white flowers with a bright
blue band on the outer edge. A strong grower with supreme foliage.

HI-HOPES— Huge star shaped blue Geneva developed by Lyndon Lyon. Deep
green foliage.

RACY RED— A bright cerise-red star. A semi-miniature grower with medium dark
green foliage.

FAIRY SKIES— Clear medium blue single Geneva. Giant, star shaped blossom
with decided white edge. A new variety from Lyndon Lyon.

STARTLING— Fantasy star. Light lavender blossoms with blue flecks throughout.
Giant, semi-double flowers with medium green foliage. A new variety from
Lyndon Lyon.

PAUL BUNYAN— Striking raspberry red variety. Large, star-shaped double with
glossy, light green^ foliage. A new variety from Lyndon Lyon.

LOVE AND KISSES— Beautiful double pink Geneva star. Large blossoms. Dark
green foliage with red underleaf. Heavy bloomer. A new variety from
Lyndon Lyon.

RED EPISCIA— Bright poinsettia red flowers and exceptionally fine variegated
foliage. A fine exotic vine akin to the African violet.

YELLOW EPISCIA— Lemon yellow flowers in great profusion at the crown and
along the handsome glossy green vine. A fine exotic vine akin to the
African violet.

SLIPPER GLOXINIA— Attractive Miniature Gloxina will flower when only 4"-6"
across. Blosssoms about 2" in length, lasting from 10 to 14 days. Will con¬
tinue to bloom as plant grows. Red or Blue varieties available.

N.A.— Not Available

REG. STARTER FRESH
PLANTS PLANTS CUTTINGS TOTAL

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$2.00

1.25

.50

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$2.00

1.25

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$2.00

1.25

.50

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

$2.00

1.25

N.A.

$1.00

.70

.35

$1.00

.70

.35

$1.50

N.A.

N.A.

TOTAL

POSTAL INSTRUCTIONS

All plants, with the exception of fresh cuttings, shipped in 214" pots. Minimum order —four plants or ten leaves.
Orders less than $10.00 add 50c to help cover postage and handling. All orders will be shipped in early May

DEPT. A.V. • LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

Very prolific intense fuchsia-raspberry
blossom edged in white, excellent show
plant with good leaf pattern. $1.25 each.

Have You Seen

TINARI’S
Red Sunset ?

TINARrS RED SUNSET

RABBIT EARS — Large single rosy lavender blossom, distinct darker markings on top petals re¬
sembling rabbit ears, blooms in abundance, sturdy slightly quilted leaf. $1.25 each.

JUMBO GENEVA — Huge single dark velvety purple blossom with sugar white edge, firm Amazon

foliage. $1.25 each.

FIREBALL SUPREME — Large single raspberry-red blossom, heart-shape Supreme foliage. $1.25 each.

PEPPERMINT TWIST — Double variegated fuchsia and white large frilled and twisted blossom,
most attractive, wavy foliage. $1.25 each.

TINARTS PINK TWIST - — Double fringed twisted and frilled, intense hot pink blossom, fringed
wavy leaf. $1.25 each.

AMAZON WEDDING RING — Huge double dark blue edged in white, Amazon foliage. $1.25 each.

LINDA — Choice double pink Tinari seedling, a real show winner, a flashy vibrant pink large

double blossom, tops in blooming profusion, sturdy symmetrical foliage. $1.25 each.

ORDER DIRECT FROM THIS AD FOR 1963 AS FOLLOWS:

New and Distinct Beauties at $1.25 each —

Athena, Lilian Jarrett Supreme, Pastel Swirl, Red Edge, Red Letter, Ruffled Stampede,
White Pride Supreme.

Favorite Varieties at Low Grower Prices — $1.00 eoch

America, Apollo, Big Boy Blue, Black Diamond, Blue Crisp, Castanet, Cindy, Coral Rose
Geneva, Corinthian, Diplomat, Double Black Cherry, Ember Glow, Figaro, Fireball, Flash,
Fringed Racy Red, Frosty Nite, Frosted Red, Geneva Wonder, Gracie, Giant Star Girl, Green
Fog, Hi Hopes, Ionic, Independence, Jane Starr, Laughter, Lilian Jarrett, Lingo, My Date,
My Flame, Pink Fire, Pink Fluff, Purple Frills, Racy Red, Shrill, Snow Ballet, Stacy, Stampede,
Star Fantasy, Star Gazer, Startling, Sweet Leilana, Wanton Red, Wedding Ring, White
Pride, Zorro.

Super Special at 75^ each —

Afterglow, Ann Bly, Arctic Snow, Bicolor Geneva, Blue Tango, Cherry Pink, Double In¬
spiration, Double Pink Geneva, Fringed Raspberry, Fringed Snow Prince, Iris, Melody Air,
Monaco Pink, Pink Geneva, Redderness, St. Louis.

All plants shipped in 2.Va" plastic pots, many in bud and bloom.
Orders of $3.75 or less add 45?: postal charges; over add 65?:,
West of Miss. 85^.

FREE 1963 color cofolog

BETHAYRES, PA

Dept. A. V.

«■

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.., ST MA>N
AO' t''5

RICHMOND

21. w6a

^ ViBGiN'A

- p. les, ^c-

Stl®-^ Iwood Avenue

2077

Colututous 16»

Dear Tom'-

on yonb „,oven nernatoddal

of V-C I* , ,, violets, V.IU

eifectlveness _aitlculat'^y

vlSSX-S,

G,ov,ers of potte ^^,,ate

^^,one-sbotcoa«o T^W>natones.

aucwaneasv „ ucense Stvn-^

\ .761,S06--o-o-V

ti S patent

uBdexout . • ,,tnre success.

l^G-.cb

A ’ONE SHOT”
NEMATODE
CONTROL MEASURE

NOW POSSIBLE
THROUGH THE
COMBINED EFFORTS OF
THE V-( CORP. AND
STIM-U-PLANT
LABORATORIES

WHAT ARE NEMATODES? Nematodes are
small, round worms which live in the soil -and
can cause considerable damage to African violets
— injuring roots by destroying or reducing new
root growth. Others enter the roots and feed on
the plant tissues causing visible knots or cysts.
Both types of injury hinder plant growth.

STIM-U-PLANT V-C 13 KILLS NEMATODES:
Damage to African violets by nematodes in the
soil can be prevented by use of STIM-U-PLANT
V-C 13 NEMACIDE containing chlordane. In ad¬
dition, it is recommended for the control of
springtails, symphilids, fungus gnats, ants,
earthworms, cutworms and grubs. V-C 13 can
be added to the potting soil or by drenching the
soil in which plants are growing. The chemical

will not cause injury to the violets when used as
directed.

TREATMENT OF POTTING SOIL: Many grow¬
ers have learned from experience that it always
pays to prevent insect and nematode damage.
The best and easiest way to do this is to treat
the potting soil with STIM-U-PLANT V-C 13.
Treated soil may be used after 10 days as a
potting soil or stored indefinitely for future use.

TREATMENT OF POTTED PLANTS: Estab¬
lished African violets may be safely treated by
drenching with STIM-U-PLANT V-C 13 should
they become infested after potting. STIM-U-
PLANT V-C 13 NEMACIDE assures you of nem¬
atode-free, healthy, vigorous African violets.

Buy from your dealer or grower, or send $1.25 check or money order for large U fl¬
ounce bottle and complete instructions.

Dealer and Distributor inquiries invited.

Stim-u-planT

LABORATORIES, INC.

2077 PARKWOOD AVENUE • COLUMBUS 19, OHIO

the finest in home garden aids for over Forty Five years

An arrangement by

Our Cover:

Ruth Carey.

OFFICERS

Mrs. Jack Yakie - President

Post Office Box 674
Port Arthur, Texas

Frank Burton _ 1st Vice Pres.

Post Office Box 575
Old Saybrook, Connecticut

Joseph D. Schulz _ 2nd Vice Pres.

5206 Staughton Drive
Indianapolis 26, Indiana

Miss Edith Peterson _ Rec. Secy.

1545 Green Street
San Francisco, California

Mrs. E. H. Thomas _ Corr. Secy

461 Bridge Road
Walnut Creek, California

Mrs. Arthur Radtke _ Treasurer

8477 Owlwood Lane
Cincinnati 43, Ohio

STAFF

ALMA WRIGHT, Editor

Office: 325 Clinch Ave., P. O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Phone (Area

Code 615) 524-8949

MIRIAM LIGHTBOURN, Ass’t Editor
5 Center St., Bernards ville, N. J.

FLOYD L. JOHNSON, Adv. Mgr.

183 W. Gibson St., Canandaigua,

N. Y.

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Maxine Wangberg, Eunice Fisher,
Anne Tinari, Paul Arnold

NEWS REPORTERS:

Marie Dannemiller, Margaret Travis,
Joy Hutson, (Eng.), Charlotte
Marshall, Lucile Rainsberger

BUYER’S GUIDE;

Plant Editor, Betty Stoehr, Rt. 1
Box 143, Greenwood, Indiana

Best 100 Editor, Elizabeth Rosenak,
10852 N. Lake View Rd., #6-E,
Mequon, Wisconsin

The Official Publication of the
African Violet Society of
America, Inc.

A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

The African Violet Magazine is pub¬
lished 5 times a year, September, De¬
cember, March, June and July by the
African Violet Society of America,
Inc , at 325 W. Clinch Ave., Knoxville,
Tenn. Second-class postage paid at
Knoxville, Tenn. Subscription $4.00
per year. Office Address: P.O. Box
1326, Knoxville, Tenn. Copyright — ■ by
African Violet Society of America,
Inc., 1963.

MAGAZINE

VOLUME 16

NUMBER 4

JUNE 1963

AFRICAN VIOLET CULTURE, IDEAS, NEWS

Success with Fans
The Indians Started It
Artificial Light and Plant Growth
Note Paper and Cards
“The Little Ones She Left Orphans”

12 My Violets and Small Boys

16 An Introduction to the African Violet Society of
Greater New York

17 The Violet Charms

18 Reporting on my Grafts

19 African Violets: A Long Time Acquaintance

20 Rx African Violets

The Plant Name’s the Same

21 A New Love

22 Showers of Violets

24 The Story of Pigmy

25 My Experience with Gibberellic Acid
Care of Pots

26 My African Violet Hobby

27 Using Malathion Spray

28 Helping Hands Across the Border

30 A New Idea in Planters

34 The Lovely Violet in Flower Arrangements

37 Gesneriads Are Fascinating

38 Japan: A New Horizon for African Violets

40 Debudding for Additional Bloom Stems

41 The Challenge: To Grow A Perfect African Violet

42 A Commercial Dealer Goes to the Convention

43 “Best 100”

44 Don’t Neglect Your African Violets

45 Vi-o-lets, Vi-o-lets, Vi-o-lets, Bring Me African
Violets

46 See Your Violets with a Camera’s Eye
50 Me and My Violets

52 The Forgotten Container

53 A Layman’s Look at the Root-knot Nematode

54 Know Your Violets — Keep A Record
56 Violet News from Australia

58 Hybridizing is Fun

59 Violet Growing — The Most Wonderful Therapy
I Know

60 Give Me This Day

71 Episcia Tropical Topaz
My Feathers Fell

72 For Sale: African Violets

73 Gro-Lux Light Experiences

74 The Travels of My African Violets

75 For Collectors Who Sew
Screening in a Porch
Summer Fertilization

78 African Violets Make Windows Bright

79 Reflections on A Growing Hobby

80 A Thing of Beauty Is a Joy Forever

81 House Cleaning
Growing Violets Outdoors

82 Summer’s Problem, Cooling the Greenhouse

83 Ground (Soil) Mealy Bugs

86 My Very Rewarding Hobby

87 Wik-Fed Plastic Pots

CONVENTION

31 Proposed Mexican Trip Following 1964
Convention

48 1963 — Kansas City

62 Highlights of the National Show

EVERY QUARTER

14 New Affiliated Chapters
33 The President’s Message

76 Gesneriads, Companion Plants for African Violets

84 Club News

88 Question Box

90 Show News and Views

94 Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund

95 Exhibiting and Judging
Registration Report
Your Library

RESEARCH

91 Preliminary Studies on the Effect of Ionizing
Radiation on Saintpaulia Seed and Leaves

2

From the Editor

Beginning with June, Renewal Statements (which are always made up
a year in advance) will be mailed to you by Bulk Rate to reduce costs.
This required the changes you will notice at once when you receive and
then open your envelope. Every effort has been made to redo these
without damage. Some, however, were glued better than others and
thus were slightly torn. We ask your indulgence and hope you will
commend our efforts toward thrift.

Remember “The Master List” you have been waiting for? Please see page 32 for information on price
and sale date. We hope you will like it. The printing was limited so do not wait too long to order your copy.

Sincerely,

HELPS YOU GROW
FINER AFRICAN
VIOLETS THESE 42 WAYS!

30. Quick, easy to use.

31. Kills aphids & mites,

32. spiders & plant lice,

33. exposed thrips & white flies,

34. mealy bugs on house plants.

35. Perlite.

36. Vermiculite.

37. Charcoal.

38. Peat Moss.

39. Peat Humus.

40. Free samples.

41.

Show tags and
booklets.

42. Displays for

educational booths.

BETTER FEEDtNG

1. New formula,

2. high organic.

3. Not too heavy or light.

4. Has shredded sphagnum

moss.

5. Decomposing humus

6. aerates soil,

7. holds moisture,

8. feeds beneficial soil
bacteria.

9. Better drainage than
lightweight mixes.

EASIER FEEDING

18. Same balanced 5-8-7
formula.

19. Easier to use.

20. Concentrated for economy.

21. All food — no residues.

22. Give plants 13 needed trace
elements.

10. A finely ground food,

11. pure USP chemicals.

12. Quickly available to plants

13. Balanced 5-B-7 formula,

14. gives more blooms

15. healthier plants.

16. Proved by years of use.

17. Contains 13 needed trace
elements.

SYSTEMIC

PiST

CONTROL

23. No mixing or spraying.

24. Place capsule in soil,

25. Plant absorbs thru roots.

26. Gives immunity to mites,

27. mealy bugs,

28. aphids, etc.

29. Can’t harm plants.

Stim-U-Plant helps you derive more re¬
warding pleasure from creating and grow¬
ing America’s greatest house plant, the
African Violet.

I Laborat

Laboratories, inc.
Columbus 16, O.

Other Aids & Club Materials

SPRAY Pest Control

3

The PERFECT LIGHTING for African Violets

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES

FOR 2 TUBES 40 WATT

(Equal to about 240 Watt of regular bulbs)
Size: 48” long, 13” wide, Weight approx. 22 lb.
Complete with 2 daylight bulbs
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved.

$10.50 EACH

For additional growing results — if so desired —
2 sockets for regular light bulbs built in,

ADD $1.50

New TABLE MODEL New

Same as Model FH240 (above) with the addi¬
tion of 2 wrought iron legs, 18” high, with
rubber tips, black. Weight approx. 23 lb.
complete with legs

$12.50 EACH

FO^ 2~TU bIsTo^ATT^
MODEL FH220

(Size: 24” long, 13” wide)

(Equal to about 120 W. of regular bulbs)
36” rubber cord and pull-switch,
Underwriters approved

$8.90 EACH

TABLE MODEL WITH LEGS

$10.90 EACH

Mail check or Money Order to:

FROSH FLUORESCENT CORP.

Manufacturers
217 Broad Avenue

FAIRVIEW, Bergen County, NEW JERSEY

Please send:

$1.50 per fixture.

As advertised, for which I enclose check or

money order for $ _

Ih addition, I will pay Railway Express
Freight charges upon delivery.

Name _

Address _

City - State _

□ MODEL FH240 $10.50

□ MODEL FM240 (Table Model) $12.50

□ MODEL FH220 $ 8.90

□ Built in 2 sockets for regular bulbs

Success With Fans

A. Ernest Beeg, Sr.

Charles Town, West Virginia

USING stationary and oscillating fans in
connection with African violets is a study
in itself. It will be necessary for those who
desire to use fans to bear in mind that each
location varies: the size of the room, type of
ceiling (flat or sloped), and location of open¬
ings. These factors must be considered to get
the best results and good circulation of air
without damaging the plants.

First we wish to point out that stationary
fans properly placed in narrow and long areas,
such as 4 feet by 16 feet or 6 feet by 12 feet,
will do the job; whereas an oscillating fan
will not perform as well because the area of
the sweep of air is too narrow. Therefore, an
area of 8 feet by 10 feet or 10 feet by 12 feet
is satisfactory for oscillating fans.

In each case, neither type of fan should
exceed 12 inches in diameter. Intake fans and
exhaust fans should be provided. In each in¬
stance they should have three speeds: low,
medium, and high. The three speeds are nec¬
essary to adjust the intake and exhausting of
air. During the hottest days, the air drawn in
will be warm, not cool or cold as would nor¬
mally be expected. The exhaust fan will expel
air that is extremely warm drawn from the
premises. It should be noted that the humidity
will drop. This is necessary to keep the plants
from being cooked. The higher the tempera¬
ture, the lower the humidity must be.

To get the best results, these factors must
be considered:

1. Fans should be located not less than 12
inches from their intake and exhaust openings.
This allows for suction of fresh air and ex¬
hausting of stale air.

2. Intake fans should not be directed toward
the ceiling. This forces hot air down on the
plants. Exhaust fans should be placed directly
in front of the opening. Tilting exhaust fans
up or down will force air back into the space.

3. Shelves should be at least 12 to 18 inches
below the bottom of the fans.

4. There should be a space of not less than
2 or 3 inches between the walls and shelves to
permit the free circulation of air from floor
to ceiling and around the plants.

5. Oscillating fans should be set at the slow¬
est rotation back and forth. If more than one
fan is used, the rotation should be set in
unison to avoid the cross section of the air
flow. The exhaust fan rotation should have a
similar setting.

It is to be noted that when the temperature
rises to the high 80s and 90s, the humidity
falls as low as 35 to 20 per cent. This reduction
in humidity does not affect the plants or their

4

bloom. Our records show that on an average
the following temperature and humidity ranges
are satisfactory:

Temperature
60 to 75 degrees
75 to 85 degrees
85 to 95 degrees
95 degrees and
above

Humidity
55 to 75 per cent
60 to 75 per cent
30 to 45 per cent
30 to as low as 20 per
cent

When the wind is from the direction of the
intake fans, in some instances it will not be
necessary to use the exhaust fans. There will
be many times when the force of the outside
air, with the assistance of the intake fans,
will be sufficient.

During the winter months the exhaust fans
can also be used to advantage. With all ports
closed, the exhaust fan set at slow speed will
freshen and circulate the air, however this air
will be rather cool; a few minutes once or
twice a day will move the air about and
through the plants, even to those 14 inches
above the floor. •

ROOTED LEAVES

Irradiated To Produce New Colors

This year we are cutting production.
Next year we only plan to supply re¬
gular customers. Leaves treated with
radiation from two sources, plus two
mutagenic chemicals. Please send self-
addressed envelope for list. Then make
your order small so more people can
enjoy the thrill of producing new
African violets.

ELDERKIN'S

AFRICAN VIOLET LAB.

2552 Broadway Toledo 9, Ohio

Enjoy the Finest in Indoor Gardening!

NOW . . . with NEW
Molded Fiberglass TRAYS!

Interchangeable on any Flora Cart.

1 tray — ■ $8.50; 2 trays — $16.00;
3 trays — $23.50. F.O.B, Cleveland.

^ 3LtaCatt

World's Finest Portable Indoor Greenhouse!
Now with Rapid-Start Fluorescent Lights!

Flora Cart is the original, most popular movable and
practical unit for easy indoor gardening! Raise luxurious
African violets . . . force spring flowering bulbs and
get strong plants from all seeds and cuttings! NOW
every Flora Cart comes with beautiful new molded
fiberglass trays . . . lightweight and strong, easy to
keep clean and impervious to moisture, chemicals or
weather! Choose from two Flora Cart models: 3 Trays,
$57.00; 2 Trays, $44.50. (Light Fixtures additional.)
Rugged lifetime construction of beautiful aluminum
tubing. The large heavy duty A" diameter rubber-tired,
ball bearing swivel casters makes it easily movable,
even over heavy carpeting! Equip your Flora Cart with
Combolite fixtures designed especially for flower culture,
combining incandescent and fluorescent lights, proved
superior to either one alone! Uses new Rapid-Start
fluorescent lights and regular incandescent bulbs (not
furnished), available from your local merchant. No
starters are necessary.

NOTE— The manufacturers of the popular Flora Cart are happy to
again present a Flora Cart (Model CA2 complete unit) as an award
at the 1964 Convention, Dallas, Texas, April 9, 10, 11, 1964.

CLASS — Three specimen plants (1 true purple, 1 pink, and 1 white,
any variety) scoring the highest points. Each plant must score at
least 85 points. These plants are to be entered in the regular classes
for true purples, pinks, and whites. Previous Winners are:

1953 — Mrs. Ronald B. Reaume, Detroit, Michigan.

1954 — Mrs. E. L. Perdue, Donaldson, Tennessee.

1955— Rev. Harold L. Thompson, Birmingham, Michigan.

1956^ — Mrs. L. A. Beck, St. Joseph, Missouri.

1957^ — Mrs. J. R. Bush, Muncie, Kansas.

1958 — Mrs. Edward Casey, Rochester, New York.

1959 — Mrs. Clarence Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio.

1960— Mrs. Alexander R. Colyer, Brightwaters, New York.

1961— Mrs. Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

1962 — Mrs. J. W. Shuey, Richmond, California.

1963— Mrs, Joseph Trost, Indianapolis, Indiana.

ORDER TODAY . . ,

Send check or money order.
WRITE for catalog of Flora
Carts and accessories.

Dept. C

1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

5

The Indians Started It

Blanche W. Zeigler, Chicago, Illinois

Remember when you studied American
History? For me that is a long time ago
but I still remember the picture of the Indian
showing the white men how to grow maize.
“Put a fish in each hill with the seed,” he said.
We have come a long way since then and most
people have forgotten what the Indians taught
us. Chemical fertilizers are flooding the mar¬
kets today, making plants grow fast but not
too sturdy, and insects are finding them good
eating. Here is where an organic fertilizer can
be of great help.

Since I started using Fish Meal I have dis¬
covered a great many enthusiastic users and
have received inquiries about its use. My pre¬
vious article has produced a flood of inquiries,
the manufacturer tells me. It was not intended
to be an advertisement.

I will give you my soil formula, which has
produced lovely big blooming plants in a much
shorter time than it used to take to produce
smaller plants. A good sturdy plant seldom
refuses to bloom unless it does not receive
enough light.

One coffee can, each, of the following:
Hybro-Tite Potash Rock, Ruhm’s Phosphate
Rock, bone meal, charcoal, sterilized cow ma¬
nure, and Fish Meal, plus 5 cans of coarse

AFRICAN VIOLETS AND EPISCIAS

Growing over 300 varieties of the Best of the
Old and the Newest of the New from foremost
hybridizers. Established plants in 2I4” pots in
bud and bloom 50 and 75 cents. Balanced
homogeneized potting soil, 8 qts. 75c. Also see
the largest collection of Authentic Reproductions
in colored glass. Amber, Amberina, Amethyst,
Blue, Pink, Green, Ruby, Slag and Milk. Pat¬
terns: Daisy and Button, Moon and Star, Stipple
Star, Grape, Westward Ho and many others.
Discounts to quantity buyers.

Easy to find on Rt. 30 between York and Lan¬
caster at Mountvllle. Free Parking. No Shipping,
come and see what you buy.

LOCKARD'S FLOWER AND
GIFT SHOP

Mountville, Pennsylvania

"Frathel's Originations"

Fresh leaves, cuttings with plantlets,
some plants. We aim to please. You
will love "'Come Hither/' "Noontide/'
"Full Reward," "Drama Girl." For full
descriptions send for '63 list. Stamp
please.

252 Cloy Ave. Rochester 13, N. Y.

sand, 5 cans of coarse peat moss and 2 table¬
spoons of Activo.

Soak the peat in hot water and squeeze it
out. Mix all the ingredients in a tub, mixing
them well. Let cure for 2 weeks, stirring oc¬
casionally. I cover it with a plastic sheet so
that it does not dry out too much.

When I pot up the small plants from the
mother leaf, I use about equal parts of peat
moss or vermiculite and the potting soil. As I
transplant them again when large enough into
2V4 or 21/2 inch pots, I take the complete con¬
tents of the small pot or plastic box and set it
right into the larger pot. In the bottom of this
pot I put some of my potting soil. Into this I
put a half teaspoon of Fish Meal, mixing it
well into the soil. This is to speed growth.
Being an organic fertilizer, the plant takes up
what it needs. The nutrients do not leach out.

The last transplant is into 3 inch pots. I
again try to get as much soil as possible to
adhere to the roots. Into the bottom of these
pots I put one teaspoon of Fish Meal and about
a quarter of a teaspoon of superphosphate
(20%). The latter speeds the blooms up a bit.
When I water I add a teaspoon of limestone
to 2 quarts of water. I used to put the lime¬
stone in my soil mixture but I think I like this
method better. I am not a scientific grower
but I try different methods and stick to the
ones which seem best for my plants. Lately I
have had to put some of my plants into 4 inch
squatty pots. They make really beautiful cen¬
terpieces.

I advise my customers to put a teaspoonful
of the meal into the top soil around plants
they have at home, and water it well. Usually
the first question a customer asks is, “How do
you get such beautiful foliage?” My reply is,
“The Indians gave us the first lesson on ferti¬
lizing, so I use Fish Meal.” •

BEAUTIFUL
AFRICAN VIOLETS

New liquid plant food
has no toxic residues

Healthier plants with more blooms in two or
three weeks guaranteed. BLOOM and VIGOR
made from only the purest chemicals known
to horticultural science. BLOOM and VIGOR
comes ready to use in its unbreakable appli¬
cator bottle.

The success / hai^e
enjoyed since using
this product is remarkable."

Apply to moist soil around plants every two or
three weeks. Send only one dollar ($1.00) for
large 8 oz. bottle which will feed six plants for
five to six months, mailed to you postage paid.

If not completely satisfied, return unused por¬
tion and your dollar immediately refunded.

BLOOM and VIGOR

LIQUID PLANT FOOD

FAIRLAWN CHEMICAL CO.. INC., WEBSTER. NEW YORK

6

FLUOR-AL — THE ARISTOCRAT OF PLANT STANDS

The “Indoor Greenhouse” for growing and displaying African violets,
gloxinias and other house plants. The FLUOR-AL may be used with or
without fluorescent lights. Fixtures combining fluorescent and incandes¬
cent lights are now available (optional). The FLUOR-AL is constructed
entirely of solid aluminum, with full size (nearly 20” x 52”) aluminum
trays for bottom vratering. Provision is made for mounting an automatic
time switch on the top bracket, thus combining all necessary accessories
into one unit. Supplied complete with all wiring, extension cords, etc.

The FLUOR-AL is the most beautiful, most practical and highest
quality of all “apartment greenhouses.” You will be proud to show it to
your friends and customers. An exclusive feature is the ease with
which the lights may be adjusted up to a maximum height of nearly
18” above the trays.

A beautiful, well proportioned model is also available with two shelves.

Send post card for full details, prices and shipping information.

Send us your order for the book GARDENING INDOORS UNDER
LIGHTS by Frederick and Jacqueline Kranz. Full information for mak¬
ing and using equipment for growing flowers, vegetables and other
plants by artificial light. 241 pages, plus 16 pages of illustrations, $4.95
postpaid.

Also available — Peggie Schulz’s book GROWING PLANTS UNDER
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT. 146 pages, illustrated, $3.75.

We now have the remarkable new GRO-LUX lamps in stock for im¬
mediate shipment. Prices: 6-40 watt Gro-Lux lamps $14.10 ppd. 6-20
watt, $13.20 ppd. (Postage extra on less than 6) West of Denver add 5%.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. J31 Wausau, Wis.

AFRICAN VIOLETS BEST of OLD and NEW

— Send Stamp for List — -

MARY O. BLACKBURN

404 Montlieu Ave. High Point, N. C.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leaves — Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants

New and Older Varieties, Send for Free List

VESTA CAMPBELL

Route 6, Box 012 Yakima, Wash.

Phone GL 2-7322

To Increase the Pleasure of Gardening

YOU, TOO,
CAN GROW
PRIZE-WINNING
AFRICAN
VIOLETS

For years the prize-winning blossoms at the
National African Violet Show have been grown
with Plant Marvel . . . the scientifically^balanced
100% water-soluble plant food. It supplies the
entire root system with the natural, concentrat¬
ed food elements needed for rapid, healthy
growth and bloom. Very easy and economical
to use ... a 35c package makes 68 quarts, 89c
package makes 125 gals,, $1.49 package makes
250 gals., of rich liquid food.

FREE SAMPLE: Write for free sample and copy
of our African Violet folder.

PLANT MARVEL'S
SCENTED AFRICAN
VIOLET SPRAY.
IDEAL FOR
HOUSE PLANTS AND
AFRICAN VIOLETS

Kills hard to get Mealy Bugs, Aphids, Spider
Mite, White Fly and many other insects. No
harm to bloom or foliage wheh used as directed.
Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to
children and pets. Pleasantly scented. The ideal
insecticide. 5 oz. can 89c at your dealer or order
direct.

PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES

Dept. Av29, 624 W. 119th St.

Chicago 28, Illinois

7

WIRE WINDOW SHELVES

Choice of white or block finish, and 1 8", 24"
and 30" length. These attach to sill without
screws. 18" size, only, fits over lock (illust¬
rated). Postpaid prices: 18" x 8V2" — $2.55
each or two for $4.80; 24" x 10" — $2.98
each or two for $5.50; 30" x 10" — $3,49
each or two for $6.50. Order by size and color.
VIOLET POST-A-NOTE cards for your corres¬
pondence. Box of 40 — $1.00 postpaid, or send
stamp and 10c for 4 cards.

RIDGE’S RAPID ROOTING MEDIUM. Generous
bag for $1,00, with full directions.
TROPI-GROWER — See illustrated ads in recent
magazines or send for brochure. $2.95 each, 2
for $5,25 or 6 for $14.40 postpaid.

21/4” peat pots — 40 for $1.00 or 100 for $2.29.
3” peat pots — 25 for $1.00 or 100 for $3.29.
Ask for free price list of supplies. Add 5% to
prices of shelves and pots shipped West of
Denver.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. J32 Wausou, Wis.

Artificial Light And Plant Growth

Gerald Darver, Dallas, Texas

Light is necessary for the production of
carbon dioxide and water, which form the
sugars and starch necessary for all life. It also
is the agent which affects plants to produce
flowers and seed or only leaves, stems and
roots. This is called photoperiodism, and is
governed by the lengths of day and night. It is
the length of the dark period that causes
plants to bloom or not to bloom.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture scien¬
tists working at Beltsville, Maryland, have dis¬
covered phytochrome, which is affected re¬
versibly by red and far red light. The proper
balance of the red and blue bands producing
normal growth and shape of plants has been
perfected in Sylvania’s Gro-Lux lamp.

The lights should be from 12 to 15 inches
from the top of the plants. (I keep mine lower
for more compact plants.)

The duration of light is known as photo¬
period. African violet plants produce flowers
at all times of the year whether they are
exposed from 12 to 18 hours of light. In July
1961, the U.S. Department of Agriculture pub¬
lished a report on Cyclic Lighting, which is
what I have been experimenting with. This is

RICHTER'S '63 RELEASES

CARMELITA DAISY MAE DEAR ONE

FIRE SPRITE SENORITA

SPRING RAIN

If you plan to be in the Chicagoland area this summer, stop in and get
acquainted. Our new greenhouses in Highland now fully stocked - — always
hundreds of blooming plants to choose from.

A stamp brings you descriptive list of new releases and older varieties.

RICHTER'S GREENHOUSES

9529 WICKER PARK BLVD.

607 HOFFMAN STREET Highland, Indiona

Hammond, Indiana (U. S. 41, 1 mile south of R. 6)

8

providing light during the night anywhere
from a 3 to 5 hour period (I am using 4). Later
I will experiment with only one hour from
1 a.m. to 2 a=m. and see what the results will
be. Plants undergo great growth changes dur¬
ing the middle of the night, according to scien¬
tists, thus plants’ growth can be controlled by
cyclic lighting.

Temperature is very important and the
quality of your plants depends upon the right
temperature. Night temperature should be 60
to 65 degrees and when the lights are on 70 to
75 degrees. Plants make their food during the
light hours but they use and digest it during
the dark period, and this is aided by cool
temperatures. Accurate thermometers are the
only way to keep your temperatures right.

Ventilation is very important for proper
plant growth and the prevention of disease.
Poor ventilation causes water vapor to collect
on the leaves and produce any number of
disease organisms. With proper ventilation
(proper circulation of air) a good supply of
oxygen for respiration is provided as well as
allowing for the entrance of carbon dioxide
which is necessary for photosynthesis.

Humidity is another important factor in
plant growth, 50 to 60 per cent is usually
deemed advisable. Plants lose water through
their leaves and unless the water in the air
is right, plants will not have their proper
growth. A barometer measuring humidity is
the accurate way of judging the humidity in
your plant room. When the humidity is right,
the violet plants will seem to burst into bloom
so much quicker and grow faster.

Spacing is another important factor and if
your plants have long stems which cannot
support the leaves, perhaps your plants are
too crowded. Foliage diseases develop and
leaves are bruised. The rule to follow is not
to let the plants touch each other. I have
already given the information in my December
article on fertilizers, nitrogen and phosphorous
contents, etc. The best soil is a pH of 6.5 and
any State Agriculture Experimental Station
will analyze your soil if sent a sample.

The Supt. of Documents, Washington, D.C.
has many publications on plants and will send
a list oh request. •

GREENSAND

RUHM’S PHOSPHATE

OIGA^nC WAY,

Ii Vm NATimAL WAY.’

Home of Organic Horticultural Supplies
SEND STAMP TO DEPT. V. FOR PRICE LIST

FRED A. VEITH

3505 Mozart Ave. Cheviot P. O.

Cincinnati 11, Ohio

HOOT MON!

HERE'S REAL ECONOMY!

THRIFTEE

PLASTIC PLANT MARKERS

Now

Available
in

COLOR!

Brilliant orange
Rich red
Gay yellow
Spring green
Sky blue
Pure white
Rose pink

• Permanent— Attractive

• Better than old-fashioned wooden
ones — -and ot competitive prices

• Lightweight for convenience

• Available in 4 sizes

• Easily marked with soft lead
pencils, rubber stamps or printing

• Made by the makers of famous
LIFETIME MARKERS — your
guarantee of top quality

Economical THRIFTEE Plastic Plant
Markers will not curl, rot, rust or mil¬
dew. They can be easily cleaned for
re-use with household cleanser and a
damp cloth.

THRIFTEE Markers are a real boon to
florists, nurserymen and growers . . .
wherever durable, attractive plant
markers are required in quantity at o

minimum price!

THRIFTEE Marker Prices

Quantity
(all same
color)

3”

4”

5”

6”

100

$1.00

$1.15

125

$1.00

250

$1.00

1.55

2.30

2.55

500

1.60

2.50

3.65

4.10

1000

2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

(3’

Thriftee Markers — 7/16” wide;
4”, 5”, and 6” — 5/8” wide)

Send your check and we pay postage.

Be sure to specify color desired —

otherwise, all orders will be filled with
spring-green markers.

Write for Thriftee prices on larger
quantities.

SAMPLE ORDER only $1.00 postpaid
(125 assorted markers)

LIFETIME MARKERS

Dept. 45

P.O. Box 216 Clyde, Mich.

9

Note Paper And Cards

*^^The Little Ones She Left Orphans”

Lucile Rainsberger, Lambertville, Mich.

Nollie Richey, Kokomo, Indiana

African violet enthusiasts will be interested
in a new line of items just introduced by
Carter Crafts. One of these is a cello-pack of
African violet note paper in assorted pastel
shades. There are also enclosure cards and
place cards.

Dr. Carter plans to put out a line of African
Violet Yearbook Covers. These measure 4V2 x
6 inches and are of various attractive designs.
There will be special discounts for quantity
buying.

If you are interested in the Carter line,
consult Dr. Rosalie Carter, Carter Building,
Franklin, Tennessee for full information.

PLASTIC POTS AND SUPPLIES
This list cancels all previous lists and circulars.
Squore Pots — White

21/4’

” 25/$1.40

50/$2.50

100/$ 4.40

21/2’

” 25/$1.65

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.75

3”

25/$1.95

50/$3.60

100/$ 6.60

4”

25/$3.30

50/$6.00

100/$11.00

'Square Pots - —

(Utility) Mottled Colors

21/4’

” 25/$1.10

50/$1.95

100/$ 3.30

21/2^

” 25/$1.40

50/$2.50

100/$ 4.40

3”

25/$1.65
25/ $2. 20

Round

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.75

4”

50/$4.15

Pots — White

100/$ 8.00

IV4’

” 25/$1.10

50/$1.95

100/$ 3.00

2”

25/ $1.40

50/$2.50

100/$ 4.50

21/4’

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100/$ 4.95

2V2’

25/$1.65

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.50

3”

25/$2.20

50/$4.15

100/$ 7.70

31/2’

" 25/$3.00

50/$5.75

100/$11.00

4”

25/$4.15

50/$7.70

100/$13.50

Round Pots —

(Utility) Mottled Colors

2”

25/$1.10

50/$1.95

100/$ 3.30

2/4'

25/$1.40

50/$2.50

100/$ 4.40

21/2’

25/$1.50

50/$2.75

100/$ 4.95

3”

25/$1.65

50/$3.00

100/$ 5.75

31/2’

” 25/$2.75

50/$5.25

100/$10.00

4”

25/ $3.30

50/$6.00

100/$11.00

5”

25/$4.55

50/$8.75

100/$16.50

6”

25/$6.50

50/12.50

100/$24.00

Round Tubs (Squatties) in White ond Utility
In Sizes — 3", SVi", 4", 5", 6" Same Prices
Respectively As Round Pots.

Round Plastic Saucers -

#2 for 2”, 2V4”, 2 1/2” Pots —

25/$1.10 50/$1.95

#3 for 3” Pots and Tubs —

25/ $1.40 50/ $2.50

#4 for 31/2”. 4” Pots and Tubs —

25/ $1.95 50/ $3.60

#5 for 5” Pots and Tubs —

25/$3.25 50/$6.00

#6 for 6” Pots and Tubs —

25/$3.75 50/$7.00

Bantam Flats of durable plastic,
for seeds or cuttings
BF90 Size 2%” x 5” x 71/2”:

3/$1.40 6/$2.60

BF123 Size 25/8” x 6V4” x 8”;

3/$1.50 6/$2.75

Plastic Markers - White 4V2” long
Waterproof Pencils — 25c each,

"Post-A-Note"

Regulation size postcards with spray of Purple
violets — 40 cards to box $1,10

"Violet Select-A-Note"

24 Notes and Envelopes — Box $1.25
Please add 10% of total order for postage.
15% West of Rockies

Mrs. N. B. WILSON

41 LOVE STREET AUSTELL, GEORGIA

Dept. A.V.M.

Black Only

100/$ 3.30
100/$ 4.40
100/$ 6.60
100/$10.00

100/$13.50

good drainage

12/$ 4.95

12/$ 5.25
100-$1.25
for $1.00

Mrs. Herman Hendrick’s daughter gave me
a very large tray of sprouted leaves: they were
mostly new varieties that had been collected by
her mother at many different places. She asked
that we pot them up and distribute them as
gifts to the members of our Town and Country
African Violet Club. Mrs. Evan Cardwell
helped me pot these “little orphans” and all
the girls were most grateful to receive this
remembrance from our deceased president’s
family. So many people might not think of
doing such a kindness for the violets and
might not think of the affection and deep
appreciation with which these leaf cuttings
were received.

Now most of the plants are beginning to
sprout again and there will be small ones of
all the different kinds for those who want
them. They have performed well and gen¬
erously — just like their former owner who
was always eager and willing to share her fund
of knowledge and experience with us. Her
violet club friends feel honored by her family’s
thoughtfulness . . . and we have also learned
a lesson: where there are things you no longer
need or want, give them to others — many
happy hearts will result. •

F and C African Violet Booster

(Not a fertilizer — Nature's own soil condi¬
tioner.) Will make African violets grow and
bloom better and longer than anything you*
have ever used. Will not burn tender plants.
(Non-Poisonous.) Also, far above the average
for other plants.' Use one teaspoon once a year.
$2.00 for one and one-half pounds, postpaid.
Order with your personal check or money order.
Money back guarantee.

F and C PLANT BOOSTER

P. O. Box 676 Fortuno, Colifornio

AFRICAN VIOLET
PLANTLET PROMOTER

Use the first of its kind. A product that both
enhances roots and greatly PROMOTES the
PRODUCTION of NEW PLANTS on a leaf. It
contains ADENINE, the miracle bud promot¬
ing factor. Increases in number of plants of
50% to 70% are not uncommon. Join the
parade of satisfied customers.

Price: 5 tablets, $1.00
12 tablets, $1.98

Residents of Ohio please include 3c or 6c sales
tax respectively.

Each tablet will treat 30 to 40 leaves.

T. P. LABORATORY

6520 Broadview Rd. Cleveland 34, Ohio

10

BUBQNeX

mmmm

THEOKeX African Violet Book

Tells how to grow better Afri¬
can Violets in the home. Au¬
thored by national authority,
pages, photographically il-
lustrated. Shows selection , cul-
ture and care of African Violets
and Gloxinias. Helps amateurs

. . _ and professionals.

1 Book — $1.00

Commercial Growers and Dealers
Write For Complete ONeX Catalog

Request

Quantity

Prices

Orders

Shipped

Postpaid

HYDROPON/,

Copley 21

BUGONeX House Plant Bug Killer Dust

Insm-es healthy plants. Con¬
trols chewing and sucking in-
* sects on African Violets, Be¬
gonias, Coleus, etc. Effective
dust spray for controlling
aphids, thrip, leaf miners, and
others. To apply dust, simply
" - - the “squeeze-tube”

applicator,

4" Tube ■

29c

PAKONeX Rooting Mix & Seed Starter

Grows better seedlings and
cuttings with more and strong¬
er roots. Sterile, porous, odor¬
less. Contains humus, volcanic
ash, charcoal, other valuable
ingredients. Complete, balanc¬
ed in texture. Insures better
plant development.

% qt. 29c — 2 qt. 59c — 4 qt. 98c

SYFONeX Rubber Bulb Sprinkler

Gently sprays flowers, plants
and seedlings. Avoids washing
soil away from roots. Also use
to dust plants with insecti¬
cides, shampoo pets, remove
water from fish bowls , sprinkle
clothes for ironing, etc. Dura¬
ble rubber bulb. Does not drip.
4 oz. 69c — 8 oz. $1.29

SYFONeX Plastic Hand Sprayer

Sprays oil or water-base, non-
residue liqtiids. Use in home
or garden for foliage feeding,
insecticides, leaf shiner, clean¬
ers, etc. Nozzle adjusts from
fine mist to pin stream. Dura¬
ble polyethylene container,
precision parts.

