4t^ SWgg*’ Number 1 January •Febru AVSA Business INFORMATION FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITH YOUR SOCIETY TO ENSURE GOOD SERVICE. IF YOU HAVE MORE THAN ONE ITEM, SEND EACH ITEM TO THE CORRECT PERSON. ALWAYS GIVE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS. MEMBERSHIP: Send check payable to AVSA for new or renewable membership to AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702; phone 409-839-4725. Individual $18, USA only; Individual, all other countries - $20.50; Commercial USA $30; Commercial International - $33.75; Life (USA) - $275. International Life $325.00. Remit in U.S. Dollars with draft or check on a USA Bank. See Membership Application. Master Card/Visa accepted. AFFILIATES: Chapter - $20; Council, State or Region - $20. MEMBERSHIP AND PROMOTION: Send ideas, offers to help, requests for assistance to Anne Tinari, 2325 Valley Rd., Box 190, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006. r AFFILIATES: For information on shows, awards or how to organize a chapter, write Bev Promersberger, 17415 Charter Pines Dr., Monument, CO 80132. E-mail clubs@av5a.org SHOW SCHEDULE APPROVER: Billie Golla, 1146 Opal St. #102, Broomfield, CO 80020. AVSA OFFICE: Jenny Daugereau, Administrative Coordinator, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702, 1-800-770-AVSA; 409-839-4725; FAX 409-839-4329. Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. CST. E-mail avsa@avsa.org BEST VARIETIES: HONOR ROLL COMPILER Floyd Lawson, 1100 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007. BOOSTER FUND: Send contributions to Bill Lyons, 38 Indian Creek Drive, Levittown, PA 19057. BOYCE EDENS RESEARCH FUND: Send contributions to Marlene Buck, 17611 N. 102nd Dr., Sun City, AZ 85373-1616. BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND: Send contributions to Helen Blanton, 622 Riverside, St. Charles, MO 63303. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES: Kent Stork, 2501 E. 23rd Ave. S„ Fremont, NE 68025. COMMERCIAL SALES & EXHIBITS: For information on convention entries or sales room, contact Charles Wells, 948 Fair Oaks Ct. , Liberty, MO 64068. CONVENTION AWARDS: Jan. issue. Send suggestions or contributions for convention awards to Linda Golubski, 1416 A Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015. CONVENTION PROGRAM: Send special requests for workshop programs or interesting speakers to Ann Miller, Convention Director, 522 Willow Wisp Circle, Spring, TX 77388. If interested in sponsoring a national convention in your area, contact Convention Director. FUTURE CONVENTION DATES: Houston, TX - April 4-11, 1999, Omaha, NE - June 11-18, 2000. CULTURE FOLDERS: (postpaid): 100 to 400 - $8.00 per 100; 500 to 900 $6.00 per 100; 1000 and over - $4.75 per 100. SHORT VERSION OF CULTURE FOLDER: (postpaid): 1,000 to 4,000 $27.50 per 1,000; 5,000 to 9,000 - $25.00 per 1,000; 10,000 and over $23.50 per 1,000. JUDGE’S DUPLICATE CARD: Send self-addressed stamped envelope to Bill Foster, 3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150. JUDGING SCHOOL: To register a Judging school, send request to Elinor Skelton, 3910 Larchwood Rd., Falls Church, VA 22041. A registration fee of $15 is required. LIBRARY: Order AVSA slide programs and packets from AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702. List in July issue. If you have ideas for a library program or slides to donate, write Jackie Jones, 607 14th Ave, Box 34, Durant, 1A 52747. MAGAZINE: Copyrighted 1997, The African Violet Society of America, Inc., all rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or in part, in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission is prohibited. All articles are property of AVSA and must not be reprinted without editor’s permission. AVM EDITOR: Ruth Rumsey, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702; 409-839-4725; 1-800-770-2872; FAX 409-839-4329. E-mail rrumsey@earthlink.net ARTICLES BY MEMBERS AND COLUMNISTS: Send to Editor. COMING EVENTS AND MEMORIALS: Send to Editor. Please Note: Deadlines - Articles, Columnists and Coming Events: Jan. issue -Oct. 1; Mar. issue - Dec. 1; May issue - Feb. 1 ; July issue Apr. 1; Sept, issue - June 1 ; Nov. issue - Aug. 1 . ADVERTISING MANAGER: Advertising rates and information: Judith Carter, 19506 Mills Meadow Lane, Houston, TX 77094. AVMads@avsa.org ADVERTISING DEADLINES: Jan./Feb. issue - Nov. 15; Mar./Apr. issue - Jan. 15; May/June issue - Mar. 15; July/ Aug. issue - May 15; Sept./Oct. issue - July 15; Nov./Dec. issue - Sept. 15. “AND THE WINNERS ARE...”: Send show results to Mary Corondan, 7205 Dillon CL, Plano, TX 75024. BACK ISSUES: Complete your set now. Request price list of available issues from Beaumont office. Send SASE for list. CHANGE OF ADDRESS: Send new address at least 30 days before it is to take effect, along with old address, to AVSA office in Beaumont. QUESTION BOX: Ralph Robinson, P. 0. Box 9, Naples, NY 14512 and Dorothy Kosowsky, 712 Cunningham Dr., Whittier, CA 90601. MASTER VARIETY LIST: MVL SUPPLEMENTS: will be published in the AVM. Send any correction and/or description of new cultivars with hybridizer’s name to Lynn Lombard, Master Variety List Chairman, 790 Ridgecrest Dr., Colfax, CA 95713. MVL COMPUTER DISKETTES: 1998 MVL - $12.50. Updates (when available) - $5.00. For computer compatibility requirements, please write Beaumont office. FIRST CLASS MVL DISKETTE: Windows version - $12.50. Updates $5.00. MEMBERSHIP CARDS: Sent to Associate Members and New Members only. Renewing members receive card on white protective cover of AVM. OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE: AVSA Secretary, Sue Ramser, 2413 Martin, Wichita Falls, TX 76308. PLANT REGISTRATION: Iris Keating, 149 Loretto Court, Claremont, CA 9 1 71 1 . RESEARCH: Send suggested projects for scientific research or names of interested, qualified potential research personnel to Dr. Charles Cole, P.O. Box 2150, Bryan, TX 77806. SHOW ENTRY TAGS: 100 - $7.00 postpaid. Order from AVSA Office. QUESTIONS ON HYBRIDIZING: Dr. Jeff Smith, “In Search of New Violets” The Indiana Academy, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306. NEW UPDATED HANDBOOK FOR AFRICAN VIOLET GROWERS, EXHIBITORS AND JUDGES 1998 Handbook $10.25 (postpaid) The African Violet Magazine (ISSN 0002-0265) is published bi-monthly: January, March, May, July, September, November. Periodocal postage is paid by The African Violet Society of America, Inc., a non-profit organization, at 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702 and at additional mailing offices. Subscription $18.00 per year which is included in membership dues. • Copyright 1997 The African Violet Society of America, Inc. POSTMASTER: Please send change of address form 3579 to African Violet Magazine, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702 African Violet The Magazine exclusively dedicated to the growing of beautiful African violets. January • February Volume 52 Number 1 CONTENTS „ FEATURES Crown Rot in African Violets - Joyce Stork . 1999 AVSA Nominees . . Pre-Show Grooming - Kyle Coleman . Spreading the Cheer - Amy L. Cash . AVSA Scholarship Application Instructions . Powdery Mildew . . . Something New is Coming - Ron Davidson & Bill Foster . Let’s Go to Convention! - Linda Golubski . Interpretive Flower Arrangements - Edna Rourke FEB 2 3 1999 Ina Beaver. . . T7Trrrr^T\ . .39 . 5 Growing Tips . 6 Planting by Moon Signs . . 9 Vigorous Violets; Science Project - Joshua Patel . . . 20 Propagating African Violets . 2 1 The Joy of Growing African Violets - Anne Tlnari. . 2 1 Violets Are Meant to be Enjoyed - Sarah McGaha . Grow the Best and Leave the Rest - Steve Covolo . 22 Who Said it Was Easy? - Don Geiss . 26 Transporting Plants to Show - Barb Pershing 38 41 42 43 44 45 47 50 51 DEPARTMENTS Index of Advertisers . . . . . 2 Officers & Staff . . . . . . 2 President’s Message - Esther Edwards Wells . 3 Editor’s Notes - Ruth Rumsey . . 4 Shows & Judges - Bill Foster . 10 Gesneri- Advice - Dale Martens . 11 For Beginners - Cathy & A1 Cornibe . 12 “And the Winners Are...” - Mary Corondon . 15 Boyce Edens Research Fund - Marlene Buck . 15 Thinking Small - Pat Richards . . 1 6 Registration Report - Iris Keating . 18 Vintage Violets - Barbara Elkin . 22 Coming Events . 23 Members . 24 AVSA Building Maintenance Fund - Helen Blanton ..27 CONVENTION Convention Information . Center Insert Last Chance - Linda Golubski . 10 Convention Update . 19 Convention Awards for 1999 - Linda Golubski. ... 48 Showcase (1) . . . . 28 Question Box - Ralph Robinson . 30 Showcase (2) . 32 In Search of new Violets - Dr. Jeff Smith . 34 AVSA Booster Fund - Bill Lyons . 35 Showcase (3) . 36 Color Photo . 40 AVSA Affiliates - Bev Promersberger . 46 1998 Annual Index - Bill Paauwe . 61 COVER California Berries 1998 New Introduction Grown and Exhibited by: Shannon Ahlman Hybridized by: Ruby Cox Photo Credit: Winston Goretsky January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 1 Index of Advertisers A Acree Creations . 56 AGGS . 58 Alannah’s Greenhouses . 52 American Orchid Society . 58 AV Enterprises Press . 53 AVS of Canada . 60 AVSA Address Labels . 58 B Bayou Violets . 56 Belisle’s Violet House . 60 c Cape Cod Violetry. . . . Inside Back Cover Cryptanthus Society . 60 D Desert Violets . 57 Dyna Gro . 60 F Florals of Fredericks . 56 H Herbal Garden Ceramics ..... 60 Hobby Greenhouse . 60 I Indoor Gardening Supplies. ... 57 J JF Industries . 56 M Mighty Minis . 57 N Neptune’s Harvest . 56 O Optimara . 25 P Pat’s Pets . 57 Prairie Violets . 58 R Rob’s Mini-o-lets . 54 Rozell Nursery . 52 S Shirley’s House of Violets .... 55 Sonja’s AV’s . 53 Source Technology . 57 T Tanzania Wildlife Fund . 58 Teas Nursery . 53 Tinari Greenhouses . . . Back Cover Travis’ Violets . 52 V Violets by Appointment . 60 Violets From the Starrs . 53 Violet House . 59 Violet Showcase . 55 Volkmann Bros. Greenhouses . 56 OFFICERS: Esther Edwards Wells, President 948 Fair Oaks Court, Liberty, MO 64068 email: sc-ee-wells@worldnet.att.net Bill Foster, 1st VP 3610 Gray Drive, Mesquite, TX 75150 email: bfoster@cyberramp.net Lynn Lombard, 2nd VP 790 Ridgecrest Dr., Colfax, CA 95713 email: lombard@oro.net Jack Wilson, 3rd VP 10007 Bent Thee Ln., Manassas, VA 221 1 1 email pwilson941@aol.com Sue Ramser, Secretary 2413 Martin, Wichita Falls, TX 76308 email: ramserwf@wf.net Meredith Hall, Treasurer 922 E. 14th Street, Houston, TX 77009 email mhallavsa@aol.com L.T. Ozio, Jr., Immediate Past President 1009 Ditch Ave., Morgan City, LA 70380 STAFF: Ruth Rumsey, Editor 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702 email: rrumsey@earthlink.net Judith Carter, Advertising Manager 19506 Mills Meadow Ln., Houston, TX 77094 email: AVMads@avsa.org Jane Rexilius, Publications 5634 Yarwell, Houston, TX 77096 email: Janerex@aol.com Floyd Lawson, Best Varieties, Honor Roll 1 100 W. Huntington Dr., #21, Arcadia, CA 91007 email: floydll@earthlink.net Anna Jean Landgren, Thlly Time 2450 Iroquois Road, Wilmette, IL 60091 email: geoajl@aol.com Every attempt is made to keep articles technically correct. Since the growing of fine African violets can be achieved in many ways, the methods and opinions expressed by writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of AVSA. 2 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 President's Message Dear AVSA Members: I hope that each of you had a wonderful holiday season and that you were able to spend some special time with family and friends. The Christmas Ornaments announced by the Ways and Means Committee in the November AVM were received in the AVSA Office December 1 . If you have not placed your order, call the AVSA Office right away. The ornaments featuring ‘Rob’s Fuddy Duddy’ and ‘Ms. Smartypants’, Best in Show and Best New Introduction, respectively, at the AVSA Convention last year, make a beautiful display year round. The Technology Committee and our office staff continue to find new ways to improve procedures in the AVSA Office using the new computer system. New credit card software has been installed, making processing of credit card orders much more efficient. Jenny Daugereau, Office Administrative Coordinator, has taken several computer classes during the summer and fall and is becoming quite proficient with the new computer system and software. John Carter, Technology Committee Chairman, is now working with Ruth Rumsey, Editor, to upgrade the computer equipment used in the production of the African Violet Magazine. During the last few months, Wayne Donaho, Internet Committee Chairman and Webmaster, developed an African Violet Screen Saver featuring 96 images of African violets and other gesneriads. The screen saver is available only on the Internet at . The cost of the African Violet Screen Saver is only $9.99. Another new feature on the AVSA Web Site is a shopping cart. Now you can place credit card orders for AVSA products directly from the Web Site through a secure connection over the Internet. Joe Bruns, author of the First Class MVL program, has written a new computer program to process entries at convention shows. The Entries Program was tested at several affiliate shows around the country during the fall. We received so many favorable comments, the Executive Committee decided to make the program available to all affiliates at a nominal charge. An announcement concerning the availability of the Entries Program is included elsewhere in this issue of the AVM. The show entry cards sold by the AVSA Office will be changed slightly so that they can be used by the Entries Program to print entry cards automatically. Plans for the 1999 Convention in Houston are well underway. One of the highlights of the week’s activities will be a tour to the AVSA Office and Becker Printing in Beaumont. Editor Ruth Rumsey and the staff at Becker Printing are arranging to have the May 1 999 issue of the AVM running on the printing press¬ es during the tour. Several other exciting tours are planned, along with the second annual AVSA Auction. Check the purple pages in this magazine for all of the exciting details about the convention in April and get your reservation in early for the “Lone Star Violet Round-Up.” At the request of our office staff, office hours for the AVSA Office in Beaumont will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (instead of 5:30) during the winter months since it gets dark earlier. As part of our regular maintenance program, the sidewalks at the AVSA Office Building in Beaumont were replaced in November. In addition, AVSA Director Ron Davidson, a structural engineer, has inspected the AVSA Office Building and is preparing a report concerning other maintenance needs. Affiliate Committee Chairman Bev Promersberger has developed a new form to request information from our affiliates. The information will be used by the office staff to make referrals to affiliates and on the Web Site. The new form was mailed to all affiliates with the Affiliate Liability Insurance information in the fall. If your affiliate has not submitted the information form, please do so as soon as possible. As we begin a new year, I hope each of you finds much enjoyment from your favorite plants. Happy New Year! fet&u, fy&zwdU' 'Z/0jz£&' Esther Edwards Wells AVSA President January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 3 Editor's Motes Ruth Rumsey • 2375 North Street • Beaumont, Texas 77702 (409) 839-4725 • email rrumsey@earthlink.net HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope your holidays were filled with love and laughter, and that each of you are looking forward to the excitement a new year brings. Right before Christmas, “Gesneri- Advice” columnist, Dale Martens of League City, TX, paid a visit to the AVSA office. We had earlier discussed the beautiful McFaddin-Ward House, an historic home included on the convention tour to Beaumont in April. Although there were few flowers blooming at the time, the home was beautifully decorated for the holidays. Located only 3 blocks from the AVSA office, the grounds and house are meticulously cared for and the lavish gardens should be in full bloom in April. Again I encourage all of you to stop by the AVSA office whenever you are in our area. We are getting excited about having you visit the beautiful AVSA Office as part of the tour to Beaumont. I think you’ll see why Jenny, Thmmi and 1 love working in this environment. The tall ceilings, high win¬ dows, and spacious rooms are offset by the stands of violets the members of the AVS of Beaumont tend for us. Becker Printing, publisher of the AVM is also included on this tour and we plan to have the color section for the May issue on the presses when the tour arrives. This issue contains the Convention Insert, the “purple pages”, with everything you need to know about the Houston Convention in April. Also, read page 19 in the AVM for helpful ideas on what to pack for your trip. Also on this page is information about the 2nd Annual AVSA Auction to be held at the Saturday luncheon. This event was a lot of fun last year, and everyone is encouraged not only to attend, but to contribute violet-related items to be auctioned. Your AVSA Nominees for 1999 are listed beginning on page 6. Read the brief biographies of the very dedicated vio¬ let folks who will be working for the future of AVSA. One of the nominees, Edna Rourke, has contributed another interesting article to the AVM, this time on “Interpretive Flower Arrangements”, page 38. Anne Tlnari spreads the word on African violets wher¬ ever she goes. On page 44 read, “The Joy of Growing African Violets”, based on a talk Anne gave at the Philadelphia Flower Show last year. Our Affiliates Chairman, Bev Promersberger, gives all our clubs pointers on attracting new members at annual spring and fall shows (page 46). When your club received the insurance information from the AVSA office, they also received an Affiliate information form. Bev urges you to see that the form is completed and mailed as soon as possible. We heard again from the “Violet Repairman", Don Geiss. Read about some more of Don’s violet experiences on page 50, “Who Said It Was Easy?” Don and Maxine will be wintering in south Texas again this year and plan to make the convention in Houston. They have even generously offered to work at the AVSA Sales Thble with me! As reported earlier, AVSA is offering a college scholar¬ ship. Read the brief article on page 21 to learn the criteria and find out how to apply. On Page 61 find the Annual Index for 1998, compiled by Bill Paauwe. This easy-to-use reference comes in handy when you want to look up an article from a past issue, or get a look at one of the African violets featured throughout the year. Be sure to order your 1 999 catalogues from our AVSA Commercial Members and support all of our AVM advertisers! 4 African Violet Magazine January • February 1 999 by Joyce Stork One of the more common afflictions of African violets is crown rot. We often refer to it as disease, but in fact it is a symptom of one of several pathogens. In many cases crown rot can be avoided if growing methods are improved. But once a grower sees crown rot, it is crucial to act quick¬ ly before other plants are affected. To do that, it is helpful to know which pathogen that causes crown rot is present. The two most common fungi of this type are pythium and phytophthora both of which are Oomycetes or water molds. Oomycetes thrive in conditions where there is abundant moisture and most often reach plant tissues via water path¬ ways. There are numerous species of each of these which may vary slightly in their attack. They both become more dangerous (pathogenic) when there is high soil moisture, low supplies of oxygen, and salt levels are high. African violets are very vulnerable when potting mixes are heavy! Phythium is the most commonly found fungus causing root and crown diseases. Spores remain dormant but pres¬ ent most of the time in growing areas until conditions are present to encourage its growth. It typically attacks roots, first causing decay. Roots may look brown, water-soaked, glassy or shriveled. As the fungus moves into the main stem, it will blacken and become slimy. The decayed skin or cortex is easily stripped away. Above ground, leaves will wilt and the center will begin to stunt as the roots are destroyed. It is especially active in pasteurized or soil-less media where there are fewer competing microorganisms. When the disease is active, all diseased plants and plant tis¬ sue must be removed and discarded to prevent further con¬ tamination. Potting mixes should be adjusted to provide more air and drainage. Sub irrigation (bottom watering) must be done with care to minimize the amount of time that roots are inundated with water. Several fungicides are available to target phythium. Phytophthora may be less prevalent but it makes up for the difference by being most virulent. It most commonly attacks roots, but is capable of invading other plant tissues as well if conditions are very moist. Phytophthora is espe¬ cially active above 80 degrees Fahrenheit but can grow at somewhat cooler temperatures as well. The first above ground symptom is wilting of leaves, then darkening of the crown leaves. Roots deteriorate and the center core of the main stem decays and becomes hollow with vertical brown streaks forming above as the disease extends itself. Treatment is similar to phythium in that good sanitation and specific fungicides are required. Several other crown rot diseases are listed for African violets including Cylindrocarpens destructants, rhizoctonia solani, fusarium, and sclerotinia. All of these are less likely but possible culprits. Fusarium is far more likely to cause trouble during propagation than it is after plants have matured. All of these thrive under moist, warm conditions, and several benefit from the presence of high salt levels in the soil. The primary reason for mentioning the more remote fungi is that these are a different type of fungi than pythium and phytophthora and often require different fungicides to obtain control. Crown rot can also result from a bacterium called Erwinia. It is not often reported in African violets, nonethe¬ less it is wise to be familiar with it since it can cause seri¬ ous losses in a few days. Erwinia results in a mushy rot of the crown and stem. Affected plants will stunt and collapse as the bacteria moves upward. The bacterium is often pres¬ ent in growing areas and again most often travels in water. The bacteria may come in contact with plant tissue and remain dormant until favorable conditions develop. Favorable conditions would be tissue wounds (like those caused by disbudding and leaf grooming) in combination with warm temperatures (above 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and most conditions. Once again, it is important to imple¬ ment good sanitation and use proper sprays to prevent the spread. It is also very important to keep growing area temperatures near the optimum 72 degrees recommended for violets. Crown rot is most likely to occur whenever violets are in highly saturated soil. All of the pathogens that cause crown rot prefer very most and warm conditions. Many thrive in our soil-less mediums because there is less bacte¬ ria. Many also benefit from excessive fertilizer salts. Because of our style of growing violets are very vulnerable to crown rot. To avoid it, we must provide as much air cir¬ culation as possible to avoid warm, most air pockets. We must space plants to avoid crowding. We must use soils that are very porous to promote air around roots and good drainage. We must use very sanitary methods of growing to prevent cross-contamination. We must keep air temper¬ atures in a safe range. To get rid of it, we must use the proper chemicals for the pathogen that is present. Reprinted with permission from MVAVS Council News January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 5 INTRODUCING YOUR 1998 NOMINCC9 TO TH€ dVM BOdRD For President: Bill Foster Bill Foster has been a member of AVSA for 25 years and a Life Member since 1985. He is a master judge and a teacher. He served as Affiliate Chairman for AVSA from 1986-1990 when he was appointed to the job of AVSA Chairman of Shows and judges, a job he still holds. Bill is a member and past president of the First Nighter AVS of Dallas, a past president of the First AVS of Dallas, a charter member and past president of North Texas African Violet Judges Council, a member and past president of The Lone Star African Violet Council, and an honorary member of Alpha AVS of Dallas. He served as convention chairman for the AVSA convention in Dallas in 1988. He has served on the AVSA Executive Committee as First, Second, and Third Vice President. Bill retired in 1986 after a 31 year career with Atlantic Richfield. He has been married to Paula, who is also very involved in African violets and AVSA, for over 40 years. They have a daughter and a son. Other than hybridizing and caring for their many vio¬ lets and club activities, Bill and Paula enjoy woodcrafting. For First Vice President: John (Jack) E. Wilson Jack, a native of Springfield, Ohio, lived in both Florida and California during a 30 career in the U. S. Navy and now lives in Manassas, Virginia with his wife of 32 years, Pat. He has grown African violets for over 42 years and been a member of AVSA over 30 years. He is a life member, a senior judge and teacher and has attended 18 AVSA conventions. He has been an AVSA Director, Chairman of the Membership and Promotion Committee and is presently conducting the Open Forum after the Annual Membership Meeting at each convention. He is the AVSA 3rd vice president. While in California from 1967 to 1985 he was an active member of the Balboa Park AVS in San Diego and the Judges Council of Southern California. He is the Virginia Director for Dixie AVS, a charter member of the Mid-Atlantic AVS and a member of the American Gloxinia and Gesneriad Society. He is active in the Potomac Council of African Violet Judges and the Old Dominion AVS in Northern Virginia. Jack also belongs to the American Orchid Society and the American Conifer Society. He is a graduate of the Defense Systems Management College’s Program Management Course and has a BA in behavioral science and an MBA. He is a con¬ sultant for procurement and quality issues. For Second Vice President: Janet Reimer Janet Reimer is from Pennington, New Jersey and has been a member of AVSA since 1964. She has been a member of the Union County Chapter since 1969 and has served in many offices for the club. Janet is an AVSA Honorary Life Member and a Master Judge. She served as show vice chair and entries chair at the Philadelphia AVSA convention in 1984. She has been a member of the Tri- State AV Council since 1971 and is a great promoter of the much loved Max Mass hybrids. Janet has served AVSA as director and secretary. She received the first Hudson Memorial Award for Affiliate Leadership and has received a Continuing Service Award. She is married and presently works as a preservation archivist in Special Collections and University Archives at Rutgers University. For Third Vice President: Linda Owens Linda Owens of Columbus, Ohio has been a member of AVSA for 18 years, is a Life Member, a Senior Judge, and a Teacher. She is a member of the Springfield African Violet Club and the Columbus African Violet Society where she has held numerous offices and committee positions. She has been a member of the Ohio State Judges’ Council since she became a judge. She is currently serving as Treasurer of the Ohio State African Violet Society and was Convention Chairman for the recent convention. 6 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 Her first AVSA convention was in Orlando in 1987, and she has attended each convention since then, serving as Convention Chairman for the 1992 Convention in Columbus. She was a member of the Board of Directors from 1990 through 1992 serving on the Finance commit¬ tee. Since 1995, she has served as Assistant Convention Director and is currently also serving as Finance Committee Chairman. She has three step-children and five grandsons. She and her husband Jim have been married for 24 years. attended every one since. She formerly owned The African Violetry, selling plants and supplies to retail customers. A director of the Dixie AVS, she is past president of Lone Star African Violet Council, Central Texas Judges Council, the African Violet Study Club of Houston and the Spring Branch AVC. Currently she is co-chairman for Commercial Sales Exhibits and Publications. Meredith served as advertising manager for the AVM for seven years. Her hobbies are ceramics, sewing and gardening - especially hibiscus, of which she has a large collection. For Secretary: Sue Ramser, of Wichita Falls, Texas, has been a mem¬ ber of the First African Violet Society of Wichita Falls for 23 years. She has served as show chairman, secretary, treasurer, vice president and president five times. As member of the Lone Star African Violet Council, Sue has served as newsletter editor twice, secretary, vice president, and president. She is also active in the North Texas African Violet Judges Council, having served as corresponding secretary, secretary, vice president and president. At the AVSA Convention in Austin in 1978, she was a member of the classification committee and in 1988 was the president’s aide for the AVSA Convention in Dallas. She has served as vice chairman of the AVSA Affiliate Committee, elected director in 1990, has served as AVSA Sales and Promotion Table Volunteer Coordinator for the past two years. She serves as secretary of the Shows and Judges Committee. Sue is an AVSA Life Member, senior judge and teacher, and in 1993 she compiled “Teaching Tools”. Sue is a graduate of the University of North Texas, Denton, with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Her husband, Charles, is a Professor of Management at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. They have four children. The Ramser family was selected as Wichita Falls’ Family of the Year in 1989. Sue’s other interests include sewing and knitting. For Treasurer: Meredith Hall of Houston, has been a member of AVSA for 25 years, and a Life Member since 1978. She is a senior judge and a teacher. Meredith attended her first AVSA convention in Austin in 1978 and has For Director: Helen Blanton of St. Charles, Missouri, has been a member of AVSA for twelve years. She is a member of, and has served as presi¬ dent for the Metropolitan St. Louis A V Council, St. Louis Judges Council, Amethyst AVC, and is currently presi¬ dent of the Katy Trail AVC. She is also a member of the Missouri Valley AV Council. Helen has attended the last seven AVSA conventions, and is presently the Chairman of the AVSA Building Maintenance Fund, and an advanced AVSA Judge. Helen enjoys creating African violet designs, as well as quilting, counted cross stitch, crochet, travel and antique shopping. Married to husband, Homer, for 37 years, they have three grown sons and three terrific For Director: Alice Easter of North Wales, Pennsylvania, has been involved with African violets for over 25 years. A Life Member of AVSA, Alice is a past president of the AVS of Philadelphia and a current member of AVSA’s Membership and Promotion Committee. Alice has attended 21 AVSA conventions, as well as several state conventions. A member of the Tristate AV Council, and Mid-Atlantic AVS, she has judged many African violet shows along the east coast. Alice has also helped spread the love of African violets by conducting workshops and demonstrations in the Philadelphia area, including Center-in-the-Park and at several senior citizen centers. In her spare time Alice is a doll collector. grandsons. January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 7 BFor Director: Georgette Jolivette of Higley, Arizona has been a member of the AVSA for 15 years, and has recent¬ ly passed a judging school exam which promoted her to an advanced judge effective July of next year. She has served on several committees including Secretary, Show Chairman, and Judges Chairman in Louisiana, and Arizona. She is also a member of the AVSA Judges Council of Southern California, and the African Violet Council of Southern California. Her hobbies include, growing African violets for com¬ petition, and creating designs for dish gardens and terrari¬ ums. She has won several “Best Container Gardens” in her affiliate clubs. Horticulturally speaking, Georgette has won several “Best In Class” and "Best In Section” awards. She collects tea pots, loves music, and performs special music in church. She loves to sew and travel with her husband when time permits. She is married to the Legendary King Karl, a blues and pop artist who was inducted to the Louisiana Hall of Fame in April, 1998. Together they have 8 children, 17 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. She loves spending time with her grandchildren. For Director: Barbara Pershing from Cedar Falls, Iowa has a PhD from Iowa State University in Home Economics Education. She recently retired from the University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Design, Family and Consumer Science as Associate Professor having taught in the areas of Management, Consumer Education, Adult Education and Family Relationships for 25 years. She served on numer¬ ous professional committees in a variety of capacities in the department, university, and in state and national organizations including President of the Iowa Home Economics Association. She has been a member of AVSA since 1993 and the Cedar Valley African Violet Club since its beginning in 1991. She started the club newsletter and yearbook and is the newsletter editor of the The Bloomin ’ Violet and cur¬ rently is club President. Several of her articles have been published in the African Violet Magazine and she has given presentations on African violets locally. Barbara has been co-chairperson of the CVAVC show/sale for four years and was instrumental in having the show become an AVSA Standard show. She has attended three AVSA con¬ ventions. Barbara is a Student Judge and has completed the requirements to become an Advanced Judge in 1999. She is a member of the Missouri Valley African Violet Council, AGGS, and participates in the “gesneriphiles” internet group. Barbara can’t remember when she wasn't interested in African violets, growing up in a home where her mother grew many violets. She didn’t become a serious grower until she and her husband moved into a home where she has space and time, now that she is retired. She is cur¬ rently growing over 300 violets and other gesneriads and has over time grown over 400 different varieties. She enjoys growing show plants and exhibiting at AVSA, MVAVC and local club shows. In addition to African violets and other gesneriads, her interests include gardening (she is an Iowa Master Gardener), travel (she attended a violet show in Australia) , genealogy, quilting, reading, and aviation (she has a private pilot’s license) . Barbara and her husband Rex have five grown children and nine grandchildren. For Director: Edna Rouke of Shelton, CT has been a member of AVSA since 1976. Edna is a member of Naugatonic AVS and has chaired and staged over 30 shows. She is currently president and has served on many committees. She is treasurer of the Nutmeg State AVS and has served as editor of its newsletter for 8 years. Edna belongs to the Tri- State Judges Council, the Mid Atlantic AVS, the Dixie AVS, the AOL based African Violet Club and the AV Connection. Edna Co-Chaired the Staging Committee for the Boston Convention. She has presented design workshops both at the Boston and Lancaster Conventions, and has written many articles for the African Violet Magazine. Edna cur¬ rently serves on the Affiliates Committee and the Booster Fund Committee. Edna has been married for 25 years and has 2 sons. Edna currently works for the Headmaster for the Shelton Intermediate School for the Shelton Board of Education. In addition to African violets, gesneriads and hybridiz¬ ing Edna enjoys crafts, painting, computers, needlework of all kinds and is an avid reader. Due to business and family responsibilities, Second Vice President Lynn Lombard requested that the Nominating Committee rescind their nomination of her for First Vice President. 