1 3

-go~r

Volume 59

Febrj

AVSA Information

FOR CONDUCTING BUSINESS WITHIN YOUR SOCIETY

FOR ACCURATE SERVICE, SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO THE CORRECT PERSON. ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS.

MEMBERSHIP DUES INCREASE EFFECTIVE OCT. 1, 2002:

Send check payable to AVSA for new or renewable membership to AVSA
Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702; phone 409-839-4725 or
1-800-770-2872. Individual $25.00, USA only; Individual, all other countries -
$27.50; Commercial USA $37.00; Commercial International - $38.75; Life (USA) -
$300.00. International Life $375.00. Remit in U.S. dollars with draft or check
on a USA bank. See Membership Application. Master Card/Visa accepted.

AFFILIATES: Chapter - $27.00; Council, State, or Region - $27.00.
MEMBERSHIP AND PROMOTION: Send ideas, offers to help, requests for
assistance to Adrienne Rieck, 20331 Harding Ave., Olympia Fields, IL 60461.
E-mail annie97*^ol.com.

AFFILIATES: For information on Affiliates or how to organize a chapter,
write Bev Promersberger, 7992 Otis Way, Pensacola, FL 32506. E-mail
promers22@hotmail.com.

AVSA OFFICE: Jenny Daugereau, Office Manager, 2375 North Street,
Beaumont, TX 77702, 1-800-770-AVSA; 409-839-4725; FAX 409-839-4329.
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST. E-mail avsa@earthlink.net.

AVSA SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION: Dr. Elmer Godeny, 7004 Government
St., Baton Rouge, LA 70806.

BEST VARIETIES: HONOR ROLL COMPILER Floyd Lawson, 20719 Madrona
Ave., Torrance, CA 90503.

BOOSTER FUND: Send contributions to Shirley Berger, 4343 Schumacher
Rd. - 196E, Sebring, FL 33872-2639.

BOYCE EDENS RESEARCH FUND: Send contributions to Marlene Buck,
17235 N. 106th Ave., Sun City, AZ 85373-1958.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND: Send contributions to Susan Hapner, 35
Ridge Point Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017.

COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES: Lynn Lombard, 790 Ridgecrest Dr., Colfax, CA 95713.

COMMERCIAL SALES & EXHIBITS: For information on convention entries
or sales room, contact Kathy Bell, 961 1 E. Blanding Ln., Tucson, AZ 85747.
Email kkbell@ag.arizona.edu.

CONVENTION AWARDS: Jan. issue. Send suggestions or contributions for
convention awards to Sue Hoffmann, 2809 Forest Hills Ct., Virginia Beach, VA
23454-1236. Email avsaawards@cox.net

CONVENTION PROGRAM: Send special requests for workshop programs or
interesting speakers to Joyce Stork, Convention Director. If interested in spon¬
soring a national convention in your area, contact Convention Director.

FUTURE CONVENTION DATES: Minneapolis, MN - May 28-June 4, 2006.
Denver, CO - May 20-27, 2007.

CULTURE FOLDERS: (postpaid): 100 to 400 - $10.50 per 100; 500 to 900 - $9.25
per 100; 1000 and over - $7.00 per 100.

SHORT VERSION OF CULTURE FOLDER: (postpaid): 500 to 1,000 $23.00
per 500; 1,500 and up $21.00 per 500.

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,
39 1 0 Larchwood Rd. , Falls Church, VA 2204 1 . A registration fee of $ 1 5 is required.
LIBRARY: Order AVSA slide programs and packets from AVSA Office.
2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702. List in September issue. Requests must
be in writing. List top 3 choices. Allow 6 weeks for delivery. If you have ideas
for a library program or slides to donate, write Tom Glembocki, 103 Downing Pi.,
Apex, NC 27502.

MAGAZINE: Copyrighted 2005, 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, COLUMNISTS AND MEMORIALS: Send to Editor.
Please Note: Deadlines - Articles and Columnists: Jan. issue - Oct. 1; Mar.
issue - Dec. 1 ; May issue - Feb. 1 ; July issue - Apr 1 ; Sept, issue - June 1 ;
Nov. issue - Aug. 1 .

COMING EVENTS: Send to Editor.

Coming Events Deadlines: - Jan. issue - Nov. 1 ; Mar. issue - Jan. 1 ; May
issue - Mar. 1 ; July issue - May 1 ; Sept, issue - July 1 ; Nov. issue - Sept. 1 .
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Advertising rates and information: Judith Carter,
1825 W. Lincoln St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012. E-mail avmads@valomet.com.
ADVERTISING DEADLINES: Jan. /Feb. issue - Nov. 1; Mar./Apr.
issue - Jan. 1 ; May/June issue - Mar. 1 ; July/ Aug. issue - May 1 ; Sept./Oct.
issue - July 1 ; Nov./Dec. issue - Sept. 1 .

“AND THE WINNERS ARE...”: Send show results to Mary Corondan, 7205
Dillon Ct„ 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. E-mail
robsviolet@aol.com and Sue Haffner, 3015 Timmy Ave, Clovis, CA 93612-4849.
E-mail sueh@csufresno.edu
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 Joe Bruns,
1220 Stratford Lane, Hanover Park, IL 60130.

MEMBERSHIP CARDS: Sent to Associate Members. Renewing members
receive card on white protective cover of AVM.

OFFICIAL CORRESPONDENCE: AVSA Secretary, Nancy Hayes, 9 Cobblestone
Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002-3003.

PLANT REGISTRATION: Joe Bruns, 1220 Stratford Ln., Hanover Park, IL
60203-2667. E-mail janice@qwip.net

QUESTIONS ON HYBRIDIZING: Dr. Jeff Smith, “In Search of New Violets” The
Indiana Academy, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306. Web site: avsa.org
RESEARCH: Send suggested projects for scientific research or names of
interested, qualified, potential research personnel to Dr. Jeff Smith, 3014 W.
Amherst Rd., Muncie, IN 47304.

SHOW ENTRY TAGS: 100 - $8.00 postpaid. Order from AVSA Office.

SHOW SCHEDULE APPROVER: For information on Shows, AVSA Awards
and Approving Schedules write to: Meredith Hall, P. 0. Box 370, Marlin, TX
76661. E-mail mhall37@earthlink.net. Do not send Show Schedules by
E-mail - this address is for information ONLY.

TALLY TIME: Heather Menzel, 135 N. Main St., Yardley, PA 19067. E-mail
hmenzel@erols.com

Prepay your dues for up to 3 years and receive Membership Discount:

$25 Individual (USA) 1 Year $27.50 Individual (International) 1 Year

$49 - 2 Years $73 - 3 Years $53.00 - 2 Years $79.50 - 3 Years

The African Violet Magazine (ISSN 0002-0265) is published bi-monthly: January, March, May, July, September, November.

Periodical 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 $25.00 per year which is included in membership dues. • Copyright 2005 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

MAGAZINE

January • February

Volume 59

Number 1

The Violet Bam

Gifting Violets to Family and Friends - Marie Montague . 8

Commercial Showcase - Gary S. Mikita . 9

AVSA College Scholarship - Dr. Elmer Godeny . . . 11

Hector - Anne M. Nicholas. . . 12

Tea For Two - Dale Martens . 12

Newtown Grape Suzette - Mary Martin . 13

2006 AVSA Board of Directors Nominees . 14

Cupid’s Kiss, Ness’ Cranberry Swirl,

Ness’ Crinkle Blue - Beverly Williams . 16

Show Plants From Soup to Nuts - Beverly Williams . 17

“Dear AVSA” - Jay Sespico, Tampa AVS . 19

Dirt, It isn’t All the Same - Jack Wilson . 20

Flagging Your Problems - Nancy Robitaille . . . 21

Getting a Dish Garden Ready for Show - Libby Watkins . 22

Fragile African Violets - Ann L. Arnold . 25

Preparing to Show Your African Violets . 27

Wranglers Ride Again - Marge Savage . 28

Favorite Gardens: An Evolving Involvement

With the African Violet - Pauline Kerkstra . 32

Culture Nuggets - Barbara Burde . . 33

Planting by Moon Signs . - . . 34

Soil Mealybugs - Jim Toms . 35

Design: “Cincinnati Zoo and

Botanical Garden” - Jane Rexilius . 36

“A German Taste” - Paul Kroll . 37

“Riverboats” - Arlene Garvens . 37

AVSA Member Advertising Rates . 39

My Wicked World of Violets - Mary Hoskins . 40

Disbudding - Denny Van Dorn . 43

Show and Tell - Barbara Conrad . 44

AVSA Life Memberships . 44

Light is More Than Meets the Eye - Kent and Joyce Stork ... 45

Dixie AVS Convention . 48

Aca’s Eloise - Sandra Lex . 49

Rob 's Scooter- Sandra Lex . . 49

New Biopesticides - Nancy Robitaille . 50

Cultural Differences Between Episcias and

African Violets - Nancy Robitaille . 53

Vacation Juggling - Susan Gimblet . 55

DEPARTMENTS

Index of Advertisers . 2

Officers & Staff . . . 2

President’s Message - Linda Owens . 3

Editor’s Notes - Recovering from Hurricane

Rita - Ruth Rumsey . 4

AVSA Building Maintenance Fund: Hunicane

Rita Repair Fund - Susan Hapner . 5

A Family Portrait - Georgene Albrecht . 6

“And the winners are...” - Mary Corondan . 8

In Search of New Violets - Dr. Jeff Smith . 10

AVSA Membership Application . . .19

AVSA Booster Fund - Shirley Berger . 23

Boyce Edens Research Fund - Arlene J. Buck . 23

AVSA Building Maintenance Fund - Susan Hapner . 23

Shows and Judges - Bill Foster . 24

Registration Report - Joe Bmns . 26

Coming Events Deadlines . 27

CONVENTION

Annual Luncheon Auction - Edna Rourke . 7

AVSA Auction Edna Rourke . 15

2006 AVSA Convention Awards - Sue Hoffmann . 31

Small Thlk - Laurel D. Goretsky . 38

Coming Events . 41

For Beginners - Elmer Godeny . 42

In Memory . 44

Question Box - Ralph Robinson . 46

Vintage Violets - Barbara Elkin . 48

AVSA Most Wanted - Barbara Elkin . 48

AVSA Affiliates - Bev Promersberger . 51

2005 Annual Index - Bill Paauwe . 61

COVER

Optimara EverGrace

Exhibited by: Tony Hulleman ■" 1

Hybridized by: Holtkamp ^ ; n

Standard w *

Photo Credit: Winston ]. Goretsky

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 1

Index of Advertisers

African Rainforest Conservancy . . 60

African Violet and Gesneriad News . 59

AGGS . . . Inside Back Cover

American Orchid Society . . . 60

Arcadia Greenhouses . 55

AVS of Canada . . . Inside Back Cover

Belisle’s Violet House . 58

Beverly’s Violets & Gifts . . 58

Bluebird Greenhouses . . 58

Cape Cod Violetry . 57

Cedar Creek Violets . 55

Cryptanthus Society . . Inside Back Cover

Dave’s Violets . . 57

Goose Gardens/ Ardy Hagen . 58

Growing to Show . 58

Hobby Greenhouse . . Inside Back Cover

Indoor Gardening Supplies . . .59

Insects, Pests, and Diseases of the African Violet Family. ... 59

Jan’s Workshop . 58

JoS Violets . 60

LED Grow Lights . 59

Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses . . . . 58

Mrs Strep Streps . 57

Out of Africa . 57

Pat’s Pets . 57

Physan 20 . . . . Inside Back Cover

Rainbow Violets . . 60

Reed’s Greenhouse . . . 60

Rob’s Violets . . . . . 56

The African Violetry . 58

Travis’ Violets . 57

Violet Gallery . 60

Violet Perfection . . 59

Violet Showcase . . . . . . 60

OFFICERS

Linda Owens, President

1762 Stemwood Dr., Columbus, OH 43228

email Ldowens@columbus.rr.com

Joyce Stork, 1st VP

2501 E. 23rd Ave. S, Fremont, NE 68025
email: kents@tvsonline.net

Ron Davidson, 2nd VP

941 F. M. 2377, Red Oak, TX 75154
email: chiefrond@aol.com

Linda Golubski, 3rd VP

1416 N.W. A St., Blue Springs, MO 64015

Nancy Hayes, Secretary
9 Cobblestone Rd., Bloomfield, CT 06002
email: violetnancy@comcast.net

Sue Ramser, Treasurer

2413 Martin, Wichita Falls, TX 76308

Janet Riemer, Immediate Past President
256 Pennington-Harbourton Rd.

Pennington, NJ 08534-4007
email J_Riemer@comcast.net

STAFF

Ruth Rumsey, Editor

2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702

email: rnunsey@earthlink.net

Judith Carter, Advertising Manager
1825 W. Lincoln St., Broken Arrow, OK 74012
email avmads@valornet.com

Barbara Pershing, Publications
8134 Buck Ridge, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
email: barbara.pershing@uni.edu

Floyd Lawson, Best Varieties, Honor Roll
20719 Madrona Ave., Torrance, CA 90503
email: floydll@earthlink.net

Heather Menzel, Thlly Time
135 N. Main St., Yardley, PA 19067
email: hmenzel@erols.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 2006

■'-a*.

Dear AVSA Members,

What a difference two months can make! Two months ago in my column
I talked about hurricane Katrina and what we could do to help the victims.

Little did we know that hurricane Rita was going to hit our office with such a
devastating blow (literally) . For those who do not have internet access and
have not been following the reports on the website, the office roof and some
of the siding were damaged in the hurricane, resulting in further water dam¬
age on the inside to walls and floors. Before the Beaumont area was reopened,
mold began growing in the walls and insulation. The roof has been repaired,
but the office has been temporarily relocated until the rest of the repairs can be
made. Because of the large amount of damage in the Beaumont area, this could take from several
months to a year. There is a shortage of repair people to do all of the required work in the area. The
office staff has been truly remarkable in their devotion to helping above and beyond their normal
duties. Each of them had personal damage at their own homes, but they were willing to do the extra
work at the office to see that our members were taken care of in spite of the damage.

When something like this happens, you find out two things. First, how good your insurance
coverage is, and second, how much our members care about AVSA. When we put out the plea to
our affiliates to help us meet our deductible on the insurance and to cover any other expenses not
covered by the policy, I wasn’t really certain of what the response would be. It has been really
heartwarming to see the checks coming in. Sometimes when you’re doing all of this work for the
organization, you can’t help but wonder if anyone cares, but I have found out that you do. All of
you are very special to me.

The Executive Committee met this fall at the Lone Star Convention in Corpus Christi. We were
able to accomplish all of our work while enjoying a beautiful show and fabulous weather. Thanks
to all who made the convention so enjoyable for us.

Now that the holidays are over, our thoughts turn to our spring shows. While the weather is
cold and snowy, I spend more time in my plant room. I’m working very hard to have both show
and sale plants this year, and I hope that all of you are doing the same. It’s amazing how just a lit¬
tle consistent care can produce many good, sturdy plants. It’s also amazing that, even if neglected
for short periods of time, our little plants can be very forgiving and still turn out well. Good luck to
everyone in your spring shows. Be sure to save a few good plants to bring to Minneapolis.

Good growing and showing.

J

Linda Owens
President, AVSA

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 3

<5

c/ito/1 Is \ote&

Ruth Rumsey
A VM Editor
2375 North Street
Beaumont, TX 77702
Email rrumsey@earthlink.net

Recovering

From

Hurricane Rita

I apologize for the lateness of
the November/December AVM. 1
appreciate all of your patience and
understanding.

The AVSA office has relocated
temporarily, but we aren’t sure for
how many months. With the exten¬
sive damage to our building, and
the lack of contractors available in
the area, we have no way of know¬
ing how long the repairs may take.

Although things are gradually
getting back to normal in
Beaumont, the lack of contractors,
reliable roofing companies, and carpenters is felt throughout
the area. It’s been over three months since the storm, and the
debris piles are getting smaller, but there are still blue tarps on
roofs all over the county.

Our new office space is located two blocks away from our
building on North Street, in a lovely stucco office with a red tile
roof. The main work area, where the office staff addresses your
membership needs, is large and airy with plenty of light
through deep windows. My office is across the hall, a cozy
space in which to work.

Office Manager, Jenny Daugereau

Remember that all of our phone
calls and mail have been forwarded
to our new quarters.

We have been overwhelmed by
the generosity of your response to
this disaster. When the word was
out that our office had been dam¬
aged so extensively, the donations
began to arrive.

On the next page, see the first
listing of donations made by our
members to help AVSA recover. If
you have made a donation and do
not see your name listed, it will

appear in the next
issue of the AVM.
Susan Hapner, our
AVSA Building
Maintenance Fund
Chairman, has been
working non-stop to
get this information
organized for publi¬
cation in this issue
of the African Violet
Magazine.

Susan also
asked me to
share a letter
with you (on
page 19). It’s
another exam¬
ple of the kind¬
ness, caring,
and concern
that the AVSA
membership
has shown.

AVSA’s Temporary Home

In the Editor’s Office

4 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

AVSA Building Maintenance Fund

Hurricane Rita Repair Fund

Susan Hapner, Chairman

Donations Received - 1 October to 30 November 2005

Alpha AV Society . $100.00

New York Council of AV Judges . 1 02.00

Katyn Cichocki . 130.00

Tidewater AV Society . 35.00

Sharon Long in Lieu of
Kathryn Hedgepeth Speaker

Christel Collier . 20.00

AV Council of Florida . 1000.00

First Lakeland AVS . 100.00

Fran Ratte . 20.00 .

Thank You to AVS Denver Chapter

Columbus AVS . 100.00

Burbank AVS . 25.00

Martha & Byron Utmer . 25.00

Memory - Mary Stallings

1st AVS of Dallas . . 100.00

Ruth Wheeler . 25.00

Charles M. Dow . 100.00

1st Nighter AVS . 100.00

Meredith Hall . 50.00

Ohio State AVS . 100.00

MO Valley AV Council . 500.00

Linda Golubski . 25.00

Joan Baker . 50.00

AV Club - Burlington County . 15.00

Lieu of Speaker Fee - J. Riemer

Barbara Conrad . 10.00

Jackie & Maurice Jones . 1 50.00

Union County AVS - New Jersey

Lieu of Speaker Fee - Bob Kurzynski

Susan Hall Gimblet . 50.00

Holly Walker . 25.00

Tidewater AVS . 18.00

Carol Van . 25.00

Carol Brown . 25.00

Adrienne Topping . 20.00

Long Island AVS . 25.00

Gail Podany . 100.00

Mid- America AVS . 50.00

Carlsbad AVS . 25.00

June K. Doran . 25.00

Joe Bruns . 500.00

Carolee Carter . 10.00

Patricia Ragan . 25.00

Morgan F. Simmons . 50.00

Shirley Berger . 25.00

Anonymous . 250.00

Linda Budges . 20.00

Sho-Me AVC . 40.00

Reno - Sparks AVS . 300.00

Sharon Kemp - Heather Eakins . 40.00

Contribution from NY State A VS Show

Janet Riemer . 50.00

Windsor AVS . 75.00

Sharon Rowe . 10.00

Doreen Cesari . 25.00

Mary Boland . 100.00

Nelly Levine . 20.00

Vladimir N. Kalgen . 1000.00

Anna Jean Landgren . 100.00

Maggie Levy . 30.00

Capital City AVS - Sacramento . 1000.00

High Hopes AVS of Atlanta . 100.00

NYS AV Society, Inc . 500.00

Irwin Wagman . 100.00

Lakeshore AVS of Toronto . $100.00

Stephanie Jeffrey . 25.00

Non Club Member

Hans Inpijn . 200.00 .

Memory of dear wfe - Everdina

Ethel Spurlin . 25.00

1st AVS of Spartanburg . 500.00

Stampede City AV Society - Canada . . . 450.00

Sylvia Thub . 75.00

Amethyst AV Club - St. Louis . 50.00

Florrie Kohn . 20.00

Carolyn Burr . 20.00

North Star AV Council . 150.00

Jill Malarz . 10.00

Edith Brooks . 10.00

Metro St. Louis AV Council . 250.00

in Lieu of Local Show Awards

Virginia Hamilton . 10.00

Master City AV Society . 797.55

Treasury from Disbanded Club - Sharon Miles,
Lynn Woodward, Stephanie Duncan

Lincoln AV Society . 100.00

Richmond AV Society . 150.00

TTi-State AV Council . 200.00

Tri-State AV Council . 15.00

In Lieu of Judges Fee

Robert Clark . 75.00

Capital District AVS . 100.00

Donna Christianson . 100.00

Triangle AVS . 200.00

Elizabeth Meadows . 10.00

Claude Norton . 25.00

Audrey Hawthorn . 25.00

Honor of Ella Kiesling, Friend and Mentor

First Nighter AVS . 50.00

Memory of Mary Stallings

GSAVS/New Hampshire . 100.00

Central Arkansas AV Society . 50.00

Betty W. Ferguson . 25.00

Milwaukee AV Society . 50.00

Wisconsin Council of AVSA . 500.00

Bill Foster . 100.00

Memory of Paula Foster
Memory of Dear Friend
Mary Stallings

AVS of Springfield, PA . 100.00

Tristana AV Society . 200.00

Central Jersey AV Society . 100.00

Irene P. Merrel . 100.00

Garden State AV Club/NJ . 1 00.00

Tfudy Brekel . 100.00

Adrienne Rieck . 1000.00

AV Society of Minnesota . 1 00.00

AV Society of Pensacola . 100.00

Mile High Violet Society of Colorado . 10.00

Ms. Sam McKenna . 100.00

Judy Shaw . 10.00

Margery Clive . 25.00

Marjorie Bullard . 25.00

OVAL . 25.00

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Thurman . 50.00

Ruth Wheeler . 100.00

Freida Gibson . 30.00

First AV Society of Wichita Falls . 25.00

Sue Ramser . 50.00

First AV Society of Wichita Falls . $10.00

Memory of Christine Strange and
Patricia Reynolds

Desert Sun AV and Gesneriad Society . 1 00.00

Memory of Ethel Champion

Maty and Tom Ryan . 25.00

Omaha AV Society . 250.00

Out of Affica/Gary Mikita . 50.00

Emerald Necklace AVC . 70.00

Trimpa AV Society . 500.00

Moonlight AV Society . 50.00

CINTI AV Society . 50.00

Late Bloomers AV Club of W1 . 25.00

Quad City AV Society . 188.00

Linda Zink . 10.00

L. L. Christenson . 25.00

Shirley Poole . 20.00

Celia Schafer . 10.00

Magic Knights AV Society/Texas . 25.00

Barbara Ellison . 25.00

Kathy Norton and D.T. Wyatt . 50.00

Mueller’s Greenhouses, Inc . 100.00

Bay State AVS/MA . 500.00

Union County Chapter AVS/New Jersey . . . 154.00

Violets by Appointment

Bill & Kathryn Paauwe . 50.00

AV Club of Morris County New Jersey .... 200.00

Dr. Bill Price . 300.00

Bakersfield AV Society California . 100.00

Albuq. AV Club New Mexico . 100.00

AV Swap Buddies . 200.00

Memory Denise Showalter

Sandy & Frans Officer . 100.00

Anna Jean Landgren . 100.00

Ultra Violet Club/Colorado . 30.00

Heidi Helbring . 25.00

Lynn Lombard . 100.00

Fantasy Violet Club/Florida . 100.00

Ellen Bloomfield . 260.00

Galina Puzyreva . 35.00

Igor Milekhin & Irina Shchedrine . 100.00

Nadezhda Kolybasova . 1 0.00

Nevskaya Fialka Club . 35.00

Irina Kabanova . 20.00

Saintpaulia Society of Russia . 300.00

Joan Van Zele . 5,000.00

TOTAL OS Of 11/30/2005 . $23,984.55

Dear AVSA Members,

The evidence of your generosity and concern
is shown by the very long list of contributions. All
of your AVSA representatives realize that the
rebuilding of our office is possible because of all of
our faithful members. THANK YOU!

If your name does not appear in this listing, be
assured that it will appear in the March/ April AVM.
Acknowledgements are on their way!

Susan Hapner

Chairman

AVSA Building Maintenance

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 5

Georgene Albrecht

101 Oak Heights Drive
Oakdale, PA 15071
Email: georgena@verizon.net

Chirita ‘Kazu’ (chih-REE-tah) is a
glorious plant. Sony to say that I could
not find the primary cross or the name
of the hybridizer. This is a must-have.

There are never less than twelve flow¬
ers on each stem. The flower stems in
my illustration are somewhat distorted
because they were formed to fit inside
the clear plastic dome under which it
was grown. This is a fabulous plant to
grow if you have dry and cool conditions.

Most Chirita are found at high elevations in
Asia. They like about ten hours of light, ten to
twelve inches under two fluorescent bulbs.

They aren’t really fussy, and the first few
I grew were “killed with kindness”. Do
not over-water them and do not over-
fertilize them. They also seem to like
small pots and veiy much resent being
repotted. They are almost succulent-like.

The Gloxinian published a fabulous issue in the second
quarter of 1998 that was devoted to them. On page fourteen
John Boggan wrote a great description of many species and
varieties, and there are lots of color photos of chiritas. By the
way, the American Gloxinia and Gesneriad Society is now The
Gesneriad Society, and the publication is Gesneriad. This
information was from an e-mail group but is close to what I can
remember.

The blooms of Chirita ‘Kazu’ are very vibrant dark laven¬
der with yellow stripes in the white throat. On the inside bot¬
tom of the two top lobes are deep spots of copper. What a
chipper bloom because the copper and purple are complimen¬
tary colors on the color wheel. Foliage is a plain green, unlike
the fancy leaves that have silver markings. If you want to
grow one with these markings, try finding a Chirita sinensis
‘Hisak o’.