16 oz. $1.79 — 32 oz. $1.98

PANONeX Glass Wicks For Flower Pots

For replacing wicks of Wik-
Fed pots, or converting clay
and other pots, with drainage
holes, to self-watering, self¬
feeding hydroponic systeni.
Wicks are made of woven fi¬
berglass and are non-deteri¬
orating.

Three 3" wicks, 29c
50 ft. spool, $10.95

CARONeX Processed Granular Charcoal

Conditions growing mediums
for all plants. Destroys many
harmful acids. Pm-ifies soil
and water. Produced from se¬
lected charcoal, processed to
granular texture suitable for
horticultural purposes. Clean,
odorless, porous and absorbent.
1 oz. 10c — 3 oz. 25c— -7 oz. 50c

HYPONeX African Violet Food

Grows better plants with more and
larger blooms. Produces bigger,
more vigorous, better blooming
plants for amateurs or profession¬
als. Clean and odorless.

Perfectly balanced for correctly
feeding African Violets and other
plants. Simply dissolve in water
and apply to root system as direct¬
ed. Quickly feeds every part of
plant, without danger of over-
stimulating, Fine for seedlings and
cuttings. Reduces root shock when
transplanting.

2 oz. 29c— -5 oz. 59c — 10 oz. $1.00
Larger sizes available

PANONeX African Violet Soil

The complete, ready-to-use medium for
growing better African Violets with
more and larger blooms. Specially pre¬
pared, mixed and blended.

PANONeX African Violet Soil is a
light, porous, odorless growing medium
which allows for free circulation of air
and proper retention of water around
roots. Use for growing all African Violets
in pots, planters, wall hangers or other
containers. May also be used for root¬
ing African Violet leaves, starting seeds,
mulching, top dreeing and as soil con¬
ditioner.

M qt. 29c — 2 qt. 590 — 4 qt. 98c
Larger sizes available

PANONeX DcIhxd Wik-Fed Flower Pot

Self-watering and self-feeding, by
hydroponic system, this pot is ideal
for growing better African Violet
plants. You wiU especially like the
smooth, rounded top edge of the
pot, which is protection for the
tender leaves.

Moisture is supplied from storage
saucer to root system through fi¬
berglass wick. Gives better care
with less attention. Pot and clos ¬
ed saucer made of sturdy styrene.
Colors: Ivory, Chartreuse, YeUow,
Lavender and Coral; all with black
saucers. Also, Bronze with Bronze
saucer.

4" pot 89c — 5'' pot $1..29

BUGONeX African Violet Bug Killer

Insure healthier plants by spra5dng with
this handy, effective ONeX product. Kill
chewing bugs and eating bugs, and con¬
trol plant diseases with this combined
insecticide, miticide and fungicide, simply
by pushing button on spray can.

Kills aphids, mealy bugs, white flies, ex¬
posed thrips, spider mitra, leaf hoppers,
Japanese Beetles, lacebugs, ants and other
sucking and chewing insects infesting
African Violets, Begonias, Gloxinias, Eng¬
lish Ivy and other plants.

5 oz. 98c — 15 oz. $1.89

PANONeX Regular Wik-Fed Flower Pot

Beautiful, lightweight styrene
with open saucer and fiber¬
glass wick. Self-watering and
self-feeding for better care
with less attention. Colors:
Same as deluxe pots.

4" pot 59c

PANONeX Unbreakable Watering Can

quart container; light,
easy to fill and handy to use.
Very attractive. Made of dura¬
ble pblyethylene, in one piece,
with non-drip spout. Rust
proof, leak proof. Many uses,
indoors and outdoors.

Colors: Aqua, Yellow, Beige
2 qt. — $1.29

VERONeX Steriliied Volcanic Sand

Allows free circulation of air
and moisture retention around
roots of plants. Light, porous,
clean, odorless, sterile and in¬
organic. Will not decompose.
Conditions soil for all house
plants. Use in making your
mixes.

% qt. 29c— 2 qt. 59c— 4 qt. 98c

VERONeX

Steriliied Vermiculite

Specially prepared aggregate
for mixing with soil. Prevents
caking of soil. Encourages
better root development. Gives
soil airy texture and improves
drainage. Excellent for starting
seeds, rootings, cuttings, stor¬
ing bulbs, etc.

M qt. 29c — 2 qt. 59c — 4 qt. 98c

My Violets And Small Boys

Pollyann Eaton, Lakeville, Connecticut

My hobby started two years ago when a
friend gave me a plant of Snow Prince. I got
so much pleasure from this plant that I began
to look for new varieties whenever I traveled
anywhere. Now I have a collection of about
100 plants plus about 70 started varieties.

My number one problem was sufficient
lighting. The windows were in the southeast
direction which was too hot and I burned
many leaves. We were living in an apartment,
which limited my space. Then my husband
came to my rescue. We have three small boys,
ages 4, 3 and 2, so we had to think economic¬
ally. My husband purchased a three tiered
fruit rack from a market, then painted it. He
bought two fluorescent light fixtures: one fix¬
ture is a two-tubed 20 watt, and the other a
two-tubed 40 watt. I use the 20 watt tubes on
well established blooming plants and the 40
watts on started leaves and plants. These lights
are on for 12 to 14 hours per day.

Just last week we moved into our new
home, where I have a small room just for my
plants. I keep the tiered stand in front of a
west window so they also get daylight. What
a change when they get the right amount of

light! They seem to grow before my eyes.

I use plastic pots and water about every
three days with warm water, just keeping the
soil moist to the touch. I had an experience
with springtails and used Soilene to get rid ,
of them. I fertilize with Stim-U-Plant and |
Hyponex every two weeks except in the heat
of the summer. I spray my plants with warm
water from a Windex squirt bottle about once
a month. Before I spray I brush the leaves
with a one inch paint brush. They look so nice
when they are clean.

My boys love to watch me working on my
plants. This gave me the idea of showing them
the way to start a plant for their very own.
Scott, my 4 year old, watches his leaf very
closely for progress. He waters it with great
pride. His leaf is doing very nicely too. Jeff,
my 3 year old, has his own leaf; he follows
Scott with confidence. It is so cute to see them
looking over their planted leaves, expressing
their thoughts. I have not had a bit of trouble
with the small boys and my plants. They have
always respected my feelings toward my fav¬
orite hobby.

I had never been anywhere to see commer¬
cially grown violets until last summer when
my husband surprised me with a trip to
Lyndon Lyon’s. It was like Christmas in
August for me. Mr. and Mrs. Lyon were both
so helpful to me in choosing plants and in
giving me little hints for added success.

Lyndon Lyon — " ‘W/?ere ^'^he RJiolets "

14 Mutchler St. Dolgeville, N.Y. Phone 3591

NEW! Imagine in one year all these never before seen striking new combinations of characteristics.

FROSTED FUCHSIA — Combines the brilliant new fuchsia Star dbis. with a sparkling nonfading white
edge.

PURPLE WAX — and PINK WAX — Two brilliant new dbIs. a new departure in shining, waxy dark
strawberry type foliage.

PINK SPLATTER — Deepest dbl. fuchsia splashed and rayed with sassy pink,

THE THREE DOGWOODS

DBL. PINK DOGWOOD — Where else can you find a combination like this?

STAR DOGWOOD — ^Twinkling white tipped purple Star, the first!

FUCHSIA DOGWOOD — A wonderful deep fuchsia red, white tipped, wild type flower never before
seen in this color.

THREE MORE PIONEERING FIRSTS

VIOLET 'N GOLD — The heaviest, rolled, light yellow-green edge on any Star flower.

FROLIC — Giant pink Stars with Va inch bands of deep pink with white frilled edges.

WHITE PERFECTION — To top it off, here is a new white which we guarantee to make all others
obsolete, it is pure white, full dbl. big strong stemmed and is happy all the time.

Also there are many more, all definite advances in size, color, performance and foliage.

Starter plants or cuttings of above $1.00 each or any 6 for $5.00.

Minimum order $5.00 plus $1.00 for postage and SPECIAL DELIVERY.

Please send for new descriptive price list.

12

In order to buy new plants I sell off a few
plants now and then, and this gives me a
little profit to expand my collection with new
varieties.

We need an African Violet Club in our
town, to widen our knowledge of violets, and
I am trying to get one organized. I have
learned many things to my advantage through
the African Violet Magazine ... in fact, it
has taught :ffie practically all I know.

I am most anxious to try my hand at hy¬
bridizing. Now that I have a room to myself
I plan to widen my knowledge in this field.
I would also love to learn to make arrange¬
ments with violets. If we can get a club start¬
ed, I am sure we can all learn from each other.

Another ambition of mine is to become a
qualified judge some day. As you can see, I
have quite a schedule worked out for myself.
It is certain to be my lifetime hobby. •

AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

Fresh-cut and rooted leaves only
Best old and new varieties
Send for free list and special service offer.
Stamp appreciated.

MRS. FRANK FOSNOT

Sunnyside Washington

now !

THE NEW <^ube Graft

WATERING AID

Here’s the item needed by every
indoor flower grower ... an all
aluminum light weight watering
aid. No more lugging heavy and
awkward watering cans, spilling
water, or breaking leaves. Com¬
plete with 8 feet of plastic hose,
all aluminum shut off valve, and
18 inch wand only $6.95 each. Add
25 cents West of Rockies. Shipped
Parcel Post Prepaid. Send check
or money order TODAY. Made and
guaranteed by the manufacturers
of the popular Flora Cart.

Send for literature.

TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C

1311 West 80fh Street
CLEVELAND, OHIO

Dosage: 1 Teaspoon per Gallon

DELIVERED PRICES (Postage Paid)

W. Carton

IT 71: East Of
i U Mississippi

^ I.UU Mississippi

1-LB. Carton

$1.25 ”

$1.50 -

Carton

$4.95 -

$5.95

Designed and Manufactured by

ROBERT B. PETERS CO., iNC

2833 PENNSYLVANIA ST. ALLENTOWN, PA.

13

New Affiliated Chapters

Dorothy Eeaume, 22454 St* Clair Drive
St. Clair Shores, Michigan

THE CAROLYN RECTOR SAINTPAULIA SO¬
CIETY, Mrs. Edmund Sherer, 11983 Dar¬
lington Ave., Los Angeles 49, California

THE SAINTPAULIANS CLUB OF GRAND |
RAPIDS, Mrs. Vivia M. Cooley, Pres., 738
Morris S.E., Grand Rapids, Michigan

INDEPENDENCE AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. W. Kinslow, Pres., R.F.D, #4, Inde¬
pendence, Kansas

SOUTHERN SAINTPAULIA SOCIETY Mrs.

C. R. Ballard, Pres., 630 Cloverdale Road,
Montgomery, Alabama

EAST SUBURBAN AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB,
Mrs. L. R. Longenecker, Show Chairman,
19005 McCormick, Detroit 36, Michigan

We are happy to say, we have added our Fourth National Silver Commercial
Cup to our collection, plus the Bronze Plaque for the best new variety

shown this year

"PINK COQUETTE"

1963 National Top Award Winner

A profusion of deep pink wavy double blooms with a crystal white edge on
dark green wavy foliage. This plant propagates easily and productively. We
feel it is one of the best we have developed so far. Will be released in
Dallas, Texas next Spring.

Columneas-companion plants to the African violet are also a part of our
Hybridizing program, and we hope to have some of our own Hybrids to add to
our violets someday. However until that time comes, we have started to build
a stock of authentically named desirable New and Old Varieties of these and
will list them on our Fall List. Some are Trailing and others are Upright. All
bloom and are most fascinating. They are selling very well here at the
Greenhouses, and should make a profitable item for our Dealers as well.

GRANGER GARDENS

(Sorry, no retail shipping, at this time)

WHOLESALE TRADE LIST ON REQUEST

1060 Wilbur Rd. Phone Ce 9-9300 Medina 2, Ohio

Locoted 1 mile eost of Granger Schools (Rt. 94) on Medina Rf. 66.

Greenhouses open everyday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

When traveling through Western Massachusetts
stop at

VERA'S VIOLETS

335 Maple Rd. Longmeadow, Mass.

Off Route 5

Late Varieties No Shipping

FRESH-CUT LEAVES

$1.00 Each —

Any 10 for $9.00

Althea

Green Orchid

American Beauty

Garnet Flame

Berries and Cream

Harlequin

Butterscotch Pink

Jeannette Zinn

Barbary Coast

Katchakiss

Chief White Feather Lola Montez

California Queen

Moonlight ’n Roses

Cream Glory

Merry Go Round

Disneyland

Over the Rainbow

Farilon

Persian Treasure

Flashy Fringe

Touch of Spring

Fort Bragg

Victorian Pink

Flounced Marvel

White Organdy

75^ Each —

Any 10 for $6.50

Alice Blue Gk)wn

Flamingo Ballad

Billy Boy

Irish Rose

Carmelita

Irish Eyes

Dear One

Molly Pitcher

Dark Accent

Marie Lisa

Daisy Mae

Ming Toy

Easter Morning

Senorita

Early Star

Spring Rain

Evangeline

State Fair

Emerald Pink

Tiffony

Fire Sprite

Tammy

Fair Vixon

White Roses

Minimum order $5.00 plus $1.00 postaae in

U. S., Canada and

Hawaii postage $1.50.

Hundreds of other varieties — list on request.

Make check or Money Order payable to Doris

Intile.

DonV African Violet Corner

308 Franklin St.

Bloomfield, N. J.

Phone PI 8-5485

14

SCOTSWARD VIOLET FARM

Fresh-cut leaves of the following new varieties, including

some Convention Re-

leases, 75^ each or

12 for $8.00. Minimum order $6.00.

Please add $1.00 for

postage and packing. Airmail 50^ extra. Special Delivery 55^ extra.

Antique Mahogany

Fantasy Touch

Persian Purple

Balboa

Fashion Plate

Picture

Bevy of Roses

Fire Brand

Pink Dandy

Big Boy Blue

Floradora

Pink Dogwood

Big Cree

Fools Gold

Pink Heaven

Big Sam

French Accent

Pink Lotus

Black Diamond

Frilled Rhapsody

Pink Orbit

Black Holly

Galloway's Sensation

Pink Rollo

Black Waves

Garnet Glow

Pink Taffy

Blue Capri

Gay Feather

Pink Trill

Blue Checkers

Gay White Way

Pollyann

Blue Denim

Giant

Purple Carouse!

—Blue Lace

Glorified

Purple Falcon

Blue Lav. Bicolor

Glory

Rainbow Rose

Blue Orchid

Gracious

Raspberry Beauty

Blue Skies

Gray Cloud

Red Carnation

Bold Skies

Happy Ending

Red Girl

Breezy Peach

Harbor Lights

Rosey Faces

Bronze Cloud

Height of Fashion

Rusty

Cambridge Pink

Heldie

Sampson

Charles Henry

Helen Ingerich

Shangri-La Angel Song

China Sky

Highlighter

Shangri-La Angel Wings

Chinese Lantern

Holly Picotee

Shangri-La Cupid's Dart

Clem

Holly Song

Shangri-La Saber Dance

Comic Opera

—Ice Flo

Sic-0

Concord

Imagination

Sierra Giant

Confection

Jester

Silver Bells

Cozy

John B.

Snow Ballet Sup.

Cracker-Jack

Judipera Sierra

Solitaire

Crystal Mint

Kiz

Spooned Beauty

Dark Accent

Lime Puff

Spring Fever

Dark Mistress

Mandarin

Summer Song

Dashio

Maria Lisa

Surrender

Dawn-C

Miss Michelle

Sweet Leilana

Dawn Rose

More Fun

Tag-A-Long

Delilah

My Fan Fare

Tattle Tale

Desert Splendor

My Flame

Theresa Moeller

Dixie Frost

My Own

Tissue Pink

Dizzy Dame

Don's Dynamite

New Era

Touche'

Nina Noll

Touch of Fire

Doris Leigh

Orchid Delight

Trade Wind

Dbl. BL Gold Lace

Oui Madam

Tutti Frutti

Dream Castle

Pac-O-Bloom

Un. Co. Blue Corsage

Ebony Echo

Paisley Pink

Un. Co. Lavender #]

Elegance

Paris Label

Vagabond

Emerald Queen

Pastel Swirl

Velvet Tempest

Eve

Persian Angel

Velvet Venus

Fair Lady

Persian Bountiful

Vespers

Fairy Fire

Persian Doll

Woodland Sprite

Fancy Free

Persian Pastelle

Yerba Buena

1962 list available.

Please send 5^ stamp. Hundreds of large and small plants

of older varieties in

bloom at Greenhouses. Visitors always welcome.

MRS. C. B. WARD

71 Hanover Road

Phone FR 7-1 132

Florham Park, N. J.

15

An Introduction To The
African Violet Society
of Greater New York

Josephine Hanzakos, Elmhurst, New York

After struggling for years on a hit and miss
basis, you can imagine my delight in learning
of a local AtYican violet group called the
African Violet Society of Greater New York,
Inc. My joy was infinitely greater when I
learned that the society arranged for guest
speakers to tell us of their experiences with
our favorite plant.

The workshops provided for the members
greatly increased our store of knowledge.
Mixing soil, repotting, and potting plantlets
are now happy chores instead of one of
anxiety.

The Ways and Means Department of the
club supplies us with those hard to get items.
No longer do we have to trudge wearily
through Five and Ten Cent stores, nurseries,
etc. looking for those items we read about
but could not find. Now we can buy the small
amounts needed and not quantities that move
you out of house and home. Oh what a joy
when I saw this table!

Did you ever wonder what the authors were
talking about when they wrote of such things
as mites, thrips, etc? Well, I did until our
program chairman arranged for slides to be
shown at the meetings. It is amazing how
understandable these pests are when actually
seen on the screen. Of course, the antidotes
for these unwelcome visitors were studied
and discussed as each blight was depicted on
the screen.

Another thing I always wondered and ex¬
perimented with was the adaptability of our
favorite house plant in arrangements. This
question was soon answered by a program of
arrangement slides. Now we can enjoy our
violets two-fold instead of just on window
sills. And, you can imagine the flattering
comments that are invariably made by non¬
violet lovers when they behold a handsome
centerpiece gracing a dining table.

Best of all, the shows at the beginning of
spring. First comes the International Show
held at the New York Coliseum. Participants
in this show hail from all over the world and
florists, nurseries, landscape artists, etc. vie
with one another for those coveted blue rib¬
bons. Of course, “What’s a flower show with¬
out a display of violets?” asks the violet lover.
So, naturally, there is a class for violets.
Connected with this class is an educational
booth and our society has been the fortunate
host and our members greet visitors to this
booth and answer questions.

Next comes our very own flower show. Our
most imaginative members are called upon
and a “wonder of spring” unveils itself as the
doors are opened to the first visitors. Members
who have lavished such “TLC” through the
year now compete for the blue ribbons. (Oh
well, be a sport. The blue ribbon will be yours
next year with just a little bit more effort.)
For our members who enjoy arranging violets,
there are classes too. Ingenuity is the keynote
here.

Everything is pleasurable about belonging
to an African violet club, but best of all is
getting together with fellow enthusiasts and
comparing notes. Is it any wonder that like
the proverbial postmen, “Neither rain, sleet,
hail or snow will deter our members on meet¬
ing evenings.” •

New TROPI-GROWER

Use the new Tropi-Grower for your African
violets and other tropical plants. Only the
Tropi-Grower automatically provides the proper
humidity and aeration conditions for ideal
growth. Send for free folder giving full details
or send order direct from this ad. Each $2.95
ppd. Special: 2 for $5.25 or 6 for $14.40 post¬
paid. Add 5% to prices when shipped West of
Denver.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

1126 Arthur St. Dept. J34 Wausau, Wis.

NELSON FARM VIOLETS

RFD #1 Afhoh Mass.

Plants — Rooted Clumps — Leaves
(State Inspected)

Pilgrim Stormcloud
Pilgrim Raider
Pilgrim Mayflower
Garnet Flame
Althea

Berries and Cream
Moonlight "n Roses
Merry Go Round
Victorian Pink

Clover Blossom

(Stamp brings fall supplement about July 15th)

Visitors welcome Phone Athol CH-9-4949
Location: Phillipston (near Fox Run)
Closed Monday

16

The Violet Charms

Louise V. Bamum, Klamath Falls, Oregon

I have been an ardent gardener for many
years, but for some reason always resisted the
charms of the African violet in a very stub¬
born and hardheaded fashion, closing my mind
I to the good articles and beautiful ads in my
gardening and flower magazines. But this is
the story of my downfall; or, if you prefer,
the story of the beginning of a beautiful love.

Last year a friend asked me to baby sit
with her violets while she took a vacation. I
did this in a conscientious but uninspired way
completely ignoring their winsomeness. On her
return she gave me three of her best plants,
which I now know must have been a real
sacrifice for her. I wasn’t too grateful — no,
not me — as I had no place good enough to
keep them, or so I kept repeating to anyone
who would listen. Finally, my daughter gave
me a violet stand on an anniversary, either
because she thought I needed it, or she was
tired of the same old refrain. Now, I had
another problem; a nice looking stand that
would accommodate many plants with only
three on hand.

No doubt, the longer you resist African
violets the harder you fall. Anyway, finally
I decided to load up the new stand at least,
and I ordered some starter plants direct from
an ad of Fischer Greenhouses in one of my
gardening magazines. A colored folder ac¬
companying my plants indicated I had some
choice kinds, and the first pangs of mother
love emerged. In their literature they suggest¬
ed that joining the African Violet Society
would further the enjoyment of raising violets.
This I did immediately, and thus was em¬
barked on a most rewarding hobby.

With the first copy of the African Violet
Magazine I was completely won over, and
read and reread it with the compulsion of a
new mother with her brand new copy of “Dr.
Spock.” I then fed, bathed and coddled my
babies exactly as prescribed by the experi¬
enced writers in the Magazine, and my house
took on the joyiul clutter of any home starting
out with a new family. I have sterilization
equipment for soil and pots, croup kettles for
humidity, and bottles and pans with little
leaves and crowns taking their first steps
toward a life of their own. Also, regretfully, I
must report I had a few temporary victims
of colic that got too much food too fast. But
when my babies started to blossom out, in my
fiercely maternal way, I knew they were the
sweetest and prettiest “kids” on the block.

Of course I have another problem now. In
my enthusiasm I have sent for literature from
many of the advertisers in the magazine and
I find myself with long lists of little ones I
want to adopt. I suspect this problem will be

SEE SPECIAL NOTICE ON PAGE 32

FRESH-CUT LEAVES ROOTED CUTTINGS

KIDDCO YIOLETRY

Violets of Distinction

Dept, of Agriculture Certificate #183

INTRODUCING: Neprash's NEW and
EXCITING Shangri-La Princess and
Shangri-La Moon Glo

Princess has a huge dbl. pink fringed
blossom with Holly foliage. Moon Glo
is a large purple with a very wide
fringed chartreuse edging with very un¬
usual long lacy foliage.

OTHER 1963 RELEASES

Lanigan's— American Beauty, Garnet
Flame, Hearts Afire, Pagan Fire,
Peppermint Pink, Persian Treasure,
Red Cadet, Rosy Radiance

Vallin's— Showie, Young America, Jim
Dandy, Red Carnation

Hundreds of other new varieties too
numerous to list. Our Fall Listing will
also have many of the Award Winning
Varieties from the National Show.
Stamp for complete list of rooted cutt¬
ings. Shipping starts in September and
as long as weather permits. All orders
shipped in rotation received. Order
early!

3802 Luke Street Omaha 11, Nebr.

Phone 451-9048

with me always no matter how many I acquire.
In the meantime, I am enjoying my violet
family, and appreciate the help and inspira¬
tion the Magazine affords. •

17

Reporting On My Grafts

Mrs. .Clark Moore, Sycamore, Ohio

I have been asked to report on how my
grafts have fared through the past few years.
Frankly, I couldn’t try new ones, due to being
very ill, and was only able to care for a few
plants, with my husband’s help. I have propa¬
gated plants from my original which was Ce¬
lestial Blue (single) and Pink Ideal (double),
through the fourth generation so to speak.
Now I have encountered a peculiar situation
but that is farther on in this story.

No doubt most of you have read of my way
of grafting, or can note by the illustrations.
The original illustration appeared in the book
by Helen Van Pelt Wilson entitled 1001 Ques¬
tions and Answers by 12 Experts. I am not an
expert . . . my way of grafting was copied by
me from another member about whom I had
read previously in the African Violet Maga¬
zine. Letters, cards and inquiries came flying
to ask and to comment, but I was unable to
answer.

The original plant from the graft surprised
me when it actually bloomed with part pink
flowers, part blue ones, some single, some
double. Not all the foliage was the same.
Definitely the graft took and healed well

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Large selection of new varieties
Retail and Wholesale
No List

CERRI FLOWERS

Marcy, New York

Rt. 49, 1 Vi miles west of Utica
3 miles west of Thruwoy Exit 3T

Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. except July and Aug.

LOOKING FOR A CERTAIN ONE!
You May Find It At

GRACE'S VIOLETRY

Groce and Michael Welky

Oldest and Newest Many 1 963 Releases
From Leading Hybridizers
Miniatures - Variegated Foliage - Regular Plants
F. C. L. R. C. Sm. Pits.

Send Stamp for List

Our Collection on display Mon. thru Sat. 1 p.m.
to 9 p.m. or by appointment.

434 Clifton Ave. Clifton, N. J.

Phone PR 9-8673

Free gifts and instructions with orders.

enough to keep it going. I took two leaves
from the original: one never propagated, the
other was a spindly plant but. the fluorescent
lights helped it out and the plant grew into
a good shape. This was the second generation.
So when it bloomed a sickly lavender, I won¬
dered what to do next. Never underestimate
a woman’s curiosity though . . . three leaves
were taken. Again one didn’t propagate, the
other two showed promise . . . the third
generation. My husband helped me get the
two plants started, and that was 18 months
ago.

One day in November 1962 he said, “We
might as well throw this one out as it looks
like a bush.” Since we had sold our Flora Cart,
we had exactly 12 plants on a card table at
our north and west, bright light windows. I
did not destroy the bushy' one, and the forepart
of December the other one began to come out
(No. 4). The buds came quickly from natural
daylight and the flowers are a lovely blue.
Finally Celestial Blue must have overcome the
pink. The stems stand erect with always 3 or
5 flowers to a stem. Each flower has a tinge
of bronze at the back, making the center of
the flower a little darker. The flowers are not
ruffly but almost plain. The foliage resembles
Pink Ideal but it is not as large. The one bad
feature, or should I say ugly, is the lower
leaves. They look for all the world like green
rags; even though I may remove the lower
row, the next row becomes raggedy.

I think this will be my last graft. I have
had fun growing it; it gives me what every
grower wants — something different. Since
my work with violets will be just caring for
a dozen plants, I can sit back and wait for
comments. I am glad to tell you about this
odd violet I feel I have created, even if it did
end up in green raggy leaves. •

TOPS IN 1963

American Beauty
Althea

Berries and Cream
Caricature

Gift Wrapped

Hearts Afire

Merry Go Round
Moonlight 'n Roses
Peppermint Pink

Red Cadet

Victorian Pink

Whoopie

Most complete list of 1963 releases, variegateds
and miniatures. Stamp for list please. All stock
government inspected.

ANNALEE

VIOLETRY

29-50 214th PI.

Bayside 60, N.Y.

18

African Violets:

A Long Time Acquaintance

Mary A. Jack, Tekamah, Nebraska

My first acquaintance with African violets
was about ^0 years ago when a friend,
a dear old lady, visited the east and came home
with a couple of plants, both the old lavender-
blue. They were the first African violets in
our town. Before too long a time, this friend
began to raise new plants, and if anyone ever
had green thumbs, she did, and she loved to
give plants to all her friends. I still remember
how proud and happy I was when she gave
me a plant and told me how to care for it and
how to grow more plants. My first efforts were
not very successful, but I always had a few
plants, thanks to friends.

I have always loved to garden and had
lovely iris and peonies in my back yard. Being
a busy business woman, my gardening was
done mostly in the evenings; but I have
worked off many a grouch and heartache and
lonesomeness for my children when they left
for college, and later when they left for homes
of their own. When I retired about 10 years
ago, after over 30 years clerk in our post
office, my eldest son was very worried about
how Mom would kill time or keep busy. My
daughter said not to worry, Mom had too many
hobbies, she would keep busy.

My daughter lives near Rochester, New
York, and on one of my first visits there she
took me to a greenhouse near Webster, New
York, where at that time they grew nothing
but African violets. I have never seen more
beautiful plants, and I said I wished I could
have a little greenhouse to putter around in
when I got old.

I read the Flower Grower and the African
Violet Magazine, and was much interested in
all the articles I read about growing plants
under lights. Finally, I ordered a book and
some literature on the subject. The result, of
course, was that I bought a fixture with 2
fluorescent tubes to be suspended from the
ceiling in the basement, over my fruit cabinet.

Then my dentist had been bitten by the
violet bug and he had his basement full of
tables of violets, from lovely blooming plants
to leaves starting, little plants and even seed¬
lings. He had a serious operation and was told
he had to have more rest, so he began to sell
his plants and tables. His wife called me one
afternoon and asked me to come see Doc’s
plants before all the pretty ones were gone.
You know what happened. Before I left I had
bought one of his tables, a couple of the pret¬
tiest plants, and with the leaves etc. that he
gave me, I was in the violet business.

I have had many pleasant hours caring for
my plants; at first I had wonderful luck. Be¬

fore I knew it I had a couple hundred young
plants. What a beautiful sight to go to the
basement and see the singles and doubles of
many shades of blue and purple, pink and
white! And in the hot summer, how pleasant
to go to the cool basement, sit in my rocking
chair in my greenhouse corner, and read or
sew. Also, it is nice to have a pretty plant to
give to a sick friend or a shut-in.

I have tried several ways of propagating
violets, planting directly in vermiculite and
peat moss, or putting the leaves in water until
little rootlets appear, then planting them in a
mixture of vermiculite, peat moss and planter
mix. I seem to have the best luck putting them
in water ‘first; and I seem to have better luck
using clay pots than plastic ones.

So far I have had no pests, but have lost a
few from crown rot from over watering. I fer¬
tilize about once a month. My main trouble
seems to be the need of a plant sitter when I
take off for a vacation or go to visit my son
or daughter, which I do at least once a year.

When my plants get old and leggy, I put
them in a flower bed on the north side of the
house. Have read many times that it could
be done, but I wish you could see what lovely
plants those old worn-out violets became in
beds of baby tears, by the time for Jack Frost.

I was away from home so much last year
and gave away so many of my plants that I am
almost starting from the beginning this year.
I have about 100 young plants that are grow¬
ing nicely, but I am planning a 2 month vaca¬
tion this summer and am hoping my plants
survive. •

Fastest • Safest * Surest

AFRICAN VIOLET
LEAF ROOTER

If your dealer cannot supply you, order by mail
Quart $1.25 (concentrated) Gallon $3.25 Postpaid

NELSON FARM VIOLETS, R.F.D. 1, Athol, Mass.

Leaves — - Roofed Cuttings — - Plonts

The choicest of the old and new. Come sit, relax
and converse . . . 700 varieties are our hobby,

too.

Rose Knoll Gardens

In the heart of Lincoln Land
Assumption, Illinois

19

5 African Violets

Ruth S. Doxsee, Bellingham, Washington

How many instances do you know of a
doctor telling someone to find a hobby or to
get interested in something? Through the 15
years I have been working with violets, many
stories have come to me. I cannot too strongly
urge members of the Society to share their
violets with the handicapped, the sorrowing,
etc. They are such good messengers of good
will.

I will relate some of the types of cases
where it was the patient’s only recreation:

The most charming story was of Grandma
who was in her eighties. She was visiting in
Bellingham and had her relatives bring her
to see my violets. She purchased about 5
plants because she wanted to grow them so
very much. She lived with a daughter who,
she said, didn’t want her to have them, but
she got them anyway. Grandma was so spry,
alert, and lovable. I saw her once a year when
she came to buy a few more plants to add to
her collection. Then her daughter started to
come and has now taken over Grandma’s
violets and is in the business.

Then I had a letter from a lady in another
part of the state who wrote that she was going
blind and wanted some violets to grow when
she could no longer see. There was the lady
confined to a wheel chair; her husband brought
her the pots, soil, etc., and she took care of
her plants on a table beside her,

I received a letter from a lady in California
who had been advised to take up a hobby.
She said she had had her violets only 3 weeks
and already her nerves were greatly improved.

Through many of these contacts with the
lonely, the mother who had lost her child,
and the aged, I have made lasting friendships
and they in turn have given me something. •

THOMAS' AFRICAN VIOLETS

4 minutes from Exit 36 N. Y. S. Thruway
104 Fay Rd. N. Syracuse, N. Y.

Gift Plants — Rooted Cuttings — Small Plants
Rare House Plants and Supplies

No Shipping Visitors Always Welcome

VISITORS WELCOME

See and buy violet plants and leaves. Call
Phillips 4132 so I’ll be home. Fresh-cut and
rooted leaves by mail. Stamp appreciated for
current list.

MRS. RUSSELL KIRCHMEYER

Route 1 Phillips, Wisconsin

The Plant Name’s The Same

Irene Fleming, Toledo, Ohio

1. The name of a violet, also a song

title. — - - -.

2. A violet with the same name as the

National Editor. - - — ~

3. Violet with a red-wine flower, also a

wine. - — - — — .

4. Same as a certain kind of music. - — — —

5. First name same as a baking powder but
last name differs. - — — — —

6. Same as an Indian tribe. ■ — - ■

7. Name same as a soap. — - — — - —

8. Same name as a bird. — ■ — ™_-

9. A violet and a ball team with the same
name. — — — — — ~

10. A Michigan judging school teacher. —

11. Same name as an evergreen tree. - — —

12. A classical instrumental piece. _

13. Green and purple double violet, also a
vegetable. — - — _

14. Same name as one of our members. —

15. The First Lady of the Land. - — _

16. Two Misses and a Mr. from Mary Meeds.

17. What a soldier receives for bravery. —

18. He was - — - — , the Sailor Man.

19. Same name as man the Research Fund

was named for. — - - _

20. Name of a violet same as a weed. — — -

Answers: 1. Sweet Sue 2. Alma Wright 3.
Burgundy 4. Calypso 5. Calumet Beacon 6.
Chippewa 7. Cashmere Bouquet 8. Chicadee,
Blue Jay 9. Cleveland Indian 10. Dorothy Gray
11. Blue Spruce 12. Intermezzo 13. Brussels
Sprouts 14. Mary Suhr 15. Martha Washington
16. Miss New York, Miss St Louis and Mr.
Chicago 17. Purple Heart 18. Pop Eye 19.
Boyce Edens 20. Thistle.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Stamp brings list of fresh-cut leaves 600 varie¬
ties, old and new. State inspected. Plants and
supplies. At house after 1:00 P.M.

VELMA KNOWLTON

715 W. Housatonic St. Pittsfield, Mass.

Episcias, Columneas, Aeschynanthus,
Violets, Smithianthas.

Catalog 25^

TROPICAL PARADISE GREENHOUSE

8825 West 79th St., Overland Park, Kans.

20

A New Love

Mrs. George Politis, Oakland, California

ttT really do not like African violets very

L well,” at least that is what I said a year
ago. But, last spring as chairman of horticul¬
ture for my garden club, I thought that I
should own at least one plant. So many of our
members were asking about their care.

The East Bay African Violet Society was
having a show and plant sale. That seemed the
logical place for selecting the best. I did not
expect any difficulty in choosing the one most
beautiful variety.

When I entered the building, I was amazed
to see table after table of spectacularly beauti¬
ful plants with flowers of many hues. Choos¬
ing just one was not going to be so easy.

There was a lovely double light blue named
Kimberly which I immediately decided that I
must have. Then, I saw Afterglo — such a
vibrant color and such interesting leaves. Well,
I might as well have two plants since the
colors were so different. I put both names on
my list.

On the next table Black Magic was living
up to its name. I couldn’t resist that one.
Black Cherry was tempting me, too, and since
I couldn’t decide between them I wrote down
both names. The green edged varieties were a
surprise and I added Dresden Dream and
Green Froth.

The next table showed plants with pure,
glistening white flowers. They were all lovely
but White Madonna was a must and White
Holly had the most amazing leaves with
ruffled edges. Two more names added to my
list.

Among the newer varieties, I found Lilian
Jarrett with enormous, pale pink flowers and
variegated leaves. Then I found Startling, Hi
Hopes and Athena. Such treasures! But, there
were still more to see ....

When I reached the tables where plants
were being sold, ther§*were 18 names on my
list. I wasn’t willing to cut it down by even
one plant. And when I heard about the special
charms of several more, I thought that I should
have them too. So I went home with a large
box of plants, some very small and some large.

That was not the end of the story but only
the beginning for I had not thought about
where I was going to put them. I had been
told that they must have light and moisture
and warmth. Windows would have to furnish
the light for the present and that meant mov¬
ing furniture, tables and lamps. Nothing must
be allowed to obstruct the precious light rays.
Then, of course, the plants had to be placed
on something: that meant a hunt for narrow
tables and shelves.

The care and feeding of my precious plants
and the study of their whims became of para¬
mount importance in my daily schedule. I be¬

HOW.. .FOR YOUR 3LaCaA !

THE ALL-PURPOSE TRAY FOR FLOWER GROWERS!

FITS ALL .y^iora . . interchangeable

, on all models!

ATTRACTIVE NEUTRAL COLK)R...Perma

nently molded-in to every tray!

LIGHT" WEIGHT AND STRONG . . . Easy to
handle... Won’t dent or break!

RUST-PROOF "RESISTS CHEMICALS

Impervious to moisture, corrosion, weather!

EASY TO-CLEAN SURFACE... Washable,
hard satiny finish!

HAS CONVENIENT DRAIN... For draining
...without removal of plants!

Price: ITRAY -$ 8.50 2 TRAYS- 16.00 3 TRAYS- 23.50

R«mit &y Check or Money Order FOB. Cleveler^d. Ohio.

Ohio Residents add 3% salts tax.

me. 1311 West 80th Street

Cleveland 2, Ohio

AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPLIES

TEM plant food - — Contains trace elements.
Stimulates bloom: 65^^ ppd.

GRO-QUICK HEATING CABLES — Use to pro¬
vide "bottom heat:" 6'-] 5 watt for flats:
$2.25 ppd. 34'- 1 14 watt with 70 thermostat
for use on shelves and benches: $5.25 ppd.
SPRAY-AWAY RESPIRATOR •— General pur¬
pose mask to protect you from toxic spray
vapors. Complete with adjustable head band,
3 replaceable filters and chemical cartridge:
$3.98 ppd.

For other supplies, see our ad on the inside
front cover of March 1 963 issue AVM.

BERNARD D. GREESON

3548 North Cromer Street
Milwoukee 11, Wisconsin

Send 10?^ for complete catalog. Add 50^ pack¬
ing charge for orders under $2.00.

came a member of the African Violet Society
of America, Inc., and that was of great help
and interest.

I just counted my plants and there are now
109 if the little new starts are included. Now
it is true, I do not like African violets very
well. I love them! •

21

Showers of Violets

Mrs. Carl Gottlieb, Frankfort, Germany

I had one of the most wonderful surprises
in late September. I have been a violet en¬
thusiast for years, and, being an Army wife,
there have been many heartbreaks with each

YOARS GREENHOUSE

Bunker Hill, Indiana

African violets, general line of plants for house
culture. Supplies, Sodium Selenate -- 50c with
stamped envelope. V-C 13 4-oz. postpaid $2.50.
Local and shipping sales. Send stamped envelope
for list.

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Fresh-Cut Leaves — Rooted Leaves with Plant-
lets. New and favorite varieties from quality
stock. Grown in normal house condition and
light. Stamp for list please.

THE VIOLET HOUSE

2902 Missouri Ave. Shreveport, Louisiana

Phone ME 5-4424

SPOT-THAT-MITE

(with this 20x pocket microscope)

Check the outsides of clay pots, top of soil
and centers of plants for mites and other violet
pests with the aid of:

4 Wrighter Image is
a tetter I male

Spot-That-Mite~20x

hand microscope $3.25
Micro-Lite •— flashlight

with adapter _ $3.00

Mike and Light

together _ $5.95

Postpaid U. S. and Canada

Many of the country's most
prominent growers and hy¬
bridizers find this "mike"
most useful to them. Excel¬
lent for examining plants for
show entries.

Further information- — see
A.V.M. March 1962 pages
7 and 96; December 1961
page 23; March 1960 pages
83 and 84.

Send check or money order to

NORMA B. BUTLER

906 Le Roy Rood North Syracuse, N. Y.

move we are obliged to make; it is especially
hard to part with favorite violet plants. In
August I had a move to make to Germany,
and knowing that the variety of violets is so
limited in Germany, it was even more upsett¬
ing to give up my lovely plants.

Two weeks before leaving I sorted out and
planted young plants of my favorites. I was
very particular to include a start of one plant
that Mr. Tinari had given my little Mary Jane
when we visited the Tinari Greenhouses. Mary
is quite a violet fan, and her plant was named
Breathless. She was ever so proud of it and
some weeks after receiving it, a friend came
to visit. Mary, who was just out of the first
grade, proudly exhibited her new plant and
looked up to our friend, explaining, “And the
name of it is Brainless.” I chose other plants
that had special meaning, but tried to select
some from each classification so that I could
experiment a bit with them in this climate.

Using Tupperware plastic cereal bowls
which have leakproof covers to attach, I plant¬
ed six violets in each bowl. I filled each bowl
half full of earth, thus the plants could be set
in SO that the cover, when the time came to do
so, could be applied without damaging leaves.
The bowls, with covers sealed tight, stack one
on top of the other, and by this means I was
able to carry many in the small case I was
permitted to take with me on the flight over.
I had visions of being in a transient hotel for
some time, and, if so, I could simply take the
lids off the containers and let the plants live
through the waiting period.

Some of the women from our local violet
club at Perry Point, Maryland, came to see me
before I left and were impressed with my
traveling violets. I am sure the idea will be
suggested when others must make such a long
journey. As it happened, our journey was
short, for we were set on a direct jet flight
out, and with violets in hand the trip to our
home in Germany took less than 14 hours. The
violets are thriving after proper planting and
I will have my first blooms next week.

I was just beaming with pleasure over my
thriving plants, particularly because the Ger¬
man varieties are so limited and none are
known by the fascinating names given to
American plants. Then, the real surprise came:
two air mail parcels bearing the return ad¬
dress of our violet club president. The women,
without my knowledge of it, had a violet
shower in connection with their meeting night
and each one brought a special young plant
to be sent to me. I was simply speechless over
those parcels, and opened them to find all the
plants marked and in good condition. There
were 24 different kinds, none of which I had
brought with me.

I am so thankful that I belonged to such a
wonderful group of women as I found in our
violet club at Perry Point, Maryland. Surely,
if all clubs were so generous with their “Show¬
ers of Violets” to traveling violet enthusiasts,
it would make these moves much easier. •

22

Miniatures New Releases Wild Species

DRAKE'S VIOLET SHOP

Rt. 1, Box 96 Hampshire, Ill.

Look for our sign 8 miles west of Elgin on Rt.
20 in Pingree Grove. Open Mon. through Thurs.
9 A.M. to 5 P.M. Also 2nd Sun. of month 1 P.M.
to 5 P.M. Correction, closed for vacation June
8th to 23rd. Send stamp for shipping list.