8 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 by Kyle Coleman Fort Worth, TX I have two favorite grooming tech¬ niques to prepare violets for show: dis¬ budding and disblooming. These techniques efficiently exploit nature to improve the quality of my show plants. Although they are similar in some respects, the objectives of these two tech¬ niques are very different, but the tech¬ niques compliment each other to work collectively for a better show plant. These techniques efficiently exploit nature to improve the quality of my show plants. Left to themselves, violets would never produce a large abundance of blooms at one time — they are naturally ever blooming and would prefer to have one to three bloom stalks blooming at any one time. A young violet may only have one stalk at a time, and a mature violet may have about three - one about ready to finish blooming, one in its prime, and one just starting to bloom. This growth habit does not consistently produce dense bloom clusters that may cover a plant. Violets in natural bloom usually have sev¬ eral spent blossoms (unless they have already been removed), several brand new blooms, and the rest of the blooms are in various stages in between. Disbudding encour¬ ages the formation of a heavy bloom cycle, and disblooming helps prevent spent blossoms at show time and allows the blooms to be more uniform in freshness at show time. Although they have goals similar in some respects, the objectives of these two techniques are very different. Disbudding is removing the flower buds to encourage faster, healthier, bigger, more-uniform violet growth until you are ready to let the violet bloom for the show. Disblooming is removing the blossoms that have opened too early to be fresh at the show. Disbudding may be used throughout the life of a show plant - up until a few weeks before the show. Disblooming is generally used once or twice about a week or two before the show and after disbudding has been discon¬ tinued in preparation for a show. Timed in this way, these techniques compliment each other to work collectively for a better show plant. When I disbud, I remove the entire flower stalk (pedun¬ cle) except for the bottom one inch, as shown in the figure. (I have found that leaving a one inch stalk discourages suckering and makes removing the stub before the show much easier.) Because my conditions are relatively warm, I con¬ tinue to disbud until about five weeks prior to the show. Cooler conditions may require stopping earlier. If you forget to stop early enough (such as stopping at four weeks instead or five) , you may be able to recover that time by extending your violets’ day - leave the plant lights on for up to 25% more time each day. Disblooming is a very variety-specific grooming technique. In order to be effec¬ tive, all of the early blooms that open after you have stopped disbudding (but early enough to be spent by show time) must be removed. In this technique, only the open blooms and their pedicels are removed - leave all unopened buds as shown in the figure. Since the blooms on some cultivars last much longer than others, I recommend timing the life span of a single bloom; however if this is not possible, a general rule of thumb is to expect semi-double and double blossoms to last about two to three weeks (from the time they are fully open) and to expect (dropping) singles to last just a few days (maybe six). Using this time table, remove all open semi¬ double and double blooms about two and a half weeks prior to the show, and remove all (dropping) singles about four days before the show. Remember, blooms typically last longer in cool conditions than in warm conditions, and bloom life is more dependent on the specific cultivar. For me, the double blooms of ‘Magnolia’ last an incredible five weeks, while the double blooms of ‘Snow Rose’ last only about ten days. If you have not used disbudding or disblooming on your show plants, perhaps you should consider them for your next crop of show violets. You may wish to experiment a little with just one plant or two, just to see how it works for your condi¬ tions. These techniques have given me equal success with large standards (such as ‘Magnolia’) and with semiminiatures (such as ‘Pride of Columbus’, ‘Happy Teen’, and ‘Precious Pink’), and with miniatures (such as ‘Peppermint Girl’). Don’t be afraid to exploit the violet’s natural growth habits to produce a better show plant. These techniques may just become your favorite sjiow grooming techniques, too. Open Blossom Jut Here to Disbloom Peduncle Pedicel Flower Buds vvv. Cut Here to Disbud Figure -- Disbudding and Disblooming. January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 9 Shorts and Judges Bill Foster 3610 Gray Drive Mesquite, TX 75150 (972) 279-5993 Happy New Year! Hopefully, your resolutions for the New Year include plans for a trip to Houston, Texas for the AVSA Convention. I promise you that my fellow Texans will do their best to make your visit a memorable experience. Be sure to read all the convention information carefully and register early. Try to make time for some of the great tours that have been planned for your enjoyment. I apologize for having to eat “crow” again, but I have another minor change for you to make in your Handbook. Please go to page 81 . Number 7 at the top of the page should show (See page 75) rather than page 73. Maybe we will not find any more corrections, but if we do, we’ll just eat more crow and tell you about them. If you checked the judges’ list in September and your name wasn’t there, check to see that you renewed your mem¬ bership. The only reason a judge, with a valid certificate, would be removed is failure to renew their membership. If this happens and you renew your membership within three months, you will be reinstated as a judge at your current level. If you fail to renew within three months you will be required to start over as a student judge. Here are some additions or changes to the September list. ADD: j Libby Watkins, RR3, Box 509A Bloomington, IL 61704 j Anne Nicholas, 3113 Deerfield Dr. Denton, TX 77388 j Fred Packer, 20 MaFalda Dr. Buffalo, NY 14215 s Dorothy Maruscak, 1 50 McCook St. Pittsburg, PA 15212 Go to the Illinois list and change the level of Frances jarnowski to j rather than s. The following members are deceased and should be deleted from the list: Mrs. Roy Lockhart, Alabama Frances Beaver, Kansas Norma Weir, Kansas We apologize for these errors, but again, Affiliates should make an effort to notify us of the death of judges in their clubs. It is impossible for the judges’ list to be absolutely cor¬ rect. We have to allow time for printing, etc. The status of our judges change constantly, so if your membership or judges certificate expires, or your status changes before July 1 , your name will probably not be on the list and your status will probably not be changed. If your certificate expires after July 1 , you will still be shown as a judge. I maintain an up-to-date file so if you are unsure of the validity of a judge’s status, you may contact me. Be sure to send your requests to judge or clerk early. I look forward to seeing you in Houston. Looking forward to the Houston Convention in April, it’s time to get in your award. Any award received by February 15, 1999 will be published in the Convention Souvenir Book. Don’t be left out. Check the list of awards already received and see if your club, council or affiliate appear. If not, will you ask them to sponsor a Convention Award? Please send your awards made payable to AVSA CONVENTION FUND, and mail them to: Linda L. Golubski, Awards Committee Chairman 1416 N. W. “A” Street Blue Springs, MO 64015 816-229-2051 (after 6:00 P.M. CST) golubski@kc.net 1 0 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 Gesneri -Advice Dale Martens 2728 Masters Drive League City, Texas 77573 email martens@wt.net ludging Gesneriads Heavy thunderstorms and possible hail were predicted for the afternoon. That didn’t deter 34 Texas violet and ges- neriad growers from attending a gesneriad judging school I taught sponsored by the Central Texas AV Judges Council! Many drove several hours to attend. The majority were vio¬ let judges with no intention of taking the AGGS test, but just wanted to learn more about gesneriads. That was fine with me! This shows the dedication Texans have to their hobby and predicts the determination they have to make the 1999 AVSA Convention in Houston one of the best ever! There’s a mistaken notion that a gesneriad has to be rare or unusual to be a winner. At the national gesneriad conven¬ tion in 1998, where entries included many uncommon ges¬ neriads, I won 2nd Best Gesneriad with a 2-1/4 inch pot filled with the micro-miniature Sinningia pusilla. That’s not a rare plant at all. I was told by many that my little pot of S. pusilla was the very best they’d ever seen this plant grown. That’s why it won such an honor. If the very best common gesneri¬ ad received the same point score as a rare or uncommon ges¬ neriad that was the very best anyone had seen, then the honor would probably go to the rare or uncommon gesneriad. Please note the word choice, “probably. ” There’s no set rule as to which should win. Best in Show went to a 4 inch pot of Aeschynanthus hildebrandii ‘Topaz’ exhibited by Barbara Krueger. Again, not the most uncommon plant exhibited. For multiple plantings of one named hybrid or species, not every plant in the pot has to be in bud or bloom. Keep in mind that gesneriads often have immature shoots or stolens that can’t possibly be expected to have buds and blossoms. As with my S. pusilla entry, the majority of the mature plants in that pot should have blossoms or buds evenly dispersed and not one-sided. If there are 2 or 3 mature plants in a pot and one plant has neither colored buds or blossoms, then that’s a problem. There’s some prejudice about rhizomatous plants receiv¬ ing best in show. Since most rhizomatous plants sprout around February and are a dried out mess about December, their life spans are quite short. Some think a plant that’s obvi¬ ously much older should win. Let me tell you that a short¬ lived rhizomatous plant has to have some very careful atten¬ tion in order to be the very best it can be. The culture must be perfect at all times without allowing the soil to dry out. If the most perfect rhizomatous plant was competing against the most perfect very old plant, then probably the older plant would win. I don’t want you to automatically dismiss a rhi¬ zomatous plant as a potential best in show. I happened to win Best Gesneriad at the Texas Lone Star Convention with a non¬ blooming Smithian tha zebrina. My goodness, a non-bloom¬ ing rhizomatous plant won! TVust me, I modestly announce it was the very best Smithiantha zebrina ever grown. African violet judges frequently ask me, “How do I judge a gesneriad I’ve never seen before?” My advice in judging a plant you’ve never seen before is to follow the AVSA score sheet, but give the plant the benefit of the doubt. There are no set mles on how a gesneriad must be grown. They may be staked with inconspicuous ties and have neutral ground cover. Remember that many gesneriads aren’t strong bloomers and some have blossoms lasting a day or so. Those gesneri¬ ads may get full points for Quantity of Bloom for only 2 or 3 blossoms! Fruits, and colorful bracts or calyces count towards the blossom count and towards points for Ornamental Value. Additionally for Ornamental Value scoring: Is there a special growth habit, form, color, or texture? Condition scor¬ ing: Are there damaged or spent blossoms? Are leaf tips dam¬ aged? Cultural Perfection scoring: Does the plant appear hungry, having yellow leaves or too much space between internodes making it too weak or gangly? There’s a huge diversity in gesneriads. I’m pleased to see in many shows that judges are not focused on the gesneriad with the most blossoms. They are rewarding the plant which has reached the highest perfection for its type. January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 1 1 For Beginners Cathy & Al Cornibe 197 Archer Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95060 We are veiy excited about alternating this column with Joyce and Kent Stork. Since we love miniatures and semiminiatures, we decided to do our first column on them. If you haven’t grown these precious little violets yet, please give them a try. MINIATURES AND SEMIMINIATURES Miniature and semiminiature African violets are becoming more and more popular. One of the main rea¬ sons for their increase in popularity is due to the efforts of hybridizers throughout the world. Many of the new hybrids are show-quality plants with beautiful, symmetri¬ cal foliage, and gorgeous blooms. Most of them have more blooms per stalk than many of the older varieties. Some other reasons why growers like these small plants are because they take up less shelf space, reach maturity faster, and are easier to transport to a show. WHERE TO FIND MINIATURES AND SEMIMINIATURES Many growers like to trade their extra plants and/or leaves with fellow African violet lovers. By trading, they acquire more plants, save money, and enjoy sharing their plants with others. Most of our friends get the majority of their plants from commercial growers and African violet affiliates. The African Violet Magazine (AVM) is an excel¬ lent source of information regarding where to purchase African violets! AVSA’s COMMERCIAL MEMBERS: All commercial members, along with their addresses, are listed once per year in the September/October AVM. The AVM also runs ads from commercial growers in the back of every issue. Since some commercials advertise specials, which are only available for a limited time, please read the ads after you receive your magazine. AVSA’s AFFILIATES: All affiliates, along with the president’s name and address, are listed once per year in the September/October AVM. Most violet clubs have sales where you can pur¬ chase plants. Some have raffles at their meetings so you can win plants and/or leaves. Each issue of the AVM has a “Coming Events” feature, which lists the upcoming shows, displays, and sales. Besides seeing all of the gor¬ geous plants, you can usually find plants for sale at all of these events. VINTAGE VIOLETS: If you are looking for a specific older variety, contact Barbara Elkin. As the Chairman of the Vintage Violets Committee, she can help you to locate it. SO MANY MINIATURES AND SEMIMINIATURES FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE! Some growers choose violets based on bloom color, foliage, or name. Others want only show-quality plants. Regardless of what you are looking for, you can avoid problems later by choosing healthy violets. If you want show-quality violets, a good way to start is to go to African violet shows in your area. This will enable you to see which violets grow well in your climate. The AVM is also a good source to find out which violets are winning awards. “Tally Time”, by Anna Jean Landgren, is published once per year. It lists the plants that won most often during the year. “And the Winners Are...” by Mary Corondan, is published in each issue. It lists the major winners from recent AVSA judged shows. If you want to grow violets that are popular, read AVSA’s Honor Roll of African Violets, by Floyd Lawson. It is compiled from lists of favorite violets that AVSA mem¬ bers mailed to him. It really doesn’t matter if you choose your violets by 1 2 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 bloom color, foliage, name, statistics, or popularity. All that matters is that you enjoy your plants! ISOLATING NEW PLANTS Isolate all new plants and plants returning from a show as far away as possible from your healthy plants. It doesn’t matter who you got your new plants from — they should be isolated! During this isolation period of at least several months, repot all plants and examine their roots. If you are not familiar with nematodes, and other pests and diseases, buy a copy of AVSA’s Handbook for African Violet Growers, Exhibitors, and Judges and read that section of the book. This is a wonderful book that everyone should own. FINDING THE CORRECT INFORMATION ON AFRICAN VIOLETS Try to find all of your violets in AVSA’s African Violet Master List of Species and Cultivars, compiled by Lynn Lombard. If a plant is not listed there, try to find it in a commercial grower’s catalog; the AVM’s Registration Report column by Iris Keating, or the yearly Master List in the November/December AVM. These sources will help you to find the correct information on each plant that you own, such as its full name, hybridizer, registration num¬ ber, type of bloom and foliage, and its size. Some growers keep an index card on each plant, not¬ ing any important information on that particular plant. Others keep this information in a notebook or in a com¬ puter file. Even if you don’t plan on entering your plants in a show, it helps to know the correct name of each plant so you can look up its size and grow it accordingly. HOW TO GROW MINIATURES AND SEMIMINIATURES The AVM is an excellent source of information on how to grow violets! The columns and articles provide a tremendous amount of information in each issue. AVSA also has many books about violets, including the AVSA Handbook, to help us become better growers. Besides learning about violets by reading, many growers are members of one or more AVSA affiliates. By joining a club, you can make many new friends while learning how to grow violets. What works for one grower doesn’t always work for another. Growing violets is a little like cooking. If you ask five people for their favorite chocolate cake recipe, you might get five similar recipes or five totally different ones. Each cook, or grower, feels that their recipe is the best one. As in cooking, if you are happy with your own recipe, keep using it. If you are not happy with your recipe, try someone else’s. Whenever you try something new, remember to experiment on only a few violets. We use the same violet mix for our miniatures and semiminiatures that we use for all our other violets. Our mix consists of 1 /3rd of the following African violet soils: Supersoil, Volkmanns, and Uni-Gro, plus a little extra per¬ lite and vermiculite. Cathy has done a lot of experiment¬ ing in the past, and continues to experiment with differ¬ ent soils on a few of her plants at a time. Although we like this mix the best right now, there are many mixes that work well for other growers. Since miniatures and semiminiatures are grown in smaller pots than standards, their soil tends to dry out faster. Consistency in watering is more important than the watering method you choose, so establish a watering schedule that works for you and stick to it! For example, Al needs to water his plants twice per week, while Cathy needs to water her plants three times per week. Violets can be grown under natural or artificial light. Ours are grown under fluorescent lights, with two cool white bulbs in each fixture. The stands are on timers. Al’s lights are on about 10 hours a day. Since Cathy gets more reflected light from her stands, her lights only need to be on about 8 hours a day. Before a show, we gradually increase our lights to about 1 1 hours a day. There are many things that work well for us. We use leaf supports, especially on potential show plants. Fans are on year-round to prevent powdery mildew. Humidity is kept between 55%-60% for healthier plants and long- lasting blooms. Violets are leached at least once a month to flush out fertilizer salts. As precautions, soil, perlite, and vermiculite are baked and new and used pots are washed before we use them. Drops are added to our tap water to remove the chlorine. Cathy doesn’t use room temperature water on her violets; it is too cold. We alter¬ nate fertilizers, using several different brands, most of the year. We use only bloom booster fertilizers for several weeks before a show. MEASURING THEM FOR SHOW In an AVSA judged show, miniatures must be single¬ crown plants that are 6 inches or less in diameter. Semiminiatures must be single-crown plants that are 8 inches or less in diameter. According to AVSA rules, if a miniature or semiminiature is larger than the size limita¬ tions, the judges should not judge it. If you plan to enter these plants in a show, measuring them on a routine basis is necessary. One of the easiest ways to measure miniatures is to use a 6-inch (inside diameter, if possible) embroidery hoop (see below). Set the hoop down on a table, then place each miniature in the middle of the hoop. Looking from above the plant, no leaves should touch or extend past the hoop since a miniature must be 6 inches or less in diameter. Blooms January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 1 3 can extend past the hoop, but not leaves. Repeat the process on semiminiatures, using an 8-inch embroidery hoop. 6 -inch embroidery hoop for miniatures none of the miniature’s leaves should touch the 6-inch embroidery hoop If you are growing these precious little plants for your own pleasure, and not for show, it is not as critical that they stay within these size limitations. But, they look so much better when they are kept the correct size. ROUTINE GROOMING FOR SHOW-QUALITY PLANTS Quite often, you can turn a blue ribbon plant into a Best in Class by giving it a little more attention. When you spend more time on your plants you can fix problems, like necks and dry soil, before they get worse. After Cathy started spending more time on her violets, they improved tremendously. She listened to the “Young and the Restless” while working on her violets for an hour each day. We doubt that the violets benefited by listening to a soap opera, but the extra attention certainly showed. Your violets will look better after you remove their dead leaves and spent blossoms and give them a bath once in a while. If you rotate your plants 90 degrees each week, you can stop them from becoming lopsided as they reach for the light. Use plastic sticks, or coffee stirrers, to gently move their leaves to improve the symmetry. Besides scoring higher at a show, you will enjoy your vio¬ lets so much more when they look better! LAST MINUTE GROOMING FOR SHOW Since miniatures and semiminiatures must be within their size limitations, remove leaves as needed. Plants should be centered in their pots with no neck showing. All suckers and stubs should be removed. Using a soft brush, brush dust, soil, and/or pet hairs off the leaves. If there are enough blooms, remove the spent ones. HOW MINIATURES AND SEMIMINIATURES ARE JUDGED Symmetry is the shape of the plant. The leaves should form a rosette with the foliage evenly distributed over the entire plant. Points are deducted for gaps or spaces between the leaves, breaks in symmetry, or uneven dis¬ tribution of foliage. Condition applies to the cultural aspect and grooming of the plant at the time it is judged. Cultural perfection is controlled by the exhibitor. Points are deducted for marred, broken, dead, yellow orb leached leaves, spent blooms, stubs, suckers not completely removed, smaller leaves under the outer row, dust, soil, seed pods, over or under potting, long neck, and a plant that is not centered in its pot. Quantity of bloom is the total number of open, fresh blooms on the plant. The number of blooms varies depending on the variety. A guide might be 6 to 12 blooms for a miniature and 10 to 20 for a semiminiature. But, many of the new varieties have 30 to 40 blooms per plant. Points are deducted for lack of bloom, according to ratio. Size and type of bloom are determined to a large extent by the variety. Points are deducted for lack of size according to variety and if the type of bloom is not con¬ stant or true to variety. Color of blooms may be influenced by cultural condi¬ tions. Points are deducted for the wrong hue or value, solid color blooms instead of multicolor blooms, and if the bloom color is completely different. If you have any questions or suggestions for us, you can e-mail us at acornibe@rmclonestar.com or write us. Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want a reply. AVSA’S SCALE OF POINTS FOR MINIATURES & SEMIMINIATURES: Symmetry (leaf pattern) . 25 points Condition (cultural perfection) . 25 points Quantity of blooms . 25 points Size and type of bloom . 15 points Color of blooms . 10 points NOTE: Source for some of the information: AVSA’s Handbook for African Violet Growers, Exhibitors, and Judges. 1 4 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 “And the dinners are...” Mary Corondan 7205 Dillon Court Plano, TX 75024 Cedar Valley AVC, Cedar Falls, IA - Winners: Best AVSA Standard Collection.- Elizabeth, Swifty Thriller, Tiger; Best in Show/Best Standard: Elizabeth, Nancy Price. 2nd Best AVSA Standard Collection: Saintpaulia confusa, Saintpaulia orbicularis van purpurea; Saintpaulia intermedia; Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Rob’s Boondoggle, Rob’s Hippity Hop, Ness’ Sno Fun; Best Miniature: Spring Peach; Best Trailer/Best Species: Saintpaulia confusa; Horticulture Sweepstakes, Barbara Pershing. 2nd Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Rob’s Penny Ante, Rob’s Magnetic Field, Knight Magic; Best Gesneriad: Streptocarpus ‘Joker’, Catherine Thompson. Best Semiminiature: Ness’ Crinkle Blue; Best Design; Design Sweepstakes, Jan Tyler-Blanchard. Cincinnati AVS, Cincinnati, OH - Winners: Best AVSA Standard Collection: Tomahawk, Mysteiy, Snow Rose; Best Species: Saintpaulia tongwensis, Helen Chambers. Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Rob’s Antique Rose, Rob’s Scooter, Rob’s Fiddle Faddle; Best in Show/Best Standard: Bosca; Best Semiminiature: Rob’s Antique Rose; Best Miniature: Little Redhead; Best Gesneriad: Streptocarpus ‘Romeo’; Horticulture Sweepstakes, Sharon Holtzman. Best Trailer: Snowy Trail; Best Design; Design Sweepstakes, Penny Wichman. Gateway AVC, Columbia, IL - Winners: Best AVSA Standard Collection: L’Ambassadeur, Optimara Harlequin, Ultra Violet Halo; Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Dean’s Sonata, Rob’s Perfect Peach, Wee Hummer; Best Semiminiature: Precious Pink; Best Miniature: Petite Tart; Best Design; Design Sweepstakes, Fran Russom. Best in Show/Best Standard: Bud’s Cassie, Ardath Miller. Best Species: Saintpaulia Robertson; Horticulture Sweepstakes, Pat Dunlap. Best Gesneriad: Columnea ‘Maarsen’s Flame’, Marcia Jacobs. Volunteer State AV Council, Memphis, TN - Winners: Best AVSA Standard Collection: Optimara Rome, Optimara Crater Lake, Scenario; Best Trailer: Cherokee Trail, Lorraine Johnson. 2nd Best AVSA Standard Collection: Ode to Beauty, Snow Squall, Green Ice; Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Party Lace, Irish Flirt, Boo Man; Best Semiminiature: Boo Man; Horticulture Sweepstakes, Peggy Adamson. Best in Show/Best Standard: Stellar Clouds; Best Miniature: Petite Jewel, Brenda Brasfield. Best Gesneriad: Achimenes ‘Desiree’, Marion Zoller. Best Design; Design Sweepstakes, Iona Pair. Boyce Edens Research Fund Marlene Buck • 17235 N. 106th Avenue Sun City, AZ 85373-1958 Windsor AVS, Windsor, CT . . . 50.00 Gulf AV Club, Cape Coral/Ft. Myers, FL . . 10.00 Luwan Murphy, Hortonville, W1 . . . . 2.00 Desert Sun AVS, Phoenix, AZ . . 131.00 In memory of Rene Menard Kathryn Gasser, Riverton, IL . . . 10.00 In memory of Pat Isbell Wichita AV Study Club, Wichita, KS . . . . . 20.00 Ted Nelson, Phoenix, AZ . . . . 2.00 Office Violets and Lunch, Houston, TX . . . 25.00 In memory ofGlenna Sheffield Thelma Heinrich, Cave Creek, AZ . . . . 5.00 Jefferson AV Association, Metairie, LA . . . 25.00 Unpredictables AVS, Grain Valley, MO. . . 10.00 Janet Benson, Baltimore, MD . . . 10.00 Joshua McKinney, Goshen, KY . . . . 7.00 Upper Pinellas AVS, Clearwater, FL . . 25.00 Fay Thomas, Cooroy, Australia . . . . 5.00 Enid Wood, Menlo Park, CA . . . 10.00 In memory of Mrs. Mary Johnson Joanne Baker-Pruner, Pasadena, MD. . . . . . 5.00 Margaret Condit, Locust Grove, OK . . . . . 12.00 Sheri Smith, Bedford, TX . . . 3.00 Thad Trudell. Dallas, TX . . . . 2.00 Millissa Culver, Longmont, CO . . . . 2.00 Sherin Boyd, Saint John, Canada . . 10.00 Thmpa AVS, Thmpa, FL . . . 25.00 Spring Branch AV Club, Houston, TX . . . . 10.00 Sandy Shaughnessy, Wilmore, KY . . . . . 10.00 In memory of George Heras January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 1 5 Thinking Small Pat Richards 15105 S. Seminole Drive Olathe, KS 66062-3004 email: Patter257@aol.com The North wind doth blow! Hope everyone is keeping warm this winter, and that your violets are rewarding you with dozens of day-brightening blooms! It’s time for com¬ mercial catalogs to begin being distributed, so watch for them and begin making your “wish” list! Also, please con¬ sider attending the Houston convention which should be truly outstanding in all respects. This month’s column is a brief refresher on how to grow the small ones from bottom to top, but first here’s the quote of the month from Amy Trept who hails from Texas: “I know the little ones do look REALLY little at first, but they’re not any more fragile than the standards (in my opinion), in fact, I find them easier to care for. It’s a lot harder to over water a mini than it is a standard (and) they don’t take as long to repot!! You can get a flowering plant from a mini leaf a lot faster than from a standard and they’re just SO cute!!!!!” GETTING OUR FEET WET! Beginning with watering systems, small ones show no preference as to wick or mat watering. Matting is a very attractive option as you can water many plants at the same time. An additional benefit is with the plants being so close to the matting, the humidity in the air immediate¬ ly surrounding them is raised. Remember its biggest draw¬ back: with community watering comes community pests and diseases so be on the alert for these as well. Also, you may have to lower your lights so they are 5-7" above the tops of the plants. Wick watering on individual reservoirs is a great method for giving small ones individualized attention. They can be moved independently of each other on your plant shelf and can receive special attention as far as fertilizer and other needs are concerned. Whether you wick or mat water, be sure the materials you use are 100% synthetic to prevent rotting. Top watering is acceptable with small ones, but with their very short petioles it can be more challenging than with standards. Be careful to not wash away precious soil and leave water standing in the crown of your plant! Bottom watering is also fine, but you must be very consistent. Leaching becomes more impor¬ tant, too, as fertilizer salt build-up is more likely. With small ones a fertilizer higher in phosphorous than in either nitrogen or potassium is recommended because development of perfect foliage is not as critical to small ones as standards. A good formulation is one that has a 1:2:1 or 1:3:1 ratio of nitrogen to potassium to phospho¬ rous, as seen in fertilizers such as Volkmann's® 15-30-15 or Peter’s® 12-36-14. This steady diet of phosphorous¬ intensive fertilizer is also attractive because bloom boost¬ ing of show plants becomes less critical. SIZE IS EVERYTHING! Hybridizers are bound by the following criteria for classifying their plants: miniatures at maturity are to be no larger than 6" in diameter at any given point. Semiminiatures are to be no larger than 8" in diameter at any given point. Hybridizers do their best to classify them within these guidelines, but variances in growing environ¬ ments sometimes wreak havoc. Growers must take certain steps to ensure the plant remains in size, such as “bonsai- ing" or “miniaturizing” the plants, or merely restricting the amount of roots the plant carries. For this reason, small ones should never be grown in pots larger than 2 1/2". Pots that are 2 1/4" are even more appropriate, and for cer- 1 6 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 tain miniatures and willfully large growing semis, 2" or 2 1/8" pots are necessary. The best advice I can give you is to start out in a small pot, say 2" or 2 1/8", and if your small one stays disciplined, move it up to a slightly larger pot, but never exceeding 2 1/2". Thin plastic solo cups are also very good for small ones, so don’t be afraid to econo¬ mize and use them! Repotting is critical with small ones. Because so little soil is used, keeping it fresh by repotting every three months or so is ideal. If you can’t repot that often, leach through with clear, warm water at least that often. When you repot, try removing at least one row of leaves. Remember, violets produce their leaves in groups of three, so obtaining good symmetry will usually require removal of three leaves in a triangle pattern. Once you have removed the outer leaves, scrape the neck to remove any petiole stubs which are prime areas for sucker growth if not removed. Then, remove the same amount of soil off the bottom of the root ball as you have neck. (If your neck is 1/4" then remove 1/4" of the root ball, etc.) Fill in around the neck with fresh soil, being careful not to dam¬ age the remaining leaves. A small, pointed teaspoon is good for use with the small ones, as is a baby spoon. One reader, Pat Soares of California, even recommended taking your plants out from under lights for a few days before repotting. This causes their petioles to move slightly upward (the dreaded “V” shape) allowing the new soil to be filled in easier. Using a Vitamin B plant growth stimu¬ lant, such as Superthrive® or Ortho Up-Start® or a bloom booster fertilizer (phosphorous is also essential to good root growth) can help the plant adjust during this transi¬ tional phase. SOIL LESS VIOLETS IN A MODERN DAY WORLD The best soil for our violets begins with a basic mixture of one part peat to one part perlite to one part vermiculite. From this, modifications can be made based on our per¬ sonal growing environments. If we tend to grow in a more humid environment, more perlite can be added to the mix. If it’s more arid and our plants dry out more often, using more peat or vermiculite, and possibly less perlite may be necessary. Furthermore, we can add soil amendments based on our growing preferences: charcoal for added “sweetness” if we can’t repot often enough, bone meal or superphosphate for extra doses of phosphorous if we’re concerned about extra bloom count, and trace elements if our regular fertilizer or water supply doesn’t add enough for our liking. Great strides have been made in recent years to help us understand the role of fertilizers. Our violet growing ances¬ tors used real garden soil for their houseplants, including their violets. As a result, they could use any type of fertil¬ izer because garden soil contains microbes that break down fertilizers appropriately. Recently we became more knowledgeable as to our violet’s soil preferences: loose, porous, and lightweight. Garden soil is out and soilless mixes are in. Our violet’s roots are happier but our fertiliz¬ ers works far less efficiently. Today, chemical science is catching up with soil sci¬ ence, and we’re beginning to make adjustments regarding fertilizers. We’re beginning to understand the devastating effects a fertilizer high in urea can have on plants grown in soil-less mixes. Consequently, be sure you use a fertiliz¬ er that is as low in urea (a form of nitrogen) as possible. (Most fertilizers are clearly labeled as to nitrogen content.) Alternatively, soil microbes that break down nitrogen properly or pasteurized, true garden soil can be added to your mix. THE PLANTS, THE PLANTS! Thanks to the hybridizing efforts of Ralph Robinson, Sidney Sorano, Hortense Pittman, Don Ness, and Harold Hobbs, just to name a few, the variety in small ones is every bit as good as it is in standards. We have available to us all sorts of variegates: Tommie Lou, Lilian Jarrett, and crown variegation, and a wide variety of bloom types: wasps, fantasies, chimeras, yellows and reds. Heavy suck- ering, legginess, and low bloom count that typified early small ones have all but been eliminated. Because of these individuals, as well as the early efforts of Lyndon Lyon, Ethel Champion and the Tlnaris, small ones have come to the point where they’re on par with the standards as far as variety and desirability. Today, apartment dwellers and those with limited space can delight in the wide spectrum of small ones available. SHEDDING A LITTLE LIGHT Small ones prosper when grown closer to the lights than standards. A good distance to start out with is 7". If your small ones grow gappy (the petioles are long and the leaves don’t overlap well) and bloom is sparse, then try moving them closer, maybe 5" or so. Another option is to increase the amount of time the lights are on, say from 10 hours to 1 1 or even 12. They like the same type of lights as standards (cool white, Gro-Lux®, Verilux®, etc.), and because they seem to like more light than standards, they are better candidates for window exposures that receive more intense light. NEXT TIME We have another guest columnist next issue: Fay Wagman of New York state. Last year Fay traveled across the country to enter dozens of small ones in the commer¬ cial section of the Sacramento convention show. She won many awards for her delightfully small plants, and in March she’ll tell us exactly how she did it! See you then! January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 1 7 Registration Report Iris Keating 149 Loretto Court Claremont, CA 9171 1 A name reservation costs $1.00 and is valid for two years, after which time it may be extended two years for an additional $1.00. Registration of the plant is $5.00 unless completed within the reservation period, in which case the balance is then $4.00. Please make check payable to AVSA. Francine Pilon - Saint-Leonard, Quebec, Canada *Gazou (8747) 8/10/98 (F. Pilon) Semidouble-double cream/light pink and beige-tipped upper petals; thin white, variable green edge. Variegated medium green and white, serrated. Standard trailer ‘Laini (8748) 8/10/98 (F. Pilon) Double pink large/white - marked lower petals. Variegated medium green, white and pink, heart-shaped, quilted, serrated. Standard trailer ‘Louiman Sequo (8749) 8/10/98 (F. Pilon) Semidouble¬ double blue-purple ruffled. Medium green, quilted, serrated. Standard ‘Ti-Mine (8750) 8/10/98 (F. Pilon) Single pink star. Variegated black-green, white and pink, glossy, ser¬ rated. Standard trailer Anne Jantzen - Campbell, CA ‘Number One (8751 ) 8/14/98 (A. Jantzen/G. Crouchet) Semidouble violet-blue. Medium green, plain, quilted. Large * * * * * George McDonald - Valatie, NY ‘Mac’s Halcyon’s Horizon (8752) 8/31/98 (G. McDonald) Semidouble chimera white pansy/pink stripe. Variegated medium green and cream, plain, quilted. Semiminiature ‘Mac’s Overly Ostentatious (8753) 8/31/98 (G. McDonald) Double white/pink and blue fantasy. Variegated green and white, plain. Miniature ‘Mac’s Virtually Velvet (8754) 8/31/98 (G. McDonald) Semidouble coral red/blue overlay. Variegated green, pink and white, ovate, serrated. Semiminiature ***** Patt Harris - Santa Clara, CA ‘The Madam (8755) 9/30/98 (P. Harris) Single-semidou- ble pale pink bell/raspberry-rose tips. Medium-dark green, quilted. Standard trailer NAME RESERVATIONS Daphne Snell - Pukekohe, New Zealand (Each of the following is preceded by the name Kiwi) * Aristocrat* Delight* Dream Dancer* Glow Baby* Heartbeat* Magic* Mischief * Splendour* Starbright * Starburst * Velvet Glow Hortense Pittman - Celina, TX * Alamo Gold Fever * Alamo Gold Rush * Cajun Trail * Cool Blue * Dancing Eyes * Discovery Trail * Foster Trail * Gleeful Elf * Honey Berry * Ken * My Smokey Trail * Peppy Blue * Petite Ruby* Planet Kid * Skyward Trail * Spindletop * Summer Wind Trail * Sun-up Trail * Teen Thunder ’ Texas Space Dust * Wishful Teen Francine Pilon - Saint-Leonard, Quebec, Canada * Fatima Fonseca* Ma Mimie Patt Harris - Santa Clara, CA * Sweet Sam * Trail of Tears 1 8 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 CONVENTION UPDATE 2nd ANNUAL AVSA CONVENTION AUCTION: IMPORTANT INFORMATION Donations for the 2nd annual AVSA convention auction to be held at the Saturday luncheon auction are still being sought. We will be accepting nice violet related crafts, supplies, and related items, unusual, rare, unique and newly introduced plant material of all types, and anything else of a unique and desirable nature that you or your affiliate may wish to donate. Proceeds for the auction will go to a new program designed to assist affiliates with publicizing their shows and sales. These materials will help foster membership growth among the affiliates, further contacts between the affiliate and their local community, and help boost attendance at shows and sales. If you wish to donate items, please notify me as soon as possible. Provide me with information regarding the item’s description, its approximate value, and let me know if you’ll be sending the item to Dale Martens ahead of convention or if you will bring the item with you to convention. (Dale’s i address is listed at the bottom of this noticed All donees will be recognized in the AVM and will be listed in a special notice to be included in all convention registration packets. Please remember, you must attend the luncheon banquet in order to participate in the auction. This allows you to: 1) get a great seat for the auction, 2) have an enjoy¬ able meal with your violet friends and acquaintances, and 3) get a last minute opportunity to view the auction items. Please join us at the banquet and please, consider donat¬ ing an item to help AVSA and its affiliates! Thank you! Send notice of intent to donate to: Pat Richards • 15105 S. Seminole Drive Olathe, KS 66062-3004 1-913-829-4258 fax: 1-913-829-485 • email: Patter257@aol.com Please send items to: Dale Martens • 2728 Masters Drive League City, TX 77573 • email: martens@wt.net WESTERN NIGHT •u true taste of Texcis hospitality. The Friday night banquet will of g ^ „The Yellow Rose fiUed ^ daPPin§ ^ 106 tapping? „ hpfore the turn of the century... the small -usual to see wranglers driving cattle down muddy South Main Street. mutton chopr ‘la* y°ur ieans - . br°°Thisk,isSyour chance to transform yourself into your the local sheriff! A Enjoy the entertainment, company and the “vittles”! What to Pack for Houston for Apri|eCH™™’ sj’lrt sleeve weather L'ght, layer-UD dntF' Y °ClCUr as WeJI- your needs well Packin S WUld serve and %ht jacket are ^ g 90 UmbreJJa those unexpected sDrinflmniended for Cnmfnrf-oki hring showers. must for those Of vi,kinf shoes are a the convention11 m 1° are goi"S “ Houston on your own Donf? eXP'°re pack your Western rlnth e 1 forget t0 night banquet! hes for the Friday January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 1 9 by Amy L. Cash Montgomery, IL About a year and a half ago, 1 received my first African violets as a gift from my very young grandmother, Mrs. Dixie Williams. 