MAGAZINE ^ ¥olume 28 Number 1 January, 19' PART I of II PARTS EARLY BIRD SPECIAL Order now from this ad and select FREE one plant or cutting for each $10 of merchandise ordered. This EARLY BIRD SPECIAL offer is good until February 28, 1975, when it expires. Plants or Rooted Clumps — $2.15 each LIMOGES PINK (AV) — Dbl. pink heavily fringed blooms in clusters, lobed and ruched cream and green foliage, stunning. THE REDHEAD (AV) — Dbl. pink fuchsia topped, large show plant. GOVERNOR WALLACE (RE) — Dbl. bicolor violet, see AVSA magazine, page 20 6/74. PURPLE CREST (GG)— Dbl. white, deep purple frilly edges, AVSA magazine, page 52 9/74. CRIMSON FROST (GG)— Red-purple semi dbl. stars, deeper rim and edged In white, variegated with lotsa pink in foliage. REGINA (GG) — Tremendous dbl. white blooms, strong growing show plant. LAVENDER TEMPEST (GG)— 2V2” semi-dbl. pink lavender stars, tipped with fuchsia and edged in white — -wow. ETERNAL SNOW (GG) — Another fantistic white dbl. huge blooms cover plant. PLUM PERFECTION (Maas) — Velvet deep plum purple 21/2" semi-dbl. stars. CORPUS CHRISTI (Utz) — -3” blush peach stars tipped in copper, 'nuf said. ANIRA (Utz)— Huge unusual lite blue and white heavy fringed, green edge. BLUE BENDER (Utz)— Dbl. stars huge deep blue with wide white edge. FANTASTIC (Utz) — Dbl. deep pink 15-20 to the cluster, dark foliage. Plants or Rooted Clumps — $1.69 each ROSALIE’S TRAILER (RG)— Dbl. blue, variegated foliage large trailer. MOHAWK TRAIL (LL)— Lite blue full dbl. stars semi-miniature foliage. TRAIL ALONG (LL)— Full dbl. pink stars, miniature trailer, adorable. ' KNEE HI (LL) — Dbl. red excellent stars, glossy dark green foliage. TANAGER (BT) — Dbl. fuchsia red stars edged in white. GAY BORDER (EF)— Deep violet semi-dbl. stars, white edge, semi-miniature. Please add $1.65 for postage which includes special handling, additional 85^ if you want special delivery, add additional 25

. . . 4.50 Charm /gavel (for President) . 7.00 Tie Tack . 4.50 Tie Tack/gavel (for President) .......... 7.00 Earrings/pair . . . . . 10.00 Bracelet . 5.00 Judges’ Charm . 3.00 Judges’ Charm/disc . . . . . 7.00 Judges’ Guard Pins . . 3.00 STERLING SILVER ONLY Bracelet/charm . 9.00 Gavel/chain . 3,00 14K GOLD Pin . 13.00 Pin/gavel (for President) . 20.00 Charm . 12.50 Charm/gavel (for President) . 17.50 Earrings/pair . 17.50 Life Member Pins . 17.50 L-M Tie Tack . 17.50 BOYCE EDENS RESEARCH FUND Mrs. Paul O. Gillespie^ Sr. 5201 St. Elmo Avenue Chattanooga, Tenn. 37409 Hi Hopes AVS of Randolph, Wis . $ 10.00 Magic Valley Saintpaulia Club of California in memory of Mrs. Sidney Smith . 5.00 Central Connecticut Saintpaulia of West Hartford, Conn . 10.00 Santa Monica Bay AVS of California in memory of Carolyn Rector . 25.00 African Violet Council of Southern California in memory of Carolyn Rector 30.00 AVS Board members and friends in memory of Helene Galpin ........... 85.00 San Fernando Valley AVS of California in memory of Wm. Goam, Henry Beeson, Carlton Wood and Mrs. Clarence Wescott . 10.00 Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Rienhardt on their 50th wedding anniversary .... 123.00 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas C. Springer of Bakers¬ field, CA., in memory of Carolyn Rector . 5.00 - - - — ♦ - — AVSA BOOSTER FUND Mrs. Dorothy Gray, Chairman Serendipity Mobile Home Village 3135 U. S. 19 North, No. 180 Clearwater, Fla. 33515 Say “EASTER GREETINGS” to that Charter Member of your Club who is still active. Her name and your Club’s name will appear in this column. CONVEY GREETINGS BY A CONTRIBUTION TO THE AVSA BOOSTER FUND. Contributions from July 25 through Sept. 25, 1974, were as follows: Helen & Joan Van Zele Lemon Grove, California ............ $20.00 Metropolitan AVS of Peoria, Ill . 5.00 Top Choice AVS of Shreveport, La . 40.00 — ♦ — - - - Send ideas, offers to help, or requests for assis¬ tance in membership and promotion to Amy Lack- ner, 580 E. County Road, B-2, St. Paul, Minn. 55117. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 8 A. — SPOT-O-SUN - 22 watt 8” diameter GRO-LUX Lamp . . $18.98 B. — SYLVANIA Fixture - 24” adj. legs; 2-20 watt GRO-LUX . 20.98 NOT SHOWN 4 Ft. Fixture, 24” adj. legs; 2-40 watt GRO-LUX (WS) Lamps . . 24.98 4 Ft. Fixture, Corl & Chain set; 2-40 watt GRO-LUX (WS) Lamps . 19.98 2 Ft. Fixture, 24” adj. legs; 2-20 watt, cool white Lamps . 16.98 15 watt (18”) Fluorescent Lamps (Ctn, of 2) GRO-LUX . 6.49 NATUR-ESCENT ($6.98) VITA-LITE ($9.49) 20 watt (24”) Fluorescent Lamps (Ctn. of 2) GRO-LUX . 6.49 NATUR-ESCENT ($6.98) VITA-LITE ($8.98) 40 watt (48”) Fluorescent Lamps (Ctn. of 2) GRO-LUX . 7.98 NATUR-ESCENT ($6.98) VITA-LITE ($9.98) 40 watt (48”) Fluorescent GRO-LUX (WS) Lamps (Carton of 6) . 9.98 22 watt— 8” Circle— GRO-LUX (WS) for Spot-O-Sun (1) $4.98 (2) . 8.98 PLANT -LITES— 75 watt or 150 watt Incandescent — (1) 4.98 2 Plant-Lites — (state size) . 8.98 Timer - $3.98 with $25.00 order . Separately 5.98 SHIPPING: East of Mississippi-$1.00 minimum or 10% of total West of Mississippi-$1.00 minimum or 15% of total. Free Catalog — Over 60 Items Michigan residents add 4% sales tax. INDOOR GARDENING SUPPLIES ?. O. Box 40551 A — Detroit, Michigan 48240 NOTICE No copies of the 1971 African Violet Handbook for Judges and Elxhibitors are available. Watch for my ad of the new 1975 Revision to be ready in May or June 1975. RUTH CAREY 3900 Garden Drive Knoxville, Tenn. 37918 POYNOR'S GREENHOUSE African Violets, Episcias, Sinningias, Columneas, Ferns, Begonias. State Inspected Stamp for list. Phone 504-345-5558 Route 2. Box 107J Hammond, La. 70401 State Road 443 — sign. Grow award winning violets from my fresh cut leaves. Venetian Lace — Serenity — Pink Viceroy — Sheer Beauty — Little Mountain — ^many others from leading hybridizers. THE VIOLET NOOK 1236 Mcmzonita St. Los Angeles, Calif. 90029 CASTLE VIOLETS 614 C:astle Rd. Colorado Springs, Colo. 80904 20 leaves, 2 each of 10 varieties; or 6 plants in 214 inch pots; or 4 plants in 3 inch pots; all different, labeled, prepaid, $7.(X). Air Mail $8.00. Shipping from April to November All prices quoted before are void. Please order from this ad: POTS 10 25 50 100 2^4” round green $ .60 $1.65 $3.00 $5.50 21/2” round green .75 1.75 3.15 6.00 3” round green .85 1.80 3.25 6.25 4” round green 1.65 4.15 7.45 14.25 5” tub white 2.20 5.25 6” tub white .40 each STA-MOIST SAUCERS — 4” . .... each .25 FINE MIST SPRAYER — 6" tall . . 3.75 CHARCOAL . 1 lb. 1.30 ACME SYSTEMIC (Di-Syston) . 11/4 lb. 3.50 3” THRIFTY MARKERS - — white only 100 for .60 MINIMUM ORDER $5.00 — ALL ITEMS SHIPPED POSTPAID. 5007 Terry Dr. Alton, Illinois 62002 Phone eve.: AC 618/466-0146 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 9 These Are Judges, Too!! Here’s one of the things that continue to hap¬ pen no matter how many times the list is checked: Omission of names of judges! Mrs. John Hayes of 9 Cobblestone Road, Bloomfield, Conn., was listed in the Knoxville of¬ fice as Mrs. Nancy G. Hayes. Her renewal was re¬ ceived as Mrs. John Hayes. Ruth Carey, chairman of Shows and Judges, ad¬ mits it’s a terrific job keeping the names of judges in good standing. Here are eight AVSA judges, whom Mrs. Carey says she failed to list in the September magazine with the AVSA judges and teachers: Mrs. Carter Grinstead, 1864 Berkshire Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43221 Mrs. Henry Hebert, 2720 Avenue M, Nederland, Texas 77627 Mrs. John Humphreys, 4460 Healy Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43227 Mrs. Elmer Lusk, 1173 Oakland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43212 Mrs. James S. Savage, 625 West Fifth Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 Miss Opal Stockum, 815 Cambridge Road, Coshocton, Ohio 43812 Mrs. B. W. Allen, 818 Lakeshore Drive, Talla¬ hassee, Fla. 32303 Mary Pritchett, 3763 Spearman Drive, Birming¬ ham, Ala. 35216 Omitted from the September list of AVSA judges were the foUovying: Mr. Alan Murphy, 6795 Miners Ravine Road, Roseville, CA. 95678 Mrs, H, C. Kahrmann, Jr., 1556 Foxworthy Street, San Jose, CA. 95118 Mr. Barr E. Tickner, R.D. 1, Box 306, Central Square, N. Y. 13036 So — if you’re looking for a judge for your show ~ these are names to consider! NEW LIFE MEMBERS Newest Life members to be added to the Life Membership List are Mrs. W. M. Plaster of 8304 Suffolk Drive, Shreveport, La., and Mrs. Mary Lou Markley of 302 N. Indiana Avenue, Vista, Califor¬ nia. Mrs. Plaster, a member of the AVSA Board of Directors, is also an AVSA teacher. BICENTENNIAL - ^'Our American Heritage^' was the theme of the Pomona Valley AVS' 21st annual show in LaVerne, Calif., where the arrangements and artistic displays featured the 1976 bicenten¬ nial. Art work was done by Mrs. Alex (Kathy) Baird of Clarement, Calif. Winners were AVSA Collection Award, gold rosette, 'Like Wow,' 'Wisteria', 'Blue Excitement,' Art Hill; AVSA Col¬ lection Award, purple rosette, 'Tommie Lou', 'Lullaby', 'Delft Imperial,' Betty Anderson; Queen of Show, 'Pink Flair', Horticultural sweepstakes, best single, 'Firebird,' Mrs. Kennedy Baird; best double, 'Wisteria', Mrs. Chelley Kilsmiller; best single, 'Centure', Mrs. John Bonaparte; best Cali¬ fornia hybrized plant, 'Silver Lace', Mrs. Clarissa Harris; best miniature, 'Valley Stars', best theme arrangement, Mrs. Edward Pease; best artistic planting, best arrangement, Mrs. Alex Mueller; best theme artistic display, sweepstakes in design, Mrs. Art Hill; best novice, Mrs. Sylva Kaiter. There were some 400 entries with 39 exhibitors. Mrs. Alex Mueller was chairman. Bicentennial Theme At Daffodil Show The Northern Neck of Virginia, the birthplace of Washington, Madison, Monroe, two signers of the Declaration of Independence and Robert E. Lee, will be the scene of the Garden Club of Vir¬ ginia’s 41st annual Daffodil Show. The show will be sponsored by The Garden Club of the Northern Neck on Saturday and Sun¬ day, April 12th and 13th, at the Rappahannock Community College in Warsaw. The theme of the show is “The First Hundred Years”, a natural in this historic setting as the na¬ tion approaches the Bicentennial. A schedule of classes, rules and awards may be obtained from the co-chairman, Mrs. Benjamin B, Morris, Montross, Virginia 22520. Those exhibitors who wish to register early en¬ tries should contact Mrs. Wat Tyler Griffith, Hague, Virginia 22469. On the opening day, April 12, 15 silver trophies and ribbons for all classes will be awarded by Mrs. John D, Varner, president of The Garden Club of Virginia. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 10 BERRY'S AFRICAN VIOLETS Have violets and all the supplies you need to grow African violets: Floracarts, Grolux bulbs, Aquamatic planters, plastic pots «& trays and everything else you need for violets. Will ship Helen Van Pelt Wilson’s Violet Book — paperback $4.25 postpaid. The 1975 Astro-Calendar for Best Planting Dates — $1.75 P.Pd. Texas customers add 5% sales tax. No list or catalog. MRS. J. S. BERRY 1832 Turner Dr., Ph. 695-5020 Houston, Texas 77016 ROSE KNOLL GARDENS In the Heart of Lincoln Land Newest varieties by Hawley. Lanigan, Grangers, Lyon etc. Due to expanding costs of supplies, labor and postage, we will NOT ship. Visitors most welcome. Clubs wishing to visit, please call for a special welcome. No list No shipping MR. AND MRS. JEFF RHOADES Assumption, Ill. 62510 217/226-3249 MINIATURE LOVERS! More than 100 varieties of miniatures plus semi’s and standards. Those ordering last year receive free listing. Others send stamp for new list ready shortly. The Flower Pof Stevens Street Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007 SPOT — THAT — MITE With this 20 power Pocket Microscope equipped with a pen light. Pocket Mike . $4.98 Mike Light . $2.25 Mike & Light . $6.98 (postpaid) Send 25 cents for complete growing supply list. BERNARD D. GREESON 3548 N. Crconer, Milwaukee, Wis. 53211 STIM-0-Pl_ANT helps you grow finer blooming african violets! BETTER PLANTING New formula high organic Not too heavy or light Has shredded spagnum moss Decomposing humus aerates soil, holds moisture, feeds beneficial soil bacteria Better drainage than lightweight mixes SOIL CONDITIONERS Vermiculite Charcoal Peat Moss EASIER FEEDING Liquid balahced 5-8-7 formula Easier to use. Concentrated for economy All food— no residues Gives plants 13 needed trace SPRAY - PEST CONTROL Quick, easy to use Kills aphids & mites, spiders & plant lice, exposed thrips & white flies, mealy bugs on house plants elements. BETTER FEEDING A finely ground food, pure USP chemicals. Quickly available to plants. Balanced 5-8-7 formula, gives more blooms, healthier plants Proved by years of use. Contains 13 needed trace elements. PLANT FOOD POWDER High-analysis 15-30-15, in¬ stantly soluble. A High powered plant food, PLANT POWER is strong enough for outdoor plants yet formu¬ lated for African Violets and other house plants. Package makes gallons. VC - 13 SOIL INSECTICIDE One-shot soil insecticide. Controls nematodes, spring- tails, grubs cutworms, ants, gnats, sym- philids. Buy from your dealer or grower. STIM-U-PLANT, INC. 2077 PARKWOOD AVE. COLUMBUS, OHIO 43219, 614/267-1296 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 11 Dr. Ralph Lasky and 'Pink Voyageur' 200 TREASURES — Here's the "Treasure Chest" filled with new introductions at the 23rd annual Show "A Treasure of Violets/' sponsored by the AVC of Greater Kansas City. Some 200 "treasures" were entered and admired by more than 700 persons. Dr. Ralph Lasky, show chair¬ man, was winner of Best in Show with 'Pink Voyageur'; AVSA Collection Award, gold rosette, 'Lullaby', 'Blue Chips', 'Boyce Edens'; and Best in Class, "Wintry Wine', 'Blue Boy' and 'Bull's Eye.' Other winners were Runnerup, 'Lavender Gem', Best in Class, 'Ruby', 'Flair', best miniature, 'Mis¬ chievous', Don Palmer; AVSA Collection Award, purple rosette, 'Butterfly White', 'First Lady', 'Pink Jester', sweepstakes. Best in Class, 'Blue Storm,' 'Orion' and 'Double Seafoam', Inez Heinrich club president; best semi-miniature, 'Northern Peony', Melba Vittorino; Best in class, 'Lullaby', best gesneriad, 'Brown Beauty', best in class in design division, Mrs. Albert Lefebvre; Best in class, 'Green Confetti', Verda Sedlak; Tommie Lou,' Mrs. Louise West; 'Carefree', Gladys Guilliam; 'Jane Starr', 'Friendship', Johnnie Proctor, 'Sport', Harold Procter; Best in Design Division and best in class, David Buttram, and Best in Class, Myra Bacharach. Small Varieties Given A Chance Mrs. Ed R. (Ruby) Davis Box 16, 211 N. Valley St Montevallo, Ala. 35115 In order to give small and small growing plants of standard varieties a better chance of winning Awards by not having to compete with large plants in the same class, we, African Violet Study Club of Birmingham, have included in our show schedule a section of standard specimen plants 10” or under. Classes in this section are the same as those for the larger plants. Those of us, who do not seem to be able to grow LARGE plants, or we just plain like the smaller ones, really do appreciate this section. It also helps the judges in selecting a Junior Queen should your schedule call for this. Treasure Chest The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 12 LOUISE’S GREENHOUSE African Violets Fresh Cut Leaves List 15^ LOUISE PITTS P. O. Box 767 Sour Lake, Texas 77659 713-287-3387 140,000 AFRICAN VIOLETS —OVER 500 VARIETIES— Includes Miniatures & Trailers Our FAMOUS BUELL’S HYBRID GLOXINIAS Columneas, Episcias, others with FIBROUS ROOTS Achimenes, Kohlerias, others with RHIZOMES Gloxinias, Sinningias, others with TUBERS Terrarium Plants * Books ^ Seeds * Supplies GESNERIAD SPECIALIST Since 1943 SHOWPLACE Greenhouses— 20,000 sq. ft. under glass. VISITORS WELCOME 8 AM - 5 PM (Closed Sunday & Holidays. NE corner of State, 6/10 mi. from Coim. 198 & Eastford center, off Westford Rd. 1974 DESCRIPTIVE LIST of all we grow, books, supplies. Send 25t and LONG, SELF-ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE,— 200 1st Class, 100 3rd class. GREENHOUSES, INC. F. O. Box 2 18- A VS Eastford, Weeks Rd. Conn. 06242 Phone 203 974-0623 CONVENTIONERS ALERT! — Visit us in April. We’re 17 mi. from Mass. Tpk., 80 mi. from Boston. We’ll also sell plant at the Convention. POSTPAID SUPPLIES Sudbury Soil Improvement Kit $6.50 Sudbury PH Soil Test Kit 1.49 Humiguide Hygrometer 3.95 INSECTICIDES AND CONDITIONERS Acti-dionne PM 5 ounces 1.70 Rock Phosphate 2 pounds 1.50 Dolomite Limestone 2 pounds 1.50 PLASTIC POTS “Due to plastic shortage, no choice of color. All Postpaid. Please specify type. If not specified our choice will be sent.’’ 25 50 100 1%’’ Regular $ 1.82 $ 2.80 $ 4.88 21/4’’ Regular or Square 1.95 2.93 5.14 21/2’’ Regular or Square 2.21 3.84 6.18 3’’ Reg. or Square, or Tub 2.54 4.55 7.74 31/2’’ Regular or Tub 2.93 5.14 9.04 4’’ Regular or Tub 3.25 5.85 10.34 5’’ Tub 6.18 11.38 21.45 6’’ Tub 5/2.93 10/4.88 25/7.74 Plastic Saucers 25 50 100 3” $ 2.93 $ 5.53 $10.34 4” 3.84 7.02 12.94 5” 4.42 8.58 15.93 6’’ 5.20 10.08 18.52 Due to high postage minimum order $5.00. Complete list of house plant supplies for stamp. Texas residents include 5%. .Texas Sales Tax. THE WALKERS Box 150-X Luling. Texas 78648 We Grow Beautiful African Violets. Complete line of growers supplies. For sale at our nursery only. No list. Open daily 10-5; Sunday 1-5; Closed Wed. & Thurs. Model Shown $163 complete with lights and plant growth tubes. Others $22.95 up Write for free brochure AVS. GM-CIIRT GRO-CART is a scientifically equipped indoor plant stand, designed with special fluorescent lights to bring the advantages of an expensive greenhouse into your home. Experiment with hybridizing plants. Grow your own organic foods and herbs, or beautify the decor of your home with spring flowers the year 'round and raise beautiful blooming plants regardless of weather or season, right In your living room. GRO-CART, model GH-3 shown. “Send for free brochure AV". We still grow beautiful African Violets for sale at our Nursery only. No List. THE (Ran HOUSE 9515 Flower Street • Bellflower, California 90706 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 13 COMING EVENTS MAR. 14- 16 MAR. 15 (ED. NOTE: Please see Magazine Deadlines on page 3 before sending in your notices. Late notices delay the printing of the magazine). Delaware AVS’ annual show, “Violets on the Emerald Isle,” at Pomeroy’s De¬ partment Store, Concord Mall, Wil¬ mington, Dela. Mar. 14, 2:30 - 10 p.m.; Mar. 15, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Mar. 16, 12 noon - 4:30 p.m. Public invited. Ad¬ mission free. Arlington Council of Garden Clubs to hold plant sale with First Arlington AVS one of 12 participating members at Forum 303 Mall, 2900 E. Pioneer Parkway (303), Arlington, Texas 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mrs. Don Nichols, FAAVS president. FEB. 13- 15 Upper Pinellas AVS to hold 16th an¬ nual show at Sunshine Mall, Clear¬ water, Fla. Theme, “Violets for Sweet¬ hearts”. Feb. 13, 1 to 9 p.m.; Feb. 14, 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Feb. 15, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mrs. Russell Yawger, show chairman; Mrs. Erik Sillid, president. FEB. 15-16 Alexandria AVS to hold sixth annual show, “Violets in February”, at Alex¬ andria Community Center, 315 Bolton Avenue. Feb. 15, 1 - 5 p.m.; Feb. 16, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Mrs. Joe Williamson, show chairman; Dr. J. B. Jung, vice chairman; Mrs. Kenneth Bran ton, presi¬ dent. FEB. 28 - MAR. 1 First Arlington AVS to hold annual show at Forum 303 Mall, lower level, 2 900 E. Pioneer Parkway (303), Arlington, TX. Feb. 28, 3 to 9 p.m.; Mar. 1, 10 a.m, - 9 p.m. Admission free. Mrs. Don Nichols, president and show chairman. MAR. 1 Alamo African Violet Society of San Antonio, Texas, to present 12th annual artistic display, educational exhibit and plant sale at Wonderland Shopping Center. Mrs. Byron Taggart, chairman; Mrs. R. S. Hummer, co-chairman; Mrs. R. H. Ware, educational. MAR. 1-2 Central Florida AVS’ 4th annual show, “Violets Go On a Holiday Spree”, at Florida Gas Co., Orange and Orlando Aves., Winter Park, Fla. Mrs. C. W. Parks, chairman and president; Mrs. E. B. Mansfield, co-chairman. Mar. 1, 1:30 - 6 p.m.; Mar. 2,11 a.m. - 5 p.m. MAR. 7-8 Top Choice AVS of Shreveport, La., to hold annual spring show, “A Violet Festival”, in Pierremont Mall. Mrs. T. J. Thomas, president; Mrs. Warren Rosenbaum, show chairman. MAR. 8-9 Metropolitan St. Louis AVS to present 22nd annual show, “Violets Sing a Song of Seasons”, at Floral Display House Missouri Botanical (Shaw’s) Gar¬ den, 2101 Tower Grove Ave., St. Louis, Mo. Mar. 8, 2 - 5 p.m.; Mar. 9, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mrs. J. Wallace Reitz, show chairman. MAR. 15-16 First Austin African Violet Society to hold 10th annual show at the Austin Area Garden Center, Austin, Texas. Theme, “10 Years To Remember.” Mar. 15, 1 - 5 p.m.; Mar. 16, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Gladys Hudnall, president; Sandra Leary, show chairman. MAR. 15-16 Montgomery AVS to hold annual show at Normandale Shopping Center, Montgomery, Ala. Theme, “Violets ^ Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Mary Osburn, show chairman; Doris Till, president. MAR. 15-16 Violet Harmony Club of Fort Worth to present “Violets, Artist’s Dream,” in the Botanic Gardens. No admission. Mar. 15, 1 to 5 p.m.; Mar. 16, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Mrs. W. B. (Mary) Stalling, show chairman; Mrs. T. E. (Nora) Tom¬ linson, president. MAR. 21 - 22 New Orleans AVS of New Orleans, La., to hold first annual show, “Way Down Yonder in New Orleans,” in Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie, La. Mrs. Frank Renaudin, president; Penny Breaner, show chairman. Mar. 21, 12 noon - 9 p.m,; Mar. 22, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. APRIL 12-13 Baton Rouge AVS to hold annual spring show, “Violets Make a Sentimental Journey” at Nelson Me¬ morial Building, Louisiana State Univer¬ sity campus. April 12, 3 to 7 p.m.; April 13, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mr. and Mrs. Jerome E. Brown, show chairmen; Mrs. E. E. Skillman, president. MY NEW HYBRIDS Anira, Blanco, Utz’s Monique, Lynna, Blue Bender, Blue Sultan, Utz's Pink Dawn, Kings Choice, Gypsy King, Texas Charmer, Maurine, Lolita, Charleen, Celeste, Truffels, Sandra, Honey Mist, Utz's Happy Heart, Jenelle, Utz's Contessa. NO SHIPPING HOWARD R. UTZ 10017 Sahara Dr. San Antonio, Tex. 78216 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 14 Our new reference manual has complete in¬ formation on — How we grew and sold 6000 African Violets a year in our basement under fluorescent lights. Postpaid $2.00. Homer H. Gabert 907 Birch Street Ectu Clcdre, Wise. 54701 VIOLETS BY CONSTANTINOV Winter shipping to warm areas. Coming Soon SIX NEW VARIETIES FOR 1975 plus THE BEST OF 1974 LIST Your stamp for my listing. 3321 21st St., Apt. 7 San Francisco, Calif. 94110 NOW . . . ENJOY USING THE CONVENIENT WATERING AID Here’s the item needed by every indoor flower grower ... an all aluminum light weight watering aid. No more lugging heavy, awk¬ ward watering cans. No spilling water! No breaking leaves! Com¬ plete with 8 feet of plastic hose, all aluminum shut off valve, and 18 inch wand, only $13.75 each. U. S. Customers add 75t shipping. Canadian Customers $1.00. Ohio residents add 4%% Sales Taix. Send check or money order today . . . or use your Master Charge or Bank Americard . . . give number. Made and guaranteed by the man¬ ufacturers of the popular Flora- Cart. Write for literature. TUBE CRAFT, INC., DEPT. C 131 1C West 80th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44102 For optimum growth & blooms . . . Feed as you water the PLANT MARVEL way Complete water soluble Plant Food for growing African Violets The PLANT MARVEL 12-31-14 formula is a scientifically balanced, 100% water-soluble, plant food. Leading profes¬ sional growers, as well as many amateur growers of African Violets, prefer this formula. It delivers needed nutrients in immediately usable form and in just the right proportions. This remarkably efficient, water-soluble fertilizer supplies the entire root system with all the essential NPK and minor elements. As a result, optimum, healthy growth and blooms are promoted. Plant MarvePs African Violet spray is ideal for all house plants Get positive results with this remarkably effective, all - around, insecticide spray. Kills hard-to-get-at Mealy bugs, Soft Brown Scale, Aphids, Spider Mites, and many other insects. No harm to blooms or foliage, when used as directed. Won’t stain fabrics or wallpaper. Harmless to children and pets. Here’s the ideal insecticide for African Violets, Ivies, Begonias, etc. Write for FREE literature and price list. PLANT MARVEL LABORATORIES • Oepl. AV74 • 624 Wesf n9Hi St. • Chicago, III. 60628 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 15 VIOLET SHOW? WHY NOT USE AVSA ENTRY TAGS? AVSA ENTRY TAGS add prestige to your show. They boast the AVSA insignia and name. They are printed in violet colored ink. They con¬ ceal the Exhibitor’s Number when folded and used correctly. AND — they couldn’t possibly be dupli¬ cated for the low cost of $2.00 per 100. Order from the AVSA Business Office, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn, 37901. *^meKica Jnc. mu STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CmCULATION SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON PAGE 2 (REVERSE} AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE 2. DATE OF FILING Octe 1. 1974 Five times each vear - January. March, June, September and November African Violet Society of America. Inc.. P.O. Box' 1326. Knoxville Tenn. - tass - s — a, - s & - « - - ^ ^ 7IUST be stated and also immediately thereunder the names and addresses of I - ^ - 1 1 ' ■ African Violet Society of 70b Hamilton BanX Bldg.. PeO Box iJ^b America Inc Knoxville. Tennessee 37901 1 1 8 MNUVVN bUNUMULUtMS, MUH lOAOfctb, ANU Ul MfcH btCUHl 1 T MULUtH^ UWNINO UH MOLUirJU 1 KtHCtNT OR MORE OF TOTAL AMOUNT OF BONOS. MORTGAGES OR OTHER SECURITIES /// there are f^or^e. so state) NAME Hsnfi_ ^ 9 FOR OPTIONAL COMPLETION BY PUBLISHERS MAILING AT THE REGULAR RATES (Section 132.121. Postal Service Manual) □ p7r.5r„’;r/rr. 11 EXTENT AND NATURE OF CIRCULATION A, TOT.t NO. COP.ESPR.NTEOrM., 14,580 15,500 ’■ VENDORS ANd'c^oSnTEB^SALES STREET - - 14.067 14.422 C. TOTAL PAID CIRCULATION 14.067 14.422 91 104 2. COPIES DISTRIBUTED TO NEWS AGENTS. BUT NOT SOLO - - E. TOTAL DISTRIBUTION O/CandO^ 14.158 14.526 F, OFFICE USE. LEFT-OVER, UNACCOUNTED. SPOILED AFTER 422 974 G. rOTAE (Sun, of E i F-SUouM nn, n,n ,Honn, ,n A, 14.580 15,500 1 1 tt-flily th.il ihe M.ilemerHMi>jJe hy me .ibove torTctl and toinpleic ‘ - - Want an AVSA emblem? Write to AVSA office, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn. 37901. Section . . . Class . . . Entry Number .................... Variety ............................. Exhibitor's Number . . . Name . . fold here City . . . State . . . fold here Claim Check Exhibitor's Number ................... Name . . . . . Variety . . . . . . . Sec............. Class.... . . Entry. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 16 'Pciftii SeiectcMA (Photos by Grower), The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 17 You are cordially invited to join with others who enjoy growing Gloxinias and other Gesneriads on windowsills, in greenhouses, and under fluorescent lights. The Society, a nonprofit membership organi¬ zation, was founded in 1951 and has grown to include members in every state, in Canada and in many other countries. The Society publishes The Gloxinian. The Mag¬ azine for Gesneriad Growers, bimonthly — it contains information about all Gesneriads except Saintpaulia; the INTERNATIONAL GESNERIAD REGISTER; a Cul¬ tural Handbook; other bonuses. It sponsors Research; privileges of membership include an Annual Con¬ vention and Judged Flower Show with Awards, Round Robins, local Chapters, a Seed Fund, and Library of Slides and Books. Dues are $7.00 per year. L Each NEW MEMBER receives two free back issues of The Gloxinian. a packet of choice Gesneriad seeds, a Cultural Handbook, a Membership Card, and all issues of The Gloxinian for the current calendar year. Make check or M. O. payable to AMERICAN GLOXINIA and GESNERIAD SOCIETY. Mail to Mrs. J. Wm. Rowe, Memb. Sec’y Dept. AV 75, P. O. Box 174. New Milford, Conn. 06776 Lumen-Liter Plant Stands are made of Gleaming Aluminum square tubing with high impact soft green trays. Lights are easily adjustable above trays with chains. Send dime for literature. Naturescent. V i t a 1 i t e . Gro - Lux tubes, lamps, trcrys and timers, etc. We pay shipping. Ripe-N-Gro Sunlite 17 in. diameter 19 in. high Avo¬ cado Green with 22 watt wide spectrum Fluores¬ cent Lamp $28.95 P.P. Spot-O-Sun Grolite Plant¬ er, Avocado Green $19,^. 