Phone 312-464-8331 Clubs Welcome

LINDLEY AFRICAN VIOLETS

803 N. Garden Boise, Idaho

Our aim is to grow and ship the newer and
better varieties of rooted clumps.

Stamp for 1963 list

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

We have a limited supply of seed from known
and labeled crosses on many of the latest varie¬
ties. Because the stock available changes quickly
we don’t print a list of these crosses. If you will
write and inquire, we may have crosses on your
favorite variety. The price is approximately 100
seeds for $1.50.

Mixture A— more than 50 single flowered va¬
rieties 300 seeds $1.00; Mixture B — from varie¬
ties having “girl type” foliage 150 seeds $1.00;
Mixture C—from single flowered varieties
crossed with double flowered varieties 150 seeds
$2.00; Mixture D — from pink flowered varieties
crossed with other pink or white varieties 150
seeds $2.00; Mixture FM— our best mixture, 300
seeds $3.00 of fine hybrids, mixed colors, frin-
gettes. Special Seed Starting Tray containing
excellent growing media designed for a “no
failure” $1.00 plus 25c for postage.

FOREST MILL
AFRICAN VIOLET SEED

4725 E. 35th St. Indianapolis, Indiana

FRESH-CUT LEAVES 25^1! EACH
None Higher

Old and New, Variegateds, Miniatures
Soft Plastic Rim Guard— covers sharp
edges on all sizes and shape plastic
pots. 10^?: foot, 25^ shipping and
handling. Complete line of supplies.

4^ Stamp for List

J's AFRICAN VIOLETS

6932 Wise Ave. St. Louis 10, Mo.

Mi 7-3755

The Select Violet House '"Known for
Reliable Rooted Cuttings" offers you
new and fascinating varieties for 1 963.
"We start them, you finish them"
PLANTS AND LEAVES ALSO
Stamped Envelope for Circular

The Select Violet House

Box 1444 Youngstown, Ohio

FRESH-CUT AFRICAN VIOLET LEAVES

Free List

LILLIAN BORGGARD

217 Lee Court Clinton, Iowa

^erra Aortic®

Liquefied Fish and Seaweed From the
Sea — — For the Soil — No Inorganic Salts
Added — - Will not burn foliage
Trial Size, 8 ounce $1.00 PPD. U.S.A.

THE GARDEN MART

5108 Old Richmond Road Bellaire, Texas

"S P O N G E - R O K"

The Rock That Breathes In Your Soil

How SPONGE-ROK improyes plant growth —

Plant roots require oxygen, nutrients and water for proper growth. Any one or all of these growth
factors tend to be deficient in hard-packed soils. Sponge-Rok directly improves the availability of
each. It air conditions the soil. Long after organic soil conditioners have decomposed and disap¬
peared, Sponge-Rok remains suspend^ in the soil improving aeration. It absorbs and retains mois¬
ture and plant foods, then slowly releases these nutrients os the plant requires them. Watering
needs are reduced and better drainage results.

Packed in V2 ond 2 Bushel Bags ■— Write for Prices

SPONGE-ROK SALES

7112 Hubbard Ave. Middleton, Wise.

Dealers and commercial growers — write for prices on direct factory shipments

23

The Story of Pigmy

Leila M. Egenites, Bayside, New York

AS all stories must have a beginning, so
does mine: it’s Pigmy, Pigmy, Pigmy, my
first miniature. The darling silvery-haired
leaf hardly bigger than a nickel was almost
lost among the giants on the leaf sale table
of our club. It was love at first sight, and the
start of a chain reaction to acquire more and
more of these precious small plants.

Pigmy flourished happily, and out-performed
her big cousins in shaping up into a tiny show
plant. The neat tailored leaves fell into a
natural rosette and there was a silvery glow
over them. Happy with its surrounding, Pigmy
covered itself with blooms that have the color
and appearance of forget-me-nots, the supply
of which never seems to be exhausted.

Crowned with such success, more miniatures
were an absolute must. Along came Jessie
Cut-Up and Zanzibar to keep Pigmy company.
As though they would not be outdone, Jessie
Cut-Up cut up with blooms all over the place

MARY'S HOUSE OF VIOLETS

Whitestone’s Largest Distributor

Leaves Plants Rooted Cuttings

Over 600 varieties. All soil oven sterilized and
treated with V-C 13. Plants sprayed regularly
with Kelthane. Government inspected. Stamp
for list. Visitors by appointment only.

163-35 19th Ave. Whitestone 57, L. I., N.Y.

Phone BA 9-0222

IDEAL VIOLET STANDS

Each stand will take the following pot sizes
Standard & Squatty 3” — Standard & Squatty 4”
2 Heights ... 4” & 6”

Ideal for Violet Shows^ — Ideal for Your Windows
Ideal for Commercial Displays

6 for $5.00 postpaid. West of Mississippi $5.50
Quantity rates to clubs & resale

RICHARDS VIOLET GARDENS

— Visitors Welcome —

4927 Transit Road Williamsville 21, N. Y.

Niagara Symphony and Niagara Melody now
ready. Sold only here at the house. No Shipping.

CHOICEST OF NEW VIOLETS

and Zanzibar stood his grounds with dark
defiance, the black-green leaves reached out
flat and shiny to show off dark purple double
blossoms all year round.

Well, all wasn’t peaches and cream. As more
new cousins were added to the family, some
were the kind that were stingy with the
blooms, others curled up like heads of cab¬
bage, and some grew up like stalks of celery.
Here now, came the challenge: how to unstalk
the celery, unhead the cabbage, and make the
stingy ones generous? If they had a tendency
to be cabbage heads, they loosened up when
transferred to good daylight, fluorescent light
just wasn’t their dish. The celery stalks soon
shrank when they were put closer to the light
or in the center of the tray.

Now, there was the problem of the stingy
ones. Here were my little darlings all in little
pots in proportion to their size. They had
been in them quite some time too, as I re¬
called, and they had gotten the usual treatment
of watering and fertilizing along with their
bigger cousins. But their bigger cousins by
their growth were demanding bigger pots, and
with each repotting were getting the benefit
of added fresh soil. Then why shouldn’t my
little ones get some fresh soil too? Armed with
clean plastic pots, a fresh batch of sterilized
soil, and a teaspoon to use as a shovel, I went
to work repotting. Trying to do the least
possible damage to the root ball, I removed
as much of the soil as I could. Using a pot
suitable to the size of the plant (never larger
than a 3 inch squatty), I placed the roots in
the pot and spread them out as they had been
before the soil was removed. The fresh soil
was piled in loosely and the pot tapped so
that the soil would settle around the roots,
and then watered them well with lukewarm
water. They seemed to say, “thank you,” by
showing up with buds and blooms soon after.

I have some friends who tell me other
methods are quite effective too. One tells me
that she promises to take them to a “show,”
and they spruce up; another friend, who also
raises French poodles, threatens them with
the ASPCA.

It would seem for me that the culture for
miniatures is really no different than for
standard varieties. Since Pigmy was acquired
two years ago, many new miniatures have
been added to the Annalee collection. Hy¬
bridizers, too, seem to have gotten a renewed
fascination and new miniature varieties are
appearing. The newest one out is the sensa¬
tional Small Talk developed by Rita Luciano.
Here is a beautiful two tone fringed pink
double blossom with perfect, rich dark green,
Holly foliage backed with red. There are
others too, with modified Girl foliage, scooped
Girl foliage, notched foliage, variegated foli¬
age, and maybe someone will come up with
a Longifolia miniature. Won’t that be fun! As
fast as the new ones come out, we’ll get them,
but we will always remember our first love
. . . Pigmy. •

24

!

i

I

I My Experience with Gibberellic Acid

Violet Torpen, Libby, Montana

I read the article on gibberellic acid in ’62
June issue with much interest. May I add my
experience? I have raised African violets since
1952 and have used foliar spray and gibberell
spray with good results.

I bought a can of Gibberell Fix Aerosol
Bomb for 98c from the Sunset House, 110
Sunset Building, Beverly Hills, California; and
used it as follows:

Sprayed plants with foliar spray 2 or 3 days
BEFORE each gibberell spray. The gibberell
spray is used every 10 days as directed, but
the plants are foliar sprayed 2 or 3 times be¬
fore the gibberell spray each time. I used it 4
or 5 times in the spring only.

The leaves and plants keep their natural
shape but grow so much faster and look better.

For my growing plants (the small ones) I
use Hyponex African Violet Food or Boost’em
Plant Food for House Plants. This can be pur¬
chased at the Farmer Seed and Nursery Com¬
pany, Faribault, Minnesota, and costs 25c per
package. I use the fertilizer about Vs strength
as directed for foliar spraying. Also have used
Black Magic African Violet Blossom Booster
(for foliar spray) on my flowering plants. I
use Vs teaspoon to a pint of water.

Have used the above, as stated, for the last
three springs and I like the results. •

Care of Pots

Dorothy Joern, Loretta, Wisconsin

I was glad to read on page 77 of the Sep¬
tember issue of the African Violet Magazine,
the various suggestions to overcome damage
from the sharp edges on plastic pots, and hope
too that some day there will be available a pot
like the one illustrated there.

For quite some time we have used an article
which is known on the market as Mortite. We
use this on our clay pots as well as the plastics.
It is not expensive, as it may be used over and
over again.

To sterilize it, we soak it in warm water tc
which either Clorox or Hi-Lex has been added,
and let it soak for a few minutes. When warm,
Mortite can easily be molded over any kind of
rim. It is gray in color and is not at all un¬
sightly on the pots. It does not give any trouble
on the growing bench, or when watering; and
if well pressed on it will give no trouble as
to coming loose. I might add that if the clay
pot is warm and dry, it will be easier to apply.

For us who are well stocked with both clay
and plastic pots and cannot afford to discard
them, I think this, along with Elsie Juline’s
idea, will help violet growers until a plastic
pot with a flare rim, and reasonably priced, is
put on the market. I know there are several
other methods to overcome this trouble, but I
find Mortite very successful. •

T963 MOON SIGN BOOK

58th ANNUAL EDITION

Don't plant until you read this comprehen¬
sive guide to Lunar Planting. Gives full infor¬
mation and exact times for best planting and
transplanting dates, along with many helpful
hints for better gardening results.

Only $1.50 Postpaid

LLEWELLYN PUBLICATIONS

Dept. AV.

100 South Wobosho Street
Saint Paul 7, Minnesota

Miniatures Popular Varieties Supplies

Please write for FREE CATALOG or try our

SPECIAL ECONOMY PLANT OFFERS
(Husky labeled starter plants — ■ OUR CHOICE)

6 Old Favorites
6 Popular Varieties
6 New Varieties
5 Miniature Varieties
5 Episcias, 1 Lipstick Vine

$2.75 Postpaid
$3.75 Postpaid
$5.50 Postpaid
$3.25 Postpaid
$3.75 Postpaid

Spidell's African Violets

1380 Garfield St. Eugene, Oregon

SUPPLIES FOR

AFRICAN VIOLET GROWING

Insecticides, Soil, Plastic Labels, Pots, Etc.

For example:

Malathion, per bottle _ $1.55

Mildex (mildew) _ 1.25

NNOR, per bottle _ 1.55

Kelthane, per bottle _ 1.55

Vitamin per bottle _ 1.15

25-11/4 in. (Thumbnail) plastic pots 1.00

Soilene, 8 oz. _ 1 .40

Tropi-Grower _ 2.98

1 1 (} Greenplast labels _ 1.00

12 capsules sodium selenate _ 1.65

28 capsules sodium selenate _ 3.30

100 capsules sodium selenate _ 9.45

150 foot roll pot rimmer foil _ 1.50

3 rolls pot rimmer foil _ 4.00

4 feet 7/32 Glasswik _ 1.00

1 Pest Control Chart and

African Violet Troubles Guide $1.00

COMPLETE LINE
WRITE FOR CATALOG

DOROTHY J. DOLBOW

149 W. Main Street
PENNS GROVE 6, N.J.

25

Mrs. Chancey

My African Violet Hobby

Mrs. Thelma Chancey, Twin Falls, Idaho

I have always loved flowers of all kinds, and
especially house plants. In 1945 I received
an African violet, a Blue Boy, for a gift. Soon
after that my husband bought me a White
Lady, and I was so thrilled later when I found
a pink one. These three plants were on a table
in front of a north window. They must have

NEW FOR FALL
Maxine Mason's Newest

Convention Winners from Kansas City
Our own Legend, Golden Glow,
Black Hawk and Snowdrift

Stamp for List
Ready about August 1st

WHITE CLOUD FARM

Rf-. 3 Carthage, Missouri

liked the care they received as they bloomed
and bloomed. The leaves got so large and
pretty. Soon I wanted to get others and every
time I visited another town I spent most of
my time trying to find more African violets.

In 1951 a group of ladies met to discuss
starting a club, and the Magic Valley Saint-
paulia Club was formed. I served as the second
president and at present am the secretary.

My violet hobby grew by leaps and bounds.
The more I learned about their care the more
fascinated I became. My husband bought me a
Flora-Cart. Soon it was filled and another
stand was built, with a light fixture in it. It
must be a disease one gets, as every gorgeous
new color and frills that one sees, one must
have; so soon there was no more room to put
another violet. This time a stand 6 feet long
with 4 shelves was added to the same room.
Later we even had violets in the kitchen and
bedroom. House cleaning time was quite a
problem and our dining room resembled a
nursery.

I have tried several soil mixes. At present
I am using one that my friend and the former
president of our club, Lucile Porter, makes. It
is a mixture of Blue Whale, sphagnum moss,
leaf mold and Sponge-Rok. Lucile supplies all
our florists with violets and she really grows
some beauties.

We did some remodeling of our house re¬
cently so now I have moved most of my plants
to the basement and grow them under lights.
I am using some of the new Gro-Lux tubes and
love the way they bring out the color in the
pinks and reds. At present I only have about
100 plants. Every time I see a new beautiful
violet the old urge returns and I want it, but
I have decided we have to live in our house
too.

Entering plants in a show and winning blue
ribbons is a thrill. My plant of Rosalinda won
a blue ribbon two years in a row.

I have met some wonderful people through
this fascinating hobby and have several pen
pals. Everyone has the same thing in common
and can talk for hours about the lovely plants.
I hope the new varieties keep making us
happy. •

African Violets

by KROGMAN'S

1325 Parkway (S. 125) Brookfield, Wis.

Largest Selection

"Favorite" and "Newest" varieties
1963 Convention Winners

Send dime for List. 10^ refunded on order
Clubs or individuals invited to visit us by
appointment. Phone, Milwaukee-Sunset 2-7359.
1 mile from HWY. 15, 16, 18, 30, 45, and
100 at 59. Vi block North of Greenfield Ave.
(Highway 59)

AFRICAN VIOLET STATIONERY
by

CARTER CRAFTS

Franklin, Tennessee

• Greeting Cards

• French Fold Notes

• Gift Cards

• Place Cards

• Ready-made YEARBOOK Covers

Free folder — 250 for samples. Discounts to
Commercial Growers and Clubs.

26

Using Malathion Spray

Mrs. Clyde Marshall, Decatur, Alabama

To prepare my spray, I put one teaspoon of
Malathion (50% ) in one quart of warm water;
and I spray with this solution once each
month. It is a poisonous spray but I have never
had any bad results from using it. I do not use
a mask. Spray the mist just above the plants
and let it fall on them. Spray underneath the
leaves if your plants are diseased. Always use
warm water. It will not hurt to store any extra
spray mixture — just keep the container
tightly closed.

This spray does not mark the blooms; and
it is a sure cure for cyclamen mite or anything
else except nematodes.

AFRICAN VIOLET NOTE PAPER

Designed exclusively for us ■ — Beautifully Boxed
Minimum Order 2 Boxes $2.25 Postpaid
Add 10% West of Mississippi
An excellent “fund-raising” project for Clubs.
Stamped envelope for “Wholesale” information.

THE CONIBERS

5149 Ellicott St. Road Batavia, New York

Violets by Elizabeth

3131 Montrose Rockford, Illinois

ROOTED CUTTINGS

(WITH PLANTLETS)

SMALL PLANTS FRESH-CUT LEAVES

Award winning varieties from the National
Convention in Kansas City for fall shipping. A
postcard will bring complete listing of violets
and supplies.

PAY DIRT STARTER MIX

PLASTIC POTS in new, soft, complementory
colors. Heliotrope (soft Lavender), Violet Purple
or Mallow Pink

SQUARE POTS, ROUND

21/4” 25/1.60

21/2” 25/1.95

3” 25/2.45

31/2” 25/2.95

4” 25/3.25

PLASTIC POTS in

21/4” 25/1.00

21/2” 25/1.35

3” 25/1.50

31/2” 25/1.75

4” 25/2.15

POTS, ROUND TUBS

50/2.95

100/

4.95

50/3.75

100/

6.95

50/4.75

100/

8.95

50/5.50

100/10.00

50/6.25

100/11.95

marbeiized

colors

50/1.85

100/

2.95

50/2.45

100/

3.75

50/2.75

100/

4.95

50/3.25

100/

5.95

50/4.10

100/

7.95

ROUND & SQUARE PLASTIC SAUCERS—Black

2” round 25/1.00 50/1.75 100/ 3.23

3” round 25/1.35 50/2.45 100/ 4.25

31/2“ square 25/1.75 50/3.25 100/ 5.95

4” square 25/2.00 50/3.75 100/ 7.00

4” round 25/1.85 50/3.50 100/ 6.50

Please add 10% or a minimum of 50?: for post¬
age if you live in the Pacific Time Zone.

— VISITORS WELCOME ~~

• AFRICAN VIOLETS

• GLOXINIAS

• EPISCIAS

• GESNERIADS

We list most of the Gesneriads suitable
for home culture. Send 10^ for illus¬
trated catalog.

BUELL'S GREENHOUSES

Eastford, Conn.

BUCK

Ty. Filial Nrim (mp.

14 PRODUCTS POR ALL
YOUR HOUSE PLANT NEEDS.

SHELLINGER'S AFRICAN VIOLETS

Leaves 25c - 35c. Choice older varieties includ¬
ing ten original Armacost and Royston violets
and newest from leading hybridizers. Stamp for
list.

VIONA G. SHELLINGER

351 E. Works St. Sheridan, Wyoming

Feme V. Keliar

FERNE FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS
827 No. Main Harrisonburg, Vo.

THE NEWEST AND OLDER VARIETIES
GRANGER, LYON, and other
GROWERS VARIETIES
Write for list
Freshly cut leaves
Rooted leaves with small plantlets.

Plan a trip to see and take home from the
lovely display of African Violets. Highway No.
1 1 . Do not take Bypass.

GER-AD'S HOUSE OF VIOLETS

Violets from sunny Colorado — -
All they lack is you!

Leaves — Rooted Leaves Plants
“The best of the old and the new”

1001 varieties to choose from
Please send 5c stamp for list
CMR - Rd. 1575 - #799 Delta, Colorado

27

Helping Hands
Across The Border

Nancy M. de Levy, Mexico City, Mexico

All of us like surprises any time of the
year and when the surprise comes from
someone completely unknown and from far
away there is an even deeper feeling of indebt¬
edness for one so thoughtful. My membership
in the African Violet Society since the fall of
1959 has been a long series of pleasant sur¬
prises and there ensuing rewarding relation¬
ships.

My first surprise and possibly the one that
astounded me the most was that of being asked
by our assistant editor, Miriam Lightbourn, to
write an article .about my violets. After re¬
covering from the initial shock I was only too
happy to do what I could. At that time I blithe¬
ly went ahead and wrote all about my hobby
of raising African violets. (Let me state here
that without Miriam’s constant support, my
morale would have dropped to zero long ago
and I would have relegated African violets to
the list of “hobbies that didn’t succeed.”) After
writing that first article I asked Miriam if she
knew of anyone in the United States or in
another foreign country whom she thought
might wish to correspond with me. I had the
feeling of needing to belong and felt that per¬
haps someone else would feel that way too.
She was extremely helpful in putting me in
contact with several fine African violet people
both in the United States and abroad. I was
asked to join a round robin also, and this is
certainly the fastest way to correspond with
a lot of folks at a time.

I now felt as though I really belonged to the
Society. Then in the fall of 1960 Dorothy
Young of Des Moines, Iowa, sent me two boxes
of the most wonderful treasure she has: fresh-
cut violet leaves, and all with their proper
labels. I was sure Santa Claus had come by
with an early delivery. These wonderfully
healthy leaves gave me many crops of babies
and at last I could say I had a violet collection.
I began to give some of the extra plants to
a few select friends with the hope of their
eventually joining the Society. Then I settled
down to experimenting with different soils
that are available and to following a regular
plan of feeding and spraying.

In the spring of 1962 while I was laid up
with a small tropical nuisance (amoebas to be
exact), I was spending my hours feeling sorry
for myself when I received another of those
surprises that do so much to lift one’s spirits.
A Mexican man living in California had found
my name in our Society’s membership list and
was writing to me, an American living in
Mexico: what a paradox! As a member in good
standing he was offering to help me in any

way he could. First, he told me about his
violet collection (all over the house like most
of us), and then he went on to tell me of his
plan to drive to Mexico and wanted to know
if I would care to have him bring me some
plants. (Would I like some plants? Ah, foolish
question! ) I answered that I would be delight¬
ed to have him visit me even if he could not
bring any violets. Now I would really feel I
“belonged” as I was going to receive a visit
from a bonafide member of our Society. I
really couldn’t see how he would be able to
bring me anything as he had told me he
planned to come by way of the west coast to
visit with his wife’s relatives in Mazatlan.
Never underestimate the power of a violet!

By now I was recovering slowly but I need¬
ed to go to Pennsylvania to visit my mother
and was beginning to fear that I might not be
able to wait for my friend to arrive. His time
table did include arriving in Mexico City be¬
fore the 4th of May. They planned to reach
the city of Puebla for the great celebration of
the centennial of the battle of the 5th of May
in that city. With this date in mind, I had the
hope of seeing him before I had to leave on
the 11th. Well, I suppose it just wasn’t in the
cards for us to meet because as luck would
have it I was out arranging my passport when
he came by on a fast visit. At that time it
wasn’t even a visit because he gave the things
he had for me to the maid and said he would
try to stop for a visit after he got back from
Puebla.

What did he bring? What didn’t he bring!
First of all, and true to his word, he did bring
me a small covered plastic box full of well
planted baby violet plants all duly dated and
labeled. These included some of his favorite
such as Gibson Girl, Shag, Perky’s Bride,
Candy, Desert Glow and others. In two other
larger plastic boxes he brought me bottles of
three different fertilizers: Ortho-Gro, Liquid-
Nox-Gro, and Ortho-Bloom, each with its
label and instructions for use. Along with
these were some 2V2 inch plastic pots, alumi¬
num screening cut out to fit the bottom of
this size pot, a set of measuring spoons, plastic
toothpicks, plastic markers, and even a bag of
Sponge-Rok which is not available here. He
even brought a plastic bag with about four
quarts of his potting mix, and another with
about two quarts of mixed vermiculite and
Sponge-Rok which he uses for setting leaves
down. Lastly he had hopefully put in a box of
carefully packed fresh-cut leaves but these
never recovered.

Now more than ever I wanted to be able
to thank him in person but I was not to have
that privilege as he did not come back by the
house until the 14th of May when I was al¬
ready gone. He did talk a bit to the maid and
to my mother-in-law who lives with us . . .
but! They are not the hobbyists. I am!

Even with all this I was due for another
surprise which I had not even been warned
about. The same day as he brought by his

28

things I received by airmail a box of fresh-
cut leaves from one of my round robin friends.
Of these only one failed to recuperate from the
trip, and they have now added nicely to my
growing collection of beautiful African violets.

I have since been in steady contact with my
friend, Mr. Jose Bolanos of Long Beach, Cali¬
fornia, and he has promised to send me another
box of leaves when weather permits.

With all these surprises I have often thought
I would like in some way to be able to repay
the goodwill and kindness shown me, but not
living in the United States of America makes
this impossible. So I will make use of our fine
Magazine to tell everyone about these helping
hands across the border, and hope that in some
small way I can show my heartfelt gratitude
to the members of the friendliest group of
people I have ever had the privilege of be¬
longing to. •

VITA LOAM

We still have a good supply of this wonderful
organic Soil Conditioner in all sizes. A sample
order (70 oz.) if you have never used this
material can be delivered to you postpaid for
$2.50.

Our 1963 Master Catalog which contains many,
many new and reliable varieties is now available
with a coupon worth 25c in trade — all for 15c.

Quality Violet House

2021 Union Blvd., S.E. Grand Rapids 7 , Mich.
Phone 243-6651

OPEN BY APPOINTMENT

White Cover-— 1960 Third Revised Edition

“AFRICAN VIOLET HANDBOOK FOR
EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES”
Information on show plants, show procedure,
African violet arrangements, judges, judging,
species, gloxinias, Episcias, new Society rules,
and other (helpful) up-to-date information.
$1.00 per copy.

RUTH G. CAREY

3900 Garden Drive Knoxville 18, Tennessee

AFRICAN VIOLETS

Vigorous plants grown in 2]/^'' pots —
7bi, $1.00 and $1.25
Many New Varieties
SOIL, POTS, LABELS, ETC.

Send for our free illustrated folder

VOLKMANN BROS.
GREENHOUSES

2714 Minert Street Dallas 19# Texas

MADISON GARDENS

— belles of sixly-three —

A postcard will bring you description
and price list.
Greenhouses are open daily.

West Middle Ridge Rd. Madison, Ohio

OUR NEW FOR '63

Happy Dancer — Ruth Elaine
Skyflake — Gae Lee — Crimson Fury
Gae Breeze — Cynt — Lady Berwick
Stamp for List Closed Fridays

THE CONIBERS

5149 Ellicott St. Road Batavia, New York

Plan Your Vacation To Include . . .

Rienhardt's African Violets

Starter Plants . . . Episcias
Pink Ivy . , . Gift Plants
Accent on New Varieties
New Variegated Foliages

0-0"La-La Sierra Giant Ice Flo

Height of Fashion Seneca Pink Violet 'n Gold
Crown of Red Snowdrift Blue Light

SUPPLIES OF ALL KINDS

Distributor for Kemp Soil Shredders,
Sponge-Rok and Lifetime Markers.
Buy at dealer prices.

ViO”Holda African Violet Plant Stand
$14.95 plus $1.00 shipping.

Located at 4463 W. Seneca Tpk. on routes
175 ond 20 N., 2 miles West of Syracuse, N.Y.

29

A New Idea In Planters

Sidney Rosen

1031 Joseph Avenue, Rochester 21, N.Y.

About 3 weeks before Christmas 1962 I
noticed an ad in the African Violet Magazine
and the Flower Garden Magazine about a new
Aquamatic Planter made by a firm in Rutland,
Vermont. I sent for 2 of them and as soon as
I received them I immediately planted 2 seed¬
lings I had raised from seed last summer and
to my amazement they were in bloom 2 weeks
after I planted them.

I was so thrilled that I wrote to the company
saying that I wished to sell these Aquamatic
Planters. So, I ordered 2 dozen of them. These
were sold in about 2 or 3 days. During Christ¬
mas I sold about 12 dozen and after the New
Year I ordered my first 32 dozen which I have
since sold and have had a special order of 8
dozen, and then another 32 dozen order. I sold
several customers 3 and 4 for Christmas. Now
I am selling them in sets and have had cus¬
tomers purchase a dozen at a time.

I have one customer who has purchased 24
planters so far and wants 40 of them. She
raises African violets, as I do, and is repotting
all of her plants into these new Aquamatic
Planters. I am also doing my plants this way.

The feature that sells these planters is the
fact that you pour the water in a reservoir
which is around the plant on the inside and
even if you use tap water by the time it gets
to the roots the impurities that were in the
water and would ordinarily be harmful to the
plants are now evaporated and therefore, will

not harm the plants. You also fertilize this
way. Another feature, and I could say that it
is a boon to all house plants, is the fact that
the water you pour into the reservior will
last about 20 days. Therefore, when one goes
on vacation they don’t have to worry or dei-
pend on someone else to water the plants while
they are away. You also save time in watering
and you are not so apt to overwater.

This Aquamatic Planter is very good for
starting seedlings and even seeds or cuttings.
I have several Episcias and other gesneriads
planted in them which are doing very well.
One is a Columnea ‘V. Covert’ which is about
4 times as big as it was the day I bought it
and it is loaded with blossoms and buds, and
even seed pods. I also have an Episcia dianthi-
flora which is growing the same way. They
are all on a table in my living room in an east
picture window where they get plenty of light
all day. I am experimenting with several dif¬
ferent plants and they are all doing very well.

These Aquamatic Planters come in an assort¬
ment of colors. Please see the ad below.
I will be happy to hear from any member who
is interested in these planters.

SEE SPECIAL NOTICE ON PAGE 32

— ADVERTISERS —

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE
The Editor and Publisher of the African Vio¬
let Magazine reserve the right to accept or
reject and/or modify in any way all advertis¬
ing copy which is submitted to the African
Violet Magazine for publication.

SIDNEY ROSEN

1031 Joseph Ave. Rochester 21, N. Y.

Phone HO 7-8463

Distributor of Aquamatic Planters for
Rutland Nurseries

$1.00 each — - 25c postage and handling
6 for $5.00 — $1.00 postage and handling

PAULiNE KUNTZ

Winterset, Iowa Route 4

Carmelita, Fire Sprite, Senorita, Emerald Pink,
Theresa Moeller, Dark Accent, Clown, Pink Trill,
Crown of Red, Elfin Wax, etc. Many other new
varieties, and many good old ones. Prices start
at 50c per clump. Also many variegated leaved
varieties.

WILL HAVE NEW CONVENTION VARIETIES.
Send stamp for new list for Fall shipping which
will be out in July. _ _

1

1

1

Concentrated WHALE PLANT FOOD

Liquid WHALE, 14 ounces _ $1.25 Liquid WHALE, 28 ounces (better buy) _ $2.25

Liquid WHALE, approx. 10 lbs. when packed (best buy) _ 6.85

BLUE WHALE Soil Builder and Conditioner

BLUE WHALE, Sample Bag, approx. 2 lbs. when packed _ LOO

BLUE WHALE, Bantam Bag, approx. 10 lbs. when packed _ 3.60

ST I I D V Concentrate, 8 ounces _ 2.00

® W 1% 1^ ■ Concentrate, 1 gallon _ i _ 9.85

Combination Offer

Liquid WHALE, 14 ounces, AND sample BLUE WHALE _ 2.00

. . . STURDY 8 ounces. Liquid WHALE 14 ounces, INSTANT

Planting Mix, packed together to weigh four pounds _ 3.85

. . . STURDY 8 ounces. Liquid WHALE 14 ounces, INSTANT

Planting Mix, packed together to weigh ten pounds _ 6.25

ACME PEAT PRODUCTS LTD., 687 #7 Road, R. R. #2, Dept. AV63, Richmond, B.C., Canoda
All prices postpaid and duty free, but please add 15c for check and money order cashing.
U. S. gardeners: Order as usual — no red tape — same postage as U. S.

1

1

1

1

30

Proposed Mexican Trip
Following 1964 Convention

The group who took the post-Convention
tour to Hawaii in 1962 had such a fine time
they expressed an interest in a post-Convention
trip to Mexico after the Dallas Convention.
Such a trip is now being planned for you by
the California State Automobile Association,
the same agency who took care of the arrange¬
ments for the Hawaiian trip.

Just so you can be thinking about it — an
eight-day trip to Mexico City, visiting Taxco
and Acapulco, is being planned — - cost about
$265 per person. This would include your
round-trip tourist jet air fare from Dallas, all
hotels, transfers and sightseeing and all meals
except during the two-day period in Mexico
City. An additional four-day excursion to Yu¬
catan is being discussed — added cost $165
per person. This would include all meals, hotel,
sightseeing, transfers and air transportation.
And if there is enough interest, arrangements
can be made for a fifteen-day tour which
would include Mexico City, Taxco, Yucatan
and Guatemala. Total cost per person would
be $530 including tourist air transportation
from Dallas, all hotels, and all meals except
during the five days in Mexico City.

These rates are approximate and may be
less should there be a number of people inter¬
ested in the trip. More details in the September
Magazine. In the meantime, address inquiries
to Miss Edith Peterson, 150 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, Calif.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION
for BETTER AFRICAN VIOLETS

Results you want are yours when you use
ATLAS “the original” Fish Emulsion Fertilizer.
For vigorous growth, fine texture of foliage and
profusion of rich colored blooms on your Afri¬
can violets, use non-burning, 100% organic
ATLAS! Only V4 teaspoon per quart lukewarm
water every 10-14 days. Try it — - buy it today
^nd see the difference.

At dealers everywhere. If not available, order direct.
Postpaid. Pint $1.00; Quart $1.90; Gallon $6.25.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION FERTILIZER CO.

No. 1 Drumm St., Room 561
San Francisco 11, Cal.

LIFETIME

Thick, rigid plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned and used over and over again
Attractively designed
Use outdoors or indoors
A marker or tag for every purpose
Your choice of . pure white or spring green
(We will ship white if no color is given)

THRIFTEE

Thin flexible plastic plant markers
Easily marked with soft lead pencils
May be cleaned for reuse
Clear attractive colors for every purpose
Won’t curl, rot or decay
Your choice of pure white, spring green,
yellow, rich red, brilliant orange or sky
(We will ship green if no color is given)

gay

blue

LIFETIME WHITE OR GREEN PLASTIC MARKERS
SIZES AND STYLES
A— 4^2” vertical stake
B-— 2”x5” tee stake
B4^ — 4” T stake, removable tab
C— 6” vertical stake
D-~l”x2” horizontal tie-on tag
E— l”x3” horizontal tie-on tag
F— T/^”x2” notched tie-on tag
H— 2i/^”x8” tee stake
J— 3”xl2” tee stake
K--4i^”xl8” tee stake
P— -l”xl2” vertical stake

Tie-On Copper Wires Included with D, E, and F.

THRIFTEE FLEXIBLE COLORED LABELS

SIZE
7/16’

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

5/8”

Postpaid

Quantity

Prices

Style

50

100

500

A

$1.25

$ 5.50

B

$2ToO

2,75

11.00

B4

1.50

6.00

C

1.50

2.25

10.00

D

1.35

2.00

9.00

E

1.60

2.40

10.50

F

1.25

5.00

H

3.00

5.00

21.00

J

5.40

9.00

37.50

K

8.00

15.00

67.50

P

4.00

7.00

26.00

’ X 3” vertical marker

100

125

250

$1.00

500

$1.60

x4” vertical marker

$1.00

1.55

2.50

X 5” vertical marker

$1.00

2.30

3.65

X 6” vertical marker

1.15

2.55

4.10

X 8” vertical marker

1.45

3.40

5.40

See Information

Above

Relative

to Colors

1000

$2.50

3.90

4.80

5.40

7.20

TRIAL ASSORTMENTS: No. 1—50 LIFETIME markers, 10 each of
A, C, D, and F and 5 each of B and H — $1.00 postpaid.

No. 2—125 THRIFTEE markers, assorted sizes — $1.00 postpaid.
AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS SPECIALS: 75 Style A, $1.00; 1,000 Style A, $7.95 ppd.

Ask for free complete folder shov/ing other styles and types of markers.

DEALERS: Write for wholesale prices, using your letterhead or other identification.

On orders over $2.00, add 5% if shipped West of Denver.

HARVEY J. RIDGE

Dept. J33 WAUSAU, WISCONSIN

1126 ARTHUR ST.

31

THE MASTER LIST

Get Your Copy of The Master List
Price: $3.00 Postpaid

The Master List will be ready for mailing September 15th. Place your order
now by sending payment of three dollars ($3.00) for your copy. This list is the
latest and most complete record of African violets ever printed. Only a limited
number is being printed. If you have your name on the reservation list please
order at once. Reserved copies will not be held longer than October 1st.

Write: African Violet Society of America, Inc.

P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee

LIFE MEMBERSHIP

Effective August 1, 1963 the Life Membership Dues have been increased
to $85.00.

GOLD AND PURPLE ROSETTE AWARDS

Effective August 1, 1963 the rules governing the Gold and Purple Rosette
Awards have been changed to provide that;

To win the Gold Rosette each plant must score from 95 to 100
To win the Purple Rosette each plant must score from 90 to 94

BACK ISSUES OF AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

Back issues of the African Violet Magazine may be sold to Libraries, Affiliated
Chapters, State Societies or Commercial Members at a cost of 75$: per copy post¬
paid in lots of 10 or more (not specific volumes).

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC.

MYRTLE RADTKE, Treasurer
P. O. Box 1326

Knoxville, Tennessee Date _ _ _ _ _ _

Please enroll me as a member of African Violet Society of America, Inc. My Dues are
enclosed.

Individual Membership is $4.00.

Commercial Membership is $13.33.

Research Members pay $20.00.

Sustaining Membership is $10.00.

Life Membership is available for $66.66.

New Member □ Renewal □

Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . _ .

Street Address _ _ - . . .

City and State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Make Checks Payable to African Violet Society of America, Inc.

SELECT

AND

CHECK

ONE

□

□

□

□

□

Print Name and Address:

32

The

President's
Message

Looking back over the past year, I come to you with deep appreciation
for the heart-warming cooperation and help you have given me and your other
Officers and Directors. My office is crowded with letters attesting to your desire
to help in every way to make this an ever-better Society — - it is of course YOUR
Society and as such we are always pleased when you take an interest and
participate in it fully. With this in mind, we turn our eyes now to the future
and again wish to speak for your other Officers and Directors to state that
we are sincerely appreciative of the confidence you have shown in us by our
election and that we shall do everything in our power to be worthy of your
trust and confidence.

All of us who were fortunate enough to be in Kansas City this past April
will long remember the wonderful Convention staged there by that hardworking,
devoted group of AVSA members. Our thanks go to each and every person
who in any way participated in the work of that Convention, and our particular
thanks are directed to Winfred E. Albright and Mrs. Albert Lefebvre, Convention
Chairman and Vice Chairman respectively. Working closely with them were the
Chairmen of the Convention Committees: Mrs. E. H. Dixon, Registration; E. H.
Dixon, Treasurer; Mrs. Wm. A. Primm, Information; Mrs. Forrest Hopper, Kit
Bags; Mrs. Claudine Larimer, Table Decorations; John T. Buckner, Door Prizes;
Mrs. B. Bruce Richardson, Welcoming and Hospitality; Irvin G. Danly, Tour;
Keith Myers, Publicity; Mrs. Irvin G. Danly, Amateur Show Chairman; and all
members of these various committees. Certainly our gratitude extends also to
Mrs. J. R. Millikan and members of the Commercial Sales and Exhibits Committee;
and to our Convention Program Chairman, Mrs. John T. Buckner.

We are indebted also to all of the fine people who participated in staging
the Workshops, to our commercial members who furnished the excitement of the
Commercial Show and Sales Room, and to all of the unsung workers of the
AVSA who labor long so that we may have the happy pleasures of instructive,
beautiful meetings such as this one in Kansas City. For a job well done, we
thank you all.

There is always a tremendous interest in every phase of our research work
as charted and supervised by our Research Committee. The work of helping
to finance these worthwhile projects is handled by the Boyce Edens Research
Fund Committee, having as its able chairman Mrs. Harold H. Rienhardt. This
committee has in the past sent letters inviting donations to this Fund from the
various Affiliated Chapters. Also it has always welcomed gifts from individual
members of our Society, but since some of us have felt that perhaps many
hundreds of our members did not know or realize that they, as individual
members, were welcome to participate in the work of research through donations
to the Boyce Edens Research Fund, we wish to take this opportunity to call
this fact to your special attention. Any donation, large or small, will be most
welcome and should be sent to the Boyce Edens Research Fund, 4463 W. Seneca
Tpk., Rt. 2, Syracuse, New York, making checks payable to the African Violet
Society of America. Please be sure to enclose your full name and address (and
the name of your club if the donation is from your club) so that Mrs. Rienhardt
may acknowledge receipt of your donation. We urge your participation in this
outstanding program of research.

With every good wish for a wonderful, happy summer.

Sincerely,

OuuuJL S ^cJ<uJL.

33

S a cut flower the African violet is amiably adaptable through its
beauty and keeping qualities for arranging, alone with its own
foliage or combined with other flowers and foliage. For the
devotee, the violet should be the feature, or at least the
focal point, but the word arrangement calls for Design. A
mass of violets alone or with other flowers in a mixed bouquet
has charm, but orderly employment of Elements and Prin¬
ciples of Design rewards the arranger with creative
work of distinction.

All plant forms are ELEMENTS of DESIGN identified
as Line, Form, Color, Pattern, Texture. Space is also an
art element. Long, slender, pointed flowers, leaves and
branches are LINE material, having two-dimensional length,
direction and the suggestion of movement. Such mate¬
rials indicate height, width and the skeletal structure of an
arrangement, whether vertical, diagonal, horizontal or curved.
Although the African violet is not Line material, it quali¬
fies as Form, Color and Texture, which may be enhanced by
combining it with Line elements to give flexibility,
character and variety to an arrangement.

As an Element of FORM the violet and its leaves are
dominantly used as mass material. Their functions in an
arrangement are to add a third dimension and weight and to
bring Line material down to earth at the point where
stems converge. Violets are ideal focal material where
they can be grouped to give color accent at the center of in¬
terest and be the feature of the design.

COLOR in violets, though limited in range, used
dominantly and in harmony with other materials may have
distinctive beauty. And there is usable variety in leaf coloring.

PATTERN usually refers to the silhouette outline
of a design or the distribution of forms within. The violet
itself has interesting shape, contour and depth and the round
leaves offer possibilities for weight placed low for framing
a group of flowers at the base.

Texture is apparent in contrasting tactile qualities
of petals and leaves and combine well with textures of other
plants and with containers. Space is the most elemental of all.
is how we fill it and what we leave unfilled that counts.

The Elements (just described) are our building
materials. The perfect choice of container as an Element
of form, color and texture is contingent upon size, color and
character of the arrangement and in harmony with, but
subordinate to the exquisite plant material. Bases under
containers add finish, refinement and importance.

To use the Elements well the six Principles of De¬
sign must be applied. These are the tools we need to
build our Elements into a beautiful work of art:

1. BALANCE is necessary for any successful, sat¬
isfying arrangement, picture, house, garden, decorative

The Lovely Violet in Flower Arrangements

Marjorie Deverel, Berkeley, California

object, etc. Establish balance by placing equal weight, actual or visual, on either side
of the axis, or point where stems converge. Symmetry is actual balance of equal
amounts equally placed. Asymmetry is pleasing visual balance of unequal amounts
unequally placed such as height on one side and low length on the other. (See dia¬
grams next page.) Don’t neglect depth; build front and back and keep weight low.

2. DOMINANCE implies subordination: more of one thing and less of another, un¬
equal lengths, sizes, quantities, etc., and making one thing important. A design may
be predominantly line or mass, vertical, curved, etc., or of one predominant color, but
its focal point, our African violet grouping, is of course the dominant feature.