1 had several houseplants already and did quite well with them, but the one store-bought violet 1 had tried to grow died a slow and painful death. I just knew 1 would kill these four lovely plants. In all honesty, I was afraid, and worried that my grandmother would be terribly disappointed in my abilities and that I would once again have to deal with the inevitability of a dead plant. She had chosen the plants especially for me; they were all “Rob’s” hybrids: Antique Rose, Bunny Wabbit, Fiddle Faddle, and Perfect Peach. She thought it most appropriate since my boyfriend’s name was Rob. So, with my head full of growing tips, 1 hesitantly took the plants with a smile and vowed to do my best. I put them in a choice window spot in my tiny apartment, checked them lovingly every day, watered regularly, talked, picked and groomed. After about two months, they were not only still alive, but a couple of them were develop¬ ing buds! Imagine my surprise. They were actually thriv¬ ing, and within a very short time, they had gor¬ geous mass¬ es of perfect blossoms. My grandmother was thrilled with my suc¬ cess; she gave me cata¬ logs, brochures, and more advice. I soon wanted to try my hand at some of the other heart-stopping varieties. She and my mother gave me plants and leaves, which also did well. Soon my other house plants were finding new homes to allow more time and space for the violets. One tiny shelf became three, and then a table “grew” a fluorescent light fixture. I was running out of room. After a move into a lovely ranch home with awful plant windows, and with my dog grooming business eat¬ ing away at my precious time, my plants began to suffer. The lighting was all wrong, the temperature seemed to fluctuate, and the humidity... it didn’t exist. Not only that, but my plants were in all rooms of the house, so sometimes they got neglected. Something had to be done, so I started the painful process of down-sizing. 1 took plants to work, sold some to customers and gave them to my employees. At least 3 of those people are slowly becom¬ ing addicts, too! But the reality of my situation was clear. I still had to do something for the many remaining plants. I couldn’t even keep track of them anymore. I enlisted Rob to gather the necessary supplies to build a plant stand. I made up the plans, doled out about $60, and within 3 weeks, the stand was built and loaded with plants! I labeled every one and set up a file box and a new inventory list. In the meantime, my grandmother decided to organize an African violet club. By September, we had our first meeting. What an inspiration! If you can find a club in your area, certainly join. If you already belong to one, then you can probably imagine my awe at that first meeting. Plants were everywhere. My grandmother had tons of blooming ‘Irish Flirts’ for everyone to take, and our V.P., Andrea Worrell, brought tiny trailers to share. Baggies filled with leaves sat heaped on the table, fun computer printouts were made by our Secretary, Charles Newton, and fertilizer packets were donated by Jan and Joe Bruns. My deepest admiration is extended to those of you who have braved such an undertaking! So now, my plants are thriving once again. My origi¬ nal “Rob’s” are still intact and blooming. They all smile in the light, suck up the moisture of our new humidifier, and sing about all the great new info I’ve received thanks to our new club, the Fox Valley AVS. Thanks, Grandma! And by the way, Rob and I are now engaged, planning an August, 1999 wedding and expect to have centerpieces made from... what else? African violets! 20 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 AVSA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP We are proud to announce the formation and guide¬ lines of the AVSA College Scholarship. • Applicants should be enrolled in a 4 year undergradu¬ ate program or in a graduate program in Ornamental Horticulture, Floriculture, or an equivalent program. • Applicants should have completed 24 semester or quarter hour credits by completion of the fall 1998 semester, with a minimum “B” grade average. The award is $1 ,000, which may be used for tuition, books or fees. This is a one-time award with the opportunity to reapply in subsequent years, and is funded by the Boyce Edens Research Fund. The first award will be for the fall of 1999. Applications may be downloaded from AVSA’s web site, avsa.org, or may be ordered from the AVSA Office - AVSA Scholarship Application, 2375 North St., Beaumont, TX 77702. All completed applications should be mailed to: Dr. Charles Ramser 2413 Martin Street Wichita Falls, TX 76308 One of the main problems facing African violet growers at this time of year is powdery mildew. This shows as a fine white powder appearing on the leaves and/or flowers. It is particularly prevalent when we have a period of warm days and much cooler nights, which seems to produce the exact conditions for its growth, although it can easily happen at other times of the year too. Left to itself, mildew can ruin flowers and cause large rotted areas to appear in leaves. Never leave it completely untreat¬ ed. The most satisfactory way to eliminate mildew used to be to spray with several fungicides that are no longer available, or which must be purchased in large quantities which rules out most of our members growing just a few violets. So a problem has developed to know just what to use. Here are a few tips on mildew control. 1. Improve air circulation around your plants. If you have plants too close together or touching a wall you may find that mildew develops. If you have many plants in a small area try running a small fan to circulate air. 2. If you have just a few violets, or just a few which are affected with mildew, you will find you can take them to the tap and just wash the mildew away with warm water. Dry the plants off well. 3. Old time growers used to place saucers of sulphur pow¬ der on the shelves around the plants. Scientific opinion is that this of no use at all, but also does no harm. So it is up to you whether you try it. 4. Sulphur is, however, a good fungicide and can be used by dipping a brush in the sulphur powder and brushing it over the mildewed leaves of the violet. Continue brush¬ ing until all signs of both mildew and sulphur have gone. 5. Regular misting with warm water during the warmer part of the day is felt by some growers to reduce the incidence of mildew. Reprinted with permission from The African Violet, publication of the African Violet Association of Australia, Inc. January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 2 1 Vintage Violets Barbara Elkin Vintage Violets Committee 2855 Gayle Lane Auburn, CA 95602-9674 email jabar@foothill.net Recently, I visited an old friend in a rest home. She seemed quite content with the current status of her life. I’ve always been skeptical of the elderly in rest homes. After asking many questions and observing the care being given, 1 could very well change my opinion of rest homes. Old Folks and Old Violets have a lot in common. They require a lot of attention, a lot of patience and a lot of love. If the residents of a rest home were in a beauty contest, allowances would have to be made, the same goes for Vintage Violets in a show. Next time, you judge an Old Timer, remember to make allowances for their age. Nothing, except wine, gets better with age. In other words, “Respect your elders”. Hopefully you have noticed that in AVSA Convention Shows, a special class has been added for Vintage Violets. My own two affiliates have added a class for them also. It is my sincere hope that you will also add a class in your sched¬ ule for your senior citizens. In ASVA Convention Shows, your old timer must be at least 25 years old. In our local shows we ask that the age be 1 5 years or older. This can be as the individual club chooses, but please, make it at least ten years old. Being in their own class, our senior citizens will get the respect they are entitled to. Remember, always return the postage, whether asked for or not, when someone shares something with you. Always send me a self-addressed and stamped envelope when asking for information or making inquiries. SorrrACtfcfT AVSA is very fortunate to have such a talented and generous member as Joe Bruns of Illinois. Joe, as most of you know, developed First Class, a mechanized version of the Master Variety List. It is so easy to look up plant descriptions on First Class, but it doesn’t stop there. A list of your probable entries can be reproduced, as can labels showing hybridizer, variety name and description, and reg¬ istration number, if registered. These labels are so nice to use as pot labels and especially nice for leaves to be sold at plant sales. Joe did not quit with First Class. He has developed a new Entries Program and is giving it to AVSA. This program was tested by a number of Affiliates and was a great suc¬ cess. Joe is now making further upgrades to the program from suggestions he received from those who tried it. This program almost allows one person to be in charge of both Entries and Classification at a show, and works in conjunc¬ tion with First Class. About all that needs to be supplied to the computer is the name of the exhibitor, plant name, and by Ron Davidson and Bill Foster class number. The program will then assign exhibitor num¬ bers, check classification, produce name tags for the exhibits, and entry and collection sheets. When results of the judging are entered from the entry sheets, this program provides all the information for part 1 of the Standard Show Award Score Sheet, already calculated, for the final panel of judges. This program has been so successful that it will become the official Entries Program used at future AVSA conventions. It has generated so much praise that it will be offered to all Affiliates in a package that will include First Class, for a price of $25. The package should be available about March 1 . A slight modification has been made to the entry cards sold by AVSA to accommodate the new Entries Program. These cards will still serve the needs of Affiliates who choose to continue with manual entries. Joe will be giving a talk on the new Entries Program at our 1999 convention in Houston, TX, so be sure to attend and learn about the many ways this new program can help your club. 22 African Violet Magazine January • February 1 999 January 8 - 10 - MISSOURI 9th Annual St. Louis Flower Show America's Center 701 Convention Plaza, St Louis, MO Info: (314) 997-3631 February 6 - 7 - FLORIDA First Lakeland AVS 1 9th Annual AV Show Lakeland Garden Club Center 802 East Orange St Lakeland, FL Feb 6 - noon - 6pm Feb 7 - noon - 5:30pm Info: Lynne Locke (914) 688 - 9908 February 12 & 13 - LOUISIANA Top Choice AVS Plant Sale Pierre Bossier Mall 1-20 and Airline Dr Bossier City, LA Both Days: 10am - 5pm Info: Ruth Hammond (318) 869 - 2653 February 12 - 14 - FLORIDA Upper Pinellas AVS 40th Show/Sale Clearwater Mall 20505 US Hwy 19 North Clearwater, FL Mall Hours February 13 - ARIZONA Desert Sun AVS Judged Show/Annual Sale Christown Mall 1 9th Ave & Bethany Home Rd Phoenix, AZ Hours: 10am - 5pm, Seminar - 11am Info: Louise King (602) 972 - 6895 February 13 - CALIFORNIA Ventura County AVS Plant Sale Buenaventura Mall Mills Rd & Main St Ventura, CA Hours: 1 Oam - 6pm Info: Lisa Martinez (805) 983 - 3522 February 13 - TEXAS Corpus Christi AVS Valentine’s Day Sale Padre Staples Mall SP1D & S. Staples St Corpus Christi, TX Hours: 10am - 6pm Info: Marjorie Bullard (512) 992 - 3009 February 17 - 21 - GEORGIA Southeastern Flower Show City Hall East Exhibition Center Atlanta, GA Info: (404) 364 - 9700 February 24 - 27 - GEORGIA Dixie AVS 43rd Annual Convention Hosted by the Georgia State AV Council Hilton NW Atlanta, GA Show open to public: Feb 27 - 10am - 4pm Info: Kathy Spissman (770) 939 - 5289 February 27 - KANSAS Wichita AV Study Club Show/Sale Wichita Botanical Gardens 701 Amidon Wichita, KS Hours: 10am - 4pm Info: Helen Barrett (316) 683 - 2877 February 26 - 28 - FLORIDA Thmpa AVS 24th Annual Judged Show/Sale Westshore Plaza 250 Westshore Plaza Thmpa, FL Feb 26 - noon - 9pm Feb 27 - 10am - 9pm Feb 28 - noon - 6pm Info: John Menish (813) 681 - 1910 February 27 - March 7 - NORTH CAROLINA 39th Annual Southern Spring Show Charlotte Merchandise Mart 2500 East Independence Blvd Charlotte, NC Info: (800) 849 - 0248 February 27 & 28 - OKLAHOMA AVS of Greater Tulsa Show/Sale Tlilsa Garden Center 2435 South Peoria Tulsa, OK Feb 27 - noon - 5pm Feb 28 - noon - 4pm Info: Rose Howlett (918) 627 - 7395 February 27 & 28 - TEXAS Moonlight AVS Spring Show/Sale Ft Worth Botanic Garden Center University Dr Ft Worth, TX Both Days: Judging 9am - 12pm Show - 1pm - 4pm Sale: Feb 27 - 1pm Info: Mural Fort (817) 589 - 1149 February 27 - TEXAS Fort Worth AVS Sale Ft Worth Botanic Garden Center University Dr Fort Worth, TX Sale: 1pm March 5 & 6 - FLORIDA Central Florida AVC Show Beardall Senior Center 800 S Delaney Ave Orlando, FL Mar 5 - noon - 4pm Mar 6 - 10am - 4pm Info: Evelyn Briggs (407) 322 - 1409 March 6 & 7 - ALABAMA Capital City AVS Southern Homes & Gardens Hwy 231 North Montgomery, AL March 6 - 2pm - 5pm March 7 - 1pm - 4pm Info: Barbara Strock (334) 567 - 681 1 March 1 1 - 13 - TEXAS First AVS of Dallas Alpha AVS and First Nighter AVS Combined Show/Sale Richardson Square mall Beltline & Plano Rd Plano, TX Sale - All Days - 10am - 9pm Show - Mar 12 - noon - 9pm Mar 13 - 10am - 9pm Info: (972) 278 - 0389 March 13 & 14 - CALIFORNIA South Coast AVS Show/Sale South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd Palos Verde Peninsula, CA Mar 13 - noon - 4:30pm Mar 14 - 9am - 3pm Info: Ralph Breden (310) 373 - 5697 March 13 & 14 - FLORIDA Fantasy AVC of Spring Hill 6th Annual AVSA Judged Show/Sale Hernando Community Blood Bank Rt 50 (Cortez Blvd) Spring Hill, FL Mar 13 - 1 lam - 6pm Mar 14 - noon - 3pm Info: Linda Nelson (352) 799 - 0973 March 13 & 14 - CALIFORNIA Central CA AVS Display/Sale Manchester Mall 1901 E Shields Ave Fresno, CA Mar 13 - 9am - 3pm Mar 14 - 1 lam - 3pm Info: Stanley Barnes (559) 294 - 8650 March 13 & 14 - FLORIDA AVS of Pensacola Annual Show/Sale Scottish Rite Bldg 2 E. Wright St Pensacola, FL Mar 13 - 2pm - 6pm Mar 14 - noon - 5pm Info: Sarah Richardson (850) 968 - 1115 April 1 7 - CANADA Vancouver AVC Annual Show/Sale Van Dusen Gardens, Floral Hall Oak St and 37th Ave Vancouver, BC, Canada Hours: 1pm - 4pm Admission $2 April 24 & 25 - CANADA Ottawa AVS Annual Show/Sale RMOC Headquarters 1 1 1 Lisgar St Ottawa, ON, Canada Apr 24 - lpm - 5pm Apr 25 - noon - 4pm Info: Dick Harriman (613) 747 - 7921 April 24 & 25 - CANADA Lakeshore AVS of Toronto Annual Show/Sale Sherway Gardens Centre Square 25 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON, Canada Apr 24 - 1 lam - 6pm Apr 25 - noon - 5pm Info: Vivian Beeching (905) 279 - 1758 Jim Toms (416) 622 - 5243 January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 23 Metropolitan St. Louis AVC 43rd Show Best Design Winner: Glenda Holm oerni^daAVSrn S,Ve?Wse3"!i Ber'nuda ^narto'P^Gumbs Vt°'«JroZTd Seven of the nine active Octogenarian members of the Baton Rouge AVS, Gladys Markland, Ruth f ones, Lillian Tessetore, Pauline Halbert, Belle Higgins, Louise Acosta and Emma Rinear. The Violet Patch of South Florida Winners: Left to Right: Martha Spyridon, Carolee Carter and Leticia Potter 24 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 What’s Missing From This Picture? Chances are, few of today’s garden centers know as much about growing African Violets as you do. No doubt, this explains why so many knowledge¬ able Violet growers have a hard time finding the products they need. For anyone who knows what it takes to grow beautiful, full-blooming African Violets, it can be like putting together a puzzle, only to find there’s a piece missing. We know the feeling. That’s why we started the Selective Gardener, a plant care supplier that specializes in products for African Violets. Everything You Need to Grow Beautiful, Full-Blooming African Violets The Selective Gardener makes it easy to get the products you need. As a plant care supplier that specializes in African Violets, the Selective Gardener carries a full line of plant care products with brand names like Optimara. • Fully-dissolving, urea-free fertilizers • Self-watering devices such as the Watermaid and the new, spill-proof Optimara WaterWell • Ultralight, pH-balanced potting media • Pots, trays and plant covers • Show accessories and more From Leaf Cuttings to Finished Violets In addition to plant care products, the Selective Gardener offers African Violets in several pot sizes, including genuine Miniatures. You can also order leaf cuttings from all of the available Optimara and Rhapsodie varieties. A Complete African Violet Resource The Selective Gardener is a complete African Violet resource. Send for the Selective Gardener catalog, and you will find offers for plant care products, Violets and leaf cuttings, even books and posters. Or go online, and you will find even more. At the Selective Gardener’s internet site (http://www. selectivegardener.com), you will have access to a number of resources not available anywhere else. • Growing tips from the world famous Holtkamp Greenhouses • Complete interactive Violet identification guide • Links to other useful sites such as Doctor Optimara, a symptom-based, interactive manual for diagnosing pests and pathogens • Reviews of African Violet products (Tip: If you do not have access to the internet, try your public library. Many libraries, now, provide computers for public use, as well as helpful assistance for anyone wanting to go online.) The Selective Gardener Catalog To receive the Selective Gardener catalog, send $1 (which will be credited to your first order) with your name and address to: The Selective Gardener 6011 Martingale Lane Brentwood, TN 37027 Or visit us online at http: / /www. selectivegardener.com. Copyright 1998. Optimara, Doctor Optimara, Optimara WaterWell, Watermaid and Rhapsodie are trademarks of International Plant Breeding, A.G., Switzerland. by Linda Golubski Blue Springs, MO In 1988 I went to my first AVSA convention in Dallas, TX, with my daughter, Barbie. It was a very humbling experience! I had participated in two local shows and one Council show and had done pretty well. I thought I was on my way to national “greatness”. When we arrived at the hotel at the same time as Richard Nicholas, my daughter saw his 2 foot across, gorgeous plants and said, “Mom, you might as well leave yours in the van!” Richard won Best in Show that year with one of those huge, dazzling plants. I entered my 6 plants and got 6 blue ribbons - 1 was thrilled. That being my first convention, I did stay at the convention hotel, but didn’t participate in any of the other activities. I’ve always regretted that. In 1989, the convention was in Kansas City, (my home town) and I was the information chairman. That means I worked, but did enjoy the banquets and luncheons. I met a woman from Virginia, Carol Van, with whom I am still friends, even though we only meet once a year. We share a love of miniature sinningias. In 1990 I Hew to Boston, which is where I was born and reared. Since my family lives 50 miles west of Boston, I commuted each day to spend more time with them. 1 took my first convention judge’s school there. I remember I was so afraid that it would be more difficult than “a regular judge’s school”. Francis Young was the teacher. What a gracious lady! The school wasn’t any different from any other school. So, if you have fear of that, don’t worry! This year my Mom and Dad attended the banquets with me. This was their first convention (my Dad’s last). They had great memories of David Buttram, Esther and Charles Wells, and Hortense and Sundown Pittman. They were so impressed with how friendly everyone was plus all the beautiful violets. In 1992 I dragged my husband, Jim, to Columbus for the 100th anniversary of the African violet. Much to his dismay he actually had a good time. Go figure. The first night there, I was so stressed out trying to get my plants and designs entered on time (I had forgotten about the time difference) that I was a nervous wreck! The Ohio people were very patient and gracious and got everything entered. Jim told me there was something he wanted to show me outside, so I went. There I found a white horse and carriage awaiting. He had arranged a tour of Columbus for us - to calm my nerves, I think. I won my first “best in class” rib¬ bons that year. I framed them! My parents moved to Missouri in 1990, so this was a perfect opportunity for my mother and I to start going to convention together. We headed to Lancaster, PA in 1993. This was the only time that we didn’t stay at the convention hotel. This was a major mistake that to this day my mother has never let me forget. I had made all the reservations for planes, limousines, banquets and tours, but forgot the hotel. When I realized what I had done, the AVSA convention block had been lifted and there wasn’t any space left. The hotel suggested we stay at another hotel that was next door and that had a covered walkway between them. The cov¬ ered walkway was a golf cart path and it rained a lot - you can guess the rest! I remember this convention as being the one with the most food at every meal. Mom and I packed up the van and headed for Denver in 1994. This rates as one of the top hotels in our book! We went to Mollie Brown’s house, Este’s Park, shopping and Black Hawk gambling. We did boost Colorado’s economy a little. I like Colorado so well that I took my husband and mother-in-law back there in 1995. 1995 was a trip with Jim to St. Louis and “The Arch”. Our room had a beautiful view of the Mississippi River which was at flood stage. The Botanical Gardens and St. Charles were outstanding. I was honored by Ann Miller when she asked me to give one of the presentations on Friday. If you are ever asked, say yes! It is a wonderful experience. The hotel in Atlanta in 1996 was a garden paradise! The “Underground”, a shopping mall in an old part of Atlanta, was truly unique. We took a tour to Madison and visited two Southern mansions, a museum and got to shop. (Shopping is a high priority on Mom’s list of things to do!) 1997 took us to St. Pete Beach, Florida. What a convention! Bob Green personally promised me perfect weather when I started whining about Florida in June. I 26 African Violet Magazine January • February 1 999 want to say here and now that when Bob makes a promise he keeps it! What a great group of people in the host Council. We took 3 tours. If you’ve never been on one, you’ve got to try it. My compliments to Ann Miller and Linda and Jim Owens for the interesting tours they put together. Mom and I would probably go on all of them if we had the time. If you’ve seen a pattern forming here, it was intention¬ al. I am an only child and have lived away from home since I was 18 years old. Despite the miles, Mom and I have always been close. Now that she lives in Missouri we find the AVSA conventions to be a perfect time for us to get away together. It’s a special time for us to laugh and enjoy what has been prepared for our enjoyment. On the plane home from Florida, we were already speculating about what Sacramento would have to offer. I know we are not the only mother-daughter duo. We had the distinct pleasure of meeting and going on tour with Nancy and Floretta Willets of Tennessee. I’ve only given you brief descriptions of some of the conventions I’ve attended. I could fill an entire magazine with all the fun things we do at convention. One looks for¬ ward to seeing old violet friends and making new ones. And, all the new introductions and the sales and show rooms - what a feast for violet lovers! If you’ve never been to an AVSA convention, be sure to head to Houston for the “Lone Star Violet Roundup”. To enjoy the full experience, stay at the convention hotel, tiy at least one tour of whatever suits your fancy, attend a ban¬ quet or luncheon and most of all don’t forget to exhibit a plant or design. There is no greater violet thrill for me than to take home an AVSA convention ribbon. Maybe someday I’ll be able to grow a plant of the quality grown by Pat Richards, Kathy Lahti, Linda Bjorkman, Gene Loveland, Richard Nicholas or Marie Burns and win Best in Show. I know my family prays it will never happen because they won’t be able to live with me. Convention is a fantastic experience. Mom, Claire D'Allessandro, and I have so much fun we just think everyone should go. I promise that it’s like eating potato chips - you can’t have just one! AVSA Building and Maintenance Fund Helen Blanton • 622 Riverside Drive • St. Charles, MO 63304 Donations received from August 1 to September 30, 1998 Jefferson African Violet Association, Metairie, LA. . . $25.00 Lakes Area Violet Growers, Maplewood, MN . 25.00 Ms. Enid Wood, Menlo Park, CA . 10.00 Ms. Millissa Culver, Longmont, CO . 2.00 Mr. and Mrs. Bill Foster, Mesquite, TX In memoiy oj Eva Mae White . 25.00 Mr. Jose Torres, Amherst, OH . 2.00 Ms. Sheri Smith, Bedford, TX . 3.00 Mr. and Mrs. Richard Welchel, San Antonio, TX In memoiy oj Major Forrest Leon Fowler . 25.00 North Texas African Violet Judges Council, Coppell, TX In memory of Eva Mae White . 10.00 Ms. Sandy Shaughmessy, Wilmore, KY . 10.00 Ms. Luwan Murphy, Hortonville, WI . 2.00 Ms. Peggy Stangas, Tenafly, NJ . 5.00 Ms. Trudy McNeil, Branford, CT . 2.00 Mr. Ted Nelson, Phoenix, AZ . 2.00 Unpredictable’s African Violet Society, Grain Valley, MO . 10.00 Ms. Martha Bibbins, Cambridge, MA . 18.00 Ms. Octavio Ouero Mendoza, Guadalajara, Jalesco, Mexico . 1.50 Ms. Janet Benson, Baltimore, MD . 10.00 African Violet Club of Morris County, Stanhope, NJ. . . . 5.00 Ms. Janet Baker-Pruner, Pasadena, MD . . 10.00 Ms. Harriet Morgan, Manhattan, MT . 5.00 Ms. Gail Podany, Minnetonka, MN . 10.00 Louisiana Council of African Violet Judges & Growers, New Roads, LA . . . . 25.00 Ms. Janet Mischler, Chugiak, AK . 2.00 Ms. Annie Belle Perry, Trenton, NJ . 10.00 San Marcos African Violet Society, San Marcos, TX . . 25.00 Deraid Richards, Eagle Creed, OR . 1 .00 Mr. Stephen Mamszak, Westport, CT . 2.00 Wichita African Violet Study Club, Wichita, KS . 15.00 Ms. Joan Porter, Fairfax, VA . 5.00 Spring Branch African Violet Club, Houston, TX . 50.00 Bergen County African Violet Society, Wood Ridge, NJ . 25.00 The First African Violet Society of Dallas, Dallas, TX In memory of Eva Mae White . 45.00 Surplus Funds from the 1998 AVSA Convention in Sacramento . 500.00 First Nighter African Violet Society, Dallas, TX In memory of Eunice Pickard . 15.00 Total . $937.50 January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 2 7 Optimara Little Crystal Exhibited by: Kathy Lahti Hybridized by: Holtkamp Photo Credit: Library Crew Miniature Optimara Harlequin From Best Holtkamp Collection (Commercial) 1998 National Show Exhibited by: Kent Stork Photo Credit: Library Crew Standard 28 African Violet MactAzine January • February 1999 Rob' s Boogie Woogie Best Plant from Commercial Display Tables 1998 National Show Exhibited and Hybridized by: Ralph Robinson Rob ’s Mini-o-lets Photo Credit: Winston Goretsky Semiminiature January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 29 Question Box Ralph Robinson P.O. Box 9 Naples, NY 14512 Dorothy Kosowsky 712 Cunningham Dr. Whittier, CA 90601 If you’ve mailed a question to me by mail, and are still awaiting for a reply, my apologies. I just haven’t got enough extra time to deal with correspondence (the same goes for e-mail). If you need an immediate response, tele¬ phone calls are always accepted during our normal busi¬ ness hours, since we can always work and talk at the same time. Of course, we can’t always promise an answer. If you’d like some basic cultural information, and have access to the internet, check out the “culture pages” on our web-site at www.robsviolet.com. Or check out the AVSA site at www.avsa.org. QUESTION: The blooms on a Jew of my varieties, ‘Irish Flirt’ and ‘Denim Demon’ to name two, don’t want to open fully : Any reason why? ANSWER: This was a phone call that I received from a customer. Since the plants were being grown during the summer months, I asked whether she considered her growing conditions to be very warm — she said they were. This is the most likely explanation for the small flowers. Many kinds of stress, high temperatures (say, above 80F degrees for a prolonged period) in particular, can cause blooms to be small or to not fully open. This can be more of a problem for some varieties, too. Varieties with very double, frilled, or green flowers often have this trait. Though both of the varieties mentioned are among my favorites, they do sometimes bloom this way. As might be guessed, relatively “cool” temperatures (between 60F and 70F degrees) can have a beneficial effect on violet blossoms. Not only will blooms be larger than normal, but their color will be deeper and, if multi¬ colored or edged, the contrast will be greater. Though it will take longer for plants to come into full bloom, blos¬ soms will stay fresh much longer. We’ve had blossoms on plants like ‘Irish Flirt’ or ‘Rob’s Sarsaparilla' (blossoms showing some green) stay fresh for two months or more during the cooler winter months. QUESTION : I am experiencing a white “gooey” sub¬ stance around the crown of some of my violets. Could you please tell me what this substance might be and how to get rid of it? ANSWER: The likely answer, I’m sad to say, is that this is likely evidence of a heavy mealy bug infestation. Mealy bug egg masses will often have this appearance. Individually, they can be seen as very small, white, waxy, rice-shaped (but smaller) insects. They will move, but do so very slowly. Sometimes eggs appear as a white dust on the shelf surface surrounding the plant. You likely also have them in the soil — you’ll notice white patches, like confectioner’s sugar, around the outside of the root ball. They also are often noticed around the base of the plant, on the neck just above the soil surface. As for how to get rid of them, this is a difficult propo¬ sition. From my experience, mealies are perhaps the most difficult pest to eliminate. Doing so usually means the use of very expensive and/or toxic chemicals. Two chemicals that we’ve found to be fairly (but not completely) effective are Enstar and Marathon. The former is a liquid that can be used as a drench or, better yet, used as solution into which the entire plant is submerged. The latter is a granu¬ lar, sand-like, material that is mixed into the soil and has systemic properties (i.e. the pests ingest it when they feed on the plant). Both, however, are very costly — $75 to $100 per 5 oz. bottle and 1 lb. package, respectively. For this reason (not to mention the exposure to toxins), it’s usually better to just discard such a heavily infested plant. Should you still wish to try to save the variety, I would suggest rooting the crown or leaves and starting over. Be sure that the material being rooted is as clean as possible. At the very least, washing with a mild soap (like Ivory), in lukewarm water. Since this plant has a heavy infesta¬ tion in the crown, taking leaf cuttings would be the wiser choice. Even once these leaves produce plantlets, keep these plants separate from the rest of your collection until you are certain that the mealies haven’t been passed on. Mealies are stubborn creatures! QUESTION: Is there any way to keep variegated foliage from getting brown spots along the edge? 50 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 ANSWER; Though beautiful, variegated foliage can present some problems. One of these is the ugly spotting or “bruising” that’s referred to here. Usually, the more heavily variegated the leaf, the more susceptible it is to such problems. Just this morning, for example, I moved one heavily variegated plant to a different spot on the same shelf. When I looked at it again, not more than two minutes later, nearly an entire leaf had turned an ugly shade of brown. You only need to breathe on some plants for them to bruise this way. Fortunately, not all varieties are this sensitive and, with a few precautions, this problem can be minimized. First, avoid over-handling the plants. The less that you touch the foliage, the less likely the chance for bruising. Be especially careful not to handle these plants with cold and/or wet hands. 