Propagation is easy by rooting a leaf. Don’t allow water to
stand on the cutting; keep it dry and
in a very light rooting medium like
perlite. Our advertisers Lyndon Lyon,
Belisles, Rob’s, and others sell them.
Be aware that some chiritas are annu¬
als; that means that they just grow
and bloom once. Ask about the vari¬
eties you purchase or grow from seed.
Right now, September, I have six of
them in bloom at the same time. They
are the plain green foliages, the fancy
leaved ones having bloomed earlier.

FOR STREP LOVERS

These are notes from a remarkable
lecture David Thompson gave at conven¬
tion. He brought fabulous show and sale
plants. We are enjoying his new hybrids to
the hilt. There are about 130 species of Streptocarpus found on
Madagascar, Thailand, and eastern Africa. Flowers come from
the lower stems of new leaves.

PROPAGATION is done by taking the tip of younger
leaves and inserting them in a light rooting medium. He does
not remove the midrib, and he inserts sideways. Keep moder¬
ately moist. Too much moisture will cause rot. Leave some air
flow in the enclosed growing container. In three weeks you
should have roots, and in six weeks you will have plants.
Plants emerge only from the leaf veins.

The largest GROWING mistake is over-potting. If they are
pot-bound, they bloom well. He starts out with a 2.5 inch pot
and moves to a 4 inch squatty pot when blooming.

A squatty pot is also called an azalea pot. These plants like
to bloom too early so pinch off the flower stalks until the plant
has at least four leaves. More leaves mean more flowers. Cut
off long leaves so you get more leaves and then more flowers.

6 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

He uses the same medium, any light mix, in all pots.
Growing under four tube fixtures will give you massive bloom.
Two tubes is okay, but you will get few flowers. So, they need
a lot more light than African violets. If leaves are shaded, the
bloom recycle will be longer. Keep natural light on them if you
can. Lots of light means they will recycle bloom in a shorter
time. It takes two weeks for the flowers to open once you see
them emerge from the stem. If you have no buds forming at the
base, the leaf is not getting enough light. Too much light will
bleach. Each leaf will produce about 6 to 7 flower stems. When
these have finished blooming, remove the leaf at the base.

When REPOTTING remove all but the three youngest
leaves. Cut them down to about six inches. Remove all but a
few roots and pot them up, watering from the top with rain
water, if possible. Keep just barely moist, cover lightly, and in
three weeks you will have new roots. When propagating use
only the youngest leaves, never old ones.

WATERING should be kept to the minimum. Diy is much
better than over-watering. Don’t wick. Put all plants in the
same size pots in trays. Water the tray. Exception is when the
plants have been newly potted up, then water from the top
only. If you see salts at the top of the soil, repot. AIR MOVE¬
MENT is very important. Keep fans night and day.

FERTILIZE every watering with one-eighth to one-
fourth teaspoon per gallon. He likes Miracle Gro. Babies
should always be watered with rain water. If you can, water
everything with rain water. No Texas potting’ should be
used. If you have lime green leaves, your light is too low.
Change potting soil every four months at the least. If you
have many growths on a show plant, use a six inch squatty
pot and disbud until one month before the show. Remember,
he uses four tubes.

There is no determined number of flower stalks to each
leaf. If a leaf stops blooming, it is done and will never send up
new leaves. Remove it and trim other leaves. This forces new
leaves to emerge. When potting up baby plants, never put more
than one growth in a two inch pot.

Streps are very lenient when it comes to TEMPERATURE.
Do not worry about high or low temperatures for short periods
of time. They prefer 80 to 50 degrees. Under or above these
temps, they will not grow at all. 50% HUMIDITY is great.
Water the 2.5 inch pots a lot when it is hot. He does not grow
the doubles because they cover the handsome stripes in the
throat.

Annual Luncheon Auction

Edna Rourke
99 Old Stratford Road
Shelton, CT 06484-6129
203-926-9716
Email: Apapillon@aol.com

A special request to all of our members, hybridizers, and affiliates

Can you believe it - this will be our 8th AVSA Luncheon
Auction! We will be holding our luncheon on Friday, April
2 2 and as always we need your help. We had a wonderful
auction last year and with your continued help and generos¬
ity it will be even more exciting this year. Our success is a
tribute to the many generous donations of our members,
hybridizers and affiliates.

Many of our affiliates have a great deal of talented crafts¬
men who have donated items to the auction - will you again
consider donating a violet-related item or craft to this coming

auction? Hybridizers - donations of newly introduced plant
material and or supplies is one of the highlights everyone
looks forward to seeing and would be most appreciated.
Donations of anything violet related of a rare, unique or
unusual nature would gratefully accepted.

If you plan to make a donation or want to help in some
way, please let me know as soon as possible. I’ll look forward
to hearing from you. Many thanks for you help and contin¬
ued support - it really makes all the difference. See you in
Cincinnati!

The Violet Barn

Due to the chaos of putting a magazine together while dealing with a hurricane,

The Violet Barn’s ad did not change before the covers were printed. Please find the new,
2006 ad on page 56. Use this new ad when ordering your plants in 2006.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 7

u,

/nd the (f}(/i/ter s ai*e . . .

Mary J. Corondan

7205 Dillon Court
Plano, TX 75024

AVS OF MINNESOTA, MN - Winners: Best AVSA
Standard Collection: Lucile Roske, Rebel’s Ambrosia, Rebel’s
Valiant; 2nd Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Lyon’s June
Bug, Ness’ Firefly, Ness’ Sno Fun; Best Standard: Rebel’s Rose
Bud, Terry Klemesrud. 2nd Best AVSA Standard Collection:
Dolores’ Chantilly Lace, Antonia, Amy Lynn, Dolores
Harrington. Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Little Pro,
Rob’s Fuzzy Navel, Rob’s Gray Ghost; Best in Show/Best
Semiminiature: Ness’ Satin Rose; Best Miniature: Bud’s
Lonesome George; Best Species: Saintpaulia rupicola ;
Horticulture Sweepstakes; Design Sweepstakes, Kathy Lahti.
Best Ttailer: Rob’s Gundaroo, Ruth Bann. Best Gesneriad:
Chirita ‘Blue Moon’, Janice O’Neill. Best Design, Donna
Tobin.

MILWAUKEE AVS, MN - Winners: Best AVSA Standard
Collection: Granger’s Wonderland, Rebel’s Flaming Star,
Optimara Chagall, Bonnie Henell. 2nd Best AVSA Standard
Collection: Kev’s Freckle Face, Powwow, Rebel’s Splatter
Rake; Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Boo Man, Ness’ Satin
Rose, Thunder Surprise; Best in Show/Best Standard:
Rainbow’s Quiet Riot; Best Semiminiature: Thunder Surprise,
Kevin Degner. 2nd Best AVSA Mini/Semi Collection: Rob’s
Fuzzy Navel, Rob’s Bo Peep, Ness’ Cranberry Swirl; Best
Species: Saintpaulia diplotricha Punter, Arlene Garvens.
Best Miniature: Optimara Rose Quartz; Best Trailer: Cirelda,
Mickey Eberle. Best Gesneriad: Streptocarpus ‘Orchid Lace’,
Darlene Schillinglaw. Best Design; Design Sweepstakes,
Ruth Mengsol. Horticulture Sweepstakes, Alice Peterson.

Gifting Violets to Family and Friends

by Marie Montague

How many times has a friend or family member asked
you for one of your violets, and it’s just not a good time?
Either standards are too large for a novice to grow, or they
lack bloom because they’ve been disbudded in preparation for
show. Small standards can take forever to bloom, and people
become discouraged. Minis and semi-miniatures, which are
known to sucker, turn really nasty looking if not groomed.

Trailers are the perfect solution because they tend to
bloom frequently, they don’t have to be continually repotted,
and suckers are a “wonderful thing.” When selling plants, I
often recommend trailers for the very young and old because
they are so easy to grow.

Recently, when breaking up a really large trailer, which I
had no desire to grow again, I was curious to see exactly how
many crowns there were. When I broke the plant apart, there
were 36 good-sized crowns (over 27 small crowns were
tossed). Rather than potting up each crown for sale, 1 decided
to pot up 6 of the larger crowns in 6 available small pan pots.
Each small pan pot was clearly marked “cannot be shown”
and will gift without name label to make sure plant cannot be
shown.

Viola! Three months later, after a little bloom boosting,
there are 6 pots with pretty pink blooms to gift to family and
friends.

8 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

Commercial Showcase/Horticulture Plus

2005 AVSA National Show
Exhibited by: Gary S. Mikita
Out of Africa

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 9

C(()

Dr. Jeff Smith

The Indiana Academy
Ball State University
Muncie, IN 47306
Email: JSmith4@bsu.edu

The questions in this month’s column came from the
members of several internet discussion groups on African
violets. My supply of questions had run dry, and the mem¬
bership graciously responded to a request for more questions.

One question, however, caught me by suiprise. The ques¬
tion was “What is the hybridizing effort that you’ve enjoyed
the most?” This was almost as bad as asking someone
“Which kid is your favorite?” How do you make such a
choice?

The hybridizing effort that 1 finally chose was when I was
trying to understand the inheritance pattern of mosaic varie¬
gation and determining how to use that pattern to hybridize
plants with coral red flowers on mosaic foliage. If my models
were correct, it would take two generations to achieve this
goal and even then the probability of getting the correct com¬
bination was very low. I didn’t get many seeds or seedlings
out of the cross and was resigned that probability was against
getting the desired plants. Much to my delight, two seedlings
with mosaic foliage bloomed with coral red flowers. The
seedlings were later released as ‘Genetic Carmine’ and
‘Genetic Rose’. The results of two years of work supported
the models, making the final outcome very enjoyable indeed.

0Do African violets tend to mutate or sport more than
y/ # other plants, or do we just notice them more when it
happens?

A: I think the answer is probably a combination of both
a high frequency and careful observations by growers. It’s
difficult to calculate an actual “rate” for mutations and sports
for a plant, but African violets certainly do seem to produce a
large number of sports compared to other plants. I think there
may be two reasons for this: 1) African violets are a relative
new genus of plants (as shown by DNA studies) and are still
evolving into species rapidly. 2) New African violet plants

start from single cells in the epidermis or skin tissue of the
leaf petiole. Single cells can have their DNA changed easily
by random events, and the result would be a sport.

The history of African violets, especially since the late
1940’s, has focused on finding something “new”. Many
important traits such as double flowers, girl foliage, and pink
flowers were found among the plantlets on rooting leaves in
greenhouses. Sometimes these sports were thought to be
attractive, and growers have selected for these traits. The
result has been many new traits for hybridizers to work with.

0I have seen the phrase “coral blue” in some oj your
y/ # articles and at least one hybridizer uses the term in
their descriptions. What exactly is coral blue and what does
it look like?

A: The flower pigment work I did a number of years ago
showed that the blue color of the species plants was due to a
pigment that had 2 methyl groups (-CH3) and 2 sugars on
the carbon backbone. Fail to add one -CH3 group and the
color becomes “red”. Fail to add both -CH3 groups and the
color becomes “pink”. The addition of each -CH3 group is
controlled by a separate gene. If the gene works, then the -
CH3 group is added. This is the genetic dominant form of the
trait. Failure to work is the genetic recessive.

The coral family of colors has the same pattern in the -
CH3 groups, but differs in that the coral pigments fail to put
one of the sugars on the carbon backbone. Coral (coral pink)
is the same pigment as “pink” in that it lacks both -CH3
groups, but coral also lacks the second sugar.

Coral red is the same as regular “red” in that both lack
one -CH3 group, but coral red lacks the second sugar. At the
time, I hypothesized that the pattern should continue with
“blue” and produce the coral family equivalent which I called
“coral blue”. After searching through some likely candidates,

1 0 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

I was finally able to document that the blue pigment in the
coral family of colors, “coral blue” does exist. As predicted,
coral blue has both -CH3 groups the same as regular blue, but
lacks the second sugar.

Lacking the second sugar tends to change the visible
color by making the color more “red” especially when placed
in natural sunlight. Coral blue and regular blue look very
much the same under regular fluorescent lights. However,
when you put them under sunlight, incandescent lights, or
gro-lux lights, you’ll see a red “glow” in the coral blue
flowers. The difference is subtle, but if you know what you’re
looking for it’s visible.

The main reason for labeling a plant as “coral blue” is
that the failure to add the second sugar is a genetic recessive.
A coral blue plant crossed with coral or coral red will produce
all coral family offspring. If your hybridization goal is plants
with coral family colors, having an identified coral blue plant
can be very useful.

00ln hybridizing, does it make a difference which plant
# is used as the seed parent and which is the pollen
parent?

A: The only time it makes a difference is in working with
variegated foliage. To get variegated offspring, you should
use the variegated plant as the seed parent. This type of
inheritance is called maternal inheritance because the trait is
passed on only through the female parent. All other traits, as

far as 1 know, can be inherited through either seed or pollen
parent. However, plants with full double flowers have
converted all of the stamens and pollen into the extra petals.
You would probably need to use these plants as the seed
parent since they rarely produce pollen and are essentially
male sterile.

/’I Would two good show plants be likely to pass on this
y/ # ability to their seedlings?

A: Yes, two plants that have good show characteristics
are much more likely to pass their traits on to their offspring
compared to plants that lack these traits. Breeding “best with
best” is always a good hybridization scheme. This is one of
the reasons it’s a good idea to watch which plants consis¬
tently win in shows; they make good parents for the next
generation.

0Some plants with fantasy flowers seem to be more
y/ • consistent in producing fantasy fowered babies
than other plants. Would this kind of relative stability in the
fantasy trait be passed on to seedlings?

A: The fantasy trait is caused by pieces of DNA called
jumping genes moving around on the chromosomes. Some of
the places on the chromosome they land in are more stable
than others. If a fantasy plant is showing a good stability in
producing fantasy offspring, I would think the trait could be
passed on to the seedlings as well.

AVSA College
Scholarship

It is with great pleasure and pride that we announce
the guidelines of the AVSA College Scholarship, available
for the fourth year. The award is for $500 to $1000
which may be used for tuition, books, or fees.

• Applicants should be enrolled in a 4 year undergrad¬
uate program or in a graduate program of an accred¬
ited University or College.

• Applicants should be majoring in Ornamental
Horticulture, Floriculture, or an equivalent program.

• Applicants should have a minimum “B” average and
completed at least 24 semester or quarter hour cred¬
its by the beginning of the spring, 2005 semester.

This is a one-time award with the opportunity to
reapply in subsequent years and is funded by the Boyce
Edens Research Fund of AVSA.

Applications can be downloaded from the AVSA
web site, www.avsa.org. or may be ordered from the
AVSA Office: AVSA Scholarship Application, 2375
North St., Beaumont, TX 77702.

Application deadline is March 1, 2005. All com¬
pleted applications should be sent to:

Dr. Elmer Godeny
11473 Denham Rd.

Gonzalez, LA 70806.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 1 1

Hector

Exhibited by:

Anne M. Nicholas

Hybridized by: H. Pittman
Semiminiature

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

Tea For Two

Exhibited by: Dale Martens
Hybridized by: H. Dornbusch

Standard

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

1 2 African Violet Magazine

January «F ebruary 2006

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

Newtown Grape Suzette

Exhibited, by: Mary Martin
Hybridized by: S. Holtzman
Large

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 1 3

9006

dVM BOdRD Of DIRGCTOR9 MOMIMCG9

For Director - Bill Price

I have grown African violets since I
was about twelve years old, when I took
over caring for our family’s couple of
plants. Soon afterwards, a friend’s mother
gave me some unknown ‘double purple’,
and the love affair began in earnest!
Growing up on the harsh Canadian prairies
encouraged my love for indoor gardening at an early age.

I have been a member of AVSA for eight years and a life
member for seven. Since attending my first AVSA convention
in 1999, 1 was hooked and have been to every one since then.

In addition to being a member of our local club, the
Vancouver African Violet and Gesneriad Society (where I have
served in various roles, including President) , I belong to the
Lakeshore African Violet Society, the Toronto African Violet
Society, the New York State African Violet Society, the Toronto
Gesneriad Society, and the AGGS.

After completing my medical and specialty training, I relo¬
cated to Vancouver, British Columbia, where I have lived for
twenty-eight years. As a Psychiatrist, I specialize in treating
developmental delays including Autism and in treating people
who have experienced childhood emotional, physical, and sex¬
ual abuse. And in order to keep up my energy for watering
my plants, I train in competitive running and triathlon.

Growing these beautiful plants is such a pleasure, as is
meeting and talking with all the marvelous people who share
this passion. Sharing our experiences as well as our plants
makes it all worthwhile!

For Director - Phyllis King

I was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. My
husband Richard and I have five wonderful
children. I studied art for many years while
my children were in school. My hobbies are
many. In my spare time, I love working
with dollhouse miniatures and making all
kinds of miniature plants using a one inch

scale.

My husband retired from AT&T in Shreveport, Louisiana,
before moving to Florida In 1990. Shreveport is where I really
became interested in growing violets and joined Top Choice
African Violet Society. After moving to Florida, I then joined the
Upper Pinellas African Violet Society, African Violet Council of
Florida, and the Gesneriad Society.

I have been President of Top Choice African Violet Society
in Shreveport, Upper Pinellas African Violet Society, and Ihmpa
Bay Gesneriad Society. 1 served four years as President of the

Florida Council. I have won seventeen Best in Show, twenty-
two Second Best in Show, and fourteen Best in Design. I have
had a total of twenty-one Best Standard AVSA Collections and
fourteen Semiminiature collections. Growing violets has
brought a lot of joy into my life and has given me the oppor¬
tunity to meet many wonderful people who have encouraged
me to share this joy with others. Teaching my growing tech¬
nique to others and watching them develop their skills and
become successful growers is my best accomplishment. I love
working with new members in both growing and designs.

I am now serving as president of Upper Pinellas AVS again
for a second term of office.

For Director - Kathy Bell

My first interest in African violets came
when I was ten years old. On one side of
my fifth grade school teacher’s classroom
were windows, and she had them full of
violets. For a class project we each had to
take leaf from the plant we liked and put it
in a little pot and put our name on it. We
kept them in the classroom, and when summer came and
school was out, we got to take them home. The babies had
come up from the leaves by then. Well, mine didn’t make it
once I took it home. So I guess not a great start!

Both of my grandmothers lived in Saint Joseph, Missouri,
and always had violets in a window, in large clay pots, and the
plants had necks. Of course, then I didn’t know what a neck was.

When I was eighteen, I moved to Dallas, Texas, to go to
college. I had a favorite plant store where I bought plants, and
they had violets. That is when the trouble began! Before I
knew it, I had twenty or thirty violets and a plant light. Seven
years later, I decided to move back to Tucson, Arizona and had
to leave all my house plants behind, including my violets.

Once back in Tucson, I bought a few violets at Kmart.
Then one weekend I was at the mall and there was a violet
show and sale, and that’s when the trouble began again! I
went to the sales for two or three years before I joined the club,
and that’s when I got into BIG trouble! When I joined, I thought
I would get one of every violet that there was and maybe learn
something about them and get out. Well, I didn’t have any idea
that there were thousands of violets, and I am still learning. I
now have hundreds of violets.

I have been in the club since 1 99 1 and joined AVSA short¬
ly after that. My first position in the club was Treasurer, then
Vice President, then President. I have been the Show Chair for
our shows more times than I can remember as well as for the
Convention Chair for the AVSA National Convention in 2004.

1 4 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

For Director - Marge Savage

Coming from two families to whom
growing things were a source of beauty
and fulfillment, I have placed great value
on and derive much pleasure from flowers,
wild flowers, plants, and trees. Like many
of you, I saw my first African violet when
my mother brought the first one into the
house during the late 1940s.

During most of my adult life, I would buy, try, and the vio¬
let would die. Around Mother’s Day 1990, I had just “retired”
and was swishing past a display of African violets at K-Mart. I
picked up ‘0. Trinidad' and ‘0. Maui’. Determined that these
would NOT die, 1 bought a Sunset Book to get started on the
right track. It worked! The book also listed the address of the
national organization. So, in 1 993 I joined AVSA.

African violet people are great people! The spring of 1995,
my mother passed away. After spending five solid weeks work¬
ing with her estate, my husband Tom knew I needed a break
and took me to our first AVSA Convention in St. Louis. I talked
to Joyce Stork - from the magazine! I bought my first trailer
from Margery Clive. I bought leaves from Richard Nicholas at
breakdown. And I listened and listened to eveiything these peo¬
ple had to say about these beautiful, therapeutic plants.

Since then, our African violet collection has grown to three

light carts in a room that was once the “grandbabies’ room.”
We try to attend and support each AVSA Convention, helping
here and there when we can. We felt attendance at the 2002
Washington DC Convention was particularly important. Now,
after the hurricanes of 2005, we feel an urgency to continue
supporting AVSA in active, positive ways.

And to think - someone thinks we can be of some service
to AVSA and its Board. This is icing on the cake! Thank you.

For Director - Cindi Nqfziger

I have been a member of AVSA for
about 20 years and have attended four
conventions. I have been a member of
three local clubs and have held the offices
of President, Vice President, and Secretary
in the Woodland-Davis Club which is now
defunct, President, Vice President, and
Secretary in the Capital City African Violet Club, and have
become a member of the Delta Gesneriads Club this past year.
I have also taken the judge’s exam and am now a student
judge.

I have worked in the capacity of an Administrative
Assistant with the University of California, Davis, for the past
twenty-one years, the last eleven years in the Department of
Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology.

AVSA Auction

Thank you seems so inadequate a phrase to give to the
many generous donors, auction staff, and successful bidders
who made our Auction in Cincinnati such a great success. In
fact, it was so successful that we had to add a silent auction
on Saturday to it. My thanks to each and every one of you.
With your support, we made over $7,000. We couldn’t have
done it without you.

Special thanks to our auctioneer, Jack Wilson, and his
assistant Bill Price. They always make our auction fun, lively,
and interesting. To our auction staff - Charlene Boyce, Alice
Easter, Libbie Glumbocki, Elmer Godeny, Laurel and Winston
Goretsky, Beverly Promersberger, Barbara Pershing, and
Roger Wheeler, my gratitude for your help and support; to
Ruth Rumsey, our AVSA Editor, and to Jenny Daugereau, our
AVSA office manager, who have helped all year long as well
as recorded, collected, and kept track of all the bidding ,my
heartfelt thanks; and last but not least, very special thanks go
to Charlene Boyce and my husband A1 - for their tireless help
behind the scenes all year long.

To our many generous donors: Georgene Albrecht,
Shirley Berger, Lillian Blanchik, Sue Ann Blackmon, Charlie
Bollar, Audrey Bryant, Marjorie Bullard, Barbara Burde,
Nancy Carr, Carol Lee Carter, John and Judy Carter, Jan
Davidson, Alice Easter, Barbara Elkin, Elsa Ezell, Foot Hill

AVS, Agatha Garrison, Elmer Godney, Linda Golubski, Libbie
Glembocki, Gwen Goodship, Joan Halford, Ovella Hall, Joan
Hill, Pat Hancock, Dave Harris, Nancy Hayes, Sue Hoffman,
High Hopes African Violet Club, Kazuo Horikoshi, John
Houser, Jackie Jones, Sherlene Jones, Vladimir Kalgin, Sharon
Kemp, Jo Kirby, Lynn Lombard, Lauretta McElwain, Dale
Martens, Gini McCanne, Shirley Mitchell, Bill and Kathryn
Paauwe, Barbara Pershing, Hortense Pittman, Bill Price, Fran
Ratte, Janet and Donald Riemer, Rob and Olive Robinson,
Sylvia Sagert, Margaret and Tom Savage, Celia Schafer,
Anatoly Skryabin Paul Sorano, Catherine and David
Thompson, Anne Tinari, Felicia Troup, Steve Turner, Pat
Vinciguerqa, Roger Wheeler, Pat Wilson, a huge thank you
for your generous donations - we couldn’t have done it with¬
out you.

To all of our successful winning bidders, thank you for
your support. Without your enthusiasm and generosity, this
auction wouldn’t have been possible.

Edna Rourke

99 Old Stratford Road
Shelton CT 06484
203-926-9716
Apapillon @aol.com

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 1 5

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

Cupid's Kiss, Ness' Cranberry Swirl,

Ness' Crinkle Blue

Exhibited by: Beverly Williams

1 6 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Show Plants From Soup To Nuts

by Beverley Williams • Mississauga, Ontario

Not all plants are show plants! Some you grow simply
because you enjoy them.

When you are thinking about which plants to grow for
show, consideration must be given to the characteristic of the
plants that you are growing. Some varieties do not make good
show plants. Sources to look at are the lists of winners in the
African Violet Magazine and Chatter. Another to check is the
list of ‘Best Varieties’. You will notice that the same varieties
usually show up on both, but there are always exceptions, and
new ones to try. If you are going to enter into AVSA Collection
classes the plants you select must be AVSA registered. For
AVSC Collection classes in addition to being AVSA registered,
they must also be hybridized by a Canadian.

Once you have decided on the plants you want to grow for
show, you will want to start leaf cuttings in time. From the leaf
cutting to large show plants can take up to two years. If you
start leaf cuttings in the fall, they probably will be show wor¬
thy the following fall or spring.

When you select the individual plantlet to grow on from
your leaf cutting, look for a strong, healthy plantlet that shows
even growth. The young plantlet should have leaves that are
even in size and form a cross and are showing a nicely devel¬
oping leaf pattern. Start these young plants in a pot that is
about 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Too large a pot will force the
young plant to try to fill it with roots and the leaves will not
develop well. As the plant grows remove the smaller ‘baby
leaves’ which are no longer needed. These leaves tend to be
smaller than the newer permanent leaves and usually have
light green stems.