3. PROPORTION is an aesthetically pleasing relationship of parts of a design and
the space the design occupies. The rule of the Japanese Moribana is a good minimum
starter — the longest material IV2 times the greatest length of the container (plus sub¬
merged depth). Slender line material should be much taller, of course.

4. SCALE is important in arranging African violets. It means actual size rela¬
tionships, and since violets are themselves small in scale they are out of scale with
large flowers such as callas. They are limited to use with other small plant materials
in small containers. This limits their placement to small areas as they would be
absurd on mantles or grand pianos. Violets are in excellent scale with figurines both
elegant and simple in character. How lovely with Dresden groupings or in woodsy
“scenes” with birds or other wildings!

5. CONTRAST is easy to achieve. It merely precludes monotony by using variety
in lines, forms, colors, patterns, textures and spaces. Combining line and mass ma¬
terials is most satisfying.

6. RHYTHM is the principle which gives movement and interest to a design. It
is that quality which directs the eye smoothly and brings it back to rest at a focal area.
It is achieved through transitional use of elements in graded sequences or pleasingly
controlled variety of changes, or repetition or alternation.

With a discerning eye to the selection of Elements and judicial application of Prin¬
ciples, an Orderly Design will emerge. Good mechanics and well groomed materials
are important of course. But the end result that evokes admiration from the viewer
or wins a blue ribbon from a discriminating panel of judges at a flower show will have
certain characteristics that set it apart. There will be Beauty in all-over effect. Sim¬
plicity and Harmony through careful selection and unified coordination, and its own
end will be an Expression of the maker — whether merely to decorate, or to interpret
as for a theme in a show schedule.

A superb arrangement which has made use of all the attributes of Orderly Design
and achieved the characteristics just listed will have the enviable quality of DIS¬
TINCTION, the goal of every arranger. Perhaps there is also Originality; a new con¬
cept, a clever approach, something daringly different; but Originality without the
perfection of Distinction achieves little success. DISTINCTION is the- ultimate and
with the beautiful African violet you are already on your way!

Continued on next page.

AMALYSIS or BALAnCEl APID ITS AXIS -

5YnMLTRY - ACTUAL BALANCE!

Using equal amounts of material on each aide of central axis

Correct

Correct

Axis be off center

Wrong

^ _ Heicht and length

ASYrintTRT — VISUAL BALANCE*" height should not both be

on one side balanced by length low on the o^er on the same side

Wrong

Wrong

Wrong

ASYMMLIRYandthe S CURVE.

for corrections see below

Correct
High and
low lines
meet axis

Correct
High and low
lines fall
short of axis

Correct
High and
low lines
cross axis

ASYMMETRY and the 5 CURVE

As proof of correct balance a line drawn from tip to tip
will pasiS through the focal point

36

The Gesneriaceae family has long fascinated
me, and in 1952 when I was presented
with some Smithiantha rhizomes (Naegelia as
they were then called) the thrill of accom¬
plishment urged me to study the family. The
same year, assorted Gesneriads were sent from
overseas, and given the same treatment and
conditions as the Saintpaulias, they flourished
well in the greenhouse.

Now I am growing these plants in quite a
different environment. Some I am finding
more successful than others. Many are having
to adjust themselves to a much lower tempera¬
ture in my small plant room at the top of the
house.

As many Gesneriads are tuberous-rooted,
they can be stored away for certain periods
of the year, in their pots of soil. During the
winter months an oil convector heater provides
warmth at about 50 degrees F. and a dormant
period is respected, which means that the
watering must cease. It is wise, however, to
inspect all rhizomes occasionally during the
period of dormancy.

Gesneriads are known to be warm house
subjects, thriving best — so they say — in
temperatures of from 70 to 80 degrees F., but
I have found that like a good many so-called
tropical plants they can be gradually acclima¬
tized to much lower temperatures. To make a
success of this, plants need to be raised at
home and not bought from a shop unless pur¬
chased during the spring when they will have
a chance to adapt themselves to their new
environment.

In a year or two when the plants have
accustomed themselves to the treatment they
receive, the results will be a noticeable im¬
provement all round.

Having experimented with a great number
of potting mixtures, for there are about as
many soil recipes suited to Gesneriads as there
are plants, the one I- prefer to use is the same
as for Saintpaulias, which is: 2V2 parts sphag¬
num moss peat, 1 part good loam, V2 part
coarse sand, plus a little chicken grit, to which
is added well-rotted cow manure. If cow ma¬
nure is not available, a good fertilizer will do,
such as a 5-8-7 mixture, the first figure being
the percentage of nitrogen, the second phos¬
phoric acid, the third potash or potassium.
Half a teaspoon is enough for a 3 inch pot of
compost. In early spring the plants are given a
feed of trace elements.

The rule of thumb is to repot before the
plant goes into an active growing season . . .
this is usually in early spring. Some Gesneriads
will require slightly larger pots than their
present ones, while others, more active, re¬
quire more root room.

I like to plant a rhizome in the centre of
the pot so that there is an inch of soil between
the outside of the rhizome and the edge of
the pot. When the roots are pushing through
the hole in the pot, the plant may be repotted
into the next sized pot. Overpotting can do
more harm than good.

Joy Hutson, Luton, Beds., England

Seeds sown as thinly as possible in pots or
shallow pans and covered lightly with sifted
compost or sand will respond in a wonderful
way if given a little bottom heat. I usually
use equal parts of peat, sand and vermiculite
for seeds, leaf and stalk cuttings, and for the
rhizomes which form at the roots. Propagation
can be carried out at all times of the year but
March, April and May are the most successful
months for this work ... so I find. Once the
seeds have germinated and the cuttings rooted,
the glass and brown paper covering is taken
off so that they can enjoy all the sunshine
possible up to early May.

In March of 1962 I sowed a few seeds of
Smithiantha hybrid compacta and toward the
end of October the two robust, seedlings pro¬
duced flowering spikes 16 inches in length.
The pedicels which were from 2 to 3 inches
long were covered with large buds ready to
burst at the slightest rise in temperature. Un¬
fortunately, I never saw the flowers for in
early November the first snow fell, causing a
severe drop in temperature. I hope I shall have
the pleasure of seeing them in bloom this year.

I should like to mention that 1962 was a
most disappointing year for us gardeners as
spring came five weeks late, and with little
or no sunshine during the summer months,
many plants produced buds too late to flower.

Most of you will be familiar with the Ges¬
neriads I am going to list as having grown
successfully under difficult conditions, so I
will not describe them. The easiest to grow
were the Smithianthas, Rechsteinerias and
Columneas, and the more familiar Sinningias
and Streptocarpuses, the latter growing and
blooming well in a temperature of 50 degrees
Fahrenheit. The Chiritas, Kohlerias and Aes-
chynanthus would have preferred a higher
temperature, but I feel sure that had we had
a normal summer they would not have been
quite so backward.

Some people never fail to remark, . .
but you have green fingers.” This is a phrase
I cannot accept. “Green fingers” is a mythical
term and success is only won through a sound
knowledge of the needs of the various plants,
and providing regular and intelligent care.
Not until we learn the cultural secrets can
we hope for success. #

37

I ■

Japan: A New Horizon for African Violets

1'

% 'Etsuko Murai, 1-5 Shimo-meguro Meguro-ku, Tokyo, Japan

IT was 3 years ago when I saw an African
violet for the first time. I found them grow¬
ing in the lobby of a hotel at a summer resort.
How enchanted I was by the beautiful blos¬
soms . . . their star-like shape so charmed me
I could not keep from asking the hotel’s man¬
ager if he would spare me one. He willingly
gave me two pots: one had blue blossoms and
the other purple. Since that time I have been
captivated by the beauty and responsiveness
of this flower.

African violets are not very well known
here and even professional growers have not
learned how to grow them well. They only
know that they are delicate and not easy to
grow. Therefore, I had to learn for myself
little by little, repeating mistakes until I was
successful with their culture.

In the meantime, a friend in New York
wrote me that the African violet was very
popular in the U.S.A. It was heartening to me
to learn that there were many lovers of this
flower over the ocean. I asked her to send me
a book about them and she sent “All About
African Violets,” by Montague Free. Since
then this book has been my violet teacher.

It is very difficult to grow African violets
in an ordinary room in Japan: this is because
Japanese houses are not warm enough. Fort¬
unately, I have a little greenhouse where I
have been growing orchids. I tried growing
African violets under the shelves of orchids
and they did well. They became bigger, their
number increased and I added new varieties
from time to time.

During the second winter of my violet grow¬
ing, my plants were attacked with a disease
or pest of some kind. Looking at the flower¬
less plants I was at a loss to know what to do
to cure them. At last my suspicion fell on
mites. I bought a microscope and eagerly tried
to find them on the leaves. When I did find
the “rascals” I did not know how to revenge
myself upon them for what they had done to
my poor violets. Sodium selenate, which is
said to be good for mites, was not obtainable
here. So, I tried many kinds of medicine and
succeeded in exterminating the mites but at
the same time I damaged the plants — many
of the most seriously infested ones were badly
burned. Meanwhile, I was able to secure
Kelthane. My plants began to bud again and.
now, a year later, I have about 200 plants of
40 different varieties in bloom. My greenhouse
is a delight and is filled with pretty blossoms
in pink, white, blue and purple.

I might say that, so far as I know, I am the
only person in this city who grows African
violets as a specialty. I have written several
little stories on violets for gardening maga¬
zines to introduce them and to popularize them
here. I hope I will have a violet friend here
soon with which to share my violet interests.

I like my African violets more than any
other flower because it has a name so close to
that of St. Paul . . and I am of the Catholic
faith. Every day as I take care of my violets
my little granddaughter, who is 4, comes to
assist me. It is a happy and blissful time and
often as I look around my greenhouse, sur¬
rounded by my “lovelies,” I feel as though

1 am in paradise!

My greenhouse is 12 centaire wide and is
heated by hot water which runs under the
floor. My husband works for the Tokyo Gas
Company so I use gas generously to boil the
water. The temperature can be kept between
60-70°F. and is controlled by a thermostat. I
divide the space around and under the shelves
by vinyl plastic curtains. Each corner is 1 cen¬
taire with a 40-watt fluorescent light hung 38
centimeters above the top of the plants. The
lights are kept on for 10 hours each day. Pots
are placed in large, flat, tin-plate containers 6
centimeters deep. These containers are filled
with pebbles and water is added to a depth of

2 centimeters from the bottom. The pots are
then put on these watered pebbles and the vio¬
lets suck up water from the bottom of the pot.
I always draw the curtains at the corners and
this keeps the humidity around 70 to 80 per¬
cent. I fertilize with Hyponex, corrupted water
of fowl’s droppings or chemical manure of
my own mixing every 10 days.

I was very happy that I was admitted to
membership in the African Violet Society of
America and I hope you will be my good
violet friends. Already I have made several
friendly contacts with violet collectors: Capt.
D. E. Wagoner read a little story I wrote on
violets for a Japanese gardening magazine
when he was in Okinawa and visited me last
autumn with gifts of leaves and small plants
from his collection; Mrs. Dorothy Young has
sent me many leaves and plants and much good
advice; I have also ordered from Fischer’s
Greenhouses. The small plants are now in
blossom and many of the leaf cuttings are
getting large enough to soon put forth buds.
By next winter my little greenhouse should be
resplendent with beautiful flowers of these

38

r'=

i 5

Above, African violets growing in Mrs. Murai’s green¬
house. There are other shelves on the left side just
like those in the picture.

Center right, the exhibition plants were both admired
and enjoyed.

Top right, Mrs. Murai is pictured with another view
of the exhibit.

Below, one of the display cases which was equipped
with fluorescent lights. The lights showed the violets
off to good advantage.

new varieties from America. I am impatient
to see them all in full bloom.

This past February I held a personal African
violet exhibit for a week at the largest depart¬
ment store in Japan. Many kinds of flower ex¬
hibits are held at department stores here but
a personal flower exhibition of this kind was
a' first trial. I was delighted with the response
and consider it a great success. Many people
came to see my violets and admired them.
Among the attendance there were a few people
(though more than I had expected) that knew
or had had experience in growing African vio¬
lets. They, however, had not seen such beauti¬
ful large flowering plants before. Even pro¬
fessional flower growers were surprised when
they saw them .... Those that had not seen
African violets before stopped and gave sighs
of praise and admiration. Some of them who
had suitable surroundings for good growing
took small plants. I hope these will grow well
and multiply fast so that in the future we can
meet African violets everywhere in Tokyo.

I exhibited about 30 varieties of the 50 I
have secured here in Tokyo. I was sorry that
the new plants I received from the U. S. A.
were not yet large enough to be placed on ex¬
hibition. I have about 100 varieties I have
ordered from American growers. If I could
have had these plants in my exhibit it would,
of course, have been larger and more impres¬
sive.

The named varieties I had on display were:
Admiral, Azure Beauty, Bicolor, Blue Pom,
Blue Boy, Blue Delight, Blue Eyes, Blue Fairy
Tales, Blue Heiress, Blue Lady, Carmen
Bright, Fantasy, Fire Dance, Geneva Rainbow,
Gorgeous Blue Wonder, Ideal, Innocence,
Lavender Lady, Lovely Lady, Marine Bouquet,
Ohio Bountiful, Purple Prince, Sailor Girl,
Sea Serpent, Snow Girl, Star Sapphire, Sum¬
mer Cloud, White Pride and Tausa.

I also had a few of my seedlings and among
them there was one with light purple-blue
semidouble flowers with deep purple dots
a most beautiful violet.

All the plants for exhibition were put in
showcases with fluorescent lights. On the wall
colored pictures in frames and 2 boards were
hung. On one board the story of the African
violet was written with caricatures and on
the other the way to grow them and some
cultural inforfnation. I also offered quite a
few small plants for sale. This was a new
experience for me and I felt both thrilled and
reluctant at the same time. I will be happy
and satisfied if they who bought my violets
will become interested in growing more be¬
cause they liked my plants and were successful
with them. I believe the admiration shown my
exhibit is the beginning of their popularization
here.

I wish to learn more about African violets
so that I may pass on the information to the
flower lovers of my cour;try. I look to you for
guidance and will appreciate your help. Thank
you. •

iAjhen -first bloom sitms art obcui r*

about 2 months be/ore o sboco, sn/p
ojj bud with sharp po)r of sc/ssors,
Lcooe, as shoaon at Q onskehib^
Xn 3' f cveebs, tujo bud clusters
ubiH to be. ilje place oj- the ones
Let cffouj-to motorih' Oiner

sf€/y)S should be temoOcq to keep
blossoms torKje, (Vhen neuustef>ns Qra
about 2'dor)c/f CQrejuU/ treat oft o/cj
sterm Qj/th sfrml/ pair' oj- iivce2ers •
as shoevn ot @ oncj(^.

Debudding

For

Additional Bloom Stems

Grace Eyerdom, Medina, Ohio

When my bloom stems are up about an inch
(I mean the first stems that appear) about two
months before a show, I snip them off with a
pointed pair of scissors and in about three to
four weeks there are two bud clusters where
the stump of the original one was. These I
allow to develop and bloom. Some plants will
throw too many bloom stems when you do
this, and then you have to remove some of
them before they are too far developed or you
will lose size when you get too many blooms
on your plant.

This procedure does work, and once you
pinch off the first cluster and leave a stem
about one-half inch long and your new clusters
have formed, with tweezers you gently bend
the old stump down to remove it, being sure
not to loosen the new clusters, which should
be about two inches long so they are strong
enough to not be damaged and come loose.

I do not advise this debudding on a plant
that is very profuse in bloom because too many
small blossoms with weak stems are not attrac¬
tive. •

40

The Challenge:

To Grow A Perfeet
Afriean Violet

f

f These photographs of Mrs. Krueger’s plants under
\ fluorescent lights attest to her skill in growing violets,

challenge of growing a perfect plant
JL is what makes it interesting . . . keep
trying.” This is a quotation from a letter I
received from Mr. Anderson of Tonkadale
Greenhouses at Hopkins, Minnesota; I had
written him asking for advice and help in
caring for my African violets.

It was in February of 1961 that I began this
interesting hobby; I started with 10 varieties,
most of which were unnamed. It wasn’t long
before I joined the African Violet Society of
America, and then my quest began for more
and more knowledge of this fascinating flower.
I had our contractor build a plant center like
the one pictured in Better Homes and Gardens.
It was built so that it had a double 20 watt
fixture on top and over a shelf below. It was
38 by 15 by 32 inches, and I was foolish
enough to say that when these shelves were
full that would be the extent of my collection.
I became so enthused when I learned I could
start a leaf in vermiculite, that my collection
grew much too rapidly.

My husband joined me in my efforts by
building shelves and installing lights over
them, in the basement. I now have 93 varieties,
the biggest share of which I have purchased
at Tonkadale Greenhouses, and have a total
of 355 plants. There are eleven 40 watt tubes
and six 20 watt tubes burning 12 hours a day.
On our shelves we have galvanized trays in
which we have racks made of redwood strips
and 1/4 inch hardware cloth (an idea pictured
in a recent issue of the African Violet Maga¬
zine). Some of the trays contain turkey grits,
some have pea gravel, and some have unmilled
sphagnum moss. I treat the trays with Isotox
at regular intervals. The material in the trays
is kept moist all the time and the humidity
stays between 40 and 50 per cent. The tem¬
perature is at 72 degrees in the daytime and
about 62 degrees at night.

I use only clay pots as I had a tendency to
overwater when the plants were in plastic
pots. I sterilize the pots after each use with
Clorox and V-C 13. I use V-C 13 and sodium

Mrs. W. W. Krueger, Albert Lea, Minnesota

selenate on my plants, according to directions,
every 6 months. I spray with Antrol occasion¬
ally. Watering is done from the top, using
lukewarm rain water, snow water, or city
water which has been drawn off for several
hours. I have a Tube-Craft Watering Wand
which is a very handy and convenient acces¬
sory.

Our whole setup is on an automatic timer
set for 12 hours. By February of 1962 I had
read about the new Gro-Lux lights; I replaced
all tubes with those. What a change they have
made both in growth and appearance! When
I began using them I had them set for 16
hours, as I had previously done with the cool
white and daylight tubes, but after writing
to Dr. Reed I set my timer for 12 hours.

At first when I began, my biggest problem
was too much enthusiasm before I learned
enough about them. I would try too many
different ways of doing things, too many kinds
of fertilizer, repotting too often, etc. before I
knew which was the one combination that
would produce a better result. I believe I am
learning, as we all do, by trial and error and
I am having a wonderful time. As I work as a
bookkeeper all day I do not have time to mix
my own soil so I buy packaged soil for violets
from Tonkadale Greenhouses.

What an interesting activity it has been for
me to grow these lovely plants. However, the
challenge remains: how to get more and more
bloom and a more perfect plant. •

41

IT is Convention time, and there is the usual
confusion and hubbub of greeting friends,
registration, and getting settled in your hotel
room. After a quick fresh-up, what is one of
the first things a Convention visitor wants to
do? A visit to the commercial sales room, of
course, to see what is new — and to purchase
some of the exciting new varieties if they are
available. Have you ever wondered what it
takes to make up a commercial exhibit and
sales table for the Convention?

It all starts almost a year in advance. We
make a careful check to see what we may
have ready to release about Convention time,
and whether we will have plants enough to
offer for sale. We also pick at least 5 or 6
plants of the new varieties to be grown for
exhibition. If there are several new introduc¬
tions, we have quite a group of plants to
groom.

When the small plants are ready to pot, we
place them in a favorable spot on the bench

and watch them constantly. Now the weather
becomes a factor in a greenhouse, especially
in the early spring. A few dark days, and the
young plants may stretch and get lanky. A few
extra bright days, and the leaves may spot
or burn. Too much sunshine will bring them
on too fast; too little sunshine will retard bud
formation. We hope for ideal conditions to
bring them on just right, small and compact,
with buds and blossoms.

Weather poses a major question mark for
the larger plants, too. Will the buds develop
at just the right time so the flowers will be
open and fresh for the show? It’s not always
so easy with unpredictable early spring weath¬
er conditions.

An attractive display table is the next prob¬
lem. The props must be kept simple, portable,
easy to assemble, and fairly compact. We can’t
take up too much valuable space in the station
wagon with display material.

Now that the plants are started, we need
to make reservations for exhibit space and
sales table, also hotel reservations. We must-

Alice Richter, Richter Greenhouses
9529 Wicker Park Boulevard
Highland, Indiana

make arrangements for someone to help at the
Convention, and we also need to assure extra
help at the greenhouse to help pack the plants
and “keep shop” while we are gone. About a
week before the Convention, it is time to check
supplies. Do we have enough bags, labels,
boxes and all the miscellaneous odds and
ends? Is the display material ready?

The day before departure is a beehive of
activity at the greenhouse. All the plants
which are to be taken for sale must be labeled
and placed in plastic bags, then packed in
boxes. Since we cannot do any of this too far
in advance, we need extra help to finish every¬
thing in time. Display material is assembled,
and everything is ready. Next morning we
pack the car and off we go.

When we arrive at the Convention Hotel, we
face the problem of unloading. As one of the
bellboys who helped us once remarked, “We
never had a Convention with so many boxes!”
Some of the hotels have convenient facilities,
but we have been to some where unloading is
very difficult. If the journey has not been too
long, we may try to set up the display table
and get things organized before calling it a
day.

Next morning the plants are placed on dis¬
play, ready for the judges, and we set up the
sales table. As a rule, space is quite limited.
No matter how carefully we pack and label
the boxes, it is difficult to find everything in
the first few hours until things settle down
a bit. Usually the box we need is at the bot¬
tom of the stack!

The day goes by quickly, and soon the
judging is completed and the show opens. How
did our display plants rate in the judges’ esti¬
mation . . . did we get any blue ribbons?
Strange how important those ribbons become
in show competition.

After the conventioneers have seen the
show, they come back to the commercial room
with their lists of the displayed varieties they
would like to have. It’s amazing how similar
the lists are! Invariably there is one variety
in the show — not necessarily a new variety
— which everyone wants, but no one in the
commercial room has brought it for sale. If
we could only know what will catch the fancy
of the viewing public!

All too soon the Convention draws to a
close, and it’s time to pack the remaining
plants, take down the display and load the car.
It has been a wearisome few days and every¬
one is tired, but almost everyone agrees it has
been “the best Convention yet.” Upon our
arrival back home we have to unpack, put
things away, and start making plans for next
year. It’s been a lot of work, but a lot of fun
too, and we will be anticipating the next Con¬
vention with eagerness. •

42

"Best 100”

Elizabeth Rosenak, 10852 N, Lake View Road, #6-E, Mequon, Wisconsin

These are listed according to the number of votes received.

1. Lilian Jarrett, *R.

- 2. Richter’s Wedgewood, R.

— 3. Trifari, R.

~ 4. Hi Hopes, R.

5. Granger Gardens’ Shag, R.

6. Flash

7. Snow Ballet, R. -
" 8. Isle of Dreams, R.

9. Angel Child

-10. Richter’s Charm Song, R.

11. Naomi’s Afterglo, R.

12. Coon Valley, R.

13. Cindy

14. Stained Glass, R.

—15. Fair Elaine, R.

16. Red Crown, R.

~^17. Fandango

18. Granger Gardens’ Matchmate, R.^
‘“—^19. Ardent Red

20. Angela, R.

21. Richter’s Green Dawn, R.

22. Fury, R.

— 23. Top Sail, R.

24. Bloomin’ Fool

--25. Granger Gardens’ April Love, R.

26. Never Lovelier, R.

-=^27. Wintry Rose, R.

'” 28. Richter’s Alabaster, R.

•“ 29. Smoke Rings

30. Delft Imperial, R.

31. Blue Blaze, R.

32. Jubilee

33. Gay 90’s

^ 34. Heritage, R.

35. Blue Chips, R.

36. Wind and Sea, R.

" 37. Oriental Red, R.

38. Shrill

39. Calumet Beacon, R.

^40. King Neptune

41. Blue Modiste
'^42. Glad Rags

43. Command Performance, R.

44. Fringed Pom Pon, R.

45. Lilian Jarrett Supreme, R.

46. Redderness

47. Pride of Rochester, R.

48. Sleeping Beauty, R.

49. Lovely Lady, R.

50. Racy Red, R.

— 51. Athena

52. Startling, R.

53. Rose Dust

54. Careless Love
—55. So Sweet, R.

56. Wintergreen, R.

57. Sparkling Waters, R.

58. White Trumpet

59. Ann Bly

—60. Snow Prince, R.

61. Ann Spencer, R.

62. Amanda

63. Jane Starr
" 64. Sea Grape

65. Mable Dunston
--66. Fleet Dream, R.

67. Melody Air, R.

68. Gigi

69. Dorothy Gray, R.

--^70. Blue Lace

71. Nightshade, R.

72. Zorro, R.

73. Granger Gardens’ Masquerade, R.

74. Pink Puff

75. Young Love

76. Double Pink Fire, R.

--'77. Sweetheart Blue, R.

--78. Paul Bunyan

79. Blushing Beauty

80. Beaming, R.

81. Big Blue

82. Granger Gardens’ Faberge, R.

83. Legionaire

- 84. Granger Gardens’ Drops o’ Wine, R.

85. Little Jewel

86. Caliph, R.

87. Clusters o’ Blue, R.

88. Highlighter

89. White Lace

90. Lilac Dale, R.

91. La Femme, R.

92. Raspberry Sherbet, R.

93. Honey

94. Blue Boy, R.

- 95. Granger Gardens’ Good News, R.

96. Cotton Clouds

- 97. Ice Flo, R.

98. Double Clarissa Harris, R.

99. Crusader, R.

100. Painted Butterfly

Honor Roll

1955-60

'Azure Beauty—
Black Magic
Boyce Edens
Navy Bouquet”'
Pink Cheer
Ruffled Queen-
White Madonna-

1961

Bridesmaid
Blue Peak-
Blue Pom
Cavalier -
Cy donia ^

Dixie Moonbeam
Double Pink Cloud
Bud’s Strike Me Pink-
Emperor Wilhelm
Evelyn Johnson

Granger Gardens’ Blue Nocturne
Holiday

Mary Thompson
Ohio Bountiful -
Painted Girl -
Pink Ideal
Sea Sprite
White Pride-
White Pride Supreme -
White Puff

1962

Bud’s Kimberly"'^
Double Black Cherry--
Fascination

Fischer’s Fire Dance —
_ Iris

Lorna Doone ^
Meteore
Pink Miracle

Granger Gardens’ Santa Maria
T-V Vallinpink —
Valor

'Registered

43

Don’t Neglect Your African Violets!

Bernice Blakely, 419 Watervliet Ave., Dayton 20, Ohio

IT is easy to neglect your indoor plants when
the outside work begins in the spring; but
in order ^o have bloom in summer, African vio¬
lets need and deserve C.C. (constant care). I
don’t expect as much bloom in summer, but
neither do I expect them to quit. The last feW
seasons, I have tried to observe the varieties
that are good summer bloomers . . . those I
prefer to keep and propagate. Of course, all
of us like to add new varieties to our collec¬
tions each year. Some turn out very well and
some are disappointing. I have between 200
and 300 small plants, mostly new varieties,
that I hope to see bloom in the near future. I
am sure many of them will be lovely, but will
have to see them through a summer before I
give them a gold star for year round blooming.

Those of you who have plenty of space in a
nice cool basement are indeed fortunate, you
should have a good showing of bloom at all
times, provided the violets are given proper
light and care. I only have room for about
one-fourth of my plants in the basement, most
are on the first floor, and usually there are
about 100 or 150 upstairs. Those are under
Gro-Lux as well as the ones grown in the
basement. I wish I had more room downstairs
for African violets, but in spite of everything
the ones up here have bloomed quite well. The
varieties listed here are the ones that bloom¬
ed constantly all last summer and came
through in fine shape. Many others bloomed
but not as well as the following varieties:

Artist’s Touchy
Atlas

Atomic Glow
Bright Angel
Black Light
Black Magic
Blue Abundance
Blue Electra
Fringed Spotlight
Green Dawn
Jacob’s Coat
Jubilee
Lilian Jarrett
Matchmate
May Melody
Pink Chiffon
Blue Modiste
Charm Song
Cindy

Clusters o’ Blue

Dazzle

Duke

Faberge

Fairyland Fantasy
Fairyland White
Fifi
Flash

Flower Girl
Pink Polka
Purple Pom
Shag

Silver Flute
Silvery Blue
Snow Fairy
Tea Rose
Trifari

T-V Swirling Petticoats

Tweed

Valor

Wind and Sea

You will notice that most of these are a
couple of years old, some are older. Since I
usually start with a leaf or small plant, my
newer varieties are small plants.

At a meeting of the Town and Country Afri¬
can Violet Society last winter each member

present participated in our program. It was,
“Things We Did To Help Our African Violets
Through The Summer.” As we went around
the room:

Janette T. Commented that she loves to
experiment but doesn’t think summer is the
time to do ,so. Follows the regular routine,
leaves well enough alone, and keeps water at
a minimum.

Martha K. Had a little trouble with a few
mature plants but had young ones started of
most varieties. With sickness in the household,
one is bound to neglect her African violets to
a certain extent. Usually has very nice plants,
so isn’t worried.

Lillie G. Plants did very well in a nice
cool basement, under Gro-Lux lights.

Florence D. Had Ipeen very busy . . . neglect
isn’t good for African violets. Sometimes they
were too dry for too long. When repotted, they
perked up quickly . . . given a lot of T.L.C.

Lillian B. Has it made! Son-in-law has a
greenhouse, so she only keeps blooming plants
at her home. The nonblooming ones stay in
the greenhouse until they come into bloom
again.

Ruby D. Sets light timer back to 10 hours
during summer, then up to 12 hours for the
remaining months. Plants were better than
ever during the past summer.

Sarah L. Window grown, but came through
pretty fair.

Grace D. Very busy but provided a fan
for good circulation of air in her lovely cool
basement. Doing very well under Gro-Lux
lamps.

Marlene B. Some seasons had some mildew
but none last year since using a fan in her
violet room. Uses a sprayer for misting oc¬
casionally and Isotox once in a while to guard
against insects.

Kathryn H. Had moved . . . stayed busy
carrying plants from place to place so they did
not sunburn and yet get enough light. Some¬
times it takes a while to find the best location
for them.

Berneice McE. First summer in the base¬
ment. Under the new Gro-Lux lamps they are
doing very well. Has very good foliage.

Helen T. Cut down and rerooted about 20
old plants, making them “good as new.” Doing
very well under Gro-Lux lights in her base¬
ment and north windows.

Marge H. Uses fan for circulation of air,
other care same as usual.

Clara P. Not too much attention given her
plants, with sickness in her home, but is
blessed with a large cool home.

Bernice B. I had not told them that I was
making notes to use in this article, so all

44

comments were “off the cuff.” It made a very
nice program.

I commented on the use of the bamboo
shades on the outside of our windows and the
30 inch attic fan which ventilates the entire
house. I also kept a window down from the
top in the room upstairs. I mentioned that I
fed a weak solution of Liquid Whale constant¬
ly, keeping the plants properly nourished.

Over half of our members are using Gro-
Lux lamps in their fixtures for African violet
growing, and report being very pleased.

I believe the better care the violets receive
in the summer, the better they do during the
rest of the year. A plant that does not respond
to C.C. and gives only a small amount of bloom
in the winter and none in the summer, is not
worth the space it takes. But who can throw
them out . . . till space demands you do so?
Just don’t neglect them, especially in the sum¬
mer, if you want bloom the year around.

RECIPE FOR SUMMER BLOOM

1. Inquire about and try to choose varieties
that are known to be good bloomers.

2. Don’t neglect your African violets. Should
they become too dry, water very little a couple
of times, then go back to your regular routine.

3. Keep the plants in the coolest place avail¬
able; provide good circulation of air, but no
draft.

4. Water a minimum, but check regularly,
grooming as you turn and handle them.

5. Feed a weak solution of Liquid Whale
to properly nourish; it is also excellent for
foliar feeding, sometimes misting.

6. Use Sponge-Rok in trays and saucers, as
well as a generous amount in the rooting and
potting mixes, for better drainage.

7. Use a good spray occasionally as a pre¬
caution, especially for newcomers while they
are kept isolated.

8. Cut the lights back to 10 hours by early
June, and put them up to 12 to 14 hours in
September.

9. Shade window grown plants; do not burn
or bleach foliage.

10. Put down leaves of your good bloomers,
so your friends may enjoy them also. Mark
each leaf carefully.

My sincere hope is that all of us who enjoy
our African violets will encourage others to
begin this wonderful hobby, and help each
other with problems that might arise in our
collections that are already started.

(Will try to answer correspondence, if a
stamped, self-addressed envelope is enclosed.)

•

Vi-o-lets Vi-o-lets Vi-o-lets

Bring Me African Violets

Emma McCurry, Litchfield, Nebraska

My most delightful moment comes when I
notice the first bud on a new baby plant.
I have been growing African violets for 9
years and am more excited and interested this
year than ever before. My first violet was
given to me by my sister-in-law — a Blue Boy
of course. It was in a tuna can and I carried it
home very carefully and placed it on the porch
window sill and waited for its first bud. After
several blooms I thought I should have one on
every window sill, so broke off a leaf out of
the center of the plant and placed it in wet
sand. I was just about to throw out the leaf,
pot and all when I noticed the tiny baby leaves
raising up the sand. They grew rapidly and as
soon as they were large enough to handle, I
divided and set them in individual pots. My
neighbors were fascinated with the blooming
plants so I gave each of them a small plant,
but evidently they did not understand their
habits or neglected the tender loving care be¬
cause none of them saved their plants.

I soon added to my collection and became
more fascinated year after year, and now am
adding a few new varieties each year. There
are African violets in every room in my house;
I have 7 north windows and 18 south windows.
However, the main nursery is a long narrow
porch: there are 6 windows on the south with
4 rows of floating shelves, and fluorescent
lights along the north side. As I work I cannot
check each plant every day to see if it needs
water, so water once a week. I am safe in say¬
ing I have been very fortunate as I have never
had any disease or insects. All 300 plants are
saucered. I always use a good planting medium
and isolate all new plants a month before
adding them to the collection.

Now I must tell you how I start a new leaf.
First I check the calendar for the New Moon
sign, and break a healthy leaf out from the
center row of leaves, cut it diagonally, place
it in water, set it in a south window, and when
roots are one inch long, place in a glass custard
cup in vermiculite until baby plants are large
enough to handle, then divide and plant in 2
inch pots in a good medium, and fertilize every
2 weeks.

I like south windows best for starting plants,
but prefer north windows for larger ones.

I could write a book on this interesting
hobby, but had better leave some room for my
friends. Now I want to thank the Editor of our
African Violet Magazine and also the con¬
tributing friends for the helpful advice and
assistance they give to us other members of the
Society, and I close with best wishes to all.
Keep up the good work by growing more and
better “Lovely African Violets.” ®

45

Bemadine Elrod, Malvern, Arkansas

See Your Violets With A Camera’s Eye

IF you fail to record your loveliest plants on
film you are missing half the fun of raising
violets. They will come into bloom again any¬
time you wish: 35 mm slides made with Koda-
chrome film is my favorite way to do this.

With a few simple props and a yard or two
of material for background draping, or several
large sheets of poster paper, you can get
almost professional type pictures. Poster paper
may be obtained at any printing shop and
comes in several colors. It will give a plain
background for your plants or arrangements.
I keep several large squares of cloth — satin or
crepe, for a soft drape. Satin will reflect
slightly and crepe for softer shadows, depend¬
ing on the kind of background I need. Make
your own drape board with 2 pieces of 1 x 2 x
6 inch boards for feet and IV2 x 2 x 24 inch
piece fastened across it. Cut a groove length¬
wise in the 2 inch width deep and wide enough
to slip a piece of Masonite or plyboard. I keep
several sizes but the most used size is 18 x 24.
To raise your plant slightly, invert a small
bowl under the cloth, crumple small pieces of
newspaper and tuck them under the cloth to
give the right “careless"’ swirls to the draping

Figure 2

Orc^ ^oarei

or use a wire violet stand to show a prize
plant to its best advantage. When making an
arrangement with driftwood use a homespun
type of material like monk’s cloth instead of
satin. Store your cloth rolled on an old broom
handle or a window shade roller to avoid
wrinkles and needless ironing.

Shoot slightly downward at the plant so
as not to cut off the foreground. Dramatic
results may be obtained if the flash attachment
can be removed and held about 2 feet away
from the camera, possibly above for more
background light and less shadows. The use
of a tripod will help you to change camera
position and eliminate shadows. Give careful
consideration to camera angle: too high or too
low will give distortion.

Use a portrait lense for closeups. To solve
the distance problem quickly, I fasten a piece
of string to the camera with Scotch tape and
tie a knot in the string at the desired length.
Then you can measure from camera to plant
center without carrying a tape measure. A fo¬
cal frame is a handy gadget to help center the
plant or bloom. A ready-made focal frame is
available at most camera stores and is ad¬
justable for different size plants or blooms.
For a giant “blow-up” of a single bloom, a
small frame is needed. If you are a good “do
it yourself” fan you can make a focal frame
from a wire coat hanger — directions are
available from Eastman Kodak Company. If
no frame is handy you can nearly center your
plant in the picture by having it appear in
the lower right hand corner of the view finder
(called correcting the parallax).

The use of light can also be a problem. It
adds glamour and interest but improper lo¬
cation of flood lights may cause an optical
illusion or distorted shadows. So take a good
look before you snap, especially when photo¬
graphing your arrangements. Try an open
flash or bare bulb (reflector removed) for

Figure 3

make a drape board. For
the base or stand to hold
the board I use 2 pieces
of 1 X 2 X 6 inch board
for the feet then fasten
a 114 X 2 X 24 Inch piece
across these feet. Figure
1. Now cut a Yz inch groove or slot lengthwise in the 2 inch width top side of
this connecting piece. The groove must be deep enough to hold a piece of plywood
or Masonite firmly upright when it is slipped into the
groove. The drape board size I like best is 18 x 24
inches. It may be made any size desired. Figure 2.

Spread background cloth over the drape board
and foreground. Plants may be elevated on a
small inverted dish under the cloth for
more effective presentation.

Pink Polka^ — using portrait attachment.

softer light, free of hot spots or glare streaks.
Use a tripod, if possible, to steady your camera
especially for time exposures. Sometimes there
is enough sunlight through the windows for
a good time exposure but to be sure of proper
light it is best to have a good flash attachment
or use two photofloods placed a foot or so
higher than the camera at 45° angles to right
and left of the camera. With the Kansas City
Convention in mind, I bought a Strobonar
electronic flash unit with rechargeable bat¬
teries. It will take up to 60 pictures on 1
charging.

Take several pictures of each subject, chang¬
ing position for each, also try a different lens
setting and speed for each, especially at Con¬
ventions or regular shows. Try to time your
visit to shows to avoid peak attendance, when
you can take more time for each pictures. Keep
an eagle eye out for other flash fans and avoid
taking your picture when their flash is on.
Imagine what would happen if camera bugs
on opposite sides of a table snapped at the
same time.

By all means, for best results, follow the
instructions which come with your flash at¬
tachment, flash bulbs and film. Don’t buy just
any film, get the very best each time you buy
and avoid disappointments. I use Kodachrome
entirely. The new Kodachrome II is far super¬
ior to the old type film and is much faster.

The next time you are invited to give a talk
on violet culture at a local garden club take
along a set of slides to give an added spark
of interest to your program. •

Dusky Dancer against satin back drape.

The photograph above is of an arrangement using
driftwood and an African violet plant^ — Fury at the
base. Ceramic birds were placed for added interest ....

Pictured below is Dazzle. Poster paper was used for
the background. The plant was placed in a wire violet
stand to properly display the plant to good advantage.

Using outside sunlight to make “backdrop” highlighted
with bare bulb flash.

47

I

49

Me And My Violets

Viola Rembold, Leavenworth, Washington

I had never thought much about writing the
story of my violets, but I do enjoy reading
about the experiences of other violet lovers
and wonder if others might be interested in
mine.

We live in the beautiful Upper Wenatchee
Valley, at the foot of the rugged Cascades,
where every window is a picture window. The
summers are warm and sunny, one day more
beautiful than the one past, and the nights are
so cool and the air so fresh and crisp that
one needs blankets to sleep warm and com¬
fortable. Thousands of people come year by
year from far and near to see the beautiful
autumn colors of Mother Nature in the Turn-
water Canyon. The colors are just indescrib¬
able. During the winter months we have a
veritable winter fairyland. The large beautiful
white snowflakes stay where they fall, mak¬
ing every tree a Christmas tree. We have one
of the finest ski jumping hills in the nation
just out of the city limits, and the largest
salmon fish hatchery in the world. This past
February the Olympic Jumping Team was
again in Leavenworth for their trial jumping.

Now, I really don’t have much of a story
... at least nothing any different than many
others have experienced. I have been growing
violets for 7 or 8 years now. My first double
purple plant was given to me by my mother-
in-law. Up to that time I really wasn’t much
interested and didn’t know the first thing
about growing violets. Well, I set the plant in
the window, and wouldn’t you know it, it
bloomed like mad. It was just covered with
blossoms! I took real good care of that prec¬
ious plant . . . watered it lots. One day I
saw all the leaves hang like a limp rag. Now,
what could be the matter? Maybe it needs
water? So I gave the poor thing another drink!
I am sure you guessed right . . . the top
came right off the bottom. Poor plant!

One day we had dinner with friends. Lo
and Behold ... a house full of African violets.
They were on everything and everywhere.
Before we could eat we had to clear the table
of plants. I told my husband that if I ever
had violets they would never clutter my house
like that. Personally, I think one should keep
only as many as one can care for and have
room for. I told this lady I would like to have
a white, a pink, and a blue one. Even now I
was not very interested but thought they
would add a bit of color in the kitchen. She
gave me a few small plants. Later I got some
leaves but lost about half of them through my
ignorance. This was really the beginning of
it all.

Soon I bought some more plants from
Fischer’s and Tinari’s, also from Oppen’s. They
were now doing quite well. My husband had

already told me . . . too many plants! About
this time I subscribed to the African Violet
Magazine; now I was really learning things
about my plants, and am still striving for
better plants. I love this Magazine and can
hardly wait for the new one to come. I keep
them all and read and reread the back issues
many times.

During the summer of 1958 some of my
plants weren’t looking very good. I had heard
that a little morning sun was good for them
so I carried them back and forth into the
living room and back to the kitchen, to catch
the morning sun. I would move them along on
the rug to catch the sunny patches. It wasn’t
long before I had a lot of burned leaves. Now
I have learned to filter the sun, using net
curtains. Later I noticed some of the plant
centers getting rather light looking. Some little
leaves would start to pale along the edges and
soon the whole leaf would be whitish. The
centers would die while the outside leaves
would still be green. I had no idea what the
trouble was . . . maybe I had mites. I read
about sodium selenate and decided to try some
of the extra dilute mix. When the capsules
arrived my good husband, who is a science
and math teacher, carefully helped me meas¬
ure and mix one gallon of the extra dilute
solution. We very carefully followed the direc¬
tions. We gave each plant the right amount
according to its size, using the one ounce in¬
fant syringe and a tablespoon to measure.