1 once handled one after having a pickle as a snack, turning the entire plant brown within a matter of minutes! Second, try not to keep these plants too soggy. When the plant tissues are holding a lot of water, they seem especially prone to bruising. Third, be careful when watering not to get water, particularly cold water, on the foliage. Morning “dew” can be a problem, also. This is the moisture that often appears in the crown, or on the leaf edges, the morning after a cool night. For this reason, it’s best not to water in the evening, and to minimize the dif¬ ference between nighttime and daytime temperatures. Lastly, be careful in using fertilizers and other chemicals, since overuse of these can be toxic to the plant and dam¬ age the foliage. QUESTION: When is the best time to pot plantlets from leaf cuttings? ANSWER: My best answer is to do so as soon as the plantlets are large enough for you to feel comfortable han¬ dling them and confident enough that they will survive and continue to grow. Doing this as a business means that we pot plantlets when they are scheduled to be potted, whether they are ready or not. This means that many plantlets are quite small when they are individually potted into 2" pots. This is rarely a problem, though, so long as they are otherwise healthy. We’ve noticed that plantlets potted earlier will usually mature more quickly than had we waited longer to pot them up. Put another way, they will grow faster in their own pot than they will when still attached to the mother leaf. Of course, during this extra time attached to the leaf, additional plantlets may have had a chance to sprout— it’s a trade-off of time versus quantity. We also place all newly potted plantlets into trays covered with clear plastic domes for a few weeks. This terrarium-like environment provides the very small plantlets a bit of protection until they become better established. It also means that we don’t need to worry about watering them during this time. QUESTION: Recently, I have experienced a problem with the center growth on some of my violets. On some otherwise healthy plants, the center growth has disap¬ peared. The plant would remain healthy, then eventually sprout suckers from the center. ANSWER: Though there might be another explana¬ tion, this seems to happen to us most commonly on certain varieties, suggesting that this might be a problem that is inherited. Yellow-blossomed varieties, for example, are notorious for suddenly losing their center growth. This is assuming, of course, that the plant is otherwise healthy and free of pests and disease. QUESTION: I am serving as interim principal at an elementary school. The fifth grades study plants as part of their science project. / thought it would be a wonderful idea to involve them in doing some experiments with members of the gesneriad family. We have approximately 22 students per class. The main problem is space. We would probably want to set up light stands. I am seeking ideas for the "best" type of gesneriad to use. One that will propagate easily from leaves, be com¬ pact, bloom early, have many blooms, be attractive, and not be too fussy about temperature or light, etc. Which member of the family would fit this bill? Any advice? ANSWER: This is an inquiry we received by e-mail recently. I can’t think of a better way of introducing young people to the experience of growing plants. Though most members of the gesneriad family are quite easy to propa¬ gate and grow, the African violet is the probably the easi¬ est to propagate by leaf cutting. It takes about 4-5 months to produce new plantlets after rooting leaf cuttings, then another 3-4 months after potting these plantlets for them to reach maturity and to bloom. The performance (difficul¬ ty and time) will vary by variety. Buy one plant per student. Take some leaves for prop¬ agation in 2" pots. Keep these leaf cuttings in a transpar¬ ent container. A standard-size tray (about 11" x 22") with clear dome can hold 44 of these 2" pots. If plant size is a concern, miniature and semiminiature varieties would be best, since their size at maturity range between 3" and 8" in diameter. Since there are a number of varieties worth growing, we would suggest growing a number of different varieties, so that your students can compare the differ¬ ences between them. One 4-foot light stand, suspended one foot above a space of about 2 feet by 4 feet, should provide you with more than enough space to grow a plant or two for each of your students. Named of columnist replying is in bold print January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 3 1 Humungous Exhibited by: Jim Turner Hybridized by: D. Harrington Photo Credit: Library Crew Standard Rob's Cherry Soda Exhibited by: Cathy Comibe Hybridized by: R. Robinson Photo Credit: Library Crew Miniature 32 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 AVSA CONVENTION SHOW SCHEDULE “Lone Star African Violet Round- Up ” APRIL, 1999 • HOUSTON, TEXAS Horticulture Division - Amateur SECTION I - COLLECTIONS Class 1 . AVSA Collection of three different registered standard vari¬ eties all of the same type (three single crown or three trailers) or three different species, regardless of type. 2. AVSA Collection of three different registered varieties of the same type (three single crown miniatures, three miniature trailers, three single crown semiminiatures, or three semiminiature trailers). 3. Holtkamp Memorial Collection of three registered Optimara and/or Rhapsodie plants, all of the same type: standard, miniature, or semiminiature. SECTION II - STANDARD PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, GREEN FOLIAGE 4. Dark blue and purple 5. Light to medium blue 6. Light to medium pink 7. Dark pink, rose, and coral 8. Red, wine, fuchsia, and plum 9. Lavender, mauve, orchid, white, cream, and blush 10. Two-tone, multicolor, and chimera (all shades of blue and purple) 1 1 . Two-tone, multicolor, and chimera (all shades of pink, red, and yellow) 12. Fantasy 13. All edged SECTION III - STANDARD PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, VARIEGATED FOLIAGE 14. Blue, purple, lavender, and orchid 15. Pink, red, fuchsia, coral, and wine 16. White, cream, and blush 17. Two-tone, multicolor, and chimera 18. Fantasy and all edged SECTION IV - MINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM 19. Purple and all shades of blue 20. Pink, coral, red, and fuchsia 21. Orchid, lavender, white, cream, and blush 22. Two-tone, multicolor, chimera, and all edged 23. Fantasy 24. Purple and all shades of blue, variegated foliage 25. Pink, coral, red, fuchsia, variegated foliage 26. Orchid, lavender, white, and blush, variegated foliage 27. Two-tone, multicolor, chimera, and all edged, variegated foliage 28. Fantasy, variegated foliage SECTION V - SEMIMINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM 29. Purple and all shades of blue 30. Pink and coral 31. Red and fuchsia 32. Orchid, lavender, white, and blush 33. All edged 34. Two-tone, multicolor, and chimera 35. Fantasy 36. Purple and all shades of blue, variegated foliage 37. Pink, coral, red, and fuchsia, variegated foliage 38. Orchid, lavender, white, and blush, variegated foliage 39. Two-tone multicolor, and chimera, variegated foliage 40. All edged, variegated foliage 4 1 . Fantasy, variegated foliage SECTION VI - TRAILERS, SPECIES AND VINTAGE VIOLETS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, ANY FOLIAGE 42. Standard trailers 43. Miniature trailers 44. Semiminiature trailers 45. Saintpaulia species and natural hybrids 46. Vintage Violets (must be at least 25 years old) SECTION VII - NEW CULTIVARS 47. Seedlings 48. Sports or mutants SECTION VIII - AFRICAN VIOLET PLANT IN UNUSUAL CONTAINER 49. One African violet plant, either standard, miniature or semiminiature in container 50. One African violet trailer in container SECTION IX - GESNERIADS OTHER THAN AFRICAN VIOLETS 5 1 . Miniatures (may be displayed in regular pots or growing in clear container, cover permitted) 52. Tuberous-rooted 53. Scaly-rhizomed 54. Fibrous-rooted 55. Gesneriads grown for ornamental foliage DESIGN DIVISION SECTION X - INTERPRETIVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS Each entry is a design using fresh cut African violet blossoms or foliage. Fresh cut, dried, treated, painted and colored plant material, and any man-made materials are permitted. Artificial plant materials, live creatures, and the American and national flags are not permitted. Accessories, backboards and draping of niches are permitted unless restricted by the particular class. 56. “Welcome to Houston” - Houston, Texas is the fourth largest city in America and the second largest port city which draws international trade from around the world. Help us see our fair city through a newcomer’s eyes. To be displayed in a niche 28" H x 21" W x 15" D. Limited to six entries. Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A-l 57. “The Butterfly Museum” - The Houston Museum of Natural Science is home to a popular exhibit called the Butterfly Museum. This is an arboretum of tropical and butterfly-friendly plants where cocoons open to reveal beautiful butterflies and moths. They are displayed in a natural environment for the enjoyment of adults and children alike. Give us your interpretation of a visit to this fun exhibit. To be displayed in a niche 28" H x 2 1" W x 1 5" D. Limited to six entries. 58. “Our Texas Hybridizers” - Texas is proud to claim many African violet hybridizers as our own. J. C. and Lenora Munk call Houston home, and Texans, Hortense Pittman, Dottie Wilson, Bill Foster, Linda Ray, June Swift and others from across the state have contributed beautiful specimens to our lives over the years. Use blossoms from any Texas-hybridized violet specimen in your trib¬ ute to these talented people, indicating the hybridizer’s name on your card. To be displayed in a niche 20" H x 16" W x 12" D. Limited to eight entries. 59. “Texas Heritage” - One can’t talk about Texas without acknowledging its role in settling our great country. One is reminded constantly of settlers in covered wagons, huge cattle drives, rolling plains, expansion of the railroads, herds of buf¬ falo and, of course, the cowboy and his horse around a camp¬ fire. Give us your interpretation of this time in Texas history. To be staged in a niche 20" H x 16" W x 12" D. Limited to eight entries. 60. “Galveston Bay” - From the time of man’s first discov¬ ery of our land, Galveston Island and the Bay area have been pivotal in the settlement of this area. From ancient shipwrecks and pirates, to migrating bird sanctuaries, hurricanes and today’s sun worshippers/beach combers, Galveston has a rich history. Show us your impression of Galveston Bay in an underwater arrange¬ ment not to exceed 18" H x 12" W x 12" D. To be displayed on a shelf at eye level in front of a pale blue background; no back- boards or draping permitted. Limited to ten entries. 61. “To The Stars and Beyond” - Space Center Houston is where NASA trains our astronauts and monitors space flights to the far corners of our galaxy. Depict your impressions of excit¬ ing space flight with a mobile arrangement. To be displayed in a niche 28" H x 21" W x 15" D. Dowel rods will be provided if needed. Limited to six entries. 62. “Spindletop” - Beaumont, home of the AVSA office, is also the location of the first big oil strike in Texas - Spindletop. Give us your depiction of this event in a mirror image design staged on an open table in front of a white background. Accessories and bases are permitted but no backdrops are allowed. The two arrange¬ ments will be shown one in front of the other with an 8" x 1 0" white standing picture frame between them to depict a “mirror” image. The frame will be provided. Five inches will be allowed both in front and behind the frame for the arrangements and a quar¬ ter-inch black mat will outline the inside of the picture frame. Limited to six entries. 63. “Rodeo Clown” - The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the most well-known events in our city. One of the most colorful and dangerous jobs at a rodeo is that of the clown. When the riders are bucked off during the various events, rodeo clowns distract the animals to protect the cowboys. Express your view in a small arrangement not exceeding 8" in height. The designs will be staged in white lighted picture frame niches with inside dimensions of 10" H x 8" W x 5" D. Limited to ten entries. 64. “Mexican Fiesta” - Texas has embraced many cultural attributes from Mexico, its neighbor to the south, over many generations. Some of the happiest events in San Antonio, Corpus Christi and many other cities are the colorful fiestas. Help us enjoy a fiesta with an arrangement staged in a white lighted niche with inside dimensions of 12" H x 10" W x 5" D. Limited to ten entries. SECTION XI. - INTERPRETIVE PLANT ARRANGEMENTS All entries in this section are to be designs using one or more blooming African violet plants, removed from their pots, with the rootball encased in plastic or some other material. Fresh cut, dried, treated, painted, and colored plant materials, and any man-made materials are permitted. Artificial plant materials, live creatures and the American or national flags are not permitted. Accessories, backdrops and/or draping are permitted, unless restricted by the particular class. 65. “The Arts Scene” - Houston is known for its vigorous participation in the arts with world-class organizations such as the Houston Ballet, the Symphony Orchestra and the Houston Opera. We also have many local theatre groups that perform at the Wortham Center and around town, as well as hosting trav¬ eling theatre and musical productions. Show us your interpreta¬ tion of a night on the town attending your favorite event. To be staged in a niche 28" H x 2 1" W x 15" D. Limited to six entries. 66. “Presidential Ties” - Texas is privileged to have two presidential libraries located in our state: the Lyndon B. Johnson Library near Austin and the George Bush Library near College Station and Texas A&M University. Present a design of your choice using a presidential theme of red, white and blue colors. To be staged in a niche 28" H x 21" W x 15" D. Limited to six entries. 67. “A Literary Great” - Houston is proud to be the home of our former First Lady Barbara Bush who has long supported literacy programs. Not long ago America lost one of its premier authors, James Michener, who wrote of many places around the world from “Alaska” to “Texas” to the “Caribbean” and beyond and spent his last years in the Austin area. In honor of both of these fine people, create a design with a theme based on any one of James Michener’s books and list that title on your card. To be staged in a niche 20" H x 16" W x 15" D. Limited to six entries. 68. “The George Ranch” - A visit to Houston would not be complete without a visit to a real working ranch and we have one called the George Ranch just south of the city. Groups can visit the ranch and experience the cowboy activities, ranch life, see the animals, and the best part, enjoy great food and fun entertainment. Show us your interpretation of the western lifestyle. To be staged in a niche 20" H x 16" W x 15" D. Limited to six entries. 69. “A Visit to the Orient” - As an international city, Houston is home to many cultures including a thriving Asian community. There are many fine restaurants and attractions and even a large scale replica of China’s Forbidden Gardens located west of the city. Create a design of your choice using an oriental theme. To be staged on an open white table and not to exceed 14" H x 12" W x 8" D. Limited to eight entries. SECTION XII - CONTAINER GARDENS These designs are miniature gardens with one or more bloom¬ ing African violet plants and other growing plant specimens. All plants must be planted in the container. No cut plant materials, arti- A-2 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine ficial plant materials, live creatures, American or national flags are permitted. Accessories are optional. Number of entries are unlim¬ ited but only one entry per class by exhibitor is permitted. 70. “Spring Round-Up” - Natural Garden: A planting in a con¬ tainer formed from natural material such as driftwood or rock which may have multiple planting areas. No ceramic or pottery con¬ tainers are permitted. The designs should not exceed 24" in any direction. Help us imagine the rough terrain of the plains and canyons where the cattle hide from the wranglers. 71. “Rustler’s Roost” - Terrarium: A planting in a covered, transparent container not to exceed 20" in any direction. Suggest a vision of a rustler’s hideaway. 72. “Bayou Bend Gardens” - Terrarium: A planting in a cov¬ ered, transparent container not to exceed 30" in any direction. Show us your interpretation of this beautifully restored estate’s 1 4 acres of gardens and fountains. 73. “Making Camp Along the Brazos” - Dish Garden: A planting in a shallow, dish-like container which shall not have a cover. From the Rio Grande north to the Red River, water was crit¬ ical to the survival of cowboys and animals alike. Remind us of a river scene in your design. Not to exceed 20" in any direction. 74. “Missions Along the Trail” - Dish Garden: A planting in a shallow, dish-like container which shall not have a cover. Spanish missions were a fixture in the southwest providing food, religion and a sense of community as settlers tried to establish roots in this area. Show us your view of this historical time. Not to exceed 12" in any direction. 75. “Hermann Park” - Bottle Garden: A planting in a trans¬ parent container with an opening that is too small for a hand to enter. Not to exceed 36" in any direction. Opening need not be cov¬ ered. Remind us of this beautiful park in the center of Houston. SPECIAL EXHIBITS DIVISION SECTION XIII - EDUCATION EXHIBIT 76. Education exhibit (by invitation only) COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE DIVISION SECTION XIV - SPECIMEN PLANTS A. Collections 77. AVSA Collections - Standard Plants 78. AVSA Collections - Miniatures and Semiminiatures 79. Holtkamp Memorial Collections B. New Cultivars (from seed or mutation) 80. Standard African Violets 81. Miniature African Violets 82. Semiminiature African Violets 83. African Violet Trailers (standard, miniature, semiminiature) C. Specimen African Violets 84. Standard, plain green foliage 85. Standard, variegated foliage 86. Miniatures, plain foliage 87. Miniatures, variegated foliage 88. Semiminiatures, plain foliage 89. Semiminiatures, variegated foliage 90. Trailers (standard, miniature, semiminiature) 9 1 . Saintpaulia species D. Gesneriads 92. Gesneriads (other than African violets) SECTION XV - SPECIMEN PLANTS 93. Display tables HORTICULTURE DIVISION Amateur - Rules and Regulations 1 . Only amateur AVSA members in good standing and reg¬ istered at this convention are eligible to enter exhibits in this division. 2. ENTRIES will be accepted on Wednesday, April 7, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. FOR CONVENTION WORKERS ONLY and on Thursday, April 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. If an entry is not entered by the owner, the name of the person making the entry must be on the back of the entry tag. 3. Only clean, healthy plants which have been the possession of the exhibitor for at least three months will be accepted. 4. Plants must be correctly named or they will be subject to correction by the classification committee. 5. Double potting, flared-top pots, supports, and collars will not be accepted. All pots must be non-deco rative. DO NOT COVER POTS IN FOIL. Self-watering pots, such as Moist-Rite and Oyama, etc. may be entered in colors such as white, black, green, or any neutral tone. All other plants must be slip potted into pots in col¬ ors such as white, green or any neutral tone. Slip potting means dropping the pot containing the plant into a clean pot of the same or just a fraction larger sized pot. It is recommended that plastic be placed in the bottom of the outer pot to prevent leakage onto the table covering. This must be worked out prior to entry. Exception: trailers, trailing species, trailing gesneriads, and gesneriads in protective containers may be exhibited in the containers in which they are growing. 6. An exhibitor may enter only one plant of each variety in classes 4 through 46. 7. An exhibitor may enter plants of the same variety in classes 1,2,3, 45, 46, 49, and 50 as those in classes 4 through 46. 8. All plants in classes 1 through 50 must be single-crown plants except trailers and some species, which may be multiple-crown. S. Amazon velutina, S. Amazon grotei, S. Sigi Falls and S. House of Amani will be accepted in Class 45. 9. Any number of new cultivars may be entered provided they have been originated by the exhibitor from hybridization, from purchased seed, or from mutation; or the released rights in writ¬ ing from the hybridizer have been given to the exhibitor for pur¬ chased seedlings. New cultivars may be entered by number or name, and the entry tag must indicate whether it is a new cultivar from seed or mutation. A sport (mutant) may be exhibited as a “Sport of _ .” If a name has been given to the sport, the name in parenthesis may follow such as, “Sport of ‘Valencia’ (‘Dale’s Dream’).’’ New cultivars must not have been previously shown in an AVSA Convention Show. Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A-3 10. Gesneriads (other than African violets) may be exhibited in protective containers, and natural-colored mulch may be used on the soil surface. 1 1 . Exhibits will be judged by the merit method of judging. The decision of the judges will be final unless in conflict with AVSA rules or rules of the schedule. Only qualified AVSA judges will be permitted to serve as judges. 12. Only blue ribbon winners will be eligible to receive special awards. 13. Any African violet entered in an AVSA Collection, Class 1 and 2, receiving a blue ribbon, will be eligible for other awards. 14. All African violets entered in the Holtkamp Memorial Collection, Class 3, must be AVSA registered Optimara and/or Rhapsodie plants and must be different plants of the same type. 15. Only one collection may be entered by an exhibitor in each class; AVSA Collection, Class 1 and 2, Holtkamp Memorial Collection, Class 3. 16. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits, but will not be responsible for any damages or losses. 17. Entries must be checked out on Saturday night, April 10. Instructions on check out will be given at the convention. DESIGN DIVISION Rules and Regulations 1. Both amateur and commercial AVSA members in good standing and registered at this convention are eligible to enter exhibits in this division. 2. ENTRIES will be accepted on Wednesday, April 7, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. FOR CONVENTION WORKERS ONLY. Entries will be accepted on Thursday, April 8, from 9:00 to 11:30 AM and 12:30 to 6:00 PM. Members ON TOUR ONLY may enter on Thursday, April 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Design entry books will be closed on Thursday, April 8, at 9:00 PM. Each exhibitor may have only one entry per class and is limited to a total of six entries in classes 56-69 (interpretive flower and interpre¬ tive plant arrangements) and a total of six entries in classes 70-75 (container gardens). 3. Advance written reservations are required for all design classes. Anyone desiring to enter designs must send a reserva¬ tion blank (or copy) from this show schedule by regular mail only, postmarked no earlier than February 15, 1999, nor later than March 26, 1999, to: Judith Carter, 19506 Mills Meadow Lane, Houston, TX 77094-3412. No telephone reservations will be accepted. Persons who wish to cancel confirmed reservations may write or call (281) 492-2034. 4. All entries must be the creations of the exhibitors, and must be placed by the exhibitors. 5. Exhibitors will be permitted to work on their designs on Thursday, April 8, until 11:00 PM and on Friday, April 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 AM. All exhibitors and their materials must be out of the showroom by 8:00 AM, April 9. All exhibitors and their mate¬ rials must be checked out and removed from the showroom by mid¬ night on Saturday night, April 10. Instructions on checkout will be provided at the convention. 6. Any type of plant material (except artificial), man-made materials, bases, accessories, backboards, and draping may be used in all interpretive flower and plant arrangements, unless restrict¬ ed by the particular class. Accessories are permitted in all container garden classes; but, cut plant materials, underlayments, bases, backboards, and draping are prohibited. Mirror-sided terrariums are permitted. The American flag, national flags, or facsimiles of any flag and live or dead creatures may not be used in any exhibit. 7. No part of any design may touch or extend beyond the confines of the niche or space limitations. 8. All exhibits must have a 3" x 5" card listing the African violet varieties and other plant materials (if known). A written subtitle may also be included on the card. 9. Exhibits will be merit judged by qualified AVSA Judges. Decisions of the judges will be final, unless in conflict with AVSA rules or the rules of this schedule. 10. Only blue ribbon exhibits will be eligible to receive special awards. 1 1 . AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits, but will not be responsible for any damages or losses. COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE DIVISION Rules and Regulations 1 . Only commercial AVSA members in good standing and registered at this convention are eligible to enter either the Specimen Plant Section or the Display Thble Section, but not both. They may also enter the Design Division. 2. For dates and times for entering exhibits, please refer to rule 2 under HORTICULTURE DIVISION AMATEUR. 3. All plants must be correctly named, and all African violets must be single crown plants, except trailers, some species, and trailing gesneriads. 4. In the Specimen Plant Section, exhibitors may enter any number of plants in each class, but only one plant of the same variety in the same class. Exhibitors may enter plants of the same vari¬ ety in the AVSA Collections, classes 77 and 78 and the Holtkamp Memorial Collection, class 79, as are entered in the other classes. Exhibitors may enter one collection in each collection class. Plants entered in the Holtkamp Memorial Collection class must be AVSA registered Optimara/Rhapsodie plants. AVSA collections rules are the same as they are for amateurs. 5. Only plants labeled “New Cultivar” in either Specimen Plant Section or Display Thble Section will be considered for AVSA Best New Cultivar Awards. 6. Entries for AVSA Best New Cultivar Awards may be seedlings (plants originally from seed), sports, or mutants originated by the exhibitor, or the right and ownership to them released by the hybridizer, and must not have been previously shown in an AVSA Convention Show. Each entry must be labeled “New Cultivar”. 7. A 6' table with three tiers will be furnished for each exhibitor in the Display Thble Section. 8. Each display table shall contain 15 plants (no merchandise). Three, all of the same type, miniatures or semiminiatures, or minia¬ ture or semiminiature trailers shall count as a specimen plant and shall be judged as one unit. The display must be predominantly (at least 75%) African violets. Other gesneriads may be included in the 1 5 plants and will be judged. 9. Any plant, up to a maximum of 15 plants, on a display table A-4 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine may be designated as competing for the AVSA Best New Cultivar Awards, either standard, miniature, semiminiature and all types of trailers, either standard, miniature, or semiminiature. 10. No other material, such as ivy, may be used on a display table. 1 1 . Colored lights which distort or enhance the color of the plants will not be permitted. 12. Any shape and type of pot for specimen plants will be permitted, except flared top pots. Supports and collars will not be permitted. Pots in the specimen plant section must be slip potted into clean, non-decorative pots in colors such as white, green, or any neutral tone. The bottom of the pot containing the plant must be completely covered with plastic or aluminum foil. The pot is then inserted into a pot of the same size or shape. The inside pot may be of any color and may extend above the rim of the outside pot. Exceptions to slip potting are self contained reservoirs (i.e., Oyama, Moist Rite, etc.) in colors such as white, green, black, or any neu¬ tral tone. Pots in the Display Thble Section do not have to be cov¬ ered and may be elevated and tilted with individual pot holders. MEAL FUNCTION SEATING Reservations received on or before March 13, 1999 will receive table assignments. All reservations received after that date will have unreserved seating at meal functions. - \ WANTED! Slides for Social Hour Please share your slides of our 52nd Sacramento Convention. They will be shown at the Thursday night social hour. Include any information about the slide (names, state, etc.). Slides sent in from the 1 998 Sacramento Convention will be donated to the AVSA library, unless you request them to be returned. Please send your slides by March 1 3, 1 999 to: Nancy G. Hayes 9 Cobblestone Rd. Bloomfield, CT 06002 _ _ _ / 13. Prior to judging, signs, cards, or codes identifying the exhibitor may not be displayed on the display tables. 14. Exhibits will be judged by the merit method of judging. The decision of the judges is final unless in conflict with AVSA rules or rules of the schedule. Only qualified AVSA judges will be per¬ mitted to serve as judges. 15. Only blue ribbon winners will be eligible to receive awards. 16. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits but will not be responsible for any damages or losses. 17. Commercial Silver Trophies will be awarded as merited to the exhibitors of the Display Tables receiving the first, second, and third highest number of points. An Honorable Mention Rosette will be awarded to the exhibitor receiving the fourth highest number of points. 18. A Point-Score Sheet shall be given each Display Table exhibitor to show how trophies are awarded. 19. To reserve a display table or for further information, con¬ tact Charles Wells, 948 Fair Oaks Court, Liberty, MO 64068. Phone (816) 781-2160, after 6:00 p.m. Special meal requests must be made to the AVSA Office at time of registration. Requests | made directly to the hotel will not be honored ATTENTION: Hybridizers WANTED: Photo slides of New Introductions for the Thursday Night Social at the 1999 Convention in Houston, Texas. This year’s narrator will be Nancy Hayes. This is an excellent way for seasoned and beginning hybridizers to introduce their new HYBRIDS. Please send two (2) slides of each new plant; one viewing the plant and the other a close-up of the blossom. Please include with your slides a written description of each slide, marked with a corresponding number for clarification. Send your slides before March 1 3, 1 999, to: Jackie Jones 607 14th Ave. Box 34 Durant, IA 52747 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A-5 African Violet Society of America, Inc 1999 Tours - Houston, TX Tour Number #1 Texas Bluebonnets and Antique Roses Monday, April 5, 1999 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We Texans are especially proud of our state flower, the bluebonnet. Bluebonnets grace many of our highways from late March to mid May, along with the primrose, paintbrush, crimson clover and phlox. The route we will travel to the Antique Rose Emporium and the town of Brenham is one of our many bluebonnet trails. Dr. Charles Cole will guide the tour to Brenham and the Rose Emporium’s living antiques. Many of the roses were popular in the gardens of early Texas and throughout the Old World. Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, grew some featured varieties. The Rose Emporium will be happy to ship your favorite roses, perennials and seeds home for you. Our next stop is Brenham for lunch on your own and shopping. Stop for lunch at “It Must Be Heaven” restaurant for great sandwiches and homemade pies. Our last stop will be for a short tour of the Best Little Creamery in Texas, Ruth Geoke’s “Blue Bell Creameries” before driving back to Houston. Wear comfort¬ able shoes, there will be some walking at the emporium. Cost: $24.00 Tour Number #2 NASA Monday, April 5, 1999 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a special tour of NASA for the horticulturist interested in how plants will be grown in space. This tour is limited to the first 45 who sign up. We will visit NASA at Space Center Houston and choose lunch on your own at the “Blue Moon Diner” before seeing a special presentation at 1 :00 PM by Dr. Daniel Barta, “GARDENING IN SPACE: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE.” We will then take a special tour to Dr. Barta ’s Plant Growth Development Facility, The Advanced Life Support Systems Integration Test Bed and Human-Related Test Chambers. Also on this tour there will be a special tram visit to Mission Control. There is walking on this tour, however, there are ramps, elevators and of course tram rides. Cost: $30.00 Tour Number #3 AVSA Office, Becker Printing and Beaumont, Texas Tuesday, April 6 ,1999 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Here is your opportunity to visit our AVSA office, meet the staff and tour Becker Printing, publisher of the AVM. We will first visit the McFaddin-Ward House. The McFaddin-Ward family made its riches from oil and cattle. Lunch at “Cody's” is included. Cost $35.00 Tour Number #4 Houston City Tour Uiesday, April 6, 1999 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ' This tour will give you a glimpse of Houston and its history. Houston is our nations 4th largest city and the one furthest south. We will drive past the early settled area of the city, the Houston Medical Center (the largest in the world) and the museum district. The tour will stop and visit the Butterfly Museum that houses hundreds of species of “flying flowers”, After lunch on your own at Lubys Cafeteria we will tour Bayou Bend, the historic home of Ima Hogg. We will complete the tour with a drive through River Oaks where you will see some of our finest Houston homes. This tour is limited to the first 45 who sign up. Bayou Bend does not have ramps or elevators to the second floor. Cost: $33.00 Tour Number #5 Magic Island Tuesday, April 6, 1999 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. This is a fun evening you do not want to miss: We will whisk you off to the world of Ancient Egypt to dine and be entertained as the Egyptian Pharaohs were. There will be a three-course dinner of prime rib Au Jus or Chicken A La Champignon. After dinner you will roam the tomb-like halls, visiting the main theatre for Magic and Comedy. After the main show there are two other small magic shows you can visit. You may also dance, play blackjack or have your fortune told. Please choose your entree in the spaced provide on the registration form. (Please note blackjack, fortunes and alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour. ) Cost: $46.00 Tour Number #6 George Ranch Wednesday, April 7, 1999 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The George Ranch is a 480-acre living history park, the center point of a 23,000-acre working Texas cattle ranch. Four genera¬ tions of the Davis/George family struggled and triumphed to make the ranch a success. A tram will take you on a tour of the land that represents the four generations of family history. It begins at the 1 830 farm, then to the 1 890’s Victorian Home, on to the 1930’s ranch house and then to today’s working ranch demonstrations. We will eat a box lunch (included) under the trees at Brazos Bend State Park. After lunch, if time allows, we can take a walk on one of the many nature trails or explore nature exhibits in the visitors center. Cost: $32.00 A-6 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine Tour Number #7 Mercer Arboretum and Old Town Spring Wednesday, April 7, 1999 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This tour will take you to Mercer Arboretum to see the seasonal growing of southeast Texas plants and flowers. You will see how Texas' green thumbs utilize the heat and humidity of our area to grow ^ beautiful native plants. From Mercer the bus will take you to Old Town Spring where you will spend the remainder of the day shopping y^at unique shops of antiques, novelties and boutiques. Lunch is on your own at one of the three tearooms, or have a hamburger at the old Railroad Caboose or the Old Wuenche Cafe. This tour too, requires walking on gravel and sidewalks. Cost: $20.00 Tour Number #8 Great Caruso’s Dinner Theater Wednesday, April 7, 1999 6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The Great Caruso’s is a small intimate, unique Italian style dinner theater. After dinner there will be a play, usually a musical comedy, often involving the audience. We will order dinner from the varied menu. Coffee and desert will be served at intermission. This should be an early, though fun, evening. (Please note: This will be a guided group walk to the dinner theater as it is next to the hotel. ) Cost: $41.00 Tour Number #9 NASA (#2) Thursday, April 8, 1999 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This trip to NASA’s Space Center Houston will allow time to walk among the large rock¬ ets displayed out doors to accom¬ modate their massive sizes. They include a Red Stone Booster Rocket that sent some of the first satellites into space, the giant Saturn 5B that lifted men from the earth, on their way to the moon, and many others. Inside, see an Imax movie and feel the sensations of traveling in space and visiting the moon. There are displays of the lunar module, the lunar rover, and the Hubbell Telescope Satellite. There will also be a conducted tram tour of the Johnson Space Center Facility where the astronauts train. Lunch will be on at your leisure in the Blue Moon Diner. After lunch there will be a presentation by Dr. Barta, “GARDENING IN SPACE: PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE.” Wear comfortable shoes because there will be a lot of walking. Cost: $30.00 Tour Number #10 Galveston an Moody Gardens Thursday, April 8, 1999 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You heard Glenn Campbell sing about Galveston in the late ‘60’s - now you can visit the island. We will take you to Moody Gardens for a guided tour of the Rainforest Pyramid. We will then drive down Seawall Boulevard along the Gulf of Mexico, then to the downtown Strand. Here the bus will drop us off to shop, and eat lunch on your own. The Strand consists of unique boutiques, antiques shops, gift shops and restaurants. You may visit the Railroad Museum, the sail¬ ing ship, Elisa, among the many sights and sounds along the Galveston harbor and shrimp boat docks. If you want to sample traditional Gulf Coast Seafood, then eat at Hill’s Pier 19, at the end of 21st Street. This restaurant is situated among the fishing and a shrimp boats docked at the port and is one of our favorites. Cost: $28.00 Deep Sea Fishing Trip with Dr. Charles Cole Come to Texas and fish the waters where pirates once sailed! Travel 35 miles out into the Gulf of Mexico to catch red snapper, king mackerel, trigger fish and other species. See the beautiful Gulf waters and more than fifty species of birds. All tackle and bait will be furnished. Licenses are required, but that won’t be a problem. We plan to leave on the morning of Tuesday, April 6, 1999, and be back before dark. Transportation to Galveston will be provided. The trip is tentative upon the number of people planning to go, as well as the weather. Captains will hold this date open for us until the end of February. Cost of the trip will also depend on the number going, and will range from $60 - $90. Boats are available for from 6 to 35 people. If you are interested, please send your refundable $50 deposit per person by check along with your name, number in your party, and the total of deposits included, to Ann Miller, 522 Willow Wisp Circle, Spring, TX 77388, by February 28, 1999. Checks will not be cashed until trip is confirmed. Don’t forget the AVSA Auction at the Saturday Luncheon! See page 19 of the January/February 1999 AVM for details! Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A- 7 53rd Annual AVSA Convention & Show Sunday, April 4, 1999 to Sunday, April 11, 1999 "Lone Star African Violet Round-Up" 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. SUNDAY, April 4, 1999 AVSA Convention Pre-Con 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Registration 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Information 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. MONDAY, April 5, 1999 Registration 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Information 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour # 1 - Texas Bluebonnets and Antique Roses 1 1:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Publication Comm. Meeting 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour # 2 - NASA 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Information 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Registration 7:30 p.rn. to 9:00 p.m. Registration 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. TUESDAY, April 6, 1999 Building Maintenance Fund Meeting 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Registration 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour # 3 - AVSA Office, Becker Printing, Beaumont, ' 8:30 a.rn. to 4:30 p.m. Tour # 4 - Houston City Tour 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Information 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Information 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Awards Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Tour #5 - Magic Island 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Shows and Judges Committee Meeting 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon WEDNESDAY, April 7, 1999 Registration 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Judging School 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Research Committee Meeting 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tour # 7 - Mercer Arboretum and Old Town Spring 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tour # 6 - George Ranch 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Information 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Building/Maintenance Fund Thble, Booster Fund Thble 1 1:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ways and Means Table, Omaha Promotional Ihble New Director’s Orientation 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Board of Directors Luncheon 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Board of Directors Opening Meeting 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Information 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Registration 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. AVSA Information and Sales 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Affiliate’s Meeting 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Classification and Entries for convention workers ONLY 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Tour #8 - Great Caruso’s Dinner Theater A-8 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine THURSDAY, April 8, 1999 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Teachers Breakfast 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Registration 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Commercial Sales Open 8:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m. Information 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tour #10 - Galveston and Moody Gardens 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Nominating Committee Meeting 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Hospitality Room Open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon AVSA Information and Sales 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tour #9 - NASA (#2) 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Classification and Entries 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Building/Maintenance Fund Thble, Booster Fund Thble Ways and Means Thble, Omaha Promotional Table 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. Information 12:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Classification and Entries 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AVSA Information and Sales 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Registration 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. President’s Reception for Board of Directors 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. 1998 Sacramento Convention and New Introduction Slides 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Entries for Those on Tours Only 7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Social Break 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. “Let Me Tell You About My Violets”, A Grower’s Forum 11:00 p.m. Design Work and Commercial Display Set-ups will close for the night FRIDAY, April 9, 1999 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. Design Exhibitors will be permitted to finish designs and replace blossoms for replacement of blossoms only. 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Commercial Members Breakfast 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Information 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Registration 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Judges and Clerks Instructions 9:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m. Hospitality Room Open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon AVSA Information and Sales 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commercial Sales Open 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Presentation #1 -"Satin Sheets & Silver Spurs" by Pat Hancock 9:30 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m. Presentation #2 - Ar-“Range”-ments by Jan Davidson & Blanca Fuster 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Building/Maintenance Fund Thble, Booster Fund Thble Ways and Means Thble, Omaha Promotional Thble 10:00 a.m. to Completion Judging of Show 1 1:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Violets Online Social 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. Information 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Presentation #3 - “Mutt & Jeff Go To the Roundup" by Richard Nicholas & Patricia Tillman 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Presentation #4 - “Don’t Fence Me In” by Dolores Gibbs 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. AVSA Information & Sales 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Presentation #5 - “Violets at the Chuckwagon” by Kent & Joyce Stork 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Presentation #6 - “Tracking Those Pesky Critters” by Dr. Charles Cole 4:30 p.m. to Completion Photography - Library and AVM 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Opening Reception (cash bar) 7:00 p.m. to Completion Opening Dinner - “Tex-Mex Night” Show Awards will be Announced 9:30 p.m. to 12:00 m/n Show opens to AVSA Convention Registrants Only SATURDAY, April 10, 1999 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Showroom open to photographers only 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Judges’ Breakfast and Workshop 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Registration Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A-9 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Information 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Presentation #7 - “No Bull About It: The Facts About Gesneriads” by Dale Martens 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Presentation #8 - “Mutt & Jeff Go To The Roundup” by Richard Nicholas & Patricia Tillman 9:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m. Hospitality Room Open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon AVSA Information & Sales 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Show Room Open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Commercial Sales Open 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Agriculture Officials available to certify plant materials for transportation into controlled countries and states 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Building/Maintenance Fund Thble, Booster Fund Thble Ways and Means Table, Omaha Promotional Thble 10:30 a.m. to 1 1:30 a.m. Violets “On Line” Meeting 12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m. Luncheon and Auction 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Registration 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hospitality Room Open 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Annual Membership Meeting, Open Forum and Raffles 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. President’s Reception & Hospitality Hour (non-alcoholic punch provided) (cash bar) 7:00 p.m. to Completion “Classically Texan” Installation Banquet 9:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. Commercial Display Thbles Checkout 9:45 p.m. to 12:00 m/n Commercial Sales Breakdown 10:15 p.m. Entry Checkout Begins 12:00 m/n Show Room Closes SUNDAY, April 11, 1999 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Commercial Sales Breakdown 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Local Storage Clean-up 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Commercial Storage Clean-up 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Show Room Clean-up 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Board of Directors Meeting DIRECTIONS TO THE ADAM’S MARK HOTEL FROM BUSH INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT: From any terminal, follow the Interstate 45 signs out of the airport on to John F. Kennedy Boulevard (JFK) . Follow JFK SOUTH to the Beltway 8 WEST exit. Turn right onto Beltway 8, and follow the Beltway through 3 toll booths to the Westheimer exit. TUm left under the freeway, travel 3 traffic lights to Briarpark, and turn right. Go 1/2 block and the Hotel is on the right. (Travel Time 45 Minutes) DIRECTIONS TO THE ADAM’S MARK HOTEL FROM WILLIAM P. HOBBY AIRPORT: From any terminal, continue straight out and take a left on Airport Blvd. Take a left on Telephone Road. Travel approximately 3 miles to Beltway 8 and travel West on the Beltway. Travel through two toll islands ($1.00 each) and exit Westheimer. Turn right on Westheimer, your second light will be Briarpark Drive. Turn right on Briarpark and the hotel will be on your right. (Travel Time 35 Minutes) A- 10 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine AVSA 1999 HOUSTON CONVENTION PRESENTATIONS 1. “Satin Sheets and Silver Spurs” Friday, April 9, 1999 9:30 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m. By Pat Hancock Pat Hancock, creator of the wonderful “Buckeye” series, comes to the Texas round-up to share her hybridizing secrets and suc¬ cesses. Pat credits Priscilla Landaker, a super Ohio violet grower, as the person who first introduced her to this wonderful hobby. As a former breeder of champion poodles and cats, it was only natural for Pat to want to “make her own.” Though Pat had grown violets since the 1950’s, it is only since she became an “empty nester” that she expanded into the hybridizing area of the hobby. Our Texas convention is very fortunate to have Pat Hancock illus¬ trate her hybridizing motto, “anybody can do it.” 2. Ar - “RANGE” - ments Friday, April 9, 1999 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. By Jan Davidson and Blanca Fuster The Dallas Metroplex area is proud to be represented by two of its finest designers at the Texas roundup. Both Jan and Blanca belong to the same affiliate in the Dallas area. A visit to the design division of their show is a promise of a display of incredible tal¬ ent. Jan, a military wife, has always had a love for plants. She bought her first violets while she and husband, Ron, were at Ft. Hood in Killeen, TX. Her designs are a delight to behold and are excellent examples of the principles and elements of design. Blanca, an educational administrator from Puerto Rica, consistently wins awards with her colorful and original arrangements. Blanca is a popular workshop presenter whose discussion of the use of color in design is beneficial to both novice and advanced designers. 3. “Mutt and Jeff Go To The Roundup” Friday, April 9, 1999 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. By Richard Nicholas and Patricia Tillman Richard grows the “big ones” and Patricia grows the “little ones.” These two growers have teamed up to show and tell how they consistently produce winners. Patricia, an East Texas violet grower, has won countless awards with her perfect semi-minia¬ ture and miniature violets. She will share how she grooms and pots up her little ones so they will be on a perfect schedule for an upcoming show. Richard, a university vice-president and a prize winning grower from the north Texas area, will compare and con¬ trast large violet growing techniques to Patricia’s small violet tech¬ niques. The presentation will include a good discussion on some of the differences of the time table between growing the little ones and the big ones for show. This workshop will be repeated on Saturday morning. 4. “Don’t Fence Me In” Friday, April 9, 1999 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. By Dolores Gibbs Dolores Gibbs, an outstanding grower and designer from Central Texas, will take us on an enjoyable tour of container garden how¬ to information. Dolores has enjoyed her violet growing and design¬ ing hobby for about ten years and is a consistent award winner. She won the Best Container Garden award at the AVSA national show in Atlanta in 1996 and has won numerous “best” awards in both state and local shows. In describing her success in con¬ tainer gardens, Dolores says, “You have to love what you’re doing, and I love doing it!” 5. “Violets at the Chuckwagon” Friday, April 9, 1999 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. By Kent and Joyce Stork Violets, like humans, have certain nutritional needs and who better to tell us about these needs than Kent and Joyce Stork from Nebraska. The Storks own and operate a floral shop with a specialty in African violets. They have won numerous awards for their out¬ standing new hybrids every year at the national conventions since 1981. Their “For Beginner’s” column in the African Violet Magazine offers a great source of information in each issue. This delightful couple will tell us how to keep our violets looking healthy and beautiful. 6. “Tracking Those Pesky Critters” Friday, April 9, 1999 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. By Dr. Charles Cole Dr. Cole, a research entomologist at Texas A & M University, has presented countless lectures and has written a multitude of articles on African violet pests. As a leading “pest tracker,” Dr. Cole will give practical help in identifying and treating pests and dis¬ eases which can invade our African violet collections. 7. “No Bull About It: The Facts About Gesneriads” Saturday, April 10, 1999 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. By Dale Martens Dale Martens, our “Gesneri- Advice” columnist, is an AGGS Master Judge/Teacher and an enthusiastic gesneriad hybridizer. One of her hybrids is Streptocarpus “Texas Hot Chili.” She will bring to the presentation a variety of new hybrids as well as rare and unusual gesneriads. A few lucky audience members will go home with new plants! Don’t miss this one! 8. “Mutt and Jeff Go To the Roundup” Saturday, April 10, 1999 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. By Richard Nicholas and Patricia Tillman (repeated from Friday) Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A-ll African Violet Society of America, Inc. 53rd Annual Convention & Show April 4-11, 1999 - Adam’s Mark Hotel - Houston, Texas Call for 1999 Annual Meeting The Annual Meeting of The African Violet Society of America, Inc. will be held Saturday, April 10, 1999, at 2:30 p.m., at Adam's Mark Hotel, Houston, Texas, for the purpose of electing Officers and Directors and transacting business that may properly come before The Assembly. Call for 1999 Board of Directors Meeting The African Violet Society of America, Inc., Board of Directors Meetings will be held Wednesday, April 7, 1999, 2:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at Adam’s Mark Hotel, Houston, Texas and Sunday, April 11, 1999, for the purpose of transacting business that may properly come before the Board of Directors. Call for 1999 Open Forum Meeting The 13th annual Open Forum meeting of the Board of Directors of The African Violet Society of America, Inc., will be held Saturday, April 10, 1999 at Adam's Mark Hotel, Houston, Texas. This will take place the first twenty minutes of the Annual Meeting. At this time, the Board of Directors of AVSA will welcome any and all AVSA members to come and present any suggestions, ideas, questions, etc. Registration For Judging School For New Students & Certificate Renewals An AVSA judging school will be held on Wednesday, April 7, for AVSA members who wish to take their first judge's school and for judges who wish to renew their certificates. The lecture will be from 7:30 am - 12:00 noon and must be attended in order to take the exam. The test begins at 2:00 pm. The registration fee is $7.50, payable to AVSA. AVSA membership cards must be presented at the door. Proof of three blue ribbons is required. Name _ AVSA Membership # _ Address _ City _ State _ Zip _ Judging Status: Student (1st exam) _ Student (renewal) _ Advanced _ Auditing _ Complete this form (or facsimile) and mail, with registration fee of $7.50 (make check payable to AVSA) to Irene Merrell, W283 Hillendale Dr., Oconomowoc, WI 53066-5530. The test will be based on latest edition of the AVSA Handbook, the 1998 printing plus any updates. Registration for the judging school must be received by March 15, 1999. Attention Judges All Advanced, Senior, and Master Judges are eligible to judge the convention show. If you would like to judge, please complete the form and mail to: Bill Foster, AVSA Shows & Judges Chairman, 3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150-2121. These must be postmarked no later than March 1, 1999. If you plan to exhibit in the show, please indicate which classes you plan to enter. DO NOT serve on entries, classification, or placement if you apply to judge. Applications received after March 10, 1999 will be filed in the event of cancellations and/or vacancies. If selected to judge you will be notified of your assignment. Name _ AVSA Membership # _ Address _ Apt. # _ City _ State _ Zip _ Classes entered _ Type of Judge: _ Advanced _ Senior _ Master _ AGGS _ Nat'l Council Experience: _ Minis/Semis Trailers _ Species _ Design _ Commercial Attention Judges Clerks Students and Advanced Judges are invited to serve as clerks for the convention show. Any vacancies will be filled by other AVSA members. This means that AVSA members may apply to serve as clerks; however, judges will be given first preference. Any positions remaining will be filled by members in the order in which the applications are received. All clerks will receive notification of their assignment. If you would like to clerk, please complete the form below and mail to: Bill Foster, AVSA Shows & Judges Chairman, 3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150-2121. These applications must be postmarked no later than March 1, 1999. Name _ Address _ . _ Apt. # _ City _ State _ Zip _ _ Student Judge _ Advanced Judge (Please Print) Name _ Address _ City _ AVSA Member Design Division Reservations State _ Apt. # Zip _ Phone Number _ I would like to enter the following interpretive design classes: (Limit six, excluding container gardens) 1. _ 2. _ 3. _ 4. _ 5. _ 6. _ Alternate Choices: 1. _ 2. _ 3. _ I would like to enter Container Gardens in the following classes: 1. _ 2. _ 3. _ 4. _ 5. _ 6. _ Entries will be accepted ONLY, if postmarked February 15. 1999 or later by regular mail. No telephone reservations will be accepted. Reservations will be on a first come basis. Send reservations no later than March 26. 1999. to: Judith Carter, 19506 Mills Meadow Lane, Houston, TX 77094-3412. A- 12 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine AVSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Show “Lone Star African Violet Round-Up” April 4-11, 1999 - Adam’s Mark Hotel - Houston, Texas AVSA Convention Registration Form NOTE: Each person registering must use a separate form. Xerox copies may be used if more are needed. Please send this completed pre-registration form with your check, money order or credit card number made out in the appropriate amount to the Houston, Texas Convention Account. Mail to: The AVSA Office - 2375 North, Beaumont, TX 77702. Refunds will be made upon written request only if received by March 13. 1999. There will be a $5.00 paper work fee charged for cancellations. Registrations received after March 13, 1999 will be $65.00. Following receipt of your Registration, you will receive confirmation from the AVSA Office which includes your convention registration, tours, presentations, meal information and any registration materials being mailed in advance of the convention. Membership # Last Name First Initial Area Code/Phone # Street or P.O. Box Apt. # City/State Zip Names of Spouse/Guests/Children if attending Convention _ (Please remember to use a separate form for spouse, guest or child attending. Xerox copies may be used) PLEASE CIRCLE APPROPRIATE STATUS: (A) Individual Member (E) Judge (H) Commercial Member (K) Board Member (B) Life member (F) Senior Judge (I) Judging School Teacher (L) Affiliate President (C) Honorary Life Member (G) Master Judge (J) Bronze Medal Winner (M) Non-Member (guest) (D) Associate Member This is my (#) _ convention Name to go on Badge _ (Note: If you are a Commercial Member and want your business name to appear, please write it in also.) _ Yes _ No Is there any possibility that you might bring horticultural exhibits? (If yes, entries information will be mailed to you.) In case of emergency, whom should be notified? _ _ _ Name Relationship Address City/State Area Code/Phone # TRAVEL BY: ACCOMMODATIONS: Personal Car Plane Adam’s Mark Hotel Rental Car Airline Other Other RV If by plane, arrival day/date and time If by plane, departure day/date and time After March 13, 1999, each registration will be $65.00 or $68.00 respectively. Convention Registration: AVSA or Associate Member (Early Bird Discount) $40.00 $ AVSA or Associate Member (after March 13, 1999) $65.00 $ Non-Member (Guest) (Early Bird Discount) $43.00 $ Non-Member (Guest) (after March 13, 1999) $68.00 $ International Member (Early Bird Discount) $35.00 $ International Member (after March 13, 1999) $60.00 $ TOTAL REGISTRATION $ Meals: .1. Wed. Board of Director’s Luncheon (Croissant Sandwich & Tortilla Soup) . .$17.00 $ 2. Thurs. Teacher’s Breakfast (Traditional Breakfast) . . .$14.50 $ 3. Fri. Commercial Breakfast (The Southwestern) . . .$15.00 $ 4. Fri. Open Dinner (“Tex-Mex” Buffet) . . .$34.00 $ 5. Sat. Judges Breakfast (The Sunrise) . . .$15.00 $ 6. Sat. Luncheon/ Auction (Grilled Chicken) . . .$21.00 $ 7. Sat. Installation Banquet (Prime Rib) . . .$37.50 $ TOTAL MEALS $ PERSONS WISHING TO BE SEATED TOGETHER AT MEAL FUNCTIONS (LIMIT 10 PER TABLE) MUST MAIL REGISTRATIONS TO THE AVSA OFFICE, IN THE SAME ENVELOPE, BEFORE March 13, 1999. THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS. RESERVATIONS RECEIVED BEFORE MARCH 13, 1999 WILL RECEIVE TABLE ASSIGNMENTS. ALL RESERVATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THAT DATE WILL HAVE UNRESERVED SEATING AT MEAL FUNCTIONS. SPECIAL MEAL REQUESTS MUST BE MADE TO THE AVSA OFFICE AT TIME OF REGISTRATION. REQUESTS MADE DIRECTLY TO HOTEL WILL NOT BE HONORED. Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A- 13 TOURS: (3, 5, 6 and 8, lunch or dinner is included in the cost of these tours) _ 1. Mon., April 5 Texas Bluebonnets and Antique Roses . $24.00 $ _ 2. Mon., April 5 NASA #1 . $30.00 $ _ 3. Hies., April 6 AVSA/Beaumont . $35.00 $ _ 4. Tlies., April 6 Houston City Tour . $33.00 $ _ 5. Hies., April 6 Magic Island (select Entree*) . $46.00 $ _ 6. Wed., April 7 George Ranch . $32.00 $ _ 7. Wed., April 7 Mercer/Old Town Spring . $20.00 $ _ 8. Wed., April 7 Great Caruso’s . $41.00 $ _ 9. Thurs., April 8 Nasa #2 . $30.00 $ _ 10. Thurs., April 8 Galveston & Moody Gardens . $28.00 $ TOTAL TOURS $ ‘Select your evening meal Tour 5 only: _ Chicken A La Champignon, or _ Prime Rib Au Jus We reserve the right of cancellation if minimum number is not met. Thursday, April 8, 1999 _ 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. "Social Hour, Slides of 52nd Sacramento Convention and New Introductions _ 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. "Let Me Tell You About My Violets: A Grower’s Forum", Moderator: Mary Boland, _ Panelists: Dr. Charles, Cole, Hortense Pittman, Doris Brownlie PRESENTATIONS: (Please check those presentations which you wish to attend) Friday, April 9, 1999 _ 1. 9:30 a.m. - 1 1:00 a.m. _ 2. 9:30 a.m. - 1 1:00 a.m. _ 3. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. _ 4. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. _ 5. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. _ 6. 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 10, 1999 _ 7. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. _ 8. 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. PAYMENT: “Satin Sheets & Silver Spurs” by Pat Hancock Ar-“Range”-ments by Jan Davidson & Blanca Fuster “Mutt & Jeff Go To the Roundup" by Richard Nicholas & Patricia Hllman “Don’t Fence Me In” by Dolores Gibbs “Violets at the Chuckwagon” by Kent & Joyce Stork “Hacking Those Pesky Critters” by Dr. Charles Cole “No Bull About It: The Facts About Gesneriads” by Dale Martens “Mutt & Jeff Go To the Roundup” by Richard Nicholas & Patricia Hllman Please double check to insure all numbers are listed correctly. Check one: Total Registration $ _ □ Visa # _ Total Meals $ _ Expires_ Total Tours $ _ □ MasterCard # Expires _ TOTAL PAYMENT ENCLOSED $ _ □ Check or Money Order Enclosed NOTE: Cancellations must be received by March 13, 1999 to be entitled to a refund. _ There will be a $5.00 fee for all cancellations. Signature (If using card) Send payment and completed registration form to: Convention Registration AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702-1722 (409) 839-4725 AVSA 1999 Houston Convention Growers Forum “Let Me Tell you About My Violets" . . . Grower’s Forum Thursday, April 8, 1999 . 8:15 p.m. Moderator . Mary A. Boland Panelists . Dr. Charles Cole, Hortense Pittman and Doris Brownlie This is YOUR opportunity to “ask the experts”. If you have questions about any aspect of growing African Violets and other Gesneriads - horticulture, pests, diseases, hybridizing, soils, chemicals, planting techniques and perhaps even using African Violets in designs don’t miss this opportunity. This open forum is always a favorite among convention-goers. A- 14 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine Please mail to: Adam's Mark Hotel 2900 Briarpark Drive Houston, TX 77042 Hotel Reservation 1999 AVSA Convention, Show and Annual Membership Meeting The African Violet Society of America, Inc. Name Address City State Phone Number ( _ ) _ _ Sharing Room with _ . _ _ _ Make check or money order payable to Adam’s Mark Hotel. Do not send currency. To confirm your reservations, the hotel accepts any one of the following as means of payment: _ One Night’s Deposit Enclosed _ MasterCard _ American Express _ _ Visa Credit Card # _ Expiration Date _ Signature _ Deposit refundable if reservation is cancelled 48 hours prior to the date of scheduled arrival. To cancel, phone - Adam’s Mark Hotel. Phone number: 1 -800-444-AD AM; 9 a.m.-ll p.m. EST or 1-713-978-7400; Fax: 1-713-735-2726. Room Rate; $69.00 $79.00 $89.00 15% Accommodations requested: Single, Double Ttiple Quadruple City & Hotel Ttix _ number of persons in room Single Arrival Date _ _ (check in 4:00 pm) Double (two persons) Ttiple (three persons) Departure Date _ (check out by noon) Quad (four persons) Smoking _ Non Smoking Bed types available: double, king (upon request) Room rates subject to City & Hotel Ttix. Reservations must be received by: March 13. 1999 The AVSA reserved room block will be released after this date. Zip TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM THE ADAMS MARK HOTEL TO THE ADAMS MARK HOTEL BY EXPRESS SHUTTLE USA Hobby Airport Express Shuttle USA counter is located inside the baggage claim area lower level. Loading is just outside the glass doors. The cost is $2 1 one way. Round trip is a little less if three or more people are travelling together. A limo is available for $40 one way. George Bush Intercontinental Airport Located at all terminals at the baggage claim level outside the south side exit. Go outside the glass doors and see the ticket agent on duty at the Express Shuttle USA booth. The cost is $2 1 one way. Round trip is a little less if three or more people are travel¬ ling together. A limo is available for $40 one way. DRIVING East Bound on IH-10 from San Antonio Exit Sam Houston Tollway South bound. Have 4 quarters to pay toll. After toll booth stay in right lane and exit Westheimer (1/4 mile) , at the light turn left and go under tollway, turn right at the second traffic light to Briarpark (do not count traffic light for toll¬ way frontage road). Go 1/2 block and the Hotel is on the right. West Bound on IH-10 from Beaumont, Texas or Louisiana Go through downtown Houston to the west side and exit on the Sam Houston Tollway south bound. Then follow the same directions noted in the previous paragraph for East Bound travellers. South Bound on US 59 from Arkansas or IH-45 from Dallas Take the west bound exit at the Sam Houston Tollway and follow it west and then south to the Westheimer exit. Have quarters available for three toll booths costing $1 each. Follow the directions noted in the instructions for East Bound travellers exit¬ ing from IH-10. South Bound on US 290 from Austin, Texas Exit the Sam Houston tollway go south. Have $2.00 in quar¬ ters for two toll booths. After the second toll booth stay in right lane (1/4 mile) and exit Westheimer, at the light turn left and go under tollway, turn right at the second traffic light to Briarpark (do not count traffic light for tollway frontage road). Go 1/2 block and the Hotel is on the right. Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine A- 15 HOSTS - HOSTESSES If you would like to help at the Houston Convention by serving as a host or hostess in the show room, please send the information listed below by March 13, 1999 to: Roy & Marilyn Hall, 5905 Imogene, Houston, TX 77074-7729. Phone (713) 774-2120. Name Address City State Zip Phone IS ROOM SHARING FOR YOU? Room sharing has become very successful. Are you interested in making your expenses less by sharing a room with someone? We offer this service to anyone interested. Name _ Address _ City _ State _ Zip _ Phone _ $69.00 - Single/Double $79.00 - Triple $89 - Quad Plus 15% Tax Non-Smoker _ Smoker _ No Preference _ Age: Under 25 _ 26-50 _ _ _ 51 and Over _ Arrival Date: _ Departure Date: _ Any other considerations: When you have considered your plans and wish to share a sleeping room with someone, PLEASE contact the AVSA Office immediately. All requests must be made by March 1, 1999, so we may contact all interested “violet friends” and meet the deadline for hotel reservations which is March 13, 1999. Please send requests to: AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702-1722. Phone (800) 770-2872 IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO DRIVE YOUR RV ... Planning on doing some additional sight seeing either before or after the convention? TACO, Texas Association of Campground Owners, lists the follow¬ ing affiliates in the northwest to west Houston area within fifteen to thirty minutes driving time from the hotel: KOA Campground Houston West/Brookshire 1-800-787-5888 Elsevier’s Yogi Bear’s Jellystone at Hempstead 1-409-826-4111 USA RV Park at Sugar Land 1-800-828-6891 Please contact the specific campground for infor¬ mation regarding facilities available and reservations. ATTENTION! Airline information is NOT included this year since we have no airline contracts. Most convention attendees are able to find better rates with other airline promotions and we have had little, or no participation in the drawing for free tickets. A-16 Supplement to January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine Rodeo Country Exhibited by: Ron Davidson Hybridized by: ). C. Munk Photo Credit: Library Crew Large January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 33 In Search of New Violets Dr. Jeff Smith The Indiana Academy Ball State University Muncie, IN 47306 06JLSmith@BSUVC.BSU.EDU A writer contacted me recently about an interesting question. They claimed that some dog breeders have emphasized the “looks” of the animal and have paid little attention to the traits of “health” and “strength”. The result has been animals that look good, but often have health problems. They asked if I thought a similar selection process had occurred in African violets. Have hybridizers placed so much emphasis on the flowers of the plant that we have lost their strength and vigor over the years? After giving the question a great deal of thought and discussing the issue with the membership of two electronic discussion groups, I would say the answer to this question is “yes” and “no”. There has definitely been improvements over time in the flowers of African violets. The wider range of colors and flower types available today as compared to our vintage violets and the species shows the improvements very clearly. We also enjoy a wider range of flower diversi¬ ty in the miniatures and trailers. On the other hand, some of today’s cultivars are likely not as robust or perhaps as dis¬ ease resistant as some of the older plants. This would appear to be a “negative” side of the selection process, suggesting that the health of the plants has declined over time. However, the vintage violets that are still available are like¬ ly the “best” of their generation and have survived over time because of their strengths. When compared to the “weakest” of today’s cultivars, the vintage violets might well appear to be stronger. Another factor, however, is that the vintage plants were grown and selected under natural light condi¬ tions while many of today’s plants are grown under artificial light. Plants selected for one light condition don’t always grow well when moved to the other. Thus, the vintage plants may not appear to be as strong as today’s plants. It is often a matter of which plants you are comparing and what type of growing conditions are used. All in all, I’d say that today’s plants are a general improvement over the older types. Plants that are weak by today’s demanding standards don’t last long on the market. Hybridizers who release inferior plants don’t stay in busi¬ ness. While we might not have yet developed the “perfect plant”, many of the newer cultivars are a considerable improvement on their ancestors. Q: Why do we need to save the vintage violets? Since they were developed from the species and we still have all of them, couldn’t we “recreate” any of the vintage violets f we needed to? A: The vintage violets have traits that were developed over several generations of sexual reproduction. Since sex¬ ual reproduction randomly mixes the traits of the parents, it is generally difficult if not impossible to “recreate” a specific genetic type or mixture. Also, many of the vintage violets contain traits that originated as mutations from the species. Since mutations are also a random event, it would not be possible to “recreate” them. Because of these reasons, the vintage violets should be conserved. It would be next to impossible to recreate the unique genetic traits of these plants. Q- Is it possible to cross Afiican violets with other members of the gesneiiad family? A: While almost all species of African violets can be crossed with each other to produce offspring, the ability to cross African violets with other members of their plant fam¬ ily is less clear. Recent DNA studies have suggested that the closest relatives to African violets are in genus Streptocaipus subgenus Strcptocaipella. While I have heard of one report that hybrids had been created between African violets and Streptocaipus, I have been unable to verify the study. Some hybridizers with whom I have discussed this question, have tried to hybridize these plants, but they have not yet been successful in producing seed. Since there are a large number of species in genus Streptocaipus it may be 34 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 possible that one or more will eventually be crossed with African violets. It would be interesting to speculate what the hybrids would look like and if traits such as scent (some Streptocarpus species are scented) could be introduced to violets this way. Q: What would you suggest for creating a violet that has a “true" shade of blue? A: The difficulty in making suggestions for this cross is knowing exactly what you mean by a “true” shade of blue. Assuming you mean a light or medium blue without any hints of purple, you might consider the following. Look for a plant that has very pale or light flower color. The pale shades are caused by a genetic dominant that modifies the amount of pigment in the flower. If this trait is combined with blue flower color, then many of the offspring will have light to medium blue flowers. Also try to choose a parent that lacks the “bluing” factor trait. This secondary pigment character is a genetic dominant and tends to give blue/pur¬ ple overtones to the flower colors. In blue pigmented flowers, this factor gives purple shades which you want to avoid. Plants with bright coral or clear coral red flowers usually lack the bluing trait. Therefore, try a cross of a clear coral red plant with a light blue. The first generation will likely be blues of various types. Backcross one of these offspring to the clear coral red parent. I’d estimate about 25% of the next generation will have light blue flowers and lack the overtones created by the bluing factor gene. These flowers should be fairly close to the “true" blue shade you wanted. Good Luck! Q: I want to maintain the crown variegated foliage of one plant in a cross. Since I don ’t have much space, is there any particular way I should make the cross to minimize the number of seedlings I’d have to raise and evaluate? A: Crown variegation is inherited only through the maternal parent. Use this plant as the seed parent and many of the offspring should have the variegation. I would still suggest raising as many of the seedlings as space permits so that the results can be fully evaluated. AVSA BOOSTER FUND Bill Lyons • 38 Indian Creek Drive • Levittown, PA 19057 CONTRIBUTIONS FROM 1 AUGUST TO 30 SEPTEMBER Windsor AVS, W. Hartford, CT . . $25.00 Margaret Kopsa, Trumansburg, NY . . . 