If you are starting a trailer, pinch out the center crown to
encourage branching.

Potting Up

In large standards, generally you need to ‘pot-up’ to the
next size of pot (from a 2% inch pot) when the plantlets have
a leaf span that extends 2-3 inches over the rim of the pot.
Potting up to the next size takes no time at all if you use the
‘mold’ method.

Using a pot of the same size as the plant to be ‘potted up’,
centre it into the larger pot. In this example that pot would be
a 4 inch pot. Place some soil under the smaller pot to bring the
finished soil level even with the rim of the pot and then fill in
around the sides, firm slightly and remove the smaller pot.
Don’t firm up the soil too much because compacted soil does
not allow the roots to penetrate. You now have a ‘mold’ that
the plant can be placed into. Place the plant from the smaller
pot into the hole created in the ‘mold’. Make sure that the area
around the root ball is covered and slightly firmed removing
large air pockets. Add more soil if needed. Water sparingly for

a few weeks. Repeat this procedure as the plants grows to the
desired size.

For miniatures and semiminiatures, you will not need to
‘pot-up’ so this step is not necessary.

Watering, Fertilizer & pH

Consistence in watering is extremely important. Put your¬
self on a schedule and keep it! Mark your calendar with your
watering days and don’t miss them. Your plants will thank you
for it. I water every 4 to 5 days. If it is too hot, you will have
to water more frequently, cooler, then less often. Everyone’s
conditions are different.

Use lukewarm water and fertilizer every time you water to
encourage even growth and flower production. Check your pH.
If your pH is too high or too low it will affect how your plants
will use the nutrients that you give them. Adjust as needed;
vinegar will bring down your pH easily. Inexpensive testing
kits (used for fish aquariums) are available from your local pet
store.

Watch out for water softeners as they contain salt that is
extremely harmful to your plants. If in doubt, test it.

Use a fertilizer that is designed to be used for violets. Check
the numbers. 12-36-14 will promote bloom. A balanced fertil¬
izer such as 20-20-20 is good for African violets and gesneri-
ads and will give even growth and encourage a good root sys¬
tem. Fertilizers with a higher middle number encourage bloom,
but be careful if you use 5-50-17 because your plants will
show the difference in culture and grow larger leaves over the
older ones. Yes, it will give you a great head of bloom, but, it
will also give your plants the appearance of tight centers if used
too long.

Lighting, Air Circulation, Temperature, And Humidity

If you are using the common 1.5-inch diameter (T12)
cool-white fluorescent lamps or a combination of
coolwhite/warm-white fluorescent lamps and transformer-type
magnetic ballasts you will need to have your lights on for 10
to 14 hours. Generally, about 12 hours is the norm, but to
encourage bloom before show, you can have your lights on for
up to 14 hours. More than 14 hours will cause leaves to turn
yellow, and the centers of the plants to close up.

I use high-efficiency 1 -inch (T8) lamps with electronic bal¬
lasts and find that I get the same results with less hours of
operation. Generally 10 hours is plenty. During the summer
months when I am not getting plants ready for shows, I
decrease the number of hours my lights are on. All my lights
are controlled by a timer.

During the winter months, having your lights on at night
when you go to bed (and turn the temperature down) will keep

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 1 7

your plants warm and cozy. A small heater may be necessary
to keep your temperature regulated in the cooler months.

Use small circulating fans to help keep the air moving
around your plants and help to prevent mildew. It also con¬
tributes to keeping the temperature under control. Some gesne-
riads prefer cooler temperatures, so they go on the bottom
shelves, others warmer, so on the top shelf. Monitor the tem¬
perature in individual areas with the lights on and off. One of
my small fans runs all the time, the other goes off when the
lights go off. Even with the air conditioning on, it gets in the
low 80’s under the lights. If you don’t have air conditioning in
the hot months, you might try having your lights on during the
cooler evening hours instead.

Here’s a secret: The higher the humidity, the cooler the
temperatures, the larger the blooms.

Try to keep your humidity around 50% if possible. I don’t
have any trouble with this one because during the summer the
humidity where I grow my plants is never lower than 50%. It
even gets as high as 70% and the plants love it, but it is not so
great for the furniture and carpets. Use of a dehumidifier keeps
it under control in the summer.

During the winter the humidity generally stays consistent
around 50%, but drops lower during the colder spells. This is
when the mildew hits. Increase the humidity with the use of a
humidifier. Water in trays under your plants will also do the
same thing. A hygrometer will give you an accurate humidity
reading and some will also display temperature. They are
worth the investment.

Disbudding

Disbudding is the removal of all blooms and buds on plants
which encourages them to produce a flush of bloom for show.
This can be done for a period of time or a short time. Generally
it is a good idea to allow young plants to bloom to make sure
that they are true to the variety. Then if you wish, you can dis¬
bud until allowing them to bloom for the show. They will put
all their energy into growing leaves instead, but watch out for
those suckers! I would not recommend this for miniatures or
semiminiatures as you will get huge plants that will have to be
‘chopped back’.

Depending upon your conditions, stop 8 to 6 weeks before
the show. If your conditions are hot, 6 weeks will be long
enough. But, some plants take longer to come into bloom than
others, knowing the variety will help determine which ones
take longer. There are plants that should never be disbudded as
they take forever to bloom.

You can sometimes help them along. If they are coming
along too quickly, reduce the amount of time your lights are on
each day. Try to get the temperature down to slow the bloom¬
ing. If they are not blooming fast enough, turn your light up to
encourage bloom opening. Raise the pot closer to the lights.

Every year is different, even the outside temperatures
come into the mix. Somehow, the plants know when it is
warmer outside and will bloom too quickly, other times they

never seem to get going. A couple of warm days can bring
them on.

Grooming

On grooming alone, I could write a book. It is so important
and can make the difference between Best in Show and a blue
ribbon.

Remove all the spent and faded blooms, even tired ones.
Make sure to trim the bloom stalks carefully back to the stems
with a small, sharp pair of scissors. Arranging bloom stalks
around the plant carefully to distribute the bloom gives a more
pleasing appearance. Try to do this when your plants are a lit¬
tle bit on the dry side to prevent breaking the bloom stalks.
Keep your fingers away from the blooms. They can bruise the
blossoms or, even worse, break them off. Use tweezers instead.

Check the symmetry. Small plastic stakes can be used prior
to the show to gently move leaves into a better position. They
must be removed before the show. Make sure that all ‘baby
leaves’ are removed, unless if doing so will create a gap. In that
case leave it there. Better to lose a few points for a ‘baby leaf
than more points for a gap. Remove yellow leaves if possible.

Ask yourself some questions:

Is my plant centered in the pot? Try moving your plant in
the pot to a more central position.

Does my plant have a neck? If it needs to be removed from
the pot, and the root ball cut down, do it. This should be done
a couple of weeks before the show if possible to allow your vio¬
let to readjust. If it is a small neck, you can push down around
the crown and then tidy up with some soil.

Is my plant in proportion to the pot? If the plant is too large
for the pot, put it into a larger pot. If the plant is too small for
the pot, put it into a smaller pot. The pot should be about 1/3
the size of the plant, except for small miniatures which must
touch the sides of the pot.

Are my plants the correct size? Miniatures cannot be any
larger than 6 inches in diameter. Semiminiatures cannot be any
larger than 8 inches in diameter.

Does my trailer have at least three crowns?

Is my pot clean? Make sure that it is. Also remove the
nametag for the show and put your name and the plant name
on the bottom of the pot. Remove all plant stakes or leaf sup¬
ports as well.

Does my plant have an insect infestation? If so leave it at
home!!!! Please don’t share it with your other violet friends.
You may also be asked to remove all your plants from the
show.

Is my plant clean? Brush, brush, brush! Use a natural hair
brush and start in the centre of the plant. Synthetic hair brush¬
es will cut the leaves and, although not noticeable immediate¬
ly, the injury will show up later. Carefully work your way
around the plant brushing towards the outside. Support the
leaves if necessary. A turntable is handy for larger plants.

Use a strong light to check into the crown to make sure

1 8 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

that all nubs have been removed and that there are no suckers
growing undetected. Remove any suspicious suckers. A suck¬
er growing in your plant makes it a multi-crowned violet and
only single crown violets are allowed in the show unless they
are trailers or species.

Make sure that your plant has enough water to last
through the show. A solution with ‘Sturdy’ helps to sustain
them well.

The majority of your grooming should be done at home
before your plants go into their boxes. This helps with the
entries process and keeps it moving smoothly and does not

hold up other exhibitors. Nothing is more frustrating then wait¬
ing your turn while someone grooms his or her plants at
entries.

When you get to the show, do a last minute grooming.
Check for transportation damage such as bruised blossoms or
broken leaves. A final brush and sometimes a quick ‘blow’ and
off they go to the show room. Your job is done, now it is up to
those judges!

From Chatter , Journal of the AVS of Canada

Dear AVSA,

I’m writing you this letter in the hope that you will take
heart in light of your recent adversities, and know that
adversities only disguise the blessings that follow them.

When we received news about the damage you sus¬
tained during Hurricane Rita, many of our club members
were galvanized into action. I took several calls about
donating money towards the repairs. The few people I
talked to seemed to agree that $100 would be a good
amount, but our by-laws state that anything over $50
needs to be agreed upon by a meeting of the executive
board. Since our monthly meeting was the next week i
saved time to present the subject to the general member¬
ship as well. When the presentation was made during
the meeting I had a little apprehension about how the
suggested donation would be received by the member¬
ship, and I had a little speech planned in support of any

proposal that would have been made. There always
seems to be someone who doesn’t want to spend any
money at all.

However, I shouldn’t have worried; a motion for $100
was quickly made and seconded and after a very brief
discussion the motion was quickly amended to donate
$500 instead. After voting on the proposal there wasn’t a
single dissenting vote. Witnessing this single act of charity
on behalf of the Thmpa African Violet Society I can assure
you has been the highlight of my Presidency. I feel tally
honored to present you with this check and to be part of
such an active affiliate that loves growing violets, loves
their club, and loves AVSA.

With deepest sincerity,

Jay Sespico, President
Thmpa African Violet Society

Membership Application

Application for Membership Recommended by _ Mem. # _

The African Violet Society of America, Inc.

2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702 Date _

Membership runs one year from date paid and includes 6 issues of the AFRICAN VIOLET Magazine.

□ Individual Membership USA ($25.00)

□ Associate Member USA ($ 10.00-no magazine,
must reside at same address as a person
having any other class of membership)

□ International Membership ($27.50)

□ International Associate ($ 11.50-no magazine,
must reside at same address as a person
having any other class of membership)

□ Commercial USA ($37.00)

□ Commercial International ($38.75)

□ Affiliated Chapter USA ($27.00)

□ Affiliated Chapter International ($29.50)

□ Affiliated State, Regional and Council ($27.00)

□ Life Member ($600.00) VISA / MC accepted Card # _ Exp. Date

□ Library ($25.00) Signature _

□ International Life ($750.00) F-mafl Address _

□ New Member □ Renewal Mem. # _

(Please type or print)

Name _

Address _

City _

State _ Zip _ Country _

Make checks payable to AVSA, Inc.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS: please remit in US$ with a
draft or check on a USA bank. International Postal money orders
accepted. Dues are not refundable.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 1 9

DIRT

IT ISN’T ALL THE SAME

by Jack Wilson • DeBary, Florida

Too many of us take our
potting soils for granted. Far
too often, that plant we baby
still does not perform up to
expectations. In many cases,
its poor performance is the
result of our using a poor qual¬
ity potting soil. Understanding
what a good potting soil is or
finding one at our garden cen¬
ters can be confusing. It does¬
n’t help that the various man¬
ufacturer’s soil mix formula¬
tions are called various names
such as “potting mixes”,

“growing mixes”, and “soil
less mixes”.

Your garden soil or dirt is probably all right for growing
your vegetables and bedding plants. But, garden soil does not
work well in containers for any plants. It is too fine, holds
way too much water, and does not have enough air for pot¬
ted plants’ survival. I have killed a lot of fine and sometimes
expensive plants using junk mixes from the discount stores.
It may have looked good, even smelled and felt good like
good garden soil should, but it was still poor quality. Believe
me, the words “potting or growing mixes” mean nothing on
the bags.

Even if the bag does not contain field soil or dirt, you
may still not have a good soil for a container grown plant
such as our African violets. It may contain large quantities of
fine sand as a component. Sand does nothing for a mix other
than add weight. It also plugs up pore space in potting mixes.
Remember, plants need air to grow properly. An easy test for
mixes is to lift it. If it seems heavy for the bags size, it prob¬
ably contains excessive sand and water and is of poor quali¬
ty.

A high quality mix will have two characteristics. It will be
formulated to maintain a proper balance of water and air and
will be adjusted for pH.

A simple test will demonstrate a mix’s proper formula¬
tion. Fill a small pot with the mix and water the soil. If it is
well formulated, water will begin to drain out of the pot in
several seconds. If the soil becomes soupy and the water
drips slowly out of the pot, you have a poor mix.

pH was mentioned earlier. pH is an acronym for potential
hydrogen. This is a measure of how acid or alkaline a soil
mixture is. African violets tend to do well in soils measuring

20 African Violet Magazine

5.8 to 6.2. Soil testing kits can
be obtained for a nominal cost
at garden centers. These are
very simple to use. They usu¬
ally are just paper strips that
contain dyes that react to the
soils’ pH. You compare the
paper strip’s color to a provid¬
ed color chart to determine the
pH.

Usually all we need to do
is add a bit, a tablespoon to
the gallon, of dolomitic lime to
adjust a mix’s pH. This cor¬
rects for the peat moss’s natu¬
ral acidic nature. Gesneriads,
including African violets, seem to enjoy the lime. If the mix
does not have the proper pH range, then the plants may not
be able to utilize the plant nutrients from the fertilizer. The
nutrients get “locked-up” in the soil chemistry and become
unavailable to plants. Below 5.5, which is strongly acidic,
nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium become virtually
unavailable to plant roots. A soil’s pH provides the proper
chemical environment for a plant to thrive and survive.

There are commercial pH adjusters in the market. Some
are available from our AVSA commercial members. Two, I
recall, are called “pH Up” and “pH Down’. Tropical fish stores
also carry products that can adjust pH.

Any mix, whether it is one we buy or mix ourselves,
should do four things: hold water, retain air, provide mechan¬
ical support for the plants’ roots, and provide a proper chem¬
ical environment. If we provide a good soil mix, proper light¬
ing, watering and fertilizer, and keep our plants disease and
insect free, then our violets should be at their best.

There are many formulas that African violet growers use
for their soil mixes. Most will use some combination of
sphagnum peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Sphagnum peat moss, an organic material, is usually the
base for most quality soil mixes. Various formulas will have
from 33% to 70% peat.

Perlite, a mineral, looks like veiy small white popcorn
and is used to limit water retention. It is very lightweight. As
the percentage of perlite increases, water retention is reduced
and aeration increases. The proper balance of air and water
encourages strong root development for healthy plants. Use
#2 or horticultural grade.

Vermiculite, the chemically inert mineral mica, is the

January • February 2006

result of mica being heated and expanding into soft particles.
It too is very lightweight. It is used to hold water in the mix
and has the ability to store and release moisture and nutri¬
ents, such as ammonium, potassium, calcium, and magne¬
sium. Use the larger sized particles since they give better soil
aeration.

I know of no major national commercial brands of

soil mixes that are suitable for gesneriads and African

violets. Most of them are lightweight and dry out very
quickly or are heavy with sand and tend to compact.
Manufacturers are required to list only the bulk of the mix,
not all the ingredients or the exact amount of each.
Unfortunately, manufacturers can and do mix almost any¬
thing together (read cheap ingredients) and label it as potting
soil or mix for the unwary.

However, many of our AVSA commercial members mix
and sell excellent mixes for African violets and other gesner¬
iads either by mail order or at shows and conventions.

Mixing your own is also an option. First you need to
evaluate your growing conditions and environment. Growing
in an arid environment will probably require a mix with a

higher amount of vermiculite. A higher percentage of vermic-
ulite in the mix provides more water retention. You might try
a mix of 45% peat, 15% perlite, and 40% vermiculite. Most
growers can probably use a balanced mix of l/3rd each. Here
in humid Florida, I use a mix that contains only peat and per¬
lite at a 60/40% ratio. Perlite does not retain water and helps
the mix drain or dry more quickly. It also provides the aera¬
tion needed to keep the plants’ roots healthy.

Remember, when trying anything new with your plants,
including soil mixes, try it on 2 to 4 test plants. Then if it
works well under your growing conditions, you can switch
the rest of your plants. Never change everything at once to
the new way.

Remember, the major cause of most African violets dying
is because of over-watering. The smaller the pot, be it 2" or
4", the more susceptible a mix is to over- watering. We need
to provide a proper mix that will hold just enough water,
meaning damp or moist, not soggy, to replace the water
plants lose in our dry, warm air home environments. The mix
must also provide the necessary environment for the ferti¬
lizers to be utilized by the plant. All dirt is not the same.

FLAGGING YOUR PROBLEMS

by Nancy Robitaille

If you have a rather large collection of African violets,
you may find yourself up to your neck in work. One way to
help yourself is to FLAG different plant problems.

Two or three plants need to be re-potted? Stick a coffee
stirrer with red tape in the soil of each plant. Then put other
stirrers with different color tape in soil of plants that need to
be watered, or verified with First Class II, or might have a
problem.

Develop your own system so that on a day you need to,
say, re-pot, you just take those few with the flags and make
your job easier.

A trick learned from someone on The Violet Voice, an
internet forum for AV fanciers concerns wicking containers.
Place a piece of large masking tape on each wick container.
Mark the name of the plant with dark permanent ink. You
can put the name on more than one side for easier viewing if
you like. This helps you to identify that beautiful plant that
might have you stumped until you move two or three other
plants to look at the name tag on the pot. Placing the name
on the container makes it easier to see when it is in back of
several other plants.

When containers are cleaned, you can put the same plant
back onto its container and possibly avoid contaminating
plants.

Manufactured foliage rings are very inexpensive, but you
can make your own by using sturdy plastic plates. Just put
the plant on top of the plate and draw a circle around the pot

January • February 2006

with a pencil. Starting from the center of the plate, cut at an
angle to the marked line. Continue cutting until arrow shapes
appear. Gently push these to the center. Place the plant inside
the styrofoam plate and tape down the arrow shaped angles
onto the pot. The plate will support your foliage very well.
You can write the name of the plant on the top of the plate.

When plastic trays crack and leak water, put a piece of
masking tape on one or more sides with the word ‘Crack’.
Then use this tray only as a support under another tray, or
turn it upside down and put the tray on top to be closer to
lights.

When you buy fertilizer in a plastic sack from your club, be
sure to take the fertilizer out of the plastic sack and put it into a
container which closes well. Fertilizers in plastic sacks often
allow humidity to enter and the fertilizer becomes damp - even
wet, or clumpy.

When membership goes down in a club, offer each
member a free membership to the club when they bring in
another member.

Can’t find good programs for your meetings? Try a
‘dawg’ show. Everyone enjoys the opportunity to bring in
plants that have not performed well yet may win a prize as
the ‘mangiest dawg’ in the show. You can offer little paper
ribbons to each participant. Analyzing mistakes with plants
helps the grower as well as the rest of the members. Offer a
plastic bone as first prize. Make a fun night out of the
meeting.

African Violet Magazine 2 1

Getting a Dish Garden Ready for Show

by Libby Watkins

Early in the spring, a few weeks before a show, is a good
time to think about making a dish garden. Begin by thinking
about the items, accessories, and plants which might make
up your entry. Pick up odds and ends of containers and
accessories at garage sales and flea markets. Other items like
sand, bark, and moss can be acquired at a garden shop. They
also cany small starter plants. Keep in mind that you can
purchase the plants (houseplants, violets, or gesneriads) for
your arrangements, dish gardens, or terrariums. This is the
only part of a show in which you can do this. In order to be
entered in a show, all other plants have to be grown by you
for at least three months. Always buy and select plants that
are harmonious in color to each other. Make a picture in your
mind of just what it is that you may want to express about
the theme of the show, as this is usually what is selected for
the dish gardens. It is easier to work on your dish garden
with this in mind. The judges will evaluate your design based
on how well you have expressed the idea and theme of this
section of the show.

Choose a shallow dish, in the shape you wish to work
with, in a subdued color that will not clash with your
arrangement or distract from the idea of your theme. Place
some charcoal in the bottom of the dish for drainage and to
keep the mix sweet. I use Redi-Earth or jiffy Mix in my dish¬
es because it has no perlite to distract from the landscape of
the arrangement. This mix should be soaked with boiling
water for at least a day before using. It is much easier to han¬
dle and will not need much watering when you place your
plants in the mix. Do not over-water. Look for plants that are
in proportion to the size of your arrangement. Small cuttings
can be placed in water and rooted just for this. They make
good filler material for bare spots. Look for small plants that
can be pruned to the size you want, but be careful not to
leave stubs on them. Always check your plants for pests
before placing them in your dish. Live moss works well for
ground cover. If none is available, dried florist’s moss soaked
in water will green up and still look nice. You need not fertil¬
ize a dish garden because of the short time it is planted. Mist
for nicer looking plants. Do not soak.

You should collect a set of small tools, just for using with
dish gardens and terrariums. A long-handled, natural bristle

brush, can reach into a deep place for grooming, without get¬
ting your hands in the design. You can also use the end of a
thin artist’s brush to alter the location of a plant, stones,
mulch, moss, etc. Paper towels and glass cleaner are also
handy.

Small pieces of bark, small stones, figurines in muted col¬
ors and in proportion to the size of your design, sand, moss,
and mirrors to simulate water all work well in landscaping a
dish garden to make it look realistic. Bright colors, unless
stated in the show schedule, distract from the design. Judges
will deduct points for this. The focus of the design should
always be African violets in a violet show and gesneriads in
a gesneriad show. Use colors that complement each other.
Most dish gardens are viewed from the front, unless other¬
wise specified. The entire dish garden should be like a good
still life picture, perfectly landscaped and growing naturally.

You can use a transparent bag to keep your dish garden
fresh and protected. It can also be used to transport the
arrangement to the show if the weather is cool. Check the
condition of the plants in your garden every day. Replace any
plant that is going out of bloom or that is not culturally per¬
fect. I like to place my plants in the dish about three days
before the show, to see if it is exactly the way that I want it
to look. Make sure that all plants are free from dust, soil, dead
leaves, and pests. Make your last minute changes or alter¬
ations to the garden. You can save time by placing pots in
holes where plants are to go. You can visualize how the
arrangement will work, and when you have decided where
each plant is to go, you can place them in the empty holes at
home or at the show without digging into your landscape.
This saves time, muss, and fuss.

If you have no plants for your dish garden, you may
have to purchase them at the show, at the last minute. They
will need to be groomed and pruned before placing them in
your ready-made holes in the garden. Also, at this time,
check them for pests before placing them with your other
plants.

Now, if you have made it through all of this, you should
be good to go to the show!

From African Violet Leaves , publication of the Illinois AVS

c)/ZeuL' cl/)eatf

22 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

AVSA Boc

Shirley Berger • 4343 Schumacher
Contributions: August 1, 2

Susan J. Fraley, Albany, NY . . . $10.00

Linda Garramone, Bay Shore, NY . . . . 10.00

Patricia Miklica, San Jose, C A . 5.00

Betty Grundy, Gainesville, FL . 5.00

Marvin K. Nester, Lakeland, FL ..... . . 5.00

Glenn Hodges, Lenexa, KS . 25.00

Baltimore AVC, Baltimore, MD . . . 3.00

Armand Arate, Leonia, NJ . . . . 25.00

In memory of Gerald McGann.

AVC of Morris County, Lafayette, NJ . . . 10.00

>ster Fund

R.d-196E • Sebring, FL 33872-2639
,005 - September 30, 2005

Joy B. Phillips, Morristown, NJ . $5.00

Gloria Clyne, Syracuse, NY . . . 10.00

Evelyn D. Stein, Tracy, CA . 10.00

Wilma J. Wolveton, Grain Valley, MO . 5.00

AVS of Denver, Chapter I . 35.00

In memory of Elia Kiesling,
a long-standing member:

Spring Branch AVC, Magnolia, TX . 25.00

Total: . $188.00

Boyce Edens F

Marlene J. Buck • 17235 N. 106th i
Donations received from Angus

Ouad-Cities AVS, Davenport, IA . $25.00

Mrs. Anne Tlnari, Huntingdon Valley, PA . 25.00

Dorothy Barton, In loving memory of an early

AVSA Lifetime Member, Sadly missed.

Lianne Flax, Emporia, KS . . . . . 5.00

AVC of Morris County, Lafayette, NJ . . 10.00

Micheline England, Elgin, IL . 5.00

Kathryn Tedford, Manlius, NY . 5.00

Janet M. Graves, Pevely, MO . 5.00

Austin A. Grevious, Seattle, WA . 25.00

In memory of Nellie Sleeth

Late Bloomers AVS, Juda WI . 15.00

Gloria Clyne, Syracuse, NY . 10.00

Audrey Hanthom, Vista, CA . 25.00

In memory of Mrs. Everdina Inpijn, a friend and mentor:

tesearch Fund

Avenue • Sun City, AZ 85373-1958
>t 1, 2005 - September 30, 2005

Coipus Christi AV, Corpus Christi, TX . $25.00

Carlsbad AVS, Carlsbad, CA . 10.00

In memory? of Everdina Inpijn,
a charter member of our club.