4 Tray $36.95 Fixtures for above stands with 2-24” — 20 watt cool white tubes $15.95 each with cord, plug and switch. Free sprayer included. Add 4% tax in Wisconsin. FLORALITE COMPANY 124A East Oakwood Rd. Oak Creek. Wis.. 53154 Phone (414) 762-1770 List Your Best Varieties Mrs. M. G. Gonzales Best Varieties Compiler 200 Doris Avenue San Jose, Calif. 95127 It is again time to submit your list of 25 choices of African violet varieties. The 1974 list was com¬ piled from 1357 lists submitted by 140 clubs and 69 individual AVSA members. Thank you one and all. With AVSA memberships and African violet clubs growing, it is hoped we will receive many more Hsts. Ten percent is not very good. Let every member try to encourage at least one member to submit a list. We will be appreciative. Each member is to submit their favorite 25 African violets. Many clubs are not responding to our plea. Please help us to get better participation by submitting a list. Please send your Hst before April 1, 1975 to Mrs. M. G. Gonzales, 200 Doris Avenue, San Jose, California 95127 ZORRO 8i SON-Two ''Zorros'' and a "'Luilaby'' won top honors at Old Dominion African Violet Society's show with the theme "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow". The Best in show "Zorro," (cen¬ ter), is the son of the second best in show "Zorro", (left), both grown by Jeanne Melchier, second from left. Marge Walther, show chairman, is on the right with her plant "Lullaby", third best in show. Leanore Gallarde on the left holds the best miniature, "Little Fella", Second from right is Fran Baschnagel holding the best semi-miniature, "Coral Satin". She also won sweepstakes in both design and horticulture division of the show. (Photo by Paul Stanek) The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 18 THE HOUSE OF VIOLETS Ralph & Charlyne Reed SSe Ckirland— Dept. J-75 Camden. Arkansas 71701 1975 list now ready. Many beautiful new varieties. Send stamp. "Schultz-lnstan LIQUID PLAMT FOOl 7 DROPS to a quart of w “starts and feeds" all plants ii — AvoUabh Cl or send 42.00 for 2 bottles prepaid I SCHULTZ COMPANY' 11730NORTHUNE, ST. LOUIS, MO. 63043 SEND FOR OUR FUND RAISING OFFER ABOUT GARDENING Helen Van Pelt Wilson’s 1970 Edition African Violet Book (Hard Back) $ 8.95 Helen Van Pelt Wilson’s 1970 Edition African Violet Book (Paper Back) 4.35 The Indoor Light Gardening By Virginia and George A. Elbert 10.95 Fun With Terrarium Gardening By Virginia and George A. Elbert 3.35 The Complete Book of Terrariums By Charles Martin Fitch 8.95 Ferns To Know And Grow By F. Gordon Foster 7.95 NO MINIMUM ON BOOKS GROWING SUPPLIES 11 oz. Liquid Blue Whale Brand (6-2-1) 2.50 24 oz. Liquid Blue Whale Brand (6-2-1) 3.50 8 oz. Sturdy (0-15-14) 2.85 12 oz. Sturdy (0-15-14) 4.45 11/2 lb. Blue Whale Soil Builder 1.50 3 oz. Can Mildex for Mildew 2.39 16 oz. Bottle Cygon 2-E 5.70 4 oz. Bottle Kelthane (Miticide) 1.69 4 oz. Bottle Malathion 50% 1.69 8 oz. Peters House Plant Food (15-30-15) 1.95 8 oz. Peters Violet Special (12-36-14) 2.20 8 oz. Peters Variegated Special (5-50-17) 2,45 4 oz. Bottle Superthrive (Vitamin-Hormones) 3.29 2 qts. Hardwood Charcoal #10 very fine, #6 med. Granules 1.75 8 qt. bag Krum Perlite #2 size only 2.20 IV2 lb. Systemic Insecticide Granules 3.65 10 oz. Plant Marvel i-bomb (Insecticide Spray) 3.05 3 lb. bag Carbonate Fermate, Ferbam 4.30 2 qt. bag #4 Vermiculite, very fine good for planting seeds .45 2 lbs. Dolomite Limestone 1.25 2 lbs. Calcium Carbonate 1.50 Minimum Order $5.00 Supplies Only All Items Are Postpaid Michigan Residents Please Add 4% Sales Tax Violets. 19788 San Juan Ave. Detroit, Michigan 48221 Violet Officially approved by A VS A Board 16 BEAUTIFUL VIOLETS PRINTED .N FULL COLOR. All Different. (Note size folded 5 -3/8x3 -1/4) 16 NOTEHEADS I 16 ENVELOPES f ' plus tax Sold through your local club in minimum lots of 12 packages for $1 per package. (Your club earns 500 per package). An excellent item for sale at your local violet show. Minimum order- — 12 packages. (No Single Order Please) Order direct from Printer: GUS BECKER PRINTING COMPANY 1080 Forsythe - Beaumont, Texas 77701 Please have your club order in even lots of 1 2. Shipped postpaid if check sent with order. Otherwise shipped COD plus postage. NEW DECORATIVE PLANT STANDS Economical — Convenient 3 Level 40 Watt Shown 491/2" Long Five models from 25 to 49 long. Tray & fixture heights completely adjustable without tools. Convenient slide-out trays & fixtures. Made of gleaming aluminum & Red¬ wood with or without fixtures & casters as desired. Save — - Buy direct from maker! 150 Brings Catalog of Growth Fluorescents, Plant Stands, Growth Lamps & Accessories SHOPLITE CO., INC. S66V Franklin Ave. Nutley, N. J. 07110 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 19 LYON HYBRIDS (Photo by Schroeder) TINY SPARKLES (Miniature) SNOW JET (Miniature) The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 20 S. Dwarf Gloxinia Mixed LYON GLOXINIAS American Beauty Hybrid Cactus The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 21 (Photo by Schroeder) (Photo by B. Sorano) Gesneriads Mrs. Thomas T. Austin 407 Violet Street Corinth, Mississippi 38834 Gesneriads are commonly known as companion plants or kissing cousins to African violets. There is a large family of gesneriads, but I only grow a few. The requirements for these plants are the same as for violets. If you grow beautiful violets, you can grow beautiful gesneriads. If you have a good method of growing that does good for you, stick to it. Don’t be like the lady that tried every soil mix that she read about in the magazines until her poor plants just gave up. When you try a new soil, try only a few plants and see how it works before you change all of them. Be sure that you give them time to get adjusted and grow. Soil must be light and porous. I use Volkman African Violet Soil with all my plants, if you don’t have a good mix, you might like to try the one Lyndon Lyon uses. He calls it the 3, 2, 1 soilless mix: 3 parts brown (Canadian) Sphagnum moss (16 quarts) 2 parts (Terralite) Vermiculite (10 2/3 quarts) Limestone (Dolomite) 10 tablespoons I use both clay and plastic pots. I put foil on all my pot rims because I wick everything. I use Volkman Constant Feed Fertilizer (15-30-15). I use nylon hose for my wicks. I have found that some hose do not make good wicks. I like only the crushable kind; I cut across the stocking a smdl wick, then cut it, and stretch it. Remember, if you have a small pot, you need a very narrow wick, then a little larger as the pot gets bigger. If the soil is heavy, the mant will rot. This has been a hard lesson for me. I killed so many before I found the answer. If your plant gets too wet the wick could be too large for the size of the pot you are using, or you may have too much wick inside the pot. If your wick doesn’t work, maybe your con¬ tainer doesn’t have enough water in it or maybe your wick isn’t up in the pot far enough. Most of the time you have to water from the top to start the wick to work, if you check these and the wick still doesn’t work, try another kind of stocking. Keep trying, the answer is there. We learn from our failures. I use liver cartons or plastic margarine cartons, jelly jars, and also quart jars to wick in. In the plastic top, I cut several holes in the lids with a hot knife. An old steak knife wnth a pointed tip makes a good one. I use the same rooting medium for my gesneriads as I do for my African violets. When planting seed, I use a layer of milled sphagnum moss on top. Wet this good before you plant the seed. If you will set the flat in water when it needs to be watered, and water from the bottom your plants wdll do better since all the seeds of gesneriads are small and can be washed away easily. Episcias are beautiful foliage plants. They will bloom if given lots of light. They can be grown in hanging baskets or in pots. Keep stolons pinched for more compact plants. I let mine get about 6 to 8 inches long. By keeping them this length they bloom good and don’t get long and stringy looking. They can be grown outside in the morn¬ ing sun or semi shade. Episcias make good plants to put in a terrarium if you have a good strong light. Remove when they get too large. Columneas make good hanging baskets or can also be grown in pots. Some grow upright. If you are growing in a pot, keep them pruned and tney bloom better. C. Chanticleer does well for me. The more I pinch, the prettier it gets. These do well outside, too. They are also pretty in a terrarium. A tip cutting soon blooms. Gloxinias are grown for their beautiful blooms. They have a high light requirement and do best in a greenhouse or outside. They can be grown under lights, but must be kept close under the light or they will get leggy. My Glox, ‘Jiminy Cricket’, that I entered in the Dixie show has a new look. The blooms have always been red. Now it has 3 red blooms and 3 pink ones. Achimines have a high light requirement. They do best in greenhouses or outside. When they are 3 or 4 inches, high pinch. When about 7 or 8 inches, tall stake. They make lovely hanging baskets. They must not dry out. Sinningia miniatures have a high humidity re¬ quirement and a need for constant moisture. They will grow and bloom well in good light. ‘Freckles’ has a high light requirement. To bloom freely, it must be placed in strong light. The ones formerly known as X Glox are now Sinningias. They grow well in wicked pots. Hypocyrta— The culture for these is the same as for Columneas. I have found a few things to add color to my terrariums. I’d like to tell you about them. Glass paint comes in most colors. It can be bought at most hobby shops. Sears stores, and Penney’s mail catalogs. I lixe to take sea shells, the white kind makes the paint show up better. Use any color you like. The paint dries quickly. On the parts you leave white (unpainted) use clear nail polish. This gives a shiny coat and a look to match the other painted part. Large shells make good paper weights and look very pretty painted. The large white rocks can be done the same way. The cluster plastic flowers can be pulled apart. Separate a portion of the cluster from the larger The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 22 •? - part, and, put a toothpick in the hole. Then place it in the soil beside a green plant and it takes on a look of blooming plants. Butterflies and bees can be wired on a tooth¬ pick and placed above or close to the flower. These can be bought at some hobby shops or they can be ordered from Lee Wards, 1200 St. Charles St., Elgin, Ill. 60120. Corks that come in bottles or the kind you find in hardware stores make good stumps. When painted with glass paint, these look cute with a small rabbit close by or maybe a bird on top. In your search for things to put in your ter¬ rariums, be sure to check your stores that sell trop¬ ical fish. Sometimes they have bridges and other things you may want to use. Getting Hooked' Mrs, Carl B. Charping P. O. Box 381 Belle Chase, La. 7003 1 Sometimes when I read in the newspaper about people “hooked” on dope, I think what a waste of time and life. Frankly, it’s so much fun — and really reward¬ ing — to be “hooked” on African violets as I am that I wish I could tell all these people about it. Four years ago I read an ad about a store having a remodeling sale. Some African violet growers were to be there to give tips on growing them, and plants were to be sold for 49 cents each. A friend and I went. We bought two plants each with the idea we’d exchange leaves when we learn¬ ed they could be rooted from leaves. I’m sorry to say I never received any of my friend’s leaves. Her plants toppled from a window siU into dish water in the sink — and that was the end of them! Then I attended the First New Orleans African Violet Society’s first show. Of all flower shows I’ve attended, I’ve never seen one so beautiful! I simply gaped! Never had I seen such a display of violets. In fact, I didn’t know so many varieties existed. The club president was most helpful to me. I told her about my two violets, but explained I wasn’t very successful in rooting leaves. I could root them in water but when I planted them they died. She told me of rooting in vermiculite and then separating them when they were about two inches high. I confessed one of my plants toppled over and one grew every which way, which I later discover¬ ed had seven crowns! I left the show with many cuttings and an appli¬ cation to become an AVSA member. I was told that the African Violet Magazine would be helpful. Truly it was and is! Later I obtained a baby plant of ‘Happy Har¬ old.’ ‘Happy Harold’ was the winning plant in the the show and I fell in love with it. ' : ' c-’ Well, you can guess the rest of my story. I am really “hooked” — on African violets. In June 1973 my husband gave me my first floral cart. It was a birthday present! And to my surprise I got another one as a Christmas gift. They are filled with plants and my windows are full of cuttings. I also became a member of the New Orleans club. At the next show I entered 11 plants and received nine ribbons! Two of my entries were my first two original plants. However, my biggest pleasure is showing off my plants and giving away baby plants and cuttings to my friends as gifts or to bring plain good cheer to someone. One of my biggest thrills took place when I gave a 13-year-old daughter of a friend a plastic shoe box lid with gravel and six baby plants. I told her the need of constant feeding and gave her a bottle of prepared water until she could buy some plant food. What a joy it was the day I saw her six plants in bloom! Now, can you understand why I say it’s so much fun and so rewarding to be “hooked” on African violets? AT CORPUS CHRISTI -- Here are pictured some of the top winners at ^'Carouser', the annual show held by the Corpus Christi African Violet Society with assistance and participation of the Gulf Breeze Society of Corpus Christi, Texas. They are, L to R, 1st maid of honor, Tocono Mountain', Mrs. Marion Strunk, show chairman; 2nd maid of honor, 'P.T. Burma Ruby,' Mrs. Renal Baker; Queen, 'R. Claudia', Mrs. Jan Thornton; sweep- stakes, Mrs. Edwin Briggs; and award of merit in design, Ray Lange, Corpus Christi president. Other winners were: AVSA Collection, 'Keepsake', 'Sil¬ ver Pinafore', 'Silver Dust,' Mrs. Jane Douglass; ed¬ ucational exhibits, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Sandra Sigier, show co-chairman; Texas Hybridizer award, Howard Utz, 'Blue Elegance', Mrs. Maurine Yantis. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 23 BEAUTIFUL COLOR FROM CONST ANTINOV (Photos by Grower) BIGSUR CHERRY SUNDAE The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 24 454 Packet K. 1. Sawyer AFB Michigan 49843 African violets grown to perfection and topped by clouds of blossoms are certainly works of art, and since it does involve craft to grow them that way, why shouldn’t they be included in arts and crafts shows? Reasoning this way I approached the Lake Superior Art Association which sponsors the an¬ nual Art on the Rocks, one of the largest outdoor arts and crafts shows in the country. They con¬ sidered my idea and decided “The violets will be a lovely addition to the show.” Registration for the two days was only five dollars. With barely a month to plan my exhibit the first thing I did was write the AVSA for culture folders. Then I had a small folder of my own print¬ ed which included my phone number for people to call for advice about their plants. Also included in this folder was a list of fertilizer, perlite, potting soil, vermicuHte, and where they were available in the area. It was too late to disbud so I chose 75 violets in three-inch pots that were budded and might be blooming in time for the show, and since it was a special once a year happening, picked out some of my larger blooming plants (after making certain they weren’t my only specimens of the variety). Then there was a handful of unnamed violets which I decided to offer for 75 <1^ and a $1.00 as “Potluck.” Any remaining potluck plants on Sun¬ day afternoon would be given away to buyers of named violets. In addition to these there were two dozen mini violets (extremely rare in this area), five dozen individually potted sinningia pusillas, and 10 small terrariums planted with sinningias. How to exhibit was the next problem. I de¬ cided my three-tiered Flora Cart would be used, minus light fixtures, and made a lavendar vinyl AT ART SHOW— Carol Bruce took her African violets to the art show and because of the high winds the canopy had to be tied down. In between customers she dusted plants. But her exhibit proved to be one of the most popular displays viewed by the nearly 10,000 visitors. canopy to fit over the cart’s top bracket. Although the cart would be set up in the shadiest spot pos¬ sible in the park, the canopy would serve as more than a decoration in case of sun or a sudden shower. My husband borrowed a friend with a truck the Saturday morning of the show, and by 7 a.m. we’d loaded the cart, umpteen boxes of violets, an extra table, two borrowed chairs, a few craft items, and everything else we could think of. By the time we arrived at the Presque He Park in Marquette, 20 miles away, there were two dozen other exhibitors already setting up displays. Before we’d finished setting up, customers were already exploring the area. More exhibitors were still arriving, and many began dashing from booth to booth, borrowing tape and wire to anchor displays against the rising wind. It was a friendly atmosphere and though it was my first time at the show, I soon felt right at home. The violets had been watered well before leav- The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 25 ing home but I’d brought two gallons of water, insect spray, and various potting tools, just in case. All day the wind blew, gusting as high as 50 mph at times. Once two violets on wick as a demonstra¬ tion blew off the table, but damage was minor and quickly repaired. Evaporation was high due to the wind, dust, and twigs blew onto the plants, and a few of the blossoms were bruised from the wind. I kept busy in between customers by alternately chasing blowing paintings down the road for neigh¬ boring artists and dusting and watering the violets. Another week and ail of the violets would have had blossoms open, but for the show only half were blooming - - - perhaps a blessing in disguise after the way the wind was treating them. Of the blooming plants, ‘Spring Deb’ was the favorite. At one time three customers wanted the last ‘Spring Deb’, with the little girl who wanted to buy it to take home for her mother winning out. ‘Tommie Lou’ and ‘Whirlaway’ were other favorites. The sinningias were also popular, with some people making a second trip to buy them. There were a lot of people that first day with sales fairly good, but due to an advertising error in the show’s hours, most exhibitors packed in early. Rather than lug all my plants home that night and back again the next morning, they were deposited at a friend’s home in Marquette. Sunday was very busy, though the wind wasn’t, thank goodness. There were so many customers that day I could hardly keep up with them. At one point I found my husband was also giving instruc¬ tions for violet culture. Though he’s never tried raising a violet he’s heard me explaining so often he was able to answer nearly every question people threw at him. That afternoon, Mr. B. A. Heath, well known in the area as owner of the largest greenhouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, stopped by to see my violets. He was soon advising people to buy them as he considered them better grown than his, since his small staff was too busy with other plants to spend enough time on grooming the violets. An hour after he’d left my display to visit others, people were still coming to buy violets because he’d sent them. And, where other exhibitors didn’t buy paint¬ ings or craft items as they had enough of their own, they did buy violets. At least one man bought a violet to use in his own display of pot¬ tery. At times when there were too many people to answer all their questions at once, I’d point out my phone number in the folder. Often people would reply they couldn’t, that they were taking violets home to Texas, Ohio, or another state. There was even one AVSA member from Florida, the only other AVSA member I’ve met since moving here from California and the AVS of San Francisco in July 1973. By Sunday night 200 artists had registered ex¬ hibits with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 people viewing, and naturally, the violets were one of the most popular displays. Perhaps at the next Art on the Rocks there’ll be more violets because of AVSA members recruited at this one. Canadian Convention In Toronto In 1975 Mrs. Sylvia Richardson 2907 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Apt. #2. Toronto, Ontario Canada. M8V 1J3 Scores of American visitors are planning to at¬ tend the 1975 convention of the African Violet Society of Canada in Toronto, Ontario, May 30 - 31. Several New York AVSA judges have also been invited to serve at the Show. It will be spring in Toronto with trees and spring bulbs in all their glory. So what better time to add beautiful African violet blossoms to those of nature? The Canadian-Japanese Culture Center has been chosen as the setting for the Show. This presti¬ gious building is located a short hop from down¬ town Toronto and the International Airport. It is set into a ravine, and its lovely public rooms can only enhance the Show plants and our design divi¬ sion. Accomodations will be at the Holiday Inn, a short walk across a parking lot from the Center. Its restaurants are excellent, and you can swim in the heated pool. Just down the road is Ernest Fisher’s establishment and a warm welcome is guaranteed to all Conventioneers. Many other growers are lo¬ cated nearby, and there will be no problem to take your purchases across the border. For escorting husbands, the Toronto Science Center will beckon, and while hubby is getting scientific the ladies can visit a workshop. Floyd Chrysler is scheduled to speak about his specialty, “Gesneriads”, and a workshop on arranging in the Japanese manner is planned for an evening. The Show room will be open on Friday afternoon and Saturday, and on Saturday night we will have the awards banquet. This will be held at the Culture Center, awards will be presented and entertain¬ ment will follow. A warm welcome is extended by the Lakeshore AV Society of Toronto to all our American friends to come to Convention 1975. If you have any need for further information please do write to me. I will be most pleased to hear from you. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 26 Question Box By Anne Tinari, Tinari Greenhouses 2325 Valley Road^ Huntingdon Valley, Pa. 19006 ‘‘My wish for you in ^75, Is that each of your violets will grow and thrived’ Anne Dear Anne, I have had some success with propagating leaves. However, I am having a problem with the stems curving. The roots then protrude above the vermiculite which I have been using. I have tried rooting first in water and then transferring into vermiculite. What can I do to prevent this? A. I would suggest your cutting the stem of the plant about IVa” to no more than iVi”, this will avoid the curling petiole. Then root this in a root¬ ing medium of half sand and half vermiculite. In this way you would have faster rooting time and less chance of losing the entire plant due to rot¬ ting. When you have many fibrous roots in the rooting medium then transfer them to pots and your soil mixture. Q. I have an African violet with a very strange shaped root--4 inches thick around which is grow¬ ing sideways to the side of the pot and out It is ready to bloom. Should I transplant it? Push the root down into a new bigger pot or what? I keep moving it to the light but I am afraid if I try to push it down it will break. It is in a 14” pot. A. You may be wise to gently lift your plant out of the present pot. In fact, a 14” pot is almost certainly double the size of the pot necessary for most any African violet. Gently remove a lot of the old soil being careful not to disturb the fibrous root system and gently replace filling up with new soil into a proper size pot, perhaps a 6” to 7” size would be ample. Q. My problem is that I will be moving from Iowa to Kentucky. I would like to take the violets with me. How can I move them? The leaves seem too wide and too big to wrap in newspaper as you did when you shipped me the small plants. I do not have room in my car to pack them separately in separate boxes, so is there any practical way to move them? A. I would suggest you obtain some of the soft florist type wax paper to crush and cuff under the outer leaves of the plants, then gently lay over and roll in sheets of the same material. If the plants have not been recently watered they will not be as crisp and as apt to break down when doing this operation. The plants can then be placed in a large covered carton for traveling. Newspaper can be used as cushioning between wrapped plants at the pot level Q. Dear Anne, I hope you can advise me. I will be gone for two weeks. I have about 40 violets so please teU me how I can keep them alive for the time we will be away. I can’t ask anyone to take care of this many African violets and I honestly don’t know what to do! A. On the absentee care of plants. Helen Van Pelt Wilson in her book “The African Violet Book” has some advice which I agree with but I must say that you should not be upset when, if upon your return they don’t look exactly like they would if you had been there each day to tend to The Afiican Violet Magazine, January, 1975 27 their needs. But then we humans have needs, tool Quoted from her book as follows: “African violets can be left alone for a few days or up to several weeks. One way to do this is to cover them as a group with a large sheet of polyethylene (such as a painter’s drop sheet) or individually with a tent of Saran Wrap or other plastic. Here are the keys to success with this method. 1. Locate plants where they receive bright light, but no direct sun. (if they are under fluorescents, set a timer to turn the lights on and off each day.) 2. Strive for temperatures on the cool side, say 60 to 68 degrees F., and if you must be away in summer, grouping plants on the basement floor may be the best you can do. 3. Have soil just nicely moist, not soaking wet, before covering with plastic. 4. Remove all old leaves that are beginning to discolor or droop, and all flowers including buds that are large enough to open while you will be away. Any flowers that fall on leaves under these conditions of high humidity may provide a breed¬ ing place for fungus spores. 