What a sight met my eyes in the morning!
All the plants were black and hanging limp.
I was sick. Many of the younger plants were
real pretty; I remember Alma Wright was so
pretty. All had to be dumped. I promptly sent
back the remaining sodium selenate, saying
that I would never use it again. Although I
know many people use it successfully, I am
of the opinion some plants cannot take it. I
really should have tried it on only a few at
first. Now my windows were bare . . . and
we could once again draw the shades. I missed
having my violets.

Since then I have purchased violets from a
number of growers. I am always very excited
when the new shipment arrives and can hardly
wait for the first blossom to open. I spray my
plants at least once a month with Spider-sMite;
also I drench the soil with V-C 13 as a preven¬
tion of nematodes. I wash my plants every so
often with water containing a few drops of
Liquid Blue Whale.

One winter, again there was trouble! Many
leaves would start drying around the edges:
sometimes starting with only a spot, gradually
spreading until the entire leaf was gone. One
leaf after another had to be removed until
the plant had to be tossed out. Many plants
went out the back door. I wrote to an African
violet grower, asking advice. She said that I
had a fungus . . . perhaps several. Fermate
should be used as a spray. After spraying
with Fermate for many weeks, the trouble
seemed to be over, except for the rather black-

50

This picture of Mrs. Rembold was taken by her husband as she was tending to some of her plants in the corner
windows of the kitchen.

ened foliage from the use of so much Fermate.
This grower also suggested misting the plants
at night ... I did. Soon there was mildew.
That was almost worse than the first trouble.
I used sulphur, which is messy, and more
Fermate. I turned on the fan, opened the doors,
and still there was the mildew. Finally I ob¬
tained Mildex and used it as a spray and got
rid of the mildew. This grower also wanted
to know what kind of soil I used. At that
time I was using Black Magic which is a very
fine growing medium and highly recommended
by many successful growers. Then, I was told
that possibly because of my growing condi¬
tions my potting medium might be a little on
the acid side, therefore a little lime should be
used in watering. Our water comes from the
melting snows from the mountain tops and is
the best pure water found anywhere.

All this started me on a new train of thought
. . . soil . . . and what soil was best for me
to use. I obtained different brands of com¬
mercial soils. Then mixing several, I found
there was some improvement in the foliage,
but not good enough. Also, through the years
I had tried different fertilizers (all excellent
products) such as Spoon-It, Instant Vigoro,
Ra-Pid-Gro, Plant Marvel, Pokon, and Maxi¬
crop. But no amount of feeding produced any
real difference that I could actually see; I have
learned since that violets are not heavy feed¬
ers and have come to the conclusion that
plants grown in natural light need less feeding
than those grown under lights. One day I

received a circular in the mail from Acme
Peat Products, telling about Blue Whale soil
conditioner and Liquid Blue Whale. I have
always been anxious to try anything new,
especially if it will grow prettier violets. I
promptly ordered some and set about doing
something that I had often thought about . . .
mixing my own soil. This is a simple recipe:
good sterilized garden soil and sand. Blue
Whale peat, charcoal, perlite, and a little Fer¬
mate; the recipe comes with the Blue Whale
peat. Really, I had the most fun doing it. After
it was finished, it truly looked and felt like
a wonderful mix. Now I have glossy leaves
and the plants look ever so much better. In¬
stead of resting, they have bloomed all sum¬
mer, and people are always asking, “How do
you get them to bloom like that?” My husband,
who had always fussed because the windows
were always full of plants and the drapes
could not be drawn, is real proud of me and
my accomplishments. You know, I think he
loves them too.

I watch the plants like a hawk, turning
them, straightening a leaf, picking off a wilted
flower. Several times I have found an earwig
under the leaves; they chew on the blossoms.
Two years ago aphids suddenly appeared; I
was so upset that I dreamed about aphids that
night. Several sprayings with Malathion got
rid of them.

My friends think it is funny that each plant
I have must have a name. I try to keep all
my plants symmetrical but in spite of frequent

51

turnings, some grow lopsided anyway and
need to be repotted. I keep my plants from
getting too large by removing the outer leaves.
I do not care for the Supreme and Girl-leafed
plants because they are more difficult to grow,
for me.

I have about 60 plants at present. If a plant
doesn’t bloom enough, or if I feel it can be
replaced with a better plant, out it goes. Just
last week three or four went out the back
door. Now I can get several new ones; in
fact, my order is already made out. My plants
bloom even while they are real tiny. You
should see Double Racy Red! I love Beaming,
Kimberly, Wunda, First Snow, Snow Squall,
Lilac Dale, Dorothy Gray and Lilian Jarrett.
Pink Fire is just covered with blossoms . . .
52 double blossoms besides many buds.

Leaves are rooted in water, then planted in
a mixture of vermiculite and soil mix. I slip
this tray into a plastic bag. After the plantlets
are ready to repot, they are placed in my
plastic greenhouse where they grow nicely.
This is made from a paper carton covered with
plastic sheeting.

Paper Carton Greenhouse — First select a sturdy
cardboard carton and trim it out (see drawing) so that
it will be neat in appearance. Leave the corners and
top strips strong enough to give proper support.
Double line the bottom of the box with plastic or
heavy duty foil. This will serve as an insurance against
dampness or seepage. Now cover the inside framework
with plastic sheeting. Fasten it in place so that the
maximum amount of light is admitted: gather the folds
at the corners. This should be fastened to the carton
so that the top or roof may be conveniently opened
wide for ready access to plants and for ventilation
when needed.

I get lots of enjoyment out of my violets. I
love to come home from work to find them
just sort of waiting for me. They are a great
source of relaxation and diversion. I believe
they contribute much to my wonderful health,
happiness, and peace of mind. I heartily rec¬
ommend this hobby for anyone who is ner¬
vous, depressed, or lonely. Right now I need
more windows. Maybe some day I can have a
Flora Cart . . . just one!! •

The Forgotten Container

Bess Greeley, Chicago, Illinois

I have come up with something about Afri¬
can violet seeds that I just can’t believe! I
have carried plastic boxes that contained seeds
back and forth to Wisconsin each year — as
I can’t wait until they germinate. In 1961,
when I was closing up the cabin for the winter,
I did not miss one of the containers and it
was left in the cabin all winter. After the
door and blinds are locked the place is in
total darkness and it really gets cold as there
is no heat in there all winter. It sometimes
goes down to 35 degrees below zero.

When I arrived June 1962, the first object
that met my eyes when the electricity was
turned on was this plastic container with the
seeds. I thought, well, that is a “sure gonner”
now so I had better forget about it as it’s time
I got the cabin in order. However, I felt
compelled to examine it — I picked up the
container and noticed some suspicious green
dots all through it so I put it closer to the
lights. Lo and behold, after the first week
those seedlings “sure went to town.” By July
15th I had to transplant them to another con¬
tainer and all I had to plant them in was
round plastic tubs that cottage cheese comes
in. I always use an old nail file with the
pointed end rounded off for transplanting and
use the other end for stirring up soil around

"Roundeci Oft

the violets. When the seedlings were trans¬
planted I put a piece of Saran Wrap over the
top and punched holes in it for air. Before
another month was up I had to move them
into another container. I drilled holes for
drainage in a plastic bread box which I had
and transplanted 86 small plants in all. There
were four different kinds of leaves among
these seedlings. They are now growing beauti¬
fully.

I bought the seed pod at a Convention and
the card read: Pollinated October ’60, ripened
March ’61. I planted the seed pod on April 29,
1961. The parent plant is Buccaneer and the
pollen plant is Caravan (blue and white
bloom). So you can see it was a long time in
germinating. Now what I would like to know
is — does freezing help? Inasmuch as I have
always, in the past, put the containers in a
warm dark place — I just wonder about freez¬
ing African violet seed. Possibly this is some¬
thing for the Research Committee to inves¬
tigate. •

52

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 1. Typical form of root-knot nematode under 80x magnification. Figure 2. Various shapes of inactive
female. Figure 3. A live nematode recently encased.

A Layman’s Look At The Root-Knot Nematode

The most insidious pests of African violets,
in my estimation, are the nematodes since
their presence has to be judged, by most grow¬
ers, solely by signs and effects. Among a great
many species which abound in garden and
field soils, the root-knot nematode is probably
the kind most frequently encountered that is
harmful. Unfortunately, this pest may be pres¬
ent for a long period before its presence is
discovered, often too late to salvage a desir¬
able violet.

The root-knot nematode is the only species
that I have found among my violets so the
remarks which follow will be devoted to this
one. While this pest has been described rather
fully previously (African Violet Magazine,
September 1960, pp 82-86), perhaps some rep¬
etition may be helpful to more recent members
who do not have access to this issue of our
Magazine.

After discovering nematodes in some of my
plants, I decided that it would be very helpful
if I had a means of seeing what I was fighting.
Consequently, I purchased a relatively cheap
microscope (about $29.00) having a magnifi¬
cation range of 80x to 1200x. I soon found that
80x power was ample to see the eel-like
worms which ranged in length from about
1/200 inch to 1/16 inch. Only a few of the
“jumbos” were ever found, however. I made
no attempt to study the structure of the nema¬
todes, which I did not feel qualified to do.

I prepare my samples for observation very
simply by removing a suspicious growth from
the roots or stem of the plant and gently crush
it in a small amount of water. A few drops of
the water suspension are then transferred to
a microscope slide having a depression, and
viewed over a bright light under 80x magnifi¬
cation. The root-knot nematodes are easily
detected, if present, by their typical shape.
Probably due to the method of preparing my
samples, many of the nematodes appear life¬
less but usually active ones are found, too,
especially if the population is large in the
plant material.

A typical nematode is illustrated in Figure
1. The worms are quite transparent with the
intestinal tract indistinct and appearing as
granular matter through part of its length. The
stylus always appeared to be retracted within
the “head” of the worm under my conditions.

In the article quoted above, it was stated
that the female of the root-knot nematode
assumes a shape much different from the eel¬
like worm and becomes immobile. Immobile

R. T, Balch, Mobile, Alabama

objects of widely differing shapes as shown in
Figure 2 were often seen in my specimens.
Since all had a short “horn” on its blunter end,
I decided that they must be the female form
of the nematode. I was certain when I found
nematodes in a transition stage. The female in
her early life is apparently a typical worm but
eventually she becomes encased and is then
immobilized. Among a great many observa¬
tions, I have observed only two specimens
where a typical live nematode was found
encased in a membrane of usual shape and
already equipped with its characteristic sty¬
lus. In both cases, the nematode was surround¬
ed by a perfectly clear fluid. This stage of the
nematode is illustrated in Figure 3.

What to do? It is obvious that violet growers
must forever be on their guard to keep their
plants free of nematodes. Sterilization of pots
and of potting soil is a “must.” If one is an
outside gardener, care has to be taken that
hands and utensils are free of garden soil. The
use of nematocides is definitely helpful in
keeping plants healthy. The more popular of
these are V-C 13 and Nemagon as they can be
applied to established plants without harming
the plants, if properly applied according to the
instructions of the manufacturer. A recent
article on the control of nematodes with V-C
13 appeared in the December 1962 issue of the
African Violet Magazine on pages 106 and 107.
This is recommended reading for all violet
growers.

While the recommended treatments are cer¬
tainly helpful, they do not seem infallible. I
have been using a drench method of applying
my nematocide and water from the top. All
too often, a few nematodes seem to escape the
chemical treatment and come to the surface of
the soil where they may eventually form a
cancerous growth on the stem, often followed
by a bundle of plantlets in the same area. The
damaged tissues sometimes disintegrate and
allow stem rot to proceed. At least in a few
cases of stem rot that I have had, nematodes
and certain other worms were found in the
diseased tissues. The identity of these other
worms has not yet been made, but an attempt
will be made to have them classified at the
earliest opportunity, as a matter of general
interest. •

Paula J. Matthews, Fresno, California

Know Your Violets -- Keep A Record

I have been growing violets for almost four
years and only have about 50 plants be¬
cause I grow them on my laundry porch which
is small, and I feel that I would much rather
have 50 plants and give them the best of care
than to have 100 plants all over the house,
giving them only half the care. I feel they get
plenty of humidity on my porch, which they
wouldn’t get anywhere else in the house. The
humidity varies from 50 to 70 per cent, de¬
pending on whether or not my washing ma¬
chine is being used. There are two doors
coming out of “my violet room,” one is an
outside door and the other leads into my
kitchen . . . this gives me adequate circulation
so I don’t have much of a problem with mil¬
dew. Just two plants had mildew last year
and it was just a matter of moving the plants
so they would get more of the circulating air,
to clear up the mildew. I really think that
the humidity is what is helping my violets
grow and bloom so well the year round. They
get morning sun that is shaded by a thin cur¬
tain and the temperature stays about 70 de¬
grees during the day in the winter and about
80 degrees during the summer days. It never
goes below 64 degrees all year.

Every time I water the plants I add “Schultz-
Instant” liquid fertilizer in a weaker solution
than the directions say. I like it very much
because it takes the guess work out of rem¬
embering the last time I fertilized. Every day
I turn the plants a half turn toward my east
window hnd check each plant for need of
water, new buds, old blossoms, bugs, and, if
a plastic toothpick needs to be moved so as to
straighten a stubborn leaf, this is done. I use
the finger method to check for watering, and
only if the soil is dry to the touch do I water
with warm water. Most of my plants are grown
with a collar around them that is made out of
a paper plate. It trains the leaves up with some
varieties and helps hold some stubborn leaves
in place. I repot all plants once a year in the
fall and give Vitamin B-1 for shock when
repotting.

As for the soil I use, in our town we have a
commercial grower of violets who packages
up sterilized soil and sells it, and I’m very
satisfied with it. I firmly believe in sticking
to the soil that one is satisfied with rather than
trying everything that is advertised on the
market.

Being that I keep such a close watch on my
plants (I don’t bring cut flowers in the house),
I don’t have a regular spraying program. I
spray only after I bring the plants home from
a show or if I suspect there is something on
them. I then use KXL insecticide according
to the directions.

When I get a different variety, I keep it for

a year before I decide if I like it. Sometimes
it takes some varieties that long to do their
best even after being a matured plant. It seems
that what one plant will do in someone else’s
house, it may not do in another’s because it is
growing under different conditions. I feel that
this is true when buying a plant from the
nursery because the plant has to adjust to your
conditions. Being that my space is limited, I
just cannot keep the stubborn ones. You see,
I grow violets for pleasure and I also enjoy
entering my plants in our local club shows.
I guess it is the feeling that when one has
something beautiful to show, you like to share
it with others. I must say I was very pleased
and proud to come home with the queen of
show, princess of show, and the sweepstakes
ribbons last spring when our club had its
annual show. I can only say that maybe it
helps to treat your violets as show plants the
year round, and read as much as there is to
read about them. Just growing them is, in
itself, a great experience for anyone who loves
to watch plants grow. It helps those who are
frustrated farmers like myself!

These are my favorite violets that do well
for me: White Pride, Sparkling Waters, Sep¬
tember Song, Shag, Blue Warrior, Blue Noc¬
turne, Double Blue Boy, Blue Peak, Pastel
Swirls, Double Blue Delight, Double Pink Boy,
Blue Flag, Pink Camellia, Good News, Boyce
Edens, Chaska, Blue Duet, Bud’s Pink Waltz,
Desert Star and Evelyn Johnson.

I keep a record on all my plants. It tells me
how often they bloom, how many flowers at
one time, and when they were last “sick” and
what I did for them. I thoroughly enjoy keep¬
ing a record on them. How else would I re¬
member that my Double Blue Boy has had a
bud or blossom on it ever since October 1960?
It is now 21 inches across and last April it
had 50 blossoms on it at one time. You just
cannot beat some of the old varieties!

The following are samples of the type of
records I keep. Many people use their card
index file for their recipes in cooking but I
use mine for my violets. I guess I enjoy violets
more than cooking!

White Pride (Ulery) Registered
Plain leaves

Large double white flower
Large plant

March 1960 — 2 flowers (young plant).

June 1960 — Put in 4 inch clay pot.

December 24, 1960 — Not blooming. Started
Spoon-It fertilizer.

February 13, 1961 — Bottom leaves always
seem wilted. Took plant out of pot and
checked roots. Roots seemed to be rotted.
Cut roots off and all leaves but 4, repotted
into a 2 inch clay pot and gave it a shot of

54

I

Vitamin B-1.

June 13, 1961 — Plant has many healthy
leaves.

August 1961 ■— Plant slightly limp during the
summer heat; keeping it on the dry side.

September 26, 1961 — Plant is perky now.

October 2, 1961 — Repotted plant and put
into 3 inch clay pot. Gave Vitamin B-1.

December 25, 1961 — I see a bud! A nice
Christmas present; I waited so long.

January 26, 1962 - — Took out of 3 inch pot and
put into 4 inch clay pot. It was root-bound.
Gave Vitamin B-1.

March 12, 1962 - — It has 2 flowers and is
loaded with buds.

March 25, 1962 Won a white ribbon at our
local club’s show.

March 31, 1962 — 11 flowers and lovely.

June 26, 1962 — Growing nice and big and
blooming again!

September 13, 1962 — 20 flowers.

September 24, 1962 — It is root-bound in 4
inch pot; repotted into 6 inch clay pot. Gave
Vitamin B-1. It is 19 inches wide (the plant).

January 2, 1963 — - The plant is 23 inches wide
and has 6 flowers on it.

Double Pink Boy (Select) Registered
Pointed quilted leaves
Pink double flower
Standard size plant

April 5, 1961 — Bought plant with buds on it.

April 16, 1961 — 4 flowers on it. In a 4 inch
pot.

August 1961 — Took off 5 leaves because
they were limp . . . old leaves, probably.

September 26, 1961 Plant is perky now.

December 7, 1961 — One flower opened.

December 27, 1961 — ■ 7 lovely flowers.

January 20, 1962 — Took buds and flowers
off to prepare for violet show. Just experi¬
menting.

March 16, 1962 — First flower opened and
plant is loaded with buds.

March 25, 1962 — Won a red ribbon at the
show, 6 flowers on it.

April 10, 1962 — 24 flowers on it. Lovely!

April 17, 1962 — 36 flowers on it.

September 13, 1962 — 14 flowers on it.

September 21, 1962 — Repotted plant, it need¬
ed fresh soil. (Plant in a 4 inch clay pot).
Gave Vitamin B-1.

October 13, 1962 - — Plant acts as though it is
in shock, even when it is damp. I’m letting
it go on the dry side.

October 24, 1963 Took many leaves off and
repotted to a 3 inch clay pot.

January 2, 1963 — - Plant has been crisp for
two weeks and has 7 lovely flowers.

Blue Peak (Ulery) Registered
Plain dark leaves
Blue double — - multicolored
Standard size

September 21, 1960 — Starting plant by leaf
in soil.

December 23, 1960 - — See baby leaves. (Just
63 days)

March 29, 1961 — I see a small bud, plant
only 4 inches across.

June 3, 1961 First flower opened.

July 18, 1961 — Picked buds off so strength
will go into young plant.

August 1961 — Took plant out of 2 inch plas¬
tic pot and put into 3 inch clay pot.
September 30, 1961 — I see buds coming.
January 28, 1962 Plant is root-bound, so
repotted into 4 inch clay pot. Planted shal¬
low.

February 25, 1962 — Just loaded with buds.
March 8, 1962 — First flower opened today.

Lovely white edge on flower.

March 23, 1962 — 7 lovely flowers.

April 11, 1962 — 16 lovely flowers.

May 24, 1962 — 9 flowers.

June 26, 1962 — 22 flowers.

September 13, 1962 — 14 flowers.

October 22, 1962 — Loaded down with buds.
October 31, 1962 — 38 lovely flowers.

January 7, 1963 — Blooming again; 7 flowers
and more buds!

I have most of my trouble with the plants
during the summer heat, so keep them on the
dry side during this time. I haven’t lost any
plants from the heat because with the cooler
on, it stays about 80 degrees during the day,
in the house. Outside the temperature is over
100 degrees. •

- Plastic Pots -

Mrs. Glen Shippy, Plano, Ill.

I have been experimenting with baby
plants by first planting them in 2 inch
plastic pots in a mixture that is mostly
vermiculite. When a good root system has
developed they are shifted to 2^/2 inch
pots in my regular mix. Those outgrow¬
ing this size are moved to 3 inch pots. I
used to grow my plants in clay pots but
changed to plastic as plants do not dry
out as quickly and do well in plastic.
Those in 3 inch pots grow larger but seem
to send out more buds.

55

After 40 years of medical practice, I
thought I had developed immunity against
most diseases, but in 1959 while on a visit to
the United States to attend a Medical Con¬
gress, I was bitten by the African violet bug
and have since continued to suffer from Afri¬
can violetitis which, unlike most conditions,
has not improved but has continued to grow
worse, and has every indication of becoming
chronic! I returned to Australia with a few
packets of seed, and have now reached the
stage of a small hothouse 12 by 8 feet in
which I have a propagating bed, and which is
overfilled with violets in every stage of de¬
velopment.

Having read a letter in the Melbourne
‘Herald’ Garden Notes that was written by
Mrs. L. Novelly of Miami, I commenced a
correspondence with this most charming lady,
who must be one of the best letter-writers in
the country. Through her I became a member
of the African Violet Society, which has
proved a great boon and encouragement. From
my daughter, married and living in Boston, I
received a birthday gift of “1,001 African
Violet Questions.” This has been of invaluable
help to me.

In 1960 I imported seed from the United
States and the United Kingdom. My exper¬
ience with seed propagation has been very
varied, and I wonder if it is usual to find that
a batch of seed does not germinate? A few
months ago I received seed of seven named
varieties from a grower whose name I found
in the African Violet Magazine; only one va¬
riety has germinated, and then only about ten
seedlings are showing. I realize that many take
a long time, but as I have grown all seeds
under similar conditions and obtained good
results in some cases, in these I got a complete
miss.

Last year I brought out from Mr, Wicks of
England, plantlets, leaves and seed, all of
which have done very well. Leaves which I
ordered from a noted American violet house
unfortunately were ten days in transit, al¬
though sent by airmail, and on arrival were
like wet blotting paper. However, after re¬
maining in water for 24 hours, they picked
up and I hope to save 75 per cent of them.

My house is heated by electricity and has
fine mist sprays operated at 60 per cent by a

humidistat. My plants are in 4 inch plastic
‘squat’ pots set on a plastic grill over trays
containing moistened brick chips, and are
placed under batteries of fluorescent lights
operated by a time clock, and are on from
6 a.m. to 7 p.m. My mature plants did extra¬
ordinarily well, and professional growers com¬
mented that they were the best they had ever
seen. Suddenly, disaster struck. Leaves turned
brown and rotten. I called in the experts from
the Government Research Station, and was
told the trouble was overfertilizing, and that
the salt content of the soil was nearly as high
as sea water. I repotted all my plants, and
thank goodness I saved them. I have now
switched from a soil mixture to U.C. and
fertilize with a mixture which I prepare my¬
self from a formulae given by the Research
Department instead of the proprietary one
used previously, and I am getting excellent re¬
sults. However, although I am getting excel¬
lent root growth with the U.C. mixture, I must
await results before deciding that U.C. is bet¬
ter than my previous soil mix.

Although I water underneath the foliage
with a ‘wand’ from the United States, from a
large galvanized iron tank situated in the
hothouse and, therefore, keeping the same
temperature, I find that with overhead water¬
ing I don’t get any marking or spotting of the
leaves. I have a regular routine of prophylac¬
tic spraying for pests, and have lately been
able to obtain from the United States some
V-C 13 which I am now using. All soil is
treated with methyl bromide, and I am reason¬
ably careful with handling technique which,
with my surgical background, presents no
difficulty.

During our hot summer months, the hothouse
temperature sometimes reaches higher than
the 90 degrees F. mark. However, this does
not seem to affect the plants.

Having now produced some seed pods, my
next big thrill is awaiting the results of my
hybridizing. My only complaint is that I did
not get ‘bitten’ years ago; as I am now getting
up to the “four score and ten” mark, I cannot
expect to see the product of my labors over
many years. My experience as a doctor has
taught me the importance of a hobby to occupy
the years of retirement, and for this I am most
grateful to meet up with the African violet! •

\iolel News
From Australia

Dr. Sydney Grawcour, East Malvern, Victoria, Australia

Above, this glimpse inside Dr. Crawcour’s small hothouse shows how compactly he has his plants and leaves
arranged from ceiling to floor. Below, the open door bids welcome to many happy hours of violet culture.

57

Growing plants from seed has always held
a tremendous fascination for me. For many
years I have grown Tall Bearded Iris from
seed, also Hemerocallis; and I have tried my
luck with Lillies, and have some lovely hy¬
brids. Lately the seasons here in New England
have been most disappointing and the Iris and
Hemerocallis have not done as well as in
former years.

I have grown African violets for about 15
years; at first only 3 or 4 plants were grown,
but gradually they were increased to 100 or
more. In the beginning I either grew from a
leaf, or bought a plant. Then one day about 6
or 7 years ago I thought I would try a cross
just for fun. I looked around for a plant that
was a good bloomer to be the “Mama.” I
finally settled for little old Dolly Dimple; the
pollen plant, in the course of the following

nine months or so, was soon forgotten. In due
time the pod ripened; I removed it from
the plant and put it in a dish in my China
closet. Out of sight, out of mind! I think it
must have been there nearly a year, when
house cleaning brought it to light. I decided
to plant it to see if it would germinate. It
sure did! About 200 strong! Of course I didn’t
have room for all of them so I transplanted
the strongest ones and discarded the rest. I
had quite a variety of leaf patterns. Most of
these seedlings bloomed when they were 5
months old; most were small standard size but
a few were real miniatures. I still have 2 of
those seedlings: one, a tiny little girl with a
tiny blue flower; the other has a very round,
scalloped leaf and a blossom that opens white
with a slightly blue edge — the edge gradually
widens as the flower ages. Using this seedling
as a pod-parent, I again made a cross, but
forgot what I used as pollinator. From this
cross three seedlings were kept: one is white
with deep blue fringed edge and is a very
symmetrically growing plant with a ruffled
medium green leaf; one is a very dark, velvety,
midnight-blue-purple, slightly cupped, with
heavily crinkled and ruffled edge, and a dark
green ruffled leaf; the third seedling is a
rounded plain flower, blue with a white Star
center, and a shiny, almost round, scalloped
leaf. These are excellent bloomers, all single,
and hold their blossoms for an extremely
long time.

In the meantime I had acquired a huge
purple named Purple Monarch; I was intrigued
with its huge size, so I thought I would try to
put that size onto another color. I am fond of
the bicolors, and bitones, so I crossed Show
Shadows onto Purple Monarch. This cross did
not produce the amount of seed that my first
cross did, and the seedlings grew much slower,
but it did produce 3 plants of which I am very

Helen Sarro, Pittsfield, Massachusetts

proud. The one I like the best is a very com¬
pact grower with medium small Supreme type
foliage of medium dark green, almost round,
and scalloped, with a violet and white varie¬
gated double flower that would hide a silver
dollar. I have a leaf of this one with plantlets,
and if they propagate true, I intend to register
it. Of the 2 sister seedlings: one is a very
similar double flower, only darker, and slight¬
ly smaller; the other is striking deep blue and
white mottled, and has semidouble and single
blossoms at the same time. I have tried to set
seed on this one but with no luck as yet.

Purple Monarch crossed with Superba pro¬
duced some huge double blues with dark foli¬
age, and one huge, very dark purple semi¬
double. Crossed to Pink Miracle, Purple Mon¬
arch produced several variegated plants. I was
really surprised at this as I thought variega¬
tion was recessive; I have no hopes that they
will stay variegated. I do, however, have some
seedlings from Wintergreen crossed to a seed¬
ling of Snowy Princess x Lady-in- Waiting:
some are variegating beautifully; some show¬
ing much copper and pink; one plant at pres¬
ent is almost entirely dusty-rose with just a
little green in the center at the base of the
leaf. These are mostly in the budding stage,
but 2 have flowers opened up: one is a medium
purple double showing just a hint of white;
the other is a bright purple single oddly
splashed with light orchid. I am extremely
interested in these seedlings and intend to
cross them with other named variegated va¬
rieties, of which I have many.

I find the variegateds doubly interesting for
not only do you have the flowers to look for¬
ward to but you also have the leaf patterns
and colors. The last cross that I planted was
from Vallinpink x Pawnee. Five months after
germination started, all the seedlings that were
large enough to transplant were showing buds.
There is such a variety of leaf patterns it is
amazing: some are light green with chocolate
veins; some are like dark green velvet; others
are chocolate, olive, and plain light green;
one has a dark green shiny leaf that is veined
in light green and is round and turned up at
the edge like a lotus pad.

All in all, hybridizing is fun and is a fasci¬
nating hobby. I have seed pods waiting to be
planted, and others waiting to ripen. More
than I have room for, that’s for sure. As soon
as one cross has come into bloom, I plant
another. The surplus seedlings are given to
shut-ins. Some of the pods waiting are: Ann
Bly X Putti Kat; (Snowy Princess x Lady-in-
Waiting) x Putti Kat; Geneva Lark x Africa;
(Snowy Princess x Lady-in-Waiting) x Lingo;
Ann Bly x First Beau; Falcon Fringe x Blue
Modiste; Putti Kat x First Beau; Falcon Fringe
X Angel Flake; and a fringed Vallinpink seed¬
ling x So Sweet, and Isle of Dreams. As you
can see, I have plenty to keep me busy and
amused. I have no intention of trying to com-

58

pete with the professional hybridizers, and I
do not sell plants. Mine is purely a hobby.

I hope these notes from the records of an
amateur hobbyist will be of interest to others
who are ‘‘having fun” too, and I hope that
some of these “others” will write about their
attempts at producing something different and
beautiful. I enjoy the African Violet Magazine
and have found it most helpful. Even with all
my seedlings, I just cannot resist adding new
varieties each year. Happy Hybridizing! •

Violet Growing -- The Most
Wonderful Therapy I Know

Erma R. Truell, Hempstead, New York

Having been a career girl until I was mar¬
ried 10 years ago, I had never so much as
watered a plant of any kind. Shortly after my
marriage some kind lady presented me with a
violet; I believe it must have' been Blue Boy.
It was pretty so I went to the local greenhouse
and purchased a few more. Fortunately they
liked our home and continued to thrive. With¬
in a few months we moved to New Hampshire,
but before leaving our East Longmeadow,
Massachusetts, home friends gave me leaves
from their choice violets and these I planted
in a glass bread dish in soil right from our
back yard. (I had never heard of infection.)
This dish, needless to say, had the honor of
being held by one of the family all the way
from East Longmeadow to our new home in
New Hampshire. As you notice, I was slightly
bitten by the well-known violet bug.

I did not do much with these violets for the
next few months and they did not respond to
their new surroundings as well as I thought
they should; however, I continued to water
and care for them and eventually the new
plantlets appeared. Then, without warning, I
was whisked away to the hospital for two
major cancer operations, one of which left me
with a left arm that I had to learn to use all
over again. Being determined not to feel sorry
for myself, I decided (after talking with my
husband and the doctor) to grow violets and
really do a job on them.

Needless to say, before long they were every¬
where in every room, in every exposure and
every week a new shelf was made to house a
few more plants, now over 200, plus the ones
in my Flora Cart which had arrived soon after
my decision to grow violets. Out of sheer
necessity for a place to sleep, we put out a
“Violets For Sale” sign and then we were in
business. My first customer was a thrill I shall
never forget.

/iolets are a wonderful therapy and I high¬
ly recommend them to anyone, particularly
the person who thinks she cannot again carry
on a normal life because of some illness or
operation that has left her with a handicap.
There is nothing more satisfying or more grati¬
fying than to put down a little leaf and watch
for that first sign of breaking soil telling you
a plantlet is about to emerge; then nursing it
along until it is large enough to transplant to
a little pot and later to a larger one; watering
it and seeing the signs of blossoms appearing.
One day there they are, in all their beauty,
waiting to be admired by you, but best of all
for you is knowing that you grew that beauti¬
ful plant all by yourself. What a thrill! •

59

Give Me This Day

Ilah Baker, Miami, Florida

Reprinted with permission of Dixie News

Mites, mealy bugs, nematodes and fungus
but please, no more salt intrusion in the
water supply! Picture around 15,000 African
violets in various stages of growth, all nestled
happily in their 4’ x 8’ trays sitting on clean
Perloam or vermiculite. Picture 2 trays of huge
show plants, some of them 26 and 28 inches
across, loaded with bloom, pinks, whites, pur¬
ples, blues, reds and multicolors, just waiting
for someone to come and take them home.

Now, picture those proud plants with the
tender center leaves, seared and brown, all
the bloom gone. Hurts, eh?

Ever since “Hurricane Donna,” South Flor¬
ida has experienced some very peculiar weath¬
er. Instead of our usual humid, hot summers,
we have had very hot, dry weather with a
burning wind blowing. Reminds me of Texas
climate. In fact, the T-V varieties did beauti¬
fully for me, when in humid conditions they
do not seem to thrive too well. Instead of
having to dry out the violets we have had to
water sometimes as much as two and three
times a week. Violet growers had to learn the
hard way a complete new regime of growing.
This weather also provided a perfect condition
for mites: red spider mites in particular. Peo¬
ple who had grown violets for years without
ever seeing mite damage suddenly found them¬
selves in situations they couldn’t handle. To
make things even more interesting, many of
us who make our own potting medium and
buy the dark brown German peat found that
the peat contained nematode eggs and Rhiz-
octonia sp., a fungus, A botanist friend told
me that a grower down the way a piece had
lost 30,000 cuttings of philodendrons — he
had started them in peat — - my bales were
from the same shipment! Had just started
using a new bale and had potted about 300
plantlets in the mix. I almost panicked. Then
decided there was nothing else to do but throw
them out. Doused the potting mix with V-C 13
and Emmi, a mercury type fungicide and pot¬
ted a few stock plants in it. At the back of my
mind was an uneasy, nagging little thought
and finally, even though it was very costly, I
threw out the peat entirely.

For sometime things went along smoothly.
I was busy trying out different mediums for
potting and with each, of course, having to
work out new watering and fertilizing sched¬
ules . . . and suddenly it was spring. Hot
weather was here! So time to clean and paint
the swimming pool and prepare for summer.
You know, after you have lived here a few

years, if the temperature gets below 70, you
shiver knd shake, and wear sweaters and coats.
So, we try to have our pool operating for
Memorial Day. Bob worked hard painting and
then came the day to turn on the big pool
pump and fill ’er up with 25,000 gallons of
water. On went the pump and out came a
miserable little trickle of water: with virtually
no rain for 2 years the water level was too
low. Naturally I started worrying about the
supply for the house, which is from a deeper
well, but off the same natural flow. Reports
started coming in from well drillers that they
had never had it so good. People were drilling
newer deeper wells and having their old ones
deepened ~ and no sign of rain. To make
matters worse, and here is a perfect example
of man being his own worst enemy; the State
or County, or both, have been putting up huge
dikes and digging big canals to drain the Ever¬
glades. These monstrosities are supposed to
prevent flooding during hurricanes. So far all
they have done is to dry up the Glades, kill
millions of fish, starve out the wildlife and
create a vast fire hazard. Fire in the Glades
alone this year has amounted to the millions
of dollars. Everyone knows that water on the
surface of the earth attracts rain — and no
sign of rain.

My violets had been watered from the house
well and now I was really getting worried
about the water.

Then came fungus! I first noticed on a cou¬
ple of the huge plants that the centers were
showing fungus. Really didn’t think too much
about it. Sprinkled on some Fermate and felt
safe. Then another, and another and another.
Fermate, Captan, Emmi, hydroxyquinolin sul¬
phate and o-hydroxydiphenyl sodium salt. Im¬
provement for a day or two and then the same
burned, brown, stringy dry centers! Called in
the State Plant Board Inspector and he sent
several plants into the pathology lab. Reports
came back that one showed signs of having
the insidious Rhizoctonia sp. fungus.

That did it! Every bit of Perloam and ver¬
miculite came out of the trays and was thrown
away. Every tray was scrubbed and drenched
with hydroxyquinolin, plants were drenched
and drained. Ceiling, floors, and walls were
scrubbed and sprayed, even the cooling pads
and window screens were scrubbed and
sprayed with fungicide. To make sure none
was carried in on my shoes I soaked papers
and rags with chlorine and carefully wiped
the soles of my shoes before entering the violet
room.

All potted plants were drenched one day,
then 3 days later plants were sprayed with
fungicide and 3 days later, sprayed again. No
self-respecting germ would have dared live in
there! And still no sign of rain.

On Friday, following the spraying, I gave
all plants their regular, feeding and watering.
Saturday morning when it was time to turn
the lights on I happened to notice a complete
tray of small plants, 3,000 of them; every one

60

was affected! I was slightly stunned. Then,
anger — - what was the use? Try to grow good
plants. Why, for over a year before I ever sold
the first plant, I drove the State and County
officers mad. Get me a live mite; get me a live
mealy bug; bring me plants infested with fun¬
gus and nematodes so I can infest experimental
trays of plants with them. I learned every
known insect, mite and disease that is preva¬
lent in our area and how to cure or counteract
it before a single plant was ever sold. I wanted
to know how to help others as well as myself.

All day Saturday, my mind was mulling
over the situation and finally I came to the
conclusion that there is no fungus in the world
which overnight could spread and damage that
number of plants. Finally, by process of elimi¬
nation, I arrived at one factor: the one and
only thing that had been used on each and
every plant — WATER. And still no sign of
rain. Water and Southern Florida are at sea
level , . . salt intrusion. Water, the one element
that we take for granted . . . turn on the faucet
. . . water. To satisfy my ownself on Monday
I took 1/4 teaspoon of table salt, not sea salt,
and added it to 1 gallon of water. Then, taking
a violet that seemed more resistant to the
trouble that I was having, and a lovely young
blooming begonia plant, I saturated them with
the salt-solution and returned them to their
growing places. The begonia, out of doors, and
the violet to its place in the nursery. Next
morning both plants were damaged in the
center, in fact both died later. And still no
rain. Clouds? Yes, but they were just skirting
around.

What to do? Buy bottled water by the 5
gallon jug? It takes 22 gallons just to fertilize
my plants and to mist several times a day —
why, it would cost a small fortune. Make my
own distilled water? With the laboratory filter
we have I can make a pint of distilled water
at a time, and I would need at least 50 gallons
to flush the plants just once.

And still no rain. Finally, I contented myself
with keeping the floor and walls damp with
water to provide humidity and brought in two
20 gallon garbage cans and started throwing
plants away.

During this time preparations were being
made to have a National AV Judging School
here, and as chairman, naturally I had a lot of
work to do. . . . And still no rain. Finally
the day arrived when Mrs. Aldridge came in
from Panama City, June 13th. The Harold
Woodwards, Bob and I met her at the airport
and that night, late, came the rain. First a
whisper, then a gentle patter, then a glorious
deluge. It rained all the time Mrs. Aldridge
was here! Guess people thought I was com¬
pletely crazy but the gray, drippy skies were
the most beautiful thing in the world to me.
Pretty new dress for the school getting damp,
who cares? Big, wide picture hat, limp and
floppy, who cares? Shoes squashy, who cares?
Wear zories or go barefoot. Rain and more
rain. Pails set out, pans put under drips, catch

the precious stuff, well filling up, fill the pools!
Even the birds sat out in the downpour and
just enjoyed it. The dogs frolicked and played
in it and I didn’t even care that the floors
were tracked up. It was raining. Perhaps if
we had enough the Glades would come back
to life, the fires put out and what animals
were left could get a drink.

The papers started printing cautious articles
about salt intrusion and the water level having
been dangerously low. But in all the 2 years of
drought, not once did I see any words of warn¬
ing to conserve water . . . and people, people
themselves are so unthinking. When a lady
was here with some damaged plants for me to
cure, I warned her about salt in the water.
She blithefully informed me that she had
plenty of water with no salt because she had
City Water. The city water supply comes from
wells, much deeper than the home wells, of
course, but in the southwest section of our
county the deep wells are all on the same
natural flow.

When Mrs. Aldridge left Miami, evidently
the rains went with her for we haven’t had
more than a sprinkle since. It was expensive
to get her down here to conduct the school but
I think we had better keep it in mind. We may
have to bring her back to get more rain.

Even the Gynura aurantiaca (Velvet Plant)
which I have been growing out in the yard
shows salt damage. It is a tender leaved plant
and I hope the rains have leached out the salt
from the soil around some of the outdoor
plants.

African violets are good “indicator” plants.
They are more quickly affected by insects and
diseases than some of the so-called tough
plants. But it is a heartbreaking thing to see
what salt does to them and especially knowing
that in trying to cure them of what was
thought to be fungus that I, myself, was pour¬
ing on more and more death and destruction.
In this climate, I find that .2 parts of salt
(PPM) will damage violets.

And so, ILAH’S GARDEN GATE really does
not exist now. There are a few hundred plants
that escaped damage but the hardest hit was
the large stock of mother plants. Build back
up again? No, I don’t really think so. Perhaps
a few plants to put in the coming show in
March, but to have 800 varieties in quantity
again? No. Think I will salvage what I can
and then devote my time to hybridizing a line
of violets that will do well in the subtropics;
had a pretty good start on this but most of
them are gone now.

We are still short on rain. So, please, when
the rains come to you, don’t fret about a lovely,
soft, gray day. See what the moisture does for
your skin. Some of those dried wrinkle lines
smooth out and you look younger. Who cares if
your hair is straggly? Brush it up on top of
your head and call it sophisticated. Let your
eyes get a rest from the bright, glaring sun,
and if you don’t want the rain send it down
here, please. •

61

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE
NATIONAL SHOW

The Amateur Division

Beatrice Kuder, Bowling Green, Ohio

The Colonial Ball Room on the mezzanine
of the Hotel Muehlebach was the scene of
the Amateur Show. The room was large and
well lighted, both of which are always an asset
to any show. No special decorations or set-ups
were used, and none were needed. Much of
the beauty of a show depends upon the Staging
Committee, and this one had done its work
well. The wide tables for the plants were set
across the width of the room. There was an
elevation perhaps 12 inches wide and 18 inches
high through the center of the table, so that
the plants were displayed at two levels. The
covering of the tables was white and the skirts
were gold. The guard rope was placed far
enough from the tables to prevent any damage
to the plants by the viewers who were most
courteous and orderly. A hostess was stationed
at each end of the tables to assist (especially
the wearers of bifocals) in reading the entry
tags. No labels were used in the plants, but
a name card, neatly and legibly written in
large letters, stood beside each plant, which
made identification easy. At one end of the
room the Silver Awards were displayed on a
table. At the other end were the Arrangement
Tables, in the center of which was a fountain
set among palms, depicting the theme of the
show — “Violet Garden Symphony.” The Com¬
mercial Displays were arranged along one side
of the room, and the yearbooks were on the
other side.