George P. Stein, Tracy, CA . 10.00

Thelma Heinrich, Scottsdale, AZ . 5.00

Louise King, Sun City, AZ . 10.00

Sarah Opie, Callington, England . 5.00

Ms. Sam McKenna, Redwood City, CA . 15.00

Eloise Thompson, Blackburg, VA . 4.00

Agatha Garrison, Estancia, NM . 5.00

Margaret Jean Madison, Lauderhill, FL . 5.00

Albuquerque AVC, Albuquerque, NM . 25.00

New York State Council of AV Judges, NY . 5.00

Lisa Haarlander, Chicago, IL . 2.00

AVSA Building IV!

Susan Hapner • 35 Ridge Poin
Email: hapne

Donations Received - 1 August to 30 Septei

Gary Beck/Yolanda Buckley . $20.00

Memory of Denise Showalter

Katyn Cichocki . 10.00

Gloria Clyne . 10.00

Barbara Elkin . 50.00

Memory of dear friend and 20 year convention
buddy - Doris Weaver

David B. looker . . . 10.00

Fu Chen lling . 1.50

TVacie Whitley . 5.00

Wilma J. Wolverton . 5.00

A V Club of Greater Atlanta Georgia A V Judges Society . 100.00

Memory of Margie Kotliar and Memory of Betty Lewis

Fox Valley AV Society . 100.00

Memoiy of Charles Newton

Spring Branch AV Club . 25.00

Lawrence AV Club. . . 50.00

Hoosier AV Society/Indiana . 25.00

Memoiy Helen E. Paterson

George R. Stewart . 5.00

TUstana AVS/Califomia . 25.00

Gail Podany . . 10.00

Laintenance Fund

t Dr. • Chesterfield, MO. 63017
■rsb@aol.com

nber 2005 / 1 October to 30 November 2005

Paa Harkes/Netherlands . $2.50

Felicia Throop . 25.00

Loving Memory - Nipper

AVS of Staten Island/NY . 10.00

In Lieu of Karyn Cichocki - Speakers Fee

Joan Baker . 15.00

Janet Royce . 10.00

Howard Royce . 5.00

Ronald Patterson . 10.00

Sundowners AVCAVisconsin . 10.00

Lisa Haarlander . 1 .00

Kaiyn Cichocki . 5.00

Margaret Schmierer . 25.00

Agatha Garrison . 5.00

Sarah Opie . 5.00

Ms. Sam McKenna . 15.00

Eloise Thompson . 3.00

Thelma Heinrich . 5.00

Jeri Anderson . 10.00

Totals . $513.00

Some monies may not correspond to the totals, for various reasons.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 23

Bill Foster

Shows and fudges Committee
3610 Gray Drive
Mesquite, TX 75150
Email: lbpfoster@sbcglobal.net

Happy New Year! Hope you and your plants enjoyed a
great holiday season. It is now time to start making
plans for the trip to Minneapolis. I believe it was 1986
when we last had an AVSA convention in that area.
That was the first time most of us were introduced to
the Ness’s beautiful cultivars and the year I was
appointed as Affiliate Chairman. Ah, the memories!

Here are a couple of questions from a recent show.

Q. Why would design judges award a ribbon to an exhib¬
it in the class for mobiles that does not comply to the desciip-
tion of a mobile?

A. Judges have choices. Apparently, this panel acted on the
qualification of tact and kindness. If this is the case, the judges
should always write comments to make it clear to the exhibitor
that the exhibit does not meet the description of a mobile. In
either case, comments should point out the problems to the
exhibitor.

Q. An episcia was exhibited in the ornamental foliage
class. It was given a red libbon because it had a bud show¬
ing color Why?

A. Again, the judges had options. In this case there were
three options. They could have asked that it be moved to the
class for blooming gesneriads. The best it could have done
there would have been a white ribbon. They could have not
judged it at all, or they could have asked the clerk to remove
the bud showing color. This should have been detected in clas¬
sification and a decision made by the exhibitor at that time, as
to what they wanted to do about it.

Here a few changes for the Handbook:

Page 67-Change rule 5, under GENERAL RULES FOR
DESIGN DIVISION to read; The American flag, state flags,
flags from other nations, plants on the endangered list
from any state or nation, artificial plant material, and
live creatures shall not be used in any design division
exhibit.

Page 76-at the top of the page, change the beginning of
the second line to read; a specimen plants section and a
display tables and showcase section. Also, change rule 1 ,
under GENERAL RULES COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE
DIVISION to read; All AVSA commercial members may
enter all commercial classes. Also on page 76 change rule
3, under RULES FOR SPECIMEN PLANTS SECTION to read;
AVSA Collection Awards (class 59 in the sample sched¬
ule on page 46) is open to all Commercial Members.
Change RULES FOR DISPLAY TABLES Section to read; DIS¬
PLAY TABLES AND SHOWCASES SECTION. Please make

a note at the bottom of the page to read; See lower part of
page 77 for information on showcases.

Page 77- Please change the first sentence of rule 5 to:

Uniformly covered tables will be provided for display
tables; however, display tables may be covered with any
color or pattern at the exhibitor’s discretion.

Add, on the lower part of page 77: INFORMATION ON
SHOWCASES and add underneath the heading; Exhibits in
the Commercial Showcase Classes will be allotted space
sufficient for their display. Thble covers will be neutral.
Exhibits in these classes shall contain 6-10 plants, either
miniature, semiminiature, standard, trailing African vio¬
lets, or other gesneriads. Showcases must be predomi¬
nantly (75%) African violets or designs using African
violets. Showcases-Horticulture, shall be a collection of
6-10 plants (exhibitor may designate one plant as a unit
or three plants as a unit) with NO embellishment.
Showcases-Artistic, must include a creative aspect, and
may include designs (flower or plant arrangements or
container gardens) incorporating. Both showcases shall
be judged on horticulture perfection. Horticulture perfec¬
tion shall be computed by finding the average points per
plant. Awards in Showcases-Horticulture shall be based
100% on horticulture perfection. Awards in showcases-
artistic shall be based 80% on horticulture perfection and
20% on distinction and originality. Each entry in the
showcases will be judged. Showcases-Horticulture shall
use standard plant name and entry tags provided by
Entries. Showcases-Artistic, the exhibitor has the option
of using standard name tags provided by Entries, or may
provide their own tags or diagrams. Each tag or diagram
must include the entry book number. For this class no
ribbons awards will be given. Instead, showcases with
all blue ribbon entries will be awarded a rosette.

(Please note: an exhibitor may choose to NOT have
their exhibit judged.)

A more detailed version on showcases will be included
when the Handbook is reprinted. In the meantime, exhibitors
should rely heavily on the schedule for details.

24 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Fragile African Violets?

by Ann L. Arnold • Ottawa, KS

Back in May, I purchased some begonias and other
plants to go in my window boxes. My husband David was
planting them for me. He asked me what I wanted to plant
outside in my ceramic basket. It has a large plastic pot inside.
I started to say not anything but remembered the African
violet leaves with
tiny babies that I
was going to dump
into the trash. Due
to health problems,

I just didn’t have
the energy to go
take care of them
all. He plopped
them in the pot
and “kind of
listened” to my
instructions. They
were placed on the
north side of the
house.

As many of
you know, the
weather here in
Kansas usually
has lots of wind
and rain in the
spring. This spring
was no exception.

My husband
watered the violets
along with
everything else,
with cold water from the garden hose. No fertilizer at all. I did
absolutely nothing with them. Neither of us even separated
them.

In June they received a few more wind storms; then in
July we had a quarter inch hail, a devastating storm. It
annihilated the roofs of our house and garages, and almost
completely ruined crops. The violets did not come out
unscathed, as you can see in the picture. There were holes in

the leaves where the ice hit, but not too bad. On they grew.

The picture was taken in August after another bad wind
and rain storm. A couple of weeks before, they had gone
through upper 90 and 1 00 degree weather almost every day
and kept on blooming. I couldn’t even get many of mine in

the house to
bloom with air
conditioning.

They had
survived hot
weather; how
about cold? We
had a forecast of
44 degree

temperatures for
an evening in the
first part of
October. It got
down to 41. I
thought, well,
there go my
outside violets;
but no, their
leaves looked a
little frosty, but
they came right
out of it.

When it was
to get down to
actually frost,
David said,
“Aren’t we
bringing in those
violets?” I laughed and agreed. They are now in the laundry
room under a window. Two of them were plants ‘Redhead,’
an oldie from my mother that goes back to the 1950’s. And I
would have thought that was the reason they were so tough,
but I also had ‘Apache Silver’ and ‘Ness’s Ruffled Skies’ in
the pot.

I told my husband that next year I will plant more
violets!

All Library Requests Must Be Made in
Writing to the African Violet Society of

America Office

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 25

Joe Bruns

1220 Stratford Lane
Hanover Park, IL 60133
Email: jbruns@qwip.net

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.

George McDonald - Monroe Township, N)

‘Mac’s Black Jack (9469) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald) Single
dark red sticktite pansy. Dark green, pointed, serrated/red
back. Miniature

‘Mac’s Carnival Clown (9470) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Single-semidouble coral pink pansy/purple fantasy, white
edge. Medium green, plain, quilted, heart-shaped, serrat¬
ed. Semiminiature

‘Mac’s Coral Cutie (9471) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald) Single
coral red sticktite pansy. Variegated medium green and
white, plain, pointed, serrated. Miniature
‘Mac’s Cotton Candy (9472) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Single-semidouble pink pansy/red fantasy. Variegated
medium green and white, ovate/red back.
Semiminiature

‘Mac’s Crimson Cavalier (9473) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Semidouble coral red pansy. Variegated medium green
and white, ovate, serrated. Semiminiature
‘Mac’s Galactic Grandeur (9474) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Semidouble medium blue pansy/dark blue and pink fan¬
tasy. Dark green, plain/red back. Semiminiature
‘Mac’s Genuine Grannie’s (9475) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Single-semidouble dark blue-purple pansy. Medium
green, ovate, quilted, hairy. Miniature
‘Mac’s Glacial Grape (9476) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Semidouble-double purple pansy/white edge. Medium
green, plain, scalloped. Semiminiature
‘Mac’s Hott’r’n Hades (9477) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Single-semidouble purple pansy/coral red fantasy.

Medium green, plain, pointed, quilted, serrated.

Miniature

‘Mac’s Just Jeff (9478) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald) Semidouble
coral red pansy/variable darker fantasy. Mosaic varie¬
gated medium green, white and variable pink, plain,
scalloped. Miniature

‘Mac’s Kismet’s Knight (9479) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald)
Single-semidouble coral blue pansy. Variegated dark
green and white, pointed/red back. Miniature
‘Mac’s Nocturne (9480) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald) Double
purple pansy/lighter band, thin white edge. Medium
green, plain, quilted, serrated. Semiminiature
‘Mac’s Quaintly Quintessential (9481) 9/29/05 (G.
McDonald) Single coral red sticktite pansy. Variegated
medium green, white and pink, plain, quilted. Miniature
‘Mac’s Southern Springtime (9482) 9/29/05 (G.
McDonald) Single-semidouble red and white pansy.
Medium green, ovate/red back. Semiminiature
‘Mac’s Sun Seeker (9483) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald) Single
hot pink sticktite pansy/variable white edge. Medium
green, serrated/red back. Semiminiature
‘Mac’s True Love (9484) 9/29/05 (G. McDonald) Single
coral red sticktite pansy/variable purple fantasy.
Variegated medium green, white, tan and variable pink,
ovate, quilted, serrated. Miniature

NAME RESERVATIONS
Sharon Holtzman - Olentangy, OH

* Newtown Another Purple * Newtown Beaumont Bluster *
Newtown Chin Up * Newtown Dreams Count * Newtown
Happenstance * Newtown Kat Lady * Newtown Kat Nap *
Newtown Opportune * Newtown Oscar Didit * Newtown River
Hills * Newtown Sassy Wins * Newtown Showboater *
Newtown Soaring Softly * Newtown Thrips Tease *

26 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Preparing to Show
Your African Violets

Thke 3x5 white sheets of paper or file cards, and lay them
over a leaf in the outer row of the plant. Keep going around
until the symmetry looks really good. Never leave a smaller
leaf below a larger one. Take off any immature leaves, When
you feel the circle looks the best, then carefully go in and snip
off the covered leaves with your fingertips or a sucker plucker
in tight spots. By using the paper, if you change your mind,
you just remove the paper, not the leaf! If you have a slightly
damaged leaf whose removal will ruin the symmetry, leave it
on and take the deduction (usually only 1 point) .

Take a paint brush with soft hair and brush slowly each
leaf, starting at the crown, brushing to the outside. Keep
working down and around so all debris ends up on the
outermost leaves; then brush off plant.

If you have a white spot from fertilizer or transpiration,
take a broken petiole and rub the cut end onto the spot.
Reapply after dry, and you should get most of it off.

Look inside for any suckers. Anything showing leaves in
there, take it out. Use a tapered sharp instrument (this is
where a sucker plucker is used) .

Use your brush to go inside and dust off any soil or per¬
lite that is sitting on any petiole, even if hidden from view.
Have no soil piled up around the neck. This is not the way to
hide a neck - repotting is.

For a standard plant at maturity, you should have 20-25
flowers open, including the ones which will be open the day
of judging. A small standard plant 8" to 10" in diameter with
10-15 blossoms could receive the hill amount of points under
quantity of bloom. Also keep in mind the size of the blos¬
soms. Some plants have very large blooms. The larger the
diameter of the plant, the more open, fresh flowers you will
need. But do not leave home a pretty plant just because it
may be a bit low in flower count. Thke your chances. One
never knows.

With tiny scissors, take off any flower that is wilting or
showing browning, even on the edge. Repeat this on the day
you take them in for judging and remove any flagging
flowers. Gently move the flower stalks around to make a cir¬
cle or halo if possible, but do not use force and break one.

For trailers, shift the branches so that you have growth
and flowering all around as in a circle. You must have three
crowns on a trailer, preferably with blooms on each. If you
only have two crowns, you can enter it, but 10 points will be
deducted right away so the most you could get is a red
ribbon. Go inside and remove any dead or yellow leaves. Clip
leaves which are hiding flowers beneath.

For minis and semis, you will need fewer flowers. Eight
is plenty on a small plant. Again, try to move the stems so
the flowers are evenly dispersed. Follow the same guidelines
as to grooming foliage, flower removal, and trimming for
better symmetry.

Remove any support rings at the show and any growing
stakes beforehand. Each forgotten pick counts toward
deductions.

Follow the directions of the schedule as to the color of
pots and if you need slip-potting. Have extra pots of the
proper color and size.

After show placement check to see if the best side is for¬
ward. If not, ask the placement chairman to move the plant
so that the best side is in the front. You would be surprised
what you can hide.

Pack the plants loosely in large cardboard boxes. Use
crumpled newspaper or gift tissue to make rings so that the
plant nestles in and will not shift whatsoever during trans¬
portation. Carefully cover, if necessary, and make sure that
the flowers will not be crushed by another box on top.

From African Violet Leaves , publication of the Illinois AYS

Coming Events Deadlines

January/February AVM - November 1 July/ August AVM - May 1

March/ April AVM - January 1 September/October AVM - July 1

May/June AVM - March 1 November/December AVM - September 1

All events notices must be in writing.

Submit by Email <rrumsey@earthlink.net>.

Fax: 409.839.4329 or US Postal Service: AVSA Coming Events
2375 North St., Beaumont, TX 77702

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 2 7

WRANGLERS RIDE AGAIN!

by Marge Savage

“Finally, 1 had a greenhouse full of variegated
African violets!”

So said Winston Smith, the seventy-eight-year-
old father of multitudes of Wrangler and
Maverick series African violets. Winston
retired after forty years of teaching
shorthand, typing, accounting,
and other business
courses at high
schools in Barber’s
Hill, San Angelo,

Hardin, and other
towns in southeast
Texas. Considered a
friend by his
students, Winston
also drove the school
bus and directed high
school plays.

I recently contacted him by phone in

hot and humid Liberty, Texas, where he has

lived for the past thirty-eight years, hoping to

find out how he became interested in
a c • • , . Wrangler’s Dixie

African violets. 15

“My mother ordered some African
violets from the Better Homes and Gardens magazine,” he
told me. “She was a novice grower. There was a local
African violet show in near by Beaumont. We went, and
there I met Mrs. George Vallin (‘Wrangler’s Margaret Vailin’).

She invited me over, and we became life-long friends. Mrs.
Vallin helped form the national society and taught me
everything 1 know. She also gave me an interest in
hybridizing and taught me all about it.”

Winston actively hybridized plants from 1979 to 1989,
the year of his retirement:

"I love variegation. 1
wanted variegated
African violets. 1
had a deep, red
Rhapsodie,
which 1
loved. But, 1
lost it and
raised
‘Optimara
Colorado’,
instead. I
crossed

, , . , , ‘Optimara

Wrangler’s El Diablo

Colorado’ to ‘Sunlit Sugar Plum’. I loved
that ‘Sunlit Sugar Plum’. I got it from Maneeta
Lanigan - she hybridized a long time ago. It had
only one seedpod. This produced
‘Wrangler’s Canyon Echoes’.”

At the same time, I crossed
‘Optimara Colorado’ onto ‘Persian
Tapestry’ and had both
seedlings growing out at the
same time. The Dixie
African Violet Society
was to have their
convention in
Beaumont. And so, 1
named this seedling for
that DAVS event -
‘Wrangler’s Dixie
Celebration’ (6-29-
81). That’s the best
one!”

I agreed, and had to ask how he came up with
Wrangler’s and Maverick’s for his series names.

“I went to Mrs. Vallin to seek her
advice on what to name all these hybrids.

Celebration

She felt that they
were worthy hybrids
and needed a series
name. On TV, in the
80’s, there was a
commercial featuring
a young girl wearing
blue jeans. She
turned around, and
across her back
pocket, it said,

‘Wrangler.’ That was
it!

“The Maverick’s were just
that - Mavericks! They were too
contrary to variegate.”

I mentioned that I have noticed an increase in
commercial growers offering more and more of his hybrids:
Libbie Glembocki in South Carolina, where it is hot and
humid; Travis’ Violets in Georgia, where it is hot and humid,
and Alannah’s Greenhouses, Washington/Canada. Winston
seemed elated as I named the eight hybrids exhibited at the
2004 AVSA Convention and Show in Tucson, Arizona: two
‘Wrangler's Dixie Celebration’, ‘Pink Patches’, ‘Snowfields’,

Mavericks Faded Jeans

28 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Wrangler’s Spanish Cavilier

‘Jealous Jewels’, ‘Savage Beauty’; and two ‘Maverick’s
Faded Jeans’.

Winston did venture briefly into commercial advertising.
“One fall, I did put one ad in the African Violet Magazine. I
got into business because of two women from Texas A&M.
These two women and Ray Scott were at my home one
night. They dropped in after seeing ‘Wrangler’s Jealous
Heart’ at the Beaumont show. I had fully-grown plants. I
was depending on A&M to clone what I needed for sales
from that ad. They didn’t come through, and I didn’t have
any plants to sell. But, out of 100 orders, only one person
wanted their money back. Can you imagine that? I didn’t
have to advertise. They came to see me!”

“Once, Molly Ritchie (‘Wrangler’s Mollie Ritchie’) and
Susan Myers (‘Wrangler’s Susan Myers’) had been judging a
show in Beaumont and stopped for a visit. While looking
around the greenhouse, Susan Myers said, ‘Oh, my God, a
YELLOW African violet! Come over here and look at this!’
The yellow blossom was on one of Mrs. Vallin’s plants,

Wrangler’s Pink Patches

‘Silver Honey’, a pink-blossomed violet. This plant had
mutated into sort of a ‘viney’ plant that I named ‘Wrangler’s
White Silver Sands’. And, it put up this yellow blossom. We
lifted up the leaves, and it was hanging down over the pot -
a yellow blossom with a little streak of pink. I never took a

Wrangler’s Bryan ’s Song

picture of it, or had it photographed. Can you imagine that? I
put leaves down, and put leaves down. It was a hard winter
that year. I had heaters going full blast. But, the temperature
dropped down to 9 degrees, and all the leaves froze."

“Another year, Kent Stork called and asked if he could
show one of my hybrids on his commercial table at the AVSA
Convention and Show. It was ‘Wrangler’s Jealous Heart’. I
was glad to do this, because I don’t care to get into it that
much. I received a call from the convention and learned that
my hybrid has just won Best New Introduction!”

Winston did
attend the 1999
AVSA Convention
and Show in
Houston. “The
national show’ll be
back in Houston
some day,” he said,

“and, when it does,

1 11 try to go. Wrangler’s Ghost Rider

By the time

you read this, Winston may have moved into a new two-
story home he and his family have built in nearby Kenefick,
TX . “I have a new greenhouse built in my new location,
too,” he told me. “There are also four acres, a catfish pond,
and folks who say, ‘I love you, Pop.’”

Winston also offered a tip for African violet growers. To
avoid thrips, he recommends placing little plastic cups of
Cedar-Cide (Wal-Mart) among the plants.

Thanks, Winston, for your contributions to the African
violet world!

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 29

2006 AVSA Convention Awards

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Society Awards - Amateur Horticulture Division

Best African Violet in Show - $50 & Hi-color rosette

2nd Best .African Violet in Show - $35 & rosette

3rd Best African Violet in Show - $25 & rosette

Best Standard - $25 & rosette

Best Trailer - $25 & rosette

Best Semiminiature - $25 & rosette

Best Miniature - $25 & rosette

Best Species - $25 & rosette

Best Vintage Violet - $25 & rosette

Best Other Gesneriad - $25 & rosette

Sweepstakes in Horticulture - $50 & rosette

Sweepstakes Runner-up in Horticulture - $25 & rosette

Best Standard AVSA Collection - $50 & Gold rosette

2nd Best Standard AVSA Collection - $25 & Purple rosette

Best Mini/Semimini AVSA Collection - $50 & Gold rosette

2nd Best Mini/Semimini AVSA Collection - $25 & Purple rosette

Society Awards - Design Division
Best Design in Show -$50 & Tri-color rosette
2nd Best Design in Show - $35 & rosette
3rd Best Design in Show - $25 & rosette
Sweepstakes in Design - $50 & rosette
Sweepstakes Runner-up in Design - $25 & rosette

Society Awards - Commercial Specimen Plants

Best African Violet in Show - $50 & rosette

2nd Best African Violet in Show - $35 & rosette

3rd Best African Violet in Show - $25 & rosette

Sweepstakes in Specimen plants - $50 & rosette

Best Commercial Display Tfrble - $125 & Blue rosette

2nd Best Commercial Display Tfrble - $100 & Red rosette

Best African Violet on a Display Tfrble - $50 & rosette

Best Other Gesneriad - $25 & rosette

Best Standard AVSA Collection - $50 & Gold rosette

2nd Best Standard AVSA Collection - $25 & Purple rosette

Best Mini/Semimini AVSA Collection - $50 & Gold rosette

2nd Best Mini/Semimini AVSA Collection - $25 & Purple rosette

Best New Cultivar - $75, Blue rosette & plaque

2nd Best New Cultivar - $50 & Red rosette

3rd Best New Cultivar - $25 & White rosette

Specified Awards - Commercial Division

Best Holtkamp Collection - $300 & rosette - Holtkamp Greenhouses
(TN)

2nd Best Holtkamp Collection - $200 & rosette - Holtkamp
Greenhouses (TN)

3rd Best Holtkamp Collection - $100 & rosette - Holtkamp
Greenhouses (TN)

Best New Cultivar - $100 - in memory of Frank Tinari - Mary & Ait
Boland (VA)

Best Rebel’s Minnesota Haze - $25 - Ruth Bann (MN)

Specified Awards - Amateur Division

Best Holtkamp Collection - $300, rosette & Coin - Holtkamp
Greenhouses (TN)

2nd Best Holtkamp Collection - $200 & rosette - Holtkamp
Greenhouses (TN)

3rd Best Holtkamp Collection - $100 & rosette - Holtkamp
Greenhouses (TN)

Best Robinson Collection - $150, rosette & hand-made beaded violet -
The Violet Bam (NY)

2nd Best Robinson Collection - $50 - The Violet Bam (NY)

Best Buckeye Collection - $150 - Pat’s Patch/Pat Hancock (OH)

2nd Best Buckeye Collection - $50 - Pat’s Patch/Pat Hancock (OH)

Best AVSA Registered Russian Hybrid Collection - $300 - Vladimir
Kalgin (Russia)

2nd Best AVSA Registered Russian Hybrid Collection - $200 - Vladimir
Kalgin (Russia)

3rd Best AVSA Registered Russian Hybrid Collection - $100 - Vladimir
Kalgin (Russia)

Best African Violet in Show - Silver Memorial for Fannie & Elmer Hall
- Ovella Hall (AR)

Best Mini/Semimini AVSA Collection - $15 - Susan Hapner (MO)

Best Semiminiature - $25 - Mid America AVS (MO)

Best Species - $50 - Cape Cod Violetry (MA)

Best Species - $25 - Milwaukee AVS (WI)

Best Species - $10 - Carolee Carter (FL)

Best Vintage Violet - $25 - Lake Shore AVS (IL)

Best Vintage Violet - matted violet lithograph - Judi Du Pont (IL) &
Adrienne Topping (VA)

Best White Miniature - $25 - Lake Shore AVS (IL)

Best Semiminiature Fantasy - $10 - AVS of SW Florida (FL)

Best Standard Chimera - $50 and rosette - Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses
(NY)

Best Girl Foliage - $30 - Tfrmpa AVS (FL)

Best Miniature Girl Foliage - $30 - Tfrmpa AVS (FL)

Best Chirita - $10 - Mrs. Strep Streps/Kathy Spissman (GA)

Best Tliberous Gesneriad - $10 - Linda Neumann (OH)