5. Before you leave the plants under wraps, in¬ spect each to be certain it is free of insects and disease. Any plant not healthy may be treated and isolated from the rest or destroyed; do not place it with healthy ones. Q. I have about 50 plants and every day I feel each one to see if it needs water. Result— dirty nails which are always so hard to clean. A. The problem is definitely food for thought. Frankly, I somehow never felt the soil in pots was dirty! It is possible to use the tip of the finger without involving the nail to test whether plants have adequate moisture. Better still the appearance of a plant after having had the experience of grow¬ ing them for some time is a dead giveaway. Firm foliage and blossoms that are upright are a good indication of sufficient moisture. A plant that looks even a bit droopy and has slightly limp fo¬ liage would need watering. Of course, one can go to wick watering which does solve the problem for many people. If you are interested in aquamatic watering, an excellent article on this subject can be found in a former AVSA Magazine, Volume 25, No. 4, page 12 by Mrs. W. F. Anderson. Q. Please help!! I have a collection of a little more than a hundred violets. During this past win¬ ter between 60 - 70 contracted crown rot. This affliction has been arrested and only less than a dozen have died, but my problem now is what can I do about these surviving violets which are quite deformed? Some of them have twisted stems. some have rotted out crowns, some have new growth in the crown but the entire plant is mis¬ shapen. Can these plants ever regain their original beauty? A. If plants and blossoms on them are still badly deformed I would guess that they may have cyclamen mite which could have attacked them especially in their weakened condition after the effects of crown rot. It would be best to keep those affected isolated and begin treatment with Kelthane or 50% Malathion. One must also be careful about starting leaves from these affected plants as this can be transmitted to new plants from their cuttings. Q. I suspect my violets have a healthy case of nematodes (if you can call that healthy!). I would like to know if nematodes can affect leaves that are producing small plants in vermiculite? Also, can they spread from one plant to another, either by washing from drainage holes when watered and moving to another plant, or when testing for mois¬ ture with top of finger from one plant to another. A. Nematodes spread usually by swimming out of drainage holes in one pot into another. They are fine threadlike transparent worms that destroy the life processes of a healthy plant and can be spread by the spout on your watering can, your pebble filled trays, and other means of moist areas where they can travel to and from plants and multiply. When the destructive worms pierce the tissue and embed themselves right in the center of a healthy stem there is little that can be done to eradicate them. There really is no cure at present, so would advise destroying plants with visible signs of nema¬ todes. When stems appear swollen, particularly at the base or even up further on stems, it can be foliar nematodes. The use of sterilized soil is the only preventative. Soil baked at 180 for iVi or 2 hours counting from the time temperature reaches 180 will kill most harmful bacteria and other causes of infestation. READERS^ TIMELY TIPS; Bud Dropping: I find this is usually the effect of too dry an atmosphere, gas fumes, overwa¬ tering, extreme changes in temperature. Tip No. 2 — Shake and stir wettable powder sprays frequently when you use them to prevent the powder from settling and also to help maintain the uniform strength of the preparation. Tip No. 3 — Peters’ variegated violet special fer¬ tilizer 5-50-17 is good for variegating plants. Plants will grow slower but they’ll variegate beautifully. If you don’t like it for that, it’s a fantastic blossom booster. Best results come at a window for me. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 28 (IlusinDS From lire Mrs. Sidney (Ellie) Bogin Chr. Miniature & Semi-Mini Class 39 Boyd Street Long Beach, N. Y. 11561 Give fools their gold and knaves their power; Let fortune's bubbles rise and fall; Who sows afield or trains a flower or plants a tree, is more than all For he who blesses most is blest; And God and man shall own his worth Who toils to leave as his bequest An added beauty to the earth. Whittier ‘Bloomburst’, the second best semi-miniature at the AVSA convention in Hartford, is no longer an orphan. Its Mommy has been found - - - Nancy Hayes. Sorry about that, Nancy! Mrs. R. A. Kinney of Berkley, Michigan, won the best bubble bowl class at the Border Cities African Violet Show, held in Detroit in 1974. What makes this so special is that she had a plant of ‘Tiny Teen’ in it with 27 blooms. Since the bulk of my recent mail has been from new AVSA members and miniature growers, I am going to review some aspects of miniature culture. The cardinal rule in any violet growing is clean¬ liness. Only sterilized soil should be used, all work¬ ing utensils and working surfaces kept scrupul¬ ously clean. No old soil or dirty pots should ever be reused. When you repot, throw out whatever soil is re¬ moved from the plant. Since miniatures are always kept in the same size pot, it is a good idea to loosen some of the old soil from the roots and add fresh soil to the bottom of the pot. Use only clean, sterilized pots, whether they be plastic or clay (Does anybody still use clay for violets?). The old pots should be scrubbed and soaked in chlorox for a few days. I then put mine through the dishwasher on a high temperature san¬ itary wash. However, if you cannot use a dish¬ washer, just a good soapy scrubbing and the chlorox will do the trick. Your sterilized or pasteurized soil should be lightened with horticultural vermiculite (trade name Terralite) and sponge rok (not obtainable outside of California anymore) or coarse perlite. A coarse, porous light soil for the tiny delicate roots of the violets is a must. I have been told, that plants on wicks do better with a soilless mix. My own formula is: one part sterilized soil one part terralite one part coarse perlite one part Canadian (not Michigan) sphagnum moss a good scoop of horticultural charcoal Don’t use any barbecue charcoal because it con¬ tains petroleum. If what you have been using is working well for you, don’t change. If you do wish to try another formula, experiment with only a few plants. Combinations of mixes react differ¬ ently in many homes. I, personally, do not like fertilizer in my soil mix. I find it easier to judge the plant’s needs with external feeding. The feeding varies with the time of the year and the number of hours the lights are on. A good rule is to use Va strength of whatever is recommended on the container, to a gallon of warm water. Use this in every watering. It will never burn roots on dry plants. The title of that Elvin McDonald book is “Little Plants for Small Spaces”. Besides miniature violets, it has excellent chapters on miniature begonias, geraniums, orchids, etc. The Miniature and Semi-miniature Culture and Variety List is available from me at $1.00 per copy. Any check or money order should be made out to AVSA. The 1974 supplement will be sent with each order. If you just wish for the supple¬ ment, please send a LARGE self addressed stamped envelope. The Culture and Variety list is sent out in its own envelope. - - - - OUR SLIP IS SHOWING In the article “THERE IS A DIFFERENCE” published in the September, 1974, African Violet Magazine, page 9, correct the third paragraph by striking out the word “growing” and insert the word “cut” so that it reads: “IN ARRANGE¬ MENT CLASSES, cut African violet blossoms must be featured to create a pleasing design with other cut plant material.” The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 29 A Terrarium Goes To Convention Mrs. Edward T. (Pauline) Bartholomew 172 W. Elfin Green Port Hueneme, California 93041 Conventions are more fun if you can take some¬ thing to enter in competition so last year I decided to enter a terrarium. Since entries are limited I sent my reservation in to the design division chair¬ man in January. I received a prompt confirmation and a copy of the Connecticut restricted plants list. Before I explain how I got my terrarium to Hartford Til outline my planting method. The ter¬ rarium style I use is miniature woodland, where the scene predominates, rather than the standard planting style where the plants predominate. For large terrarium containers I very often use aquariums. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and many are made of acrylic plastic which is light-weight and easy to maintain. Most are lidded but with the advantage of air hose vents in the lids that helps prevent excessive condensation. Some come equipped with a low wattage incandescent light or fluorescent tube that enhances the ter¬ rarium for display and, in the case of fluorescents, the terrarium needs no additional light source. It’s a good idea to wax an acrylic plastic con¬ tainer inside and out with a good quality, auto¬ mobile paste wax. This prevents a build-up of static electricity, protects against minor scratches and facilitates polishing and cleaning. All of the plants, with the exception of the ground covers, are planted in 2-inch square, plastic pots. The plants are removed from the original pot (or replanted into 2-inch pots), 2 or 3 thicknesses of nylon hosiery covers the bottom holes, and extra soil is added so when the plant is replaced in the pot the soil line is even with the top of the pot. This method has many advantages: The root system is restricted so the plants will remain small for a long time and a plant that does not do well can be replaced without tearing up the terrarium. For ground covers and awkward-sized places, I make a catch basin to hold soil by trimming plastic sandwich bags to size and poking a few holes for drainage. With this planting method the only purpose the base soil serves is to hold the whole thing together so you can keep this soil just barely moist and watering, for the most part, is restricted to just the pots and basins, thus avoiding overwatering which is a common reason for terrarium failure. Also, with less moisture, the terrarium will remain spar¬ kling clear and the plants aren’t obscured by con¬ densation. Don’t be afraid to build steep terraces; this is what creates eye-appeal. At least one-half the height or more of the container for the highest point and terracing down toward the front of the container for two or more additional levels or slopes. The lowest level should be no more than 2 inches high so the terrarium will have good balance and proportion. I usually outline the lowest level with small driftwood logs and then fill in with black, grey or green aquarium pebbles to simulate a stream bed. Use large pieces of redwood bark or thin-shaped driftwood as retaining walls for the different levels. THE BUILDING — The first step is to plan the terrarium. Choosing one or more large pieces of driftwood or rock as the focal point, and empty 2 inch pots; fit and turn until you can visualize height and placement and then lay these aside. Place a 1/2 inch layer of charcoal in the bottom of the container and line the sides of the container with a layer of dry sphagnum moss about 2 inches high all around to start. This avoids a raw soil line and makes the planting look more natural. Now start a layer of soil mix to hold the sphagnum moss against the sides of the container, increasing the height of the liner and soil as you build the higher portion of the terrarium. I use a heavy, sandy commercial soil mix and the mix should be just moist enough to hold together. Don’t wet the sphagnum lining as bead mold and black fungus mold will form. Since the tops of the pots must be at the soil line level on each terrace, frequently check the placement of wood, rocks and empty pots for fit and, when you reach the desired height for plants at each level, the empty pot is then filled around with the soil as you work. Make sure wood or rock is deep-seated and the soil tamped down firmly around everything to give stability. Most of the larger plants will probably be at back of the terrarium so it is usually easier to start building from the high level and work your way down. Once the terracing, driftwood and pot placement is engineered to your satisfaction (remember, nothing is planted yet) then take the The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 30 final steps. Use a small paint brush to remove all soil par¬ ticles from the sides of the container, to trim off and firm all soil lines and to brush soil from v^ood and rock. Gently remove the empty pots from their holes and replace with the prepared potted plants. Plant ground covers, sinningias, etc. in the foil-filled basins, add the stream bed pebbles and finally any accessories you might decide to use. Check to be sure all pots and edges of basins are covered; every plant must appear to be growing naturally in the soil. When properly planted the terrarium should have very few bare spots and your ground covers can be expected to cover these in a few months. If you wish, a top dressing of humus, fine redwood chips or sphagnum moss can to used. PLANTS TO USE — For the background plants I use ferns almost exclusively because I hke the woodsy effect they give. Varieties of maidenhair fern (Adiantums), plain and variegated Pteris fern, leather fern (Polystichum), button fern (Pellaea rotundafolia) and bird’s-nest fern (Asplenium nidus). I sometimes use giant baby tears (Pilea de- pressa), heavenly bamboo (Nandina), emerald mound (Lycopodium), eyelash begonia (Nigra-marga)) and miniature Sinningias such as White Sprite, pusilla and concinna. GROUND COVERS - You can’t fool Mother Nature. She knew we were going to be doing ter¬ rariums when she created the perfect terrarium plant; Ficus pumila ‘Quercifolia’. I refer to it as miniature ivy because that’s exactly what it looks like but actually it’s a member of the creeping fig family. It will spread rapidly as a ground cover or will climb up and cover a piece of driftwood or a rock cliff. Much of the space in every terrarium I build is devoted to this amazing miniature plant. If you can’t find it locally, it is available through Kartuz Greenhouses, Wilmington, Mass. Varieties of Selaginella come in chartreuse, kelly or peacock green. Under good natural light these will form a thick ground cover and, under fluorescents, will usually grow tall in a lacy pat¬ tern. I always save a space for a layer of bright green garden moss. This moss will need to be replaced occasionally because terrarium conditions aren’t cool enough to keep it green. This moss cultivates itself in a wet, cool, shady corner of my garden and I just slice a 1/4 inch layer with a paring knife and trim it to size. The old moss is easily removed. TREES — For a miniature tree effect I use Podocarpus or tree seedlings such as Star Pine, Dwarf Pine and Mimosa. With the restricted root system and top pinching, you can keep these about 3 inches tall for many years. LIGHTING — Most of my terrariums are on a 12-inch wide shelf under a single 4-foot, fluores¬ cent Gro-lux lamp and the top of the terrariums are from 4 to 10 inches from the light. The light burns from 14 to 16 hours a day. This is an ideal way to grow terrariums; the amount of light is controlled and, with overhead lighting, the plants grow upright so the terrarium doesn’t require frequent turning to the light source. WATERING — The watering requirements for each terrarium will vary so observe closely for the first few weeks until a time pattern is established. Don’t forget to water right at the base of each plant as the water should go only in the pots or basins. A turkey baster is ideal for this purpose and one bulb-full is just the right amount for a 2-inch pot. Occasionally I slightly re-moisten the surrounding soil so I won’t have a crumbling or slipping problem. Use a good quality water such as rainwater or bottled drinking water. Rarely fertilize and then only with a very diluted solution; you want to discourage growth. Prune when necessary to keep plant growth in bounds. MISCELLANEOUS TIPS - Wood will often mold in the humid conditions of a terrarium. Brush off the mold with a stiff brush or your fingertips and leave the lid off a few hours. You might have to do this for 3 or 4 days until the wood adapts to the humidity. Use hard-textured, weathered wood and avoid soft, spongy woods. Two common, unsightly pests you may encoun¬ ter after your terrarium is finished are springtails and fungus gnats. These can be controlled with a brief spray of insecticide, protecting the ferns with a sheet of paper, then put the Hd back on. You will have to repeat this several times over a period of weeks. TO CONVENTION - The first of April I looked over the terrarium shelf and decided a big hexagon-shaped terrarium looked pretty good and then checked the AVSA Convention shcedule to see if it met all requirements. Nope, no African violet. Removed a pot of fern and substituted a semi-miniature ‘Sunbonnet Baby’ that had one bloom stalk and three buds. The schedule specified a blooming violet; crossed my fingers. Then checked the restricted list; Adiantum pedatum (maiden-hair fern) was listed. Even though my fern was commercially propagated I didn’t want to take any chances on my entry being disquaUfied so re¬ placed it with a bird’s-nest fern. The terrarium also contained a ledge of wood covered with living The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 31 moss that was picked up in a forest fire area in Northern California. Wondered about this as the restricted list mentioned various wood mosses so I specified that it was a piece of burned California Redwood when I listed it on the required varieties identification card. Next a cardboard box was built to size and carrying handles were firmly attached as I planned on taking it on the plane as carry-on luggage. Show type African violets and terrariums are too delicate for ordinary baggage handling; inevitably someone will turn the box upside down. Then to the airport. I knew from past exper¬ ience the airlines don’t seem to have a firm or consistent policy on oversized, carry-on luggage. You just have to act very confident and talk fast. I asked the Skycap about special handling service and he advised against it. The next hurdle was air¬ port security. They wanted to turn the box on its side and run it through the X-ray machine so I opened the box, and an inspection convinced them all was well. When I arrived at the flight gate the ticket clerks said I postitively couldn’t board the plane \vith it. With my protests and the pressure of boarding time (I was late) they finally shrugged and said I could try. Once on board the stewardess said, “Sure, no problem. Put it in the front closet”. See what I mean? From then on, Hartford to Chicago to Wichita and back to Los Angeles, I had no trouble boarding any flight. I had taken 30 rooted cuttings of the miniature ivy to share and when I ran out of those I started taking clippings from the terrarium after the show. The fun of sharing with other enthusiasts made the whole project worth while and a blue ribbon and two special awards for the terrarium helped me forget my aching arm. P.S. 24 hours under a table lamp in my hotel room and one bud finally opened in time for entry deadline and judging. YOUR LIBRARY Mrs. M. E. Garner 1010 Edgewood S.E. North Canton, Ohio 44720 Another new year for African violets -- 1975. This time of year brings to mind three important words: RESOLUTION, ANTICIPATION and PARTICIPATION. Let us make a resolution to evaluate club pro¬ grams and constantly seek to learn from every pos¬ sible opportunity. Your AVSA Library can help you with this. Refer to program listings on page 66 in the June 1974 issue. Order some of the pro¬ grams from the AVSA Library Office, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tennessee 37901. The small fee of $1.50 for individual members and AVSA affili¬ ate organizations will reward you in value received. Anticipation is everywhere there is an African violet grower. The 1975 convention and show is in Boston, Massachusetts, April 24 - 26. The theme — “VIOLETS BY LAND AND BY SEA” - doesn’t that have the sound of nostalgia? Remember the story of Paul Revere and the lantern lights — “One if by land and two if the sea” — April 1775? Now in April, 1975 is your chance, growers — display your beautiful award winning plants. It is also a chance to share and to learn from others how they grow and care for their plants. Then there is the anticipation of all those new introductions by hybridizers — new varieties that will be a challenge for future shows. Participation is entering your plants in the shows, giving programs, and being active in partici¬ pating in your local club’s activities, in your State Society and in AVSA. Don’t wait for others to do it all. Yearbooks are your club’s guide for the pro¬ grams, projects and activities in the new year. Send your yearbook to be judged for the convention show. There will be AVSA awards for the top four ribbon winners. The yearbooks will be displayed at the show and then put into packets for your future use. Send your yearbook to: Mrs. H. N. Hansen, 708 Wyndale Road, Jenkintown, Pa. 19046, postmarked before March 1, 1975. The scheduling of the library slide programs and material is a big job and I’m sure all who have enjoyed the use of these programs appreciate Clarice Bell’s effort to keep programs on schedule for the club’s use. When you return the programs be sure to send your comments. These are all kept and used to improve our programs. Keep the good work up. Thanks to all of you. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 32 I AVSA CONVENTION, BOSTON, MASS., APRIL 24 -26 E ver Been On Inside Of World Looking Out? Nora E. Taylor 790-8 E Boylston Street Boston, Massachusetts 02199 One of the tours being offered to AVSA mem¬ bers in Boston includes a visit to the Mapparium of the Christian Science Publishing Society. This is a unique opportunity to be on the inside of the world looking out through its skin. You walk into the world on a glass bridge roughly at the equator, and if you talk to your friends your voice will sound hollow. This is be¬ cause you are inside a sphere which alters familiar sound waves sending them back from the glass walls to you. The sphere is 30 feet in diameter, is geograp¬ hically accurate with the curvature of the earth, and is made of 608 individual panels of glass set in a bronze framework and lighted by 300 bulbs placed on the outside. The colors — historically rather than contemporarily accurate — depicted the political boundaries of the earth as they were in the years 1932-35 when the globe was built. The exceptionally brilliant colors used for the glass were put on by a method devised by the artist who ground down stained glass, mixed the resultant powder \vith oil, sprayed it on the glass, and then fired each color separately so that it fused onto the surface of the glass. (It has been said that col¬ ors as bright as these had not been achieved since the 14th century in European cathedral windows). While countries have changed their borders, the seas have remained constant, and different shades of blue represent different depths. Lightest means water less than 10,000 feet, the darker the color, the deeper the water. The Marianas Trench, near the Caroline Islands in the Pacific, for instance, is more than seven miles straight down, the deepest spot in the world. In the Mapparium clocks are placed on the equator to mark the time zones, beginning with 12 noon at Greenwich meridian which runs down through the Gulf of Guinea, and working by hour¬ ly intervals around the world to midnight and back to 12 noon. Mapparium is a word coined to describe this unique structure. The idea was conceived because The Christian Science Monitor, an international newspaper, is published in the building, and is sent daily to some 120 countries around the world. The conception perceived the world as one, and allows the relationship of any part of the earth to all the others to be immediately apparent. - ♦ - Con ventioners Will See Exhibit BOSTON EXHIBIT A fly on the rump of Paul Revere’s horse for that famous ride couldn’t have had a better sense of the action than African violet growers who’ll be viewing the Revolutionary Boston model exhibit on the 60th floor observatory of John Hanock Tower while they’re at the AVSA convention in Boston April 24-26. The Revolutionary Boston model will be just The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 33 one of a number of exhibits including a simulated helicopter ride and a photographic wall display in the 17,000 square foot area devoted to the public observatory and gallery. Through synchronized lighting devices and a prepared six-minute tape, Paul Revere’s ride, fri¬ gates firing on Boston Harbor, the Charlestown fire as well as the Battle of Bunker Hill will be spectacularly recreated. Some 250 buildings such as Paul Revere’s house, the Old North Church and others have been individually hand-crafted and painted. Another 2,750 miniature buildings, based on eight proto¬ types of typical period structures, have also been assembled for the model. Dozens of ships have been molded and coated with luminous paint. A swift simulated airborne ride through the Cal¬ lahan tunnel, sans the usual quarter, will be avail¬ able when visitors step into the area set aside for the simulated helicopter ride. With synchronized audio, the film, shot from a helicopter by the Film Group of Boston, will be similar to cinerama. Heli-hopping through the city while keeping two feet on the floor, visitors will swoop over the To¬ bin Bridge through the Callahan Tunnel and over many historical interest points. For those who can’t take their eyes off the skyline, tiers of seats will be positioned for opti¬ mum viewing while a six-minute tape points out historical spots on the horizon. A weather station will indicate elements such as wind speed and di¬ rection, air temperature and humidity. - ♦ - Tours For 1975 Boston Convention To the North Shore Leave Statler-Hilton Hotel 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 22. Return 3:30 p.m., being dropped at the Christian Science Center Mapparium leaving time to walk a block to Horticultural Hall. Price $12. Luncheon at your own expense at Captain Courageous. The bus runs up the coast through the historic area (Salem witches, Glou¬ cester fishermen and Portuguese background) to Rockport with its art galleries, gift shops, and shore views. To Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, and Con¬ cord Leave Statler Hilton Hotel at 9 a.m, Wednes¬ day, April 23. Return 4:00 p.m. Price $17.50, including luncheon at the Way- side Inn of Longfellow’s poem. This time the bus takes in all the early history of the Boston area, and with the bicentennial beginning in 1975, it will provide a good background for the events that will be in the news. Passengers will see the homes of Emerson, Alcott, and Hawthorne, see Walden Pond, and various battlegrounds. It includes Fred¬ erick Law Olmstead’s “emerald necklace” of park areas around the city, and visits the famous glass flowers at Agassiz Museum in Cambridge. To the Freedom Trail and Quincy Price $8.00 (no luncheon). Leave Statler-Hilton Hotel 8:30 a.m. Thursday, April 24. Return 12:30 p.m. This one covers the Freedom Trail which was part of the all-day Wed¬ nesday tour, but also goes to the Adams House in Quincy, home of the famous presidential family of Colonial days. To Lexington and Concord Price $6.00 (no food) Leave Statler-Hilton Hotel 2 p.m., Thursday, April 24. Return 5:00 p.m. This tour, too, was part of the all-day trip Wednesday, but for those who did not go on that, this one goes to the fa¬ mous “rude Bridge” and the site of the Minute Man statue, and the leafy New England country towns of Lexington and Concord. To Boston and Cambridge Price $6.00 (no food) Leave Statler-Hilton Hotel Friday, April 25, 9:00 a.m. Return 12 noon. Those tho have taken an all-day tour which included the immediate en¬ virons of Boston will have seen these areas. For those who could not take in the full tour this one offers a quick look-see at Boston and Cambridge history and beauty, as well as a glimpse of the architectural changes which are constantly oc¬ curring. ■ - - - ^ - Boston Is Historic City Nora E. Taylor Tour Chairman Boston — the word means history. But it also means progress, and the city has been one of the foremost in the nation for preserving its historical landmarks, reclaiming depressed areas, razing the tawdry, and putting up in its place outstanding new buildings. Some are skyscrapers piercing New England clouds. Some, Hke the new City Hall, are prize winners. With the nation’s centennial celebrations taking place in 1975-76, a Boston visit is a unique oppor- The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 34 tunity to savor the past and relish the future. The tours we are offering take advantage of these facets of “where it all began.” Two all-day tours are planned which are most comprehensive. Anyone taking these will have a weU-rounded view of history, future, and beauty. The Tuesday