The view upon entering the room was
breathtaking. If you have never seen 300 or
more “cream of the crop” violets assembled in
one display, you have no idea of how beautiful
it can be. Here can be seen the results of many
hours of TLC bestowed upon these plants
which are truly worthy of the admiration they
receive from every visitor to the show. A tour
of the room revealed, according to my count,
112 blue ribbons in the Specimen Classes and
23 in the Arrangements. Varieties receiving
blue ribbons in Classes 1 through 33 were:
Class 1 — Valor, Class 2 — Burma Ruby, Class
4 — Pink Wing, Class 5 — Snow Prince, Class 6
— Bonfire, Eyelight, Class 7 — Coon Valley, Fai
Lee, Top Sail, Cavalier, Mabel Dunston, Class
8 — Shangri-La Queen, Class 9 — Red Crown,
Red Valentine, Double Black Cherry, Red ’n
Gold, Class 10 — Sea Grapes, Atlas, Mendota,
Tananna, Janie, Class 11 — Dorothy Gray, Shag,

Angel Child, Kimberly, Isle of Dreams, Delft
Imperial, Huguenot, Cotton Tail, Ordalia, Dou¬
ble Melody, Never Lovelier, Class 12— Tyna-
mite. Magic Flame, Rosy Posy, Tim Tam, Isle
of Dreams, Jubilee, Pink Fandango, Pearl,
Amanda, Ladora, Pink Poodle, Beaming, After¬
glow, Class 13 — ^White Pride, White Madonna,
Class 17 — Crusader Supreme, Fury, Athena,
Class 22 — Martha Washington, Class 24—
Green Dawn, Fringed Nosegay, Class 25 —
Independence, Ardent Red, Double Racy Red,
Class 27 — Wintry Night, Wintergreen, Blush
’n Snow, Flamagrande, Mint Frappe, Printed
Silk, Water Lily, Class 28 — Little Smokey,
Precious, Redderness, Bitsy Babe, Toe, Golli¬
wog, Pink Rock, Irish Elf, Sno-Bunny, Class

30 — Double Pink Fire, Shag, Delft Imperial,
Snow Ballet, Green Confetti, Fire Dance, Class

31 — Seedling No. 2, Merry Ann, Petunia, Class

32 — S. orbicularis. Class 33 — E. Silver Sheen,
Sinningia Pusilla.

The plant which was judged “Best of Show”
was Lyndon Lyon’s Hi Hopes, exhibited by
Mrs. Joseph Trost of Indianapolis, Ind. This
plant was about 15 inches in diameter, sym¬
metrical, very dark foliage, with 25 deep blue
blooms all having a good crinkly white edge.
This was the second time for Mrs. Trost to win
the Silver Cup. Mrs. Trost also won the Award
of Merit Ribbon with Double Ruffles, an old
variety, but always good. The plant had perfect
symmetry, was very flat, about 20 inches
across, almost black foliage, and at least 100
blooms. The Honorable Mention Ribbon went
to E. J. Wyke of Columbus, Indiana. The va¬
riety was Stained Glass, one difficult to grow
well. This plant was 18 or 20 inches in di¬
ameter, dark ruffled foliage, about 30 beauti¬
fully marked blooms, much larger than is
usually found on this variety.

The Society’s Gold Rosette Award went to
E. J. Wyke of Columbus, Indiana, for his entry
of Double Pink Fire, Shag and Delft Imperial.
Each plant was about 20 inches in diameter,
with very dark foliage, the blossoms evenly
spread over the entire plant. Double Pink Fire
and Shag each had from 60 to 75 blooms. Delft
Imperial about 30. The Purple Rosette Award
went to Mrs. Albert Lefebvre of Kansas City,
Mo., with Snow Ballet, Green Confetti and
Fire Dance. Snow Ballet was the most beauti¬
ful plant of that variety I have ever seen. It
was perfectly round, 20 inches in diameter,
large leaves lying flat, with many huge pure
white blossoms. Green Confetti was beautifully
variegated in green, cream and pink with vari¬
egation on almost every leaf. The plant was

62

very symmetrical, and with its dark blue
double blooms made a striking appearance. The
third plant in this group, Fire Dance, was
about 20 inches in diameter, with large dark
green leaves, and 50 huge single red blooms
with prominent pollen sacs. I consider this
variety difficult to grow into a show plant, so
Mrs. Lefebvre is to be congratulated for her
success with it.

There were three blue ribbons in the Seed¬
ling Class: Seedling No. 2 entered by Mrs.
Lefebvre; Petunia, by Mrs. Monroe Trapp from
St. Paul, Minn, and Merry Ann. (I hope I will
be forgiven for either failing to record or
loosing my notes on the name of the owner
and description of Merry Ann for it was a fine
seedling. Somehow in all the excitement of
the Show I seem t,o have neglected to do this.)
Mrs. Lefebvre’s entry was judged the winning
seedling. It had dark green heavy foliage,
with a very large wine-red double bloom. It
was perhaps not such an unusual or striking
plant, but it appeared to have everything it
takes to make an ideal show plant and was
truly very beautiful.

Show Awards were:

YEARBOOK AWARDS: $15 to Tennessee Val¬
ley African Violet Club, Knoxville, Tenn.; $10
to the Baltimore, Md. African Violet Society;
$5 to The African Violet Society of Spring-
field, Pa.

ARNDT’S FLORAL GARDENS AWARD: $10
gift certificate for best arrangement using
miniature cut A. V. blooms, Mrs. W. F. Ander¬
son, St. Louis, Mo.; $10 gift certificate for best
miniature, Mrs. F. A. Gettinger, St. Louis, Mo.,
variety, Redderness; $5 gift certificate for sec¬
ond best miniature, Mrs. Keith Myers, Shaw¬
nee Mission, Kansas, variety, Irish Elf.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS’ AWARDS: most
blue ribbons in Specimen Classes, Mrs. Joseph
Trost, Indianapolis, Ind.; most blue ribbons in
Arrangement Classes, Mrs. F. H. Rieber, East
St. Louis, Mo.

CHARLES DAY AWARD: $15 for best bright
red, Mrs. D. H. Henning, Grand Prairie, Texas.
Variety, Ardent Red.

EDENA GARDENS AWARD: $10 for best ar¬
rangement in Class 40, THEME OF SHOW,
Mrs. F. H. Rieber, East St. Louis, Mo.

ATLAS FISH EMULSION AWARD: for best
green edged blossom, Mrs. Joseph Trost, In¬
dianapolis, Ind. Variety, Green Dawn.
GRANGER GARDENS AWARD: $25 for best
plant of Cambridge Pink, Midnight Seas, Ice
Flo, or Savannah Sweetheart — E. J. Wyke,
Columbus, Indiana. Variety, Savannah Sweet-

INDIANAPOLIS AFRICAN VIOLET CLUB
AWARD: $25 for best Coon Valley or Lovely
Lady, to Mrs. Joseph Trost. Variety, Coon
Valley. $25 for best Green Dawn or Red
Crown, to Mrs. Trost. Variety, Green Dawn.
INDIANA STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY AWARD: plaque to registrant of best
registered named variety to Lyndon Lyon.
Variety, Hi Hopes.

Above, The Commercial Silver Trophy was awarded
to Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio. Below, The Com¬
mercial Silver Cup, Commercial Division, White Cloud
Farm, Carthage, Missouri. Plant, Legend.

me Silver Cup, Amateur Division, Mrs. Joseph Trost,

Indiana. Plant, Hi Hopes

63

JOSEPHINE HASENYAGER MEMORIAL
AWARD: silver jewel box for the best arrange¬
ment in Classes 38 through 41, to Mrs. F. H.
Rieber, East St. Louis, Mo.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS AFRICAN VIO¬
LET SOCIETY AWARD: for best arrangement
using cut white African violet blossoms, Mrs.
W. F. Anderson, St. Louis, Mo.

MRS. J. R. MILLIKAN AWARD: silver com¬
pote for best variegated foliage plant, Mrs.
Albert Lefebvre, Kansas City, Mo. Variety,
Printed Silk.

POPULAR GARDENING SWEEPSTAKES
AWARD: a sterling silver bowl to the winner
of the most blue ribbons in Classes 1 through
30, Mrs. Joseph Trost.

RUTH CAREY AWARD: $5 to the winner of
the Tricolor Award in the Arrangement Sec¬
tion, Classes 38 through 41, Mrs. F. H. Rieber,
St. Louis, Mo.

SELECT VIOLET HOUSE AWARD: $15 for
the best plant of Beaming, Patent Leather, Our
Regards, or Double Garnet to Mrs. Joseph
Trost. Variety, Beaming.

SMITH POTTING SOIL COMPANY AWARD:
$25 for the most outstanding seedling or muta¬
tion never before exhibited in a National Con¬
vention Show, Mrs. Albert Lefebvre of Kansas
City, Mo. Variety, Seedling No. 2.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COUNCIL
AWARD: $25 for the best plant of Saintpaulia
species, Mrs. Glenn B. Hudson, Westfield, New
Jersey. Variety, S. orbicularis.

STIM - U - PLANT LABORATORIES INC.
AWARDS: plaque and $50 for the best regis¬
tered named variety. Classes 1 through 30, Mrs.
Joseph Trost. Variety, Hi Hopes. Plaque and
$25 for the best purple or blue, Mrs. Monroe
Trapp, St. Paul, Minn. Variety, Cavalier.
Plaque and $25 for the best red, E, J. Wyke,
Columbus, Ind. Variety, Burma Ruby. Plaque
and $25 for the best white, Mrs. Keith Myers,
Shawnee Mission, Kansas. Variety, Irish Elf.
TUBE CRAFT, INC. AWARD: a complete
Flora Cart for the three best specimen plants,
Classes 1 through 9, one true purple, one pink,
one white, Mrs Joseph Trost. Varieties, Coon
Valley, Amanda, White Madonna.

There were no entries eligible for the Research
Cross Hybrid, Madison Gardens, and Tinari
Greenhouses Awards. Madison Gardens re¬
quested that their award of $25 be given to
the Boyce Edens Research Fund.
ARRANGEMENT CLASSES: Blue ribbon win¬
ners were as follows: Class 34, Mrs. H. R.
Tiedeman, Normal, Ill., Mrs. George McIntosh,
Normal, Ill.; Class 35, Mrs. F. H. Rieber, East
St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Vernon Wolland, Peoria,
Ill., Mrs. Thelma Usinger, St. Louis, Mo.,
Mrs. V. J. Kunz, St. Louis, Mo.; Class 36, Mrs.
Christine Osborne, Ft. Worth, Texas, Mrs.
J. C. Danley, Kansas City, Mo.; Class 37, Mrs.
H. R. Tiedeman, Normal, Ill.; Class 38, Mrs.
Charles Dedera, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. Christine
Osborne, Ft. Worth, Texas, Mrs. Lawrence
Paul, Bloomington, Ill., Mrs. H. R. Tiedeman,
Normal, Ill.; Class 39, Mrs. F. H. Rieber, St.
Louis, Mo., Mrs. W. F. Anderson, St. Louis,

Pink Coquette, Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio, best
new introduction in Commercial Division.

Above, E. J. Wyke’s Gold Rosette Award plants: Shag,
Double Pink Fire, Delft Imperial. Below, Seedling No.
2, Mrs. Albert Lefebvre, best new seedling in Amateur
Division.

64

Pink 'n Pretty

Bobby Blue

Frolic

Green Goblin

JefPs Jewel

Kenya’s Ruffles
65

Dot’s Pink Dot

White Carnation

!

i

Dear One

Exotic

Vallins Seedling

Petite and Sweet

Red Witch
66

Carmelita

War Paint

Camelot Rose

Green Giant

Sunny

Twisteena

Adelyn

Sue Ann
67

Charlotte Hughes

Mrs. H. R. Tiedeman, Class 34

Mrs. W. F. Anderson, Class 41

Mrs. F. H. Rieber, Class 39. \

Mrs. John Buckner, Class 41

Mrs. W. F. Anderson, Class 39,

Mrs. H. R. Tiedeman. Class 38,

68

Mo.; Class 40, Mrs. F. H. Rieber, St. Louis, Mo.,
Mrs. Vernon Wolland, Peoria, Ill.; Class 41,
Mrs. F. H. Rieber, St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. George
McIntosh, Normal, Ill., Mrs. Emerson Brown,
St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. W. F. Anderson, St. Louis,
Mo., Mrs. Christine Osborne, Ft. Worth, Texas,
Mrs. John Buckner, Pleasant Hill, Mo.

Because of lack of space, it is impossible to
describe each of these entries, so the descrip¬
tions will be limited to those which are pic¬
tured. I trust that the exhibitors will be satis¬
fied with my efforts — I can describe speci¬
men plants much better than I can arrange¬
ments. Class 34, INVITATION TO THE GAR¬
DEN, Mrs. H. R. Tiedeman. The base was a
piece of slate, approximately 12 x 18 inches.
Materials used were driftwood with a delicate
pink and white violet, branches for height,
yew cuttings for a background for the plant,
and a snail nestled in moss at the right of the
setting. Class 38, VIOLETS BRING MEMOR¬
IES, Mrs. H. R. Tiedeman. A miniature jewel
case, with sides and lid of glass, sat upon a
small black base. The case was filled with
lavender violet blooms, variegated ivy was
entwined over the lid and extended from the
right side of the case, with a gold chain neck¬
lace spilling out from the case on the right
side. VIOLETS BRING MEMORIES, Mrs.
Charles Dedera. On a round blue velvet base
sat a small silver jewel box, in which was a
small plant with double red blooms. Delicate
branches of juniper were brought up over the
lid and from the right side of the plant, with
a string of pearls falling over the front of
the box. Class 39, SO PURE, SO LOVELY,
Mrs, F. H. Rieber. Base and background were
golden yellow. A milk white compote con¬
tained white African violet blooms, and violet
leaves. Yew formed the Hogarth curve. SO
PURE, SO LOVELY, Mrs. W. F. Anderson.
Base was a white footed circle draped with
yellow silk. A cherub carried a basket on its
head, the basket filled with blooms from Gran¬
ger Gardens’ Snow Ballet. The leaves were
Episcia and the branches were Cotoneaster.
Class 41, LINE ARRANGEMENTS, Mrs. W. F.
Anderson. Base, black circle. Container, a
charcoal Rosenthal salt dish. Violet blooms
from Fleur de Lis. Other materials were Scotch
Broom, and baby leaves from Blush ’n Sno.
LINE ARRANGEMENT, Mrs. John Buckner.
The black base was a five inch oblong. The
container was a tiny green bowl, about 3 inches
in diameter. In this were five tiny white violet
blooms. Miniature ivy gave height and also
extended to the right of the container.

Class 40. ‘‘VIOLET GARDEN SYMPHONY”
theme of the show. Mrs. F. H. Rieber, St.
Louis, Mo. Best arrangement in the show. Base
was purple velvet. The container was a small
pot setting on the base of an inverted very
long-stemmed purple glass goblet. In the pot
were pink violet blooms and grape hyacinth.
Ivy formed the curved line of the arrange¬
ment. On the base, to the left, was a lavender
and white figurine — a girl playing a harp.

The Commercial Division

Lucile Rainsberger, Lambertville, Mich.

More time and space will be devoted to the
Commercial Show in the September Magazine.
This will be only a resume of awards and a
glimpse of what is to come.

These are the awards;

Class 2. Horticultural Perfection ^ — Blue Ros¬
ette, Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio; Red
Rosette, Richter’s Greenhouse, Highland, In¬
diana; White Rosette, Mr. and Mrs. Lyndon
Lyon, Dolgeville, N.Y.

Class 3. Best Staged Exhibits — Blue Rosette,
Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio; Red Rosette,
Fischer Greenhouses, Linwood, N.J.; White
Rosette, Richter’s Greenhouse, Highland, Ind.

See page 63 for photograph of Granger
Gardens exhibit table which won for them
the Commercial Silver Trophy.

Class 7 . Pink Rosette to best plant in each
exhibit (new this year) — Pink Coquette,
Granger Gardens, Medina, Ohio; Plum Dandy,
Haga and Son Greenhouses, Charlotte, N.C.;
Adelyn, Pocono Mt. Violets, Moscow, Pa.;
Renya’s Ruffles, Rose Knoll Gardens, Assump¬
tion, Illinois; Fischer’s Flirt, Fischer Green¬
houses, Linwood, N.J.; Green Goblin, Mr. and
Mrs. Lyndon Lyon, Dolgeville, N.Y.; Glisten¬
ing Pink, Madison Gardens, Madison, Ohio;
Green Dawn Supreme, Richter’s Greenhouse,
Highland, Ind.; Vallin’s White Carnation Seed¬
ling, Gertrude’s Violets, Lake Charles, La.
Commercial Silver Trophy was awarded to
the exhibitor of the best exhibit table in the
Commercial Division: Granger Gardens, Me¬
dina, Ohio.

Class 6. Best New Introductions — The New
Introduction Award, a plaque for the best new
commercial variety, was presented to Granger
Gardens for Pink Coquette. This lovely plant
was displayed at the very top center of the
Granger Gardens’ exhibit and was certainly
worthy of that place of honor. It is a huge
double wavy, shaded pink with a heavy beaded
white edge on each petal. The foliage is dark,
slightly wavy with a serrated edge. Carmelita,
the second place winner, was introduced by
Richter’s Greenhouse. It is already released
and should prove a welcome addition in the
pink class. The bloom is a brilliant cerise pink,
semidouble shading to a light edge. The black-
green, wavy, somewhat troughed foliage added
to brilliant prolific bloom, makes a very at¬
tractive plant. Adelyn, the third place winner,
is from a new exhibitor, Pocono Mt. Violets
by Di Sandis of Moscow, Pa. His introductions
are outstanding for prolific bloom. I believe
v/e may expect much from him in the future.
Adelyn is a semidouble pink, heavily fringed
with a Geneva edge.

See page 64 for photograph of Pink
Coquette.

69

The Commercial Silver Cup to best specimen
plant exhibited by a Commercial Member not
exhibiting in the regular Commercial Exhibit
table section: Legend, White Cloud Farm, Car¬
thage, Mo. Legend also received the Pink
Rosette in its class. This plant had semi-
Supreme, very dark, red-backed foliage. The
leaves were slightly scooped and had serrated
edges. It had lots of flat double pink blooms
showing the pollen centers — in all a beautiful
show plant.

Photograph on page 63.

GERTRUDE’S VIOLETS. White Carnation
Seedling (Vallin) — Fringed white double,
rays of orchid from center, slight green edge,
green buds on lovely dark ruffled red-backed
foliage. Red Witch (Vallin) — - This has been
released for some time but is not too well
known as yet. It is a cerise double, touched
with green, with an interesting longifolia,
much ruffled leaf. Vallin Seedling — Plain
troughed foliage with double shaded pink
bloom.

Photographs on page 66.

RICHTER’S GREENHOUSE. Carmelita — al¬
ready described. Dear One — Double, bright
rose pink, bow-knot center, fresh green, some¬
what troughed foliage, which is ruffled show¬
ing the green back. Fire Sprite — This is a
plant for those of you who want bright color
coupled with window sill size. It has plain,
dark green foliage topped by a great many
cerise double blooms.

Photographs on page 66.

MADISON GARDENS. Bobby Blue — - Small
growing plant, wavy, bright green foliage,
blossom large, slightly cupped lavender-blue
with light streak through center. La Vie en
Rose — Very pretty plant. Plain, bronzy green
foliage, pink double, cerise center. Pink ’n
Pretty — And it was “pink ’n pretty” too.
Bright green, waved, troughed foliage, flat
double pink and white.

Photographs on page 65.

LYNDON LYON. Pink Dish — Good green
ruffled foliage, fringed semidouble pink. Love¬
ly! Frolic — Regular foliage, huge pink Star
with dark pink center, frilled Geneva edge.
Green Goblin — Ruffled, red-backed, modified
Holly foliage. The bloom is double, red-orchid
with a green edge. This looks like a good one.
Photographs on page 65.

ROSE KNOLL GARDENS. Renya’s Ruffles
(Bracken) — Large black, red-backed foliage,
deeply crenated edge, bright rose-pink double,
green edge. A beautiful plant! Jeff’s Jewel
(RKG) — Clackamus Rattler foliage, double
rose-pink bloom. Dot’s Pink Dart (Bracken)
— Huge plant, black, elongated foliage, red-

backed, heavy blooming, double flat pink,
green buds. Good.

Photographs on page 65.

HAGA AND SON GREENHOUSES. Green
Giant ■ — Good foliage, double white, almost
half green, green buds. Good bloomer! Sunny

— Big, light reddish single with creamy col¬
ored variegated foliage. Twisteena — Very
frilled chartreuse tipped double orchid, dark
Holly foliage.

Photographs on page 67.

POCONO MOUNTAIN VIOLETS. Charlotte
Hughes — Nice dark foliage, prolific double
cerise. Adelyn -— described previously. Sue
Ann — Regular, well- variegated foliage, fuch¬
sia Star.

Photographs on page 67.

GRANGER GARDENS. Pink Coquette — Al¬
ready described. Big ’n Bold — Foliage, dark
green tailored, pointed serrated leaf. Huge
single bloom which could easily measure 2^/2
inches, deep purple with heavy Geneva edge.
War Paint — - Slightly wavy, medium dark
green, cupped foliage. Blossom, single, deep
cerise in color with wide white stripe through
each petal — very attractive but described as
“strictly a novelty” which means it may not
come true. It was interesting to me to see the
number of striped singles in the Commercial
exhibits. I believe the day is not too far off
when this interesting marking will be staba-
lized. I do hope so. Canielot Rose — - A very
interesting and lovely plant. A shade of rose-
orchid hard to describe, lovely and desirable,
a single with such heavy crepe edge it gave
the appearance of being double, large size
bloom, wavy, red-backed foliage, heavily ser¬
rated edge.

Photographs on page 67.

FISCHER GREENHOUSES. Exotic — Giant
deeply fringed double white with some traces
of chartreuse edging and bright pollen centers.
Flowers on strong upright stems. Gently
waved medium green foliage. Petite and Sweet

— Large deep pink and white single fringed
blossoms on strong erect flower stems. Sym¬
metrical in nature with attractively waved
semiglossy deep green foliage. Rambling Rose
— - Heavily flowering deep rosy pink double
fringed blossoms. Rightly named because of
the rambling effect of the heavy clusters of
blossoms gracefully displayed over beautiful
deep green waved foliage. Good symmetrical
grower.

Photographs on page 66.

DR. SHELDON C. REED — A special purple
ribbon award was made to Dr. Reed for his
interesting and informative education display.
It will be described in the September Mag¬
azine. , •

70

E. Tropical Topaz on right.

Episcia Tropical Topaz

Mrs. Don Canfield, Omaha, Nebraska

My Episcia Tropical Topaz is in bloom and
is very lovely. I know many growers have had
trouble getting this Episcia to bloom as the
buds form but dry up before opening. I bought
my plant from a dear friend and she also had
had trouble with the buds drying up.

My friend had planted this Episcia in steri¬
lized Bacto soil and also put a redwood totem
pole in the center and fastened the runners to
it with “tidy pins.” I have not changed the
soil, or in any way disturbed the plant. I put
it in the sunroom off my kitchen where it
gets plenty of light and humidity, and is away
from any drafts. I do lower the blinds if the
sun is too hot for it is in a southern exposure.
I feed it every Monday with “Schultz-Instant”
liquid plant food: 3 drops to a pint of water.
Then, every day I add fresh water, just enough
to keep it damp all the time. After six weeks
I had lovely yellow blooms, and if all the buds
open, which seems probable, it will be a beau¬
tiful sight as it is a lovely large plant. •

-BINDERS-

You Will Enjoy The
Convenience of Keeping
All Your Copies of The

AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE

in permanent binders, two for $6.50
postpaid. Each binder holds ten copies.
African Violet Magazine is attractively
lettered in gold on the dark green
covering.

Single binders are not sold.

Write to:

P.O. Box 1326

Knoxville, Tennessee

African Violet Society of America, Inc.

Mrs. Aldridge holding prize plant.

My Feathers Fell

Dora Maud Aldridge, Panama City, Florida

Before attending the National Convention
in Kansas City, I thought I had some real
pretty violets. After seeing some of those beau¬
tiful specimen plants, my feathers fell. It has
made me come home with the determination
of growing better foliage as well as profusion
of bloom. In this picture I am holding my
Cotton Clouds, which was Queen of the Show
this year at our Dixie Show in Montgomery,
Ala. I am very proud of t,he many nice ribbons
I have won in lots of shows but I am still not
content. Now, it is my desire to enter a Na¬
tional Show and try for the lovely texture of
foliage I found there. Must admit, however,
that, I had rather have the bloom than have
just strong petioles.

Space is always a problem of those of us
who love to grow so many. My practice is to
cull down on larger plants after the show and
start some new ones in their place. That gives
me more room, for awhile! One time I thought
it, was the thing just to have a large number of
varieties now I am learning to throw those
away that do not perform well under my con¬
ditions and look for quality and not for quan¬
tity. Just to mention a few that do well under
my conditions I like. Little Jewel, Tall Tales,
Bonnie Foi, Giant Blue Crest, Top Sail, Snows
of K., Chimes, White Trumpet, The Michado,
Constance Hanson, Shag and Heidi. Some are
very old but if they do the job then I will
keep them.

Now I will have to find more to throw away
for I must make room for some of the new
ones I saw at the Convention. I would love
to have War Paint, Pink Coquette, Cupid’s
Wink, and Camelot Rose. (I am already look¬
ing at the map and seeing how far it is to
Dallas.)

Editor’s Note — -Mrs. Aldridge is the author
of Make Your Own Corsage, $3.00, published
by Dorrance & Co., 131 N. 20th, Philadelphia,
Pa.

71

For Sale ;

African Violets

Lucile C. Rainsberger, Lambertville, Michigan

DO you sell African violets? Almost every¬
one who gets bitten by that African violet
bug does, sooner or later. How else can we
satisfy that craving to start those wonderful
leaves broken off accidentally, or not so acci¬
dentally? There is a rejuvenating and exhile-
rating feeling in watching those new leaflets
peek above the starter mix. There is a thrill
in separating new plantlets and in watching
them develop into husky, well rounded little
plants, ready to go on to larger pots and heavy
blooming. We are spurred on by our failures,
by the flowers that aren’t quite as large as
they ought to be, by plants that are leggy
when someone else’s are not, by plants that
come into bloom slowly when those on a
friend’s plant shelves come on quickly. If
someone else can do it, we can too! There is
the urge to beat our own record. We will not
be satisfied until we attain a rather high de¬
gree of skill in growing our favorite flower.
We can throw away our failures. That will
tend to keep the number moderate for quite
some time, but all that while we are gaining
skill and the number of good or excellent
plants increases rather rapidly. Now this is a
two-faced dilemma. All the while we are learn¬
ing how to grow better and better African
violets so that we do a fairly presentable job
after a while, we are torn with the desire to
acquire the lovely new ones we see and read
about. And there are so many, many desirable
ones!

Now there is a mathematical fact which I
fioubt if the mathematicians know about, but
mathematical nonetheless. And it is a fact.
Ask yourself if it isn’t. This is it. Space is a
constant factor. The number of violets is not
constant but tends to increase. As the number
of African violets increases, available space
decreases. Something has to give! Since space
is constant, the violets must diminish in num¬
ber. That is when we start selling.

Those selling violets fall mainly into two
classifications. There is the commercial estab¬
lishment with greenhouses of varying sizes
and numbers and with thousands upon thou¬
sands of violets. What a glorious sight they
make as we step to the door and gaze on that
tapestry of color. I’ll never forget that breath¬
taking view the first time I saw such a display.
For several years it was the mecca of my
thoughts. If I needed a lift, a trip there was
all that was needed to make a new person of
me. Many a time I have gone just to shrug off
the perplexities and little irritations bothering
me. Surely with so much beauty in the world,
we can say with ‘Robert Browning, “God’s in
His heaven — All’s right with the world.”

Then there is the hobbyist, even you and I.
Each of the two classes has his advantages
apd offers something different. The large com¬
mercial grower is often the hybridizer who
produces for us the exciting new varieties we
crave so much. In his greenhouse, he brings
them on quickly and with abundant bloom. He
does everything in his power to produce for
us plants we can trust. He is meticulous in his
disease prevention program. He must be, for
he would suffer a terrific loss should trouble
set in, and it can set in with ease when such
a large number of plants is grown and when
so many people visit and handle them.

A good plant, well grown, carefully
groomed, disease free, cannot be a cheap plant.
If the public is intent on buying cheap plants,
they can find them, but they are apt to be
expensive indeed. A good plant can be mod¬
erately priced, but one cannot afford to grow
them well and sell them at a “give away”
price. It is not fair to other growers when
you find plants so priced. It is either that he
does not know about the value of time and
materials or else doesn’t care, wanting only a
little pin-money. Beware of the “cheap” plant.
There usually aren’t any that are worth even
the small amount you pay. Some of you have
found this out to your sorrow.

If you sell, do you sell plants of the highest
qualitj^? It is here we have the advantage over
the large scale growers. We can take the time
to inspect and develop each plant separately.
Do you throw away the plants that aren’t A
No. 1, unless, of course, you can recondition
them? Do you groom each plant, gently forc¬
ing leaves into place so that they make the
perfect wheel? Have you taken off the baby
leaves, replanting if necessary to set the plant
at proper depth in the soil so it won’t have a
neck? Have you kept suckers out? Are you
careful to sell plants with leaves that are not
marked? Do you constantly weed out of your
collection those plants and varieties which are
inferior in growth habit and bloom? Are you
ever guilty of selling a plant you suspect may
have something wrong with it? To our credit,
I believe I can honestly say, very few ever do.
All these are our responsibilities.

We also have privileges. Many folks come
to buy from the small grower, not only be¬
cause it may be handy, but because they want
instructions in growing African violets. The
majority of people who buy are earnestly
striving to succeed in growing violets even as
we did once and as we still do. Do you take
time to explain what suckers are and how to
remove them and why they should be re¬
moved? Most purchasers don’t know this and
are fascinated by the information and demon¬
stration. I have had trouble, at times, trying
to find a plant with suckers to use for such
demonstrations. I have learned to set one in
a special place for that purpose, changing it
every so often so the suckers won’t get too
large. When I forget to do this, I have such a
time finding a demonstration plant but am

72

sure to find plenty as soon as I am not looking
for one. Do you explain to them which leaves
should be removed from a plant in grooming
it — that small sized leaves lower than larger
ones must be removed? Some people do not
want you to remove them at the time, as they
would like to try rooting them. They are glad,
however, to be told which leaves to take off
and how to do it. Do you explain and some¬
times demonstrate how to repot, how to sepa¬
rate cuttings? Do you explain what is superior
about your potting mix and how to fertilize. I
know. Sometimes it takes two hours to sell a
75 cent plant. At the same time you have given
$5.00 worth of information. But isn’t your aim
the same as theirs, the growing of finer Afri¬
can violets? And you do want your purchaser
to succeed not only because you love African
violets and want him to, but also from a purely
business viewpoint. If he succeeds with this
one, he will inevitably be in the market for
more.

We have another privilege. I have found
many people eager for it. Do you explain the
advantages of membership in the African Vio¬
let Society? Many don’t know they can get
such help. I keep application blanks on hand
to give out to those interested. No, they won’t
all be used, in spite of good intentions, but
over half of them will. I know that at least 15
of those I gave out last year have joined the
Society. Often times someone comes back and
tells me how thrilled she is with her magazine,
how she reads it cover to cover and then over
again. I do too, so I know how much it means
to her.

Remember always that with advantage goes
responsibility. We have the advantage of grow¬
ing a different kind of plant for the buying
public. Wouldn’t it be an insurmountable task
for the large grower with his tens of thousands
of plants to look each one over, straightening
a leaf here, staking one there to make near
perfect symmetry? Can you imagine him or
his help taking precious time and effort to go
over each plant to see that all suckers are
removed? Can he water each and every plant
so carefully that leaves are not marred? He
isn’t to be blamed for this. It is impossible. But
you and I are to be blamed if we offer poorly
groomed plants for sale. It is our responsibility
to offer to the public the very finest plants
we are capable of producing — and if we
can’t produce good ones, we have no business
selling them. They must not only be beautiful
to look at but as near trouble free as can be
produced. We also have the responsibility of
pricing our plants in line with prevailing
prices in the community in which we live. If
we don’t know what that is, we can find out
very easily. Let’s offer the best possible plant
at a reasonable amount of money. Let’s take
time to teach, and to answer questions. Let’s
tell people about the African Violet Society
and the benefits of membership. Let’s be
aware of our advantages and live up to our
privileges and responsibilities. •

Gro-Lux Light Experiences

by Liza Damron, Glass Manor, Maryland

Like most violet lovers, I want to help my
violets grow and bloom better, so I invested
in the Gro-Lux tubes for my three-tier Flora
Cart. The foliage is the first notable difference
— it is so lush and glossy. The plants that were
not in bloom had buds form more quickly,
and they soon opened fully. The pinks show
more change for me than other colors; Black
Magic holds its own dark blue; Wintry Rose
and Red Crown look much lighter than under
warm white lights. Right now Naomi’s After-
glo is a riot of deep, deep pink blooms, and
her Pink ’n Snow is gorgeous. I treat it like
the rest and the shades of variegation are
pronounced and clear.

Small plants grow much faster, and leaves
take root easily. I notice they dry out more
quickly, but I like that. All plants sit on hard¬
ware cloth, and are in plastic pots.

by Alton Maddux, Mineral Wells, Texas

I have been growing African violets for over
10 years, but only during the past two years
have I really enjoyed this hobby and business.
This has been due to the wonderful Gro-Lux
lights. Words cannot describe, nor voice ex¬
pound the wonderful change these lights made.
Shrill looks like an exotic sunrise; the color
takes on a sheen that is beyond description.
All my visitors stand spellbound. Oh, the joy
of sharing such an impressive hobby!

My violets (over 1,000 of them) are grown
in the basement. No time clock ever turns
the lights on and off. It is my privilege to
make the sun rise and set for my plants.

Here are a few of the things I have observed
with the new Gro-Lux lights: instead of burn¬
ing them for 15 hours or more, I leave the
Gro-Lux lights on for only 10 or 11 hours
and I think that is sufficient. This cuts the
electric bill by one-third. I will state, without
doubt, that a plant in a 3 inch pot can be
grown to blooming size from a leaf cutting in
two-thirds of the time. This also cuts down on
the electric bill. You who have several dozen
lights know what a saving that can be. Foliage
and bloom take on such beautiful color. Even
when placed in natural light, they seem to
reflect the beauty of having been grown to
perfection.

I find my plants need more water and more
light feedings, so I use Liquid Whale at
strength nearly every watering, and haven’t
lost a single plant due to crown rot under the
new lights. Try a few of the Gro-Lux lights —
you will not be disappointed.

I can hardly wait until 1964 when the Con¬
vention will be in Dallas which is only about
80 miles from here; and hope that many of
you will plan to attend. You will never find a
friendlier group than our Texas people.

Folks, be sure and come to Dallas! •

73

Mrs. Kennedy.

IT all started when I met my husband. He
wanted to take me home to meet Mother
on our very first date! We went; and what a
splendid array of plants I was met by, at his
home. At that time I had no idea what an
African violet was, but did I ever learn fast.
There were hundreds of them: all kinds and
colors. And, by the way, Jim’s Mom was pretty
nice.

My story jumps a few years (to 1959) during
which time I married Jim and we moved to
Florida. I found my first violet in the Five
and Ten. It was Fairy, a single purple. How I
mistreated that poor plant! I watered it with
cold water, when I remembered, and even
kept it outdoors; but apparently it did not fare
too badly because it is still alive at this time
which is more than three years later.

I feel as though Peg (Jim’s Mom who is
just not the mother-in-law type) should also
be writing this story as it is as much hers as
it is mine. She and Jim’s Dad came to visit us
during the spring of 1960, and with them came
about ten small plantlets for me. Then the
bug really bit me! I was working part of the
time while they were visiting (I am a regis¬
tered nurse), but every afternoon Peg and I
hunted and found a new nursery. Before our
guests left I know I had at least 25 different
violets. Then Peg, who had bought several to
take home, surprised me by leaving them for
me. Among my first violets were: Black
Cherry (my largest and favorite). Air Waves,
Blue Peak, Emperor Wilhelm, Blue Caprice,
Pride of Rochester, Show Lady, Santa Maria,
and Organza.

But my plants were not to stay put. In about
6 months I had about 150 plants . . . they were
everywhere. We moved into a larger apart¬
ment; I bought several bookcase type shelves,
and we even built a room divider which is
stained walnut and has 4 five-foot shelves with
adjustable poles. By now my husband was
telling everyone that he lived in a jungle, and
he tried to give my violets to everyone who
came to visit. By now I had learned a little
more about African violets and their culture,
and used lukewarm water and watered them
from the top. Also, I alternated each week
with a few drops of Atlas Fish Emulsion, Hy-
ponex, or Sfim-U-Plant (according to direc¬
tions). But, as I said, they were not to stay
put. My husband was recalled into the Army

The Travels Of
My African Violets I

Jeanne Kennedy, Tampa, Florida

during the Berlin crisis. I was panic stricken
that my violets would be left behind . . . but
the Army moved our furniture and we only
had to take the necessities until we found a
place to stay in Alabama, where we were
stationed . . . that amounted to a carloadful
but we made room for most of my violets. We
had planned a trip to New York, so hurriedly
packed and were on our way. I spent all one
day packing my violets. There were some I
just had to give away and leave behind but
for those I was taking I wrapped a collar of
rolled newspaper around each plant and
packed them in large cartons. The cartons
were piled to the ceiling of the car and I
shared the front seat with four large cartons
and the T-V. We looked like nomads.

I had every intention of giving my violets
to Peg, and I thought that some day I would
start over, but Peg said she would only baby¬
sit for them until I was so situated that I
could have them again. Now her house looked
like the jungle! Jim went to Alabama first,
then I followed when he found an apartment.

I took the train a week later but not with
empty arms. Peg had some rooted plantlets
and one of my favorites, T-V Stagline, for me
to take. They were growing in aluminum pie
plates which were easy to carry in gift type
boxes. I just couldn’t bear to have so few
plants, so again I started looking for nurseries
and I obtained a copy of Helen Van Pelt
Wilson’s book ‘TOOl African Violet Questions
and Answers by 12 Experts” and really began
working with my violets the way the experts
had.

The Kennedys again came to visit in the
spring and along with them came a few of
my old favorites, which had survived two
long trips beautifully. I again had Black
Cherry with me, much to my pleasure, and
it never had so many beautiful blooms. I need¬
ed something to hold my violets, since we had
stored the room divider and bookcases, so I
bought a violet tree which held nine of my
plants. The others were placed on window
ledges and tables where they thrived on west¬
ern exposure. I was then using Atlas Fish
Emulsion exclusively.

We were discharged from the Army this
past August and decided to return to Tampa.
Oh! that packing of violets again. I must, at
this time, say that my husband was most
patient. It was a most uncomfortable trip with
many cartons again filled with violets, and
me about to have my first son. We found a nice
house in Tampa with a Florida room which

74

has windows all around. I put the room divider
in front of the windows facing south, and
Jim’s Dad built a shelf under the windows
facing east. My violet tree receives mostly
artificial light, and my babies are on all the
window ledges. Jim’s parents came to visit us
last November and back came all my original
plants and a few of Peg’s. So, as you can see,
my plants have really seen a good part of
these United States.

I start all my fresh- cut leaves in water in
baby food jars that are covered by a piece of
aluminum foil at the opening, and leave them
until a good root system develops and I can
see tiny plantlets. Then I transfer them to
vermiculite in an aluminum pie pan; I mix
just a small amount of African Violet Potting
Soil (a commercial blend) with it. I tried
using a layer of charcoal, peat moss and ver¬
miculite but my leaves did not do well. I leave
the mama leaf on even after I transfer the
plantlets to the 2^2 inch pot. My babies are
usually about 1 V2 inches tall. When I feel
confident that the plant will do well, I cut off
the mama leaf and use her again. I do not
separate my tiny plantlets until they are
crowding the pot, then when they are still
slightly damp from watering I carefully re¬
move them from the pot and cut them apart.

At present I am alternating feedings with
Atlas Fish Emulsion and Black Magic African
Violet Blossom Booster. Every time I water
(usually about every 3 or 4 days) I use just
a drop or two of one of the above products.

When repotting all my plants into the next
size pot I always use a layer of charcoal on
the very bottom. This seems to help drainage
and to keep the soil sweet. I also mix a small
amount of vermiculite with my soil to keep
it light.

I do not boast of a perfect record in grow¬
ing violets, but they certainly do get plenty
of T.L.C. In the past I have lost several plants
to crown rot from overwatering, but I had yet
to see a pest in any form until last month. I
did the inevitable that most violet lovers do:
went to a small nursery that was going out
of business and obtained four bargains, one of
which was a favorite of mine — Kimberly.
She was the first to go. I thought it was crown
rot, then as I was examining my plants I
discovered tiny worms in a plant next to an¬
other of my bargains. I had made the mistake
of not keeping these plants isolated for a few
weeks. Two more of these plants died ■ —
worms again spotted! Thus far I have not
seen any more and my plants in this area seem
to be doing well.

I have found that the Florida or southern
climate really is conducive to growing violets
with large leaves. The leaves on some of my
plants seem huge. I am hoping that there will
be no further moves in the near future so that
my violets can really get acclimated; and my
not too future dream is to one day have an
African violet nursery ... in partnership
with Peg, of course. •

For Collectors Who Sew

Opal Spicer, Silver Spring, Md.

Save the little plastic containers that some
zippers come in to use as pots for baby seed¬
lings. (The larger size may be used for leaf
cuttings.) I have my husband drill a small hole
in the bottom of each for drainage. They are
attractive and practical and make handy little
pots in which to plant tiny violets grown from
seed.

Screening In A Porch

Ruth S. Doxee, Bellingham, Washington

Too many violets sitting around the house?
Even I rebelled at them sitting everywhere so
I had a vacation from them. A small porch
was enclosed on the north side of the house,
using heavy plastic that was held in place
with lath.

The violets did not do too much during the
summer months but by August they were
loaded with flowers. The growth of the leaves
shortened and the flower color was intense.
One would never recognize the varieties. The
daytime temperature would go to 70 or 80
degrees and the lowest at night was in the
upper forties. The plants were put out in May
and brought back in the house in September.
Now the bloom is really coming out. The
trouble is that they are so much larger now
that I have more tables filled. •

Summer Fertilization

Advice on fertilizing African violets in
summer usually begins with: do not fertilize
too frequently or too heavily in the hot sum¬
mer months. However, weather conditions and
type of soil influence this practice. The hu¬
midity of long rainy summers helps produce
luxuriant plants and good bloom without much
feeding. But plants grown in organic soil
require some help through the summer or
the growth may be irregular when feeding is
resumed. The new leaves outgrow the old
ones and the plant becomes ragged-looking.
It is not recommended to feed as heavily in
summer as in winter, but give enough to keep
a steady and even growth and the reward will
be a plant of show quality. •

75

Paul Arnold, 26 Hotchkiss St. S.
Binghamton, New York

Gesneriads

COMPANION PLANTS

SMITHIANTHA MULTIFLORA (right).
During the past several years Smithiantha
multiflora hybrids have been offered by
dealers in the United States. These have not
always been properly classified as to their
hybrid origin, but they appear to be pro¬
ducts of cultivation, nevertheless. The
tendency has been to label any Smithiantha
with white or cream-white flowers as S.
multiflora regardless of other considera¬
tions.