Best Sinningia - $25 - Ovella Hall (AR)

Best ‘Ozark’ Sinningia in the Sinningia class - $35 - Dave’s
Violets/Dave Harris (MO)

Best Streptocarpus - $25 - Ovella Hall (AR)

Best in Class 10 - $25 in honor of Lucille Woolever - Viking Violets
(MN)

Best in Class 18 - $25 in honor of Nancy Braun - Wisconsin Council of
AV Clubs (WI)

Best in Class 21 - $25 in honor of Kevin Degner - Wisconsin Council
of AV Clubs (WI)

Best in Class 22 - $20 - Rocky Mountain AV Council (CO)

Specific Variety Awards - Amateur Horticulture
Best The Alps - $100 - Kazuo Horikoshi (Tokyo, Japan)

Best Buckeye Love’s Caress - $50 - Pat’s Patch/Pat Hancock (OH)

Best Chanticleer - $25 in memory of Paula Foster - Sue Hoffmann
(VA)

Best Concord - $100 - Kazuo Horikoshi (Tokyo, Japan)

Best Dean’s Bunny Blue - $25 - Shirley Sanders (TX)

Best Dolores’ Chantilly Lace - $25 - Dolores Harrington (MN)

Best Duluth - $25 - Dolores Harrington (MN)

Best Emilie Savage - $25 - Jim & Linda Owens (OH)

Best Everdina - $25 - Hans & Everdina Inpijn (CA)

Best Frozen in Time - $25 - Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses/Paul Sorano
(NY)

Best Irish Flirt - $50 and rosette - Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses/Paul
Sorano (NY)

Best ‘The King’ (Maas) - $25 - Janet Riemer (NJ)

Best Lilian Jarrett Variegated (#2902) - $100 - in memory of Frank
Tinari - Anne Tinari (PA)

Best Louisiana Lagniappe - $ 1 00 - The Baton Rouge Convention
Group/Elmer Godeny

Best Maas’ Mark - $25 - in memory of Max Maas - Hattie Baggett
(AZ)

Best Mickey Mouse - $25 - Hans & Everdina Inpijn (CA)

30 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Best Nancy Hayes (trailer) - $25 - Nancy Hayes (CT)

Best Ness’ Crinkle Blue - $25 - in memory of Don Ness - Lakes Area
Violet Growers (MN)

Best Ness’ Crinkle Blue - rosette - Wangle AVS (NC)

Best Ness’ Satin Rose - $25 - in memoiy of Don Ness - Lakes Area
Violet Growers (MN)

Best Precious Pink - $50 - Hortense and Ray Pittman (TX)

Best Queen Anne - $100 - Catherine Thompson (LA)

Best Rebel’s Meg - $25 - Ruth Bann (MN)

Best Rebel’s Minnesota Haze - $25 - Ruth Bann (MN)

Best Rebel's Splatter Kake - $15 - AVS of Minnesota (MN)

Best Rebel’s Splatter Kake - $25 - Ruth Bann (MN)

Best Rosie Ruffles - $15 - AVS of Minnesota (MN)

Best Shirt’s Senior Moment - $25 - Shirley Sanders (TX)

Best Sora Kalissa - $25 - Barbara & Charles Wemess (MN)

Best Sora Patty Ann - $25 - Barbara & Charles Wemess (MN)

Best Streptocarpus ‘Night Beacon’ - $25 - Cedar Valley Violet Club (IA)
Best Tiger - $100 - Nancy Price (LA)

Best Vintage Wine - $25 - Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses/Paul Sorano
(NY)

Specified Awards - Design Division

2nd Best MN Aquatennial (Class 76) in honor of Shirley Hultin - $15
- New Century/Northem Lights AV Club (MN)

3rd Best MN Aquatennial (Class 76) in honor of Shirley Hultin - $15 -
Terry Klemesrud (MN)

Best Natural Container - $20 - Kitty Hedgepeth (VA)

Best Terrarium - $25 - AVS of Greater TUlsa (OK)

Best Underwater Arrangement - $30 - Lynne Wilson (FL)

Other Awards -

Amateur Horticulture or Undesignated
$100 donated by:

Aurora Borealis AVS (AK)

Winston & Laurel Goretsky (Alberta, Canada)

High Country Violets - Tlina Smith (WY)

Lone Star AV Council (TX)

William Sugg (TX)

$50 donated by:

Columbus AVS (OH)

Bill Foster (TX)

Ovella Hall (AR)

Lake Shore AVS (IL)

Thmpa Bay Gesneriad Society (FL)

Wcson AVS (AZ)

$30 donated by:

Nancy Amelung (MO)

$25 donated by:

Alpha AVS (TX)

AV Council of Southern California (CA)

AVS of Greater TUlsa (OK)

AVS of Pensacola (FL)

AVS of Rochester (NY)

Bluebird Greenhouse (NC)

Carol Brown (VA)

Doris & John Brownlie (ON, Canada)

Cedar Valley Violet Club (IA)

First AVS of Dallas (TX)

First Lakeland AVS (FL)

First Nighter AVS of Dallas (TX)

Jan’s Workshop - Jan Davidson (TX)

Lakeshore AVS of Toronto (ON, Canada)

Magic Knight AVS (TX)

Gertrude Morabito (OH)

New York State AVS (NY)

North California Judges Council (CA)

North Texas AV Judges Council (TX)

Jim & Linda Owens (OH)

Quad Cities AVS (IA)

Leonard & Elaine Re (CA)

Warren & Vicki Ringer (CA)

South Coast AVS (CA)

Unpredictable AVC of Blue Springs (MO)

$20 donated by:Jim & Linda Golubski (MO)

Long Island AVS (NY)

Metro. St. Louis AV Council (MO)

Tidewater AVS (VA)

$15 donated by:

Richmond AVS (VA)

$10 donated by:

Amethyst AVC of St. Louis (MO)

AVC of Greater Kansas City (MO)

First AVS of Wichita Falls (TX)

Meredith Hall (TX)

Laurene Jones (VA)

Mile High Violet Society (CO)

Fran Ratte (OH)

Sue Ramser (TX)

San Mateo County AVS (CA)

Undesignated Memorials and Honorariums:

Gloxinia Gesneriad Growers of Colorado - $ 1 5 to honor past/present
members of their club (CO)

Nelly Levine - $20 in memoiy of Ella Kiesling (CO)

Ruth & Will Loomis - $25 in memoiy of Paula Foster (AZ)

Bill Price - $25 in honor of Paul Kroll (BC, Canada)

Bill Price - $25 in memoiy of Paula Foster (BC, Canada)

Becky Shoun - $ 1 5 in memoiy of Ella Kiesling (CO)

Other donations:

$10 gift certificate - Violet Venture - Fay Wagman (NY)

Thbletop light with stand - Indoor Garden Supply/Tina Dickhart

Other Awards - Design Division
$50 donated by:

Kathy Lahti (MN)

$25 donated by:

Albuquerque AVC (NM)

$20 donated by:

Metro. St. Louis AV Council (MO)

$10 donated by:

Amethyst AVC of St. Louis (MO)

Thanks to the many individuals, clubs, and councils who have
offered their generous award support for the 2006 show in Minneapolis!
You all make the difference.

If your name is not on this list, there is still time to be included. Send
your check or money order payable in U.S. Funds and made out to
‘AVSA Awards’ to:

Sue Hoffmann, AVSA Awards Chairman
2809 Forest Hills Court • Virginia Beach VA 23454

We look forward to hearing from you! Final deadline to be listed in
the Minneapolis Show Souvenir book is February 15, 2006.

View a current Awards listing on the AVSA web site at
http://www.AVSA.org under National Convention. Although every
attempt has been made to list awards correctly, we reserve the right to
modify or change these listings.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 3 1

FAVORITE GARDENS: An Evolving Involvement

With the African Violet

by Pauline Kerkstra

In the past, when I looked at those cheerful, uplifted
African violets on display at the store, I was filled with wonder
at their beauty and the promise of enchanting days ahead. I
spent time trying to decide which one I wanted to take home
for another try at growing one successfully. But each time, I
eventually killed it, completely unintentionally, with my lack
of knowledge.

So I have finally put together enough historical
information and universal tips to ensure my understanding
and enjoyment of successfully growing African violets in my
home.

The Beginnings

In 1892, Baron Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, a German
officer with an interest in botany, was touring his African
coastal territory of the East Usambara Mountains near Tanga.
He found an isolated patch of short, hairy, fleshy- leaved
plants with small, bright blue, single, five-petaled rows of
blossoms. He gathered live plants and seed samples. Farther
on his tour, at an elevation of 3,000 feet, he spotted another
patch of a similar plant and collected specimens from the
second site as well.

The collected material was sent to the baron’s father in
Germany, who planted the seeds and shared the plants with
Herman Wendland, the director of the botanic garden in
Heninhausen, near Hanover.

The plants were described and named by Wendland, who
realized they were a newly identified genus. He named them
in honor of the two barons, Saintpaulia, and the species was
named for the Greek word for violet-like flowers: S. ionantha.

Today, it is known that two different species were
collected. Wendland had only considered samples from the
Tanga site. The higher elevation plant had been grown in
botanic gardens as a variant of S. ionantha, known as
S. Kewenis. The second specimen was named a separate
species - S. confusa - in 1956 by B.L. Burtt.

The mislabeling of the second plant was a turn of good
fortune, as the cross-breeding of the two original specimens
led to the first hybrid African violets.

Mutations

In the mid-1950s, 10 plants ranging from blue to violet to
purple were selected for sale from the first hybrid seedlings
that were bred from the original seeds. Eight varieties were
grown from Suttons of England seeds: Admiral, Amethyst,
Commodore, Mermaid, Neptune, Norseman, Number 32, and
Viking. And two varieties were grown from Benary of
Germany seeds: Blue Boy and Sailor Boy.

At the time, the success of the violet as a houseplant was
due mainly to the plant’s beauty and its adaptability from its
cooler, higher elevation habitat to homes with central heating.

In 1939, Michigan grower Ed Wangbichler discovered the
first significant single plant mutation - also known as a sport
- in a batch of Blue Boy plants. The mutation was two five-
petaled rows instead of the original single row. It also had the
characteristic of non-dropping flowers, which on an African
violet are flowers that shrivel up at the end of a blooming
cycle.

In 1940, a second Blue Boy sport was discovered by
Holton and Hunkel growers in Milwaukee - a single, dear
pink flower.

A third surprise made itself known in 1941, when
another Blue Boy produced rounded, thicker and slightly
wavy leaves with a patch of yellow or white at the leaf base
of the stalk connection. This sport was named Blue Girl, and
since then, “girl-type” is used to describe this type of leaf.

In 1956, the Isselburg, Germany, nursery of Herman
Holtkamp introduced the strain of Rhapsodie Saintpaulia, a
non-dropping single flower.

In the years that followed, collectors found a total of 20
different species of African violets, all from East Africa where
there still may be other species to be found.

Hybrids

The African violet has become one of the most popular
flowering houseplants in the world. This is due mainly to the
plant’s ease of propagation and the strides made in
hybridization.

After the series of sports found in Blue Boys, growers
stopped relying on accidental sports and began hybridizing for
a wide range of colors, leaf variations, plant size, and plant
growth.

In 1984, Holtkamp Greenhouses, in Nashville, Term.,
placed 25,000 Optimara seeds in NASA’s space violet
program. The seeds orbited the Earth for six years, exposed to
radiation and a lack of gravity. A number of mutations
occurred, and some of them were cross-bred with the
Optimara varieties. One new characteristic to emerge was
flower abundance, resulting in a violet with at least 20 open
blooms, rather than the previous standard of five to seven
open blooms. Some other traits to emerge were faster growth
and more environmental stress resistance.

Growing Violets

The usual complaint of gardeners is that African violets
just die. The plants usually die from lack of correct care; with

32 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

AVSA CONVENTION SHOW SCHEDULE

VIOLETS VACATION IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
MAY 28-JUNE 4, 2006

HORTICULTURE DIVISION -AMATEUR

SECTION I - COLLECTIONS

CLASS

1 . AVSA Collection of three different registered standard varieties
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 trail¬
ers, three single-crown miniatures, or three semiminiature
trailers) .

3. Holtkamp Memorial Collection of three registered Optimara
and/or Rhapsodie plants of the same type: standard, miniature,
or semiminiature.

4. Robinson Collection of three registered Rob’s or Ma’s plants, all
of the same type (three single-crown miniatures, three minia¬
ture trailers, three single-crown semiminiatures or three semi¬
miniature trailers) or three standards.

5. Buckeye Collection of three registered standard Hancock (Buckeye
series) plants.

6. Russian Collection of three registered standard Russian hybridized
plants.

SECTION II - STANDARD PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM,

GREEN FOLIAGE

7. Dark blue and purple

8. Light to medium blue

9. Light to medium pink

10. Dark pink, rose, and coral

1 1 . Red, wine, fuchsia, and plum

12. Lavender, mauve, orchid, white, cream, and blush

13. Multicolor and chimera (all shades of blue and purple)

14. Multicolor and chimera (all shades of pink, red, and yellow)

15. Fantasy

16. All edged

SECTION III - STANDARD PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM,

VARIEGATED FOLIAGE

1 7. Blue, purple, lavender, and orchid

18. Pink, red, fuchsia, coral, and wine

19. White, cream, and blush

20. Multicolor and chimera

2 1 . Fantasy and all edged

SECTION IV - MINIATURE PLANTS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM

22. Purple and all shades of blue, green foliage

23. Pink, coral, red, wine, and fuchsia, green foliage

24. Orchid, lavender, white, cream, and blush, green foliage

25. Multicolor, chimera, and all edged, green foliage

26. Fantasy, green foliage

27. Purple and all shades of blue, variegated foliage

28. Pink, coral, red, and fuchsia, variegated foliage

29. Orchid, lavender, white, and blush, variegated foliage

30. Multicolor, chimera, and all edged, variegated foliage

3 1 . Fantasy, variegated foliage

SECTION V - SEMIMINIATURE PLANTS,

ANY TYPE BLOSSOM

32. Purple and all shades of blue, green foliage

33. Pink and coral, green foliage

34. Red, wine, and fuchsia, green foliage

35. Orchid, lavender, white, and blush, green foliage

36. All edged, green foliage

37. Multicolor and chimera, green foliage

38. Fantasy, green foliage

39. Purple and all shades of blue, variegated foliage

40. Pink, coral, red, and fuchsia, variegated foliage

4 1 . Orchid, lavender, white, and blush, variegated foliage

42. Multicolor and chimera, variegated foliage

43. All edged, variegated foliage

44. Fantasy, variegated foliage

SECTION VI - TRAILERS, SPECIES, AND VINTAGE
VIOLETS, ANY TYPE BLOSSOM, ANY FOLIAGE

45. Standard trailers

46. Miniature trailers

47. Semiminiature trailers

48. Saintpaulia species and natural hybrids

49. Vintage violets (must be at least 25 years old)

SECTION VII - NEW CULTIVARS

50. Seedlings

5 1 . Sports or mutants

SECTION VIII- AFRICAN VIOLET PLANT IN
UNUSUAL CONTAINER

52. One African violet plant, either standard, miniature, or semi¬
miniature in a container

53. One African violet trailer in container

SECTION IX - GESNERIADS OTHER THAN
AFRICAN VIOLETS

54. Miniatures in bloom (may be displayed in regular pots or grow¬
ing in clear container, cover permitted; no single plant more than
5" in diameter)

55. Uiberous-rooted in bloom (Sinningia, Nautilocalyx, Chiysothemis,
etc.)

56. Scaly-rhizomed in bloom

57. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Streptocarpus/Streptocarpella)

58. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (Long-stemmed such as Aeschynanthus,
Columnea, Nematanthus, etc.)

59. Fibrous-rooted in bloom (All other blooming fibrous-rooted
such as Chirita, Episcia, Petrocosmea, Alsobia, etc.)

60. Gesneriads grown for ornamental foliage (All Episcia)

61. Gesneriads grown for ornamental foliage (Other than Episcia)

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine A-l

DESIGN DIVISION

SECTION X - 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
root ball 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 or dead crea¬
tures, and the American or national flags are not permitted.
Accessories, backdrops, and/or draping are permitted unless restrict¬
ed by individual classes.

Class 62. Duluth: One of the largest inland ports in the world,
Duluth is a place with a nautical flair. Using a blue or blue and white
violet, suggest something to do with sailing, boating, or enjoying
a day on the water. To be staged in a white niche 22"H x 18"W x
12"D. Limit 6 entries.

Class 63. Stillwater: Set on the banks of the St Croix River 12
miles northeast of St. Paul, the old lumber town is considered the
birthplace of Minnesota and is the destination of tourists year round.
Quaint shops, small cafes, antique shops, and picturesque scenery
await visitors. Fall colors make the hillsides come alive in yellows,
oranges, and reds. Suggest a beautiful fall day using one or more
blooming African violet plants and something natural from the for¬
est. To be staged in a white niche 22"H x 18"W x 12"D. Limit 6
entries.

Class 64. Minneapolis Institute of Arts: Free to the public,
Minneapolis features a world-class museum for the fine arts. From
famous masters to stunning Oriental collections to featured artists,
the Institute of Arts dazzles visitors with truly inspiring art. Make
a plant arrangement using a reproduction of some portion of a
famous piece of art. To be staged in a white niche 22"H x 18"W x
12"D. Limit 6 entries.

Class 65. Valley Fair: A family-oriented amusement park fea¬
turing thrilling roller coaster rides. It’s a bright, vibrant place with
colorful lights, plantings lining the walkways, and bright, happy
children. In your plant arrangement, suggest a colorful scene for a
family outing. To be staged in a white niche 28”H x 2 1 .5"W x 15"D.
Limit 6 entries

Class 66. Mall of America: One of the largest shopping and
entertainment complexes in the world! Acres of stores, a completely
indoor amusement park, theaters, dining, and an underwater aquar¬
ium experience await visitors. Create a free-standing design limit¬
ed only by your imagination. To be staged on a tabletop, not to exceed
30" in width and 30" in depth. Height unlimited. Limit 3 entries.

SECTION XI - INTERPRETIVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Each exhibit is a design using fresh-cut African violet blossoms.
Fresh-cut, dried, treated, painted, and colored plant material, and
any man-made materials are permitted. Artificial plant materials,
live or dead creatures, and the American flag or national flags are
not permitted. Accessories, backdrops, and/or draping are permit¬
ted unless otherwise restricted by individual classes.

Class 67. A Night at the Symphony: Minnesota is gifted with
talented local musical groups, community orchestras, the St. Paul
Chamber Orchestra, and the Minnesota Orchestra. Make an airange-
ment suggesting an evening of sophistication and elegance. To be
staged in a white niche 15"H x 11 "W x 8"D. Limit 6 entries.

Class 68. St. Paul Winter Carnival: An event celebrating the
wonderful season of winter! Activities centering on a snowy theme
culminate in the periodic construction of an Ice Palace. Soaring
spires and grand castle walls sparkle with color, all built out of
blocks of ice cut from area lakes. Using white violet blossoms,

suggest a wintry theme to celebrate the frosty and sparkling sea¬
son of winter. To be staged in a white niche 15"H x 1 1"W x 8"D.
Limit 6 entries.

Class 69. Science Museum of Minnesota: Come explore your
world at the Science Museum in St. Paul. The world’s largest mov¬
able-screen, Omni Theater, is over five stories tall and surrounds
you with sight and sound. The interactive museum displays fea¬
ture everything from the human body’s systems, physical science,
space, and dinosaurs to the natural history of humans, plants, and
animals. Using all dried materials, including dried African
violet blossoms, make a flower arrangement with a botanical
theme or flair mounted on the backing of an 8" x 10" standing pic¬
ture frame without the glass. You may use the easel that is attached
to the backing or a free-standing easel. Exhibitor furnishes picture
frame and easel. Limit 6 entries.

Class 70. Farming Fun: Minnesota is part of the “bread basket”
of the nation. Some of the nation’s richest land produces the grain,
meat, and dairy products we enjoy each day. Make an arrangement
with a rural flair. To be staged in a white niche 22"H x 18"W x 12"D.
Limit 6 entries.

Class 7 1 . Hawk Ridge: Bird watchers come from all over the
world to see the annual migration of raptors that fly along the cor¬
ridor on the west side of Lake Superior and continue south follow¬
ing the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers between Minnesota and
Wisconsin. Hundreds and sometimes thousands of hawks and
eagles can be seen in one day. Make a hanging flower arrangement,
featuring violet blossoms, that suggests flight and may or may not
have movement. To be suspended in air from a dowel rod that will
go across the wings of a white niche 22"H x 18"W x 12"D. Exhibitor
furnishes all mechanics. Limit 6 entries.

Class 72. 10,000 Lakes: Actually, there are more like 15,000
of these fantastic bodies of water awaiting visitors and residents alike.
Boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, and all sorts of other water fun
are just moments away when you're in Minnesota. Create an under¬
water arrangement that suggests a natural underwater landscape.
To be staged at eye level for viewing from the front only. Containers
must not exceed 12" in width. No underlay or backdrop permitted.
Limit 8 entries.

SMALL INTERPRETIVE FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS

Class 73. The Governor’s Mansion: Classic architecture and
turn of the century charm await tourists in this beautiful English
Tudor-style residence. Imagine an afternoon with tea and cakes
in the parlor of this historic gem. Create a design using a teacup
and violet blossoms that suggests a summer afternoon sipping
tea with the town’s ladies and gentlemen. To be staged on white
columns 6" in diameter at varying heights. Columns provided.
Underlay on column top optional. No backdrop permitted.
Limit 5 entries.

Class 74. Laura Ingalls Wilder: Step back in time and remem¬
ber the days on the prairie where Laura and her sisters played
under the watchful eyes of Ma and Pa Ingalls in Walnut Grove. Using
something old, make an arrangement to give the impression of
times gone by. To be staged in a white niche 8"H x 8"W x 8"D. Limit
8 entries.

Class 75. Sixty Years of Flowers: Help celebrate AVSA’s anniver¬
sary by making an arrangement suggesting the rich history of the
national society. Use an article, a photo, or a bit of convention mem¬
orabilia and African violet blossoms to honor our organization. To
be staged in a white shadow box provided, with an inside measurement
of 10.5"H x 9.5"W x 6"D with an oval opening of 8.5"H x 6.5"W.
Lower edge of oval is ?" above floor of shadow box. Limit 8 entries.

A-2 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

Class 76. Minneapolis Aquatennial: It’s the Minneapolis way
to celebrate summer! Boating, sailing, milk carton boat races,
princesses, and the torchlight parade highlight this midsummer
extravaganza. Make a small cut-blossom arrangement suggesting
parade pageantry. To be staged on “balconies,” 8"W x 4"D, attached
at varying heights to a free-standing open-book-like screen. The
“balconies” and the free-standing open-book-like screen will be
covered with cream-colored material. Your arrangement should be
no taller than 8 inches. No backdrop allowed, but an underlay
is permitted. Each exhibitor will be assigned one balcony. Limit
7 entries.

SECTION XII - CONTAINER GARDENS

These designs are miniature gardens or landscapes with one or
more blooming African violet plants and other growing plant spec¬
imens. All plants must be planted in the container. See class for con¬
tainer size. No cut plant materials, artificial plant materials, live or
dead creatures, American or national flags are permitted. Accessories
are optional. No limit on number of entries in each class, but only
one entry by each exhibitor.

Class 77. Lake Superior: Starting at Duluth and continuing
past the Canadian border, this great lake is the sight of spectacular
vistas, rocky shores, birch and evergreen forests, rushing streams,
abundant wildlife, and agates. Make a dish garden suggesting the
rocky wilderness or shore. Not to exceed 12" in any direction.

Class 78. Minnesota Arboretum: Acres of formal and infor¬
mal plantings that delight the eye and renew the spirit. Along the
winding three-mile drive, various collections are displayed. You can
see examples of different varieties of a particular species and choose
just the right one for your site. In a dish garden using more than
one blooming African violet, this is your chance to display a col¬
lection of minis and/or semis. Suggest a pleasant day at the arbore¬
tum. Not to exceed 24" in any direction.

Class 79. Lake Harriet Band Shell: Minneapolis, the City of
Lakes, features an old-fashioned way to spend a grand summer evening.
The Lake Harriet Band Shell is the sight of great performances that
are free to the public. Whether strolling by the lake or picnicking
by the band shell, visitors may enjoy a summer evening filled with
music. Design a terrarium suggesting a warm summer evening by
the lake. Not to exceed 18" in any direction.

Class 80. Como Park Conservatory: Old-time elegance in this
St. Paul landmark. Greenhouses, featuring a dome-top center con¬
servatory, display exotic collections year round. Reflecting pools filled
with brilliant Oriental goldfish and plantings highlighting each sea¬
son greet visitors. Make a terrarium that suggests a stroll through
a beautiful garden. Not to exceed 24" in any direction.

Class 81 . Boundary Waters Canoe Area: Wilderness at its best!
Endless waterways, majestic scenery, and ancient forests await you
here. It’s the place to really get away from city life. A natural gar¬
den made of rock, wood, or other natural materials suggesting
Minnesota’s great outdoors. Not to exceed 24".