North Shore trip, for instance, shows off the coastline that must have seemed so for¬ bidding to early settlers. Rocks and coves abound. The bus runs up through shore towns, and visits Gloucester, home of the Gloucester fisherman sta¬ tue, of the annual blessing of the fleet, and of the charming Portuguese church, for the fishermen of this area are mostly descended from Portuguese. The trip goes as far north as Rockport, where the granite industry originally helped found this small New England town. There are still visible signs of that work. Chunks of granite abound with holes in them that once held poles and ropes where the rock was lowered down to boats. Watch for them. They turn up in gardens, on the beaches, and just about everywhere for those with a seeing eye to spot. Rockport was first known as Sandy Bay and the reason is obvious at low tide. The sands are wide, and it is a very safe and popular bathing beach right in the middle of town. But April is not a month for swimming, just looking. Come back in summertime. Like St. Ives in England’s Cornwall, Rockport offers seascape glimpses between the houses and shops of Main Street. Then there is Bearskin Neck, filled with art galleries (as is the whole town) and gift shops. The neck (named for a bear caught by the tide and killed there), pokes out into the waters of Sandy Bay. Its tip is a won¬ derful viewing point for maritime doings. (There are no live bears today!) The Wednesday trip to Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, and Concord, takes in history in big gulps. But it is all so beautiful that somehow the history goes down like honey on the tongue. The tour shows off the famous places of Boston like the Paul Revere House, the Old North Church, (re¬ member the poem about the one light or two, and Paul Revere’ s ride), the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) in Boston Harbor, and other Revolu¬ tionary landmarks. Then it goes out to where Re¬ vere roused “every village and farm” on the way to Lexington and Concord. The “rude bridge” has been replaced. For years there was an unsuitably nondescript span over the river. But a few years back historians got busy and the first bridge has been reproduced. There is a charming walk down to the bridge — and for those who Hke a challenge — a puff-puff climb up the other side to an infor¬ mation center housed in an old mansion. Lexington is a busy town with modern shops and a historical air. The Minute Man on Lexington Green presides over Cadillacs to bicycles today in¬ stead of the horses and carriages of his own day. In the trees around him and some of the Colonial houses, however, he still finds the ambience he knew. In this area, too, are the homes of Emerson, Alcott, and Hawthorne, 19th-century worthies, Walden Pond of naturalist Thoreau fame, and some part of the emerald necklace of parks and green spaces originally engineered by Frederick Law Olmstead. A member of today’s Olmstead company is going to talk to us on Thursday (see the program schedule). The shorter trips mostly cover segments of the longer trips, for those who cannot spare the time for all-day tours during such a busy convention. However, the Thursday morning trip does include the Adams House in Quincy. In addition to the tours, for anyone with time left over, our city offers some of the best museums and art galleries in the country — and they are all within easy reach of the hotel, on foot, subway, or taxi - ♦ - 1975-76 Officers Are Nominated The following slate of officers will be submitted for election at the annual business meeting of the African Violet Society of America, Inc., in Boston, Mass., on Saturday, April 26 at the Statler-Hilton Hotel: OFFICERS President . Miss Edith Peterson, San Francisco, California First Vice President . Mrs. Edward A. Nelson, St. Louis, Missouri Second Vice President . Mrs. Marvin Garner, North Canton, Ohio Third Vice President . Mrs. Wm. J. Krogman, Brookfield, Wisconsin Secretary . Mrs. Robert Hamilton, Oradell, New Jersey Treasurer . Miss Florence M. Garrity, Roslindale, Mass. DIRECTORS Mrs. Edward Blair . Vallejo, Calif. Mrs. Sidney Bogin . Long Beach, L. L, N. Y. Mrs. Frank Burton . Old Saybrook, Conn. Mrs. Charles S. Hawley . Painesville, Ohio Mrs. James Merrell . Oconomowoc, Wis. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 35 African Violet Society of America, Inc. 29th Annual Convention APRIL 24, 25, 26, 1975 STAPLER HILTON BOSTON, MASS. CALL FOR 1975 ANNUAL MEETING The annual meeting of the African Violet Society of America, Inc. will be held Saturday, April 26, 1975, at 9:00 a.m. at The Statler Hilton Hotel for the purpose of electing officers and transacting business that may properly come before the meeting. CALL FOR 1975 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING xf The Board of Directors meeting will be held at The Statler Hilton Hotel, Tuesday, April 22, 1975, at 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of transacting business that may properly come before the meeting. Edith V. Peterson, President African Violet Society of America, Inc. HOTEL RESERVATION for 1975 AVSA CONVENTION AND ANNUAL MEETING BOSTON STATLER HILTON, BOSTON, MASS. 02117 Mail Reservations to: Attention: Front Office Manager Boston Statler Hilton Park Square Boston, Mass. 02117 Time _ A.M. Time _ A.M. Arrival Date _ P.M. Departure Date _ P.M. NAME: _ Address _ _ City or Town _ State _ Zip _ Please reserve accomodations as checked below: Room Rates add 5.70% Mass. Hotel Tax ( ) Single Room $22 $24 $26 $28 ^ ] Additional persons in Double or ( ) Double Bed Room $30 $32 $34 $36 Twin Bed Rooms. ( ) Twin Bed Room $32 $34 $36 $38 $10 per person ( } Suites $85 and up All rooms have air conditioning and TV Check out Time 2:00 P.M. To be eligible for special AVSA Convention rates given above reservation must be made on this pink form or photostat of same. Send this blank plus check to Statler Hilton Boston. Reservations for rooms must be received not later than 3 weeks prior to opening date of Convention, oi Monday, March 31, 1975 if you desire to receive the reduced rates available to AVSA Convention Members. These reservations will be held only until 6 P.M. of day of arrival unless check or confirmation of a later date is specified. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 36 CLIP AND MAIL CLIP AND MAIL REGISTRATION FORM CONVENTION STATLER HILTON HOTEL BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS April 23, 24, 25, 26, 1975 Check Your Status: Individual Member ( } Commercial Member ( } Board Member ( ) Life Member ( ) Honorary Life Member ( ) Judge ( ) Life Time Judge ( ) Judging School Teacher ( ) PLEASE MAKE RESERVATIONS BEFORE APRIL 4, 1975 BE SURE TO BRING YOUR 1975 - 1976 AVSA MEMBERSHIP CARD Please Print Mr. Name Mrs. - Miss (last name) (first name) (middle initial) Address: _ City State Zip Registration for the entire convention show and reservations for the Thursday dinner meeting, Friday luncheon meeting, and Friday Banquet meeting total $40.00 per member. One registration fee will admit any two members of a family living at the same address - husband and wife, parent and child, sisters or brothers, if you can not attend the entire convention or if your spouse wishes to attend meal functions or tours, please check below which meeting or tours you will attend. We must know definitely how many to prepare for. Number REGISTRATION FEE Price Total _ Registration for the entire convention . $ 6.50 ^ - _ Registration for one day only . 3.50 One registration fee admits both husband and wife when either is a member, but does not include meals and tours. MEALS Thursday Dinner Meeting . Friday Luncheon Meeting . Friday Banquet Meeting . Thursday Judging School Teachers Workshop and Continental Breakfast . . . Friday Commercial Members workshop and breakfast . Friday Judges and Exhibitors Workshop and Continental Breakfast . TOURS A. Tuesday all day - North Shore - Tea and illustrated lecture on Harvard’s Garden in Glass (lunch not included) . B. Wednesday all day combination (Boston, Cambridge, Lexington, Concord) (lunch included) C. Thursday A.M. Freedom Trail and Quincy . D. Thursday P.M. Lexington and Concord . E. Friday A.M. Boston and Cambridge . TOTAL INCLOSED $ _ $11.00 ! 8.50 . 14.00 . 3.50 . 5.25 . 3.50 $12.00 17.50 8.00 6.00 6.00 Signature _ _ — — _ — - Date - MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, INC. Sign and send reservations not later than April 4, 1975 to registration chairman. Miss Eleanor M. Coen, 22 Columbus PL, West Newton, Mass. 02165. Reservations will not be honored without remittance. Please assist the committee by making reservations early. Your tickets and badges, and program will be ready on your arrival. REFUNDS: If circumstances make it necessary to change plans, contact registration chairman before April 11, 1975 and money will be refunded. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 37 Boston, 1975, Convention Program Mrs. Ross V. Lahr Convention Program Chairman One of the unexpected dividends of AVSA membership is the opportunity to see our own beautiful country while going to AVSA conven¬ tion. Boston, 1975: Seafood; the Old North Church, one if by land, two if by sea; Harvard University, Freedom Trail, the Glass Flowers. Don’t miss a minute of the opportunities offered in Boston. Look for Tour Information elsewhere in this issue. Judging School will again be held on Wednes¬ day morning, giving students the opportunity to attend workshops on Thursday morning. And what a Thursday morning this will be. At 8 a.m. Mr. Harvey Stone of Marblehead, Massachusetts, will moderate a panel discussion on ‘African Violet Culture in New England,’ with panel members from Maine, Rhode Island, Con¬ necticut and New Hampshire. Mr. Raymond Dooley, Staten Island, New York, who walked off with so many awards at the Hartford Convention, will present a flower arrang¬ ing workshop at 9:30 a.m. The title is ‘Poesis’ In the Design Division. Doesn’t that sound scrump¬ tious? (Look up the meaning of Poesis yourself. You’ll like it.) Grace Foote, our African Violet Magazine Edi¬ tor, will moderate a panel of our magazine colum¬ nists at 11 a.m. Whatever else is missed, put this one on your ‘must list.’ Your favorite columnist will be there to answer your questions, to shake your hand and talk with you. Thursday evening following a get acquainted re¬ ception, the convention opens with dinner and the program ‘The Continental Approach,’ slides of gardens in London and Europe, presented by Mr. Joseph Hudak, Landscape Architect. Then comes the big moment when it is announced “The Show is Open!” Friday morning, 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. is the time for the traditional Judges and Exhibitors Work¬ shop and Breakfast with Ruth Carey, Shows and Judges Chairman, as the moderator. Incidentally, judges and exhibitors means every violet grower, growing few or many. Come and resolve your questions concerning exhibiting violets at shows. A program on “Disease, Insects and Insecti¬ cides” with Alice Courage as Moderator comes next at 10:00 a.m. Serving on the panel are Mr. Herbert C. Fordham, Extension Horticulturist, Dr. Adrian G. Gentile, Research Entomologist, both of University of Massachusetts, and Sonja Cuneo, amateur grower. At the luncheon meeting Friday at 12:30 p.m. a slide program of “New Introductions” will be presented by Mrs. Duane Champion, Clay, New York. This is the program to which we all so eager¬ ly look forward — what is new this year? Mrs. Joan Van Zele, Awards Chairman, will present ‘Awards for 1974-75.’ Friday at 5:30 p.m. is the president’s reception and happy hour with a reception line at 6 p.m. This is a privileged opportunity, to greet the of¬ ficers of AVSA. Then the banquet with the tradi¬ tional Roll Call of States. The speaker is Dr. Richard A. Howard, Director of Arnold Arbore¬ tum, who will present an illustrated lecture, “A Botanist in Your Grocery Store.” AVSA awards will be presented by Joan Van Zele. The show will close an hour early this year, at lip .m., as requested by the hard working people of the Boston area. So plan to dash in to see the show several times on Friday. Saturday morning, bright and early at 9 a.m. Ruth Webster, Tilton, N. H., will present a work¬ shop titled “Adventures with Gesneriads.” Then comes the annual business meeting, and election of officers followed by the post conven¬ tion board meeting. That’s all, until AVSA celebrates its 30th birth¬ day in 1976, in Atlanta, Georgia, where it all be¬ gan. See you! - ♦ - Jimmy Watson Is New Chairman Jimmy Watson of New York City, currently ser¬ ving as president of the New York State African Violet Society, has been appointed Chairman of the AVSA Convention Commercial Sales and Ex¬ hibits Committee to succeed the late Mrs. F. Hen¬ ry Galpin. Jimmy Watson is well known to AVSA mem¬ bers. He has served as an AVSA Director and was chairman of the AVSA Convention in New York City in 1972. He is a charter member of the New York City African Violet Society and served as its president for five terms. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 38 SHOW SCHEDULE - AMATEUR DIVISION Theme: VIOLETS B Y LAND AND B Y SEA ’’ Boston, Massachusetts The Statler Hilton Hotel April 24, 25, 26, 1975 HORTICULTURE DIVISION Section I - Specimen plants, single blossoms; Class 1. Purple and dark blue 2. Light to medium blue 3. Pink 4. Dark pink 5. Red 6. Orchid and lavender 7. White 8. Two-tone and multicolor Section II - Specimen plants, double blossoms Class 9. Purple and dark blue 10. Light to medium blue 11. Pink 12. Dark pink 13. Red 14. Orchid and lavender 15. White 16. Two-tone and multicolor Section III - Specimen plants, any type blossoms, any foliage Class 17. Green, gold or chartreuse edged 18. Geneva edged 19. Coral 20. Variegated foliage (standard size plants) 21. Miniatures, including variegated foliage 22. Semiminiatures, including variegated fol- iage Section IV - Specimen plants - may be single or double blossoms, any foHage Class 23. Plants in unusual, decorative or novel containers. Each exhibitor will be per¬ mitted only one entry, consisting of one plant in the container. (See rule 5) 24. AVSA Collection of three registered vari¬ eties, all of which must be the same type, either 3 all standard, 3 all miniatures, 3 aU semi-miniatures or 3 all African violet trailers, either standard or miniature, to compete for the AVSA Gold and Purple Rosettes. (See rules 5 and 15) 25. Specimen seedlings (never before ex¬ hibited at an AVSA show) 26. Specimen plants, sports and mutants (never before exhibited at an AVSA show) 27. Specimen plants A. African violet species (such as S. gro- tei, S. confusa, etc) B. African violet trailers 28. Specimen plants, other gesneriads (epis- cias, gloxinias, etc) 29. Miniature gesneriads (other than African violets) in regular pot or growing in clear glass container. May or may not be decor¬ ative, with cover permitted. More than one entry permitted in A or B, but they must be different varieties. A. One plant only. B. Two or more plants of the same vari¬ ety. DESIGN DIVISION Section V - Artistic Plantings - All classes in this section must consist ot one or more blooming Af¬ rican violet plants removed from the pot, planted in a pleasing design. Other growing plant material may be used. All niches to be furnished by show committee. No part of the plant material should touch the sides of the niche, neither must it ex¬ tend beyond the limits of the box. Class 30. “Violet Walk” — The Arnold Arboretum has a large collection of trees and shrubs, and ranks favorably with any arboretum in the world. Their garden paths are a joy throughout the year. (A) A terrarium with a cover, one or more African violets and other grow¬ ing plant material. No fresh cut or dried material permitted. May not exceed 24” in any direction and must not exceed the height of the container. Accessory optional. Limit of 8 entries. (B) A terrarium with a cover, one or more blooming African violet plants, and exhibitors choice of other grow¬ ing material, and/or fresh cut plant material, and/or dried, treated or co¬ lored plant material. May not exceed 24” in any direction and must not exceed the height of the container. Accessory optional. Limit of 8 en- The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 39 tries. 31. “On Guard” — Concord bridge, made fa¬ mous by the battle between the Ameri¬ cans and British, April 19, 1775. A plant¬ ing using shades of red African violets, to be exhibited in a pale green niche 18” x 18” X 18”. Accessory optional. Limit of 5 entries. 32. “One If By Land, Two If By Sea” - The signal which would notify the countr¬ yside in case of a British attack. A plant¬ ing using light blue African violet, drift- wood and plant material found near the ocean. Accessories optional. Limit of 5 entries. 33. “Granite” — Granite from Quincy quar¬ ries was used in the construction of Bun¬ ker Hill Monument. The first railroad in the United States was built in 1826 and transported much of the granite. A plant¬ ing using dark purple African violets planted among dramatic pieces of granite, to be exhibited in a light green niche 24” high, 20” wide, 8” deep. Pieces of granite will be available in the show room, on a first come, first served basis. Limit of 5 entries. 34. “Cranberry Bog” — A planting using one red African violet and other plants found growing near a cranberry bog. Accessory optional. To be exhibited in a white niche 8” deep, 18” high, 15” wide. Limit of 5 entries. Section VI — Arrangements Cut african violet blossoms are to be used with other cut plant material. Treated, dried or colored plant material optional. Accessories are optional unless otherwise stated. No artificial flow¬ ers or foliage may be used. Class 35. “Hatch Memorial Shell — Pop Concert” — A small arrangement not to exceed a size of 3” in any direction, using a shell as a container. To be exhibited in a white niche 6” x 6” x 6”. Limit of 6 entries. 36. “Spring Beauty” — A cresent arrange¬ ment using pink African violet blossoms and line material (such as wisteria, honey¬ suckle, etc.) in a suitable container. To be exhibited in a white niche 6” x 6” x 6”. Limit of 6 entries. 37. “The Boston Tea Party” — Determined not to pay the tea tax, rebellious colon¬ ists, dressed as Indians, boarded the tea ships and threw the entire cargo into the harbor. An arrangement using African violets blossoms and other cut plant ma¬ terial in a tea chest. One Indian figurine as an accessory. To be exhibited in a pale green niche 18” x 18” x 18”. Limit of 5 entries. 38. “Copley Square” — In honor of John Singleton Copley, noted American paint¬ er of portraits and historical scenes. A hogarth curve arrangement of African violet blossoms with suitable foliage in a small pewter or silver container. To be exhibited in pale green niche 15” high, 10” wide, 8” deep. Limit of 5 entries. 39. “The Cradle of Liberty” — Fanuel Hall, the meeting place of patriots during the ^ Revolution. An arrangement of red, white and blue African violet blossoms and other cut foliage, using a small antique wooden cradle as a container. To be ex¬ hibited in a pale green niche 18” x 18” x 18”. Limit of 5 entries. 40. “Boston’s New Sky Line” — Create an arrangement giving the illusion of a new image of Boston, with African violet blos¬ soms and other plant material. To be ex¬ hibited in a pale blue niche 30” high, 15” wide, 15” deep. Limit of 2 entries. 41. “Cosmic Fantasy” — A structural design in a modern manner, using multicolored African violet blossoms, any unusual foliage permitted. To be exhibited in a gray-green niche, 20” high, 20” wide, 11” deep. Limit of 5 entries. Section VII - Yearbooks Class 42. Yearbooks (see rule 17) Section VIII - Educational Class 43. Educational Exhibit, not to exceed 4 feet. Limit of 3 entries, (see rule 19) Section IX - AVSA Promotional Exhibit Class 44. AVSA Promotional entry not to exceed 2 feet by iVi feet, to be exhibited near re¬ gistration desk, just outside show room door. All entries will be the responsibility of the exhibitor. Limit of 6 entries. (See rule 19^ - ♦ - New Chairman Mrs. Charles Craig, 41 Milton Street, Lynn, Mass. 01902, telephone 798-9086, will serve as chairman of the Promotional Exhibits at the AVSA convention in Boston, Mass., April 24 - 26, it was learned from Florence Garrity, convention chairman. Mrs. Craig replaces Marion Clark, who resigned because of illness in her family. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 40 Amateur Division Rules and Regulations 1. Entries must be ro.acle between 2:00 p,m. and 9:00 p,m. on Wednesday, April 23 and on Thursday April 24 between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a,m. 2. Plants arriving too late to be entered will be shown for exhibition only. 3. Only clean healthy plants will be accepted, and must have been in the possession of the exhi¬ bitor at least three months. 4. An exhibitor may enter only one plant of each variety in classes 1 through 22. 5. An exhibitor may enter plants of the same variety in classes 23 and 24 as those entered in classes 1 through 22. 6. Each variety must be correctly named or sub¬ ject to correction by the classification committee. 7. The Society will afford all possible pro¬ tection to exhibits, but will not be responsible for any losses. 8. All plants entered in classes 1 through 26 must be single crown plants. 9. Only BLUE ribbon winners will be eHgible to receive special or AVSA awards. 10. If an entry is not entered by the owner, the name of such person making the entry must be on the back of the entry tag. 11. No flared top pots, supports or collars un¬ der foliage will be permitted. Any shape of pots for specimen plants will be permitted. For uni¬ formity, all pots must be covered with dull side of aluminum foil. Exhibitors are to print their names on adhesive tape and attach to the bottom of the foil covered pots. 12. All entries in both amateur and commercial sections must be removed by 11:00 p.m. Friday to — — — ♦ — RESERVATIONS FOR CLASSES IN THE DESIGN DIVISION Street , _ _ _ _ Cit _ _ State _ - Zip _ . Mail the above blank to Mrs, Marion Schan- backer, 143 Pond St., Sharon, Mass 02067 by April 1, 1975 12:00 noon Saturday. 13. The show will be judged by merit method of judging, the decision of the judges will be final. Only qualified AVSA judges will be permitted to judge. 14. AU amateur AVSA members may enter Class 24 to compete for AVSA Collection (Gold and Purple Rosette Awards). (See Society awards) 15. Any African violet entered in AVSA Col¬ lection, class 24, receiving a blue ribbon is also eligible for any other special award. 16. Only AVSA members in good standing are eligible to enter exhibits in convention shows. 17. All club yearbooks entered in Class 42 must be mailed to Mrs. H. N. Hansen, 708 Wyndale Road, Jenkintown, Pa. 19046 by March 10, 1975. These books must be no larger than SVi x SYi in¬ ches, being the same book that all club members receive. Books exceeding the maximum size will be disqualified. Only affiliate organizations are eligi¬ ble to enter in this class. 18. Space must be reserved for anyone desiring to enter in the Artistic Planting and/or Arrange¬ ment classes whose entry blank is received by March 20, 1975. Any entry after this date will be accepted only if there is a cancellation, 19. Anyone desiring to reserve space in the Ed¬ ucational and/or AVSA Promotional classes send your blank to Mrs. Barbara Martinez, 1 Wash¬ ington Terrace, Winthrop, Mass, 02152, no later than March 20, 1975. There is a limit of 3 Educa¬ tional entries and 6 AVSA Promotional entries to be accepted. After the classes are filled, additional entries will be accepted only if there is a cancella¬ tion. RESERVATIONS EDUCATIONAL AND/OR AVSA PROMOTIONAL ENTRIES Educational Exhibit Class 43 and/or AVSA Pro¬ motional Exhibit Class 44. Street . , . . . . — ^ City™_____>_____-____^ — - - State _ _ . — - - Mad the above blank to Mrs. Barbara Martinez, 1 Washington Terrace, Winthrop, Mass. 02152 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 41 THE 1975 CONVENTION SHOW Society Awards AVSA Silver Cup.— To be awarded to the best registered variety in classes 1 thru 25 in the Amateur Division. Award of Merit Rosette and $15.00 cash— to be awarded to the second best registered variety in classes 1 thru 25 in the Amateur Division. Honorable Mention Rosette and $10.00 cash.— to be awarded to the third best registered variety in classes 1 thru 25 in the Amateur Division. AVSA Collection of three registered different varieties Awards.— Gold Rosette to be given the best collection; Purple Rosette to be given the second best collection in class 25 in the Amateur Show, AVSA Sweepstakes Award.— Four silver Bowls to be awarded to the four AVSA members who won the most blue ribbons in Specimen classes in shows sponsored by Affiliate Organizations during the calendar Year 1974 from January 1 to Decem¬ ber 31 inclusive. In case of a tie the winner will be selected by a drawing of names. Winners will be announced at the annual Friday night banquet. The President or Secretary of the Affiliate Organi¬ zation must send to the AVSA Awards Chairman, Mrs. Joan Van Zele, P. O. Box 843, Lemon Grove, Calif. 92045, by March 1, 1975 the following in¬ formation: (a) Name of organization, (b) Name and address of member, (c) Number of ribbons won, (d) Dates and places of shows. This is an Amateur Award and not open to members qualify¬ ing as Commercials in accordance with Article II, paragraph 2, of the AVSA Bylaws. Trophies for Commercial Display Tables.— Silver Bowl for the best Commercial Display Table. Silver Tray to be exhibitor of the second best Commercial Display Table. 6’* Paul Revere Bowl to the exhibitor of the third best Commer¬ cial Display Table. Honorable Mention Rosette to the exhibitor of the fourth best Commercial Dis¬ play Table. New Introduction Award.— A plaque will be awarded to the commercial member having the best new introduction. Class 6. Commercial Silver Cup.— To the exhibitor of the best registered named variety in classes 1 and 2. AVSA collection of Three Registered Varieties Awards.— Gold Rosette to be given the best collec¬ tion; Purple Rosette to be given the second best collection in class 2 in the Commercial Show. Yearbook Awards.— Class 42. Four awards as follows: First Prize ....................... $15.00 Second Prize ..................... 10.00 Third Prize , , 5.00 Fourth Prize ..................... 4.00 Standard Show Achievement Award. - A special Blue Rosette will be awarded at this convention to the Affiliate Organizations that have won the Standard Show Award (Green Rosette) with at least 95 points during the calendar year from January 1 to December 31, 1974. Amateur Show - - Special Awards HORTICULTURE DIVISION Section I — Specimen plants, single blossoms. Class: 1 — Purple and dark blue: 1st - Jimmy Watson, $10.00; 2nd Lucile Piaster, $5.00. Class: 2 — Light to medium blue: 1st - Florence Garrity, $10.00; 2nd - Hazel Lewis, $5.00. Class 3 — Pink: 1st - Lizeta Hamilton, $10.00; 2nd - Amy Sonka, $5,00. Class 4 — Dark pink: 1st - AV Study Club of Birmingham, $10.00; 2nd- Joy Upton, $5.00 Class 5 — Red; 1st - Florence Garrity, $10.00; 2nd - Helen Freie, $5.00. Class 6 — Orchid and lavender: 1st - Amelia P. Banos, $10.00; 2nd - Mrs. J. D. Austin, 15.00. Class 7 — White: 1st - Helen Van Zele, $10.00; 2nd - Mrs. E. R. Davis, $5.00. Class 8 — Two-tone and multicolor: 1st - Windsor AV Society, $10.00; 2nd - Mr. Anthony Crisafulli, $5.00. Section II - Specimen plants, double blossoms. Class 9 — Purple and dark blue: 1st - Stim-U- Plant Laboratories, Inc., Plaque and $25.00; 2nd- AV Society of Philadelphia, $10.00. Class 10 — Light to medium blue: 1st - North¬ ern Ciaifornia Council of AV Societies, $25.00; 2nd - Grace Gillespie, $10.00. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 42 class 11 — Pink: 1st - John and Mabel Gutridge, $15.00; 2nd - Pioneer Valley AV Society, $10.00. Class 12 — Dark pink: 1st - Ann Richardson, $15.00; 2nd - AVSA Judges Council of Northern California, $5.00. Class 13 — Red: 1st - Stim-U-Plant Laborator¬ ies, Inc., Plaque and $25.00; 2nd - Rhode Island AV Society, $10.00. Class 14 — Orchid and lavender: 1st - Bay State AV Society, $25.00; 2nd - North Shore AV So¬ ciety, $10.00. Class 15 — White: 1st - Stim-U-Plant Laborator¬ ies, Inc., Plaque and $25.00; 2nd - June Butler, $10.00. Class 16 — Two-tone and multicolor: 1st - Friendly AV Club, $15.00; 2nd - Helene Hibbard, $10.00. Section III - Specimen plants, any type blos¬ soms, any foliage. Class 17 — Green, gold or chartreuse edged: 1st - Merrimack Valley AV Society, China plate; 2nd - Jimmy Watson, $5.00. Class 18 — Geneva edged: 1st - Herbert Hughes, $10.00; 2nd - Belle Steven, $5.00. Class 19 — Coral: 1st - Helen Belle Hughes, $10.00; 2nd - Mary Barlow, $5.00. Class 20 — Variegated foliage (standard size plants): 1st - Trimount AV Society, $10.00; 2nd - Mrs. Jessie Crisafulli, $5.00. Class 21 — Miniatures, including variegated foliage: 1st - St. Louis Judges Council, $15.00; 2nd - Amy Lackner, $10.00. Class 22 — Semi-miniatures, including variegat¬ ed foliage: 1st - Indianapolis AV Club, $10.00; 2nd - Dora Baker, $10.00. Section IV - Specimen plants - May be single or double blossoms, any foliage. Class 23 — Plants in unusual, decorative or novel containers: 1st - Indianapolis AV Club, $10.00; 2nd - Carl and Barbara Clark, Cup and saucer. Class 24 — AVSA Collection of three registered varieties: 1st - Tube Craft, FloraCart; 2nd - Joan Van Zele, Trophy and $25.00. Class 25 — Specimen seedlings: 1st - Indianapolis AV Club, $10.00; 2nd - Mildred Schroeder, $5.00. Class 26 — Specimen plants, sports and mu¬ tants: 1st - Forda F. Pappas, $10.00; 2nd - Ethel James, $5.00. Class 27 — Specimen plants: A. African violet species (such as S. grotei, S. Confusa, etc,), Mabel and Glenn Hudson, Silver; B. African violet trail¬ ers, Mrs. Carlene Johnston and Mrs. Alice Floren¬ tine, Freedom plate. Class 28 — Specimen plants, other gesneriads (episcias, gloxinias, etc.): 1st - Mrs. Percy F. Crane, $15.00; 2nd - AV Council of Southern California, $10.00. Class 29 — Miniature gesneriads: A. one plant only, Ellen Van Gink, Holland spoon; B. Two or more plants of the same variety, Ellen Van Gink, Holland spoon. Other Awards: Classes 1 - 24 — Best registered variety; Stim-U- Plant Laboratories, Inc., Plaque and $50.00; Second best registered variety, Edith Peterson - President’s award. Trophy; Third best registered variety. Bay State Judges Council, China tea set. Classes 1 - 24 — Sweepstakes in Horticulture, New York City AV Society, Trophy; Second highest number of blue ribbons, Percy F. Crane, $20.00; Third highest number of blue ribbons, Wisconsin Council of AV Clubs, $15.00. Classes 1 - 8 — Best specimen plant, single blos¬ soms: 1st - Moby Dick AV Club, $25.00; 2nd- AVS of San Francisco, $10.00. Classes 1 - 24 — Tinari registered varieties: 1st - Tinari Greenhouses, Silver trophy; 2nd - Tinari Greenhouses, Silver trophy. Designated Plant Awards: Class 9 — “Nightshade” (Richter’s) - Nightshade AV Club, $5.00. Class 11 — “Grace Foote” - Grace Foote, Silver tray. Class 13 — “Mr. Gus” -Gus A. Becker, $10.00. Class 16 — “Fashionaire” - Granger Gardens, $25.00. Class 20 — “Cordelia” - Rienhardt’s African Violets, Trophy: “Happy Harold”, “Nancy Rea¬ gan” or “Top Dollar” - Rienhardt’s African Vio¬ lets, Trophy. Class 21 — “Tiny Ellie” - Mrs. Sidney Bogin, Trophy. Class 22 — “Dardevil”, “Ablaze”, “Bon jeune fille” or “Sassy Lass” - Mr. and Mrs. Frank Burton, $25.00; “Bergen Strawberry Sherbert” - Bergen County AV Society, $10.00. DESIGN DIVISION Section V - Artistic Plantings. Class 30 — “Violet Walk” - Terrariums; (A) Indianapolis AV Society, $10.00; (B) Mrs. Mary S. Garrity, Revere plate. Class 31 — “On Guard”: 1st - Elizabeth Bar¬ clay, $10.00; 2nd - Dorothy Lippold, $5.00. Class 32 — “One If By Land, Two if By Sea”: 1st - Elizabeth Barclay, $10.00; 2nd - Mrs. Edward A. Nelson, $5.00. Class 33 — “Granite”: 1st - Union County Chapter of the AVSA, Silver; 2nd - AV Society of Staten Island, $5.00. Class 34 — “Cranberry Bog”: 1st - Santa The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 43 Monica Bay Chapter of the AVSA, $10.00; 2ncl - AV Society of Staten Island, $5.00. Section VI - Arrangements Class 35 — “Hatch Memorial Shell - Pop Con¬ cert”: 1st - Mrs. W. F. Anderson, $10.00; 2nd - Marie Shamblin, $5.00. Class 36 — “Spring Beauty”: 1st - Indianapolis AV Society, $10.00; 2nd - Cynthia Ford, $5.00. Class 37 — “The Boston Tea Party”: 1st - Betty Weekes, $10.00; 2nd - Camille Maxwell, $5.00. Class 38 — “Copley Square”: 1st - Merrimack Valley AV Society, China Bell; 2nd - AV Study Club of Birmingham, $5.00. Class 39 — “The Cradle of Liberty”: 1st - Ann and Ray Dooley, $10.00; 2nd - AV Study Club of Birmingham, $5.00. Class 40 — “Boston^s New Sky Line”: 1st - Muriel Warwick, Trophy; 2nd - Christine Moore, $5.00. Class 41 — “Cosmic Fantasy”: 1st - AV Council of Southern California, $10.00; 2nd - Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the AVSA, $5.00. Section VIII - Educational Class 43 — Educational Exhibit: 1st - Herbert Warner, $20.00. Section IX - Promotional Class 44 — AVSA Promotional Exhibit: 1st - Adeline Krogman, $10.00. Other Awards Classes 30-41 — Sweepstakes in Design: Metro¬ politan St. Louis AV Society, $15.00; Second highest number of blue ribbons, Wisconsin Council of AV Clubs, $10.00. Classes 30 - 34 — Best entry in Artistic Plant¬ ings: Patriots Chapter, $10.00; Second best entry in Artistic Plantings, Marie and Stanley Lesher, $10.00; Third best entry in Artistic Plantings, Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the AVSA, $5.00. Classes 35 - 41 — Best entry in Arrangements: Patriots Chapter, $10.00; Second best entry in Ar¬ rangements, Marie and Stanley Lesher, $10.00; Third best entry in Arrangements, Santa Monica Bay Chapter of the AVSA, $5.00. Ruth Carey Award for Affiliate Chapter Lea¬ dership, Silver. Commercial Show — Special Awards Section I - Specimen plants. Class 1-a — Seedlings: 1st - Winfred Albright Memorial Award, Silver; 2nd - Helen Van Zele, Trophy. Section II - Commercial display tables. Class 4 — Horticultural Perfection: 1st - New York State AV Society, Silver; 2nd - Los Angeles AV Society, Trophy; 3rd - Los Angeles AV So¬ ciety, Trophy. Class 5 — New introduction: 2nd - Joan Van Zele, Trophy; 3rd - Joan Van Zele, Trophy. Other Awards Classes 1 & 2 — Sweepstakes: 1st - Helene Gal- pin Memorial Award, Silver; Classes 1 & 2 — Best “Happy Harold”, “Nancy Reagan” or “Top Dollar” - Rienhardt’s African Violets, $10.00; Best “Cordelia” - Rienhardt’s African Violets, $10.00. COMMERCIAL SHOW SCHEDULE SECTION I Specimen Plants Class 1 a. Seedlings b. Any other specimen plant. All varieties African violets, species and other ges- neriads. Class 2 AVSA Collection of three registered varieties, all of which must be of the same type, either three all standard, three all miniatures, three all semiminiatures or three all African violet trailers, either standard or miniature, to com¬ pete for the AVSA Gold and Purple Rosettes. SECTION II Commercial Display Tables Class 3 — Specimen Plants Class 4 — Horticultural Perfection Class 5 — New Introduction RULES SECTION I 1. Section I, Classes 1 and 2 are open to all AVSA commercial members who do not have, a display table. 2. Any exhibitor may enter any number of Afri¬ can violets, species or other gesneriads, but only one plant of the same variety. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 44 3. Any number of seedlings may be entered pro¬ vided they have been originated by the ex¬ hibitor or released rights given in writing. 4. Same rules and regulations as Amateur Divi¬ sion apply to Section I. See AVSA Collection Awards rules. RULES FOR DISPLAY TABLES SECTION II 5. Entries are open to all Commercial members who do not have an entry in Commercial Hor¬ ticulture Division. 6. Each display shall contain not less than 15 and not more than 25 plants. Three minia¬ tures or semi-miniatures shall count as one specimen plant and be judged as one unit. The display must be predominately (at least 75%) African violets. Episcias, columneas and other gesneriads on the table shall count as part of the total 25 and will be judged. 7. All plants shall be single crown plants with the exception of species and trailers. 8. No other plant material such as ivy or philo¬ dendron may be used in decorating the dis- play. 9. Same rules and regulations as Amateur Divi¬ sion apply where applicable, such as time of making entries, time for dismantling, etc. 10. Each plant entered in competition for New Introduction award must be labeled desig¬ nating it as sucht new introduction, seedling, etc. Entries for New Introduction award must have been originated by the exhibitor or released rights given in writing, and not pre¬ viously shown at an AVSA convention show. 11. No awards or points will be given for “Stag¬ ing”. Eight foot tables with three tiers will be furnished and all will be uniformly covered. Uniform name signs will also be furnished for all exhibitors. Plant stands will be permitted and are optional with the exhibitor. Exhibitor will furnish same. 12. Merit judging will be used in Class 3, with blue, red and white ribbons awarded as merited. Competitive judging will be used in Classes 4 and 5. Class 5 will be judged by AVSA scale of points for seedlings. Blue, red and white rosettes will be awarded as merited in Classes 4 and 5. 13. Commercial Silver Trophies and an Honorable Mention Rosette will be awarded as merited to the exhibitors receiving the highest number of points, accumulated as follows: Blue ro¬ sette -- 15 points; red rosette —13 points; white rosette — 10 points; blue ribbons — 5 points; red ribbons — 3 points; white ribbons — 1 point. 14. The commercial judges’ chairman shall pre¬ pare point score sheets in advance of the show, listing types of rosettes and ribbons, with spaces to be filled in by the judges or judges’ clerks as to points awarded. Sheets will be given to each exhibitor to keep. For further information on commercial dis¬ plays or show entries please contact the Com¬ mercial Sales and Exhibits chairman: Mr. Jimmy Watson 1361 Madison Ave., Apt. 2-AA New York, New York 10028 • - — — — - GOING TO CONVENTION? BE SURE TO READ THIS! Rooms at the Statler Hilton Hotel in Boston, Mass., are being offered at lower rates to those attending the AVSA convention April 24- 26. BUT — it was pointed out by Mrs. H. Harold Baker, convention time and place chairman, that those making hotel reservations must use the con¬ vention reservation form listed in the January African Violet Magazine or a photostatic copy of same. Rates for single rooms range from $22 to $28; doubles, $30 to o $36; twins $32 to $38, and suites $85 and up. AV HANDCRAFTS AT CONVENTION Do you have any African violet handcrafts? If so, how about displaying them at the Boston AVSA Convention April 24 - 26? This is a first as far as such a display is con¬ cerned and all AVSA members having African vio¬ let ceramics, crewel, needlepoint, paintings and the like are asked to put them on exhibit at the convention. Persons desiring to enter the display are asked to write to Mrs. Bruce Peck, Handcraft Chairman, RED 1, Eaton Avenue, Meredith, N. H. 03253. — — Don’t Overpot! Plastic pots seem to be the favorite, whether by choice or Because they are most easily obtained. The right size pot is more important than what they are made of. Don’t overpot! The pot should be not more than l/3rd the size of the diameter of the plant. Squatty or shallow tubs are perhaps bet¬ ter for violets with their spreading root growth. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 45 ADVANCE REGISTRATION FOR JUDGING SCHOOL FOR NEW AND REFRESHER JUDGES Statler Hilton Hotel Wednesday^ April 23, 1975 Boston, Mass. (Please note a change in the following from Thursday to Wednesday) A class for new and refresher judges will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon forjudges desiring to refresh their certificates and for those desiring to become new judges. The examination and point score judging will be held on Wednesday afternoon 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. Registration fee is $1.00. Name _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Street r.ity _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip Sign blank and send registration fee of $1.00 to Mrs. Frank Tinari, 2325 Valley Rd., Huntingdon Valley, Pa. 19006, no later than April 1, 1975 if you wish to attend. Please study your African Violet Handbook before coming to the class. ATTENTION: QUALIFIED JUDGES All qualified judges who desire to judge in the Boston convention show, please fill in the blank and mail to Mrs. James B. Carey, 3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville, Tenn. 37918 no later than March 10, 1975. If you plan to enter in the show, please indicate which class. Name _ _ — __ — - — - — — ■ — - - Street _ _ _ _ _ — — - — — — — — City _ _ _ — - - - — - __ State _ _ _ _ — - — — Zip — __ — - - AVSA Judge _ _ _ _ Lifetime Judge — — __ Gesneriad Judge - _____ — Miniature J udge _ _ _ — Semi- miniature Judge _ . National Council Judge _ _ _ Judging Experience _ _ _ _ _ _ JUDGES WORKSHOP All questions to be answered at the Judges Workshop at Boston convention to be held on Friday morning, should be mailed to Mrs. James B. Carey, 3900 Garden Drive, Knoxville, Tenn. 37918 no later than March 10, 1975. - - - JUDGE’S CLERKS Anyone living outside the general Boston area and desiring to serve as a judge’s clerk for the 1975 AVSA convention show, please fill in the blank and mail to Mrs. Alice Courage, 33 Essex St., Wakefield, Mass. 01880 by March 10, 1975 Name _ _ _ Street - _ _ _ _ City _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ State _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip _ _ _ — SHOW HOSTS AND HOSTESSES Anyone interested in serving as host or hostess during the time the Boston convention show is opened, please send the following blank to Mrs. Alice Bagley, 419 Old Connecticut Park, Wayland, Mass 01778, no later than March 10, 1975. Name _ . - ________ — _ — Street _ — — - - - - - City _ _ _ ________ — ■ State _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Zip AFRICAN VIOLET MAGAZINE BACK ISSUES Write for a list of those available. Reduced rates in effect. Complete your set now. AVSA office, P. O. Box 1326, Knoxville, Tenn. 37901. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 46 Labels? All Kinds Of Styles, Colors Bernard D. Greeson 3548 North Cramer Milwaukee, Wis. 53211 For the indoor gardener, accurate and appropri¬ ate identification or labeling of the plants being grown, is the ‘‘hall mark” of a good grower. Whether you have a small shelf full of plants or have room only for window gardening or whether you have a basement full of plants growing under hghts or operate a commercial greenhouse, to be able to correctly identify the variety and/or the name of the plant adds to the enjoyment you re¬ ceive from your indoor gardening as a hobbyist. And positively, if you are a commercial grower, then correct labeling is an imperative. .There are many ways to label your plants. Perhaps the least expensive way is to purchase crayon marking pen¬ cils and write the variety name on the outside rim of the pot. This will not work very well on clay pots but will remain clear indefinitely on a plastic pot. Still another relatively inexpensive method is to use stick-on plastic embossed labels. A small hand label machine to make this kind of label can be purchased at any office supply store or depart¬ ment store. These labels can be stuck on the pot but if used in a plant area where you water with a hose, they will eventually loosen and fall off. One of the disadvantages of this kind of labeling is that in order to see what the name of the plant is, you must lift it out of the bench to see the identifica¬ tion information. Also when you re -pot plants, you may be in for some tough scouring of the pot to remove the name. Wooden pot labels are still available both paint¬ ed and unpainted and are still used by many grow¬ ers. After a time, however, they do rot and may serve as a propagation medium for fungus diseases, harmful insects, molds and the like. Plastic labels are by far the best kind to use because they do not rot, mildew, or act as a host to disease organisms and in addition can be used over many times. You can mark on them with pencil, crayon, or weatherproof ink pens. They are available both in flexible or rigid plastic. Many growers prefer the flexible plastic label because to some extent it bends as the plant grows and thus prevents distorted growth. Whether flexible or rigid labels are used, it is a good idea to move the label every few weeks so that it won’t interfere with the plant growth, otherwise, particularly with African violets, the label may be a contributing cause to a badly shaped plant. Another factor in choosing a label is its use. if the label is to be used only for the name, then a small label is preferable. On the other hand, if propagation information, color, dates, hybridiza¬ tion information is to be put on the label, then the grower will find a large label more advantageous. Due to the energy crisis, which resulted in a shortage of plastic, labels, like plastic pots, have been difficult to get in recent months. Too, the cost has risen and this may prompt some growers to seek less expensive ways to identify plants. Some of these include, (1) writing the name on the pot, (2) cutting up plastic containers into hand¬ made labels, (3) using “Labelon” tape available in some variety stores, (4) cutting labels from milk cartons (milk board), etc. For the hobbyist who has a small collection of plants, these make-shift methods may work well but for the grower who has a large number of plants and particularly for those who sell plants, the investment in commer¬ cially made labels is well worth the cost. Plastic labels are manufactured by a number of companies in the United States including Dayton Garden Labels, Ohio: Economy Label Co., Flori¬ da: Horta-Craft Corporation, Michigan: Grove Plastics, Illinois: Jacobs Bros., California: Horti¬ cultural Printer—Carscallen, TX and numerous others. From my observation, the most commonly used by African violet growers are those made by the Horta-Craft Corporation and Grove Plastics. Horta-Craft labels are probably used by more African violet growers than any others. These are the “Thriftee” flexible plastic labels and the “Life¬ time” labels. These have been advertised consis¬ tently in the African Violet Magazine for about 20 The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 47 years. “Thriftee” labels are made of .030 plastic and are thus very flexible. These labels are avail¬ able in white, red, yellow, green, blue, pink, laven¬ der and orange. Sizes available are 7/16” x 3”, 5/8” X 4”, 5/8” X 5” as well as 6” and 8”. It is less expensive to buy in 1000 lots as the cost goes up rapidly per label for smaller amounts. Lifetime labels are rigid plastic and are manu¬ factured in a number of styles. The most popular styles for violet growers are Style A 4^/4” Vertical Stake, Style B 2” x 5” Tee Stake and Style C 6” Vertical Stake. Some styles of the Lifetime Series are not available presently due to the plastics shortage but the factory will resume these as soon as the plastic crisis abates. Also available is a completely new line of full color markers called “Stik-Stakes”. Printed on the label is a color picture of the annual, perennial or foliage plant and cultural instructions. These labels are primarily for the use of growers of bedding plants, or those who sell foliage plants for terrar¬ iums. Also available are stock printed 5/8” x 5” labels for bedding plants. Over 1500 varieties of stock printed labels are available. “Thriftee” and “Lifetime” labels were advertised in the African Violet Magazine for many years by Harvey J. Ridge of Wausau, Wisconsin. The writer purchased this business from Mr. Ridge in 1967 and is con¬ tinuing to serve the label needs of African violet growers throughout the United States, Canada and a number of foreign countries. In addition, we are supplying labels for a number of very large com¬ mercial growers. Custom printed labels have become increasingly popular during the last several years because growers like to have their name, address and often telephone number printed on the plant label as a form of very good advertising. The first cost of custom printed labels is high if a plate must be made but the plate is filed at the factory for future use and does effective printing up to 500,000 labels or more. If a five inch label is selected and the printing is restricted to two lines with a total of not more than 25 letters to the line, very often it can be “hand-set” and thus you avoid the cost of plate. A plate is required for four inch labels. Another popular label used by violet growers is the Pylon label manufactured by Grove Plastics. It is comparable to the Lifetime Style A but has a wider top and thus has more room for writing or printing. This discussion so far has centered on labels for the indoor gardener. However, most indoor gar¬ deners also do some outside gardening and there are many different kinds of labels available for use outside including aluminum labels, tie-on, twist- on, or snap-on plastic labels for shrubs, trees, rose bushes, and other woody stock plants. The writer would refer those interested in labels for out-of- door use to an article which appeared recently in the July 1974 issue of the Flower & Garden Maga¬ zine. Permanence and/or weatherproofness are qualities which are highly essential for out-of-door labels. As our society becomes more and more ur¬ banized, and with the increased interest in our en¬ vironment, there seems to be more interest in growing plants indoor and out-of-door than ever before. At the same time, many people do not know how to take care of different kinds of plants. This is why when you go into a plant shop or into a greenhouse, you will see printed labels on the plants or stuck in the pot which teU the prospec¬ tive buyer the botanical and the common name of the plant along with cultural instructions. We often get calls for special shapes of labels, or special art work for a trade mark or logo. These are expensive routes to go because such labels usually require special cutting dies and/or the ser¬ vices of a commercial artist. The kind of label you use depends how much you want to spend, what and how much information you want to put on the label, and how long you expect the label to last. For most purposes, plastic labels are best be¬ cause they are durable and can be cleaned and used over and over again. — — — - First Aid Treatment If you find after setting leaves in vermiculite or your favorite rooting medium that they have a ten¬ dency to wilt, or even start rotting at the edge, it is advisable to take them out and wash off any mix¬ ture clinging to the stem. Put the leaf in water in a small green or brown glass pill bottle in good light (but no sun) until the roots form. Sqmetimes it is beneficial to cover the Teaf-in-bottle’ with a clear glass jar or plastic con¬ tainer for a few days — just until the leaf stiffens up. This first aid treatment has saved many a leaf! The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 48 LADY LUCK BLUE RIBBON WINNER FOR BARBARA COOK MASSACHUSETTS SHOW BLACK CHERRY, BEST IN JUMBO. SHOWN BY MARCIA KILPATRICK, BOLTON, CONN. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 49 Greetings to you all! I sincerely hope your holi¬ days were the best ever and will leave many happy memories, for now it is time to forget gifts, wrap¬ pings, exchanges and the many parties that prevail at this time of year. Time now to settle down for the busy year ahead in your many societies. Sooo, I will say again what I have said before, just in case someone did not read it. — PAY YOUR DUES EARLY — please try to have them all in by February 28, 1975. Mrs. Bell in the Knox¬ ville office will be most grateful, and I in El Monte, will be extremely happy to have your re¬ cords all in order before I leave for convention. Then my time can be devoted to your shows and your problems. Speaking of shows, I still have nine Fall shows that carry over into November. I’ll re¬ port to you on them in March. Order your AVSA Collection Awards early, 30 days or more in advance of your show just to make sure you have them well in advance of your opening date. Be sure to include two (2) schedules with your request. Return all forms completely filled in and signed by the judges to the Affiliate Chairman immediately after the show. Also, return the unawarded rosettes within one week after show, otherwise this year a fee of $2.50 must be charged for the unreturned rosettes. I’m sorry but, the cost is up along with postage. I must have all forms to keep your show records complete, with out them I cannot answer your questions about where you gained or lost points in your Standard Show Award point score. Also the names of Award winning plants along with best plants in show go to prepare “Tally Time” which appears in the March Magazine and is enjoyed by everyone as well as helpful in obtaining Show Plants. So, please do return all forms filled in for all records no mat¬ ter what the scores. Another thing I must remind you about is: When making up your schedules, PLEASE don’t forget to make a complete front page containing all the important information about your show. This is very important for me, for the public who receives them, for the members who use them, for the judges who follow the contained information. Would you believe that last year I received over a dozen schedules, with no mention of Club name. Theme, Place, Dates of Show, Hours for public viewing Charge (if any) and a very important item which should be readily seen is the names and ad¬ dresses of Show Chairman and Club President. It is by means of this media that new club members are obtained. Be proud of your group and your hard working members and let the world know it. For the Affiliates who are entitled to the AVSA Silver Sweepstakes Award, please list it as such and not just “Sweepstakes”. All of these AVSA Awards; Standard Show Award (Green Rosette), Standard Show Achievement Award (Blue Rosette), AVSA Collection Awards (Gold and Purple Rosettes) are only a few of the many privi¬ leges an Affiliate obtains from the African Violet Society of America, so, let us all take pride by showing we are a part of a great organization. Wishing you A Happy New Year of great show¬ ings. See you all in April! NEW AFFILIATES Now it is with great pleasure we welcome into affiliation new Affiliates, Pied Piper African Violet Club Mrs. James Williams, President 3 Chestnut Hill Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63.119 African Violet Society of Monterey Peninsula Mrs. Robert Carey, President P. O. Box 3264 Carmel, California 93921 — - ■<#— — — Affiliate Newsletters Please notify the AVSA Publications Chairman, Mrs. W. F. Anderson, 360 Tulip Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63119, if your affiHate publishes a bulletin or newsletter and you would be willing to send a copy for display at the Boston convention. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 50 A dele Tretter 4988 Schollmeyer St Louis, Missouri 63109 The following registrations have been received during the period from August 31 through Oct¬ ober 30, 1974. GRANGER’S ARTIC MIST 2566 W 2 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S BANDMASTER 2567 D-RW-E 5 df S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S BLUE FASHIONAIRE 2568 M-B 29 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S BLUE FLAIR 2569 D-B 2 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S BLUE REGENT 2570 D-BW-E 23 df S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S BLUE TEMPEST 2571 L-B 289 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S CIMARRON 2572 D-POW-E 3 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S ETERNAL SNOW 2573 W 2 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S MEXICALI ROSE 2574 M-P 2 d M 8-3-74 GRANGER’S MUSETTA 2575 WRC 2789 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S PINKS A POPPIN 2576 D-P 34 d S-M 8-3-74 GRANGER’S PINK SWAN 2577 L-P 29 d S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S SERENITY 2578 WV-E 5 df S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S SWISS BALLET 2579 WB-E 35 sf S 8-3-74 GRANGER’S VENETIAN LACE 2580 WO-E 25 df S 8-3-74 Granger Garden’s, 1060 Wilbur Road, Medina, Ohio DELE y 2581 OX 23 d L 8-26-74 ANNIE MAE 2582 B 3 d S 8-26-74 BLUE HALO 2583 BW-E sc S 8-26-74 FRESH PINK 2584 P 3 s-d S 8-26-74 MAGENTA PLUM 2585 R 3 d S 8-26-74 MAY MORN 2586 PX 34 sc L 8-26-74 MY CUP O’TEA 2587 R 2 sc S 8-26-74 MY SWEETIE PIE 2588 P 2 d S 8-26-74 PRETTY PINK 2589 O-P 3 sc S 8-26-74 PUDDIN’ 2590 R 9 d S 8-26-74 RALPH’S SWEETPEA 2591 O-P 29 d S 8- 26-74 RARE JEWEL 2592 D-PW-E sc S 8-26-74 SLUMBER ROSE 2593 D-P 3 d S 8-26-74 UTOPIA 2594 D-PW-E 3 d L 8-26-74 The House of Violets, Camden, Arkansas 71701 ALLIE 2595 PX 2 d L 9-10-74 Mrs. A. C. Moore, 1907 Main St., Big Spring, Texas 79720 BLUE MAGIC 2596 L-BX 38 dc S 9-16-74 MISTER CORDELIA 2597 M-PX 378 dc S 9- 16-74 PIXIE BLUE 2598 V-BX 28 s M 9-16-74 PIXIE PINK 2599 L-PX 28 s M 9-16-74 SMILE 2600 R-V 28 dc S 9-16-74 SWEETHEART TRAIL 2601 MPX 8 dc S 9-16-74 Lyndon Lyon, 14 Mutchler St., Dolgeville, N. Y, RESERVATIONS The following reservations received during the same period as above. CHERRY SWIRL - RASPBERRY SWIRL - STAR FLOWER - CACTUS FLOWER - FOR¬ EST MIST - ROYAL STAR Reserved 9-1-74 by Mrs. Hugh Robinson, 2749 McDowell St., Durham, N. C. 27705 PINK BLUEBERRY Reserved 10-1-74 by Fran¬ ces Baschnagel, 5 Bruce St. Tewksbury, Mass. 01876 ESTHER Reserved by Allie Moore, 1907 Main St., Big Spring, Texas 79720 DISCONTINUED NAMES The following names will be discontinued: WESCO TOMMY - WESCO STEVIE - WES- CO SAN JUAN - WESCO JOHANNA - WESCO RICHIE - WESCO MICHELYN - PPESCO MAR¬ TY - WESCO DELORES - WESCO BILLY - WESCO ROGINA The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 51 (Photo by Schroeder) WINTRY WINE Park Nurseries Hybrid by Lorenzen GENESEE FANTASY Hybrid by M. Lanigan The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 52 (Photo by Schroeder) The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 53 (Photo by Burton) (Photo by Aleksandrowicz) "CONGRATULATIONS, YOU HAVE ANOTHER GIRL” Wilda Beattie Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Two years ago a letter from a violet friend in Montreal, Canada, informed me that I could ex¬ pect a box of leaves of the latest Canadian origi¬ nations. Being a leaf-trader, I awaited their arrival in great anticipation. The parcel was eagerly open¬ ed the moment the mailman left and I admired the beautifully packed leaves — until I came to the last one in the box and dicovered, to my horror, that it was a “Girl.” I had the same reaction the father of six girls had when his Doctor said, “Congratu¬ lations, you have another girl.” Up to this point, along with just about every grower with whom I had spoken, I had so many problems with girl foliage that I had decided “never again.” Even with great patience and per¬ severance and no matter what I tried, the foliage was just too difficult to handle and either twisted and turned in such a manner as to become totally unruly or grew into the shape of a cabbage. The only redeeming feature, or so it had seemed to me, was that the blossoms on girl foliage specimens were usually quite beautiful. My first inclination, therefore, upon gazing at this leaf, was to toss it out but, after thinking it over, decided not to “chicken out” and have another try at it. The leaf was from one of Ernest Fisher’s origi¬ nations called “Jayme”, described in his brochure as follows: “Full double blue stars with white edge, medium green glossy strawberry girl foliage.” Along with the rest of the leaves, it was planted in a mixture of half perlite and half vermiculite, watered and fertilized in the usual manner. After approximately three months the small plantlets were ready for potting into 2^A” pots. I only saved three of the best plantlets from ^ Jayme’ (knowing that even one would tax my patience.) They grew at a rapid rate and were soon re-potted into 3” pots. My troubles began almost immediately. The petioles began to twist and turn almost giving the effect of being diseased, however, from past exper¬ ience with the “girls” I knew this was just their natural ornery behaviour. I began training the petioles immediately with the plastic hair-dressing picks which I always use and found that it was much easier to do this prior to watering the plants, as the foliage of ‘Jayme’ is naturally quite pliable (which probably explains its tendency to twist and turn). Two picks were used per leaf — one about half-way up the petiole and one on the other side of the petiole as close to the rim as possible with¬ out hindering the use of a collar which I began using as soon as it was potted into the 3” pot. The three plants continued to grow at a rather astonishing rate and I knew that not only were they going to be continually troublesome, but they were also going to be very large, thus com¬ pounding my problems. Thus, they were now moved into 4” pots. Having decided at the beginning of this exercise (as I do with every leaf and cutting I plant) that I would try and make “best in show” in 1974, they were not allowed to bloom. This was difficult to do because I knew, from the description that this variety must have very beautiful blossoms and, of course, I wanted to know if my efforts were going to be worthwhile. However, I did not stop dis¬ budding until ten weeks before our Show date. At this stage the plants resembled three heads of hair in the process of being perman¬ ent-waved— each one in a pot full of hairdressing picks. My husband has a habit of taking a stroll around the plant stands once in awhile and one day said to me, “What’s the matter with those three plants on the stands — the pots look as though they are full of toothpicks?” The conformation of the plants was, by this time, quite good and I was becoming a bit more enthusiastic. The leaves had a lovely shiny look with a large creamy white spot at the throat mak¬ ing them most attractive. Finally the buds began to open and, when com¬ pletely open, the blossoms were huge and beauti¬ ful Against this lovely foliage, here was a plant to behold! Our show was to be held the first week in May and I knew that I really had something. Be¬ cause it was such a sight, I placed it on the stand where it would be visible to anyone walking down¬ stairs. At this time I was making preparations to jour¬ ney to the Convention at Hartford, also doing a bit of spring cleaning and some work for our forth¬ coming show because there wouldn’t be much The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 54 time when arriving back from Hartford. On one of my trips downstairs carrying an armful of some¬ thing or other, I paused to admire ‘Jayme’ and, to make a long story short, tripped, fell the rest of the way down fracturing my left wrist. ‘Jayme’ was judged Best in Show, receiving 96 points and not until then did I realize what an effort it had been, not to mention a fractured wrist which I blamed on ‘Jayme’. I vowed never again to become involved with the “girls.” There is a sequel to this story. Last week I packed a box of small American plantlets and took them over to another grower-friend. As I was leav¬ ing, she handed me a box of new Canadian re¬ leases. Upon arriving home each one was duly examined and admired as it was unpacked ~ until I came to the last one. Yes -- you guessed it — the Doctor’s words were repeated in my mind, “Con¬ gratulations, you have another girl.” She is ‘Jac¬ queline Dawn’, another Ernest Fisher release des¬ cribed as “semi-double bi-color in shades of mauve, top two petals deeper. A conventional shape flower and flowers do not drop. Black-green shiny notched girl foliage, completely flat grow¬ ing.” It was the last three words that sent me into hysterics as I wearily prepared to do battle again. Interesting "New Trailer" Mrs. Gladys Harper Graves 3513 Ponick St. Shreveport, La. 71109 I have a new trailing violet that just stubbornly chose to do so. For several years I’ve grown ‘Peony’, a semi¬ miniature plant with small green leaves and tiny single blue blossoms. It was given to me and it is not known whether this is the full name or who the hybridizer is, but the plant is a sweet and pro- hfic little bloomer and I was glad to add it to my collection, ‘Peony’ lost no time convincing me that she was prone to growing many suckers, which were push¬ ed off from time to time. She also grew a tall leaf-covered main stem which was cut off and re¬ rooted to start the plant over many times. The symmetrical little plant was a delight for a time, only to repeat this same performance over and over again. Finally in desperation, I just let ‘Peony’ ^ow. She soon cascaded over the rim of the pot. Her many suckers covered the pot aU around her and joined the cascading main stem of the plant. So I forgave ‘Peony’ for behaving in such a manner. She forgave me for fighting her all those years. The WINS AVSA AWARD - Mrs. L W. Chilcutt was winner of the AVSA Collection Award (gold ro¬ sette) at the 12th annual show of the Fort Worth AVS, theme of which was '"Violets Galore in "74". She is shown with the three winning plants, 'Rich¬ ter's Wedgewood', 'Ann Slocomb' and 'Window Blue'. She was also winner of best mini, "Window Blue', and sweepstakes in miniatures. Other top honors were AVSA Collection Award, (Purple ro¬ sette), 'Double Blue Boy', 'Kathleen' and 'Ruth Carey', best of show, 'R. Gigi', best single, 'R. Vio¬ letta', Mrs. Phil R. Johnson; best double, 'Pink Frost', best variegated, 'Tommie Lou', best club project plant, Mrs. Ernest C. Rice; sweepstakes in horticulture, best seedling and best gesneriad, Mrs. George H. McClain; sweepstakes in arrangements, Mrs. Robert D. Early; best arrangement, Mrs. D. W. Mahr; best miniature arrangement, Mrs. D. Q. Corley; and best table setting, Mrs. Murrill Jack- son. — — — — ■ result — a pretty “new trailer” that covers a rather large pot, which supports a wealth of foliage with its tiny single blue blossoms. Since the plant does not trail along the violet shelf, but just cascades over the side of the pot, it does not require much room. I have the pot in a tall attractive ceramic jar which holds water for wicking. The combination is a real eye-catcher. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 55 BENKE HYBRIDS ( Photos by Schroeder) AURORA ROSE AURORA WINDFALL The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 56 Neophyte Gardeners Learn About Violets Mrs. John (Nancy) Pike 8789 JeNeBe Drive Rockford, Mich. 49341 We have four babies at our house. Four babies would make any mother turn pale, but what if you had 50 babies and over 200 mo¬ thers? In addition, what if one of your mothers was a national champion? Few women could make this claim, but Mrs. Albert Blouw of 8869 Je-Ne-Be Drive in Rockford, Michigan, can. This reporter and her daughter made arrange¬ ments to visit Blouw’s Red Carpet Greenhouse and see the African violets. Both visitors are neophyte gardeners, and they thought that raising house plants was simply a matter of sticking a plant in a pot and watering it every day. Were they wrong! Like any activity that is done well, planning and daily care are necessary. Mrs. Blouw took us on a tour of her greenhouse first, and then showed us how to raise African violets step by step. The greenhouse looks like April in November. Almost all of the plants, which look vibrant under fluorescent lights, were in bloom. African violets have single or double blooms and come in every shade from dark purple to white. One particularly nice violet has white-edged, light blue, double blos¬ soms and is called ‘Minnie Pearl.’ A new variety is called ‘Bang’, and Mrs. Blouw is anxiously awaiting blossoms on her newly acquired plant. None of the members of the loc^ African Violet Society, to which Mrs. Blouw belongs, knows anything about this particular violet, not even the color. Mrs. Blouw is the first person in this area to own this kind of violet, and she is eagerly waiting to see what develops. The inside walls of her greenhouse are lined with awards, and most of her ribbons are blue. Mrs. Blouw is particularly proud of the Natio'n.dl Gold Rosette Award, that proclaims her as a na¬ tional champion African violet grower of 1973. Mrs. Blouw says that she got her start many years ago when her son came home with an Afri¬ can violet leaf. She didn’t know what to do with it, so she put it in a glass of water. Although this leaf died soon afterward, her interest in raising vio¬ lets was kindled. This incident took place over 30 years ago, and Mrs. Blouw has grown violets ever since. This reporter and her daughter were fortunate enough to see a demonstration about growing Afri¬ can violets by a true professional. Mrs. Blouw first told us about the four most important elements in raising violets. These are light, humidity, water. and soil. She explained that the violets are put under fluorescent lights 14 hours a day. Fluores¬ cent lights make the blossoms more vivid. The lights must be 14 to 16 inches above the plants. The humidity must be between 55 and 70%, and the room temperature must never go below 65 de grees. The plants are sprayed with a water mist if more humidity is needed. Watering African violets is very important. Mrs. Blouw says that her most frequently asked ques¬ tion is: “How often should I water my plants?” Her answer is that there is no particular answer. The violets are watered only when the soil feels dry, and not before. This varies from plant to plant. Like children, each one is an individual. Mrs. Blouw says that over-watering is the biggest cause of plant deaths. A definite technique is used when the plants are watered. A special fertilizer called Plant Marvel, is added to the water, but only one-quarter strength is necessary. The water must be warm, never cold. The plant is set in a tray of fertilized water for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the soil on the top feels moist but not soaked. The soil is a special mixture and is available at almost any garden center. A combination of vermi- culite, perlite, and sterilized commercial soil is necessary. African violets need a light, moist soil because of their fine, delicate roots. The vermicu- lite keeps the soil light and moist, and the perlite airs it. Sometimes the soil must be treated with manure, lime, or blood and bone meal to keep the soil acid — at pH 6.5. while keeping these four basic elements in mind, one must remember that the plants also need extra care and attention daily. Dead blossoms must be removed because they weaken the plant. The plants are also rotated a quarter-turn each day. Since plants grow toward light, their position must be changed so they don’t grow lopsided. Once a month, the plants are sprayed with a spe¬ cial insecticide, called Kelthane, to keep mites and spiders out. Outer leaves are removed to keep the plant cir¬ cular. A round wire leaf support is sometimes put on the outside of the pot, at the top, to support the outer leaves and keep them flat. African violets should be grown by themselves. Other house plants are prone to diseases and in¬ sects that could infect the violets. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 57 New plants are started with just one leaf from the inside of the plant. The leaf and stem are placed in a small plastic cup filled with vermicu- lite, which is a non-nutritive compound. The cup and leaf are put in a plastic bag and tied with a twist-tie. The bag acts as an incubator, for it keeps the humidity high around the plant. In approxima¬ tely twelve weeks, a baby plant will appear. When the baby’s leaves are the size of a dime, the tiny plant is separated from its mother leaf and trans¬ ferred to a small pot. The mother leaf can be used again to produce more babies. Mrs. Blouw says that transferring the babies from the cup to tne pot is very tricky. The roots rriust be kept root-bound. In other words, every root must be in place and not disturbed. If the plants are not root-bound, they will not bloom. The proper size pot is easily determined. The proper pot is one-third the \vidth of the plant. At the end of a lovely visit, Mrs. Blouw pre¬ sented this reporter’s daughter with four baby plants. We are now watering, fertilizing, grooming, and turning flower pots. Our ‘Minnie Pearl’ has two new blossoms. Someday, we might have blue ribbons on our walls, too. We consider ourselves fortunate, for we were taught by a master. • - - - ♦ - Planting By The Moon If you believe in planting by the moon, then to have success with African violets choose dates while the moon is moving from the “new” to the “full”, or on the increase, say experts. This allows two weeks for planting, but some days will give better results than others, they added. Here are some of their suggestions: Planting is done under the six fruitful signs, which are, in the order of their importance - Can¬ cer, Scorpio, Pisces, Capricorn, Libra and Taurus. The other six signs are barren and are never used, with the exception of Leo, which is the ideal sign for removing suckers, and it is believed if they are removed during Leo they will not return. Planting by the moon involves more than just planting by the moon’s phases, it was said. You can plant during particular quarters for different effects, and according to Moon Signs, as well as phases, get exactly the kind of growth you desire. Here are some of the rules advocated: 1. To set leaves, use signs of Cancer and Pisces in the 2nd quarter. Setting leaves in Cancer results in quick, heavy root systems. 2. To set suckers, or to cut off a plant for re-rooting, use the signs of Scorpio or Taurus, dur¬ ing any of the four quarters. 3. To plant seeds or remove babies from Mother Leaf use sign of Libra. Also, if you are changing a plant from the rooting mix to the pot¬ ting mix for the first time, use Libra. Transplant¬ ing in Libra represents beauty in form and color TOP WINNER - Mrs. Russell I. Yawger, president of the Upper Pinellas AVS, was top winner of awards at the annual show, "Violets by the Gulf". She won Best in Show, 'Top Dollar'; AVSA Col¬ lection Award, gold rosette, 'Top Dollar', 'After Dark,' 'Winter Gold'; first runnerup, 'My Pleasure'; second runnerup 'After Dark'; third runnerup, 'Colorado Night', and sweepstakes with 15 blue ribbons. Other plant winners were: Purple rosette, 'Forever White', 'Country Music', 'Top Dollar', Mrs. Alvina Suder; Best in Show under 12", 'Joy Blue', Mrs. Marie Williams; mystery plant (club project), 'May Magic', Mrs. Lucille Schaefer. ♦ and is best for flowers. 5. Capricorn sign is seldom used. 6. For flowers, plant when moon is increasing, particularly in the first quarter, 7. Plant in Libra for beauty and fragrance, Scorpio and Pisces for abundance, and Taurus for hardiness. But all violet growers don’t believe in planting by the moon. It’s just one of those things, Some do — some don’t. MOON SIGNS FRUITFUL SIGNS LIBRA CANCER SCORPIO PISCES TAURUS CAPRICORN -Beautiful blossoms -Abundance -Sturdiness -Root Growth -Hardiness -Disease Resistant BARREN SIGNS ARIES GEMINI LEO SAGITTARIUS AQUARIUS VIRGO The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 58 Plant Food Manufacturers Answer Growers’ Queries How much fertilizer is to be used in a constant feed program? Does the windowsill plant and the fluorescent light-grown plant require the same amount of food? Do most plant foods contain trace elements? How long is a one-pound container of fertilizer effective? These and many other queries have been received from AVSA growers. Such queries have been passed on to AVSA advertisers who handle plant food. It was pointed out by Paul E. Naton, technical director for Hydroponic Chemical Company, that the question of how much and when to feed is very perplexing for most amateurs and even pro¬ fessional violet growers. Constant feeding programs are recommended on Stim-U-Plant label directions, according to C. J. Milos, vice president and general manager of Stim- U-Plant, Inc. Three feeding methods are used by the majority of growers, Mr. Naton said. These three methods, he explained, are constant, intermittent and foliar feed, and for Hydroponic plant foods, he sug¬ gested using the following dilutions: CONSTANT FEED: 7-6-19 All Purpose Pow¬ der: Use one-fourth teaspoonful per gallon of wa¬ ter. 10-10-10 Liquid Concentrate: Use one-half tea¬ spoonful per gallon of water. INTERMITTENT: 7-6-19 All Purpose Powder: Use 1 tsp. per gallon of water. 10-10-10 Liquid Concentrate: Use 2 tsp. per gallon of water. FOLIAR: Same as Constant Feed. “The reason that our label states dilutions given under intermittent feeding is that most consumers prefer feeding once every four or five weeko vTth waterings between feedings to maintain moisture,” Mr. Naton said. “We will be adding the constant feed recommended dilutions in the near future on all our plant food packaging.” It was Mr. Milos’ opinion that feeding is the same under natural light or artificial light. “In our opinion, either light can produce similar results. Feeding is the same. The slight difference, if any, in feeding is more a matter of personal choice rath¬ er than documented authority. Again, fertilizers are an aid to growth — not the only source of sustaining growth. “There are so many elements involved in grow¬ ing plants, that success depends on a balance of temperature, soil, light and feeding. The range of under or over — of any of these — allows a com¬ fortable spread without danger of disaster.” The HYPONeX R&D Department has been making a series of tests to find the optimum of levels of fertilizer to use under well defined environmental conditions normally attainable in consumer homes plus feeding schedules. “The question of feeding schedule for violets grown in a windowsill versus those fluorescent light-grown can be generally answered by stating that under artifical light, environmental conditions can reach optimum growing conditions due to con¬ trolled light cycle and temperature. Windowsill conditions, however, vary to such an extent that it is impossible to advise on a regular feeding pro¬ gram. Only through trial and error can the proper feeding schedule be found. Fluorescent light- grown violets given optimum lighting (12-14 hours) per day plus optimum temperature and humidity conditions require water or constant feeding every other day. As to volume of solution used, add 1/10 by volume of container in which the violets are grown. Make sure adequate drainage is provided. The every-other-day feeding schedule is also predicated on a fast to medium draining potting soil.” Most plant foods do contain trace elements. Hydroponic plant foods also contain vitamin B^. Both Mr. Naton and Mr. Milos were of the same opinion regarding the durability of fertilizers. “The potency of chemical fertilizers is not af¬ fected by age,” Mr. Milos said. “It may become hard (if in powder form) but it never deteriorates by sheer age. Much the same may be said of liquid fertilizers. Some chemicals may lose their ability to stay in suspension over a long period of time, but a simple shaking will reinstate the original quality.” “As long as our plant food is kept within the packaging provided when not opened for use, it will remain viable for at least 20 years.” Mr. Naton asserted. “I recently found some HYPONeX plant food manufactured and dated 1952. The material was analyzed and was found to be of equal strength and analysis as compared to freshly made material.” Asked about manufacturers’ labels and amounts prescribed, Mr. Milos explained: “Generally speaking, reputable manufacturers have basically provided a tested product. In the guaranteed analysis section on the label of our pro¬ duct, we indicate a blending of the three elements. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium in percent- The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 59 ages. Our African Violet Powder is specifically for¬ mulated and contains a blend of 5-8-7. Directions should be followed as prescribed FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS. But suppose you are using an all¬ purpose blend of fertilizer, which could contain 10-15-12. It is then obvious that approximately one-half the dosage of this blend should suffice to produce the results of 5-8-7 on African violets.” - - - Club Formed In Retirement Home Mrs. Lillian M. Brauning 8803 Bradford Street Philadelphia, Pa. 19115 On September 1973 an African violet club was formed in a retirement home in Philadelphia. We are still in progress and have a roll of 32 people which began that day with 16 members. Not one has dropped out. They naturally have their ups and downs. But growing violets has become a real challenge. A few members have been ill and one member has passed away. This type of club is different as it is run mostly for the pleasure of seeing beautiful violets. Many have special talents and have a room full. Retirement homes as most people know have either a room or an apartment of two rooms. Therefore, quantity is not a factor, but quality. Some ladies are in their eighty’s and the love of violets really have turned out beautiful results. Others have much perseverance and maybe, having failed, have started over again. We have had a couple succeed this way, and were they proud when the blooms arrived and so was I, their leader. My purpose in writing this article is to inspire other persons with the knowledge of growing vio¬ lets, to start one in other Homes throughout the states. You will never find a more time consuming job, but one with a double time delight and thrill when your group continues to grow, learn and suc¬ ceed. Then you know it’s all worth while. We have had our 2nd yearly luncheon in my home. My violets did me proud so they feel their leader also is trying to succeed in growing these lovely plants with as much patience as they seem to have. One more thought I’d like to pass on. We did have a Violet Show, which was well attended by friends and neighbors of our community. We were very proud as it turned out to be quite an event for our “Manor”. Plans are being made to do it again next year. VIOLET SYMPHONY - - - At the annual show, “fk Spring Violet Symphony"', of the Top Choice AVS of Shreveport, La., 267 plants and arrangements were entered. Top photo depicts the theme and lower photo shows three winners with the club president, Mrs. W. M. (Lucile) Plaster. They are, left to right, Mrs. T. K. Thomas, winner of sweep- stakes, opposite to the queen, "Pink Flame," best in artistic planting; AVSA Collection Award, Gold Rosette, "Happy Harold," "Top Dollar", "Vern"s Pink Dawn", Berma Plastics Awards, first, 'Beau Bait", second, "T.L.C.", Tube Craft Award, "Gypsy", "Miriam Steele", "Eureka",; Mrs. Plaster; Mrs. Jack Shelton, winner of Queen of Show, "Violet Dream"; and Mrs. Warren Rosenbaum, winner of AVSA Collection Award, Purple Rosette, "Hospi¬ tality", "Miriam Steele" and "Wintry Wine." Other top winners were Mrs. Charles Harris, best in ar¬ rangements and sweepstakes for artistic plantings; and Mrs. M. L. Harwell, club rosette for largest plant entered, "Peach Frost". GOING TO HAVE JUDGING SCHOOL? Are you planning to conduct a judging school? If so let your notice to the magazine come through Mrs. Ruth Carey, chairman of judges and shows. The AVSA Chairman of Shows and Judges will write all notices of judging schools and mail to the Editor if they have been registered in time for the notice to be received before the deadline. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 60 CEOSS YOUR I. . . s and DOT YOUR T . . .s Mrs. W. F. Anderson, Publications Chairman 360 Tulip Drive St. Louis, Missouri 63119 Variety or Cultivar? Do you know that botanically the term “vari¬ ety” defines a subdivision of a species and tech¬ nically refers only to a plant as found growing naturally in the wild? Refer to the list of African violet species, pub¬ lished annually following the registration list, in the March African Violet Magazine, There are four varieties listed. These plants have constant char¬ acters or minor differences that separate them from the typical form, without enough variation to be classified as a distinct and different species. As it is used in the species list “var.” is the proper abbreviation for “variety”. Unfortunately in common usage, growers inter¬ change the terms “variety” and “cultivar”. Culti¬ var is a coined word “culti” from cultivated and “var” from variety which specifically defines a named horticultural specimen different from the species to which it belongs. It is the proper term for the vast number of Saintpaulia (African violet) mutations and hybrids which have been named, grown and shown. The abbreviation cv. is used or the plant name is enclosed in single quotes. Since AVSA is the official International Reg¬ istration Authority for the genus Saintpaulia, AVSA members should set a good example. Will you? — — — Woe Turns to Gold! Mary Ann Mansfield 653 Blair shire Circle Winter Park, Florida 32789 In the June 1973 African Violet Magazine, “Woe Is Me” told of my disaster with mites in my African violets. Many friends shared their plants and leaves with me, and I was fortunate to visit a famous African violet ^eenhouse while on vacation that summer. In l^bruary of this year, I was off to the annual show, having learned many hard lessons laced with plain stubborness. Much to my delight I was rewarded with four blue ribbons and two red ribbons and the Novice Sweepstake ribbon. One plant, ‘Lavender Ice’, given to me when it was a baby by a special violet friend, won a blue ribbon and best in class. It is amazing as I brought “her” home in my bicycle basket and while en- route “she” hopped out of the basket and landed on “her” head in the street. We were a challenge for one another and now “she” is one of my most treasured plants. This bit of news is meant to inspire those, who are down and out, to persevere and not give up because if I can overcome disaster anyone can. Mites aren’t all bad as they prompted me to write of my experience in the African Violet Maga¬ zine. One reader wrote to me from Massachusetts and now her mother, who has moved to Central Florida, is a delightful addition to our club mem¬ bership. Another new friend wrote from Georgia and now we are sharing letters and leaves. For me, my woe has turned to gold! “ - - ^ - In Memoriam Lona BeSle Buckley The Frayser AVC of Memphis, Tenn., suffered a great loss at the death of Lona Belle Buckley, a charter member. A longtime AVSA member, Mrs. Buckley hybridized and registered ‘Buckley’s Spoon’. Generous with her knowledge, she shared her love of African violets with all her club mem¬ bers and other friends, who were many and loyal, helping her tend her plants when she could no longer care for them. Richard Bell Death of Richard Bell of Bay Shore, N. Y., a dedicated violet lover and a member of the Long Island African Violet Society, was announced in the September magazine as Mrs. Richard Bell. Mr. Bell died in March 1974. Mrs. Bell is an active member of the Long Island African Violet Society and an active judge, according to Edward M. Hagan, corresponding secretary. Helen Rymer Our sympathy is extended at the death of Mrs. Helen Rymer, wife of John Rymer, hybridizer and former judge. She died Oct. 11, 1974. She was a past president of both the Bellflower and Long Beach African Violet Societies, was always willing to help new growers with their problems, and a good friend. She is missed very much. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 61 Affiliate ‘appenings SHE'S WINNER— Marie lllstrup took nine top honors at the Des Moines Evening AVS Show. She's pictured here with the AVSA Collection Award (Gold Rosette), 'Garnet Elf', 'Bonus Babe' and 'Silver Celebration.' Her other awards were Best in Show, 'Bonus Babe', best miniature, 'Tiny Fantasy', best semi, 'Wild Lemon', best in design and arrangement classes, sweepstakes in both hor¬ ticulture and design and arrangement classes. Other winners were: sweepstakes, runnerup in hor¬ ticulture, Mrs. J. B. Kubler; sweepstakes, runnerup in design and arrangement classes, Donna Laurit- son, best in Gesneriad classes, Mrs. Roscoe Jones; best window sill plant, Mrs. Mildred Ray. CENTRAL FLORIDA AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY sponsored a judging school, which was conducted by Mrs. H. Steven (Suzy) Johnson, a club member of Orlando, Fla. The school was attended by 23 students, 10 of which took the examination. One of the students flew in from Houston, Texas. At the lecture were 12 National Council Judges, all of whom were enthusiastic about the school and its competent teacher. NUTMEG AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY held its second annual judged show in the Old Saybrook Shopping Center with Ethel Doane as chairman and Ruth Hatch as co-chairman. Award winners were as follows: AVSA Col¬ lection Award (gold rosette), ‘Lavender Delight’, ‘Sterling Silver’, Granger’s ‘Peach Frost’, Mrs. Joseph Stramandole; Best in Show, ‘Star Shine’, best single, ‘Star Shine,’ Mrs. John Kosik; AVSA Collection (purple rosette). Granger’s ‘Carefree’, ‘Country Music’, Richter’s ‘Charm Song’, sweepstakes, second best, Richter’s Charm Song,’ best semi- miniature, ‘Little Sparkles,’ best double pink, ‘Mr. Chipper’, Mrs. Newell Mallette; best arrangement, Mrs. Steven Phillips; best miniature, ‘Midget Bon Bon,’ Mary Phillips; third best, ‘Top Dollar’, Dr. Henry Wing; best miniature trailer, ‘Tiny Pink Bells,’ Mrs. Emma Cassella; best blooming gesneriad, ‘Cunnerfolia’, Mrs. Stanley Traskers; best display table in Commercial Division, The Violet Nookery; educational table, Mrs. Carl Clark; show theme and staging, Mrs. Ralph Annuziata. Brother Blaise was sweepstakes winner with 19 blue ribbons at the RHODE ISLAND AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY’S summer exhibit “Pretty as a Picture”, at the University of Rhode Island’s Summer Flower Show. His awards were as follows: Best of Show, ‘Wisteria’; Princess, ‘Quasar’, Princess runner-up, ‘Clipper’; Junior Princess, ‘Ohio Bountiful’, special award, ‘Claudia’. Other winners were: Junior Queen, ‘R. Barbara’, Mildred McGerry; and special awards, ‘Pixie Trad,’ Barbara Sweet; Streptocar- pus. Curt and Florence Mason; Achimenes, ‘Purple King,’ Annie Smith; arrangements, Jackie Mignacca and Mrs. Jeanette Richard; education table, Arthur Richard. Mrs. Phanual Gibbs was chairman and Mrs. Arthur Richard was co-chairman of the exhibit. The Rhode Island AVS has been invited to participate in the 1975 summer show. TOP CHOICE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY of Shreveport, La., held a school for judges and conducting the school was Mrs. W. M. Plaster, AVSA Judge, Teacher and Board Member. Participants included club members, other local growers, and growers from south Louisiana and from East Texas. AU eight participants from the Top Choice AVS were certified. They are Mrs. C. D. Attaway, Mrs. Gale Gusker, Mrs. M. L. Harwell, Mrs. W. C. Lupton, Mrs. K. E. Nash, Mrs. Glenn Reeves, Mrs. Warren Rosen¬ baum and Mrs. T. K. Thomas. “Harvest of Violets” was the theme of the 14th annual show of the AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF THE EAST BAY, held in Oakland, CA. with Mrs. Edward Blair (Millie) serving as show chairman. The following awards were won; AVSA Collection Award (Gold Award), ‘Silver Jubilee’,, ‘Le Chateau’, ‘Purple Gold’, Best of Show, ‘Christmas Holly’, best single, ‘Purple Gold’, largest plant, ‘Silver Jubilee’, Strawberry jar planted with ‘Little Smoky’, Mrs. P. F. Simpson; horticulture sweepstakes, best registered Western, ‘Delectable’, best novice ‘Vern’s Delight’, Lloyd Hoover; 1st runner up to Best of show. AT ANNUAL SHOW— These three women took top honors at the fifth annual show of the Shreve¬ port AVS held in connection with the "Holiday in Dixie" annual celebration of the Ark-La-Tex re¬ gion. They are, left to right, Mrs. L. R. Dame- wood, winner of the AVSA Collection Award (purple rosette), best terrarium and Berma Plastics Award; Mrs. Paul Whatley, who won the artistic planting award; and Mrs. Frank Bodie, winner of sweepstakes award. Queen of Show, 'Violet Dream', Princess, 'Ann Slocomb', Berma Plastics Award and Club President's Award, 'Tipt'. 'Silver Bells' was judged best miniature. Other winners were best artistic arrangement, Mrs. H. J. Smith; best unusual container, Mrs. Jules Queretinmont. Josephine Ann Miller is the club president. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 62 best project plant, ‘Lavender Delight’, Mrs. Verne Bragg; 2nd runner up to Best of Show and best variegated ‘Nancy Reagan’, Mrs. D. L. Gray; best miniature, ‘What Not’, Mrs. R. A. Chase; best unusual container, best ar¬ rangement, ‘September Song’, sweepstakes in design sec¬ tion, 1st runner up to best novice ‘Sweet Mary’, Mrs. L. Ambler; best artistic planting ‘Witches Brew’, Mrs. Rowena DeWitt; 2nd runner up to best novice, ‘Elfriede’ (Rhaposdie) won by Mrs. Lean Rosette; best Gesneriad, Espiscia, ‘Cupreata Acajou; Mrs. Helen Pahlmeyer. AVSA table chairman Mrs. R. P. Stone and committee were very good sales persons with 27 new AVSA memberships taken during the show. SAN FRANCISCO AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY won first prize in the San Francisco County Fair flower show for its educational table, which showed violet species in their simulated early African habitat and pre¬ sent day growing under fluorescent lights. The seven steps to plant perfection: Soil, light, water, feeding, tempera¬ ture, humidity, spraying and space, were topped with a beautiful plant. Steps from leaf propagation to full flow¬ ering plant were also shown with ‘Tommie Lou’, as well as hybridization from seed pod to tiny plantlets, the varying types of leaves and a dish of varied and multicolor cut blossoms. All were shown with cards of explanation which kept visitors busy reading. This table was the work of Edna Rosenthal, who also won best in show with ‘Gallahad’ and Sweepstakes in the novice class with a large variety of blue ribbon plants. Best single, ‘La Rono’, was won by Sally Smith, and best miniature, ‘Midget Bon Bon’, by Willie McGarva. Sweepstakes winner in the inter¬ mediate class was Evelyn Dulbecco and in the advanced class Willie McGarva. The San Francisco County Fair show is staged each year by Flower Shows, Inc., com¬ posed of 21 flower societies and Garden clubs in San Francisco. Members of the AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF SOUTH BAY OF CUPERTINO, CA., exhibited in two county fairs with seven members displaying more than 120 African violets in the Santa Clara County Fair and Mrs. Celine Chase, president of the Northern California Council, winning the Standard and Miniature Collection Awards with five varieties each. In the Santa Clara County Fair award winners were Mrs. Millie Kirschbaum, Mrs. Barbara McGee, Mrs. Lilian Chetelat, club president; Mrs. Lidy Cropley, Mrs. Dorothy Kahrman, Mrs. Gladys Williams and ^^s. Anne Jantzen. South Bay members are now looking forward to their 1975 Spring Show, chaired by Barbara McGee, at Mayfield Mall, Mountain View, CA., April 24-26. AFRICAN SAFARI— Won Best in Show for Fran Baschnagel at Old Dominion AVS' annual show, ''Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow." Violet is Kartuz' "Fantasy Trailer". (Photo by Paul Stanek). - - - ♦ - - - Dry Air Not Too Good For Plants John Thein conducted a beginners’ class and explained setting leaves and plantlets at a meeting of the DESERT AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY, following which a pro¬ gram, “Stump the Panel,” was conducted with Tom Clark as moderator and. panel members including Faye Clark, Anna Egger, Dalton Robinson and Theim. Three of the guests were enrolled as members at the close of the meet¬ ing. Desert Club members also attended a meeting of the Bakersfield Club at which time a program was presented by J. R. Anderson of the Green Thumb Greenhouses in Bellflower, CA., and later Lois Clark and Thelma Springer of Bakersfield staged a program, “Lady and the Violet”, when the Bakersfield Club was hosted by the Desert Club. — - - — Ventilation African violets need fresh air each day, but dur¬ ing cold, inclement weather it must be provided with care, usually from an adjoining room. A fan in your plant area will be beneficii to circulate the air. For plants as well as people, excessively dry air is a severe environmental handicap. In people, dry respiratory passages afford easy entrance for germs. Plants suffer when the roots cannot take up water fast enough to balance that transpired from the leaves. Better health for both results when the average 10 to 15 per cent relative humidity in the home is raised to 50 to 60 per cent. Here are some ideas for increasing humidity for plants: Enclose the growing area in plastic or grow in a Wardian case; set pots on a tray containing two inches of gravel, 1 inch of water; mist plants frequently with a mist sprayer. But the best solution for both plants and peo¬ ple is a humidifier, which produces mist for the entire home. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 63 Vi ole try in th e Arizona Desert Betsy Evans 4430 E. Presidio Pi Tucson, Arizona 85712 I live in Tucson, Arizona, where the humidity often gets as low as 7 % while the outside tempera ture climbs to 105 - 110 ! But don’t think nothing can grow on the desert - our March African violet show is really a gorgeous spectacle of color and because we have had a struggle to raise our beau¬ ties, we have a much keener appreciation of the flowers others here raise. Recently I converted a 5-gallon aquarium into a “nursery” with moist gravel on an aluminum tray (the type that frozen fried chicken comes in), an open jar of water at one end (to further increase the humidity) and placed 12 babies on smaller aluminum trays that just fit inside the larger one. I burn the light which came with it approximately 5 hours per day and an aluminum reflector further holds in the moisture. A space of iy2 inches is between the light and the reflector to allow for air circulation. This cost me nothing, for the aquar¬ ium was simply gathering dust on my closet shelf, the small aluminum trays came with frozen foods in them, and the reflector came with the tank. My brother and I used to raise tropical fish when we were youngsters, and learned to fill huge containers with tap water and let them stand for at least 24 hours to eliminate most of the harmful minerals in our very hard water. As rain is a rare commodity out here, I decided this method would be ideal for the watering of my African violets. I have several plastic gallon jugs which I use for many things - - - one is always filled with water, one is filled with fertilizer water, and one is filled with Vitamin (all ready to use) which may be used on outside plants as well. I water my African violets twice weekly, “mist” them daily with aged water and try to keep them as comfortable as possible when the bottom drops out of the humidity. Fertilizing is done once a week (Peters Special is currently being used but just as humans like a varied diet, I have 2 other fertilizers that will be used alternately). I am presently experimenting with other plants as well, as I hate to be told by a book just what can and can’t be grown here. I have growing (out¬ doors but not in sun) a Cattleya orchid (pot is set on pan full of moist gravel and is misted with aged water sometimes three times daily), a white an- thurium (same care as orchid except it is kept in¬ doors in semi-darkness), a fresh cut pineapple top rooting in moist sand and the exotic looking but not very hard to grow Emerald Ripple houseplant. THEY'RE WINNERS-Winners at the Wichita Falls (Texas) AVS show, “Happiness Is Beautiful Violets/' were, left to right: Mrs. Kenneth Robert¬ son, sweepstakes runner up rosette, design division and best dish garden; Dr. Jackie W. Horton, AVSA Purple Rosette, 'Wintry Rose', 'Wisteria', 'Inky Pink', sweepstakes rosette horticulture division, double blossom, 'Wisteria' and best gesneriad, 'Silver Sheen'; Mrs. B. T. Haws, AVSA Gold Rosette, 'Happy Harold', 'Astro Blue', 'Lullaby', sweepstakes runner up horticulture division, queen of show, 'Astro Blue', single blossom, 'Happy Harold', club project, 'Wintry Rose', hanging bas¬ ket, 'Tommie Lou', unusual container, R. 'Patricia', R. 'Candy', R' Gisela'; and Mrs. Donald Hargrove, best arrangements, ''Space'', ''Texture'', "Harmony" and "Contrast" and sweepstakes rosette design division. Mrs. R. K. Moffatt received an award of merit for best miniature, 'Dolly Dimples.' — — - I am growing some species African violets, some standard sized plants, some miniature and semi’s, some Sinningias, a Gloxinia (which didn’t get enough light and is quite tall but has been bloom¬ ing like mad — I will try again next year for a low-growing one). I start my leaves in moist vermiculite placed in a baggie, blown up by mouth and closed with a twist-em. Other plants requiring high humidity are either planted in small brandy snifters (with plastic wrap stretched over the opening), bubble bowls (also with plastic wrap), paper cups within a baggie or plastic cocktail glasses inverted and taped shut — like this: tape tape. Let’s hear from those growers who have to battle with the same elements as I. Although my growing conditions are not as ideal as Africa’s I do have many blooming plants growing without the benefit of lights or the ideal conditions of a green¬ house or plant room. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 64 Encouragement PHENOMENON?-R. M. Atkins of 3008 Calhoun Street, New Orleans, La. 70118, wonders if he has an African violet phenomenon as evidenced in this photo. Mr. Atkins started the leaf in the peat pot. The leaf began to get larger and greener and then came the blossom as pictured. ♦ Fever Strikes Again Mrs. Sharon Bruce 481 E. Clearview Worthington, Ohio 43085 Gloria Goetzke 5740 Sander Drive Minneapolis, Minn, 5541 1 Encouragement is to people as water is to plants. This statement seems to describe the im¬ portance of encouragement in my recent activities with African violets. I had grown African violets for several years, but it was through the encour¬ agement of an experienced exhibitor that I devel¬ oped an active interest in them. Last year I attended the African Violet Show which was held in Rosedale. At this show, I was asked if I would be interested in joining a club, and I indicated that I was. In June, Caroline Fleisch called to say she was having a meeting at her house and would have several others, who also were interested in joining a club. I attended the meeting, and we decided to organize a club and start having monthly meetings. On August 1, the African Violet Society of Minnesota sponsored an AVSA Judging School. I obtained Mrs. Carey’s handbook and began study¬ ing. However, there was such a wealth of material in the handbook that I did not know where to begin, Mrs. Fleisch gave some helpful hints as to what should be studied for the Judging Exam. I attended the Judging School and took the exami¬ nation. A few weeks later, a Judge’s Card arrived the mail! The Minnesota State Fair was held later in Au¬ gust, and I was asked to help judge the African Violet Show. Not only was this an enjoyable task, but it was a valuable learning experience. I had never entered any of my plants in a show, and I was reluctant to enter any plants at the Min¬ nesota State Fair as I had disbudded my plants so they were not as floriferous as usual. Disbudding was a technique Mrs. Fleisch told us about at one of our meetings, but I “went overboard” and took buds off all my plants). Not only did Mrs, Fleisch offer encouragement, but the plants had to be reg¬ istered at a time that I was at work so Mrs. Fleisch offered to take the two plants that I selected to the Fair for me. To my amazement, both plants received blue ribbons. Within a period of three months, I joined an African Violet Club, became a judge, helped judge a show, and won two blue ribbons. It was Mrs. Fleisch’s encouragement that enabled me to ac¬ complish so much in such a short period of time. — ♦ - - - Send your list of favorite violets to Mrs. M. G. Gonzales, Best Varieties Editor, 200 Doris Ave., San Jose, Ca. 95127. African Violet Fever of course! Well, here is another person who has lost her heart to all those lovely African violets. It all started with one leaf,- that I was guaran¬ teed would become a beautiful plant, with very little trouble. Well, from this leaf, I got seven beautiful plants and the Fever. Now, I have 50 plants and an ever growing ap¬ petite for more. if anyone must catch a disease, I hope it is this one. The Fever lasts a lifetime. What away to go! The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 65 African Violet Mania in Full Bloom By Vernon Lorenzen St Paul, Minn, 55101 Baron Von Saint Paul, a German, discovered the wild African violet in Africa and the plant was named ‘‘Saintpaulia ionantha.” It is amazing that this simple little violet would soon become America’s number one house plant, and the second largest plant society in the world would be formed solely for African vio¬ lets. This society, The African Violet Society of America, Inc., boasts over 14,500 members worldwide. After a few years of breeding, three new vari¬ eties were put on the market: ‘Blue Boy,’ ‘Pink Beauty,’ and ‘White Lady.’ The single blue, pink and white flowers had considerable charm. Indoor gardeners found the African violet plant very use¬ ful because it required little window sill space, thrived at temperatures comfortable for the Fami¬ ly, and did not require strong direct sunlight as do geraniums and other blooming plants. The almost constant blooming habit was an added bonus. The early African violet varieties had numerous shortcomings such as blossoms that fell off a few days after opening, foliage that was rather brittle and dull, and a very limited range of blossom col¬ ors. With these drawbacks in mind, hybridizers be¬ gan breeding programs, hoping to produce varieties with new color, new types of foliage, larger flow¬ ers, double flowers, and more vigorous growth habits. Suddenly, thousands of new varieties were in¬ troduced all over the nation, and violet mania was in full progress. The mass hybridization efforts resulted in the introduction of a few excellent varieties. But many of the introductions continued to carry certain un¬ desirable characteristics such as flowers dropping, brittle foliage, poor blooming, and weak root systems. Many were little more than duplications of existing varieties. More than one grower became disgruntled after purchasing new varieties that failed to perform. This uncertain situation led the violet into disfavor in the early 1960’s. I personally enjoy a challenge and began a breeding program to overcome the bad traits previ¬ ously mentioned. Plants having certain good traits were self-pollinated to see if mey were dominant for the desired characteristics. Seedlings with one or more good traits then were crossed with seed¬ lings from different strains in an attempt to com¬ bine such traits as vibrant color, good foliage ^pe, vigorous root system, pliable foliage, double now- ers, star-shaped flowers, and profusion of blooms. After three years of cross breeding, results even more encouraging than anticipatecT began to ap¬ pear. Most exciting breakthrough was the appearance of huge 2% inch star-shaped flowers borne on stiff upright stalks. The blooms literally shouted for at¬ tention with their vibrant colors of blue and near red, edged with white. Later crosses gave every shade previously known in African violets, plus some new colors. The huge “star” flowers have the ability to stick tight on the flower stalk. A mini-petal in the center of the flower aids in preventing the flower from falling off. We call this mini-petal a “cap”. The cap is the result of breeding double flowers with singles and breeding the seedlings back to singles. The final result is large flowers which have the appearance of singles but retain the ability to stick tight on the flower stalk. As of this writing, we have reached a point of development in African violets where we have 2/4 to 3 inch flowers, doubles, singles, stars, semi- -doubles, fringed, edged in contrasting color, veined in deeper tones, and many new shapes which are difficult to describe. Colors range from near red, deep rose, deep pink, lighter pinks, all shades of blue and purple, pure white, lilac, plum, lavender, to many bi-colors (combinations of colors), and very popular are the edged varieties. The modern violet comes in many plant sizes. Miniatures are plants that never exceed six inches in diameter. Semi-miniatures measure six to eight inches in diameter. Standards range from 8 to 36 inches in diameter. There is a violet to fit your every need. Miniatures are ideal in terrariums, while the semi-miniatures are ideal window sill plants. My personal preference is for the standard size plants. They are more showy and are easier to work with. Foliage has been a challenge. The dark green pointed leaf with a serrated edge is always the best plant for the home grower. It grows to a very symmetrical form if turned twice a week in the window. Some excellent varieties have slightly wavy foliage and are satisfactory, but avoid the wavy, hard looking foliage. It will be a difficult plant to grow to perfection. Variegated fonage does exist in African violets, but often it is not a dependable trait. A highly The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 66 variegated leaf usually turns solid green with ma¬ turity or with hot weather. The modern African violet has come a long way. Huge flowers that have longevity, fantastic array of colors, symmetrical plants, strong upright bloom stalks, pliable foliage, plant sizes to meet your every requirement. Almost continuous blooming has been achieved. African violets grow best in a soiless mixture of two parts peatmoss, one part perlite, and a little charcoal. Plants should be grown in a four inch squatty pot and kept moist. Never permit the plant to wilt or stand in water. An east or north window is ideal during summer, but a south win¬ dow is best from Nov. 15 - March 1. Violets must have some sunshine and bright light to give blooms. Lacking window space, they may be grown to perfection under fluorescent hghts “cool white or warm white” with the plants 14 inches below the fixture, and the lights turned on 16 hours each day. The basement is ideal, pro¬ viding it doesn’t fall below 65 degrees F. Fertilizer such as 20-20-20 at one half strength should be used every 3 weeks in lukewarm water. Cold water should never be used on violets. Humidity in the room should never fall below 30 per cent, as it is not good for plants or people. A relative humidity of 35 - 40 per cent is ideal. If you have not had success with violets, or have become tired of the old types, try the new ones. You will be amazed at their vigor and wealth of truly beautiful blooms. Resist That Urge Neva Anderson St. Louis, Mo. Have you ever inspected your violets and no¬ ticed a white powder on the blossom stems, the back of the blossoms or the leaves and been tempted to blow it off? Resist that urge! Powdery mildew is spread by air-borne spores. An attempt to remove the white dust by blowing it off could float the spores into the air to drift away and settle on nearby plants. The powdery mildews live as parasites that steal their food from the living host plant and they do harm the plant. If mildew appears, apply a fungicide in a fine mist spray to foliage, flowers and the surface of the soil around the stem repeating twice a week, if necessary, until the pesky mildew disappears. “An effective fungicide is benomyl (generic name) available under the trade name, Benlate, by duPont. This material is absorbed by the plant and has a systemic action for a brief period. Mix with water according to manufacturer’s directions. If too much spray is applied until the material wets the plant to the drip stage or if too coarse a spray is used there will be a spotty deposit on the hairy leaves, A very fine mist is effective without the spotting. As a precaution against mildew, try a lysol aerosol spray disinfectant in the plant room; main¬ tain a good circulation of fresh, warm air using fans if necessary; keep the plants well spaced so there will be a circulation of air around each plant; keep plants clean by removing all spent blooms, bloom stalks or any damaged leaves and never in¬ vite trouble by letting this waste material pile up in the plant room. - . . . <0.— - - Advises Beginners To Try Again” Debbie Milani 548 Joaquin Drive Sonoma, Calif. 