10.00 Doris Inskeep, Urbana, OH . . . 2.00 Enid Wood, Menlo Park, CA . . 10.00 Millissa Culver, Longmont, CO . 2.00 Joy B. Phillips, Morristown, NJ . . . . . . 5.00 J.A.V.A #221, Metaire, LA . 25.00 Desert Sun AVS, Glendale, AZ . . 131.00 In fond memory of Pat Isbell Donna Williams, Olympia, WA . . . 7.00 Luwan Murphy, Hortonville, WI . 2.00 Ted Nelson, Phoenix, AZ ........ . . 2.00 Peggy Stangas, Tenafly, NJ . 2.00 Sheri Smith, Bedford, TX . . . 1.00 Sandy Shaughnessy, Wilmore, KY . . 10.00 Anita Rudolph, New Hyde Park, NY ........ . 10.00 In memory of my brother, Emil Engel Spring Branch AVC, Houston, TX . 25.00 Miss Gwen Goodship-Patience, Langley, England. . 5.00 Delta Gesneriad and AVS, Cameron Park, CA . . . 25.00 Apply to the computer fund Thelma Heinrich, Cave Creek, AZ . 5.00 Sylvia Siegel, Norwalk, CT . . . . 10.00 Karen Jones, New Rochelle, NY . 7.00 Kathy Linden, Mesa, AZ . $7.00 Joanne Baker-Pruner, Pasadena, MD . 5.00 Mrs. Howard Terry, Hagarville, AR . 10.00 Fay Thomas, Cooroy, Australia . 5.00 Janet Benson, Baltimore, MD . 10.00 Union County Chapter AVS, Roselle Park, NJ . . . 15.00 Unpredictables AVS, Grain Valley, MO . 10.00 Mid-Polk AVS, Auburndale, FL . 10.00 Gail Podany, Minnetonka, MN . 10.00 Mid- America AVS, Kansas City, MO . 20.00 Joan Porter, Fairax, VA . 5.00 Deraid Richards, Jr., Eagle Creek, OR . 1.00 San Marcos AVS, San Marcos, TX . 10.00 Frances Olson, Rush City, MN . 10.00 Jane Zillman, Tonawanda, NY . 10.00 Louisiana Council of A V Judges & Growers .... 25.00 Stephen Mamszak, Westport, CT . 2.00 Claude Morrissette, Brookfield, CT . 5.00 Edna Monroe, Torrington, CT . 10.00 Northern California Affiliated Chapters . 200.00 Surplus finds of the AVSA 1998 Sacramento Convention Fund Total . $701.00 January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 35 Rebel's Crested Robin 1998 Introduction Grown and Hybridized by: Ruth Bann Large Ness' Angel Face Exhibited by: Dorothy Kosowsky Hybridized by: D. Ness Photo Credit: Library Crew Semiminiature 36 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 Tomboy Blue Exhibited by: Elsie Ross Hybridized by: If. Pittman Photo Credit: Library Crew Semiminiature January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 37 To some, just the word “design” is intimidating and really, it shouldn’t be. While, indeed, design can be chal¬ lenging, the finished product or end result brings satisfac¬ tion and a feeling of accomplishment to the designer as well as visual enjoyment and beauty to the viewer. The design division in an African violet show is divided into three sections: Interpretive Flower Arrangement, Interpretive Plant Arrangement, and Container Gardens. According to the AVSA Handbook, the purpose of Interpretive Arrangements is to display African violets in an artistic manner. In flower arrangements, African violet blos¬ soms should be emphasized and, in plant arrangements, the African violet plant should be the focal point. I would like to focus on Interpretive Flower (scaled down design) Arrangements. There are certain requirements with which an exhibitor should be familiar. They are: The Schedule - It is the law of the show and the start of any design. An exhibitor should read and follow it care¬ fully. The dimensions, height, width, and depth, should be clearly and specifically stated. When making an entry into any one of these classes, the space allotted should be used to its fullest and best potential. In other words, the design should fill the space but not exceed it. An easy way to make certain this will happen is to make your own niche by cut¬ ting either poster board or cardboard into pieces the sizes of the dimensions given in the schedule. Container - Almost any type of container can be used. It has to be in proportion to the size of the space in which it is to be placed. It shouldn’t be so large that the material looks overwhelmed or so small that it is dwarfed by the material. Neutral colors such as beige, gray, black, or green are preferable. Containers should be suitable to the category of the class in which the entry is to be made. They can be of dull metal, ceramic, driftwood, etc. The only limit is the imagination. Type - The best choice is usually a line design. They are easier to handle and require little plant material. Line is the visual path the eye follows and can be either straight, curved, diagonal, or vertical, etc. Curved lines, usually the most graceful, create rhythm. The length of the line is determined by both the dimen¬ sions given in the schedule and the size of the container. To determine the length, measure the height and width of the container, add them together, and make the line 1 1/2 times that measurement. If your line material is very thin the lines can be strengthened by adding height but you should never exceed the line by adding material beyond it. Plant material should never touch the sides or back of the niche if one is used. Plant Material - Try to choose material that will hold up well. Woody or twiggy types are best and may be of wis¬ teria, bittersweet, forsythia, ivy, or grape vine, etc. Any material that isn’t too stiff may be used. It can be wired into the desired shape and then added to the design. When the wire is removed, the material should hold its shape. Remember when doing small designs, small foliage should be used. It should be noted; according to the AVSA Handbook, never use artificial plant material, an American flag, or live creatures in any design class. Conditioning - This is one of the most important steps in doing any design and it should be done well in advance of putting the design together. Woody or twiggy stems should be crushed with either a hammer or mallet to allow the material to absorb water. African violet blossoms should also be well conditioned. To condition blossoms, first water the plant the day before and let it become turgid. Cut nearly open buds and blossoms near the base of the stem. Immerse the stem up to the bloom in water that is barely warm. Place in a plastic bag and store overnight in a cool place. It should be noted that when choosing blossoms for design, choose them from plants that have strong stems. Flowers should be upright and have good color, substance and be freshly opened. Color is the choice of the designer, but remember, too many colors are disturbing and will take away from your design. To keep it in good scale and proportion, the blossoms should be no greater than 1/3 the size of the container. I have found that the miniature and semiminiature blossoms seem to work best in smaller designs. Once all of these steps have been completed, it’s time to put everything together: First, set up your niche according to the dimensions in (Interpretive Flower Arrangements continued on bottom of page 39) 38 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 by Ina Beaver Dartmouth, NS, Canada Make a note of when each violet comes into bloom well ahead of an upcoming show. Some plants produce bloom stalks either more quickly, or more slowly, than the recom¬ mended eight weeks for doubles or six weeks for singles. Weather makes a difference even for those of us who grow under lights. For spring shows, warm sunny weather may bring on blooms a week or more ahead of time while cold rainy weather delays them. Luck, as well as “know how” makes a blue ribbon exhibit. All of us who enter shows know the feeling of having to leave a potential blue ribbon plant home that we’ve babied for months. A winning plant never gets that way in a short time. To push a violet into opening reluctant blossoms, place the plant on a spatter screen over a pot of hot water sever¬ al times a day. To delay a plant from blooming too soon, place it in a cool spot. It also helps to pray a lot! If your plant leaves are hugging the pot, the plant may have been allowed to dry out too much, or it’s trying to escape too much light (the outer leaves have probably bleached out too). Maybe it’s inclined to do so naturally. Many of the girl leaf varieties do this. Use a leaf support ring or make one by cutting a plastic or paper plate in half-cut a small circle in the center of the plate and gently insert the two halves under the leaves, taping the plate if necessary. Leave in place until the leaves firm up. If the leaves of your violets turn up instead of properly over-lapping the cause is usually insufficient light. They may be too close to other plants or the leaves may just want to misbehave. Give the plant more room, place it on tinfoil (shiny side up) or place a coin on a wayward leaf and the weight of the coin will force the leaf down. To correct symmetry on a show plant, let it dry out a bit, move the leaf slightly towards the desired position and hold the petiole (stem) in place with a plastic stake. Keep doing this every few days until the leaf is in its proper position. If the crown of a variegated African violet becomes all white feed it with 10-10-2 7 or 20-20-20 fertilizer. Leaves with very little green are incapable of growth. I like to feed my starter plants with 20-20-20, graduating to 5-50-17 as they become established. If variegation is lost it’s usually caused by too much heat. Some plants will revert to normal variegation later in the crown, but the green leaves will remain green. Some cultivars never do regain their variega¬ tion. If you’re growing in a warm room, try to keep varie¬ gated plants as cool as possible; most of them are satisfied with a bit less light. As a rule of thumb, dark-leafed plants with dark blooms require the most light, next are lighter- leafed plants, then variegated. Some growers will disagree with me, so know your plants. High temperatures may cause centers to become tight, bloom stalks to be shorter, or blooms failing to open or fading quickly. Lack of humidity may cause blooms to dry up instead of opening. Plants grown under lights may be sprayed lightly with hot water. Place plants grown in natural light on saucers over trays of water with stones or marbles on the bottom. Grouping plants together helps as well. Reprinted from “Chatter", Journal of the AVS of Canada (Interpretive Flower Arrangements continued from page 38) the schedule. Then, put down a piece of plastic on which to work. Prepare your container with either oasis or a pin hold¬ er. If using a pin holder, attach it to the container with either floral clay or cling. If using oasis, make sure it’s wet and then tape it in place to the container. Establish the line in your container, add material to support the line and add blossoms and buds. Place buds and smaller blossoms at the top and gradually increase their size. Don’t forget to add plant material to the back to create depth. Make sure you have enough water in the container, and mist the design with water. Remember to be sure to check the blossoms and plant materials in your design during a show. Replace any faded blossoms or wilted material as needed. January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 39 Rob's Hot Foot Exhibited by: Fred Packer Hybridized by: R. Robinson Photo Credit: Library Crew Semiminiature 40 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 fPkti&ffo 9 "fey Moon S(*9ns Moot) if) 0rles Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. Used for destroying noxious growths, weeds, pests, etc., and for cultivating. M,oon in Xoterits Productive and moist, earthy and feminine. Used for planting many crops, particularly potatoes and root crops, and when hardiness is important. Also used for lettuce, cabbage, and similar leafy vegetables. Moo f) if) Q*emit)i Barren and dry, airy and masculine. Used for destroying noxious growths, weeds and pests, and for cultivation. Moon if) Cancer Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. This is the most productive sign, used extensively for planting and irrigation. Moon In Leo Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. This is the most barren sign, used only for killing weeds and for cultivation. Moon In 'Yir 90 Barren and moist, earthy and feminine. Good for cultiva¬ tion and destroying weeds and pests. Moon In Ltbm Semi-fruitful and moist, airy and masculine. Used for planting many crops and producing good pulp growth and roots. A very good sign for flowers and vines. Also used for seeding hay, corn fodder, etc. Moon In Scorpio Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. Nearly as productive as Cancer; used for the same purposes. Especially good for vine growth and sturdiness. Moon In Sagifflarias Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. Used for planting onions, seeding hay, and for cultivation. Moon In Capricorn Productive and dry, earthy and feminine. Used for plant¬ ing potatoes, tubers, etc. Moon In 0c^eo pitts Barren and dry, airy and masculine. Used for cultivation and destroying noxious growths, weeds, and pests. Moon In Pisces Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. Used along with Cancer and Scorpio, especially good for root growth. January Moon Table Date Sign Element Nature Phase 1 Fri. 3:16 am Cancer Water Fruitful Full 9:50 pm 2 Sat. Cancer Water Fruitful 3rd 3 Sun. 5:31 am Leo Fire Barren 3rd 4 Mon. Leo Fire Barren 3rd 5 Hie. 10:49 am Virgo Earth Barren 3rd 6 Wed. Virgo Earth Barren 3rd 7 Thu. 7:53 pm Libra Air Semi-fruit 3rd 8 Fri. Libra Air Semi-fruit 3rd 9 Sat. Libra Air Semi-fruit 4th 9:21 am 10 Sun. 7:48 am Scorpio Water Fruitful 4th 1 1 Mon. Scorpio Water Fruitful 4th 12 Hie. 8:23 pm Sagittarius Fire Barlen 4th 13 Wed. Sagittarius Fire Barren 4th 14 Thu. Sagittarius Fire Barren 4th 15 Fri. 7:29 am Capricorn Earth Semi fruit 4th 16 Sat. Capricorn Earth Semi-fruit 4th 17 Sun. 4:12 pm Aquarius Air Barren New 10:47 am 18 Mon. Aquarius Air Barren 1st 19 Hie. 10:41 pm Pisces Water Fruitful 1st 20 Wed. Pisces Water Fruitful 1st 21 Thu. Pisces Water Fruitful 1st 22 Fri. 3:26 am Aries Fire Barren 1st 23 Sat. Aries Fire Barren 1st 24 Sun. 6:53 am Thurus Earth Semi-fruit 2nd 2:16 pm 25 Mon. Thurus Earth Semi-fruit 2nd 26 Tue. 9:30 am Gemini Air Barren 2nd 27 Wed. Gemini Air Barren 2nd 28 Thu. 11:57 am Cancer Water Fruitful 2nd 29 Fri. Cancer Water Fruitful 2nd 30 Sat. 3:16 pm Leo Fire Barren 2nd 31 Sun. Leo Fire Barren Full 11:07 am February Moon Table Date Sign Element Nature Phase 1 Mon. 8:37 pm Virgo Earth Barren 3rd 2 Hie. Virgo Earth Barren 3rd 3 Wed. Virgo Earth Barren 3rd 4 Thu. 4:55 am Libra Air Semi-fruit 3rd 5 Fri. Libra Air Semi-fruit 3rd 6 Sat. 4:06 pm Scorpio Water Fruitful 3rd 7 Sun. Scorpio Water Fruitful 3rd 8 Mon. Scorpio Water Fruitful 4th 6:58 am 9 Tue. 4:38 am Sagittarius Fire Barren 4th lOWed. Sagittarius Fire Barren 4th 11 Thu. 4:10 pm Capricorn Earth Semi-fruit 4th 12 Fri. Capricorn Earth Semi-fruit 4th 13 Sat. Capricorn Earth Semi-fruit 4th 14 Sun. 12:57 am Aquarius Air Barren 4th 15 Mon. Aquarius Air Barren 4th 16 Hte. 6:40 am Pisces Water Fruitful New 1:40 am 17 Wed. Pisces Water Fruitful 1st 18 Thu. 10:07 am Aries Fire Barren 1st 19 Fri. Aries Fire Barren 1st 20 Sat. 12:29 pm Taurus Earth Semi-fruit 1st 21 Sun. Thurus Earth Semi-fruit 1st 22 Mon. 2:54 pm Gemini Air Barren 2nd 9:43 pm 23 Tue. Gemini Air Barren 2nd 24 Wed. 6:09 pm Cancer Water Fruitful 2nd 25 Thu. Cancer Water Fruitful 2nd 26 Fri. 10:44 pm Leo Fire Barren 2nd 27 Sat. Leo Fire Barren 2nd 28 Sun. Leo Fire Barren 2nd Reprinted with permission from Llewellyn ’s 1998 Moon Sign Book. published by Llewellyn Publications, (pages 40, 42 & 233), ISBN 1-56718-933-4 January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 4 1 Vigorous Violets; The Effect of NPK Balanced Fertilizers and the Vitamin on the Crown and Foliar Growth of the Saintpaulia A Science Project by Joshua Patel Riverdale, IL (. Editor’s Note: Joshua Patel had great success with this science project. After winning results in his school’s science fair, he was a semi-finalist in regional competition, and received an outstanding award in state competition where he was one of two junior high school students to win “Best in Cat ego ry” - Botany .) There are many inorganic fertilizers with various NPK balanced formulas all claiming to be the best for African vio¬ lets. The purpose of my experiment was to determine which nutritive agent was the most effective stimulator of crown and foliar growth in the African violet plantlet: an inorganic water soluble fertilizer with either a high proportion of nitro¬ gen, phosphorus, potassium, a general purpose equally bal¬ anced formula, or a solution of the vitamin thiamine. Or would the plantlets grow and thrive given only water? Through my research I discovered that most plant experts believed that a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content was the best choice for immature plantlets. In addition, according to Montague Free, “Some amateur growers believe they get excellent results from dissolving thiamine tablets in pre¬ scribed amounts and occasionally watering plants with them.” (Free, Montague, 1979). My hypothesis states that as the element nitrogen promotes leaf and stem strength and stimulates vegetative growth, generally, an inorganic fertilizer with a high propor¬ tion of nitrogen in an NPK balanced formula would be the preferred nutritive agent to stimulate growth. The variables in my experiment were the various NPK inorganic balanced for¬ mula fertilizers. The proportions were as follows: 30-10-10, 10-60-10, 5-50-17, and 20-20-20. Another variable was the 50 mg. thiamine tablets. The control was water. The African violet plantlets were propagated from leaf cuttings. Seventy-five cuttings were taken from five parent plants of the same pink cultivar. The 75 initial cuttings pro¬ duced 70 rooted cuttings from which 65 immature plantlets were obtained. Sixty of the healthiest plantlets were selected for the experiment. Each plantlet was transplanted into its own 7 cm. plastic pot. The potting medium was a mixture of vermiculite and commercial African violet potting soil. For the first month only water was given as needed. The 60 plantlets were divided into 6 groups of 10. Each group was placed in a plastic tray and marked according to the nutritive agent given. Four groups were each fed with a different inorganic NPK balanced water soluble granular fer¬ tilizer. One group was fed with a solution of thiamine and water. The control group received only plain water. The plantlets had a scheduled feeding every 7 days. The amount of nutritive agent given to each group was as follows: those receiving the inorganic NPK balanced formula were given up to, but not exceeding, 10 ml (depending on the dryness of the potting medium) of solution by combining 1.25 mL. of each group’s appropriate fertilizer per one L. of water; those receiving thiamine were given up to but not exceeding 10 mL. of solution made by dissolving 1 -50 mg. tablet in 1 L. of water; the control plantlets were given up to but not exceed¬ ing 10 mL. of plain water. The parent leaves remained attached to the plantlets throughout the experiment. This experiment dealt only with the visible signs of growth in the African violet plantlet: increase in crown height, leaf span diameter, and the total number of leaves. The measurements and leaf count were taken at the begin¬ ning of the experiment and at two additional intervals. The experiment was conducted for 2 months. The plantlets received 1 6 hours of light per day in order to promote satisfactory growth. The plant trays were placed on the floor in front of a large floor-to-ceiling picture window facing southward. Artificial light in the form of a 65 watt GE incandescent plant light reflector lamp was utilized when natural sunlight was not available. The lamp was placed 1 m. away from the plantlet trays. All of the plantlets made visible growth progress regard¬ less of the nutritive agent given to them. Even the control group receiving water made progress in the beginning. The plantlets given thiamine had the largest total increase in crown height: 20.0 cm. Those receiving the general purpose (Vigorous Violets continued on bottom of page 43) 42 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 Propagating African Violets Suckers are one of the fastest methods of propagating plants. Some growers propagate chimeras by suckers since chimeras cannot be propagated by leaves. Leaves are the most common means of propagating plants. Use a healthy, firm leaf. Cut the petiole at about a 45 degree angle with a razor blade or other sharp instrument. You want the cut facing upwards. Center crown removal is a method of propagating plants, usually chimeras. Remove the first two rows of leaves in the center and allow the side shoots to grow. Flower stems (peduncles) are used to propagate chimeras and some multicolors and fantasies. Pick a flower stem that has two healthy leaves attached. Cut off the blooms, then cut the peduncle to about a one inch length. Reprinted from the CA Council News (Vigorous Violets continued from page 42) formula (20-20-20) had the greatest total increase in leaf span diameter: 30.0 cm. The plantlets receiving the high proportion phosphorus (10-60-10) formula grew the most leaves: 49. Three nutritive agents were consistently in first or second place in more than one of the categories being meas¬ ured for total increase. They were high proportion nitrogen (30-10-10), high proportion phosphorus (10-60-10), and thiamine (50 mg.). Thiamine and nitrogen performed similarly in this experiment. Both were close in rank in all categories. The high proportion nitrogen balanced fertilizer was not the sole nutritive agent to produce visual evidence of healthy crown and foliar growth. Each of the top nutritive agents consistently contributed to one or more aspects of vigorous plantlet growth. This researcher believes that the inherent vigor of each plantlet had an initial effect on growth regard¬ less of which nutritive agent was given. The fact that the par¬ ent leaves remained attached to the plantlets throughout the experiment may explain why the control group given only water did well initially. These plantlets were getting nourish¬ ment from their parent. After the potting medium’s nutrients were used up, supplementary fertilizers were necessary in order for the plantlets to survive. A regular feeding schedule is an important factor in stimulating and maintaining normal growth, preparing the way for a healthy mature plant. Selected Bibliography Bartholomew, Pauline. Growing to Show: How to Grow Prize winning African Violets. Oxnard, California: AV Enterprises Press, 1990. Clements, Tony. African Violets. London, England: David & Charles Publishers, 1988. Coulson, Ruth. Growing African Violets and Some Other Flowering House Plants. Kenthurst, NSW, Australia: Kangaroo Press, 1995. Elbert, Virginie F. and George A. The Miracle Houseplants. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1984. Free, Montague. All About African Violets: The Complete Guide to Success with Saintpaulias. Garden City, New York: Doubleday & Company, Inc., 1979. Hill, Joan and Gwen Goodship. African Violets: The Complete Guide. Wiltshire, England: The Crowood Press, Ltd., 1995. How to Grow Beautiful African Violets. Beaumont, Texas: The African Violet Society of America, Inc., 1990. Johnson, Adelle, “Feeding African Violets,” African Violet Magazine. (January — February 1996), 39. Robey, Melvin J. African Violets. Queens of the Indoor Gardening Kingdom. New York: A.S. Barnes & Company, Inc., 1980. Stork, Kent and Joyce Stork. “The Art of Fertilizing ... Just Enough,” African Violet Magazine. (November-December 1997), January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 43 We must never forget the general public and young people who are being indoctrinated and introduced to the joy of growing African violets. Thus, I gave the following lecture at the Philadelphia Flower Show this spring using live demonstration to our overwhelming captive audience. The propagation of African violets is fascinating, simple and easy; even a small child can achieve success. To see a new little plantlet form at the base of a cut leaf is a reward¬ ing task. A few easy steps can assure satisfactory results. Remove a good firm leaf with a clean break from your African violet plant. Never choose the center leaves as they are the heart of the plant, or the lower outer leaves that lack vigor. Instead, a sturdy, firm mature leaf is most suitable. Cut the petiole, or stem, about 1" to 1 1/2", dip the cut end lightly in a rooting hormone to encourage quick, even growth. Place the cutting in a rooting medium that has been sterilized. We prefer a mixture of half builder’s sand and half fine vermiculite, though other mixtures can be used such as perlite, peat moss or sphagnum moss. Insert the cutting in the prepared rooting medium about 1/2", enough to hold the leaf firmly. Press rooting medium securely around the leaf cutting. Leaves can also be rooted in water, but they produce very fragile, fine roots in com¬ parison to the above methods. When the tiny leaves are about an inch high at the base of the Mother leaf (in about 2 to 6 weeks) they are ready to be lifted gently into their individual 2" to 2 1/4" pots using prepared African violet soil. Vigorous young plants are formed by the third or fourth month. Don’t be too hasty to remove the Mother leaf as it supplies chloro¬ phyll that nourishes the new, tender growth of the young plantlets. If plants have developed several crowns and are 3" to 5" high they can be gently separated, leaving as much fibrous root as possible on each plantlet and put each separation back into a 2" to 2 1/4" pot. Do not expect miracles, but concentrate on a good vig¬ orous single crown plant. Even in the greenhouse, with ideal conditions for growth, it takes approximately nine months to a year to produce a flowering plant from a leaf cutting. Environment affects African violets to a great degree and there are a few basic cultural guidelines one should follow in growing African violets and producing healthy flowering plants. Lighting is very important. Sufficient light is needed but avoid direct burning sunlight. In the winter months south and east windows are most suitable and for the hot summer months north and west. An alternative way for growing is artificial light, which is very beneficial. Fluorescent lights are best so the light is dispersed and lights should be on 1 2 to 1 4 hours a day with eight hours of complete darkness. Potting and soil are important factors. African violets are very shallow rooted, thus squatty pots are best and growth is in better proportion. This is a semi-tropical plant, thus we find the plastic pots are most suitable as they are warmer and do not collect salts that damage stems. They are inex¬ pensive and easily cleaned. Soil should be light and airy, allowing fibrous roots to penetrate. It should be pasteurized to destroy most of the harmful bacteria. We find a soil pH of about 6.4, which is slightly acid, to be most suitable. Anne Tlnari and Lil Ager Anne Unari 44 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 While watering is also very important, there is a ten¬ dency to over water. Plants should always be slightly moist to the touch and receive only the amount of water, prefer¬ ably warm, they can use at one time. The size of the pot and the texture of the soil will deter¬ mine how often plants will need watering. Avoid getting water on the foliage, especially if grown in natural light, as water on the foliage along with bright sunlight can cause spotting of the leaves, especially if there is a ten degree tem¬ perature variation. Feeding also can be a great advantage in keeping plants in good growing condition. As the plant is watered many of the nutrients are leached out of the soil, so by using a dilut¬ ed plant food this can be replenished. Food such as Peters or the popular well-balanced Optimara violet food can be used at every watering if used in a diluted form - 1/4 tsp to a gal¬ lon of warm water. This can help plants to maintain an even growth. Never feed plants when they are excessively dry. Proper humidity of about 40% promotes floriferous, larger blossoms. Plants prefer a fresh buoyant atmosphere and a moderate even temperature of 70 to 75 degrees for best performance. Provide good ventilation and keep plants from direct drafts and cold window sills when low tempera¬ tures are prevalent. You may wish to initiate a preventative spraying pro¬ gram with a suitable insecticide to keep plants free of pests. We find a spray used once a month can help keep your col¬ lection in a healthy growing condition. With the thousands of beautiful cultivars ranging from colors of pure white, all shades of pink, purple, lavender and burgundy plus the two-tone flowering types, one can choose those they most prefer. Foliage, too, has become most interesting over the past 50 years in which hybridiz¬ ing has been done by Americans. Leaves can be plain, serrated, wavy or variegated and even the trailer types are fascinating. Miniatures are very interesting and of course the microminis are preferred by many who do not have space to grow the larger types. No matter if you grow one, a hundred or a greenhouse full, African violets are known as America’s # 1 house plant for beauty and performance. Happy violeting, ANNE TINARI Violets Are Meant To Be Enjoyed by Sarah McGaha Yes, we all enjoy seeing our violets in bloom on the windowsill or under our lights, but what about in other settings? What about a decorative container or basket on a coffee table? The plant can be changed as needed and put back under the lights to renew it’s blooming cycle. We all enjoy a beautiful dining table. In spring, a table just cries out for violets (I’m lucky enough to have violet china). Instead of just the usual plant in the center of the table, try variety. Use stemware of different heights, put a miniature in each group in the center of the table or at one end of a buffet. Another way is to use very small goblets or brandy snifters with a miniature at each place. A nice touch would be to let each guest carry theirs home. In the kitchen, hang a three-tiered hanging wire basket near the window and put pots of violets in each tier. Place moss around pots to keep them from falling out of baskets. A nice touch for the bedroom, especially the guest bedroom, is a violet in a pretty milk glass bowl or whatever matches your decor. When the weather is warm, fill a rustic basket with Episcias and violets, and place at the front entrance to greet people as they come to visit. Cumming, GA We all know the pleasure that a violet brings to some¬ one in the hospital or nursing home, but take a little more time, fill a basket with plants of ruffled lettuce (or whatever you like) and place the violet in the center. Gives a whole new look. In the summer when the fireplace is not in use, put books, bricks or something to give different heights, and stagger Episcias, ferns, and violets. Do you use a recreation vehicle to make trips? I always have some violets in a basket on the table. It gets a lot of attention if you put it outside on a shaded table. You would be suiprised how many people notice and comment on them. For a long time, until I had covered everyone involved, I sent a card with an I.O.U. enclosed to anyone in our Sunday School class. They could bring it any time and pick out the plant they wanted. Now that we have worked so hard to share our plants, isn’t it great to go back to the basement and see them in their usual setting? Repiinted with permission from The Dixie News Publication of the Dixie A VS January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 45 It’s a new year and time to make your New Year’s resolutions. Why not make one as an affiliate, one that can benefit your affiliate and AVSA, and one that you can keep? Make a goal to get more AVSA members. We’ve been discussing ways to attract new members. The last column specialized in the use of the AVSA web site to attract visitors and new members to the affiliates. Now, let’s look to AVSA. Did you know that each year there is an award given to the affiliate that gets the most new AVSA members in one calendar year? The award of $50 is donated by Frank and Anne Unari of Tinari Greenhouses in Huntington Valley, PA. Since the award is given for new members in a calendar year, January through December, it is time to start working on those new members for 1999. Not only does the winning affiliate receive the $50 award, it also receives a rebate of $ 1 for each member from AVSA. Two years ago, our affiliate, Rocky Mountain African Violet Council, won the award with 54 new members, total¬ ing $104 into our treasury. Last year our affiliate won the award with 26 new members, totaling $76 into the treasury. The addition to the treasury was great, but the most impor¬ tant part was so many new members sharing AVSA and their love of the African violet with others. How does it work? Whenever your affiliate is responsi¬ ble for a new club member, friend or family member joining AVSA, make sure someone keeps an accurate record of the name and address. Our AVSA Representative was responsible for this record. After the end of the year and before the end of January of the following year, a list of all the new members should be sent to the AVSA Awards chairman. In order to qualify, an affiliate must have been responsible for a mini¬ mum of 25 new AVSA members. Make sure that all new members register with the name of your affiliate on the form so that the office has an accurate record for your affiliate rebate. The greatest number of new members were received at our annual spring shows and sale and our fall sales. The following are a few tips that should help: 1 . Make it attractive An attractive display in addition to special exhibits to attract visitors. 