SPECIAL EXHIBITS DIVISION

SECTION XIII-EDUCATION EXHIBIT

Class 82. Education exhibit (by invitation only)

COMMERCIAL HORTICULTURE DIVISION

SECTION XIV-SPECIMEN PLANTS

A. COLLECTIONS

Class 83. AVSA Collections-Standard Plants

Class 84. AVSA Collections-Miniatures and Semiminiatures

Class 85. Holtkamp Collections

B. NEW CULTIVARS (from seed or mutation)

Class 86. Standard African Violets

Class 87. Miniature African Violets
Class 88. Semiminiature African Violets
Class 89. African Violet Trailers (standard, miniature, semi¬
miniature)

C. SPECIMEN AFRICAN VIOLETS

Class 90. Standards, plain green foliage, solid color, and two-
tone blossoms

Class 91. Standards, plain green foliage, all other blossoms

Class 92. Standards, variegated foliage

Class 93. Miniatures, plain foliage

Class 94. Miniatures, variegated foliage

Class 95. Semiminiatures, plain green foliage, solid color, and

two-tone blossoms

Class 96. Semiminiatures, plain green foliage, all other blossoms

Class 97. Semiminiatures, variegated foliage

Class 98. Trailers, (standard, miniature, semiminiature)

Class 99. Saintpaulia species

D. GESNERIADS OTHER THAN AFRICAN VIOLETS
Class 100. Fibrous-rooted gesneriads in bloom
Class 1 0 1 . All other gesneriads in bloom class
Class 102. Gesneriads grown for ornamental foliage

E. SECTION XV-SPECIMEN PLANTS
Class 103. Display Thble

Class 104. Commercial Showcase-Horticulture only

Class 105. Commercial Showcase- Artistic-includes a creative

aspect

HORTICULTURE DIVISION
AMATEUR-RULES AND REGULATIONS

1 . Only amateur 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, May 31, from 9:00
a.m. to 1 1:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. 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. Members ON
TOUR ON WEDNESDAY ONLY MUST turn in a list of their
entries at the convention registration desk on TUESDAY OR
WEDNESDAY and MUST receive a late pass to enter on
WEDNESDAY, May 31, front 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

3. Only clean, healthy plants which have been in the possession
of the exhibitor for at least three months will be accepted.

4. Plants must be correctly named.

5. Double potting, flared-top pots, supports, and collars will not
be accepted. All pots must be non-decorative. 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 colors such as white, green, or any neutral tone. Slip-
potting means dropping the pot containing the plant into a

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine A-3

dean 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
7 through 49.

7. An exhibitor may enter plants of the same variety in classes
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 49, 50, 52, and 53 as those in classes 7
through 49.

8. All plants in classes 1 through 53 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 48.

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
writing from the hybridizer have been given to the exhibitor
for purchased seedlings. New cultivars may be entered by num¬
ber 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.

1 0. Gesneriads (other than African violets) may be exhibited in pro¬
tective 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 deci¬
sion of the judges will be final unless in conflict with AVSA titles
or rules of the schedule. Only qualified AVSA judges will be per¬
mitted to serve as judges.

12. Only blue ribbon winners will be eligible to receive special
awards.

13. Any African violet entered in any of the collection classes,
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. All African violets entered in the Robinson Collections, Class

4, the Buckeye Collections, Class 5, and the Russian Collections,
Class 6, must be AVSA-registered.

1 6. Only one collection may be entered by an exhibitor in each class;
AVSA Collections, Classes 1 and 2, Holtkamp Memorial Collection,
Class 3, Robinson Collection, Class 4, Buckeye Collection, Class

5, and Russian Collection, Class 6.

1 7. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits, but will not
be responsible for any damages or losses.

18. Exhibits must be checked out on Saturday night, June 3, 2006.
Instructions on checkout will be given at the convention.

DESIGN DIVISION
Rules and Regulations

1 . EXHIBITORS - Both amateur and commercial AVSA members
in good standing and registered at this convention are eligible
to enter exhibits in this division.

2. ENTRY TIME - On Wednesday, May 31, 2006, entries will
be accepted from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to

6:00 p.m. Entrants on tour Wednesday only may enter from
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Design entry books will close at 9:00
p.m. Those desiring to enter designs after 6:00 p.m. must notify
the Design Entries Reservation Chairman in writing by the
morning of Wednesday, May 31 , 2006 (messages may be left
at the convention registration desk) .

3. ENTRIES - Each exhibitor may have only one entry per class
and is limited to a total of eight entries in classes 62-76 (inter¬
pretive flower and plant arrangements) and one in each of the
container garden classes 77-81.

4 . DESIGN WORK - Exhibitors will be permitted to work on their
designs until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3 1 . On Thursday,
June 1 , designers may place blossoms and touch up designs
from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. All exhibitors and their materi¬
als must be out of the show room by 8:00 a.m. on Thursday,
June 1.

5. INDEX CARD - All exhibits must have a 3" x 5" index card
listing the African violet varieties and other plant materials (if
known) . A written subtitle may also be included on the card.

6. DESIGN RESERVATIONS - Advance written reservations are
required for all design classes. Anyone desiring to enter designs
must send a completed reservation (or copy) from this show
schedule by regular mail only, postmarked no earlier than
March 22, 2006, nor later than May 3, 2006, to: Jinean Schofield,
4665 Morris Lane, Bloomington, Minnesota 55437. No tele¬
phone reservations will be accepted. Persons wishing to cancel
confirmed reservations or ask questions concerning the sched¬
ule or staging of designs may write the above address or call
952-888-0044.

7. No part of any design may touch or extend beyond the con¬
fines of the niche or space limitations.

Commercial Horticulture Division
Rules and Regulations

1 . Only commercial AVSA members in good standing and regis¬
tered at this convention are eligible to enter this division. All
commercial exhibitors are eligible to enter the Design Division.

2. All commercial members are allowed to enter all commercial
classes without being excluded from any other commercial
classes.

3. For dates and times for entering exhibits, please refer to rule 2
under HORTICULTURE DIVISION AMATEUR.

4. All plants must be correctly named and must have been in the
possession of the exhibitor for at least three months prior to
convention. All African violets must be in bloom and must be
single-crown plants, except trailers and some species.

5. In the Specimen Plant section, exhibitors may enter any num¬
ber of plants in each class, but only one plant of the same vari¬
ety in the same class. Exhibitors may enter plants of the same
variety in the AVSA Collections, classes 83 and 84, and the Holtkamp
Memorial Collection, class 85, as are entered in the other class¬
es. 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 collec¬
tions rules are the same as they are for amateurs.

6. Any African violet plant in Specimen Plants, (Section B-New
cultivar classes) Display Thble, or Commercial Showcase sec¬
tions may be designated as competing for the AVSA Best New
Cultivar Awards. Entries may be seedlings, sports, or mutants

A-4 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

originated by the exhibitor, or rights 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. An exhibitor entering a display table may also enter other com¬
mercial classes. Each display table shall contain 1 5 plants (no
merchandise). Three, all of the same type, miniatures or semi¬
miniatures, or miniature or semiminiature trailers, shall count
as a specimen plant and shall be judged as one unit. The dis¬
play must be predominantly (at least 75%) African violets.
Other gesneriads may be included in the 1 5 plants and will be
judged as one unit. AVSA will provide white table covers for
display tables; however, display tables may be covered with any
color or pattern at the exhibitor’s discretion.

8. Exhibits in the Commercial Showcase Classes will be allotted
table space sufficient for their display. Thble covers will be neu¬
tral. Exhibits in these classes shall contain 6-10 plants, either
miniature, semiminiature, standard, or trailing African violets,
or other gesneriads. Showcases must be predominantly (75%)
African violets or designs using African violets. Class 104,
Commercial Showcase-Horticulture only shall be a collection of
6- 1 0 plants, (exhibitor may designate one plant as a unit or three
plants as a unit) with NO embellishment. Class 105, Commercial
Showcase-Artistic, must include a creative aspect, and may
include designs (flower or plant arrangements or container gar¬
dens) incorporating African violets. Showcases-Horticulture and
Showcases-Artistic shall both be judged on horticulture perfec¬
tion. Horticulture perfection shall be computed by finding the
average points per plant in the Showcase. No merchandise will
be allowed in these classes. Awards in Showcase-Horticulture
class 104 shall be based 100% on horticultural perfection.
Awards for Showcase-Artistic class 1 05 shall be based on 80%
horticultural perfection and 20% on distinction and originality.
Awards will be given for best, second-best, and third-best for
Display Tdble, Class 103, Showcase-Horticulture, Class 104,
and Showcase-Artistic, class 105.

9. In Commercial Showcases each entiy in the exhibit will be
judged. Class 104 shall use standard plant name and entry tags
supplied by Entries. In Class 105, the exhibitor has the option
to use the standard plant name tag provided by Entries, or to
provide his own tag or diagram. The entry book number of each
plant or arrangement must appear on the tag or diagram. For
Class 105, no ribbon awards will be given. Instead, each show¬
case with all blue ribbon exhibits will receive a rosette. A point

score sheet shall be given to each exhibitor showing how awards
were determined. (Please note: an exhibitor may choose to
NOT have their Showcase judged).

10. A 6' table with three tiers will be furnished for each exhibitor
in the Display Tdble Class 103. Uniformly covered tables shall
be furnished. The exhibitor may provide their own covering.
Colored lights which distort or enhance the color of the plants
will not be permitted.

1 1 . Any shape and type of pot for specimen plants will be permit¬
ted except flared top pots. Supports and collars will not be per¬
mitted. 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 neutral tone. Pots in the Display Ihble
Class do not have to be covered and may be elevated and tilted
with individual pot holders.

12. Signs, cards, or codes identifying the exhibitor may not be dis¬
played on the display tables or commercial showcases prior to
judging

13. Exhibits will be judged by the merit method of judging. The deci¬
sion 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.

14. Only blue ribbon winners will be eligible to receive awards.

15. Exhibits in the Display Tdble class and the Commercial Showcase
classes will not count toward Commercial Sweepstakes or Design
Sweepstakes Awards.

16. Rosettes will be awarded as merited to the exhibitors receiving
first, second, and third highest number of points in each Display
Ibble and Commercial Showcase class. An Honorable Mention
Rosette will be awarded to the exhibitor receiving the fourth high¬
est number of points.

1 7. AVSA will afford all possible protection to exhibits but will not
be responsible for any damages or losses.

18. To reserve a display table, space for a commercial showcase,
or for further information, contact Kathy Bell, 9611 E. Blanding
Lane, Tltcson, AZ 85747, e-mail bellkk@peoplepc.com. Reservations
must be made no later than April 15, 2006.

African Violet Society of America, Inc,
2006 Tours - Minneapolis, Minnesota

The Spam Museum and Cabela’s
8:30 am - 4:30 pm

A museum dedicated to a canned
meat? Really? Yes, indeed! Austin,
Minnesota is home to the world-
famous Spam® Museum. This
16,500 square-foot facility features
sophisticated exhibits, state-of-the-
art video displays, a puppet show,
and even the interactive Spam®
Game Show in which members of
the group can play against each
other. Learn the entire history of this small but incredible “miracle meat”.
Anything and everything Spam® can be found in the Spam® Shop, and

lunch of you-know-what is included at the Spam® Cafe.

After lunch we head to Cabela’s, where the outdoors comes alive.
Known as the world's foremost outfitter of hunting, fishing, and outdoor
gear, Cabela’s has more than
100,000 square feet of space,
including massive displays of
stuffed animals and large and
entertaining aquariums. Check
out the vast array of goods
available, and don’t miss the
bargain cave.

For more information, go
online to www.spam.com and/or www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/tem-
plates/home.ihtm.

Tour #1

Monday, May 29, 2006

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine A-5

Tour #2 Como Park Conservatory and Fort Snelling

Monday, May 29, 2006 9:30 am - 4:30 pm

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at
Como Park and Zoo draws over 400,000
visitors annually. Opened in 1 9 1 5, it is the largest
glass-domed garden in the region and is list¬
ed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Enjoy walking through the gardens and view¬
ing the displays of palms, orchids, ferns, and
bonsai, as well as the lovely sunken and
j Japanese gardens. Lunch will be on your own
at the new grill which serves a variety of foods.

Historic Fort Snelling, a military outpost established in the 1820’s,
was once a small settlement in the vast American wilderness, although the
stone fortress is now surrounded by urban growth. Through time it played
a major role in obtaining treaties with Indian tribes and was a training site
for soldiers in the Civil War and World War II. In 1960, the fort was
designated as Minnesota’s first National Historic Landmark. Witness vivid
living history programs and appreciate this great opportunity to experience
frontier life

For more information, go to wwv.mnhs.org/places/sites/hfs/ and/or
www.comozooconseivatory.org/conservatory.

Stillwater
9:00 am - 5:00pm

Trike a journey back in time and experience
turn-of-the-century charm amid the multicol¬
ored Victorian homes in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Nestled into the bluffs overlooking the beauti¬
ful and scenic St. Croix River, the city itself has
been placed on the National Register of Historic
Places. Noted for its many antique stores,
Stillwater offers the pleasures of main street
shopping. Lunch will be on your own at one of the many local restaurants.
A logging town into the late 1880’s, the city hosted the state’s 1848 terri¬
torial convention and was the site of the first territorial prison. Shops, tav¬
erns, offices, and restaurants are situated in buildings that once served as
a rooming house, brewery, railroad building, or theater. Great pride is taken
in preserving the past. A trolley tour provides a look at old churches and
homes and the first courthouse in the state of Minnesota, with a stop at
Pioneer Park for a panoramic view of the city.

For more infonnation, go to www.ci.stillwater.mn.us/.

Tour #3

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Tour #4

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Science

Museum

ef Minnesota*

Science Museum
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Science Museum of
Minnesota fascinates visitors
with more than eight acres of
exhibits, so wear comfortable shoes
and prepare for a day of wonder
and science. Exhibits range from
the “Dinosaur and Fossil Gallery”
to the "Mississippi River Gallery”
to the amazingly varied “Collections Gallery”. Just when you think you’ve
seen it all, there is the “Questionable Medical Device Collection” featuring
gizmos reputed to reverse, correct, or stimulate whatever ailed you! Relax
and enjoy the IMAX theater and the 3-D Cinema. With over 1.75 million
artifacts, the Science Museum truly has something for everyone. Don’t worry
about a place to eat; the museum has three yummy choices for its visi¬
tors. The Explore Store offers a wide variety of science-related items, books,
and gifts as mementos of your visit.

For more info, go to www.smm.org.

Tour #5 Bachman’s/Minnesota Arboretum

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 8:30 am - 4:30pm

This is a tour for flower lovers.

Bachman’s is a floral, gift, and garden center established in 1885. Their
flagship store is on the site of the original Bachman family farm. Widely
known for their quality, service, and value, they have proudly adopted pur¬
ple as their signature color - even using purple delivery trucks! With
200,000 square feet of retail space, they offer exquisite fresh flowers,
indoor and outdoor gardening supplies, gifts and home accessories. Tour

members will be given ten per cent off on all purchases. Beyond the shop¬
ping opportunities, there will be a behind-the-scenes tour of the facilities
of this massive floral operation. Lunch will be on your own in their new
cafe '/bakery.

Board the tram at the Minnesota Arboretum for a three-mile drive
through the forest and meadows used as testing grounds by the University
of Minnesota. Included in its 32 gardens are rose gardens, a rock garden,
a Japanese garden, and shade gardens, as well as a restaurant, gift shop,
and an extensive library.

For more information, go to www.bachmans.com and www.arbore-
tum.umn.edu.

Tour #6 Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 9:30 am - 4:30pm

Ranked among the top ten comprehen¬
sive art museums in the United States, the inter¬
nationally renowned Minneapolis Institute
of Arts has dedicated itself to “bringing art
to life for everyone". Filled with priceless trea¬
sures, the institute has an extensive Asian
collection, galleries of furniture and architec¬
ture, three-dimensional exhibits, and a vast collection of paintings. At con¬
vention time, a temporary exhibit of paintings by noted French neoclas¬
sical artist Francois Gerard ( 1 770- 1 837) is scheduled to be on display. Entire
period rooms, including ones from France and China, and three floors of
exhibits (elevators are available) await your exploration. Within the insti¬
tute, you will find a great restaurant, a coffee shop, and a fine gift shop.
Since audio information is available for exhibits, everyone on the tour will
be supplied with a listening device.

For more information, go to www.artsmia.org.

Tour #7 Bachman’s

Thursday, June 1, 2006 8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Since it is so impressive, a second tour is offered to Bachman’s. This
is a repeat of the first half of Tour #5 on Wednesday and will include the

Albertville/Ellingson Car Museum
9:30 am - 4:30 pm
The Ellingson Car Museum in Rogers,
Minnesota, provides a nostalgic trip through
the automotive past with over 100 cars,
trucks and motorcycles from the 1920’s
through the muscle cars of the 60’s and 70’s.
And ladies, do not
despair! There is also
a small doll museum. An extensive gift shop has
every automotive collectible you could ever want as
well as street signs and automotive books, manuals,
and magazines.

Join in a great shopping adventure at the Albertville
Premium Outlet Mall where an impressive collec¬
tion of over 100 stores awaits you. It ranks as one
of the top 20 outlet centers in the nation. Shoes alone
can be purchased at nineteen different stores! And there is no state sales
tax on clothing purchased in Minnesota. Trolley transportation is available,
and restrooms and casual-eating establishments are spread throughout
the mall.

For more information, go to www.ellinsoncarmuseum.com and
www.ci.albertville.mn.us/.

Tour #9 Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

Friday, June 2, 20065:30 pm - 11:30 pm
The Chanhassen Dinner Theatre is the

nation’s largest professional dinner theater
and has been hailed by critics from across the United States. As well as
being renowned for its theatrical productions, it is also the largest restau¬
rant in the state of Minnesota. For this always-popular evening out on the
town, be sure to get your registration sent in early since the number of
tickets reserved is limited.

For more information, including the scheduled production, go to
www.chanhassentheatres.com.

behind-the-scenes tour.

Tour #8

Thursday, June 1, 2006

A-6 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

MEAL FUNCTION
SEATING

Reservations received on or before
April 16, 2006 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 the hotel
will not be honored.

Just A Reminder

On Friday and Saturday, there is a $5.00 admission fee to the Show and
Sales Rooms for those not registered for the convention. Non-registered AVSA
members receive a $1 discount with proof of membership (card on front of African
Violet Magazine mailing cover). All Convention Registrants must be wearing name
badge to avoid the fee.

Early Booking Discount - Those who reserve a room in the Sheraton Bloomington
Hotel, and register by April IB, 2006, are eligible for a $10 early booking
discount. Simply list the reservation guarantee number on your registration form.
Each person staying in the room may list this number. Book early and save! (Note:
local individuals, staying at their principle residence, may also claim the discount
if registered by April 16 by entering the word “local” in the space.)

One Day Registration - If you cannot join us for the entire convention, you
may choose to take advantage of the one-day registration option which will allow
you to enter the Show and Sales Rooms and to attend presentations and meal
functions on that day.

Don’t Forget the
Luncheon Auction!

Would you like to donate an item to be
auctioned off at the 2006 Minneapolis
convention luncheon or silent auction?
Contact Edna Rourke, 99 Old Stratford Rd.,
Shelton, CT 06484, 203-926-9716 or email
apapillon@aol.com. Do not ship items to her!

Items may be shipped to Mary Endrizzi,
7244 1 1th Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423.

Please identify package as an AVSA auction
item. Thank you for your support of AVSA!

“Meet the Board of
Directors” Luncheon

The Wednesday luncheon
is open to all AVSA members.
Meet your officers and
board members in
an informal setting.
Come one, come all!

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine A- 7

60th Annual AVSA Convention & Show

Sunday May 28, 2006 to Sunday June 4, 2006

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

" Violets Vacation in Minnesota”

Sunday, May 28, 2006

AVSA Convention Pre-Convention meeting

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, May 29, 2006

Registration

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour #1 - The Spam Museum and Cabela’s

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Information

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour #2 - Como Park and Fort Snelling

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Registration

3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Information

7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Registration

8:00 a.m. to Completion

Executive Board Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Information

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tour # 3 - Stillwater, Minnesota

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour #4 - Science Museum of Minnesota

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Registration

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Information

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Convention Committee Meeting

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Classification and Entries for Convention Workers Only

8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Shows and Judges Committee Meeting

7:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Registration

7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Judging School

8:00 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.

New Director’s Orientation

8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour #5 - Bachman’s and Minnesota Arboretum

9:00 a.m. to 1 1:30 a.m.

Classification and Entries

9:00 a.m. to Completion

Board of Director’s Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Information

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour #6 - Minnesota Institute of Arts

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ways & Means Table, Denver Promotional Table

12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Meet the Board of Directors” Luncheon

1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Classification and Entries

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

AVSA Information and Sales

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Information

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Registration

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Awards Committee Meeting

4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

President’s Reception for Board of Directors

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Classification and Entries - FOR THOSE ON TOURS ONLY

7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Convention Opening - Cincinnati Convention and New Introduction Slides

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

10:00 p.m.

Design Work and Commercial Display Setup will close for the night

6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Thursday, June 1, 2006

Design Exhibitors will be permitted to “touch up” designs and replace blossoms only

7:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Registration

8:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Information

A-8 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Judges and Clerks Instructions

8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Tour #7 - Bachman’s

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tour #8 - Albertville Outlets and Ellingson Car Museum

9:00 a.m. to Completion

Judging of Show

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

10:00 a.m. to 1 1:30 a.m.

Session One Presentations

A. “Who Let the Dogs Out”

B. “Basic Skills of Growing African Violets”

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ways & Means Table, Denver Promotional Table

1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Commercial Sales Open to Convention Registrants Only

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

AVSA Information and Sales

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Publications Committee Meeting

2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Hospitality Room Open

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Information

2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Registration

3:00 p.m. to Completion

Photography - Library and AVM

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Membership and Promotions Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nominating Committee Meeting

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Future Conventions Committee Meeting

6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Opening Reception (cash bar)

7:00 p.m. to Completion

Awards Banquet - Show awards will be announced

9:30 p.m. to 12:00 m/n

Show opens to AVSA Convention Registrants Only

Friday, June 2, 2006

6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Showroom open to photographers only

7:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Teacher’s Breakfast

8:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Information

8:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Registration

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Affiliates Breakfast and Meeting

9:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

Hospitality Room Open

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 11:30 a.m.

Session Two Presentations

A. “Sinningia Speciosa a.k.a. Florist Gloxinia”

B. “Hands-on Underwater Design”

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Ways & Means Idble, Denver Promotional Thble

12:00 noon to 2:00 p.m.

Luncheon and Auction

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Information

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Registration

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

AVSA Information and Sales

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Hospitality Room Open

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Session Three Presentations

A. “Gesneriad Panel Discussion”

B. “Hands-on Underwater Design” (repeat of Session Two)

5:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tour #9 - Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Commercial Dinner Meeting

Saturday, June 3, 2006

7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.

Judges’ Breakfast and Meeting

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Registration

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Information

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Hospitality Room Open

9:00 a.m. to 1 1:00 a.m.

AVSA Information and Sales

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Show Room Open

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Commercial Sales Open

10:00 a.m. to 1 1:30 a.m.

Session Four Presentations

A. “The Legacy of Holtkamp Greenhouses”

B. “Advanced Judging Skills: Design”

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

A-9

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Agricultural Officials available to certify plant materials for transportation into controlled
countries and states

10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ways & Means Thble, Denver Promotional Table

10:30 a.m. to 1 1:30 a.m.

Violets “On Line” Meeting

1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Session Five Presentations

A. “Canadians Share Their Award-winning Secrets”

B. “Messenger- An Innovative New Chemical for Plants”

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Hospitality Room Open

2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Annual Membership Meeting and Open Forum

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

President’s Reception and Hospitality Hour (cash bar)

6:00 p.m. to Completion

Installation Banquet

8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.

Commercial Display Tables Checkout

8:45 p.m. to 12:00 m/n

Commercial Sales Breakdown

9:15 p.m.

Entry Checkout Begins

12:00 m/n

Showroom Closes

Sunday, June 4, 2006

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Commercial Sales Breakdown

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Local Storage Cleanup

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Commercial Storage Cleanup

6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Showroom Cleanup

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Board of Directors meeting

General Driving Directions

From East

From the airport, take 1-494 West and exit at
Highway 100 North. Exit at Industrial Boulevard and
the hotel will be located directly off of the exit.

From North

Take Interstate 35W South to Highway 62 West.

Take Highway 100 South to Industrial Blvd. and the
hotel is located on the right.

From West

Ihke 1-494 South to Highway 100 North. Exit at
Industrial Blvd. and the hotel will be located directly
off of the exit.

From South

Take 35W North to Interstate 494 West and then to Highway 100 North. Exit at Industrial Blvd. and the hotel
will be located directly off of the exit.

Airport Directions

The Bloomington Sheraton Hotel has a complimentary shuttle service from the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport. If
you arrive at the Lindbergh terminal (the main terminal) , pick up your baggage and look for the sign, “To All Ground
Transportation” and go down the escalator. Continue to follow the signs for “Ground Transportation” which will take
you back up an escalator (you are crossing under the street for private car pickup) . You will see a sign and counter
for “Hotel Shuttle and Scheduled Vans”. Use the “Shuttle Call Center” kiosk which has a touch screen system. Touch
the button for “Bloomington” and then touch the ad for Bloomington Sheraton, and you will be connected with the
hotel to request the shuttle. The shuttles are scheduled to run every hour on the hour, but they request that you call
for service.

If you arrive at the Humphrey Terminal (for Sun County or Midwest), pick up your baggage and walk across the
street to “Ground Transportation”. Use the Shuttle Call Center to call the hotel.

A- 10 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

Minneapolis, Minnesota AVSA Convention

Presentations

Session 1 Thursday, June 1, 2006 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

A. Who Let the Dogs Out?

By Tom Glembocki, Apex, NC

Tom Glembocki, husband of Libbie and part of Bluebird Greenhouse, is the creator
of the CD ROMs which document our past four AVSA conventions. He is a hilarious
guy, a fine photographer, and the current chairman of the AVSA Library Committee.