95416 My first initiation with African violets was rather a sad one. I had bought a lovely single pur¬ ple and, as with most people, its blooms died and it never bloomed again. So, I decided to find a mate. I bought a single pink, but was told I couldn’t grow African violets because I was not a “little old lady with sneakers”! Well, needless to say, the pink followed the purple. Then Mothers Day came along and I decided to buy my Mother a white violet which to us at that time was a rarely seen color in African violets. That evening my mother called and said a neighbor was moving and was selling all types of plants. I walked into the house to see African violets every¬ where! Ecstasy! I bought a few small plants and received a lot of literature from the AVSA and set them under a 2’ fluorescent fixture. I checked them daily and they grew! I now have about 20 healthy, blooming plants and many leaves starting and a 4’ two-tier case and hoping to get more shelving and plants. White, pink, purple, red, ruf¬ fle, star, double, single, all happy and blooming— what a sight! African violets have brought me and the recipi¬ ents of my “gifts” so much pleasure. I would like to thank Carol in Michigan for her “push” and my husband for his patience and carpentry skills. I may not be a “little old lady in sneakers” but I do wear sneakers and I can grow violets. My advice to beginners: Try again, they will bring you so much joy. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 67 Our best wishes are extended to Jimmy Watson in his new job as president of the New York State African Violet Society. Elected vice president in October 1973, he took over his new duties at the untimely death of Helene Galpin. A charter mem¬ ber of the New York AVS and its president for five terms, Jimmy has been active in violet socie¬ ties for a number of years and is now serving for a second time as a member of the AVSA Board of Directors . . . Congratulations are in order, too, for Joan Van Zele, who has a new granddaughter, Helen Belle Hughes, daughter of Mickey and Mildred Hughes . . . And also to Bernard Greeson of Milwaukee, Wis., longtime AVSA Commercial Member, who is listed in the 1974-75 edition of “Who’s Who in the Midwest”. Bernard is Dean of Career Education on the administrative staff of the Milwaukee Area Technical College, associate di¬ rector of the Greater Metropolitan Milwaukee Ca¬ reer Educational Project, and director of the Shorewood Opportunity School Travel and Adven¬ ture Series . . . We all missed Wilda Beattie of Win¬ nipeg, Manitoba, Canada, at the AVSA board meeting at Hartford and learned she had broken her arm but that didn’t deter her from taking top honor for the second year for the best rose at the 19th Winnipeg International Flower Show and numerous additional awards in the African violet section, causing C. S. Reycraft, Winnipeg Free Press columnist, to write: “The modern African violet has been so greatly improved that we now have literally thousands of beautiful varieties to choose from. The flowers are larger, come in many different color combinations and show up more prominently out of the foliage. Plants also have distinct types of foliage, in both shape and color¬ ing. The African violet is easy to propagate from leaf cuttings and grows particularly well under fluorescent lights.” . . . Dorothy Gray already do¬ ing her “bit” for AVSA in Florida and being the subject of a newspaper article, titled, “African Violets Thrive — But Not on Neglect!” Here are some excerpts: “When Dorothy and Joe Gray moved to Florida from Detroit last year, she brought with her just 100 of her 2,500 violets. The care she gives her violets appears to be anything but neglect. Special window covering has been in¬ stalled to protect them from the bright Florida sun. The humidity of her violet room is carefully controlled. They are watered and fertilized metic¬ ulously. They are beautiful! if you happen to be an African violet buff or just a run-of-the-mill Af¬ rican violet admirer, Dorothy will fascinate you with her expertise.” . . . Now comes a clipping from Mildred Schroeder, which appeared in the Chicago Daily News in “Maxine’s Column” from a gal complaining her boy friend thinks more of his African violets than he does of her and asking Maxine’s advice as she writes: “We’ve dated two months, getting together once or twice a week. The rest of the time he spends with his fuzzy plants ... I enjoy his company— when he isn’t talk¬ ing about his plants. What can I do?” Maxine ad-, vised her to either get with “it” and grow violets, otherwise “dig up a new, more compatible male.” . . . Just recently I had a judge tell me about some plants that would have received higher scores if the grower had tried growing violets with collars. “There were some especially fine-looking plants that would have received higher scores, if from the time they were in 3-inch pots they had been given supports. It also cuts down on leaf dam^: age.”. .. Glad so many of you read my article, “Thanks for Articles,” in the June Magazine and I liked your objections. Many of you said you couldn’t say what you needed to say in 800 or 1,000 words. Well, if you have something impor¬ tant to say, then take more words to say it. Don’t put the light of your knowledge under a bushel. Drag it out and maybe brighten the pathway to success for others. You can help others by writing an article for The African Violet Magazine. See what you can do . . . “Post Office Blues”. That was the title of an article in “Chatter”, the official publication of the African Violet Society of Can¬ ada and it certainly helped my morale to know that we’re not the only country suffering from poor postal service. Lillian Cartledge, “Chatter” editor, used as an example a letter saying, “July 21. Just received my ^Chatter’. This was the sum¬ mer issue, mailed the first week in June. Where has it been? Time enough to go round the world — 10 times!!! Pony Express, any one?” We hear this all the time about late deliveries — and we can over¬ look this if it doesn’t happen too often. The thing that worries me is not receiving mail. So I’ve come up with this suggestion: When you send me an article or a picture for the magazine, enclose a self-addressed, stamped correspondence card so I can acknowledge receiving the article or the pic¬ ture. Think this is a good idea? The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 68 Mom Didn't Do So Bad After All Crystal Davidson 1414 W. Hope Ontario, Calif. 91 764 I recently had to drive back to Shreveport, Louisiana, to join my husband who was playing professional baseball with the minor league team there. I was hoping to meet some of the fine grow¬ ers I had heard lived there, but unfortunately was only there a short time and was not able to do so. This trip meant, however, that my small collec¬ tion of 20 African violets had to be left behind. Knowing no other violet growers, I was forced to leave my precious plants with my mother, (Wouldn’t you know they’d all be in beautiful bloom!) My mother is a fine outdoor gardener but knows little about indoor gardening, let alone vio¬ lets! In her attempt to keep my plants healthy, she purchased a bottle of pre-mixed foliar feed at a local supermarket. Well, when I arrived home a few weeks later, my plants were, to say the very least, in terrible shape. Mom had done her best but either the spray was too strong or she just simply applied too much. As a result, my small collection had been reduced to not much more than pots of rotting leaves. I quickly got to work removing the rotting leaves. Fortunately the crowns of the plants were unharmed. I had long been considering wicking my plants as I had heard nothing but good things about it. Our Southern California climate is so dry, watering is quite a chore in the hot summer months, so I decided now was my chance to give this method a real test. I repotted the tiny crowns into small plastic solo cups in which holes had been poked in the bottom for drainage. I added a small layer of per¬ lite to improve the drainage. My soil mix is a standard soiless one consisting of 1 part sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part perlite. I wicked my plants with small pieces of nylon fish¬ ing twine (it is very inexpensive). I then began constant-feeding with a dilute solution of Schultz Instant. The tiny crowns have now doubled in size and are doing beautifully. The leaves that were unharmed but had to be removed to shape the small plants, were placed in a very dilute solution of Schultz Instant (1 or 2 drops per quart of water) and are occasionally sprayed with the same solution. Almost every single leaf has produced roots and plantlets! I plan to begin alternating my plants with different ferti¬ lizers, such as Hyponex, Rapid Gro, etc. In just a very short time my collection has doubled. I guess Mom didn’t do too bad after all! ■ ' ' — ^ - - HELP! We Need Your Experiences We have had numerous inquiries lately about wick watering, soilless growing, keeping plants healthy and the like from some of our new mem¬ bers. Have you had any good papers or talks in your club we could use to pass on the information to other AVSA members? Send ’em to the magazine. Or how would you like to share your exper¬ iences with these new members? Why not sit down right now and send in an article to the Magazine concerning one of the topics listed here: 1. Wick watering — with illustrations, (you sketch ’em, we’ll get ’em drawn to scale) 2. Soilless growing — soilless mixes 3. Gadgets and equipment which have proved useful 4. Program for keeping plants healthy 5. Growing problems and suggested solutions 6. Growing African violets under natural light 7. Getting African violets to bloom 8. Trailers — successes and failures 9. Varied aspects of growing miniatures 10. Soil mixtures for growing beautiful African violet plants 11. Systemics and the results 12. Fertilizers — both correct and incorrect use 13. Watering — over-watering and under-watering 14. Aspects of culture — methods differ but what’s yours? 15. New methods of growth and culture 16. Ways to control humidity 17. pH of soil — why so important? 18. Light effect on various varieties 19. Good preventive practices 20. Insecticides and pesticides 21. Symptoms of various diseases 22. Transplanting and dividing (sketches or pic¬ tures, if possible) • - — - - Strive toward better African violets. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 69 Customer Vs Grower By Mrs. Joseph J. Larose 6139 Pauline Ave, Sarasota, Fla. 33581 Being a grower as well as a seller of African violets, I have had my share of experiences in handling my clientele. One thing I have always cul¬ tivated is the “keeping cool” when sometimes a customer can be trying. Customers, bless them, are a mixture of curiosi¬ ty, enthusiasm, and friendliness for the most part— BUT— there is that “rare breed,” who can try even a Saint to the point of turning in their halos. I have my share of folks who have crossed my threshold . . . some very lasting friendships were made with some while a small minority had some¬ thing to be desired in the way of common courte¬ sy. I usually remember a customer by face but more by their actions. These make an indelible mark on my memory. When I lived in Maine I recall very vividly one such customer that I had a rather strange exper¬ ience with was a lady of German descent. She dropped by one morning to buy a violet. I told her they were in my cellar but as all were in complete darkness I suggested she wait upstairs until I could get the lights turned on. Evidently she did not comprehend what I told her fully, for she came right along down with me. Well, once we reached the bottom stair, all of a sudden she let out a cry and up the stairs she ran. I just stood there for a moment rather stunned by her behavior, so I im¬ mediately ran up after her. Once in the light she seemed to pull herself together and then told me why she had acted as she did. It seemed during the war in her native Germany they had to spend a great many anguished hours in these dark cellars while planes repeatedly bombed; and the idea of being in any place that was dark brought back those horrible memories. My heart went out to her and I told her to wait in the hitchen while I went down to the cellar for a moment. I found a beauti¬ ful pink double and brought it up and told her to take it with my compliments. After this she still came by for a visit and she is so proud of that plant for she said that it had been a source of cheer to her as she had lost her husband and lives alone. Not all my contacts are that dramatic. A lady came one day and tooted her car horn. I went out to see what she wanted. She had had a stroke and while her son had driven her over she was unable to get out of the car and come in to see my plants. She said she had an odd request and wanted to know if I might bring out two or three seedlings which she was interested in growing for her to make a selection. I obliged and picked out a tray full of different colored varieties I thought might strike her fancy. She was overjoyed vwth the colors and she picked out five which she had me wrap. I never tired of answering questions that came with the array of customers. Some of them had some pretty far-fetched ideas as to how to care for their plants, so it means seeing that these custo¬ mers receive one of the AVSA culture papers. Usu¬ ally I encouraged them to join AVSA and get the Magazine for then they will not be left aground should some problem arise in the plants’ care. Picking Up plants had become “taboo” in my units and I hacf installed signs to ward off handling plants. I had a very bad experience once when I had several plants that had been “groomed” over several months. They were to be entered in a show. Well, this lady came by to buy a plant. She handled and picked up each plant that struck her fancy and PLOP they would go down and a leaf would snap or a crunch sound would be heard where it had damaged the foliage of the plant set¬ ting next to it. She had been told that these “spe¬ cial” plants were not for sale but while my back was turned answering her friend’s questions, she couldn’t resist picking one of the large specimens up and clumsily she dropped it right on top of the other plants I was planning to take also. It smashed the crown of the one it fell on and dam¬ aged one side of the plant that dropped from her hand. I just could have stood there and cried but the damage was done. To top it all off she ended up NOT even buying a seedling! I have had “would be” customers come in and instead of concentrating on the business at hand . . . that of buying plants . . . they would either want to know if I wanted to sell my Pekingnese dog or our Siamese cat or even spot an antique in our living area and march right in to inspect it. Why do some people act this way??? I enjoy people and love to share my violets and knowledge with them but there are some who just forget there ever was a word called “etiquette.” I can always spot the real violet lover and grow¬ er of them. They are the best ever to turn loose in your growing area. They usually lay down their coats or handbags; they never attempt to touch plants or seed pods. I have a warm spot in my heart for these folks! Perhaps this article will serve to be a reminder to those who have done some of these things men¬ tioned or perhaps worse , . . and remember to im¬ prove their manners before they visit a grower in the future. This holds true with the larger growers as well as those of us who operate on a smaller scale. Courtesy means so very much to us all! !! The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 70 Eve Shea Takes Show! Suzy Johnson 741 VO. Colonial Dr. Orlando^ Florida 32804 Those who do not know Mrs. Joseph Shea will say, “Eh! Whats so great about that? Lots of people take shows,” True! So I am going to tell you. Eve Shea, 72 years young, has been crippled, with Perthes disease, since she was 8 years old. This does not keep her from being active. Besides growing violets, another hobby is handbuilt pot¬ tery. She has won many awards in shows with her pottery. Eve and her husband, Joe, have a home in Kissimmee, Fla., where they have lived since Joe retired from the Diplomatic Service. Altho she has been growing violets for many years, it was not until three years ago, when she became one of the charter members of the Central Florida African Violet Society, that she ever grew show plants. Each meeting would find Eve taking notes of all the information given about growing and exhibit¬ ing show plants. Also at the arrangement and artis¬ tic planting workshops. Eve would ask questions and take more notes. She is a good example of the old saying — “It is only when you realize that you do not know all — that you are in a position to really learn”. For learn she did. Eve did very well in the first two shows. Then came our third show in 1974. As show chairman, I kept urging the members to do their very best in growing their violets, also to have the courage to try even tho they felt they couldn’t enter in the design classes. My theory was, “If you haven’t tried, you really don’t know if you can win or not.” Eve got the message. After judging was finished and the awards re¬ corded — the cry was ~ “Where is Eve?” “She must get here before the photographer leaves!” “Here she comes now!” Everyone wanted to be the first to congratulate her. When she learned she had won the Best in Show with ‘Silver Celebration’, Best in Miniatures with ‘Suzy’s Gertha’ (she beat me with my own child), the Gold Rosette in the AVSA Collection award with ‘Silver Celebration’, ‘Double Black Cherry‘ and ‘Ann Slocomb’, Best in Artistic with her artis¬ tic planting “Meditation”, she was in a state of shock. Later, after the excitement eased. Eve whispered to me “Suzy, I’m so embarrassed. I had no idea I would win all this”. This, better than words I could choose, shows the wonderful person she is and why she is so loved. Eve was operated on three weeks later for a total hip replacement. The first meeting she at- VIOLETS IN CHURCH—Violets are now going to church. Here in the sanctuary of the Protestant Fellowship Church at St. Francis Village on Ben Brook Lake in Fort Worth, Texas, this lovely ar¬ rangement was made by Mrs. Juarez M. Holt, the publicity chairman of the Harmony Violet Club. Here are the violets in the arrangement: ^Ophelia', (top). Tinted Orchid', (center) a 'Charm Song' on either side; 'Kathleen' and 'Evangeline', lower bot¬ tom. Mrs. Holt often shares her beautiful violets with church members and other friends. ™ - — tended, after the operation, she came in standing straight with the ever present smile on her face. This couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. Sphagnum Moss African violets grow especially well in sphag¬ num moss, which is highly acid. Sphagnum moss is also a good seeding medium. Sphagnum moss contains most of the elements essential to plant growth, but only in relatively small quantities. Consequently seedlings and root¬ ed cuttings can be grown in the moss only tempor¬ arily without the application of a nutrient solu¬ tion. Nutrients in the moss are sufficient to sustain seedlings prior to transplanting and it is not neces¬ sary to fertilize immediately. When plants are to be grown for several months or even years in moss, regular applications of a nutrient solution are re¬ quired while the plants are actively growing. Sphagnum moss is an acid bog plant that is used as a soil substitute in propagation, growing and shipping plants. This medium has become im¬ portant to commercial growers because of its sterile condition, high water holding capacity and lightness in weight. The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 71 Rooting Leaves? Here’s His Method Richard H. Rubens 2340 N. Racine Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60614 rd like to tell you about my “foolprooP’ way of rooting leaves: Some of the methods I have seen described many times, but my addition helps make it work. I grow leaves in deep flats like plastic shoe WINNERS- - Here are left to right, 'Garnet Elf, 'Firebird,' and 'Dappier Dan', winners of the AVSA Gold Rosette at the 13th annual show of the Thimble Islands African Violet Society. Re¬ cipient of the AVSA Collection Award, Mary Phillips, also took Best of Show, 'Garnet Elf,' run¬ ner-up, 'Firebird'; best small arrangement and sweepstakes. Eva Cafferty took best for her artistic design. The President's Challenge, 'Country Music,' went to Evelyn Varick, who also took two special awards^.p^e jf^ 'Columnea Flamingo,' the other for 'Bee-Bell.' Mary Phillips' 'Blond Moonbeam' also received^ a special award. AVSA culture sheets were given out to the guests. boxes or plastic sweater boxes with drainage holes burned in the plastic. Into the flat I put about iVi inches of vermiculite and on top of this I put a layer of chopped styrofoam. The styrofoam is chopped from the trays that one gets at the super market and usually throws away. Into the spaces between the pieces ot styro¬ foam I stick a leaf with its stem into the ver¬ miculite. None of my leaves ever fall over into the vermiculite nor do they rot. I keep the humidity as high as possible and from time to time the leaves are given weak plant food. Sometimes the plantlets bloom in the flats as I leave them until they are fairly big. Perhaps some one will tell me how to label the leaves so that when the plantlets have developed I will be able to correctly label them. mm The African Violet Magazine, January, 1975 72 LYNDON LYON ^^WTiere The Violets Are^' FREE CHOOSE ANY ONE FREE Order now for spring delivery and receive one rooted cutting or starter plant of any of the following per each $5.00 order plus $1.65 for special handling. BLUE WILD COUNTRY— Striking huge up to and beyond 2i/^ inches, semi-dbl. blue violet flowers, dark green regular foliage. TOMMIE BLUE— White tipped Dogwood type full dbl. deep purplish flowers, very dark foliage. BLUE CHARM— Charming clear light blue semi- dbl. stars freely produced, excellent dark foliage. BRISTOL BLUE—Profuse blooming with full dbl. purplish blue flowers mixed with white, glossy green foliage. P!NK GOV. KNOWLES—Our best performer. Loads and loads of bright dbl. pink flowers above dark tailored foliage. CORAL CAPER— Best for '75! Amazing coral colored semi-dbl. star flowers. Very dark red backed foliage. ROSIE LOU— A profusion of big dbl. rose pink flowers above our newest Tommie Lou protege. SPICY — ^Amazing deep pink dbl. flowers freely peppered with royal purple spots on a semi-miniature plant. RED RED CHIEF— First red new shade. Huge reddest yet single stars, a sib of Coral Caper. ZINGY— Big husky semi-dbl. fuchsia stars in abundance, glossy robust foliage. RED SAFARI — -Another adventure. Big fuchsia dbl star flowers above Tommie Lou foliage. RED BUMBLEBEE— Attractive big full dbl. deep fuchsia flowers on a medium sized dark green leaved plant. GOTCHA SPORT — Real sporty! Red and white in all combinations painted on giant semi-dbl. stars. WHITE SNOW SPARKLE— Sparkling snow white stars sometimes with a blue eye, glossy quilted green foliage. IRISH SPRING— A wide band of citron green surrounds each semi-dbl. white star. Deep green rounded leaves. LAVENDER LAVENDER LOVE— Lovely huge full dbl. star flowers usually flecked with blue. A husky dark leaved plant. TRAILERS MOHAWK TRAIL— Beautiful light blue full dbl. flowers with large yellow centers (stamens) and semi-miniature leaves. TRAIL ALONG — Profuse with many petaled yel¬ low centered (stamens) bright pink flowers on a real miniature trailing plant. MINIATURES TIDEE BUG— Tidee miniature tailored plants with excellent dbl. red flowers. BLUE SPRITE — Always in bloom with clear light blue dbl. flowers, a vigorous dark leaved semi-miniature plant. PRICE — any of the above $1.65 for one or 6 for $9,39. New York state residents add 4% sales tax and your local tax. SHIPPING This offer closes Feb. 28. Minimum order is $5.00 plus $1.65 for Special Handling. Air Mail to west of Miss, please add $.25 extra per plant. This offer is for rooted cuttings or starter plants. They will be shipped in the order received as soon as the weather permits. Shipping date is from May 1st. to Nov. 1 st , . . NO SHIPPING OVERSEAS NOTICE Rooted clumps are bigger on $10.00 orders. 14 Mutchler, St Lyndon Lyon Dolgeville, N.Y. 13329 PHONE AREA CODE 315-429-3591 REce»vi» JAK 1 0 B75 hunt INSmUTE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES 3 9088 0 486 4474 USE PROPER LIGHT; TO START THE YEAR RIGHT! GROW-LITE “LIKE INSTANT SUNSHINE” the modern, most successful way to grow and display AFRICAN VIOLETS Ideal Stocking Staffers AFRICAN VIOLET NOTE PAPER with envelopes, 16 beautiful violets printed in full color. All different. $1.50 box with order p.pd., separate add 250 postage. "SUNLIGHTER" SPACE-SAVER STANDS 2-Tray Sunlighter is 30" high x 24" long X 14" deep. Steel tube frame with 2 removable shatter-proof, poly¬ styrene trays in either gray or light green wh'ch hold about 50 2%"’ pots. $21.95 P.Pd. West of Omaha add 10%. (Lights not included , see below.) Simulated sunshine provided by the special 22” circline wide spectrum grow lamp used in this decorative planter, (bulb included) MOLDED FROM PRACTICALLY INDESTRUCT¬ IBLE LEXAN® In Beautiful Avocado Green. INDIVIDUALLY CARTONED Height-15’’, Width-9”, Depth- 1 1 Va”, (Bowl Dia. 9”) $21.95 p.pd. 4-Tray Sunlighter (pictured) is 55" high X 24" long x 14" deep. Steel tube frame with 4 removable shatter¬ proof, polystyrene trays in gray or light green which ho'd about 144 2L4” pot $39.95 P.Pd. West of Omaha add 10%. (Lights not included, see below.) GRO-LUX LAMP FIX¬ TURE — Handsome dura¬ ble, all metal fluorescent table lamp fixture, fea¬ turing gold top with black wrought iron legs. Com¬ plete with 2-20 watt gro- lux tubes, the new en¬ ergy source for stimulat¬ ing plant growth, $29.95 postpaid. utMi Box 190, 2325 Valley Road Huntingdon Valley, Pa. 19006 CURRENT PRICES ARE DUE TO INCREASED MANU¬ FACTURERS' PRICES. Send 25^4 for color catalog listing over 100 plant descriptions, lighting equipment, accessories, books, and “Tinariums”. Dept. AV Commercial Member AVS of America, Inc. 8-Tray Sunlighter is 55" high x 24" long X 27" deep. Steel tube frame with 8 removable shatter-proof, poly¬ styrene trays in either gray or light green which hold about 288 2L4” pots. $49.95 P.Pd. West of Omaha add 10%. (Lights not included, see below.) FIXTURE FOR STANDS Fixture with two 15 watt gro-lux tubes (for use with 8-tray sunlighter) . $18.95 P.Pd. One light needed for each level. Each light adjusts up and down for optimum distance from plant foliage. To support a- light over the top a bracket is supplied at no extra cost. Helen Van Pelt’s Wilson’s AFRICAN VIOLET BOOK— Now in Paperback Competely revised. New information on how to have blooms at windows or under lights. Culture of minia¬ tures, scoring of show plants, other gesneriads, charts of troubles and cures, 29 photographs in color, 59 In black and white. 37 pages of line drawing. $4.35 p.pd. AUTOMATIC TIMER — For use with fluorescent lights. Turns lights on and off automatically at any hour or time inter¬ val you set. $9.95 each, postpaid. “TERRARIUMS & MINIATURE GARDENS— A Sunset book on making, planting and growing miniature gardens and terrariums. $2.39 postpaid. “HOW TO GROW AFRICAN VIOLETS” A Sunset Book written by Jack Kramer. Up to date growing techniques described and illustrated. Guide¬ lines on propagating, grooming and showing. Also information on the popular Gesneriads. $2.39 postpaid. RIPE-N-GROW SUN LITE Large 16" diameter, 3%" deep bowl with durable avocado green luxurious long-life finish. Reflector dome diameter is 17" and is 19" in height. Complete with Sylvania 22 watt Wide- Spectrum fluorescent circline tube. Can hold as many as one dozen 2L4” pots. Most attractive ana oeautiful for growing African violet plants. Xmas Special $28.95 postpaid. TRY A “TINARIUM''! A plastic terrarium for your favorite African violet. Use sheet moss to line bowl then simply add your potted African violet to center. Lid easily re¬ moved for ease in care. Top center opening for proper ventilation. Comes in three popular sizes to fit every need. 8 ’ Size . $4.75 each P. Pd. 10” Size . $5.95 each P. Pd. 12” Size . $6.95 each P. Pd. New Year Special — One of each size $16.75 P. Pd. Green sheet moss — 'Package will amply line two of the above terrariums $1.50 ea. P. Pd., separate $1.75 Pkg. P. Pd.