2. Make it pleasant A friendly greeter who is eager to share information about AVSA. I always asked the following questions: ( 1 ) Are you a member of AVSA? (2) Do you know what AVSA means? (3) Share the information about AVSA and the magazine. 3. Make it tempting Make it too good to pass up. Have some “goodies” avail¬ able to encourage the immediate desire to join. In order to interest visitors to join immediately, I had several items avail¬ able to accompany new memberships; back issues of the AVM (ordered from the AVSA Office for the cost of postage) , free samples of donated fertilizer, and starter plants donated by club members. Be creative - maybe your members have special hobbies that they would be willing to share. 4. Make it immediate It’s easier for the visitors to take a few minutes to fill out an application attached to the culture folder “right now" than to take it home and set it aside, maybe later remembering to mail it in. 46 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 5. Make it easy We even collected the checks and sent them in with the applications. Our AVSA representative made a list of the new members (a copy for the president, one to keep for his/her record) and sent it in with the applications and checks. This made it easy for the new member as well as for the AVSA Representative to keep an accurate list for the award applica¬ tion the following January. 6. Make it convenient We found that it’s better to have the table near the front of the show/sales room. The visitors pass it coming in and again going out. 7. Make it their decision If there seems to be any hesitancy on the visitor’s part, suggest that they enjoy the show and if they decide they want to take advantage of the special offer, ask them to stop by on their way out. Many do. I’ve been a member of several affiliates through the years because of all the moving our family has enjoyed. No other affiliate has made the extra effort to get new members. And none have been as successful either. I challenge all affiliates to try this method or any other in an attempt to get more mem¬ bers than ever before during this calendar year. Those new AVSA members might also become new affiliate members. The following are a few other suggestions for reaching new members for AVSA. “Five Minutes With AVSA," anoth¬ er project for your AVSA Representative. Five minutes read¬ ing one, or parts of more than one, article from the AVM can show how valuable a membership can be to one of your AVSA members. How about a raffle at your show for an AVSA membership? It could be open to members and visi¬ tors. A visitor who wins the AVSA membership could veiy well become your next local affiliate member as well. Encourage members to give AVSA subscriptions as gifts, Christmas, birthday, Mothers’ Day. Make sure that these gifts are reported to your AVSA Representative, or whom ever is responsible, with the names and addresses so that the affili¬ ate can get credit toward the affiliate rebate and the AVSA Membership Award. Don’t forget to encourage all your local affiliate members to join AVSA. Some affiliates even require their members to be AVSA members. The dues include membership in both. This works well for some affiliates, but for some, the required cost of both might turn some potential club members away. Each affiliate must make their own decision as to which benefits them the most. Happy New Year and Happy New Members! GROW THE BEST AND LEAVE THE REST By Steve Covolo • Chicago, IL Every violet seedling that is hybridized has it’s own per¬ sonal needs. The key for successful violet husbandry is being able to meet the needs of each plant. This may seem easy, but why does one cultivar grow great for you while the plant sitting next to it looks like a sick child? The answer is simple - you’ve met the needs of one and not the other. A little trick I use in trying to grow good violets is to shop and compare the cultivars. For example, I enjoy the so- called “red” violets. I’ve not had the best of luck in growing them so what I do is to make a list of the red cultivars I like. Next, I obtain starter plants of each cultivar from the list. Red cultivars on my list that I have chosen have been ‘Cinnamon Ruffles’, ‘Ceremonial Dance’, ‘Chorale’, ‘Powwow’, ‘Arapahoe’ and ‘Tomahawk’. To compare, I now grow each cultivar to find out which grows the best for me. The violets that don’t meet my standards are removed from the collection. This leaves me with the red cultivar which grows best for me. This little trick will allow you to have a plant who’s needs are being met, not to mention a proud care giver, too. January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 4 7 1999 CONVENTION AWARDS HOUSTON, TEXAS Society Awards - Amateur Division Best African Violet in Show $50.00 & Tri-color Rosette 2nd Best African Violet in Show $35.00 & Rosette 3rd Best African Violet in Show $25.00 & Rosette Best Standard $25.00 & Rosette Best Triailer $25.00 & Rosette Best Semiminiature $25.00 & Rosette Best Miniature $25.00 & Rosette Best Species $25.00 & Rosette Best Vintage Violet $25.00 & Rosette Best Other Gesneriad $25.00 & Rosette Sweepstakes in Horticulture $50.00 & Rosette Sweepstakes Runner-up in Horticulture $25.00 & Rosette Best Standard Collection $50.00 & Gold Rosette 2nd Best Standard Collection $25.00 & Purple Rosette Best Mini/Semimini Collection $50.00 & Gold Rosette 2nd Best Mini/Semimini Collection $25.00 & Purple Rosette Society Awards - Commercial Display Best New Cultivar 2nd Best New Cultivar 3rd Best New Cultivar President’s Award Best African Violet in Show - Amateur Best Design in Show Tribles and Specimen Plants $75.00, Blue Rosette and Plaque $50.00 & Red Rosette $25.00 & White Rosette Hand Painted China Plate Hand Painted China Plate Specified Awards - Design Division Sweepstakes in Design $50.00 Metropolitan St. Louis AV Council Specified Awards - Commercial Best Display Thble $300.00 2nd Best Display Thble $200.00 3rd Best Display Table $100.00 4th Best Display Thble $ 50.00 Display Tables Lone Star AV Council Lone Star AV Council Lone Star AV Council Lone Star AV Council Society Awards - Design Division Amateur or Commercial Best Design in Show 2nd Best Design in Show 3rd Best Design in Show Sweepstakes in Design Sweepstakes Runner-up in Design $50.00 & Tri-color Rosette $35.00 & Rosette $25.00 & Rosette $50.00 & Rosette $25.00 & Rosette Specified Awards - Commercial Specimen Division Best Holtkamp Collection 2nd Best Holtkamp Collection 3rd Best Holtkamp Collection Best Standard Gr. Fol. Edged Sweepstakes in Specimen $300.00 & Rosette $200.00 & Rosette $100.00 & Rosette $ 25.00 & Rosette $ 50.00 Holtkamp Greenhouses Holtkamp Greenhouses Holtkamp Greenhouses Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses Lone Star AV Council Society Awards - Commercial Display Tables Best Commercial Display Thble 2nd Best Commercial Display Thble 3rd Best Commercial Display Thble 4th Best Commercial Display Thble Best African Violet on Display Thbles $125.00 & Blue Rosette $100.00 & Red Rosette $ 75.00 & White Rosette $ 50.00 & Honorable Mention Rosette $ 50.00 & Rosette Society Awards - Commercial Specimen Plants Best African Violet in Show 2nd Best African Violet in Show 3rd Best African Violet in Show Sweepstakes in Specimen Plants Best Other Gesneriad Best Standard Collection 2nd Best Standard Collection Best Mini/Semimini Collection 2nd Best Mini/Semimini Collection $50.00 & Rosette $35.00 & Rosette $25.00 & Rosette $50.00 & Rosette $25.00 & Rosette $50.00 & Gold Rosette $25.00 & Purple Rosette $50.00 & Gold Rosette $25.00 & Purple Rosette Specified Awards - Commercial Specimen Division Bertha $25.00 Alpha AV Society Tlnari Greenhouses Membership Award A special award of $50.00, donated by Tlnari Greenhouses, will be presented at the 1999 Houston Convention to the individual, club or affiliate obtaining 25 or more new members during 1998. To be eligible for the award, send a complete list of names and addresses of the new members to Linda L. Golubski, AVSA Awards Chairman, 1416 N.W. A Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015, by January 31, 1999. 48 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 Specified Awards - Amateur Division Best Holtkamp Collection $300.00 Rosette & Coin 2nd Best Holtkamp Collection $200.00 & Rosette 3rd Best Holtkamp Collection $100.00 & Rosette Best African Violet in Show Silver Best Standard $ 25.00 Best Semiminiature $ 25.00 Best Semiminiature $ 25.00 Best Miniature $ 25.00 Best Variegated Standard $ 10.00 Best White Standard $ 25.00 Best Standard Gr. Fol. Edged $ 25.00 & Rosette Best Semimini Gr. Fol. Edged $ 25.00 & Rosette Best Species $ 50.00 Best Species Rosette Best Bustle Leaf or Wasp Blossom $ 50.00 Sweepstakes in Horticulture $ 50.00 Education Thble $ 25.00 Specified Awards - Amateur Division Bertha $ 25.00 Bertha $ 25.00 Bertha $ 25.00 Everdina $ 10.00 Little Pro $ 10.00 Mickey Mouse $ 10.00 Petite Jewel $ 10.00 Precious Pink $ 10.00 Rob’s Fuddy Duddy $ 25.00 & Rosette Rodeo Country $ 25.00 Texas Space Dust $ 10.00 Other Awards - Amateur Division $100.00 donated by AV Council of Florida Missouri Valley AV Council $75.00 donated by Northstar AV Council $50.00 donated by AV Study Club of Houston Bill & Paula Foster Tbrnpa AV Society Tristate AV Council $40.00 donated by Magic AV Society $25.00 donated by Aca’s Violet Thee New York State AV Society Alpha AV Society' Northern Council of California AV Societies Central California AV Society North Texas AV Judges Council Delta Gesneriad & AV Society Ohio State AV Society The First AV Society of Dallas Jim & Linda Owens First Nighter AV Society Josephine Schindler Dolores Gibbs Spring Branch AV Club Maurice & Jackie Jones The Tidewater AV Society Lakes Area Violet Growers Unpredictables AV Society Lakeshore AV Society Valley AV Society Lynn Lombard $20.00 donated by Acrees Creation Milwaukee AV Society Nancy Amelung Richard & Anne Nicholas Holtkamp Greenhouses Holtkamp Greenhouses Holtkamp Greenhouses Memorial Award for Fannie & Elmer Hall donated by Ovella Hall Memorial Award for Fannie & Elmer Hall donated by Ovella Hall Memorial Award for Fannie & Elmer Hall donated by Ovella Hall Mid America AV Society St. Louis Judges Council Louisiana Council of AV Judges Sundowner AV Society Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses Cape Cod Violetry AV Society of Western New York Belisle's Violet House Metropolitan St. Louis AV Council Pat Richards Fort Worth AV Society Grace Davis First Dallas AV Society Hans & Everdina Inpijn Hortense & Ray Pittman Hans & Everdina Inpijn Hortense & Ray Pittman Hortense & Ray Pittman Rob’s Mini-o-lets Spring Branch AV Club Magic Knight AV Society $20.00 donated by Carolyn Burr Gateway AV Club Jim & Linda Golubski Indy AV Club $15.00 donated by Union County Chapter AV Society $10.00 donated by AV Club of Greater Kansas City AV Society of Lower Bucks County AV Society of Rochester AV Society of San Francisco Amethyst AV Club Ronald & Janice Davidson First AV Society of Wichita Falls, TX Fred Roth Martha Timer Maiy Walbrick Gulf AV Club Meredith Hall Sue Hill Gene Loveland (in lieu of speaker's fee j The Pied Pipers Sue Ramser Phyllis Reuss Other 6 Moist Rite Planters donated by June Swift Other Awards - Design Division $25.00 donated by Northstar AV Council $10.00 donated by Amethyst AV Club Judith Carter January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 49 WHO SAID IT WAS by Don Geiss • Fredric, MI “Raising African violets is a snap,” said the greenhouse manager as he handed me some leaves from plants he was trimming. It sounded easy enough as he presented the barest information on starting and care of the plants. Little did I realize the many ins and outs of raising those delightful examples of nature’s beauty. I dutifully started the leaves in water carefully suspending the stems in narrow mouthed bottles. When the white roots appeared to be well developed, the leaves were carefully planted in potting soil as carried by the local discount store. Each of the clay pots was situated in a shallow saucer so that bottom watering would be efficiently carried out. And so a new hobby was created in the Geiss house¬ hold. Some of the plants soon began to fail and rapidly showed signs of complete collapse. A neighbor who pro¬ fessed to know all about African violets said they had stem rot. Of course any fool could see the stems had rotted, but the question was why? The neighbor said it was probably because the plants were allowed to sit in a saucer full of water for days. Well that was easily handled by pouring off the water that was in excess a short time after pouring it in the saucer. The rot was not then apparent on any other plants. Problem solved. The plants thrived except for the fact that there were no flowers. A friend asked if I had ever fertilized? I told him that the well water that was used should have had enough fertilizer. He said that I was wrong. So once again we over¬ came another problem as fertilizer was poured on the soil at each watering. The plants wilted almost overnight. My friend then analyzed the problem as being too much fertiliz¬ er. He thought perhaps just a touch every once in a while would do the trick. Yup! Raising African violets was a snap all right. But I didn’t have the right touch in my snapper. At my lowest ebb in confidence 1 had the good fortune to meet Ruth Funck. She lives in a nearby town and had raised and sold African violets for years. I read an ad in the local newspaper that indicated she was going out of busi¬ ness due to poor health. When I decided to visit her it was well after the ad appeared and so all she had left were three non-flowered plants. Needless to say my experiences with non-flowering plants did not make me enthusiastic about purchasing more. Ruth then took over as my personal teacher and analyzed my growing techniques from the very beginning to the point where my experiments had taken me at that moment. She laughed when I told her that her remaining plants did not appeal to me because they were out of flower. She said that trying her method of growing African violets would give me enough confidence to buy only leaves with the sure knowledge that they would eventually become flowering plants. Ruth discussed the things I had been doing right, like adjusting the watering time and reducing the amount of fer¬ tilizer. But then she hit me with a totally new plan that began with using plastic pots, a correct soil mix, measuring the amount of fertilizer and most helpful of all was the wick- ing method of growing African violets. Most of all she gave me confidence that 1 could raise beautifully flowering plants. Soon after her lessons ended, my urge to try new things in the raising and care began. At least for me the ideas were new. If I purchased a mother plant from a major discount store a leaf or two was immediately started. It had been my past experience that the mother plants died all too easily. The type of planting medium for most of those plants did not lend themselves very well to the wick system. This of course did not imply that those plants were not properly raised, for the very showy flowers on most of them would put the lie to that idea. Rather it seemed that the plant was accustomed to its original environment and was more vulnerable in the new one. The major difficulty that seemed to create prob¬ lems was the water holding medium. A heavy sphagnum moss base to the plant medium caused it to stem rot very easily. The four inch pot seemed to contribute somehow although I have yet to figure out why. All of my plants are set in three inch pots and seldom do I use three and one half, rarely four. Perhaps there is no significance to that method but at least it supports my ego in managing the plant system. Now when obtaining plants from a source where they are not raised on the wick system I immediately wash off all of the mix and repot in my own. Even there I find that some plants will end up as stem rot victims. When conducting a workshop I have a handout that instructs participants to 50 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 repot their own plants before they attempt to use the wick system unless they are certain that the mix is suitable for wicks. The handout explains that their medium must not contain too much spaghnum moss and should contain some perlite. I suspect that the early environment provided by larger growers facilities does have much to do with the success of raising the plants in the home. If they are raised on some system other than wick, there are times they do not adjust to it even if the medium is changed. Generally, however they do perk up and become hearty mature plants. It is inter¬ esting to note that at least one major grower has acknowl¬ edged the need for medium adjustment when using the wick system and sells medium with added perlite. For the reader who might not be familiar with the wick system, it is a method of watering plants where a wick is inserted in the pot emerging out the bottom to a length of about three inches. The wick may be of any material that will hold water such as acrylic yarn or narrow nylon twine. Do not use cotton or wool material because it will rot. That wick is tucked into a reservoir of some type. Many people use an oleo or cottage cheese container and poke two holes in the lid on the same side but opposite each other. The container is filled with fertilized water. I use one quarter teaspoon of Peters 12-36-14 or 15-30-15 per gallon of water. I use a gallon milk bottle and fill the reservoirs when they get low from that. Writers have gobbled up pages discussing the types of non-soil mixes that should be used for the wick system. Ruth Funck included the mix I use in one of her early lessons. She recommended one part of each Metro Mix 360, coarse perlite and coarse vermiculite. 1 have used some small variations on that mix for experimental purposes, but have not noted any particular difference. Admittedly, the experiments have not been very profession¬ ally conducted and some researchers may differ with my conclusions. The end result of all of these ups and downs is that I now do consider raising African violets as a snap although only my method gives me that confidence. Of course people have approached me after using that technique and told me of failures but somehow I always suspect that there was a slight difference that caused the plant (s) to go awry. Mostly though, people approach me with success stories and these far outnumber the failures. In my workshops I try to remember Ruth Funck’s helpful tutoring and do unto others as she did unto me. Thanks, Ruth, and may you live to be a hundred and continue to raise those precious few pet African violets that flower continuously. TRANSPORTING PLANTS TO SHOW by Barb Pershing Cedar Falls, IA Start looking for boxes that are nearly square and large enough for the diameter of your show plant to not quite cover the flat surface. Obtain a good utility knife and cut a circle just slightly smaller than the diameter of the pot in the center. Cut 1/2" slits all around the circle. This will allow your pot to fit snugly as you fit a slip pot into the box in preparation for your show entry to be inserted. Place a layer of plastic wrap and a moist paper towel in the pot. Carefully insert the pot with the plant into the first pot, leaving the plant support on until you get to the show room. It will help cushion your plant. The depth of the box should be the depth of the pot so the bottom of the pot will rest on the floor of the box when it is inserted into the hole. For more protection, especially if it is necessary to stack things in the car, go to the grocery store and obtain large cereal or tissue boxes. (For the trip to the AVSA conven¬ tion in Atlanta, we fashioned boxes with lids to fit five large plants using lots of duct tape!) The flat boxes (described above) snugly fit into the larger boxes so the plants couldn’t move. The plants made the trip without a single leaf broken and they stayed moist the entire trip. Instead of paper toweling, I cut circles of acrylic matting and fit them into the lower pots. I have to give my husband credit for this. He came up with the idea for making the boxes to fit the plants. Now the problem is where to store them! He says he has to build a storage shed just for my boxes! But he is pretty proud of the blue ribbons I brought home! Reprinted with permission from The ‘Bloomin ’ Violet, publication of the Cedar Valley AVC, IA January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 5 1 TravisNiolets P. O. BOX 42 OCHLOCKNEE, GA. 31773 3 FREE VIOLETS! Phone 1-912-574-5167 (DAY) 1-912-574-5236 (NIGHT) FAX: 1-912-574-5605 e-mail:tviolets@ aol.com [MasterCa rdJ Order now before May 1, 1999 and get 3 FREE violets, our choice. Min. order for this special is 12 PLANTS. Order from ad or from over 300 varieties listed in our 1999 Catalog. Send $2.00. SOME OF THE NEW VARIETIES WE HAVE TO OFFER: 1998-99 TRAVIS' VIOLETS $4.00 Heaven's A Calling Hal’s Bonnie Blue Georgia Starburst Star Eclipse Darlin’ Darlene Georgia Sunset Violets Aglow Baby's Breath Radiant Glow 1998 LYONS $4.00 Arctic Frost Blue Masterpiece Blushing Fantasy Broadway Star Designer Print Faded Denim Festive Amethyst Golden Flash Golden Fountain Harvest Moon Kissing Bandit Lying Eyes Midnight Frolic Moon Goddess Nightfall Phantom Pink Feathers Pirate’s Gold Rainbow Connection Rainy Day Wishes Royal Rage Sergeant Pepper Sunny Skies The Artist Thunder N’ Lightning Velvet Valentine MINIS AND SEMIMINIS Fireworks Golden Eye Irish Touch Kiss N' Tell Little Chatterbox Party Flirt Smitten Kitten Snow Leopard Also LYONS 1997 Varieties and other new releases. Please list several substitutes. 1998-99 Plants - $4.00 ea.; All other $3.00 ea. Please add $6.00 or 20%, whichever is greater for First Class Shipping. Shipping starts April 1st - Weather permitting. ORDERS SHIPPED IN ORDER RECEIVED Try our SUPER SPECIAL - Twelve Husky Starters - all different - All plants OUR CHOICE, but all different - $38 Postpaid. New and older varieties of African violets, from leading hybridizers, and our new plants. Specify: Special #1 -Standards; Special #2-Semis and Minis; Special #3-Standards, Semis and Minis; Special #4-Standards, Semis, Minis and Trailers. VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER CREDIT CARD - List all info on card (exp. date). Minimum credit card order is $30.00. Greenhouse opened 7 days a week, please call first. COMMERCIAL MEMBER: AVSA AND DIXIE. Visit our web site: www.imox.com/travisviolets Mannafi s greenhouses ''mail order specialists" African Violets, Gesneriads, Geraniums & Tropical Flowering Plants well established starter plants fresh-cut leaves growing supplies We take pride in our expert wrapping and packaging Shipping throughout Canada, United States and Internationally View the catalog on-line at ivivw. alannahs.com To receive a copy of the '99 catalog, please send $2.00 (available in early February) Box 1342 Grand Forks, BC VOH1HO Canada Box 2 Danville, WA 99121 US ozell Rose Nursery & Violet Boutique Presents 1999 Catalog Champion • Clive • Cox • Croteau Elkin • Foster • Munk • Pittman Dr. Jeff Smith Over 600 African Violets & Gesneriads Antique Roses & Miniature Roses (available in U.S.A. Request Rose List) Supplies • Flora-Carts • Soil • Gift Certificates Send $2.50 ($5.00 International) for 1999Catalog Available Feb. 1 5th Visitors welcome by appointment. BILLY and CAROLYN ROZELL 12206 Flwy. 31 West Phone: 903-595-5137 Tyler, TX 75709-9738 Fax: 903-593-7956 52 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 STARRLIGHT AFRICAN VIOLET LAMPS These lamps feed and water the violets with a mat watering system in a ceramic reservoir base. Light is provided with a circular fluorescent tube. Simply set the violet, in its plastic pot, on the mat. Lamp for a standard violet - $59.00 Lamp for 3 mini/SM violets - $65.00 Plus shipping and handling Shades sold and shipped separately - $16.00 ea. + S&H Also available: Soil Scoops - $3.00 ea. + S&H ($1 any size order) Discounts available on Scoops 'ShoGro” ceramic African Violet Pots with a mat watering system are avail¬ able in many colors. $10.00 + S&H Violets From the Starrs 2602 Graupera St. Pensacola, FL 32507 850-456-2662 e-mail: GBStarr@juno.com Country Violets Greenhouse 2010 Enon Rd. Webb, AL 36376 Quality plants and leaves from many great hybridizers. Send for our catalog of more than 250 varieties e-mail: royh@graceba.net check us out on the web Phone: 334-899-7142 www.graceba.net/~royh Hew Ceramic Reservoir Pots 5 pack: $34.95 ^Collection in plastic mini-weils still $29.95 Postpaid to 48 states Alaska & Hawaii add $10.00 Super Miniatures Receive a collection of 5 Little Jewels® violets direct from Holtkamp. The Mini-Well™ or blue ceramic reservoirs are included along with fertilizer. These minis are easy to grow! Teas Nursery Co., Inc., P.0. Box 1103, Bellaire, TX 77402-1603 Teas Catalog FREE to AVSA Fertilizers, violet pots including the Dandy Pot® plus orchids, plumerias, bromeliads, books, and supplies. -446-7723 www.teasnursery. com African Violet Beauties B rom ‘Tfie ‘Beautiful Ozarfc! THANKS for a GREAT ‘98! Oldies and new special varieties for ‘99. Waik-ins welcome. List $1.00. US. ship only. SON J. VS VIOLETS 15980 W. Warden Rd. (870) 426-1791 Omaha, Arkansas 72662 AV WORLD’S BEST SELLER Thanks to “G-T-S" I just won my first Best in Show award! I tell everyone, "If you don't have this book, you aren't growing violets to their full potential." Mrs. M. L. Horne (Includes unique chapter on “Miniaturing the Miniatures") A step-by- step guide Illustrated - 112 pages 8'A x 11 paperback 12.95 USA/Canada $1.50 p&h + Calif, add 6% sales tax overseas postage: $7.50 air mail, or $2.50 surface D. M. Prestia 1404 N. Tustin J-4 Santa Ana, CA 92701 SAVE $2.05 PER BOOK! 10% discount for 10 or more (save $1.30 each) USA/CAN p&h 75 AFRICAN VIOLET LEAF SUPPORTS 5 Sizes 6" fits up to 3" pot 9" & 12" fit up to 5" pot 15" & 18" fit up to 8" pot made of leaf-green plastic, fits any type of pot send stamped, addressed, long envelope for price list and current shipping charges J F INDUSTRIES CHR-65 Box 309-1 Pryor, OK 74361-9644 1-918-434-6768 • AFRICAN VIOLETS • CONSTANT FEED ® FERTILIZER • RESERVOIR WICK POTS • RESERVOIR WICK SAUCERS • POTTING SOIL • MATTING • PLASTIC POTS • PLASTIC GRATING • A.V. SEED • PLASTIC TRAYS • FLUORESCENT LAMPS • PLANT STANDS • COLOR CATALOG $1 .00 VOLKMANN BROS. GREENHOUSES 2714 MINERT ST. • DALLAS, TEXAS 75219-1 150 AREA CODE (214) 526-3484 CLASSIFIED ADS BAYOU VIOLETS - LEAVES ONLY Request catalog $1.00 Check payable to Genelle Armstrong 1313 Gardenia Drive Metairie, LA 70005-1152 NEPTUNE’S HARVEST ORGANIC FERTILIZERS Top of the line. Commercial proven. Outperform chemicals. Free catalog 1 (800) 259-GROW (4769) 56 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 MIGHTY MINIS Jeannie Stokes Over 600 varieties of Minis, Trailers and various gesneriads. Refundable with 1st order. List available January 1999, $2.00. 7318 Sahara Court Sacramento, CA 95828 (916) 421-7284 Tuesday through Saturday California State License #ID 2889.001 _ Control Botrytis and Powdery Mildew BACTERICIDE & FUNGICIDE Effective • Invisible • Systemic For tech information, contact: Source Technology Biologicals, Inc. 1-800-356-8733 Desert Violets Quality leaves and starter plants 1999 Catalog - $1.00 cash, refundable with order Best wishes for a New Year filled with lovely violets! Susan Merski, horticulturallst (520) 526-3057 email: desertvlolets@>therlver.com 2511 N. Desert Ave. Tucson, AZ 65712 by appointment only ttPds BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN VIOLETS AND OTHER GESNERIADS FROM GARY & PAT DUNLAP Assortments Leaves, Cuttings or Rhizomes Starters 10 Standard 7.95 21.95 10 Miniature 5.95 17.95 10 Semiminiature 5.95 17.95 10 Trailers 5.95 17.95 10 Mixed 6.95 19.95 10 Mixed/all new 8.95 24.95 10 Species 8.95 24.95 10 Streptocarpus 8.95 24.95 10 Achimenes 8.95 24.95 10 Aeschynanthus 8.95 24.95 10 Columnea 8.95 24.95 10 Nematanthus 8.95 24.95 10 Mixed other Gesneriads 8.95 24.95 Miracle Mix Potting Soil $2. 50/gal Miracle Mix II (High water retention) $3.00/gal Miracle Mix III (Beneficial bacteria) $3.00/gal Miracle Mix IV (Both additives) $3.50/gal. Sales in USA only. Minimum order $20. No credit. Packing and shipping $6 plus .25 per plant after the first 10 plants, .10 per leaf after the first 10 leaves. We ship by priority mail only. Our choice only on assortments. Catalog $1 .50 or free with your first order. Make checks payable to: Dunlap Enterprises, 4189 Jarvis Rd., Hillsboro, MO 63050. Our catalog is also at our home page: http://www.jcn1 .com/patspets phone (314) 789-3604 e-mail:patspets@jcn1.com FULL LINE OF INDOOR GARDENING PRODUCTS A PLANT TRAYS ♦ LIGHTED STANDS ♦ A METERS, TIMERS ♦ PLANTLITES ♦ ACCESSORIES ♦ G4-SD2 $554.00 W/4 Two Lamp Fixtures and WS Lamps 4 Shelves W/16 Trays 74H x 53L x 23D 40 WATT WS (Wide Spectrum) LAMPS: 6 = $36.32 12 = $62.06 24 = $117.90 ALL PRICES PREPAID, .. _ G22 81 64 80 MICHIGAN RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX W/2 Tw0 La.mPj VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, CHECKS & COD'S ACCEPTED „ e. , ,.,„xmPS 2 Shelves W/2 Trays FREE CATALOG 40H x 27L X12D P. O. Box 527-AV » Dexter, Ml 48130 Phone (734) 426-9080 • Fax: (734) 426-7803 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EASTERN GARDENING SUPPLIES January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 57 Have a World of Orchids at Your Fingertips! Join the American Orchid Society Delve into the fascinating world of orchids each month when you become a member of the American Orchid Society. Your journey begins when you open the American Orchid Society Bulletin to pages filled with priceless tips and articles on orchid culture accompanied by beautiful, four-color orchid photographs. A special advertising section helps locate sources of orchid plants, supplies, items from the AOS Book Department and whatever else is needed to become a successful grower. Join the Society that brings the world of orchids to your fingertips. Please write or call for a free, four-color membership brochure and let the journey begin. American Orchid Society, Department AV 6000 South Olive Avenue • West Palm Beach, FL 33405 (407) 585-8666 Grow The “Miracle” Companion Plants! SLtnerican Q[o?(inia and Qesneriad Society Membership includes a subscription to The Gloxinian magazine (four issues) plus a copy of “How to Know and Grow Gesneriads” $20.00 Single Membership Outside of the U.S. $25.00 in U.S. Funds. Please send check or money order to: AGGS Membership Secretariat M. J. & D. B. Tyler P. O. Box 1598 Port Angeles, WA 98362-0194 USA Prairie Violets aider and newer varieties, species, noveities, etc. Leaves labeled - our choice 12 for $10, 25 for $15, 35 for $20, 50 for $25. Postpaid, shipping May 1st thru Oct. 30th Prairie Violets • P.O.Box 313 • Maroa, IL 61756 prairieviolets@locomp.net *additional monthly specials* AVSA ADDRESS LABELS African Violet Society of America Mr. & Mrs. Bill Lyons 38 Indian Creek Drive Levittown, PA 1 9057 To order: PRINT the name, street address, city, state and zip clearly on 3 lines (28 letters and spaces maximum on each line). To receive 500 labels, mail your check for $7.50 to Bill Lyons at the address on the label above. Orders will be submitted every time 30 are 58 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 NEW LOWER PRICES! CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-377-8466 PLASIIC FLOWER POTS Mors: White (Wh), Green (Gr), Terra Cotta (TQ, Black (BI) Types: Round Standard (RS) - Height and top about equal Round Tub (RT) - Height about 3/4 width of top Pan Pot (PP) - Height about 1/2 width of top Square (SQ) - Volume equal to round standard (Some avail, in Black) Note: Nice rolled rim on 4" fluted pots Size Cslfil IYC£ IQ 20 SQ 100 500 2" Wh/Gr RS $1.00 $1.75 $3.60 $6.60 $31.00 21/8" wh/rc RT 1.05 1.80 3.70 6.90 32.00 2 1/4" Wh/Gr RS/SQ 1.05 1.85 3.80 7.10 33.00 21/2* Wh/Gr RS/SQ 120 230 4.80 8.80 41.00 3" Wh/Gr RT/RS/SQ 1.30 230 520 9.60 45.00 3 1/2" Wh/Gr RT/SQ 1.50 3.15 6.60 1220 57.00 4" Wh/Gr RT/RS/SQ 1.95 3.50 730 13.40 63.00 4 1/2" Wh/Gr RT/RS/SQ 2.30 4.05 8.40 15.60 73.00 5" Wh/Gr RT/RS/PP 2.90 5.80 12.10 22.40 105.00 6" Wh/Gr RT/RS/PP 3.75 7.40 15.50 28.50 134.00 61/2* Wh/Gr RT/PP 4.50 8.85 18.50 34.10 160.00 8* Wh/Gr RT/RS/PP 730 1325 27.70 51.10 240.00 10" Wh/Gr RT/RS/PP 10.00 1820 38.00 7020 330.00 MICRO MINI POTS - Terra Cotta Color - With saucers TC 3.00 5.00 12.00 20.00 80.00 FLUTED VIOLET POTS - 4" wide x 3 1/2" high 4" Wh/Gr No saucer 2.50 4.50 9.30 17.10 80.00 4" Wh/Gr With saucer 3.60 6.50 13.90 25.60 120.00 PLASTIC HANGING BASKETS - With saucers and hangers Size Color 1 1 IQ 21 4" Wh/Gr $1.00 $4.00 $6.00 $12.50 6" Wh/Gr 1.10 525 10.00 20.00 E" Wh/Gr 1.50 735 1330 29.75 10" Wh/Gr 2.10 9.50 18.15 4235 12* Wh/Gr 3.00 13.50 25.00 50.00 DETACHED SAUCERS - White Only CLEAR SAUCERS Size Color IQ 20 5Q 100 Size IQ 4" Wh 235 4.50 925 17.00 7" 4.30 5" Wh 2.70 4.75 1025 19.00 8" 5.10 SNAP-ON SAUCERS FOR PANS 9" 6.40 5" Wh/Gr 2.00 3.75 8.00 15.00 lO- 730 6" Wh/Gr 2.10 4.00 925 19.00 ll" 1025 63" Wh/Gr 2.75 530 12.00 24.00 12" 11.75 8" Wh/Gr 3.10 6.00 1430 29.00 10" Wh/Gr 6.00 11.50 26.00 50.00 PLASIIC TRAYS Color 1 IQ #2 Starter 22"L x 11 1/2" W x 2 1/2" D No holes BI $1.75 $15.00 #3 Flat WITH holes 22" L x 1 1 1/2" Wx2 1/4" D Bl $1.75 $15.00 Windowsill Plant Tray 17 1/2" Lx 4" WxI'D Clr $1.25 $11.00 Windowsill Plant Tray 19 1/2" Lx 6" W x 1.75" D Clr $1.75 $15.00 MISCELLANEOUS CAPILLARY MATTING - (Black Vattex) 4 feet wide 4 sq.ft $1.60 PLANT LABELS 3" 100/$125,1000/$10.00 4" 1 00/S 1 .75, 1 000/S 1 5.00 Call 1-800-377-8466 To Order OYAMA "TEXAS STYLE" PLANTERS® - The Oyama Planter provides an attractive pot for Texas style culture which is a method of constant watering and feeding. Features a nice rolled edge. Size Color 1 IQ 21 100 11/2" Wh $2.05 $1430 $22.50 $60.00 h 2 1/2" Wh/Gr 2.70 21.00 33.75 90.00 \V - " 4" Wh/Gr 3.80 25.00 45.00 125.00 fire 5" Wh/Gr 4.75 31.00 50.00 150.00 6" Wh 5.95 41.00 7625 245.00 MOIST-RITE PLANTERS - Attractive double walled, self-watering planter. Size Color 1 1 12 21 5" square Wli/Gt/Bl $4.50 $25.00 $38.00 $68.00 WATER-RESERVOIRS FOR WICK WATERING Wicks not supplied -1/2 price for containers or lids only Size IQ 2Q SQ 100 8 oz. $4.00 $9.00 $20.00 $35.00 16 oz 525 9.50 21.00 36.00 32 oz. 7.50 14.00 30.00 57.00 Crystal Clear Size To Fit Micro To Fit 2" To Fit 2.5-3. 