Tom will discuss using digital cameras to help you take good close-up pictures of
violets. This highly entertaining program will probably help you take better photos,
but it is even more likely to be a happy way to pass ninety minutes waiting for the
Sales Room to open later in the day.

B. Basic Skills of Growing African Violets

By Barbara Werness, Coon Rapids, MN

Back by popular demand, this is a beginner’s course on successful methods for
growing African violets. Barb Werness, a local Minnesotan who has been growing
violets for 40 years, teaches it this year. She has also hybridized violets and has
developed the “Sora” series. Barb will discuss fertilizers, potting mixes, lights, and
pot sizes to help you grow award-winning violets. The audience will have plenty of
opportunities to ask questions and to see techniques demonstrated in a relaxed but
informative setting.

Session 2 Friday, June 2, 2006 10:00 - 11:30 a.m

A. Sinningia Speciosa a.k.a. Florist Gloxinia

By Steve Hall, Logan Nursery, Wayne, NE

Steve Hall grows and breeds florist gloxinia exclusively in his mral northeastern Nebraska
greenhouse. He has a passion for them that is highly contagious. Steve will share
his methods for growing and have examples of the breeding he has done to obtain
magnificent size, deep color, and double flowers in this often overlooked gesneriad.

Tie yourself down, because Steve's plants are going to blow you away!

B. Hands-on Underwater Design

By Linda Golubski, Blue Springs, MO $20 fee (paid at convention)

Everyone loves underwater African violet designs. Now you can learn how to do
them too. Linda Golubski, AVSA Third Vice President, and a fine designer, will lead
you through the process of making a design that is beautiful and dependable. Fee
includes clear glass container and tools, as well as plants and accessories. Students
are asked to provide their own scissors and hot glue gun (pack them in checked lug¬
gage, if flying). Limit of 30 students per session.

Session 3 Friday, June 2, 2006 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

A. Gesneriad Panel Discussion

Moderator: Bill Price, Vancouver, British Columbia

Panelists: Marcia Belisle, Radisson, Wisconsin; Clay Anderson, Inver Grove Heights,
Minnesota; Charles Houston, St. Paul , Minnesota

An exciting panel, moderated by Bill Price, will enable you to learn about the ever-
interesting and sometimes weird-looking gesneriads. A discussion about hybridiz¬
ing, growing, and grooming will be beneficial whether you are an experienced grow¬
er or buying one for the first time. Temperature and light is always a mystery because
each seems to require different things. They will discuss what they grow, and you
will have an opportunity to ask questions to these learned people.

B. Hands-on Underwater Design

By Linda Golubski, Blue Springs, MO $20 fee (paid at convention)

Everyone loves underwater African violet designs. Now you can learn how to do
them too. Linda Golubski, AVSA Third Vice President, and a fine designer, will lead
you through the process of making a design that is beautiful and dependable. Fee
includes clear glass container and tools, as well as plants and accessories. Students
are asked to provide their own scissors and hot glue gun (pack them in checked lug¬
gage, if flying). Limit of 30 students per session.

Repeat of Session 2 - B

Session 4 Saturday, June 3, 2006 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.

A. The Legacy of Holtkamp Greenhouses

By Lorraine Marbury, Nashville, TN

Holtkamp Greenhouses, home of the Optimara violets, has been an industry leader
for many years. Lorraine Marbury, resident propagator, will tell their story and espe¬
cially document the work of Reinhold Holtkamp Sr. She also will share the details
and shocking photos of the fire that gutted a major greenhouse there on May 8, 2005,
as well as finish that story with how the recovery process is going. You will learn
about the past, present and future of Holtkamp and their plants.

B. Advanced Judging Skills: Design

By Jackie Jones, Durant, LA

There seems to be no task more daunting to many African violet judges than to judge
the designs. The always delightful Jackie Jones, an AVSA Teacher, a Master Judge,
and a top designer will present photos of designs with flaws and give tips on how
to recognize the flaw and how to deduct the correct number of points. Self-describec
as a “little old lady", Jackie is sure to make this entertaining as well as educational
for those who are certified AVSA judges and for those non-judges who simply wish
to learn more about design.

Session 5 Saturday, June 3, 2006 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

A. Canadians Share their Award-winning Secrets

Moderator: Winston Goretsky, Calgary, Alberta

Panelists: Beverley Williams and Doris Brownlie, both of Mississauga, Ontario, who
will be joined by other notable Canadian growers in person or photo-story. When
looking back at past AVSA conventions, it is hard not to notice how often the
Canadian growers win major prizes. They are coming together to tell you their story,
their techniques, and their secrets for producing show winners. We can’t even tell
you who all will be present, but we can assure you that this will be a wonderful
presentation with beautiful photos and plenty of proof that the Canadians deserve
their blue-ribbon reputation.

B. Messenger - An Innovative New Chemical for Plants

By Robin Ross, Monroe, NC

Messenger is a natural protein that is secreted by the bacteria that causes fire blight
in fruit trees. This protein is harmless, but it acts as a signaling molecule that there
is a pathogen present and that the plant should mount a defense, sort of like a vac¬
cination. Early on, it was discovered that Messenger suppresses disease in plants;
it is now known that Messenger also enhances plant growth and flowering. AVSA
commissioned African violet growers to test this product. You will not only learn about
the potential of this product, but also will hear actual results from fellow violet grow¬
ers. This promises new ideas for those who like to be on the cutting edge of tech¬
nology.

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine A ll

African Violet Society of America, Inc.

60th Annual Convention and Show

May 28 - June 4, 2006 • Sheraton Bloomington Hotel - Minneapolis MN

Call for 2006 Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the African Violet Society of America, Inc. will be held Saturday, June 3, 2006, at 2:45 p.m. at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis,
MN, for the purpose of electing Directors and transacting business that may properly come before the Assembly.

Call for 2006 Board of Directors Meeting

The African Violet Society of America, Inc. Board of Directors Meetings will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2006, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Sheraton Bloomington
Hotel, Minneapolis, MN, and Sunday, June 4, 2006, for the purpose of transacting business that may properly come before the Board of Directors.

Call for 2006 Open Forum Meeting

The 21st annual Open Forum meeting of the Board of Directors of the African Violet Society of America, Inc. will be held Saturday, June 3, 2006, at the Sheraton
Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis, MN. This will take place the first twenty minutes of the Annual Meeting. At this time, the Board of Directors of AVSA will wel¬
come any and all AVSA members to come and present any suggestions, ideas, questions, etc.

Registration for Judging School for Students and Certificate Renewals

An AVSA Judging School will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2006, 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 a.m. - 12:00 noon and must be attended in order to take the exam. The test begins at 2:00 p.m. The regis¬
tration 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

Email Address

Citv

State

Judging Status:

Student (1st exam)

Student Renewal

Advanced

Auditing _

Complete this form (or facsimile) and mail, with registration fee of $7.50 (make checks payable to AVSA in U.S. dollars) to: Jack Wilson, 114 Pine Valley Ct.,
DeBary, FL 32713-2300. Registration for the judging school must be received by May 6, 2006.

Attention Judges

All Advanced, Senior, and Master Judges are eligible to judge the convention show. If you would like to judge, please complete this form and mail to: Bill Foster,
AVSA Shows and Judges Chairman, 3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite TX 75150-2121. DO NOT SEND TO AVSA OFFICE. These must be postmarked no later than
April 22, 2006. 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 April 22, 2006 will be filed and used in the event of cancellations and/or vacancies. If selected to judge, you will be

notified of your assignment.

Name

AVSA Membership #

Address

Email Address

Citv

State

Zip

Classes entered

Type of Judge:

Advanced

Senior

Master AGGS Nat’l Council

Experience:

Mini/Semis

Trailer

Species Standards Design Commercial

Attention Judges’ Clerks

Student and Advanced Judges are invited to serve as clerks for the convention show. Any vacancies will be filled with AVSA members. This means that AVSA
members may apply to serve as clerks; however, judges will be given first preference. Any remaining positions will be filled by AVSA 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 this form and mail to: Bill Foster,
AVSA Shows and Judges Chairman, 3610 Gray Dr., Mesquite, TX 75150-2121. DO NOT SEND TO AVSA OFFICE. These applications must be postmarked
no later than April 22, 2006.

Name _

Address

Email Address

City

State

Zip

Student Judge

Advanced Judge

_ AVSA Member

Design Division Reservations

(Please type or print)
Name

Address

City

State

Zip

Phone number

Email Address

1 would like to enter the following design classes: (Limit eight, excluding container gardens)

1. 2. 3.

4. 5.

P

0°

Alternate choices: 1. _ 2. _ 3. _

I would like to enter the following Container Garden Classes: 1. _ 2. _ 3. _ 4. _

Entries will be accepted ONLY if postmarked no earlier than March 22, 2006, nor later than May 3, 2006, by regular mail. No telephone reserva¬
tions will be accepted. Reservations will be on a first-come basis. Send reservations to: Jinean Schofield, 4665 Morris Lane, Bloomington, MN 55437.

A- 12 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

AVSA's 60th Annual Convention & Show

“Violets Vacation in Minnesota”

May 28 - June 4, 2006 - Sheraton Bloomington Hotel • Minneapolis, Minnesota

AVSA Convention Registration Form

NOTE: Each person registering must use a separate form, photocopies 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 AVSA. Mail
to: The AVSA Office - 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702. Refunds will be made upon written request only if received by April 16, 2006. There
will be a $5.00 paperwork fee charged for cancellations. Following receipt of your Registration, you will receive confirmation from the AVSA Office which
includes your convention registration, tours, presentations, meal information, and any 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

Email address (confirmations will be emailed if possible) _

(Please remember to use a separate form for spouse, guest, or child attending. Photocopies may be used.)

PLEASE CIRCLE APPROPRIATE STATUS:

(A)

Individual Member

(E)

Judge

(I)

Judging School Teacher

(M) Non-Member (guest)

(B)

Life Member

(F)

Senior Judge

(I)

Bronze Medal Winner

(N) 1 st Convention

(C)

Honorary Life Member

(G)

Master Judge

(K)

Board Member

(0) Columnist

(D)

Associate Member

(H)

Commercial Member

(L)

Affiliate President

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:

Personal Car _ Plane _ Rental Car _ Airline _

If by plane, arrival day/date and time If by plane, departure day/date and time

REGISTRATION:

Package Deal (includes registration, and meal functions 2, 5, and 8)

$170.00 $

Package not available after April 16, 2006

After April 16, 2006, each registration will be $75.00 or $78.00 respectively.

AVSA or Associate Member (Early Bird Discount) . $60.00 $ _

AVSA or Associate Member (after April 16, 2006) . $75.00 $ _

Non-Member (Guest) (Early Bird Discount) . $63.00 $. _

Non-Member (Guest) (after April 16, 2006) . $78.00 $ _

International Member (Early Bird Discount) . $60.00 $ _

International Member (after April 16, 2006) . $75.00 $ _

One day registration (allows registrant to participate for one day of convention) :

Please indicate: Thurs _ Fri. _ Sat. _ Total days marked _ x . $25.00 $ _

NEW: Early Booking Discount for those who book reservations at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel by April 16, 2006.

List hotel reservation number _ Subtract . $10.00 $-

Local individuals staying at their principle residences, may also claim the discount if registered by April 1 6, 2006

Meals:

TOTAL REGISTRATION

l.

Wed.

2.

Thurs.

3.

Fri.

4.

Fri.

5.

Fri.

6.

Fri.

7.

Sat.

8.

Sat.

“Meet the Board of Director’s” Luncheon - Chicken Caesar Salad . $25.00

Awards Banquet - Traditional Minnesota Dinner - Choose Broiled Walleye or Stuffed Chicken (Circle one) . . . $58.00

Teachers Breakfast - Cinnamon French Toast . $19.00

Affiliates Breakfast - Continental . $16.00

Luncheon/ Auction - Tortellina Primavera . $34.00

Commercial Dinner - Citrus Nut Chicken . $36.00

Judges Breakfast - Ham & Cheese Omelet . $20.00

Installation Banquet - Roast Turkey Dinner . ' . $48.00

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 April 16, 2006. THERE CAN BE NO EXCEPTIONS. 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 2006 African Violet Magazine A- 13

TOURS (meal is included in Tour 9)

_ 1. Mon. May 29 Spam Museum & Cabela’s . $38.00 $

_ 2. Mon. May 29 Como Park & Fort Snelling . $35.00 $

_ 3. Tues. May 30 Stillwater . $40.00 $

_ 4. Tues. May 30 Science Museum of Minnesota . $36.00 $

_ 5. Wed. May 31 Bachman’s & Arboretum . $39.00 $

_ 6. Wed. May 31 Minneapolis Institute of Arts . $27.00 $

_ 7. Thurs. June 1 Bachman's . $15.00 $

_ _8. Thurs. June 1 Albertville & Ellingson Car Museum . $28.00 $

_ 9. Fri. June 2 Chanhassen Dinner Theater - LIMITED SEATING . $67.00 $

TOTAL TOURS $ _

CONVENTION OPENING: (Please check those presentations which you wish to attend)

Wednesday, May 21, 2006

_ 7:00 p.m. - 7:45 p.m. Social Hour, Slides of 59th Cincinnati Convention and New Introductions

_ 8:15 p.m. - 9:45 p.m. “Let Me Tell you About My Violets. A Grower’s Forum

Moderator: Jack Wilson

Panelists: Dr. Ralph Robinson, Paul Sorano, and Ruth Bann

PRESENTATIONS: (Please check those presentations which you wish to attend)

Thursday June 1 , 2006 Session One (Choose only one)

_ A. 10:00 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.nt. “Who Let the Dogs Out" by Tom Glembocki

_ B. 10:00 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.m. “Basic Skills of Growing African Violets” by Barbara Werness

Friday June 2, 2006 Session Two (Choose only one)

_ A. 10:00 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.m. “Sinningia Speciosa” by Steve Hall

_ B. 10:00 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.m. “Hands-on Underwater Design” by Linda Golubski

Friday June 2, 2006 Session Three (Choose only one)

_ A. 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. “Gesneriad Panel Discussion” Moderated by Bill Price

_ B. 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. "Hands-on Underwater Design” (Repeat) by Linda Golubski

Saturday June 4, 2006 Session Four (Choose only one)

_ A. 10:00 a.m. - 1 1:30 a.m. “Holtkamp Greenhouses” by Lorraine Marbury

_ B. 10:00 a.m. - 1 1 :30 a.m. “Advanced Judging Skills, Design” by Jackie Jones

Saturday June 4, 2006 Session Five (Choose only one)

_ A. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. “Canadians Share Their Secrets” Moderated by Winston Goretsky

_ B. 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. “Messenger” by Robin Ross

PAYMENT:

Total Registration $ _ Please double check to ensure all numbers are listed correctly

Check one:

Total Meals $ _

Total Tours

□ Visa #

TOTAL

PAYMENT ENCLOSED $ _

NOTE: Cancellations must be received
by April 16, 2006 to be entitled to a refund.

There will be a $5.00 fee for all cancellations.

Send payment and completed registration form to:
Convention Registration

AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702-1722
(409) 839-4725

NEW: Wherever possible, confirmations will be emailed.

Expires _

□ MasterCard # _

Expires _

□ Check or Money Order Enclosed
Signature (if using card)

AVSA 2006 Minneapolis Convention Grower’s Forum

“Let Me Tell you About My Violets” . . . Grower’s Forum

Wednesday, May 31, 2006 . 8:15 p.m.

Moderator . Jack Wilson

Panelists . Dr. Ralph Robinson, Paul Sorano,

and Ruth Bann

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. The
Grower’s Forum is always a favorite among convention-goers.

A- 14 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

Hotel Reservation

2006 AVSA Convention, Show and Annual Membership Meeting
The African Violet Society of America, Inc.

Register by mail, by phone, or online by going to www.avsa.org and clicking first on National
Convention, then on “Convention Hotel Reservation”.

BE SURE TO NOTE THE RESERVATION GUARANTEE NUMBER TO QUALIFY FOR THE
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT (DEADLINE IS APRIL 16, 2006)!

Please mail to:

Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, Minneapolis South
7800 Normandale Blvd
Minneapolis, MN 55439
Phone: 952-835-7800

Name

Address

City

State

Zip

Country _ Phone Number ( _ ) _

Email address (for confirmation): _

Sharing Room with -

Make check or money order payable to Sheraton Bloomington Hotel. Do not send currency. DO NOT SEND TO AVSA OFFICE!
To confirm your reservation, the hotel accepts any one of the following as means of payment:

_ One Night’s Deposit Enclosed _ — MasterCard _ Discover

- American Express - Visa

Credit Card # _ Expiration Date _

Signature

Deposit is refundable if reservation is cancelled 24 hours prior to the date of scheduled arrival. To cancel, phone the Sheraton
Bloomington Hotel at 952-835-7800.

Room Rate: $95.00 (up to 4 persons per room) + 6.5% state and 7% city tax.

Accommodations requested:

- Single

- Double (two persons)

- Triple (three persons)

- Quad (four persons)

- Smoking - Non-Smoking

_ number of persons in room

Arrival Date:

(Check in 3:00 p.m.) _

Departure Date:

(Check out 12:00 noon) _

Bed types available: (double-double)

Reservations must be received by: April 29, 2006 The AVSA reserved room
block will be released after this date.

The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle (limited) to/from the Hotel and Airport. Transportation information
for those arriving by air:

Airline _ Flight # _ Arrival Time _

Invitation to Go Fishing at Opening Banquet!

Here in Minnesota there is nothing that we like better than to
get out the boat, pack up the tackle, and get to the nearest lake for
some good fishing. You can “get hooked” on the Land of 10,000
Lakes by joining us in a friendly little fishing contest. While the
evening won’t be out on the boat, everyone is invited to dinner on
Thursday evening to open the festivities and show off their best
fishing costume. “Troll" for compliments, look “fly,” “cast” off
your hat, and “wade” into some fun. The winner will certainly

earn the rights to tell a couple of tall, “fish tales”. Casual vacation
attire is welcomed too.

Join us in sampling some area favorites. We’ll be serving a
delicious Minnesota Walleye dinner or the choice of tender, stuffed
chicken breast. The meal will begin with a regional specialty,
wild rice soup. And for those with just a bit of room to spare, there
will be another local favorite, Minnesota-grown apple pie for
dessert.

Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine A- 15

Hosts - Hostesses
Minneapolis and AVSA Need You!

More individuals than ever before are needed to host the Minneapolis showroom! The Show will be open to the public for two full
days and the public will be paying an admission fee. Hosts are needed to greet our guests as they enter the room, to verify that they
have paid admission, to encourage them to ask questions, and to invite them to join AVSA (the cost of admission will be applied to their
AVSA membership dues). This is an important job!

If you would be willing to serve for a one-hour shift, please complete the coupon below by April 16, 2006, and send it to: Kim Chisholm,
26818 Friesland Ave, Wyoming, MN 55092, email: kchisho 1 @fairview.org.

Name _ Address _

City _ State _ Zip _ Phone _ Email

Preferred Time: Friday _ _ or Saturday _

IS ROOM SHARING FOR YOU?

Room sharing has become very successful. Are you interested in reducing your expenses by sharing a room with someone? We offer
this service to anyone interested.

Name _ Address _

City _ State _ Zip _ Phone _

$95.00 Two Double Beds plus 6.5% state and 7% city 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 April 3, 2006 so we may contact all interested “violet friends" and meet the deadline for hotel reserva¬
tions, which is April 16 (to receive Early Booking discount). Please send requests to: AVSA Office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX
77702-1722. Phone (800) 770-2872.

Wanted!

Slides ter
§©cial i@ar

Please share your slides (or CD ROM or good quality
prints which will be made into slides) of our 59th
Cincinnati, OH Convention. They will be shown at the
Wednesday night Opening Event. Include any informa¬
tion about the photo (names, state, etc.) Submitted
slides will be donated to the AVSA Library, unless you
request them to be returned. Please send your slides
by April 30, 2006 to:

Nancy G. Hayes
9 Cobblestone Rd.

Bloomfield, CT 06002-3003

_ _ _ /

Attention:

Hybridizers

ntedt

Photo slides or a CD Rom of digital images (do not
email!) of New Introductions are needed for the
Wednesday night Opening Event. This is an excellent
way for seasoned and beginning hybridizers to intro¬
duce their new hybrids. Please send two shots of
each new plant; one viewing the plant and the other
a close-up of the blossom. Please include with your
photos a written description of each image, marked
with a corresponding number for clarification. Send
your slides or CD Rom before April 30, 2006 to:

Nancy Hayes
9 Cobblestone Rd.

Bloomfield, CT 06002-3003

A- 16 Supplement to January • February 2006 African Violet Magazine

proper care, an African violet can live as long as 30 years.

• Light: Don’t put African violets in direct sunlight or
keep them in the dark. In order to bloom, violets need 12 to
1 6 hours of light and eight hours of dark.

Medium to bright indirect indoor light is best. Turn the
plants a quarter turn occasionally to keep them symmetrical.

Too much sunlight will bum the leaves and flowers, and it
may cause the leaves to curl down and turn variegated leaves
to totally green. Moving the plant to a lower light area will
return the leaves to their natural state.

Too little sunlight will cause leaves to develop elongated
stems and leaves, and the plant will stop blooming. Moving
the plant to better lighting will correct the growth pattern.

• Water: Watering from the bottom works best. Never
use softened water as the salts change the PH of the soil.
They will inhibit the violet’s ability to absorb water. Trip water
that has been standing for a few days works well.

If another source is needed, store-bought nursery water
works. Water the plants in the morning and drain off the
excess after about 20 minutes. Mist lightly with warm water,
which cools by the time it hits the violet, after watering.
Watering in the morning allows the violet to dry before
sunlight hits the plant.

Water every four to five days, testing the soil with a finger
to check if it is dry.

• Soil: Use African violet potting soil and repot every 12
to 18 months. If there is significant growth - when an
immature violet is about three times its container size - repot
earlier. Repotting is also done so that the soil does not become
compacted.

Do not repot in too large a container, as violets like to be
root bound to bloom. Four-inch plastic pots are ideal for
mature violets that are about 12 inches wide. The pots can be
easily washed, sterilized, and recycled for further use.

Some African violet hobbyists mix their own soil recipes,
often combining regular potting soil, coarse vermiculate,
perlite, and charcoal. It is also possible to use a soil-less mix.

• Fertilizer: African violets must be fertilized on a regular
basis, especially if using a soil-less material. A liquid, water-
soluble, all-purpose African violet fertilizer is available at plant
stores. Use at half strength, and at every other watering.

• Temperature and Air Quality: Keep violets out of cold
drafts. The plants do well in the same kind of environment in
which most people feel comfortable, around 70 degrees, and
between 60 and 80 degrees is beneficial.

Good air circulation helps prevent disease, and any type
of fumes can be fatal.

Lifelong Hobby

If you like, you can start out growing one or two African
violets. Reading up on them may inspire you to learn more
about growing African violets as a lifelong, rewarding hobby.

The African Violet Society of America, an international
organization, offers a bi-monthly magazine, an annual list of
new hybrids and previously registered varieties, and
information on violets and local chapters and shows. Check
the society’s Web site at www.avsa.org/membership, or call
toll-free 1 (800) 770-2872.

- courtesy GRIT Magazine, www.Grit.com

loot

Culture Nuggets

by Barbara Burde

Grooming your plants: Every couple weeks your
grooming should include placing the plant on a table or the
floor where you can look down on it. This is the best way to
see how its symmetry is - you can never accurately judge this
while looking at the plant from the side! If the plant is tilted,
you need to be turning it more often. If you have some leaves
out of place, you can start training them into their proper
places. This involves nudging them over. If it needs to be
moved quite a bit then do it in stages - move the leaf about
1/4 inch, hold it in its new position for a week or so, then
repeat this until you have the leaf where needed. There are

several methods for holding the leaf in the new position. Most
of them involve putting some sort of stake into the soil near
the edge of the pot, so that the leaf stem (petiole) rests against
it and is held there. You can use large cocktail picks (plastic or
wood), wooden skewers, or popsicle sticks. Another method is
to use a spring type clothes pin to grasp the edge of the pot.
This is only good if the clothes pin doesn’t interfere with any
other leaves.

From the California Council News

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 33

P)on^(n9 Mmm Scyns

Moon c‘n 0rTes

Barren and dry, fiery and masculine. Used for destroying
noxious growths, weeds, pests, etc., and for cultivating.

Moon In Xrnrtts

Productive and moist, earthy and feminine. Used for plant¬
ing many crops, particularly potatoes and root crops, and when
hardiness is important. Also used for lettuce, cabbage, and sim¬
ilar leafy vegetables.

Moon In Gemini

Banen and dry, airy and masculine. Used for destroying
noxious growths, weeds and pests, and for cultivation.

Moon In Cancer

Very fruitful and moist, watery and feminine. This is the
most productive sign, used extensively for planting and
irrigation.

Moon In Leo

Banen and dry, fiery and masculine. This is the most
barren sign, used only for killing weeds and for cultivation.
Moon In 'Ytrgo

Barren and moist, earthy and feminine. Good for cultiva¬
tion and destroying weeds and pests.