True Smithiantha multiflora material has
been introduced recently by Prof. H. E.
Moore, Jr., of the Liberty Hyde Bailey
Hortorium at Cornell University. These
plants were collected in Mexico. As our
photograph shows, the true species has been
aptly named The Many Flowered Smith¬
iantha. Unlike some of the so-called Smith¬
iantha multiflora hybrids, which have
swollen tubes reminiscent of a successful
pelican, the flowers of the natural species
are only slightly expanded. They are
beautiful clear white with a yellow throat
and some bright red spots inside the tube.
The height, of the plants, when well grown,
is rather too extensive for growing under
lights. In the greenhouse, the panicles of
bloom reach 30 inches, under good cultural
conditions. More compact plants can be
grown, of course, by planting the scaly
rhizomes in a rather small pot.

COLUMNEA ‘ITHACAN’ (left). From
the plant breeding experiments at
Cornell University has come Col-
umnea ‘Ithacan’ which was commer¬
cially introduced in 1957. This re¬
current blooming Columnea produces
large red flowers striped on the un¬
derside with bright yellow, resembling
the flowers of C. gloriosa, which was
the seed parent. The pollen parent was
C. lepidocaula, a species with rather
stiff stems and leaves with a silvery
satin sheen. These characteristics, in
part, have been transmitted to Col¬
umnea ‘Ithacan.’ Like most of the
Columneas, C. ‘Ithacan’ is easy to
grow in almost any very porous soil
medium.

for African Violets

species in the Rexii group. This one has pale
crimson color in the throat and deep crim¬
son lines extending inwards on the three
lower lobes. Otherwise the corolla is blue
mauve. The bottom of the tube shows a
broad yellow stripe, extending inwards a
short distance from the mouth.

KOHLERIA ‘LONGWOOD’ (left). The
beautiful Kohleria ‘Longwood’ was named
in compliment to the Longwood Foundation
of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. That in¬
stitution assisted the U. S. Department of
Agriculture in making this handsome rela¬
tive of the African Violet available to
American growers of house plants.

The origin of Kohleria ‘Longwood’ is un¬
known. It has been grown at the botanical
garden of the University at Coimbra, Portu¬
gal, since they received it in 1928 from the
University at Lisbon, under the name K.
amabilis. Although Kohleria ‘Longwood’
has red flowers like K. amabilis, the flowers
and the pollen appear to be sterile. This fact
has led to the assignment of a cultivar name
for inclusion in the International Gesneriad
Register. Also, K. ‘Longwood’ has tall, stiff
stems, unlike K. amabilis, and the leaves
lack figuration. The most remarkable
characteristics of Kohleria ‘Longwood’ are
the very large size of the bright red flowers
and the fact that it blooms almost con¬
tinuously the year around.

STREPTOCARPUS INSIGNIS (right).
The Rexii hybrid Streptocarpus from
South Africa, called Cape Primroses,
have given us some of our showiest
house plants. The species of this type
are not so well known as the modern
hybrids, due, in part, to the fact that
they produce only one or two flowers
on each stem. Four species are now re¬
cognized in the S. Rexii group. In ad¬
dition to the type species, S. cyanus,
S. Gardenii, and S. insignis are now in
cultivation.

Our illustration of S. insignis was
photographed at Cornell University,
who received the plant from the Royal
Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. It was
named by B. L. Burtt of that institu¬
tion in 1946 from material grown from
seed sent from Port St. Johns in Cape
Province. Streptocarpus insignis
blooms over a period of several
months. The flowers differ in colora¬
tion from those of the other three

African Violets
Make Windows Bright

Alyce Jackson, Warren, Oregon

I have been growing African violets since
1948. Like most fellow members my first
was Blue Boy, given to me by a kindly friend.
My next two, likewise, were gifts and were
Pink Beauty and White Lady. I think of them
fondly for I no longer have them in my col¬
lection. Then, Lo and Behold, one day I was
reading my Flower Grower magazine and
what should I see advertised but Double
Duchess. I simply couldn’t wait until the order
arrived. And what a thrill those tiny double
“purple roses” gave me!

At present I grow over 100 varieties solely
for the pleasure of myself, my family and
friends. I have no greenhouse so the plants are
all grown in our home. Truthfully, I have no
desire for a greenhouse. I’m not that ambitious!
I grow them on glass shelves above the kitchen
sink and in a 5 by 8 foot ell off the utility
room, which is lighted by an 8 foot long
window. In this area are various shelves and
2 Violetrees which were purchased from Ti-
nari’s Greenhouses. For these trees we built
triangular shaped dollies on casters, making
them mobile for ease in house cleaning. I also
appreciate this feature at “violet bath” time
for then I simply roll the trees to the laundry
trays and give the plants their warm baths;
then “drip-dry” them on my clothes sorting
table while I clean the tree and its 25 at¬
tached saucers.

I have been fortunate in having had no
serious disease problems with my plants. Like
all growers, I have lost some from crown rot
in my earlier experiences with them. Occas¬
ionally a garden insect invades, then I get out
the aerosol bomb, making sure it says “For
African Violets,” and quickly dispose of the
pest. I do not know whether there has ever
been a mite in the house; I have suspected a
few plants through the years and have quickly
burned them. It is much simpler to replace a
variety than to lose a collection by taking
chances.

I have experimented with several planting

mediums but have finally settled on the Kranz
formulas as printed in the March 1959 African
Violet Magazine, page 12, “I Believe,” by Bess
Dykeman. (The following excerpts from Mrs.
Dykeman’s article are included with the Kranz
soil recipe because of the extensive informa¬
tion. — Editor) “. . . Peat moss becomes quite
acid as it decomposes, so lime in some form
must be added. The Kranzs use whiting, which
can be purchased at any paint store. These
people finally settled on a recipe that is very
simple yet very effective. In rereading an old
African Violet Magazine I ran across a soil
formula that contained the same materials and
in the identical amounts, but no form of lime
was added at the time of mixing. The authors
of the book, “Gardening Indoors Under
Lights,” add whiting in order to maintain the
potting soil in a near neutral soil pH, which
is what our authorities everywhere seem to
favor. The recipe given by Jacqueline and
Frederick Kranz is as follows:

4 cups good garden soil (clay loam)

4 cups peat moss (they prefer the kind
imported from West Germany)

2 cups vermiculite (plasterer’s aggregate)
6 teaspoons whiting.

“They stress the importance of thorough
mixing in order to obtain a high quality pott¬
ing soil with a good texture. And we all know
how important texture is in African violet soil.
The soil and peat moss were first put separate¬
ly through a No. 6 hardware cloth screen (sup¬
plied by any hardware store) in a dry condi¬
tion. To the ten cups of mixed ingredients add
about one-half cup of water, just enough to
prevent dusting. No fertilizer is advised at this
time. Now put all these moistened materials
through a No. 6 screen. Push and rub it
through. Do not sift it, or it will settle in
layers and not be thoroughly mixed. To avoid
pockets where acids can form, the lime (whit¬
ing) and peat moss must be completely mixed
with the soil and vermiculite. If you do the
mixing by hand, mix until you are sure it
is right, and then mix it some more. The
screen is better, of course, as more air can be
incorporated into the mix. In a short time
after mixing, soil bacteria having entered your
soil, it will become activated and alive with
grow power.” I have used this formula since
that time and have found it highly satisfactory
for my purpose. I sterilize the garden loam I
use by baking it at 200 degrees for one hour.

12 inch goldfish howl
makes a most success¬
ful leaf incubator.
Humidity may be re¬
gulated by tilting
the glass cover.

78

having first moistened the soil thoroughly. I
store quantities of this sterilized soil in poly¬
ethylene bags, ready to combine with the
other ingredients any time I need more mix —
winter or summer.

I prefer to propagate in soil and have found
the Kranz formula highly desirable for this
purpose also. The little plantlets come on fast
and grow like mad for me. I have used plain
Columbia River sand and Black Magic Violet
Mix for this purpose but have found that the
plantlets must be fertilized soon after arrival
to maintain satisfactory growth and to produce
good root structure. I do not like water rooting
of leaves and have found plants so acquired to
be weak and slow in comparison. My favorite
incubators are 12 inch gold fish bowls which I
have fitted with Pyrex covers. Of course a
piece of plain glass could serve as a cover.
Each bowl ivill accommodate 12 to 14 leaves.
The humidity can be regulated by tilting the
covers. As soon as the plantlets appear I re¬
move that leaf and its family and pot it in a
21/4 inch pot to grow until large enough to
separate.

My plants are repotted when the root ball
fills the pot . . . not until then. For some
rapid growers this means twice a year, for
slower ones once will do. With this mix I have
found that not too much extra fertilizing is
required. If the plants begin to look listless,
I use Ortho-Gro Fish Emulsion as directed on
the bottle. Have also had good results, at times,
using Black Magic Blossom Booster, mainly in
the fall.

The plants are watered usually from the
bottom, and I find tuna fish cans make good
saucers for the shelf plants. The trees each
have 25 attached saucers. Of course a few of
my planters do require watering from the top
but I can truly see no difference in the results
if care is used. In either case, I never water a
plant until the surface soil is dry to the touch,
and I do mean dry.

If I were asked to name my 25 favorites,
I’m afraid that some of the old-timers would
head the list, for I cannot imagine a collection
without such lovelies as: duPont Lavender
Pink, Wild Rosa, Pink Cheer, Violet Beauty,
Snow Prince, Gorgeous Blue Wonder, Painted
Girl, Clementine, Pink Cushion; and, of course,
the newer Legionaire, Falling Star, Careless
Love, Star Blue, Mark Robert, Primatif, June
Bride (Hammond’s), Pride of Rochester, Ce-
rama. Camellia, Strike-Me-Pink, Kimberly,
Blue Modiste, Show Man, Vallin Pink Petti¬
coats, Double Dandy, and on and on!

I sincerely believe that if any plant should
be named “Friendship Plant” it should be the
African violet, for what grower hasn’t met
some of his dearest friends through exchange
of the leaves or plants of African violets?

I notice the trend is in favor of the double
varieties. I like them but heartily disagree as
to favoring them. I am partial to the “Stars.”
What could be lovelier? And the flowers are
so large and long-lived. •

Reflections On A
Growing Hobby

Mildred McCall Fike, Houston, Texas

What are we Saintpaulia fans trying to ac¬
complish? Let us consider our objective for our
carefully tended indoor gardens, - — then let
us ask ourselves whether we really are work¬
ing toward our goals.

Briefly, we want healthy symmetrical plants
covered with masses of giant blossoms held
above crisply beautiful foliage.

As well as providing the necessary food,
water, etc. for their sustenance we must, there¬
fore, give our plants room to grow. We must
not put down a leaf just because it seems a
shame to throw away a “good” one inadvert¬
ently broken off. We must stop keeping plants
which do not postively contribute loveliness
to our collections.

I have too many plants! You have too many
plants! In fact, it seems an occupational haz¬
ard of the Saintpaulia hobby that the victim
— excuse me: the fan (appropriate word —
short for “fanatic”) — acquires too many
plants. (I can hear what you’re thinking, and
you are, with all due respects, deluding your¬
selves.) The problem is not lack of space: if
we had half a dozen greenhouses each we’d
all still be growing more than we can properly
care for.

The solution is quite simple — - and so diffi¬
cult as to be well nigh impossible. We must
exercise resolution. Remembering that, even
as we divide them African violets multiply
rapidly (startlingly? frighteningly?), we must
learn to subtract intelligently and add care¬
fully. The most effective way of accomplish¬
ment is to decide which varieties would be in
the new collection if the old one were sud¬
denly wiped out. After this necessary decision
the rest just possibly can be done.

In all seriousness, here are the rules I’m
currently attempting to live by:

1. Inventory, and keep the inventory up to date. The
number of plants on hand is sure to compel some
sober cogitation.

2. Decide how many plants can be grown without
undue crowding and unhealthy neglect. Resolve to
grow just that many.

3. Cut down to the magic number: compare the col¬
lection with a view to fewer duplications. Why
keep look-alikes just because they have different
names? Above all, don’t bring home another.

4. Be very, very cautious about setting leaves. With¬
out definite plans for several plants of the variety,
DON’T. Broken leaves, spent blossoms, etc. may be
applied quite profitably as mulch around the
hibiscus.

5. Cross-pollinate only with a clear vision of future
loveliness.

6. Until the magic number is achieved no plant may
come in unless ones goes out. In fact, for every
three which come in four must go.

7. Give my living jewels a full measure of TLC, and
discard those weeds which do not respond.

A collector who abides by these rules
should be rewarded rather than frustrated by
ours, the happiest hobby. •

79

A Thing Of Beauty
Is A Joy Forever

Mrs. W. F. O’Neill, Sr., Tice, Florida

SHORTLY after my husband retired some
years ago we moved to Tice, Florida, near
Fort Myers, on the Gulf of Mexico. The weath¬
er is perfect and any number of tropical plants
grow lush and are lavish with their bloom.
Banks of poinsettia all but startle one with
their flaming beauty during the winter months,
but with the coming of spring I remember the
awakening of beauty in my northern garden,
particularly over the rocks, spilling into the
perennial garden, under the trees and shrubs.
As soon as our children could walk they found
it great adventure to race down the garden
path to the rock garden and discover the first
bloom of spring and shout . . . “Em e pulls a
til le’s hatched!” (Anemone Pulsatilla), or,
“The Cwo cuss sus up!” (Crocus), or, “The
Fox Sub la la ta’s got fee, fo, five blooms!”
(Phlox Subulata). There is a kind of beauty
that demands our attention and admiration.
There is another kind of beauty that grows on
us that we love.

Twenty odd years ago a friend gave me an
African violet called Blue Boy. It was planted
in well rotted compost consisting of leaves
from under the dogwood trees, grass clippings,
and any other clean refuse from the garden,
over which I put a layer of clay loam and a
sprinkling of lime and wood ashes from time
to time. To this I added a generous amount of
well rotted cow manure and some bone meal
and charcoal. I placed it in the north window
of the breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen
and as it grew and grew the window ledge
was extended to accommodate it. It loved the
humidity and the slanting rays of the setting
sun and rewarded us with a profusion of blos¬
soms the color of wild violets, with the added
bonus of yellow stamens. When we began to
come to Florida for the winters I gave the
plant away. I have had other Blue Boys I have
loved, but I have never been able to find that
particular variety . . . (Yes, I think there are
many seedling with single blue flowers that
are called Blue Boy).

I can’t think of proper words to express my
disappointment and regret that Blue Boy is
not even on the Honor Roll. The wonderful
Saintpaulia we call the African violet was so
named because of the resemblance of the early
single blue to the lovely wild violet native to
northern woods and meadows. Blue Boy may
yield place in some of its facets to newer more
flamboyant types, but I am sure there are
many of us who would choose Blue Boy were
we permitted but one violet. What a field to
explore! The perfecting of the single deep blue
violet! The Blue Boy that had the appealing

way of lifting its leaves and laying a wreath
of the lovely deep blue flowers on them. Truly
“A Thing of Beauty!” Let’s put it at the top
of the List by voting for it and searching for
the ultimate in the “violet” that gave our
lovely Saintpaulias their name.

Through the years I have grown many vio¬
lets and have had such luck I thought they
were a “breeze” to grow. Of course I read up
on the subject as I began to grow more of them
and finally joined the African Violet Society
in 1959. Every issue of this magazine is a
treasure-trove of information about how best
to grow African violets. The detailed descrip¬
tions, the pictures . . . sometimes in color . . .
brought visions of beauty and I began to comb
lists from various growers, check the Best 100,
The Buyer’s Guide, and, of course, those va¬
rieties that were consistent winners. My col¬
lection grew at an alarming rate, as I set leaves
and potted the resulting plantlets like mad. I
could never follow Bess Dykeman’s excellent
advice about the arithmetic of African violet
growing. Due to environment and circum¬
stances the tide was either in or out. When I
subtract to make room for guests, or to go
north for the summer, I set leaves in refrige¬
rator jars, selecting young mature leaves, but
cutting the petioles very short so that they will
fit snugly with the lids on (with a match stick
taped at one end for air) so that I could stack
them in boxes to take north, or put them
comfortably wherever they would go at home.
Thus while I subtract violets I also add. When
the tide was in the beauty of their flowering
was and is reminiscent of the fluid color of
the rock garden.

The majority of my violets are in the guest
bedroom where they are crowded on two
metal bookcases, various tables and trays, the
dresser, and a chest of drawers, but they spill
their color all over the house, even covering
the bed when there are no guests in it, as I
arrange and rearrange them so that they get
just the right light and air. Through the lower
frosted panes of our awning type windows the
early and late rays of the sun delight them
during the winter months, but during the
summer months (if I’m here) I must protect
them from the heat. However, then they must
be conditioned to take the breeze our open
plan house provides. Most of them love it and
take to informal Florida living with the same
zest we humans do.

To many of us who must sleep and eat with
our violets it, seems necessary to PREVENT
entry of unwanted guests via soil even though
these guests do not harm our violets. Should
they be acquired through carelessness in an
unguarded moment, the word is ELIMINATE
rather than CONTROL, We cannot spray or
poison the leaves for when grandchildren visit
from the north and are asked to sleep with
the lovely violets . . . and are allowed to “love”
them and feast their eyes on their beauty, the
very little ones may just forget that the violets
do not like to be eaten.

80

I once acquired annelid worms (harmless to
violets) through the purchase of beautiful
i healthy named varieties I happened to be look-
[ ing for to add to my collection. There couldn’t
be anything wrong with plants that looked
f, like this, I thought. These tiny creatures went
[ through my collection like wildfire, due to my
then habit of community baths and waterings.
They could be eliminated only by washing the
! roots free of soil and soaking the entire plant
I in a solution of V-C 13 (¥4 teaspoon to a quart
' of water). Even leaves retaining particles of
soil can bring them to your collection. Now
all leaves and plantlets coming to me from
whatever source are treated with V-C 13.

More recently, I mixed up a batch of
Nature’s Way Mix as usual, following the
directions given by Marie Dannemiller . . .
which mix gives a wealth of bloom ... in
this mix I have used a product (without inci¬
dent before) that is supposed to have been
sterilized and then have four beneficial bac¬
teria added. I also top dressed almost all of my
collection before, in the bottom of the bag, I
found bugs! Of course everything was again
oven sterilized and all pots had the foil guard
stripped from the tops and the pots and soil
soaked in a solution of Chlordane 44 % ( V2
teaspoon to a quart of water). I carefully
syringed the solution over the top of the soil
and pot. The foliage was never involved. They
have been eliminated. Of course these two
pests could have been controlled and that
would be satisfactory where there is not so
much togetherness. •

House Cleaning

Gwen Eggerton, Meridian, Mississippi

All violet growers have one chore in com¬
mon: washing dirty pots. If you use plastic
pots, as I do, this isn’t such a chore. I put one
teaspoon of V-C 13, one teaspoon of Malathion,
and a dash of detergent in about 3 gallons of
warm water. Dump in the pots and let them
soak overnight. Then, using a bottle brush the
next morning, I whisk them out sparkling
clean.

Clay pots, however, are another breed. If
plants have been growing in them several
months, they are probably coated with ferti¬
lizer salts around the pot rims and also on the
sides, and, in addition, if they have been used
in a greenhouse, they too are green, and
rather slimy. Ugh! Fill a tub with hot water,
add one cup of vinegar, and soak the pots
for 24 hours. Pour this off, refill the tub with
hot water, add one cup of Clorox and your
V-C 13 and Malathion, and let them soak
again . . . until you don’t have a pot left and
must tackle them. Use a stiff brush, have a
“chore girl” handy, and lots of elbow grease.
Now, start scrubbing. This isn’t a chore, it’s
a job. Just grin and bear it. •

Growing Violets Outdoors

Mrs. Joseph Soit, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

Some years ago I decided to put a few of
my violets out of doors for the summer be¬
cause, as usual, I was short of space. The plants
I chose were some I planned to discard, so if
they didn’t do well I wouldn’t feel bad. They
were all healthy enough but had no sign of
flowers.

One plant, Gent’s Blue Cluster, I set directly
into the soil in the shade of a cedar tree. I
know this was asking for trouble but I was
lucky and the plant grew and flowered well,
but it got too messy from being spattered with
dirt when it rained. The other plants I left in
the pots which I set on the gratings over three
basement window wells on the north side of
the house. This year I will set some plants on
the bench, which will hold about eight plants.

All summer I do nothing to the plants except
water them if they get too dry. They are
watered from the top, wetting the foliage and
flowers. I do not fertilize or spray any of them.

The temperature was down to 43 degrees
at night and 52 to 54 degrees during the day
when I took them in, and they showed no ill
effects from the change in temperature as so
many other plants do when taken in out of the
cold.

Out of doors the flowers have a deeper color
and the foliage is sturdy and compact. In the
picture, on the right is a plant of Holiday and
on the left is Air Waves. Air Waves has 12
flower stems and 44 open flowers, with plenty
of buds coming.

Mrs. Soit with Holiday and Air Waves.

Summer’s Problem
Cooling The Greenhouse

Victor Greiff

Repruited ivith permission of Under Glass.

It is sad to see an amateur’s greenhouse
empty in the summer. How much (he or she)
is missing of the pleasure of growing things
that flourish and flower then, or that carry
on from year to year as permanent growing
assets. Only too often, after the last garden
seedlings are moved out in Spring, the green¬
house is opened up and neglected, weeds start
to grow, but increasing heat and drought soon
reduce them to parched skeletons, nothing
will survive, and the gardener busy outdoors,
sees no way to use his greenhouse.

There is a common problem, that of keep¬
ing the temperature down and humidity up.
This is generally met by ventilating and shad¬
ing with pigment on the glass, or with various
screens. These cut down the light greatly and
reduce the heat only moderately, never as
low as outside shade, so that free ventilation
and frequent hosing are needed to keep the
house in tolerable condition. This is the stumb¬
ling block for the amateur. Even for large
commercial houses instructions often say to
hose at least three time daily. This is far
from the automatic greenhouse of our dreams.
Especially so as we are finding more and more
that cutting down on the light to gloom is a
detriment to the growth and flowering of
many plants even the orchids.

But what to do! The little house is humid
and fine until the temperature rises above
the limit point, ventilators open, and the mois¬
ture goes out. Then floors, plants, and soil
rapidly dry out. Water must be supplied, and
many of us have set up some system of spray
humidification, perhaps controlled by a hu-
midistat and a solenoid valve. Some with
Yankee ingenuity use a fan to aid the process,
but it is generally far from a satisfactory
method. Spray is a hazard to plants, encour¬
aging moulds and disease. For satisfactory
results pumped pressures of several hundred
pounds per square inch are sometimes used,
requiring powerful motor driven pumps, suit¬
able only for commercial houses.

If temperature could be reduced and hu¬
midity replenished simultaneously, loss of
moisture by ventilation would be avoided and
shading could be reduced — and ideal condition.
The result can, of course, be obtained by con¬
ventional air-conditioning, and there are ac¬
tually a few famous air-conditioned green¬
houses used for research. Mechanical air-
conditioning has the defect of dehumidifying
— wringing moisture from the air as it cools,
just what we do not want, and the load pre¬
sented by a greenhouse is fantastic in size.
Just as mechanical air-conditioning is well

adapted for room comfort in warm weather,
so it is a misfit to the greenhouse problem.

On the other hand the cooling effect of
water is an engineering axiom, a pound of
water evaporating in any way always absorbs
nearly a thousand heat units, and vaporizing
water is the obvious solution to many cooling
problems. In our case where the water vapor
is so necessary it is a “natural.” We can bor¬
row from our torrid Southwest an efficient
device much used for cooling homes, called
an “Evaporative Cooler” or “Swamp” cooler
— I dub it “Humi-cooler.” In this a power¬
ful blower draws outside air through wet
porous pads and delivers this cooled and satu¬
rated air into the greenhouse. So the vents
can be closed except a crack, enough to pass
out the volume of the cool air supplied; hu¬
midity stays up, temperature is held down,
while moving air gives a desirable atmosphere.

Generally most of the shading can be re¬
moved, speeding growth and improving bloom
and plant health. The violent loss of moisture
through venting is avoided since it is con¬
stantly replaced. With lowered temperatures
border-line cool house plants can be grown
further South, also fall greenhouse operations
awaiting cool weather can be started earlier.

Many plants and crops considered difficult
or impossible are found to require long bright
days but to be intolerant of high temperatures
and dry atmosphere. Tuberous begonias are
flowered at any time by applying this fact,
and carnations are displacing roses as a pay
crop by temperature control in huge auto¬
matic houses. Lighter shading is coming, the
lucky hobbiest may even have a deciduous
tree with light foliage, such as locust, in just
the right position to shade his house a bit.

In arid climates the evaporative cooling
effect is more intense, and the house becomes
a veritable oasis in the surrounding desert.

By using the humi-cooler the greenhouse
of the amateur of today can contain a fasci¬
nating permanent garden all year round,
with all the features of an opulent tropical
landscape.

Some climbers and large plants are best in
ground beds, and the choicest of foliage
plants, aroids, begonias and flowering plants
in pots and benches, with hanging baskets,
ferns, bromeliads and orchids completing the
three dimensionally full house. The coolhouse
amateur will have many young Primulas and
other choice seedlings maturing for future
bloom, protected by the moist, cooled atmos¬
phere from Summer’s heat.

All this is made easy by the humi-cooler,
with a minimum of attention, in fact the high
humidity produced, decreases the evaporation
from plants and pots, and makes less frequent
watering suffice. Automatic control of the
humi-cooler may be of the simplest, it is
practically self-regulating, producing little
effect other than circulation of the air as the
cool of evening comes on. However, for econ-

Continued bottom next page

82

Ground (Soil) Mealy Bugs

Marion R. Ivory, Alameda, California

My introduction to the ground mealy bug
began with the reading of Millie Blair’s
article published in the July issue of the
Northern Council News Bulletin of California.

Immediate suspects were two or three small
acquired plants that were in my possession for
several months. During this time, they had
remained stationary with a tendency to droop¬
ing. Inspection found them to be heavily in¬
fested with the PESTS and no magnifying
glass was needed to see them. Identification is
easy once you know what to look for. Besides
the pure white waxy appearance already men¬
tioned, large or small they are alike in shape,
tend to colonize and follow the feeder roots.
No two pieces of Sponge-Rok are identical and
if still in doubt try spearing one, or it, with
a toothpick or pin. Another way is to take
your plant and expose the root ball to strong
light. In a short time they will begin to burrow
away from it and small ones can disappear
into a crevice in a piece of lava rock. Also,
they will hide in under the aluminum band
on your clay pot. They appear to be rather
sluggish but like the snails and slugs, they can
and do travel.

The above infected plants, having done their
period of isolation for mites, had eventually
found their way onto a tray with several other
small ones. These I pronounced “guilty by
association” and gave the entire tray of plants
DDT in the prescribed strength, 2 tablespoons
of a 25% solution in one gallon of water. Since
I had no knowledge of the incubation period
for the eggs the adults had presumably laid,
I embarked upon a prevention campaign apply¬
ing the solution to the soil of about 100 plants,
with unhappy results to a large percentage of
them. Within one or two days, leaves on the
plants treated lost their resilience and became
rubbery to the touch. Others took the treat¬
ment in stride with no apparent set-back. I
interpreted this to insufficient water in the
soil before the application. However, taking
another small group and making sure the soil

was wet, the results were about the same. It
would seem that the age, condition of the
plant, and the variety might play some small
part in the unhappy results but my conclusion
is that DDT in that strength is HARSH treat¬
ment, and injures the feeder roots. Some
plants recovered after several weeks of iner¬
tia, others never did, and in the end I dis¬
carded about 500 plants.

During this period, I syringed about 15 of
the bugs out of the soil of a plant and into a
pan with a solution of KXL in the strength
of one teaspoon to a quart of water. This is an
all purpose garden insecticide which I have
used for several years. Since I was interested
in the length of time ground mealy bugs could
live in this solution, I watched it closely. After
a few hours, I found that several of them had
adhered to each other. With a toothpick I
separated the bunch but observed that as I
stirred the solution when one came within an
eighth of an inch distance of another, there
was a sudden movement and a new group
was formed. Several times by creating motion
in the solution I was able to cause the group to
separate and then to reform. After an over¬
night stay in the KXL they had lost their
motility and I pronounced them dead. For
several years I have used this strength solu¬
tion as a prevention for mites by syringing it
down through the center of the plants and
soil, with no apparent ill effects. I do not use
it as a spray because it defaces the open
blossoms.

Since the above experience, if any plant
appears to be dragging its feet for any length
of time, I examine the root ball and as they go
through the various stages of transplanting
they are carefully scrutinized for this so-called
common greenhouse pest. They are a slow but
sure death to a plant and can ruin a private
collection. Commercial growers carry a heavy
responsibility for controlling the dissemination
of the ground mealy bug in “Western Wonder¬
land.” •

SUMMER'S PROBLEM contmued^^ _

omy of power if the house may be unattended
at that time, a thermostat closing on high
temperature (65° to 90°) may be inserted in
the main circuit. As the sun warms up the
house next morning, this will start fan and
water pump and the cooling operation will go
on through the day.

The introduction of this device seems in¬
deed to indicate the passing of the sash venti¬
lators, hand or automatically operated, with

their drastic purging action, and other faults.
This is a major step toward the ideal green¬
house that needs no attention for a controlled
atmosphere and plentiful color and interest
the year round.

The next step in automatic atmosphere con¬
trol is the adaptation of this device for
between-season and winter use, since it is
not merely a cooler. This will be described
in a future issue. •

83

MAXINE WANGBERG
1400 N. 118th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Deadline dates for Club News contributions: For Sep¬
tember issue, June 1st; for December issue, September 1st;
for March issue, December 1st; for June issue, March 1st.

At the December meeting of the African
Violet Society of San Francisco, California the
following officers were elected for the year
1963: president, Mrs. Ellen Schoffel; vice pres¬
ident, Mrs. Ester Ottolini; recording secretary,
Miss Anna Bidgood; corresponding secretary.
Miss Frances McMahon; treasurer. Miss Mar¬
garet Quill.

In December the Christmas party was en¬
joyed by a large attendance. The installation
of officers in January was done in a “Candle¬
light Ceremony” by Miss Edith Peterson. The
entire affair was a great success.

The Columbia African Violet Society of
Columbia, South Carolina installed the follow¬
ing officers at the December meeting: presi¬
dent, Mrs. C. S. Beckham; vice president, Mrs.
B. R. Gibson; secretary, Mrs. Thomas Cren¬
shaw; treasurer, Mrs. T. P. Dominick. Mrs.
J. W. Wessinger was the installing officer.

The club has 21 members. Plans have been
made for a Violet Exhibition and Showing of
African Violets for Place Arrangements for
th April meeting.

The First African Violet Society of Shelby
County, Kentucky held its Christmas party on
December 11, 1962. The guest speaker, Mrs.
Amos Porter, gave an inspiring devotion. Mrs.
Walter Wilson gave an unusual and humorous
installation of the elected officers. Secret pals
were revealed and Christmas gifts were ex¬
changed. Recreation ended a delightful eve¬
ning.

The South Bend African Violet Club, South
Bend, Indiana elected the following officers for
the coming year: president, Mrs. Joseph Gor¬
don; vice president, Mrs. Leon Bishop; secre¬
tary, Mrs. J. J. Molloy, Jr.; treasurer, Mrs.
Clifford Hover.

The Springfield African Violet Society,
Springfield, Missouri elected the following
officers for 1963: president, Mrs. M. A. Rey¬
nolds; vice president, Mrs. W. W. Whitley; sec¬
retary, Mrs. Alfred Isaac; treasurer, Mrs. G. A.
Reynolds.

The Columbus African Violet Society, Co¬
lumbus, Ohio installed the following officers
at the January meeting: president, Mrs. A. J.
Walker; first vice president, Mrs. Lloyd Wil¬
kinson; second vice president, Mrs. Allen
Bump; recording secretary, Mrs. Samuel Orr;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Ralph Meeker;
treasurer, Mrs. Blanche Karch.

The Columbus Society began its fifteenth
year of activity this spring.

The African Violet Society of Parkersburg,
West Virginia installed the following officers
for 1963: president, Mrs. George Poling; vice
president, Mrs. A. W. Swearingen; secretary,
Mrs. George Swearingen; treasurer, Mrs. Hazel

Myers; corresponding secretary, Mrs. O. P.
Robinson. Mrs. J. Vernor Alexander, a past
president, was the installing officer.

The Foothill African Violet Society of Mont¬
rose, California invited Mrs. John Gutridge'
Los Angeles, to preside at the installation last
December. “Ship Ahoy” was the theme used
by Mrs. Gutridge, as she called each new
officer aboard for the coming year. As she
advised each officer of their duty, she pre¬
sented them with a lovely white sailboat carry¬
ing an African violet plant. Installed were:
president, Mrs. Helen Carpentier; vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Evelyn Nagoon; secretary, Mrs.
Amelia Dival; treasurer, Mrs. Wilma Pulley.

Proceeds from a bazaar held in November
were given to the Dr. Mary Hobson Crow
Clinic for Defective Speech and Hearing. At
the regular meeting in March an African violet
display to better acquaint the new members
with the older and newer varieties of African
violets was held.

Workshop programs are still being carried
out and interest runs high in the project!

The Hi-Loa African Violet Society of Boise,
Idaho elected its new officers January 11, 1963.
They are as follows: president, Mrs. L. E.
Aimer; vice president, Mrs. D. M. Moore;
secretary, Mrs. Travis Duncan; treasurer, Mrs.
Earl Jester.

The Vi-Club of Detroit, Michigan elected
the following officers for the coming year:
president, Mrs. Marvin Newcomb; vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. Sidney Woodward; recording secre¬
tary, Mrs. W. A. Ballard; corresponding secre¬
tary, Mrs. Ward Cherry; treasurer, Mrs. Roy
Sevisher.

The Toledo Suburban African Violet Club
of Toledo, Ohio celebrated its fourth anni¬
versary at the January meeting. The following
officers were installed: president, Mrs. Carl
Fleming; vice president, Mrs. Victor Haube;
secretary, Mrs. David Hoobler; treasurer, Mrs.
Ben Zeunen. The members of the Glass City
African Violet Club were guests. Slides of the

1962 Convention and Show at San Francisco
were shown.

The club continues to supply African violet
plants together with personal instructions for
their care to the School for Handicapped Chil¬
dren. Meetings are held the second Tuesday
of each month, at twelve noon, excepting the
month of August. Visitors are welcome.

The Southern Connecticut African Violet
Society sponsored a judges school April 18,

1963 at the Garden Exchange, Trumbull, Con¬
necticut. Mrs. Walter Goldman was chairman
and Mrs. Lois Minehan, Binghamton, New
York was the instructor. Lunch was served to
all participants.

84

The following were elected as officers for
the Vancouver African Violet Club, Vancouver,
B. C.: honorary president, Mrs. Eileen Laurie;
president, Mrs. G. E. Bayfield; first vice presi¬
dent, Mrs. W. H. Colquhoun; second vice
president, Mr. Charles Stride; secretary, Mrs.
Albino Vallarsa; treasurer, Mrs. W. I. Louis.

The African Violet Society of the East Bay,
Inc., Oakland, California held its annual
Christmas party and gift exchange at the
Lakeside Park Garden Center on December 19,
1962. Installation of new officers was con¬
ducted by Mrs. Pearl Thomas. Each was pre¬
sented a clever gift, symbolic of the duties of
her office, with a chair planter given to the
president, Mrs. Charles Dias. Others feated
included: first vice president, Mrs. Edward
! Anschutz; second vice president, Mrs. Edward
Blair; recording secretary, Mrs. Robert Knipp;
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Phil Simpson;
financial secretary, Mrs. John Eames; treas¬
urer, Mrs. Rod MacDonald.

Life memberships were presented to E. H.
and Pearl Thomas in recognition and appre¬
ciation for the many years of giving and shar¬
ing with the club members their knowledge of
African violet culture, for their unfailing
interest and participation in the many activi¬
ties of the Society, and for their outstanding
work in the field of hybridization. They re¬
ceived the coveted Commercial Trophy of the
African Violet Society of America, Inc. for
their exhibit at the San Francisco Convention.

Fifty members and guests braved sub-zero
weather to attend the January meeting of the
Toronto African Violet Society, Canada held
in the Glebe Road United Church, Toronto,
Canada. Mr. R. J. Bolton of Sylvania Electric
(Canada) Ltd., gave an illustrated talk on the
Gro-Lux fluorescent lamps manufactured by
his firm.

Mr. R. H. Keith was guest speaker at the
February meeting. He demonstrated planting
petunia seeds, also begonia and gloxinia tu¬
bers, plus tips on the care of African violets.
His talk was illustrated with beautiful color

1— Carolyn Rector Saintpaulia Society. Front row,
Mmes. Mueting, Rector, Bingham, Haskell. Second
row, Mmes. Hansen, Burton, Spencer, Zitzman, Robin¬
son, Sherer. 2— Officers African Violet Society of
Parkersberg. Left to right, Mmes. Robinson, Myers,
Geo. Swearingen, W. A. Swearingen, Poling. 3 — Offic¬
ers of Miami Violet Society. Left tp right, Mmes.
Ebenfuhrer, Pippinger, Kelley, Steele, Liebler, Bergin.

slides. New members were welcomed at both
meetings, and refreshments were served.

The annual Christmas dinner of the Saint¬
paulia Society of Williamsville, New York,
took on a special festive air this year with the
celebration of its tenth anniversary. The dinner
was held at the Wish-in-Well Restaurant.

Tin, commemorating the tenth year, was
cleverly used for the favors and a chicken
feeder was used as a container for evergreens
and pink poinsettias to carry out the soft green
and pink color scheme. At the main table a
delicate white tulle Christmas tree trimmed
with miniature pink ornaments was flanked by
beaded pale green candles trimmed with wide
bands of pink ribbon. Lovely African violets
were prizes along with unique graduated tin
bells fashioned out of tin can tops.

The installation of officers for the new year
was conducted by Mrs. John Mineo, outgoing
president. Officers installed were: president,
Mrs. Peter Oehman; vice president, Mrs. Mar¬
quis Speer; secretary, Mrs. C. Forest Richard;
treasurer, Mrs. George C. Reister.

A gift was presented to the “Woman of the
Year.” Mrs. Alaimo received this honored dis¬
tinction.

The South Shore African Violet Society,
Seaford, New York under the guidance of its
newly elected president, Mrs. Kermit Jaediker,
has geared its recent programs to the novice
grower of African violets. Through the co¬
operation of more experienced members and
outside speakers, the beginners and newcomers
have gained considerable knowledge on the
culture of the Saintpaulia. An intra-club class,
where each plant exhibited is point scored, is
a regular feature at the monthly meetings.

The Saintpaulian Club of Grand Rapids,
Michigan held election of officers for 1963 at
its November meeting. Those elected were:
president, Mrs. Vivia Cooley; vice president,
Bud Van Ball; recording secretary, Mrs. Fred¬
erick Miller; corresponding secretary, Mrs. H.
Van Harn; treasurer, Emery Toogood.

The Winnipeg African Violet Society, Winni¬
peg, Manitoba, Canada held its annual meeting
on December 5, 1962 at which time the follow¬
ing slate of officers were Installed: president,
Mrs. P. Proctor; vice president, Mrs. A. C.
Driver; second vice president, Mrs. M. Jamie¬
son; secretary, Mrs. N. R. Calder; treasurer,
Mr. K. Barnes.

The Friendly African Violet Club of South
Bend, Indiana met January 9, 1963 and cele-

85

brated its anniversary, having completed six
years as an organized group. Mrs. Mabel
Mooney installed the following new officers
for the coming year: president, Mrs. Maxie
Boggs; vice president, Mrs. Charles Oilman;
secretary, Mrs. Robert Kreighbaum; treasurer,
Mrs. Ralph Landen,

On December 1, 1962 the African Violet
Club of Akron, Ohio held its annual Christmas
party, which was accompanied by installation
of officers for 1963. The dinner meeting was
held at the Brown Derby Restaurant. After
dinner members went to the home of the
president, Mrs. Wallace, for dessert and the
installation of officers. Mrs. George Klewe
conducted the installation service. The officers
are as follows: president, Mrs. Clarence Wall¬
ace; vice president, Mrs. Edward Jacobson;
secretary, Mrs. George Klewe; treasurer. Miss
Evelyn Hawk.

The African Violet Society of Miami, Florida
held its installation of officers at the January
meeting. Mrs. Louis Novelly was the installing
officer. These officers elected for the year
were: president, Mrs. Gerald Bergin; first vice
president, Mrs. Clem Liebler; seeond vice pres¬
ident, Mrs. J. I. Steele; recording secretary,
Mrs. Myrtle Kelley; corresponding secretary,
Mrs. C. D. Pippinger; treasurer, Mrs. Joseph
Ebenfuhrer.

The new president, Mrs. Bergin, presented
the retiring president, Mrs. Salvatore Maior-
ana, with the past president’s violet pin.

The Crusader African Violet Society of Dela¬
ware Valley, Pennsylvania held its regular

meeting January 9, 1963 at the home of Mrs.
John Ricker, Norwood. Mr. and Mrs. Edgar
Harris of Burlington, New Jersey were guests,
as well as members of the Springfield, Penn¬
sylvania African Violet Club. Mr. Harris gave
a very interesting talk on “Violet Diseases,”
illustrated with colored slides. Since it was
Mr. Harris’ birthday the club helped him cele¬
brate by giving him a surprise party.

The Baltimore African Violet Club, Balti¬
more, Maryland held its regular monthly meet¬
ing on December 17, 1962. Results of the
election of officers were as follows: president,
Cora Spath; vice president, Edna Thompson;
recording secretary, Tillie Leimbach; corres¬
ponding secretary. Marge Eero; treasurer, Lil¬
lian Young; membership secretary, Ethal Lay.

The sky-high International Theme Restau¬
rant at the Los Angeles Airport was the setting
for the dedication and installation of officers
of the new Carolyn Rector Saintpaulia Society,
California, last December.

Mrs. L. P. Zitzman gave the dedication
speech and presented Carolyn Rector with an
orchid, stating that this group was indeed
highly honored to be named for her.

Mrs. Edmund Sherer, president of the Afri¬
can Violet Council of Southern California, was
the installing officer in a most colorful cere¬
mony. New officers are: president, Mrs. D. W.
Robinson; first vice president. Mrs. L. P. Zitz¬
man; second vice president, Mrs. Maynard
Mueting; recording secretary, Mrs. Edmund
Sherer; corresponding secretary, Mrs. R. L.
Bingham; treasurer, Mrs. L. M. Hansen. •

My Very Rewarding Hobby

Mrs. Robert Kelton, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Just give me a bucket of good dirt, some
freshly washed and sterilized pots, and some
time, and I am happy. I just love to divide,
repot and set out leaves that have been rooted.
I have been growing violets for 15 years or
more and am not tired of them yet, in fact
I believe I enjoy them more every year. Every
minute I spend with them is a pleasure to me.

I mixed my soil for several years but after
my husband’s death I had no way of getting
good dirt from the country, so I had to use
commercial soil and find it very satisfactory.

My leaves are started in water. I have tried
other ways but do not like any way as well as
doing them in water, as I get impatient and
like to see when the roots appear.