5" To Fit 3 1/2-4" Reservoirs -Verv attractive alternative to traditional reservoirs m 1 1 IQ 21 $120 $5.00 $920 $2125 225 9.40 1725 39.80 3.60 15.00 27.60 63.00 3.75 15.60 28.75 66.00 V LEAF SUPPORTS - By J.F. Industries Size 1 6" fits to 3" pot $1.00 9" fits to 5" pot 120 12" fits to 5" pot 1.50 15" fits to 8" pot 2.40 18" fits to 8" pot 2.60 1 IQ 21 SQ $4.75 $9.00 $2025 $3825 5.75 11.00 24.75 46.75 7.35 14.00 31.50 59.50 11.00 21.00 4725 8925 11.55 22.00 49.50 93.50 POTTING MATERIALS VIOLET HOUSE SOILLESS MIX - Mix of peat, perlite, 1 gal. $2.00 vermiculite, lime, and Peters African Violet Special 2 gal. $330 FINE SEEDING MIX - Similar to SOILLESS MIX but 1 gal. $2.00 contains no fertilizer (close to Jiffy-7 pellets) 2 gal. $3.50 PERLITE - Aerates soil (course or fine) 1 gal. $2.00 VERMICULITE - Holds moisture (course or fine) 1 gal. $2.00 CANADIAN PEAT - Milled 2 gal. $3.00 DOLOMITE LIME - Sweetens mix 21b. $1.75 GRANNY’S BLOOMER (0-6-5) 2 ozZS1.75 6 ozV$325 SCHULTZ "INSTANT LIQUID (10-15-10) 5.5 ozJ$3.00 12ozJ$4.50 SUPERTHRIVE 1 oz7$3.75 2 oz7$4.7S 4 oz7$7.75 PETERS FERTILIZER AFRICAN VIOLET SPECIAL (12-36-14) 8 oz. $3.00 VARIEGATED SPECIAL (5-50-17) 8 oz. $3.00 PEAT-UTE SPECIAL (15-16-17) 8 oz. $3.00 BLOSSOM BOOSTER/ORCHID (10-30-20) 8 oz. $3.00 HOUSE PLANT SPECIAL (15-30-15) 8 oz. $2.00 GENERAL PURPOSE (20-20-20) 8 oz. $2.00 DYNA GRO FERTILIZER Dyna Gro -7-9-5 1 1 oz. $625 16 oz $8.50 Dyna Gro 3-12-6 Blossom Booster 1 1 oz. $6.25 16 oz $9.75 INSECTICIDES / FUNGICIDES SCHULTZ-INSTANT INSECT SPRAY 24 oz. $7.75 SYSTEMIC HOUSEPLANT - Insecticide granules 5 oz. $5.00 MALATHION 50 8 oz. $4.50 ROOTONE F - Rooting compound .4 ozi$2.00 2 oz./$4.25 CONCERN INSECTICIDAL SOAP -Ready to use 12 oz. $4.75 Concentrate 24 oz. $10.50 1600-X-CLUDE 16 oz $8.50 Please send orders / Catalog requests to: THE VIOLET HOUSE, Dept AV P.O. Box 1274 Gainesville, FL 32602 (352) 377-8465 • (800) 377-8466 • We accept Checks, VISA, Master Card, Discover • Please add an additional $5.00 for COD orders • Orders shipped by UPS. We will ship anywhere in the Contiguous 48 States for a $5.50 shipping and handling fee. Actual costs for all other areas. • A $.75 fee will be charged for each gal of soil over 8. Call 1-800-377-8466 To Order January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 59 BELISLE'S VIOLET HOUSE MARCIA BELISLE Heirloom Violets • Quality Gesneriads Unusual Companion Plants • Mail Order Catalog $2.00 4041 N. Metnik Rd. P.O. Box 111 Ojibwa, WI 54862 Radisson, WI 54867 (715) 945-2687 Cryptanthus the Dazzling Earth Stars are the perfect companion plants for your African violet collection requiring the same care. Exquisite colors, leaf shapes and patterns of stripes, bars and zig zags year 'round in every shade of the rainbow. Send first class stamp for cultural information or $3.00 for a sample of our color quarterly journal. THE CRYPTANTHUS SOCIETY Carole Richtmyer - Secretary 18814 Cypress Mountain Drive Spring TX 77388 Join African violets know no borders, so why not become a member of the AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF CANADA and receive Chatter , its quarterly publication? A magazine dedicated to the growing and showing of African violets and Gesneriads. USA/International membership $14.00. Please make your cheque or bank draft payable to AVSC and forward to: Mrs. Irene Henry 349 Hyman Drive Dollard des Ormeau, P.Q. H9B 1L5 Canada The Association for plant & flower people who grow in hobby greenhouses and windows! Quarterly Magazine Growing & Maintenance Help & Advice Hobby Greenhouse Association 8 Glen Terrace, Bedford, MA 01730-2048 Dues: USA $19 (Canada and Mexico, $21 US funds/MO) ($22 Overseas, US funds/MO) Sample magazine $3.50 Directory of Greenhouse Manufacturers $2.50 No new list for 1999 !!! Bill & Kathryn Paauwe We will continue to carry our usual large 45 Third Street variety, but will be shipping “Our Choice” W. Sayville, NY 11796 Leaves only. Watch future ads for prices (516) 589-2724 violetsbyappointment@juno.com CERAMIC AFRICAN! VIOLET POTS Larges t Variety of SELF-WATERING POTS 33 uniquely different pots, including: ANGELS, SQUARE SILL SITTERS, ROUND HANGING POTS, TEA POTS, FLUTED, VICTORIAN AND MORE. Must see COLOR PHOTO to appreciate Artfully Handpainted (No Decals). AFFORDABLY PRICED. All made in our Studio. Call or Write for FREE Catalog. Herbal Gardens Ceramics P. O. Box 38 Montara, CA 94037 _ (650) 728-7683 Our Customers say it best. . . Dear Dyna-Gro, I am writing this letter to tell you how much I like your fertilizer. ...Sonja Johnson in Omaha, Arkansas, sold me some Dyna-Gro Liquid Grow and Liquid Bloom for my violets. I watered the show plants with the Bloom and the baby plants with the Grow. In two weeks the baby plants had doubled in size and had a pretty green color. I entered 31 plants in the show. Those plants received 10 best in class, the Sweepstakes award, the Best Collection award, 30 blue ribbons and 1 red ribbon. That plant was a trailer and didn’t have three crowns. Sincerely, Bonnie Bailey Springfield, Missouri Nutrition Solutions® For information or to order call Dyna-Gro (800) DYNA-GRO or FAX (510) 233-0198 1065 Broadway • San Pablo, CA 94806 60 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 1998 Annual Index - Compiled by Bill Paauwe • 45 Third Street • West Sayville, NY 1 1796-1 109 1998 INDEX OF AUTHORS Arceneaux, K. C. A Report On Growing African Violets From Goodsell, Barbara Thrips, Jul p 21; Violets on Vacation, Jul p 45 Commercial Seed, Jan p 46 Green, Bob L. Eye on Design - “Rhythm in Design", Bartholomew, Pauline Pots, May p 2 1 ; Show Manners, May p 54 Nov p 30; Guidelines for Judges, May p 52 Beaulieu, John Some Thoughts on Seed, Mar p 4 1 Grieco, Ruth Hopefully Helpful Handy Hints, May p 39 Beckerman, Ellen Wass 'Net'tiquette, The Language of the Internet Grundy, Alice Regional Reviews, Mar p 42 :-), Sep p 49; Electronic Violets for Every Halford, Joan Saintpaulia's Family, Nov p 52; Computer, Mar p 39 Violets in Retirement, Jan p 26 Blanton, Helen AVSA Building and Maintenance Fund, Hancock, Pat Regional Reviews, Mar p 43 Jan p 12; Mar p 24; May p 35; Jul p 34; Hayston, Jean Fantasies and Other Color Changes, Nov p 48 Sep p 19; Nov p 23 Hemy, Irene Regional Reviews, May p 44 Borck, Byron Growing and Showing African Violets, Hilton, Rita Growing For The Gold, Jan p 32 Nov p 50 Hodges, Sue Spring Chores, Mar p 40 Broom, Ella H. School Partnerships, Mar p 28 Hoefer, Ed African Violet Bloom Jelly, Jul p 13 Brownlie, Doris Growing A Show Plant, Mar p 12 Hoffmann, Sue Grooming Is More Important Than You Think!, Bruns, Janice Thinking Small, Mar p 6 May p 27; Jul p 8 Buck, Marlene Boyce Edens Research Fund, Jan p 17; Hoover, Darryl Regional Reviews, May p 42 Mar p 24; May p 35; Jul p 47; Iskra, Cal Regional Reviews, Mar p 44 Sep p 16; Nov p 23 Jones, Jackie Annual Library Message, Jul p 38 Bums, Marie Growing Large Show Plants, May p 53 Keating, Iris Registration Report, Jan p 22; Mar p 31; Buttram, David 1998 Vacation Guide, May p 18; AVSA May p 38; Jul p 49; Sep p 51; Nov p 54 Commercials - A Closer Look - A Review, King, Phyllis Regional Reviews, May p 43 Sep p 20; AVSA Commercials - A Closer Look Kosowsky, Dorothy Best In Show, Next Time!!!, Sep p 18; (Alannah's African Violets), Nov p 20; AVSA Question Box, Mar p 22; Jul p 30; Nov p 14 Commercials - A Closer Look (Mighty Minis) , Kuperberg, Ann Purple Passion (Poem), May p 37 May p 50; Goodbye Granger Gardens, Jan p 40; Lawson, Floyd 1998 Best Varieties, Nov p 41; AVSA Honor It Was Nice While It Lasted, May p 16; Roll of African Violets, Jul p 4 1 ; Send Your Remembering Richard “Dick" Maduro, Choices, Jan p 35 Nov p 22; The Name of The Game is The Lazarus, Marcia Disbudding, Jul p 51 Name, Mar p 18 Leifeste, Connie Exploring Houston, Texas Calvert, Penny Appreciated by the Youngest, Jul p 50 (1999 AVSA Convention April 4-11, 1999), Carter, John AVSA and Today's Technologies, Jan p 5; Nov p 55 May p 49; Sep p 46 Lind, Keith Root Rot, Nov p 18 Carter, Judith M. AVSA Advertising Guidelines, Mar p 53 Lundgren, Anna Jean Thlly Time 1997, Mar p 8 Champion, Ethel The Stoiy of Superman, Nov p 16 Lyons, Bill AVSA Booster Fund, Jan p 12; Mar p 24; Chase, Celine Dividing and Choosing Baby Plants, May p 2 1 May p 12; Jul p 35; Sep p 13; Nov p 35 Cole, Dr., Charles What Happened To My Plants - Marchant, W. S. Chimeras, Mar p 34 Hunger Signs in Violets, Jan p 43 Marsh, Barbara J. School Partnerships, Mar p 28 Coleman, Kyle Violets and Romance, Mar p 1 1 Martens, Dale Gesneri-Advice, Jan p 38; Mar p 35; May p 26; Colwell, June Regional Reviews, Mar p 42 Jul p 26; Sep p 17; Nov p 9; Regional Reviews, Comibe, Cathy Constructing And Judging A Bubble Bowl, Mar p 44 Jan p 27 Martin, Frank My Plant, the Doctor - A Medical Miracle, Corondan, Mary “And The Winners Are...”, Jan p 13; Mar p 10; May p 40 May p 5; Jul p 22; Sep p 42; Nov p 19 Mayfield, Blake Blake's Aunt Doris, Sep p 31 Corrigan, Maty Ann Judging the Show Plant, Nov p 46 McAllen, Carolyn “Pardon Me - 1 Didn't Catch Your Name”, Corse, Nancy R. Letter From a Member, Nov p 1 7 Nov p 26 Coulson, Ruth Curls and Frills, Jan p 30; Long Division for McCain, Jean Violets Bloom for Maggie, Mar p 46 African Violets, not Arithmetic, Mar p 52; McKain, Hal 411-1 Hoped 1 Was Wrong, Sep p 10; Plants, Plants, Plants... aargh..., May p 47 Tender Handling, Nov p 53 Covolo, Steve Some Thoughts on “Violet Overload”, Nov p 49 Moser, Leta Concerning Foliar Feeding African Violets, Daugereau, Jenny Office Update, Nov p 5 Mar p 26; More News on Foliar Feeding, Donaho, Wayne What's New on the Internet, Mar p 5 1 ; Sep p 26 What's New on the Web, Jul p 31 Neal, Dave African Violet Nutrition (and plants in general) , Douglas, Rena Basic Care and Culture of African Violets, Sep p 34; Nov p 42 Jul p 19; Let's Go Underground, Jan p 34 Nelson, Shirley Basics, Nov p 48 Elkin, Barbara Sacramento Convention '98 - What’s Your Nonny-Mousse, A. Did You Know?, Sep p 39 Line?, Jan p 13; Vintage Violets, Jan p 19; Okishita, Ken'ichi Regional Reviews, May p 45 Mar p 38; Jul p 48; Sep p 48; Nov p 27 Owens, Jim Tour Time, Jul p 54 Foster, Bill Judging the Show Plant, Nov p 46; Paauwe, Bill 1997 Annual Index, Jan p 61 Shows and Judges, Jan p 9; Mar p 1 7; Parsons, Nadine African Violet Insurance? Plant That Sucker!, May p 5; Sep p 1 1 Nov p 53 Gardner, Sue African Violet Sports, May p 13 Pershing, Barb Soil Mealy Bugs, Jul p 20 Geiss, Don Building a Plant Stand, Nov p 34; Pittman, Hortense & Sundown Announcement, Sep p 7 Everyone Is An Expert, Jan p 24; Promersberger, Bev A Helping Hand Into The Future, Jul p 10; Failures In Raising African Violets, May p 33; Affiliate Update, Nov p 8; AVSA and Affiliates - The Way Down South Club, Jul p 18 Growing Together, Jan p 18; May p 34; Sep p Geiss, Maxine Hide and Seek With A Reservoir, Mar p 20 30; Finding Them Where They Are, Sep p 30; Gibbs, Dolores 1998 LSAVC State Convention, Sep p 10 Hear Ye! Hear Ye!, Jul p 9; Regional Reviews, Goeke, Ruth 1 998 AVSA Convention Commercial Display May p 42; Why Join An Affiliate?, Jan p 18 Thbles, Sep p 50; Natural Gardens, May p 51 Rexilius, Jane Best Articles of 1997 - Certificates of Appreciation, Nov p 17 January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 6 1 Regional Reviews, Mar p 42; Thinking Small, Jan p 16; May p 30; Jul p 14; Sep p 6; Nov p 12 Let Me Tell You About My Wife, Jan p 23 Notes on frailing African Violets, May p 22; Question Box, Jan p 10; May p 8; Sep p 8 Editor’s Notes, Jan p 4; Mar p 4; May p 4; Jul p 4; Sep p 4; Nov p 4 From Russia, With Love, Nov p 38 Physan - One More Time, Jul p 21 People to People: What Society Is All About, Jul p 53 Concerning Foliar Feeding African Violets, Mar p 26; In Search of New Violets, Jan p 14; Mar p 16; May p 6; Jul p 16; Sep p 12; Nov p 10; More News on Foliar Feeding, Sep p 26; Some Experiences in Hybridizing with the Rosette Species, Jul p 46; Some Experiences in Hybridizing with the Species Trailers, May p 14 Sorensen, Janice Denver’s 50 Years of African Violets, Sep p 4 1 Stenger, Joyce Tfrke a Plant to the Office, Sep p 40 1998 TITLES AND SUBJECTS A HELPING HAND INTO THE FUTURE, Promersberger, Bev, Jul p 10 Affiliate Liability Insurance, Nov p 5 AFFILIATE UPDATE, Promersberger, Bev, Nov p 8 AFFILIATES - YOU ARE INVITED, Mar p 23 Affiliates, Jan p 18; May p 34; Jul p 9; Sep p 30; Sep p 46; Nov p 8 AFRICAN VIOLET BLOOM JELLY, Hoefer, Ed, Jul p 13 AFRICAN VIOLET INSURANCE? PLANT THAT SUCKER!, Parsons, Nadine, Nov p 53 AFRICAN VIOLET NUTRITION (AND PLANTS IN GENERAL), Neal, Dave, Sep p 34; Nov p 42 AFRICAN VIOLET ORNAMENTS, Walbrick, Mary, Nov p 51 AFRICAN VIOLET SCHOOL TIME!, Stork, Kent & Joyce, May p 10; Jul p 6 AFRICAN VIOLET SPORTS, Gardner, Sue, May p 13 African Violet Store, May p 3 Air Circulation, Nov p 47 "AND THE WINNERS ARE...”, Corondan, Mary', Jan p 13; Mar p 10; May p 5; Jul p 22; Sep p 42; Nov p 19 ANNOUNCEMENT, Pittman, Hortense & Sundown, Sep p 7 ANNUAL INDEX, Paauwe, Bill, Jan p 61 ANNUAL LIBRARY MESSAGE, Jones, Jackie, Jul p 38 Aphids, Sep p 9 APPRECIATED BY THE YOUNGEST, Calvert, Penny, Jul p 50 ATTENTION AFFILIATES, Jan p 22; Jan p 26; Jul p 51 ATTENTION: INTERNATIONAL MEMBERS, Mar p 4 Auction, Nov p 24 AVSA ADVERTISING GUIDELINES, Carter, Judith M„ Mar p 53 AVSA AND AFFILIATES - GROWING TOGETHER, Promersberger, Bev, Jan p 18; May p 34; Sep p 30 AVSA AND TODAY’S TECHNOLOGIES, Carter, John, Jan p 5; May p 49; Sep p 46 AVSA AUCTION WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!, Jul p 17 AVSA AWARDS, Jul p 27 AVSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES, 1998, Jan p 20 AVSA BOOSTER FUND, Lyons, Bill, Jan p 12; Mar p 24; May p 12; Jul p 35; Sep p 13; Nov p 35 AVSA BUILDING AND MAINTENANCE FUND, Blanton, Helen, Jan p 12; Mar p 24; May p 35; Jul p 34; Sep p 19; Nov p 23 AVSA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP, Nov p 51 AVSA COMMERCIALS - A CLOSER LOOK - A REVIEW, Buttram, David, Sep p 20 AVSA COMMERCIALS - A CLOSER LOOK (ALANNAH’S AFRICAN VIOLETS), Buttram, David, Nov p 20 AVSA COMMERCIALS - A CLOSER LOOK (MIGHTY MINIS), Buttram, David, May p 50 AVSA CONVENTION COMMERCIAL DISPLAY TABLES, 1998, Goeke, Ruth, Sep p 50 AVSA CONVENTION SHOW SCHEDULE, Jan Sup, p A-l AVSA HONOR ROLL OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Lawson, Floyd, Jul p 41 AVSA International Convention, 1999, Sep p 24 AVSA JUDGES, AFFILIATES & COMMERCIAL MEMBERS - 1998, Sep sup, p A-l; Nov p 5 AVSA NATIONAL SHOW HIGHLIGHTS, 1998, Jul p 5 Stork, Kent and Joyce For Beginners, Jan p 6; Mar p 13; May p 10; Jul p 6; Sep p 14; Nov p 6 Tlnari, Anne No Finer Gift (An African violet membership subscription), Nov p 1 1 Tapp, Palma Regional Reviews, May p 44 Vinciguerra, Pat Fantastic Ideas!!, Jan p 31 Walbrick, Mary African Violet Ornaments, Nov p 51; Soil & Potting Mixtures, May p 24 Walsh, Peggy A Line on Design, Jul p 45 Watler, Monte Temperature, Humidity, Air Circulation, Nov p 47 Welchel, Lynda C. Join The African Violet Connection Mail Group, Sep p 45 Wells, Esther Edwards President’s Message, Jan p 3; Mar p 3; May p 3; Jul p 3; Sep p 3; Whitesides, Elizabeth Keeping frack of Your Collection, May p 36; Not Dead Yet!, Jan p 21 Wong, Hector Growing African Violets in Hawaii, Sep p 38 Yeates, Rose Marie What a Lifesaver, Jul p 13 AWARDS NEEDED FOR THE 1999 HOUSTON CONVENTION, Sep p 46 Awards, Jan p 31; Jul p 27; Nov p 37 BAKING SOIL, May p 49 BASIC CARE AND CULTURE OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Douglas, Rena, Jul p 19 BASICS, Nelson, Shirley, Nov p 48 BEST ARTICLES OF 1997 - CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION, Rexilius, Jane, Nov p 1 7 BEST IN SHOW, NEXT TIME!!!, Kosowsky, Dorothy, Sep p 18 BEST VARIETIES, 1998, Lawson, Floyd, Nov p 41 Black Vine Weevil (on Streptocarpus) , Jan p 12 BLAKE'S AUNT DORIS, Mayfield, Blake, Sep p 31 BLOOMING SECRETS, Stork, Kent and Joyce, Nov p 6 BOYCE EDENS RESEARCH FUND, Buck, Marlene, Jan p 17; Mar p 24; May p 35; Jul p 47; Sep p 16; Nov p 23 Bubble Bowls, Jan p 27 BUILDING A PLANT STAND, Geiss, Don, Nov p 34 CHIMERAS, Marchant, W. S„ Mar p 34 Chimeras, May p 9 Classification caveats, Jan p 9 Coir, Sep p 6 COMING EVENTS FORM, Mar p 5 COMING EVENTS, Jan p 39; Mar p 48; May p 48; Jul p 15; Sep p 52; Nov p 51 Computer Infonnation, Mar p 39 CONCERNING FOLIAR FEEDING AFRICAN VIOLETS, Moser, Leta, and Smith, Dr., Jeff, Mar p 26 CONSTRUCTING AND JUDGING A BUBBLE BOWL, Comibe, Cathy, Jan p 27 Container Gardens, May p 51 CONVENTION AWARDS, Jan p 41; Mar p 45 Convention Presentations, 1998, Jan Sup, pA-11 CONVENTION QUESTIONS?. Mar p 47 Convention Tours, 1998, Jan Sup, p A-6, Jul p 54 Convention, 1999, Sep p 24; Nov p 55 CURLS AND FRILLS, Coulson, Ruth, Jan p 30 DENVER'S 50 YEARS OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Sorensen, Janice, Sep p 41 Design, Jul p 45; Nov p 30 Designs using Minis and Semis, May p 30 DID YOU KNOW?, Nonny-Mousse, A., Sep p 39 DISBUDDING, Lazarus, Marcia, Jul p 51 DISCOVER CALIFORNIA CASUAL!!, Mar p 5 DISCOVER CALIFORNIA! SESQUICENTENNIAL!!, Mar p 21 DIVIDING AND CHOOSING BABY PLANTS, Chase, Celine, May p 21 Dividing plants, Mar p 52 Dominant and Recessive Ttaits, Sep p 12; Nov p 10 Dyna-Gro, Mar p 7; Nov p 44 EDITOR’S NOTES, Rumsey, Ruth, Jan p 4; Mar p 4; May p 4; Jul p 4; Sep p 4; Nov p 4 ELECTRONIC VIOLETS FOR EVERY COMPUTER, Beckerman, Ellen Wass, Mar p 39 Elementary school violet project, Jul p 10 Elements (Mineral & Non-Mineral), Jan p 43; Nov p 42 Richards, Pat Rinick, Henry B. Jr. Robinson, Dr., Ralph Rumsey, Ruth Sanders, Shirley Schroeder, Dorothy Simmons, Morgan Smith, Dr., Jeff 62 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 Episcias, Sep p 1 7 EVERYONE IS AN EXPERT, Geiss, Don, [an p 24 EXPLORING HOUSTON, TEXAS (1999 AVSA CONVENTION, APRIL 4-11, 1999), Leifeste, Connie, Nov p 55 EYE ON DESIGN - "RHYTHM IN DESIGN”, Green, Bob L„ Nov p 30 EYES OF TEXAS ARE UPON US!, THE, Jul p 27 FAILURES IN RAISING AFRICAN VIOLETS, Geiss, Don, May p 33 FANTASIES AND OTHER COLOR CHANGES, Hayston, Jean, Nov p 48 FANTASTIC IDEAS!!, Vinciguerra, Pat, Jan p 31 Fertilizer crud, Jul p 31 Fertilizers, May p 1 1 ; Nov p 7; Nov p 43; Nov p 50 FINDING THEM WHERE THEY ARE, Promersberger, Bev, Sep p 30 Foliar Feeding, Mar p 26; Sep p 26; Nov p 13 FOR BEGINNERS, Stork, Kent and Joyce, Jan p 6; Mar p 13; May p 10; Jul p 6; Sep p 14; Nov p 6 FROM RUSSIA, WITH LOVE, Sanders, Shirley, Nov p 38 Gesneriads from seed, Mar p 4 1 GESNERI-ADVICE, Martens, Dale, Jan p 38; Mar p 35; May p 26; Jul p 26; Sep p 17; Nov p 9 Girl foliage, Nov p 10 GOODBYE GRANGER GARDENS, Buttram, David, Jan p 40 GROOMING IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN YOU THINK!, Hoffmann, Sue, May p 27; Jul p 8 Grooming, Jul p 7; Nov p 48 GROWING A SHOW PLANT, Brownlie, Doris, Mar p 12 GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS IN HAWAII, Wong, Hector, Sep p 38 GROWING AND SHOWING AFRICAN VIOLETS, Borck, Byron, Nov p 50 GROWING FOR THE GOLD, Hilton, Rita, ]an p 32 GROWING LARGE SHOW PLANTS, Bums, Marie, May p 53 GUIDELINES FOR JUDGES, Green, Bob L„ May p 52 HEAR YE! HEAR YE!, Promersberger, Bev, Jul p 9 HIDE AND SEEK WITH A RESERVOIR, Geiss, Maxine, Mar p 20 HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - JAMES SMITH, Jul p 27 HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - JO ANNE MARTINEZ, Jul p 27 HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - MARY LOU HARDEN, Jul p 27 HOPEFULLY HELPFUL HANDY HINTS, Grieco, Ruth, May p 39 HOW TO “PLANT" A LEAF, Nov p 18 HUDSON MEMORIAL AWARD FOR AFFILIATE LEADERSHIP - IRIS KEATING, Jul p 27 Humidity, Nov p 47 Hybridizing, May p 14, Jul p 46 I HOPED I WAS WRONG - 41 1!, McKain, Hal, Sep p 10 IMPORTANT NOTICE: SENIOR JUDGES, May p 13 IN MEMORY - CAROLINE FLEISCH, Jan p 35 IN MEMORY - ELIZABETH GATLIN ABRAHAM, Sep p 27 IN MEMORY - ERNEST THOMSEN, Jul p 53 IN MEMORY - EVAN PAUL ROBERTS, Jan p 15 IN MEMORY - FRANCES BEAVER, Jan p 35 IN MEMORY - FRED MOAK, May p 1 7 IN MEMORY - HELEN A. GEISLER, Mar p 5 IN MEMORY - HELEN LEONE MIETZNER, Jul p 53 IN MEMORY - NORMA MYLO LETO, May p 1 7 IN MEMORY - OPAL RAGSDALE, Jan p 35 IN MEMORY - PATRICIA C. ISBELL, Sep p 27 IN MEMORY - PEGGY STAAT, Mar p 5 IN MEMORY - PHILIP LYNDE HARDEN, May p 1 7 IN MEMORY - RALPH REED, Jul p 53 IN MEMORY - VIOLA J. TUCKER, Jan p 35 IN SEARCH OF NEW VIOLETS, Smith, Dr., Jeff, Jan p 14; Mar p 16; May p 6; Jul p 16; Sep p 12; Nov p 10 Insects and Diseases, Jul p 8 Internet, Mar p 51, Jul p 31; Sep p 45; Sep p 46; Sep p 49 IS THIS HOW MY VIOLETS SHOULD LOOK?, Stork, Kent and Joyce, Mar p 13 IT WAS NICE WHILE IT LASTED, Buttram, David, May p 16 ITEMS NEEDED FOR SECOND ANNUAL AVSA CONVENTION AUCTION, Nov p 24 JOIN THE AFRICAN VIOLET CONNECTION MAIL GROUP, Welchel, Lynda C„ Sep p 45 Judges' Handbook, May p 3 JUDGING THE SHOW PLANT, Foster, Bill, and Corrigan, Mary Ann, Nov p 46 KEEPING TRACK OF YOUR COLLECTION, Whitesides, Elizabeth, May p 36 LAST CHANCE!, Jan p 31 Leaf Propagation, Nov p 18 Leaves (as in ‘Plant Barometer’) , Mar p 1 3 LET ME TELL YOU ABOUT MY WIFE, Rinick, Henry B„ Jr., Jan p 23 LET'S GO UNDERGROUND, Douglas, Rena, Jan p 34 LETTER FROM A MEMBER, Corse, Nancy R., Nov p 17 Light requirements, May p 10; Nov p 6; Nov p 50 Lights, Jan p 1 1 ; Sep p 53 LINE ON DESIGN, A, Walsh, Peggy, Jul p 45 LONG DIVISION FOR AFRICAN VIOLETS, NOT ARITHMETIC, Coulson, Ruth, Mar p 52 LSAVC STATE CONVENTION, 1998, Gibbs, Dolores, Sep p 10 MAIL ORDERING, Stork, Kent & Joyce, Jan p 6 Marathon, Jul p 20 MASTER LIST OF AFRICAN VIOLET SPECIES AND CULTIVARS, 1998 SUPPLE¬ MENT, Nov Sup, p A-l Master Variety List, May p 3 Merchandise (AVSA), Jul p 40, Jul p 44; Sep p 5; Nov p 40; Nov p 51 Minutes, Sep p 47 Misting, Nov p 47 Mold potting, Nov p 15 Moon Signs, Mar p 30; May p 41; Jul p 52; Sep p 54; Nov p 45 MORE NEWS ON FOLIAR FEEDING, Moser, Leta and Smith, Dr., Jeff, Sep p 26 MY PLANT, THE DOCTOR - A MEDICAL MIRACLE, Martin, Frank, May p 40 NAME OF THE GAME IS THE NAME, THE, Buttram, David, Mar p 18 NATURAL GARDENS, Goeke, Ruth, May p 51 Necks, Sep p 14 NEEDED: NOMINATIONS FOR THE HUDSON MEMORIAL AWARD FOR AFFILIATE LEADERSHIP, Jul p 12 ‘NETTIQUETTE, THE LANGUAGE OF THE INTERNET :-), Sep p 49 NEW ITEMS OFFERED BY AVSA, Jul p 40; Sep p 5; Nov p 40; Nov p 51 NEW SHOW SCHEDULE APPROVER, Jul p 8 NO FINER GIFT (AN AFRICAN VIOLET MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTION), Unari, Anne, Nov p 1 1 NOT DEAD YET!, Whitesides, Elizabeth, Jan p 21 NOTES ON TRAILING AFRICAN VIOLETS, Robinson, Dr., Ralph, May p 22 Nutrients, Jan p 43; Sep p 34; Nov p 7; Nov p 42 NUTRITIONAL REQUIREMENTS OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Nov p 44 OFFICE UPDATE, Daugereau, Jenny, Nov p 5 PARDON ME - I DIDN’T CATCH YOUR NAME”, McAllen, Carolyn, Nov p 26 PARTNER, JOIN THE LONE STAR VIOLET ROUND-UP!”, Sep p 24 PEOPLE TO PEOPLE: WHAT SOCIETY IS ALL ABOUT, Simmons, Morgan, Jul p 53 pH, Jan p 10; Jan p 43; Sep p 35 PHYSAN - ONE MORE TIME, Schroeder, Dorothy, Jul p 21 PLACING AFRICAN VIOLETS UNDER LIGHTS, Sep p 53 Plant Food, Jan p 44 PLANTING BY MOON SIGNS, Mar p 30; May p 41; Jul p 52; Sep p 54; Nov p 45 PLANTS, PLANTS, PLANTS .. . AARGH . . . , Coulson, Ruth, May p 47 Pot size, May p 8; Nov p 7 POTS, Bartholomew, Pauline, May p 21 Potting mixes, May p 1 1 ; May p 24; Sep p 15; Nov p 7 Potting Ups, Jan p 5; Sep p 15 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, Wells, Esther Edwards, Jan p 3; Mar p 3; May p 3; Jul p 3; Sep p 3 Propagating, Jul p 6 PURPLE PASSION (Poem), Kuperberg, Ann, May p 37 QUESTION BOX, Robinson, Dr., Ralph, Jan p 10; May p 8; Sep p 8; Kosowsky, Dorothy, Mar p 22; Jul p 30; Nov p 14 Raspberry-edge plants, Jul p 16 Record-keeping, May p 36 REGIONAL REVIEWS, Richards, Pat; Colwell, June-, Grundy, Alice; Hancock, Pat; Martens, Dale; and Iskra, Cal, Mar p 42; Promersberger, Bev; Hoover, Darryl; King, Phyllis; Henry, Irene; ILapp, Palma; Okishita, Ken’ichi, May p 42 REGISTRATION REPORT, Keating, Iris, Jan p 22; Mar p 31; May p 38; Jul p 49; Sep p 51; Nov p 54 REMEMBERING ALMA M. WRIGHT, May p 1 7 REMEMBERING RICHARD “DICK" MADURO, Buttram, David, Nov p 22 REPORT ON GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS FROM COMMERCIAL SEED, A, Arceneaux, K. C., Jan p 46 Repotting, Jul p 6; Sep p 15 Rhizomes, Nov p 9 ROOT ROT, Lind, Keith, Nov p 18 Roots, Jan p 34; Nov p 7 Ruffled Foliage, Jan p 30 SACRAMENTO CONVENTION ’98 - WHAT’S YOUR LINE?, Elkin, Barbara, Jan p 13 January • February 1999 African Violet Magazine 63 SAINTPAULIA'S FAMILY, Halford, Joan, Nov p 52 SCHOOL PARTNERSHIPS, Broom, Ella H„ and Marsh, Barbara J„ Mar p 28 SEASONS GREETINGS, Nov p 3 SEND YOUR CHOICES, Lawson, Floyd, |an p 35 SHOW MANNERS, Bartholomew, Pauline, May p 54 SHOWS AND JUDGES, Foster, Bill, Jan p 9; Mar p 1 7; May p 5; Sep p 11 SIGNS OF TROUBLE, Jul p 20 Sinningias, Sep p 17 SOIL & POTTING MIXTURES, Walbrick, Mary, May p 24 SOIL MEALY BUGS, Pershing, Barb, Jul p 20 Soil recipe, Sep p 8 SOME EXPERIENCES IN HYBRIDIZING WITH THE ROSETTE SPECIES, Smith, Dr., Jeff, Jul p 46 SOME EXPERIENCES IN HYBRIDIZING WITH THE SPECIES TRAILERS, Smith, Dr„ Jeff, May p 14 SOME POTTING TIPS THE BOOKS DON'T MENTION, Jan p 5 SOME THOUGHTS ON “VIOLET OVERLOAD”, Covolo, Steve, Nov p 49 SOME THOUGHTS ON SEED, Beaulieu, John, Mar p 41 SOMETHING NEW!! AUCTION AT SATURDAY LUNCHEON, Jan Sup, p A- 7 Sports, May p 13 SPRING CHORES, Hodges, Sue, Mar p 40 Springtails, Jan p 10 STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS, AVSA, Sep p 47 STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION, Nov p 24 Sterilizing soil, May p 49 STORY OF SUPERMAN, THE, Champion, Ethel, Nov p 16 Streptocarpus, Sep p 1 7 Sucker propagation, Mar p 52; Nov p 53 Summer care, May p 39 TAKE A PLANT TO THE OFFICE, Stenger, Joyce, Sep p 40 TALLY TIME - 1997, Lundgren, Anna Jean, Mar p 8 Tanzania Wildlife Fund, Sep p 4 TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, AIR CIRCULATION, Watler, Monte, Nov p 47 Temperature, May p 9; Nov p 50 TENDER HANDLING, McKain, Hal, Nov p 53 Texas Style potting, Jul p 30 THANK YOU!, Mar p 45 THANKS TO THE AVSA MEMBERS FROM COLORADO, Jan p 4 1998 INDEX OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS BERTHA - (Foster), Nov p 37 B-MAN SURPRISE - (Curcuruto), Mar p 37 BOGEY MAN - (Scott) , Jan cover CATHY'S FIREWORKS - (C. Cornibe), Sep p 28 CIRELDA - (TYacey), Jul p 33 COLUMNEA ‘BROGET STAVANGER', Nov p 33 COLUMNEA 'JULIA' - Jul p 37 COOL BLUE - (Pittman) , Jul p 32 DEAN’S IVORY LACE - (Hobbs), Nov p 28 DEER PATH - (J. Gehr), Nov cover DELFT IMPERIAL - (Eyerdom), Jul p 28 EDEE - (Patt Harris), Sep p 33 EPISC1A 'CLEOPATRA' - Sep p 37 FANTASY FRECKLES - (Tlnari) . Nov p 36 FAVORITE CHILD - (Cox/Johnson), Sep p 29 FLOWER CHILD - (Sorano), Jul p 32 HONEY BERRY - (Pittman), Jan p 36 HULA HOOP - (Sorano) , Sep cover IRISH SWEEPS - (Unknown), Jan p 29 KOHLERIA 'LAURA' - Jan p 36 LELA MARIE - (Lineberg), Jan p 28 LITTLE CHATTERBOX - (Sorano), Sep cover LITTLE PRO - (Pittman) , Jan cover LYON'S JUNE BUG - (Sorano), Jul p 29 MAMA’S LITTLE SPORT - (Ruby Cox), Nov p 36 MS. SMARTYPANTS - (Sorano) , Sep cover NESS' PIXIE GRIN - (Ness), Nov p 32 NIGHT MAGIC - (Pittman) , Mar cover THANKS TO THE TRISTATE AV COUNCIL, Jan p 4 THANKS, Jan p 33 THINKING SMALL, Richards, Pat, Jan p 16; May p 30; Jul p 14; Sep p 6; Nov p 12; Bruns, Janice, Mar p 6 THRIPS, Goodsell, Barbara, Jul p 21 TIMELY TIPS, May p 7 T1NARI GREENHOUSES MEMBERSHIP AWARD - ROCKY MOUNTAIN AFRICAN VIOLET COUNCIL, Jul p 27 T1NARI GREENHOUSES MEMBERSHIP AWARDS, Jan p 41 TIPS FROM TEXAS, May p 45 TOUR TIME, Owens, Jim, Jul p 54 Trace elements, Sep p 35; Nov p 42 Tailing African Violets, Jan p 1 1; May p 22 Urea content (fertilizers), Mar p 22; Sep p 35 VACATION GUIDE, 1998, Buttram, David, May p 18 VINTAGE VIOLETS, Elkin, Barbara, Jan p 19; Mar p 38; Jul p 48; Sep p 48; Nov p 27 VIOLET GROWER'S “PROP BOX", Nov p 24 VIOLETS AND ROMANCE, Coleman, Kyle, Mar p 1 1 VIOLETS BLOOM FOR MAGGIE, McCain, Jean, Mar p 46 VIOLETS IN RETIREMENT, Halford, Joan, Jan p 26 VIOLETS ON VACATION, Goodsell, Barbara, Jul p 45 Watering methods, May p 46; Nov p 49 Watering requirements, May p 10; Nov p 6 WATERING YOUR VIOLET, Nov p 49 WATERING, May p 46 WAY DOWN SOUTH CLUB, THE, Geiss, Don, Jul p 18 WE DISCOVERED CALIFORNIA! (Pictures), Jul p 42 Website, Mar p 3; Mar p 51 WHAT A LIFESAVER!, Yeates, Rose Marie, Jul p 13 WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?, Jul p 34 WHAT HAPPENED TO MY PLANTS - HUNGER SIGNS IN VIOLETS, Cole, Dr., Charles, Jan p 43 WHAT'S NEW ON THE INTERNET, Donaho, Wayne, Mar p 51 WHAT'S NEW ON THE WEB, Donaho, Wayne, Jul p 31 WHY JOIN AN AFFILIATE?, Promersberger, Bev, Jan p 18 Wick-watering caveats, May p 8 Yearbooks, Jan p 22 NOB HILL - (Beck), Sep p 29 PETITE JEWEL - (Pittman) , Jan cover PHOSPHORESCENCE - (Tlnari), Mar p 32 QUIET ACCORD - (Elkin), May p 29 RAINBOW’S QUIET RIOT - (Wasmund), May cover REBEL'S ASTRO SPINNER - (Bann), Mar p 32 REBEL'S CUCUMBER KOOL - (Bann), Nov p 28 REBEL'S VALIANT - (Bann), May p 29 ROB’S FUDDY DUDDY - (Robinson), Jul cover ROB'S MACHO DEVIL - (Robinson), Sep p 32 ROB’S TWINKLE BLUE - (Robinson), Sep p 32, Nov p 32 RUN FOR COVER - (Stork), Mar p 36 SADDLE SHOES - (Stork), Nov p 29 SAINTPAULIA BREV1PILOSA, May p 32 SAINTPAULIA GRANDIFOLIA #299 - Jul p 33 SAINTPAULIA SHUMENSIS, May p 32 SAINTPAULIA VELUT1NA LIGHT, May p 32 SAPPHIRE HALO - (Boone), Mar p 33 SOCKEYE - (Stork), Jul p 29 STAINED GLASS - (Wasche), May p 28 STRAWBERRY WAVE - (Sorano), Sep p 36 STREPTOCARPUS 'ROSE BUD' - May p 28 SUNCOAST LAVENDER SILK - (Williams), Jan p 37 SUNCOAST PAISLEY PRINT - (Williams), Sep p 36 SUNNYSIDE ROMA - (Unknown), Sep p 28 TEEN THUNDER - (Pittman), Mar cover TEXAS SPACE DUST - (Pittman), Jul p 28 WINDSOME - (PITTMAN), Mar cover 64 African Violet Magazine January • February 1999 CAPE COD VIOLETRY John & Barbara Cook Dept. AV 28 Minot St. (508) 548-2798 Hours by appointment • Falmouth, Massachusetts 02540 SUPPLIES FOR VIOLET GROWERS BY VIOLET GROWERS OUR 27TH YEAR WE CARRY ALL THE SPECIES AND THE ORIGINAL 10 Catalog $2.00, Foreign catalog $3.00 Phone (508) 548-2798 - Fax (508) 540-5427 - email violets@cape.com PLASTIC FLOWER POTS SIZE COLOR TYPE 10 25 50 100 500 1-1/4" Wt. (only) Thumb Pot $ 1.20 $ 2.75 $ 5.00 $ 9.80 $ 44.50 2-1/4" Gr. or Wt. Rd. or Sq. 1.05 2.15 3.90 7.25 33.00 2-1/2" Gr. or Wt. Rd. or Sq. 1.15 2.40 4.55 8.60 40.50 3“ Gr. or Wt. Rd. Tub, Std. Sq. 1.30 2.95 5.25 9.80 44.50 3-1/2“ Gr. orWt. Rd. Tub 1.35 3.30 6.00 11.40 52.00 4“ Gr. orWt. Rd. Tub 1.75 3.85 7.20 13.50 59.40 4-1/2" Gr. orWt. Rd. Tub 2.40 5.60 8.00 15.50 73.00 5“ Gr. orWt. Rd. Tub 2.90 6.75 12.50 23.00 105.00 6“ Gr. orWt. Rd. Tub 3.40 8.20 15.40 28.80 134.00 6-1/2“ Gr. orWt. Rd. Tub 4.00 9.50 18.00 34.00 160.00 MINIATURIZING MINI POTS WITH SAUCER 1-1/4" Terracotta 4.00 8.00 14.00 25.00 PLASTIC PAN POTS 5“ Gr. orWt. 2-1/2" Deep 2.90 6.75 12.50 23.00 105.00 6“ Gr. or Wt. 3-3/4" Deep 4.10 9.75 18.50 35.00 165.00 7" Gr. or Wt. 4" Deep 6.00 14.50 28.00 54.00 8" Gr. or Wt. 4" Deep 7.60 18.50 36.00 70.00 PLASTIC HEAVY DUTY POT SAUCERS 4" Gr. or Wt. 2.25 5.25 9.00 16.80 6" Gr. or Wt. 3.60 8.60 15.80 29.00 8" Gr. or Wt. 4.40 10.50 20.00 38.00 PLASTIC WICK WATER RESERVOIRS (recessed snap-on lids, 8 oz 3.00 7.15 13.20 24.00 110.00 wicks not included) 1 6 oz 3.60 8.50 16.00 30.00 140.00 Lids or containers only - 1/2 listed price 32 OZ 4.90 11.75 22.50 42.00 200.00 PLASTIC LABELS 100 500 1000 3“ White, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green Blue, Lavender, Pink 1.00 4.75 7.00 4" White, Green, Blue, Lavender, Pink, Red, Yellow 1.25 5.75 10.00 5" White, Lavender 1.50 7.00 13.00 4 1/2" White only 2.00 9.00 17.00 PERMANEST TRAYS - Light Green - No Holes 1 6 12 4" x 8" x 2-1/2“ .90 5.10 9.75 8" x 8" x 2-1/2“ 1.40 8.00 15.00 8" x 12" x 2-1/2" 1.50 8.50 16.20 1 1 “ x 22" x 2-3/4" Lt. Green or Beige CLEAR DOMES 4.75 27.00 51.00 11" x 22" trays $2.00 ea. Dome and Tray combo $6.25 each. Elisa's African Violet Rings 1 6 12 25 50 Mini (6") Gr. only .90 4.75 8.75 18.00 31.50 9“ Gr. only 1.00 5.00 9.50 20.00 36.00 13" Gr. only 1.25 6.50 12.00 21.00 38.00 ELISA S AFRICAN VIOLET SUPPORT RINGS MANUFACTURER WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR 6"- 9"- 13" CLUBS - BUSINESSES SEND FOR PRICE LIST PHYSAN 20 16 oz. - $6.25 32 oz. - $10.50 1 gal. - $31.50 SUPERTHRIVE 1/2 oz. - $2.79 1 oz. - $4.19 2 oz. - $5.25 4 oz. - $8.45 DANDY POTS 2-1/4" - 4" OYAMA PLANTERS Mini - 1-1/2" - 2-1/2" - 3" - 3-1/2" 4"-5"-6" AEROSOLS PT 1200 DS-18oz. $11.95 Resmitherins PT 1300 DS-ISoz. $12.00 Qrthene PT 1500 DS-16oz. $6.95 Knox-Out - Diazinon PT 1600 DS - 16 oz. $9.89 X-Clude - Pyrethrums CHEMICALS Phyton 27, Avid Marathon, Pentac, Aerosols Shultz Products & Others FLORA CART Light Stands KEIKIGROW PLUS 15 ml - $21.50 FREDETTE’S ALLEGRO Plant Tonic Excellent for starting leaves and small plants. Use 3 tsp. per gal. water. 4 oz. bottle - $3.00 each; 3 for $8.50; 6 for $16.50; 12 for $30.00 PLASTIC TERRARIUM 12" Diameter - $6.75 each White - Green - Beige - Terra-cotta SWIFTS “MOIST-RITE” PLANTER White - Green - Black $4.00 each - 6/19.20 - 12/36.40 - 24/67.00 SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS; Supplies - UPS East of Mississippi - $4.00; West of Mississippi - $4.50 • $5.00 West of Rockies Supplies - U.S. Mail - Actual Cost - $4.00 min. Mass, residents include 5% Sales Tax Please include STREET or ROAD, Zip Code and Phone Number PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. DYNA-GRO FERTILIZERS Formula Type Size / Price 1/2 pt. 1 pt. 7-9-5 Plant Food $4.29 $6.29 3-12-6 Bloom $4.29 $7.49 9-3-6 Foliage Pro $4.29 0-0-3 Pro-Tekt $4.29 Concentrate K-L-N $10.00 Dolomite Limestone 2 lbs./$1 .75 Charcoal 20 oz. 40 oz. No. 4 Coarse or No. 6 Medium 1.75 3.25 4 qts. 16 qts. Vermiculite No. 2 Coarse 1.75 5.00 Perlite Coarse 1.75 5.00 Canadian Peat Moss $1.75 $5.00 TROY Capillary watering mat - a full 4 feet wide $2.40 per running yard - whole yard lengths SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES rvvV'' ^ ^ C 4? rx 1111 3 9088 01486 t^rW’rW'*rW'M'W'wrW',rW‘,rW'M'W,rW'K^i2' " w/- « \w lllllll III III 111 1 lllllll 3 9( 68 314; 36 4 7 >3 - M \W»r 7j cf c\£ Atew> T£«r Greetings From All The Tinari’s A decree shall he heralded throughout the land, saluting AVSA, so proudly it stands. 53 years spreading knowledge has been its endeavor, to members who follow, may its light shine forever. African Violet Accessories Shipped Promptly The Year Round By UPS WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARD ORDERS PHONE 1-215-947-0144 • FAX 1-215-947-2163 - . i RICAN VIOLETS GIFTS FROM NATURE" by Melvin J. Robey H autiful new book contains 42 color photos, 150 black and white, many illustrations and charts. Learn how to identify insect problems and gain knowledge on how to select the proper pesticide for erad¬ ication. Detailed chapters on proper potting, watering, lighting, propagation, hybridizing, and seed. A real textbook 8 1/2" x 1 1 " all you ever need to know about African violets at your fingertips. Truly a masterpiece . $45.00 ppd. “INSECT & MITE PESTS OF AFRICAN VIOLETS” A factual book by Dr. Charles Cole relating to basic principles of pest control. Helps you to be proficient in detecting, identifying and controlling pests on African violets. 16 colorful pictures depicting insect damage on plants, pest charts and table of measures included $12.00 with any order, separately add $1.95 postage. “GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA” by Joan Halford A fascinating basic method promoting every facet of home or greenhouse growing. Containing 33 color photos, over 100 vivid illustrations displaying how to propagate cuttings, hybridize and grow seed. Shown are leaf and blossom types, pests and eradication methods, Texas Potting and capillary matting, feeding, watering and humidity requirements. An excellent glossary and index provide continuity and fundamen¬ tals for success ... $16.95 postpaid TABLETOP ADJUSTABLE FIXTURES This tabletop adjustable fixture is available in two sizes. Fixture * height is easily adjusted from 1 " to 24" on the sturdy 1 " square welded aluminum legs. White aluminum fixtures complete with * « wide spectrum tubes, 2-wire cord and on/off line switch. MODEL TT220WS... TABLETOP FIXTURE with 2-20 watt Gro-Lux Wide spectrum tubes, 24" length ... $65.95 ppd. MODEL TT240WS... TABLETOP FIXTURE with 2-40 watt Gro-Lux wide spectrum tubes, 38" length . $75.95 ppd. 4-TRAY LITE STAND. ..Fabricated from 1" square aluminum tubing. They are easy to assemble with a screwdriver. These stands are sturdy, yet attractive. The unit comes complete with four plastic tan trays and four double light fixtures with Gro-Lux wide spectrum tubes. The shelves do not adjust, but the fixtures are easily adjusted with the new slide adjustment. Overall size 70" high x 26" length x 12" depth. Shipped by UPS prepaid. 4-Tray Lite Stand. ..Aluminum finish . $319.00 ppd. 4-Tray Lite Stand. ..Brown finish . $339.00 ppd. Growing AmiCAfi viotucrrs in Southern Afrtco s i HM DANDY POTS - Reservoir Wick Planters available in blue, pink, vio¬ let, and white. Made of fade resistant plastics, simple to use wick watering system, easy to fill reservoir which comes apart for cleaning. DANDY POT ... 4" pot, 16 oz. transparent reservoir $5.99 each with any order, specify color desired. PICK OF THE LITTER ... NEW ITEM by popular request - a litter of 5 stuffed cats in attractive violet motif fabric with satin violet- colored ribbon collar and violet felt eyes. Ranging from 9" to 4 1/2" tall SPECIAL litter of 5 cats . . . $12.95 ppd TINARI AFRICAN VIOLE T GROWING MEDIUM - Properly blended growing medium - the same used in our greenhouse operation, pH of about 6.4, packaged ready to ship in: 12 Quart Poly Bag . Zone 0-1-2 . $12.95 ppd. 12 Quart Poly Bag . Zone 3-4-5 . $13.95 ppd. 12 Quart Poly Bag . Zone 6-7-8-9 . $14.95 ppd. (First number of your zip code indicates you should use.) HANDCRAFTED 2-PIECE SELF-WATERING CERAMIC POT STYLE CSW-1 ^ ^ Height . 4-1/2" overall g , Width . 7" overall Pot Size . For 3" or 4" pots / Price . $14.95 ppd ♦4E / STYLE CSW-2 Height . 3-1/4" overall Width . 5-1/2" overall \ Pot Size . For 2-1/4" or 3" pots Price . $10.95 ppd / STYLE CSW-MINI (for miniatures & semiminiatures) Height . 3-1/4" overall Width . 4-3/4" overall Pot Size . Minis Price . $8.95 ppd STYLE CSW-MM (Micromini) NEW - especially for Microminis JcJY Height . 2-1/4" V*y Width . 3-1/2" overall Price . $6.95 ppd 2-piece ceramic self-watering footed pots. Choose from 20 sparkling colors in deep lavender, lilac, Robin's egg blue, mint green, deep blue, pink, sesame, dark green, gray, and white. Attractive violet cluster glazed decal decoration on both sides. (Please state 2nd color choice.) These pots can be watered from side holes to the reservoir or removed to refill reservoir. Helps to avoid overwatering and very convenient for people who must be away for periods of time. CERAMIC CONCH SHELL Self-watering 2-piece ceramic conch shell. A novel way to display and grow your most beautiful violets. Shell measures 8" in diameter. 4" high, suitable for 2 1/2" to 3" pot. Available in four sparkling colors with Mother-Of- £ Pearl overlay ... soft shell peach, light blue, lilac and white. ... $14.95 ppd CERAMIC AFRICAN VIOLET POT - 4" white or lilac ceramic pot with separate saucer and attractive violet decal. Perfect decorative pot for your African violets $5.95 with any order. WINDOW PLANTERS WP153 - tray size 15" x 2" x 3" 3 white plastic trays with frame constructed of $17.95 ppd aluminum, for use on double hung windows. 15" WP156 - tray size 15" x 2" x 6" wide, length is adjustable from 13" to 24". $22.95 ppd “SUCKER PLUCKER” - tempered steel blades - SUCKER PLUCKER straight and curved. Sharp edges for easy plucking, - ....... - ■ natural finish, hardwood handle ... $3.49 each ppd. “LEAF DUSTER” - fan shaped brush of pure natural bristle, great for hairy leaf varieties . . . $4.95 each ppd. LEAF DUSTER^ SPECIAL: One of each ... $7.95 ppd. imunn****^ - G22A...COMPACT LITE STAND 2 Shelf stand is ’ fabricated from 1" square aluminum tubing, easily assembled. This stand is a sturdy, attractive propagating unit. The shelves do not adjust, but the fixtures are easily adjusted with new slide adjustment. Complete with trays, ! *rT' fixtures and 2-20 watt Gro-Lux wide spectrum tubes. Overall size 40" high, 27" long, 12" deep. Shipped prepaid « via UPS... $175.00 ppd DEPT. AV COMMERCIAL MEMBER AVS OF AMERICA, INC. SINCE 1947 LnaJti Box 190, 2325 Valley Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006