Watering is done from the top with warm
water; and I use Atlas Fish Emulsion, Hypo-
nex and Stim-U-Plant alternately about every
10 days or 2 weeks, except during the summer
months when I let the violets rest.

My plants are in all my windows, on all
sides of the house, and they thrive any place
as long as they get good strong light (not too
much sun), proper food, and water. I have had

very good luck with my violets most of the
time. One time I got a kind of scale on them
from some plants I kept for a friend while she
went on a trip. I lost a great many, and it
took a long time to get them back in a healthy
condition. Then a few years ago I noticed some
of them drawing up in the center and having
a grayish look, with the center leaves thick
and brittle, so I decided it was mite and wrote
to Neil Miller for help. He sent me sodium sel-
enate, which I used as directed and saved most
of the plants.

I now have about 500 plants and many love¬
ly varieties. That is too many, as my time is
limited, but I do enjoy them from the time I
put a leaf in water until the plant reaches the
blooming stage. Having so many, I cannot take
as good care of them as I would like.

My neighbor is now interested in violets
and that is our topic of conversation every
day. She has had so many of her lovely plants
wilt and never stiffen up again, that is the
outer leaves and some times the whole plant.
I wonder if someone could tell me the cause
and remedy for this.

I sincerely recommend violet growing as a
hobby. •

86

"Wik-Fed” Plastic Pots

Polly Schmeltzer, Arlington, Virginia

Glory Hallelujahl Our beloved Wik-Fed
plastic pots are back on the market again.
When Mr. Mason of Mason Products Com¬
pany died last year and Mrs. Mason wrote
that she didn’t feel equal to carrying on the
business, we were indeed sorry. She wrote
that she would sell the dies for making the
pots, and would let us know when she did,
and to whom. When many months went by
and we didn’t hear from her, we practically
gave up hope. In the meantime we tried out
many other plastic wick-fed pots but none
could compare with the heavy, durable, inert
Styrene Wik-Fed pots that we had used for
years. They have rounded edges that do not
cut our violet leaves, and the closed type base
holds enough water to wet the plant all the
way through. This type of base has kept so
many of our customers and friends from over¬
watering. We always tell them to wait until
the wick is dry before they fill the base again
with lukewarm water. We also take time to
show them how to use the pots by inserting
the wick into the pot, unbraiding an inch of
it and spreading it evenly over the bottom of
the pot, covering the wick with a mixture of
peat moss and perlite, adding enough soil so
that when they center the root-bound plant
from the 3 inch pot into the 4 inch pot, the
bottom leaves touch the rim of the pot, then
filling in with soil. After this is done, your
fingers should be put in close to the stem of
the plant, and you should press lightly while
you spank the pot up and down several times
to eliminate air pockets. Then we write the
name of the plant and date with a wax pencil
under the edge of the pot. After all this is
done, we sit back and admire our lovely violet
child in her party dress.

We were so delighted this summer when
Mr. C. A. Doering of the Hydroponic Chemical
Company of Copley, Ohio, wrote that they
had purchased the Mason Products Company
and would be in production of the Wik-Fed
pots in a few months. These pots will be
Called “Panonex Deluxe Wik-Fed Flower
Pots.” They will come in 4 and 5 inch sizes in
colors of ivory, chartreuse, yellow, lavender
and coral, all with black bases, then bronze
with bronze bases, and assorted packages.

The Hydroponic Chemical Company, who
market Hyponex and more than 60 other Onex
products, have also reduced the prices without
changing the quality. This I know, for I have
just received our first gross of Panonex Deluxe
ivory Wik-Fed pots. The new prices will be
89c for the 4 inch pots and $1.29 for the 5

Wik-Fed pots show plants off nicely.

inch pots. They come complete with the pot,
base and glass wick, 12 to a case, with shipp¬
ing charges prepaid. Anyone wishing these
pots before your local dealer has them may
order direct from Hydroponic Chemical Com¬
pany, Copley 21, Ohio. We hope you will enjoy
displaying your beautiful violet plants in them
as much as we do.

We were also quite pleased that we can buy
separately the fine plastic collars on the Tropi-
Grower pots from Willis Reynolds Corpora¬
tion, Box 118, Lebanon, Indiana. They fit on
the outside of standard 4 inch clay pots, which
makes them especially popular with violet
club members who cannot enter their plants
in violet shows with any support for the leaves.
You can easily slip these collars on and off,
but a good idea is to cover your 4 inch clay
pot with its aluminum foil collar before you
slip the plastic collar up. You cannot use
these collars on the 4 inch Wik-Fed pots, but
they fit nicely inside the 5 inch Panonex De¬
luxe Wik-Fed pots. We have all our larger
display plants in them; these plants are down
the center of our long banquet table in the
basement, with a row of plants in 4 inch
Panonex Deluxe Wik-Fed pots on either side.
No matter which way you use them, these
collars make a beautiful spread of the leaves,
and save a lot of repotting. I surely wish we
could talk them into making plastic collars
that would fit the outside of a 3 inch clay pot,
then they would fit into our 4 inch Wik-Fed
plastic pots.

You have often heard the remark that the
desire to grow bigger and better violets is a
disease. A doctor friend assured me that there
was no cure for it. So, let’s go out and buy
some more violets and enjoy our affliction,
for who wants to be cured? •

87

QUESTIOIV BOX

Anne Tinari

Q. With the approach of summer several
questions have arisen in my mind on growing
violets. I have a Flora Cart of violets growing
well, at the moment, but in a location where
the summer temperature gets very high. Can
I move my violets into an air-conditioned room
and how should I do it? Should I sterilize my
soil and may I use vermiculite and Perlite in
my planting mix without sterilization? I read
that new plants should not be put in with
others when first received; does that mean
they should be placed in another room or
possibly just on another shelf on my Flora
Cart? How much Fermate should one use
when using it in the potting soil?

Mrs. R. E. Krause,
623 Shell Beach Dr., Lake Charles, La.
A. In regard to your concern about moving
your violets to an air-conditioned room, I
would certainly advise it. I have many letters
from readers who state very emphatically their
plants are greatly benefited by an air-con¬
ditioned atmosphere. I would simply move
the whole cart, when the temperature goes
over 70-75°F. For your own satisfaction it
might be wise to try a few for a short period
of time in your air-conditioned room. You
may find an adjustment period is needed for
plants to establish themselves to this environ¬
ment, but think you will find it most satis¬
factory. In answer to your second question: I
personally feel it is most important to sterilize
any and all soil mixes regardless of content.
I would caution you against too many water-
retaining materials which can prevent proper
drainage sc essential to well-established plants.
On your third question: I believe it is a safety
precaution to isolate plants from 6 to 8 weeks.
If possible, it may be wise to keep them in
another room, this testing period is to give
proper time so that any hidden diseases may
develop. It permits one time to observe plants
and prevent spreading of any possible disease
that may even develop in a changed environ¬
ment. About Fermate, a basis of proportion
would be about a teaspoon to 5 lbs. of soil.

Q. I have plants right over my kitchen sink
window on the north side, and they all look
good and healthy and old enough to bloom,
but I do not have a bud in sight. Advise me
as to what I can do to improve them,

Mrs. Josephine Malavolti

Hamden 18, Conn.
A. I hope you are referring to plants that
are at least a year old as plants should be at
least 9 months to a year before profuse bloom-

Bethayres, Pa.

ing may be expected. Also, are you certain
your violets are getting enough light? They
need 1,000 to 1,500 foot candles for profuse
bloom to occur.

Are your plants in proportion to their pots?
I hope you are not using too large a pot as
this will retard bloom. Many times blooming
can be induced by taking off some of the lower
outer leaves and, of course, plant food given
mildly about once every 2 weeks or at least
twice a month would be helpful.

Q. I am having great, difficulty growing my
plants under Gro-Lux tubes, I get blotching
and spotting. I am confused as to how long to
leave the lights on, how often to fertilize, etc.
What do you recommend?

Mrs. Frances Repsher, Bangor, Pa.
A. In answer to your question on Gro-Lux
lights, may I recommend you read some very
good articles and personal experiences which
are found in the A. V. Magazine, June 1962.
See Vol. 15, No. 4, page 30 for an article by
Mrs. Kock and in the same issue on page 48
an excellent article by Helen Gaines. In Sep¬
tember 1962, Vol. 16, No. 1, on page 95 a report
by Luella Marmaduke and a “warning” article
on page 107 of this issue by Dr. Reed - —
believe these will answer your questions. These
are only a few that I am sure would greatly
help you, and I’m sure you will find many
more. We do not grow under artificial lights
here at the greenhouses, thus my firsthand
information is limited on the subject.

Q. As a member of the National Society I
am greatly interested in some of the best
African violet mixes which are on the market.

Gwendolyn McGee
1755 W. 103 St., Chicago 43, Ill.
A. I -can well understand your great concern
and possible frustration in trying to choose
the right commercial mix. My first suggestion
would be to make certain the mix is sterilized.
It would be difficult for me to state one
particular brand but I am sure many successful
home growers will send you their honest opin¬
ions of the ones they have found to be most
successful.

Q. Where may I purchase personal cards and
stationery with a true African violet print or
picture on it?

Milly Hendershot, Sparrowbush, N.Y.
A. You might try the firm of Carter Crafts,
Franklin, Tenn. I have seen some of their
attractive African violet cards, etc. Some have
appropriate poetry about violets.

Tinari Greenhouses

88

I

Q. In the Sept, issue of the A. V. Magazine
I thoroughly enjoyed the article about fish
meal and would like to experiment using it
but first would perfer to ask many more ques¬
tions on its use. Can you help me?

Mrs. Harold M. Cooke
Box 95, Wasco, Ill.
A. I know you will be glad to know the
author of the article, Mrs. W. Zeigler of
Chicago, Ill., will have another interesting
article in this issue of the Magazine on the
specific use of fish meal.

Q. I have installed a tiered table in my base¬
ment with two 40- watt tubes, but plants are
not thriving. I have lights about 10” from
plants. What about humidity and fresh air?
The temperature is 68-70“ constantly. Do
plants need holes in the bottom of pots for
air? I have a plant stand with pots inside of
others so they do not drip. Please help as my
plants do not bloom.

Mrs. Elmer Spoo, Gruver, Iowa
A. It sounds as though you may have your
plants too close to the lights. Most standard
equipment is placed 12” to 14” above plants.
Most people tell me 12” proves best used 14
hours per day. Also, remember plants under
lights must be fed as light promotes fast
growth and leaches out many nutrients that
plant food can replenish. Food may be used
at least once every 2 weeks.

In regard to your second question of pot
within pot: I consider this a fine arrangement
as plants which are really pot-bound bloom
best; the luxuriant foliage has a chance to
spread out over the outer pot and makes a
plant look well in proportion. There is, how¬
ever, one requirement you must observe and
that ’ is that your inner pot does not fit too
tightly so that air circulation is possible be¬
tween the two pots. A few pebbles on the
bottom of the larger pot would be most bene¬
ficial. Always remember that air and water
must be present in the soil for roots to grow
properly,
bear Readers:

With the approach of another possible hot
humid summer, many have written for specific
information about insecticides, nemacides, etc.
I sincerely believe questions are asked with an
honest desire to learn and one most often
asked of me is about the use of V-C 13.

First, bear in mind the effectiveness of
V-C 13 Nemacide is dependent upon its
thorough dispersion within the soil. To treat
potted soil in which plants are growing V-C 13
may be applied to pots as a drench provided
sufficient water is used to leach the V-C 13
down into the pot. However, too much water
can leach it out of the pot. The soil to be
treated should not be extremely wet or dry at
time of drenching, soil surface should be loose
to allow good penetration. Always use direc¬
tions as given on bottle.

Mildew is often troublesome at this time of
year. If warm, hot weather prevails, do not
crowd plants so closely together — allow for

good air circulation. If you possess a large
number of plants it may be wise to use a
fungicide in your water every few weeks as
a preventative.

Readers can you answer these:

Q. What is the trouble with a plant when the
bottom leaves get limp and then the petioles
begin to get soft and watery, turn brown and
die? I would like very much to know what to
do for this. It is not from improper watering or
fertilizing, I am sure.

Mrs. Allie White
208 Main St., Louisville, Miss.
Q. I am struggling so hard to get a few plants
to grow. I seem successful in rooting leaves
and they grow fine for a little while. Then they
just stop and the leaves turn black like a dry
rot and some are jelly-like. Some of the blooms
dry up on full grown plants. Recently I have
been using Blue Liquid Whale fertilizer. I
would greatly appreciate any advice readers
may have on my problem.

Mrs. Bernice Bostic
1804 Harper Rd., Beckley, W. Va.
Q. I wish to know how to cut African violet
leaves to splice together and wrap with plastic
to grow new varieties.

Maude Reinhold

417 Cottonwood Ave., Canon City, Colorado

The following members have informed me
they have available back issues of the A. V.
Magazine. If you are interested, please corres¬
pond directly with them.

Mrs. Wilfred Kilgore, 985 Frank St., Gales¬
burg, Ill., Vol. 7 No. 2, Dec. ’53 to Vol. 16
No. 2, Dec. ’62 and Handbooks.

Miss Z. E. Williams, 709 Gulf St., Lamar,
Mo., June ’53, Dec. ’54, all of ’56, ’57, ’58, ’59,
’60, ’61, ’62. Also Cumulative Index, Sept. ’47
to June ’57, Supplement, Sept. ’57 to June ’58,
and Special Issues, ’61 and ’62.

Mrs. Lloyd A. Burkey, 1704 Douglas St,
N.E., Washington 18, D.C., Vol. 1 No. 1 through
Vol. 13 No. 4, June ’60.

Mrs. Sadie Forner, 651 W. Locust St., York,
Pa., Dec. ’57, March, 2 June, Sept., Dec. ’58,
2 March, June, Dec. ’59 and March, June, Sept.,
Dec. ’60.

Mrs. E. Benson Dennis, Jr., 4104 Brookside
Rd., Toledo 6, Ohio, from Vol. 5 No. 2 to
present date.

A member of the A. V. Society has written:
‘T would like to get back copies of Vol. 2
Nos. 1, 2, 3; Vol. 3 Nos. 2, 4; Vol. 5 Nos. 2, 3;
Vol. 6 No. 2; Vol. 13 No. 2.” Mrs. Hans C.
Nielsen, 373 Richard Ave., Staten Island 9,
N.Y.

Volume 16 Number 5 the MEMBERS’
HANDBOOK will be mailed out as quickly
after the June Magazine as it is possible for
us to print and mail it. We will hurry — please
don’t write about it.

— Editor

89

At the Upper Pinellas Society’s fourth annual show
are, left to right, Mrs. Jack Williams, Mrs. Louis Bly
and Mrs. Andrew Suder.

Mrs. J. C. Allen holds Blue Nocturne which was
judged the most outstanding plant at the Fort Worth
Society’s second annual show.

Deadline dates: For December issue September 1st; For March issue December 1st; For June
issue March 1st; for September issue June 1st.

A few items you should know: No photos can be returned. Please do NOT SEND ME NEGA¬
TIVES. Please send no newspaper clippings. Show News must be confined to 200 words or less.

Eunice Fisher, Show Editor, 4392 W. 20th St. Rd., Rt. 3, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

•The AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SAN

FRANCISCO will stage its show as a part of
the annual San Francisco Flower Show to be
held in the Garden Center and Hall of Flowers
Building in Golden Gate Park on August 22,
23, 24, 25, 1963. Open to the public.

•The UPPER PINELLAS COUNTY AFRICAN
VIOLET SOCIETY held its fourth annual show
on January 28-29 in Largo, Florida. “Say It
With Violets” was the theme. Mrs. Louis Ely’s
plant of Hi Hopes was queen of the show.
The five runner-up plants made up the queen’s
court. Mrs. Bly also won second, Mrs. Andrew
F. Suder won third and fourth, Mrs. Jack
Williams won fifth, and also won the most
ribbons of all colors.

Two tricolor awards were given for out¬
standing exhibits. Mrs. Lucille Schaeffer re¬
ceived one for her table showing violet propa¬
gation and growing methods and Mrs. Suder
received one for her Valentine arrangement.
Mrs. Bly won the sweepstakes award for the
third year in a row. The show was judged by
Mrs. David E. Buchta of Haines City, Florida.

•The FORT WORTH AFRICAN VIOLET SO¬
CIETY held its second annual show at Semi¬
nary South Towp Hall on February 9th and
10th. Winners of top honors were announced

by the society’s president, Mrs. W. J. Ritma-
nich. Mrs. J. C. Allen won queen of the show
award for the most outstanding plant, Blue
Nocturne. Mrs. J. H. Spencer was awarded a
purple rosette for the best arrangement which
featured Double Blue Abundance. Both were
awarded gifts of silver which were donated
by Seminary South merchants, sponsors of the
show.

Mrs. Ritmanich won the National African
Violet Society Award, award of merit, sweep-
stakes in horticulture, and the Bernice Jordan
award which is given by Mrs. Jordan, the
club’s founder, for the best plant of Bernice.

Other top winners among the more than
200 entries were Mrs. I. L. Vaughn who won
the Hensley’s Violets award and the award
for the best table setting for a Valentine party;
and Mrs. Christine Osborn who won sweep-
stakes in arrangements. Horticulture blue rib¬
bon winners were Mmes. Allen, Ritmanich,
Vaughn, James Henderson, O. G. Pierson,
Charles Berry, A. J. Dukes, Jack Hester,
Howard Green, E. L. Manire, Ted Sprinkle,
and J. D. Biles. Blue ribbon winners in the
artistic division for arrangements were Mmes.
Ritmanich, Spencer, Osborn, Vaughn, Oran
Crouch, D. D. Karges, Henderson, and
Sprinkle.

90

RESEARCH

Preliminary Studies on the Effect of
Ionizing Radiation on Saintpaulia Seed and Leaves

Dr. Burk A. Dehority* and Hugh Eyerdom**

SINCE the introduction of the African violet
in this country, many desirable characteris¬
tics have arisen through spontaneous mutation.
Hybridizers have done an excellent job of com¬
bining these traits into the large number of
varieties which are available today. The report
by Sparrow, Sparrow and Schairer (1960) on
the use of X-rays to increase the mutation rate
in African violets suggested that this technique
might be very useful in obtaining new traits
not found in the African violet at the present
time. The above authors observed changes in
both the shape and color of the flowers and
leaves of plants obtained by vegetative pro¬
pagation from irradiated leaf petioles. A 21.38
per cent increase in mutant plants, over the
controls, was obtained after treatment of the
petiole with 3000 r. Just recently, Quatrano
(1962) has reported an overall growth in¬
hibition, minor leaf color changes, an inhibi¬
tion of root growth, and an inhibition of new
root formation from the X-ray treatment of
African violet leaf petioles. However, none of
the plants obtained from the treated petioles
had bloomed at the time of writing the report.

The series of experiments to be reported
herein are primarily concerned with the ir¬
radiation of dormant seed capsules; however,
several dealt with irradiation of leaf petioles
and these will also be reported.

EXPERIMENTAL WORK AND
OBSERVATIONS

The first experiment involved irradiation of
a mature plant of Blue Empress with X-rays.
The measured dosage at the top of the pot rim
was 200 r. The dosage received by the leaves
and flower stems extending above the rim
would be markedly higher. Leaf cuttings were
taken and the irradiated flowers were self-
pollinated. At this same time, cuttings were
taken from a control plant and it was also
self-pollinated. No changes were observed in
flower color, leaf color or leaf shape in plants
obtained from the treated and control leaves.
The seed capsules on the irradiated and con¬
trol plants matured in the same length of time.
Three capsules from each were sown, allowed
to germinate and raised to blooming. As was
the case with the plants obtained by vegetative
propagation, no differences were observed be¬

* Biochemist, Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition,
Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station, Wooster,
Ohio. Home address: 1935 Burbank Road, Wooster,
Ohio.

** Granger Gardens, R. D. 2, Medina, Ohio.

tween the control and treated seedlings. The
negative results obtained in this experiment
are attributed to the fact that the radiation
dosage employed was very low.

The second experiment involved the treat¬
ment of leaf petioles with X-rays. A G. E.
Maximar 250-III X-ray machine was used and
treatment was carried out at 250 kvp., 15 ma.
The leaf itself was covered by a lead sheet
during treatment so that only the petioles re¬
ceived the irradiation. The dosages and number
of leaves irradiated respectively were: 500 r -
four; 1000 r - four; 1500 r - five; 2000 r - four
and 2500 r - five. A number of varieties were
used, but most of them were either originated
by Granger Gardens or at least propagated
there in large numbers. It was believed that
using several varieties would increase the
chance for obtaining different types of muta¬
tions. Half of the leaves were placed under
fluorescent lights and the other half in a
greenhouse. The plantlets obtained from these
leaves were all identical with their parents,
except for several plants obtained from the
variety Racy Red. However, the changes ob¬
served were similar to those observed pre¬
viously from nonirradiated leaves. A second
set of plantlets was obtained from three of the
leaves which had received 2500 r. No changes
were observed in plants from two of the
leaves; however, the third leaf. Racy Red,
produced two similar plantlets which were
markedly different from the “mother” leaf.
These plantlets had variegated leaves and were
quite slow in growing. Both proved to be
miniatures, and the one which has bloomed to
date had normal Racy Red flowers slightly
smaller in size than those occurring on the
regular size plant.

The third experiment was concerned with
irradiating dormant seed capsules with a
mixed source of radioactive cobalt and stron¬
tium. The radiation source was low and thus
the experiment was approached on the basis of
chronic irradiation, i.e., low dosage over an
extended period of time. The ionizing radia¬
tions from cobalt 60 consist of and y rays,
while strontium 90 produces a hard ^ ray. The
dose rate was measured at 0.6 r / day. Three
seed capsules from the same cross, pollinated
at the same time on the same plant were used
for this work. Two of the capsules were ir¬
radiated, one for 16 days and the second for
114 days. This resulted in total dosages of
9.6 r and 68.4 r. The third capsule served as a

91

TABLE 1

RESULTS ON THE GERMINATION OF X-RAYED SAINTPAULIA SEED

AND OBSERVATIONS ON THE RATE OF

SEEDLING

GROWTH

Treated Seed Capsules

CONTROL

1

2

3

4

Total X-ray dose, r

—

0

3000

6000

12,000

Date sown

10/3/61

3/26/62

3/26/62

3/26/62

3/26/62

Estimated amount of
seed per capsule*

100%

40%

60%

90%

95%

Approx. % of seed
germ, by 4/10/62

—

45%

30%

8%

0%

Approx. % of seedlings large
enough to pot on 7/31/62

___

100%

75%

0%

0%

Total number of
plants obtained

278

36

65

33

0

* 100% equals approximately 300 seed per capsule.

control. After treatment, each capsule was
placed in an atmosphere of oxygen at 100 psi
for four days. Nilan (1955) reported that the
chromosome abberation frequency of barley
seeds irradiated at very low doses was marked¬
ly increased by storage under oxygen. 253
plants were obtained from the first capsule
and 330 plants from the second. No changes
in flower color, leaf color, leaf shape or per¬
cent of different leaf shapes was observed be¬
tween the treated and control seedlings.

The foregoing experiments were all of a
preliminary type, and suggested that our avail¬
able sources of radiation were not strong
enough to bring about the increase in muta¬
tion frequency which we were seeking. There¬
fore, a second set of experiments was started
on the X-ray treatment of dormant seeds. Drs.
A. H. Sparrow and L. A. Schairer of Brook-
haven National Laboratories were kind enough
to do the seed irradiation for these studies. De¬
tails of the irradiation will be given under each
experiment, and the seed were sown on flats
of vermiculite, covered with plates of glass,
and kept in a shaded greenhouse used for
growing African violets.

For the first experiment a wide range of
X-ray dosage was employed, in an attempt to
determine what the critical dose or dose above
which survival decreased markedly might be
for Saintpaulia. No previous reports were
available for the irradiation of Saintpaulia
seed; however, Gustafsson (1944) reported on
the critical X-ray dose for seeds of 18 species
of crop plants and found that the critical dos¬
age ranged from 5000 r for sunflower seeds to
90,000 r for rutabaga and white mustard seeds.
Six seed capsules, all pollinated and allowed
to mature on the same plant at the same time

were used for the first experiment. The con¬
trol capsule was sown on 12-30-60 and germi¬
nation and seedling growth were excellent.
The five capsules to be treated were sent to
Brookhaven National Laboratories in May and
held at 58% relative humidity for 3 weeks
prior to exposure. Treatment was carried out
at 250 kvp, 30 ma, 1 mm. Aluminum filter and
the dose rate was 691 roentgens per minute.
Total dosages for the five capsules were 5000
r, 10,000 r, 15,000 r. 25,000 r and 30,000 r
respectively. The seeds were sown on 9-17-61
and germination was 100% incomplete. No
seedlings were obtained from any of the cap¬
sules. These rather unexpected results sug¬
gested that either the dosages employed were
all lethal, that the time lapse between sowing
the control and treated capsules was too great
or that certain conditions encountered in send¬
ing the seed capsules to Brookhaven and back
resulted in killing the seed. The second experi¬
ment was designed to try and determine
which of the three above factors were respon¬
sible for the failure of the first experiment.
Five capsules, all pollinated and allowed to
mature on the same plant at the same time
were used again. The control capsule was sown
on 10-3-61 and germination and seedling
growth were good. The remaining capsules
were sent to Brookhaven in February, held in
a constant temperature and humidity (40%)
room for several weeks prior to treatment on
3-1-62. The X-ray machine settings were for
250 kvp, 30 ma, 1 mm. aluminum filter and a
dose rate of 725 roentgens per minute. The
total dosages employed were 0 r, 3000 r,
6000 r and 12,000 r. The observations made
on the germination of these X-rayed seed are
given in Table 1.

92

TABLE 2

STUDIES

ON THE CRITICAL

X-RAY

DOSAGE FOR SAINTPAULIA

SEED

No.

of Seedlings

Cross

Dosage

O r

3000 r

5000 r

7000 r

A

290

0

1

15'^

B

0

0

0

8*

C

0

0

0

0

D

0

1

2

0

* Germination was delayed approximately 3 weeks.

As can be seen in Table 1, the number of
seeds per capsule varied, and thus the results
on germination are reported as percentages
rather than absolute numbers. Although the
capsule which was sent to Brookhaven and
back but received no radiation was quite poor,
it served as an excellent control for rate of
germination and growth comparisons. This
would possibly suggest that the conditions of
the trip or delay in sowing effects viability of
Saintpaulia seed. However, comparisons made
between those seed sent for treatment would
suggest the following conclusions: (1) the
length of time required for germination in¬
creased as the total X-ray dosage increased,
(2) the rate of seedling growth was markedly
slowed down as dosage increased, and (3) the
critical X-ray dose for Saintpaulia seed would
appear to be in the vicinity of 6000 r. It was
of interest that several seed from the capsule
treated with 12,000 r did germinate; however,
the seedlings died soon after germination.

Those plants obtained from the control cap¬
sule sown on 10-3-61 were grown to the bloom¬
ing stage and catagorized according to the size
of plant, flower color, single or double flower,
leaf color and leaf shape. The following obser¬
vations were made on the plants obtained from
the capsules sent to Brookhaven:

0 roentgens • — Similar in flower color and
leaf color and shape to previous control.

3000 roentgens — All plants similar to con¬
trol plants.

6000 roentgens — - The proportion of minia¬
ture plants obtained in this group was ob¬
served to be higher than that obtained in
the control and 3000 r groups. Of parti¬
cular interest were several seedlings in
this group which were markedly different
from any other plants with regard to leaf
type. However, these plants have not
bloomed to date.

Additional work with leaf cuttings and the
self-pollination of several plants is planned
with some of the seedlings from the 6000 r
group.

The next experiment was designed to further
evaluate the previous data. Four capsules from

each of four separate crosses were sent to be
X-rayed in July, 1962. The machine settings
were identical to those used for the previous
experiment, and the total dosages employed
were 0 r, 3000 r, 5000 r and 7000 r. The some¬
what lower dosages were chosen in order to
gain more precise information on the critical
dosage. The seed for this experiment was
“fresh,” i.e., the capsules were sent shortly
after maturing, so that they would be treated
and ready to sow after the normal interval
usually allowed between maturation and sow¬
ing. The general results of this experiment
are shown in Table 2.

The results obtained in this experiment were
very disappointing, because all but one of the
control capsules failed to produce any seed¬
lings. As can be seen, several seedlings
were obtained from some of the treated
capsules, but their appearance appears to be
at random. Additional capsules of cross B and
C were available, and when they were sown,
only about 10% of the seeds from cross B
germinated indicating that the seed itself was
probably at fault; however, germination of the
seed from the additional capsule of cross C was
excellent. A possible explanation for the
failure of this experiment might be that the
two previous sets of capsules were sent in the
spring and early summer, while the last set
was sent in August. Perhaps the seed in the
present experiment was exposed to very high
temperatures in transit which resulted in loss
of viability.

The results of these experiments would sug¬
gest that the critical dosage of X-rays for
Saintpaulia seed is around 6000 r. Additional
experimental work will be required to estab¬
lish this point. Once the critical dosage is
found, several experiments with a larger num¬
ber of seed capsules irradiated at a level just
below the critical dosage will be run in order
to determine whether any desirable mutations
can be obtained by this treatment.

Several other experiments are now in pro¬
gress. One is concerned with the X-ray treat¬
ment of White Madonna leaf petioles. This
particular variety has not shown any spon-

93

taneous mutations, except tetraploids, during
the vegetative propagation of approximately
50,000 plants at Granger Gardens. The second
experiment involves the X-ray treatment of
the flower ovary 4-8 days after pollination.

SUMMARY

Several experiments were conducted to
study the possible mutagenic effect of ionizing
radiation on Saintpaulia seed and leaves. The
first two experiments, involving the X-ray
treatment of a whole plant and then taking
leaf cuttings and pollination of several of the
flowers, and the chronic irradiation of dormant
seed capsules with cobalt 60 and strontium 90,
did not result in the production of any visible
mutations. Presumably the total dosages in¬
volved were too low to be effective. An ex¬
periment on the X-ray treatment of leaf
petioles resulted in the production of two
mutant plants, both obtained from the same
leaf in the second crop of plantlets. The final
series of experiments was concerned with the
X-ray treatment of dormant seed capsules. Pre¬

liminary results suggested the following con¬
clusions: (1) the critical X-ray dose for Saint¬
paulia seed is in the vicinity of 6000 r; (2) the
length of time required for germination of seed
increases with the dosage of X-rays; and (3)
the rate of seedling growth decreased as X-ray
dosage increased. Only a very few morphologi¬
cal changes were observed in those seedlings
obtained from the X-rayed capsules.

LITERATURE CITED

Gustafsson, A. 1947. Mutations in Agricultural
Plants. Hereditas, 33:1.

Nilan, R. A. 1955. Post-Radiation Storage Ef¬
fect on Chromosomes in Barley Seeds X-
Rayed at Normally Ineffective Dosages.
Genetics, 40:588.

Quatrano, R. S. 1962. The Effect of X-Rays on
Morphological Changes in Saintpaulia. Afri¬
can Violet Magazine, 16:102.

Sparrow, A. H., Sparrow, R. C. and Schairer,
L. A. 1960. The Use of X-Rays to Induce
Somatic Mutations in Saintpaulia. African
Violet Magazine, 13:32. •

Report of Boyce Edens Research Fund

Mrs. Harold Rienhardt, 4463 W. Seneca Tpk., R.D. 2, Syracuse 15, N.Y.

As Chairman of the Boyce Edens Research
Fund for the past year, may I say Thank You
to all the many Affiliated Chapters as well as
individual members who have helped to make
my work so rewarding. As you can see by my
report, the checks and gifts have poured in
from literally every section of the United
States as well as England. This is as it should
be; there is no other cause that a violet club
can support that will return the benefits back
to them, as will a donation to the Boyce Edens
Fund. The Research Committee, headed by Dr.
Charles Fischer, allocates these funds and de¬
cides the most important projects to be worked
on. The results of these various programs are
published regularly in the African Violet Mag¬
azine, so that you all may be informed of their
progress.

The following clubs and individuals have
contributed this quarter:

County Belles African Violet Club, St. Louis,
Mo. $ 5.00

Los Angeles African Violet Society, Los An¬
geles, Calif. 15.00

Upper Pinellas African Violet Society, Largo,
Florida 15.00

Water Wonderland African Violet Society,
Muskegon, Mich. 17.00

G. J. Wicks, Lambley, Notts, England 10.00
Greater Akron African Violet Society, Akron,
Ohio 22.00

Moby Dick African Violet Club, Mattapoisett,
Mass. 5.00

Santa Clara Valley African Violet Club, San
Jose, Calif. 10.00

South Shore African Violet Society, Seaford,
New York 5.00

Mrs. George A. Grant, Meaford, Ontario,
Canada 1.00

Rose Onna African Violet Club, Chicago, Ill.

10.00

The First African Violet Society of Dallas,
Texas 10.00

Omaha African Violet Club, Omaha, Nebr.

25.00

Green Thumb African Violet Club, Attleboro,
Mass. 5.00

Houston Harmony African Violet Club, Hous¬
ton, Texas 5.00

First African Violet Society of Shelby ville,
Ky. 2.00

Foothill African Violet Society, Montrose,
Calif. 5.00

Portland Chapter, African Violet Society of
America, Portland, Oregon 25.00

African Violet Society of Greater Montreal,
Canada 10.00

Mrs. Edward Burns, West Milford, New Jersey

1.00

Mrs. Nelle Silverthorn, Shelbyville, Ind. 5.00
Town and Country African Violet Society,
Dayton, Ohio 5.00

Crosstown African Violet Club, Madison, Wise.

2.00

Houston Saintpaulia Society, Houston, Texas

10.00

African Violet Society of Parkersburg, West
Va. 5.00

Northeast African Violet Club of Kansas City,
Mo. 2.00

94

Exhibiting and Jndging

Ruth G. Carey

3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville 18, Tennessee

JUDGING from the letters I receive asking
various questions on shows and judging it
is quite evident that it would be impossible
for the Society to have standing rules which
would cover all problems. In each issue of
the Magazine I will write a question and an¬
swer article using the questions I receive in
the mail. The purpose in printing these arti¬
cles is that many groups have the same ques¬
tions arise.

1. (a) Please describe the quality of plants
used in arrangements? (b) Must they be of
blue ribbon quality? (c) How many blooms?
Ans. (a) In the first place, living plants are
never used in an arrangement. They may be
used in artistic classes, but how they are used
would depend upon the wording of the class
in the schedule, (b) Any cut plant material
used in arrangement classes should have a
fresh and healthy appearance, but not neces¬
sarily of blue ribbon quality as in a specimen
show plant. If the class calls for plants in the
artistic section it is not necessarily expected
that these plants be of blue ribbon quality, but
if so the judge should take this into considera¬
tion. (c) If a class in the artistic section calls
for a plant to be used, it should be expected
to have blooms; as to the number, that might
vary according to the wording of the schedule,
but no specific amount should be stated.

2. Should a plant with damaged foliage,
which does not show, be used in an arrange¬
ment?

Ans. Plants are not used in an arrangement.
There should not be any evidence of damaged
foliage in any arrangement or specimen plant
in the show.

3. Are three judges entitled to separately
collect the full amount for their transportation
though they all came together in the same car
and shared the expense?

Ans. No.

4. If three judges for a show travel together
in the same car should they be paid the amount
of an airline ticket, or should they submit the
actual cost of their transportation?

Ans. Only the actual amount of transportation
to and from the show should be paid just to
the driver of the car.

5. When judges are serving as judges of a
show are they permitted to enter the class for
the National Gold and Purple Rosettes?

Ans. Definitely not if they are expected to
judge this class. Yes, if there are sufficient
judges for some of the other judges to judge
this class.

6. Should exhibitors bring entries to the
show in the same car in which the judges
travel?

Ans. No, this places the judges in an embarras¬
sing position. This should never be done.
(Continued bottom next, column)

Registration Report

Adele Tretter, 4988 Schollmeyer Ave.

St. Louis 9, Missouri

The following applications have been received during
the period from November 29, 1962, through February
25 1963

mV Friend (1342) LB 358 dL, Wunderbar
(1343) WOVGC 38 d L, 1/25/63 Ruth A.
Kocinski, 27281 Shackett, Warren, Michigan.

NAME RESERVATIONS

The following name reservations have been
received during the period from November 29,
1962 through February 25, 1963: Champion’s
Firebrand, Champion’s Radiance, Carousel.

Your Library

Maisie Yakie, P.O. Box 674, Port Arthur, Texas

This would be a good time to remind you
that if your club meets during the summer
months you may be able to get some of the
more popular slide programs during June,
July or August when the demand for slides is
not as heavy as at other time of the year. May
we also remind you that slides are available to
individual members whether or not you belong
to an Affiliated Chapter.

The Kansas City slides are ready so make
your reservations now if you have not already
done so.

We are working on a number of new slide
programs and hope to have something to an¬
nounce on them by next column.

One idea that came to our attention for a
program is from the Lone Star African Violet
Society of Dallas, Texas: “Show Etiquette.”
That would be a good thing to discuss during
the lazy months of summer and get it well in
mind before our show plans get under way.

The First African Violet Society of Rapid
City, South Dakota, had a worthwhile program
on “Violets on Vacation.” And of course a
program on some of the problems of summer
would be most timely just now.

What could make a nicer program for a
summer meeting than some of the Library
slides. They are all lovely and there is a wide
choice, so send in your requests today.

B4CK ISSUES OF MAGAZINE

Please write the African Violet Society of America,
Inc., P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee for a list
of those in stock. Not all Magazines are available as
back issues. Do not send money until you get the list.
Make check payable to the African Violet Society of
America, Inc. Cost $1.00 per copy postpaid.

7. Is it fair for judges to judge plants when
they positively know to whom they belong?
Ans. No, if this happens a judge may step aside
in judging these classes. Exhibitors should be
careful not to disclose information as to what
they are entering, to do so is unfair to the
judges. •

95

THREE DIFFERENT GRO-LUX PLANT LAMPS

Enjoy growing plants and flowers in your home, office and reception room.
Gro-Lux lavender light imparts richness to flower colors and foliage. Gro-Lux
speeds germination of seeds.

2. FlorahTe Gro-Lux Plant
Lamp (3 sizes)

1. Sylvania Gro-Lux Unit

1. Sylvania Gro-Lux Unit adjustable to
24" high, 24" long in black and
gold complete with humidity tray
and 2-20 watt Gro-Lux tubes,

$21.50 p.p.

2. Floralite Gro-Lux Plant Lamp in
black wrought iron, white enameled
reflector with pierced panels at sides,

(3 sizes) is really two lamps in one.

Adjustable to 24" high. Remove legs and
soil. 25" long with 2-20 watt Gro-Lux
$25.95 p.p. 49" long with 2-40 watt
deduct $2.00.

3. Starlite Garden Lamp. The finest lamp made. (2 sizes) Like thousands of glittering
stars reflected through the perforated shade, the Starlite Lamp is a perfect setting for
your violets. 18" high, 13" wide and 32" long with 2-20 watt Gro-Lux tubes or 26"
long with 2-15 watt Gro-Lux tubes $24.50 p.p. With cool or warm white tubes
deduct $2.00.

3. Starlite Gro-Lux Ptont Lomp (2 sizes)

it is a seed starter with 6 to 8 inches above
$21.95 p.p., 37" long 2-30 watt"^ Gro-Lux
Gro-Lux $26.95 p.p. With regular tubes

4124 E. Oakwood Road

SO 2-1770

Oak Creek, Wisconsin

FLORALITE COMPANY

Floralite Mist Fogger and Sprayer Special $2.00 p.p.

FREE Florolite MisI Fogger and Sprayer with any order of Plant Lamps,
Fixtures, Trays, Timers and Tubes. Send for Free Coupon. See our other
ads in March Issue pages 7, 11, 15 and 28.

96

The Slipper Gloxinia is a mwly hybridized
miniature gloxinia which will flower when only 4" to 6"
across. The blossoms are 2" long, and last from 1 0 to 14 days.
A continuous bloomer, and a house plant you must add to your
collection. Available in red or purple. . . . $1 .50 each

Buy America’s Finest Prize Winning

AHnGiui noifls

and the new
Prize Winning
Companion Piant

SUPPBI GUOONIA

ORDER NOW FROM THESE EXCITING VARIETIES

FLOWERING STARTER FRESH

HI-HILL GARDEN’S ATHENA—Giant frilled, double white flowers with a

bright blue band on the outer edge . . . . .

BONANZA- — Giant, deep royal blue semi-double blossoms .

VENUS- — A lovely pastel blue double Geneva, ruffled blossoms .

PINK FINESSE — ^Soft pink semi-double with occasional chartreuse edging
SPRING SNOW — Large, pure white single blossoms. Our best single white
FISCHER’S FOLLIES — Giant, ruffled, double blue flowers ............

ROSE DUST — Exceptionally bright single pink with lighter frilled edging

PURPLE CAROUSEL- — Giant, ruffled, double purple flowers .

SEA HAWK — Outstanding, giant, frilled dark purple single .

GAf CONFETTI —Exciting blue and white tu-tone semi-double .

PINK HALO — Beautiful single pink with a distinct white edge . . . ,

MOLTEN FIRE— A new vibrant red double. Free blooming and beautiful
CANDY COTTON— -Large flowered pink double, medium green foliage
n.a.- — Not Available

NEW 1963 CATALOG Beautiful twenty page catalog

Violets life-size, and in full color. Catalog includes latest tips on growing Violets,
assorted gardening aids. Send 10<£ in coin to cover handling.

PLANTS

PLANTS CUTTINGS

$2.00

$1.25

.50

$2.00

$1.25

.50

$2.00

$1.25

.50

$2.00

$1.25

n.a.

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.00

.75

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.50

.90

.35

$1.00

.75

.35

istrating 51 African

plus

Uciier

SPECIAL OFFER Any $15.00 Selection only $12.75 postpaid. Any $10.00 Selec¬
tion only $8.75. All 16 Flowering Plants, a $25.00 value, only $20.00 postpaid.
MINIMUM ORDER $4.00 All plants, except Cuttings, shipped in 214" plastic
pots. ORDERS UNDER $10.00 ADD 50^ POSTAGE.

GREENHOUSES

DEPT. V.M.

LINWOOD, NEW JERSEY

Do You Have A
Copy Of Our
New 1963
COLOR
CATALOG?

Write today for your free copy

• Listing 100 varieties, 60 in living color

• All Plants In well-established 214'' pots, most in bud and bloom, 75^
to $1.25. None priced higher.

Our latest originations include such beauties as Red Sunset, Rabbit Ears,
Fireball Supreme, Jumbo Geneva, Figaro, and Peppermint Twist, each $1.25.

Snow Ballet, Pink Fire, Independence, Red Edge, Jane Starr, Flash, Lilian
Jarrett, Castanet, Fireball, My Date and My Flame, each $1.00.

Orders of $3.75 or less add 45^ postage; over, add 65?:, West of Miss,
add 85^.

Our catalog lists a full line of choice lighting fixtures and Gro-Lux tubes,
all accessories to help you grow better violets.

Open daily Monday
a. m. to 5 p. m.

BiTHAYRES, PA.
Dept. A. V.

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