Jant icar^ Moon Tab)©

Date

Sign

Element

Nature

Phase

1 Sun. 7:14 am

Aquarius

Air

Barren

1st

2 Mon.

Aquarius

Air

Barren

1st

3 Hie. 7:43 am

Pisces

Water

Fruitful

1st

4 Wed.

Pisces

Water

Fruitful

1st

5 Thu. 9:44 am

Aries

Fire

Barren

1st

6 Fri.

Aries

Fire

Barren

2nd 1:56 pm

7 Sat. 2:09 pm

Thurus

Earth

Semi-fruitful

2nd

8 Sun.

Hums

Earth

Semi- fruitful

2nd

9 Mon. 8:58 pm

Gemini

Air

Barren

2nd

10 Hie.

Gemini

Air

Barren

2nd

11 Wed.

Gemini

Air

Barren

2nd

12 Thu. 5:50 am

Cancer

Water

Fruitful

2nd

13 Fri.

Cancer

Water

Fruitful

2nd

14 Sat. 4:31 pm

Leo

Fire

Barren

Full 4:48 am

15 Sun.

Leo

Fire

Barren

3rd

16 Mon.

Leo

Fire

Barren

3rd

17 The. 4:49 am

Virgo

Earth

Barren

3rd

18 Wed.

Virgo

Earth

Barren

3rd

19 Thu. 5:49 pm

Libra

Air

Semi-fruitful

3rd

20 Fri.

Libra

Air

Semi-fruitful

3rd

21 Sat.

Libra

Air

Semi-fruitful

3rd

22 Sun. 5:28 am

Scorpio

Water

Fruitful

4th 10:14 am

23 Mon.

Scorpio

Water

Fruitful

4th

24 Tlie. 1:38 pm

Sagittarius

Fire

Barren

4th

25 Wed.

Sagittarius

Fire

Barren

4th

26 Thu. 5:31 pm

Capricorn

Earth

Semi-fruitful

4th

27 Fri.

Capricorn

Earth

Semi-fruitful

4th

28 Sat. 6:09 pm

Aquarius

Air

Barren

4th

29 Sun.

Aquarius

Air

Barren

New 9:15 am

30 Mon. 5:32 pm

Pisces

Water

Fruitful

1st

31 Hie.

Pisces

Water

Faiitful

1st

Moon In Libra

Semi-fmitful 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 Sa^^arltrs

Barren and diy, 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 pfas

Banen 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.

February Moon Tab)®

Date

Sign

Element

Nature

Phase

1 Wed. 5:46 pm

Aries

Fire

Barren

1st

2 Thu.

Aries

Fire

Barren

1st

3 Fri. 8:31 pm

Thurus

Earth

Semi-fruitful

1st

4 Sat.

Thurus

Earth

Semi-fruitful

1st

5 Sun.

Thurus

Earth

Semi-fruitful

2nd 1:29 am

6 Mon. 2:32 am

Gemini

Air

Barren

2nd

7 Hie.

Gemini

Air

Barren

2nd

8 Wed. 1 1 :33 am

Cancer

Water

Fruitful

2nd

9 Thu.

Cancer

Water

Fruitful

2nd

10 Fri. 10:44 pm

Leo

Fire

Barren

2nd

1 1 Sat.

Leo

Fire

Barren

2nd

12 Sun.

Leo

Fire

Barren

Full 11:44 pm

13 Mon. 11:13 am

Virgo

Earth

Barren

3rd

14 Hie.

Virgo

Earth

Barren

3rd

15 Wed.

Virgo

Earth

Barren

3rd

16Thu. 12:09 am

Libra

Air

Semi-fruitful

3rd

17 Fri.

Libra

Air

Semi-fruitful

3rd

18 Sat. 12:11 pm

Scorpio

Water

Fruitful

3rd

19 Sun.

Scorpio

Water

Fruitful

3rd

20 Mon. 9:38 pm

Sagittarius

Fire

Barren

3rd

21 Hie.

Sagittarius

Fire

Barren

4th 2:17 am

22 Wed.

Sagittarius

Fire

Barren

4th

23 Thu. 3:16 am

Capricorn

Earth

Semi-fruitful

4th

24 Fri.

Capricorn

Earth

Semi-fruitful

4th

25 Sat. 5:14 am

Aquarius

Air

Barren

4th

26 Sun.

Aquarius

Air

Barren

4th

27 Mon. 4:56 am

Pisces

Water

Fruitful

New 7:31 pm

28 Hie.

Pisces

Water

Fruitful

1st

Reprinted with pennission from Llewellyn ’s 2006 Moon Sign Book.
published by Llewellyn Publications, ISBN 0-7387-0124-6

34 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Soil Mealybugs

by Jim Toms • Etobicoke, ON, Canada

Species: Rhizoecus pritchardii (the Pritchard mealybug) is
the common species of soil mealybug found in African violets,
but there are many others which are similar.

Location: It is found in the rootball of the plant and may
be found sticking to the inside of the pot. Soil mealybugs drop
through the drainage holes of the pot and are then also found
in the saucer. More rarely, they will be seen on top of the soil
and may even be in the lower leaf axils. The latter habitat is a
more likely location for their cousins - foliar mealybugs.

Description: Soil mealybugs are bright white in color.
Their shape is oval, like a grain of white rice, only they are
smaller, 1 - 4 mm. Once you have seen a soil mealybug, you
will not forget. The resemblance to a grain of rice is remarkable;
they are simply smaller, about 1/4 the size of the grain of rice.
Unlike a grain of rice, they have six legs on which to move.
The legs are not evident except under magnification. The bugs
move incredibly slow, but they definitely move, and careful
observation will reveal this. Some species are reported to pro¬
duce males which have wings. In identifying soil mealybugs,
also look for the white, waxy deposits they leave behind. They
secrete a white, waxy powder which covers their bodies. They
also leave deposits of it behind them, especially on the inside
of a pot which holds an infested plant.

Life Cycle: Eggs are laid in groups of 10-20 in a small
white ball that looks like a miniature cotton ball. Eggs hatch in
1 to 2 days, and the young begin to feed by sucking plant
juices through the root hairs. A life cycle is completed in 2 to 4
months, depending on the species and conditions. Some
species or some populations within species are reported to give
birth to live young.

Symptoms of Infestation: Insects may be seen in the
saucer first of all. You may also find them in the root ball or in the
interior of the pot before the plant itself shows signs. Plants will
become limp due to damaged roots which do not take up mois¬
ture fast enough to compensate for loss through leaves. Infested
plants are generally duller and weaker-looking than other plants.
Ultimately, outer leaves will yellow and die. Roots will die or
weaken and turn from healthy white or beige to darker brown
(dead) tones. The weakened roots may also have become infect¬
ed with root rot by this time. Infested plants generally have small¬
er and fewer blossoms. As the infestation worsens, the plant may
die. Veiy vigorous varieties may show few symptoms.

Source and Spread of Infestation: Soil mealybugs are
acquired from other growers in just a few or even one plant, but
can still spread rapidly through a clean collection. It is not easy
to pinpoint the source if you are not watching your own plants
constantly. A principal source is the professional greenhouse
where they can be rampant, not just in African violets, but in
many species. The species which attack our hobby plants are
from regions more temperate than ours (in Canada) so transfer

from the outdoors is not too likely. Soil mealybugs are slow-
moving, but they still spread rapidly. One infested plant is all it
takes to ruin your collection. They can climb out of saucers and
across the shelves. They can also move downwards in your col¬
lection from one shelf to the next. They do not appear to be able
to climb upwards. They can move laterally from one plant to the
next on the foliage if the plants are touching.

Prevention and Control: Isolating new plants for three
months is a standard recommendation. (Because some growers
are using powerful controls which all but eradicate the problem
for longer periods now, I recommend six months. I have had
them appear in isolated commercially grown plants at about six
months.) Observe all standard methods of sanitation. Avoid
community reservoirs or mat watering if you can. Obviously,
any infested plant is going to contaminate the others rapidly.
Chemical controls are rarely effective. Drenches are commonly
used in greenhouses. Don’t waste time or money on chemicals
that will provide feeble control and will not eradicate the prob¬
lem. Similarly, don’t waste time or money on expensive and
more dangerous drenches such as Marathon now used in the
United States. They give longlasting control and corresponding
reduction in the number of pests, but ultimately they lose their
toxicity, and the population may resurge from any survivors.

If you get an infestation, the simplest and safest method to
handle it is to throw out the plants and, preferably, their neigh¬
bors. If you save any neighbors, keep them isolated and under
observation for several months. Obtain new, clean plants or
leaves from a reliable grower.

The alternative method is to grow new plants from leaves
of the infested plant or by cutting out and re-rooting the crown
of the infested plant. It may sound very daring and unconven¬
tional to grow new plants from leaves of an infested plant. It
does work if the following treatment is used. I have done this
with 99% success, and, believe me, the other 1% were tossed
at the first suggestion of failure. I enjoyed a truly bug-free col¬
lection for years afterwards.

Treat leaves or crowns with a powerful chemical insecticide
on all sutfaces. Root as you normally do. For your insecticide, try
acephate or malathion. I use acephate (PT1 300) because it is
strong and does no damage. Malathion may cause leaf damage.
This is not a job for “wannabe insecticides” such as soap, or any
of the “naturals”. They do not kill eggs and seldom kill adults.

If you are squeamish about using a strong chemical insec¬
ticide, think of it this way. You only have to use it once on a
very small surface, one leaf rather than a whole plant. That leaf
is going to die away and be thrown away very soon. Then you
can enjoy the unsprayed pest-free plant once the insecticide
has done its job.

From Chatter, publication of the AYS of Canada

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 35

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

“Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden ”

Exhibited by: Jane Rexilius

36 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

“A German Taste”

Exhibited by: Paul Kroll

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

“Riverboats”

Exhibited by: Arlene Garvens

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 37

Laurel D. Goretsky

32 Scimitar Point N.W.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
T3L 2B2

Email: Laurel@Goretsky.ca

In light of
the events of
this past fall,
my thoughts
continue to be
with those
who suffered
loss. With
such tough
times, grow¬
ing African
violets might
be the last
thing on
some people’s
minds. It
could actually

be the best time to start a friend, who needs a pick me up,
with a miniature or semiminiature violet. Also, we can create
many beautiful gifts to give for special occasions, such as
Mother’s day, using mini and semimini violets and a few
other easily obtained items.

A required section of any AVSA approved show is
Design. The Design division is the showcase in which an
exhibitor can illustrate the artistically creative use of African
violet plants and blossoms (page 67 of the AV Handbook).
The exhibitor is required to follow the theme of the show and
the categories as outlined by the show schedule. When we
create a gift using violets, we don’t need to worry about a
theme; however, there are some basic principles of design
that I would like to highlight. You can make simple and mem¬
orable creations with your minis and semiminis that will
brighten your home or someone else’s.

The principles of design are: space, balance, proportion
and scale, rhythm, contrast, dominance, and color (page 69
of the AV handbook). I am not going to define or focus on all

the principles
but I want to
mention a
few that will
help you in
your artistic
creations.

Balance
in design
refers to the
visual weight.
The design
can be either
symmetrical
or asymmetri¬
cal. When
you look at

an arrangement that uses cut violet blossoms, do the blos¬
soms seem secure in the design? Your design should have
balanced focal points (your eye is not drawn to one feature
more than another) and have stable construction.

Proportion and scale in design refer to the amount of
materials used and the size of one object as compared to
another. A small growing miniature such as ‘Rob’s Twinkle
Pink’ would get visually lost if placed in a large container
with a lot of other materials around it. You want to strive for
well-balanced areas of space, texture, etc.

Color can serve a variety of purposes when you are cre¬
ating a design (arrangement). It can be used to create an
emotional response (page 69 of the AV handbook) or it could
be used to convey a theme for a holiday or occasion. When
you are thinking about giving a gift of an African violet or an
arrangement using violet blossoms, you might consider the
recipient’s favorite color and then use violets in that tone.
Maybe you need a gift for someone for Valentine’s Day. One
idea is to get a basket and fill it with plant growing items such

38 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

as, potting soil, some pots and fertilizer and then put in a vio¬
let with red blossoms like Rob’s Love Bite or Mac’s Virtually
Velvet. The possibilities are many. You could do white blos¬
somed minis or semiminis for Christmas in a basket with
some growing supplies and so on.

1 love to share violets with friends and family but I also
love to display my favorite plants in interesting ways in my
home.

A great idea was gained from the
2005 AVSC convention in
Edmonton, Alberta. In the
design division, one of
the categories was
entitled
“Company’s
Coming”.

The Design
was to be
a “decora¬
tive dis¬
play of 3
or more
African
violets on a
tray, mat or
doily...” You
could pick a tray
or plate that depicts
a theme (such as
Christmas, Easter, etc.) or
whatever you wish, and then
place your favorite miniatures and
semiminiatures on it (above - violets used are
‘Rob’s Gray Ghost’, ‘Rob’s Boondoggle’, and ‘Rob’s Green
Jeans’). Try placing violets at different heights to create visu¬
al interest. Make sure that whatever materials you use you
keep in mind balance, proportion, and color.

When it is time to disbud my violets, 1 have a struggle
throwing away the beautiful blossoms. I have gathered many
items in my travels to use for design like tiny jam jars and

film containers. One of my favorite finds was some miniature
vases. I also love a gift I received which is a pin to wear with
a water reservoir for blossoms (I believe I have seen them
being sold at the conventions also) . I have worn this pin with
violet blossoms in it at our local show and sale and it makes
a great conversation piece!

Using a suitable small container with water and violet
blossoms, is a nice way to add color to other parts
of your home. We grow our violets in
one area in our basement and
with our winter tempera¬
tures, I appreciate the
varied colors I see
when I spend
time in the
plant room.
Often,
instead of
discarding
the blos¬
soms, I
make a
“mini”
blossom
arrangement
and place it on
the fireplace
mantel in the family
room (previous page -
blossoms used are from
‘Rob’s Smarty Pants’, ‘Plumberry
Glow’, and ‘Candy Crystals’).

As I sit at the kitchen table and look at the
snow outside, my spirits are lifted by the smiling violet blos¬
som faces that 1 see across from me.

I hope that I have inspired you to be creative and find fun
ways to share your miniatures and semiminiatures with
friends and family and yourself.

Until next time, stay safe, happy and healthy, and keep
on growing!

AVSA Member Advertising Rates

(B&W) 1 in. $30, 2 in. $50, 3 in. $70
1/4 page $95, 1/2 page $175, full page $345
Get one ad free! when you pay for 5 in advance.

Send your copy and payment to:

Judith M. Carter, AVM Adv. Mgr.

1825 W. Lincoln St.

Broken Arrow, OK 74012-8509

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 39

My Wicked World of Violets

by Mary Hoskins

Perhaps you might enjoy entering the world of a
maverick beginner...

This is a composite view of my wicked world. You can
see the grids on which almost all of my violets reside with
the two-shelf planter in the mirror’s reflection. There is a
third one-shelf planter that arrived on the scene after this
picture was taken. All of these planters are a result of having
to have one or more violets when the new catalogs arrive or
when I am browsing the wonderful websites for violets on
the internet. I was quietly content with 3 or 4 plants until I
joined AVSA and found all the references and ads for
growers, hybridizers, and vendors. Now I spend most of my
day sitting in an overstuffed recliner that is located in front
of and to the right of the red butterfly. The rest of the day, I
am sitting at my computer/camera/printer area recording
what I saw or what I planted. It was after I had purchased
the third of my shelves that I read the warnings about not
being able to control the acquiring of too many plants from
more experienced growers. I saw, I read, 1 believed, but it
has not cured me. I am presently awaiting two more plants.
At least I ordered small miniatures. I am sure I will find room
for these. Now I have large standards, standards, semi¬
miniature, miniature, and small or micro miniatures. I have
all styles of regular violets: fantasy, wasps, variegated and
plain foliage and two streptocarpus (streptocaipi?) I do not
have any chimeras, I am afraid I do not care for them.

Serendipitous Ideas

I have been a collector of everything from garter snakes
to rocks, kaleidoscopes, and now violets all of my 85 years.
I decided to use some of my old collections in and around
my violets. In the opening picture, you can see animals, a
butterfly and below the butterfly, a geode from my rock
collection. It was some time later that I read in the AVM that

it would be wise not to crowd plants too close to each other.
By using my collections I was able to avoid this problem
even before I was aware of it.

Here is another sample from a time before wicking.

I enjoy rearranging my plants according to my plan for
the week, sometimes by color, sometimes by size and
sometimes, because I felt that the plant was not up to par. If
it was otherwise healthy I moved it to the far side or to the
back where it would not disturb my esthetic (for the
moment) eye. Just recently, I read that moving plants to
different locations under the lights would improve their
growth. Again, I did right by accident when I found that
many I had sent to sit in the corner did improve.

I am very lucky that all of my present hobbies blend
together so well. I have a love of taking pictures, playing
with the computer, scanning objects, writing stories, printing
them, and having, first and foremost, a collection of violets
that can be used with all. The violets in themselves are quite
able to keep me busy, but planning and taking pictures of
them allow me many more pastimes. I use the pictures in my
stories, I make note cards, greeting cards, and with the use
of transfer paper in my printer, I make coasters, mouse pads,
T-shirts, and tote bags for my friends and family. I do not
market them so there is no pressure on me, and I can work at
my own speed. A set of four individual violet coasters make a
nice “Thank You” token for the cookies a friend brings me. I
live in an independent living senior complex, and from time
to time I write a story about one of my violets for our
newsletter. Sometimes I just write a comment about them -
like the “orange” in the name of ‘Ness’ Orange Pekoe’ violet
means the color orange but not in Orange Pekoe Tea. There it
means the size of the leaf. I offer many examples of my
deptli of knowledge without harming anyone.

40 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

My present concerns

Space is a real concern for me. I have no room to expand,
and that is not a problem because I have all the room I need
even if it is not all I want. Our apartments here are small but
quite adequate. Unless I want to get rid of my walker, wheel¬
chair, and electric cart, the space in my living room cannot be
altered. My one bedroom window is home to my leaf cut¬
tings. The one virtue I do not have is patience so I put my leaf
cuttings where 1 cannot see them often, or I will try to pot
them up too soon. I have not succeeded in getting more than
15 or 20% good results, but I keep trying.

For my one and only frustration I am going to respectfully
criticize packing for shipping. I have received plants from about
10 different suppliers, and the deliveries are prompt, the price
is excellent, the plants are healthy, but I have a terrible time in
getting them out of their overcoats and galoshes with the
exception of one supplier. I will not name the vendors, just the
particular problem. The first one is stapling. One vendor uses a
lot of big and small staples on the outside of the box, even sta¬
pling the invoice and replacement order blank to the inside of

the lid. I manage to destroy these forms in trying to get the box
open. All use staples and masking tape to hold the plants in
their wrappings. It is very hard to disengage these fastenings
without breaking leaves or jarring the plant loose. Most put
plastic bags or sheet even an elastic band around the plant,
twisting the plastic close to the stems of the plant for support
and protection which it certainly does until you try to cut it
loose. The use of the plastic fill like that found in Easter bas¬
kets or a folded facial tissue over the soil does keep the soil
from spilling out better than the twisted bag. The supplier with
whom I have almost perfect success uses a fiberglass fill which
protects the dirt from spilling as well as support, the plant and
also uses a self cling plastic wrap like Saran Wrap with almost
no masking tape. This wrapping is very easy to remove.

1 do not have a total loss when I break off leaves in
unpacking or during pruning. I keep a box of plastic sandwich
bags nearby and a permanent marker. I check the leaves care¬
fully and each one of those that is a candidate for leaf cutting
I put into a bag, write on the name, and put them on a table
in our lobby for anyone who wants to become addicted.

oming

vents

r*

February 11 & 12 - FLORIDA
Upper Pinellas AVS SHOW/SALE
Sunken Gardens
1825 4th Street North
St. Petersburg, FL 33704
Feb 11- 10am-4pm
Feb 12 - noon -3pm
Info: Phyllis King (727)398-7450
Email: Phyllis King rlphyllis@verizon.net

February 25 & 26 - OKLAHOMA

AVS of Greater Tlrlsa Show/Sale
lltlsa Garden Center
2435 South Peoria
TUlsa, OK

Feb 25 - 9am - 4pm

Feb 26 - Noon - 4pm

Info: Rose Hewlett (918) 627 - 7395

March 3 & 4 - FLORIDA

Central Florida AVS Show/Sale

Orlando, FL

Mar 3 - Noon - 4pm

Mar 4 - 1 Oam - 4pm

Info: (407) 858 - 4634

Email: Cas407@earthlink.net

March 11 & 12 - FLORIDA

Fantasy AVC AVSA Judged Show/Sale
Oak Hill Hospital Enrichment Center
11375 Cortez Blvd.

Brooksville, FL

Mar 1 1 - 1 lam - 5pm

Mar 12 - Noon - 3pm

Info: Thad Scaggs (352) 398 - 1679

April 22 & 23 - MONTREAL,

QUEBEC, CANADA

Societe des Saintpaulia de Montreal
Judged Show/Sale
Chalet du pare Maisonneuve
4601 Sherbrooke St. East
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Both Days: 10am - 4 pm
Info: Monique Beaucage
(514) 990 - 5701

Email: saintpauliamontreal@hotmail.com

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 4 1

c

egmne/'&

Elmer Godeny

11473 Denham Road
Gonzalez, LA 70737
Email ekgprof@eateLnet

T+H5 RIC--H-TTOOL FOR TH-£ RiG-HT JOB

Regardless of what job you are doing, it is always easier
if you have the right tools. The same is true for growing
African violets.

The right tools
will make repot¬
ting, grooming,
and growing
your plants much
easier and a lot
more enjoyable.

Pictured are the
basic tools that I
use for my
African violets.

It should be
remembered that
every grower has
his or her own
variation of the listed tools, and many growers have addi¬
tional tools that are not shown here. This list is not meant to
be a definitive, complete list of tools needed for growing and
caring for African violets; however, it will be useful in getting
a hobbyist started in the right direction.

Following is a description of the various tools and their
usefulness. Many of the tools can be found around the house
and may not need to be specially ordered.

A. Scissors, masking tape, and a marker are used to
label the plant. I place the label on the pot; however, some
growers like to label the bottom of the pot. My labels include
the variety name of the African violet and the date of repot¬
ting. Other growers may include the size and description of
the plant on their labels. Instead of using masking tape for
labels, some growers use self-stick, pre-cut labels, and others
write directly on the pot. 1 do not recommend writing direct¬

ly on the pot, as it is sometimes difficult to remove the writ¬
ing when reusing your pots. Plastic labels inside the pot are

not recommend¬
ed as they can
interfere with
plant growth and
ruin the symme¬
try of the foliage.

B. Pokers
are used to rein¬
sert wicking
material into a
potted African
violet. They can
also be inserted
into the holes at
the bottom of a
pot and slid
around the inside of the pot to loosen the plant from the pot
when repotting. The late husband of a friend of mine made
the two pokers shown in the picture. The smaller one is used
for miniature and semi-miniature plants and the large one is
used for standard plants. Almost any long stick-like tool can
function as a poker. Many growers use knitting needles
and/or small crochet hooks.

C, A Sucker Plucker is useful in removing suckers from
African violets. It can also be used to remove unwanted
peduncle stubs from the plant. The curved tip can be used to
remove the sucker using a scooping motion. Sucker pluckers
can be purchased from African violet suppliers or from ceram¬
ic stores (ceramic cleaning tools) .

D. Small scissors or manicure scissors are used to
remove unwanted plant material (peduncle stubs, unwanted
blossoms, etc) from African violets. Small scissors are useful

42 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

because they can get in the tight, small spaces between the
bloom stalks and leaves. Smaller scissors are also great for
removing dead blossoms from bloom stalks without damag¬
ing the remaining blossoms.

E. A Knife is useful in cutting the root ball of the plant,
cutting plant necks, and cutting leaf stems when propagating
leaves. 1 use disposable scalpels, which have sharp points
and are easier to direct and use on the plant. Any sharp knife
can be used for these tasks.

F. Tweezers are useful to pick out plant materials from
the tight spaces in the plant where your fingers cannot get
into without damaging the plant. I only use small tweezers
but many growers utilize both small and longer, larger tweez¬
ers for grooming and plant material removal.

G. Spoons are used to place potting mix in the pot and
around the plant. Iced tea spoons are wonderful for smaller
plants and pots whereas a tablespoon is useful for larger pots

and plants. Growers all over the countiy use many different
tools for this job including funnels and scoops.

H. Lastly, Brushes are used to clean the plants and pots
so they will look better and perform photosynthesis more effi¬
ciently. Soft cosmetic brushes are used to remove soil and
debris from the blossoms and leaves of the plant whereas
harder bristled brushes can be used to remove debris from the
plant stem and pots. The harder bristled brushes can damage
the tender tissues of the blossoms and leaves. Further, the
harder bristled brushes are useful in removing pet hair from
the plant leaves; pet hair can get caught in the tiny hairs on
the African violet foliage, and the soft brushes cannot remove
it. The length of the brush is not important as long as it can
get to the part of the plant that needs cleaning.

Having the right tools for your plants will make growing,
repotting and grooming your African violets easier and there¬
fore much more enjoyable and rewarding.

To read the AVSA Convention "Chatter", go to AVSA.org,
click on the National Convention tab,
then on "Report on the 2005 AVSA Convention"

Disbudding

by Denny Van Dorn

This is a technique where the plant’s flower buds are
removed to allow the plant to fully develop. The philosophy
behind disbudding is that the pent up energy in blooming is
stored until released by allowing the plant to bloom.

Continually removing the flower buds, or disbudding,
should be started at least nine months to a year ahead of time
for the show. Although you can take off the buds four
months before the show, it’s best to do it for nine to twelve
months. For our show on April 22nd, four months is right
around Christmas.

When do you stop disbudding and start promoting
blooms? As a general rule, six weeks before the show for sin¬
gle blossomed flowers and eight weeks for doubles. Nine
weeks for heavily variegated varieties and doubles.

A few things to watch out for:

Disbudded plants will have a tendency to sucker more
than usual; particularly minis and semiminis. You can identi¬
fy a sucker in the axils of the plant where the adult leaf is
located. If you see three baby leaves emerging from the axils
(one is usually larger than the other two) , it will probably be
a sucker. (If you see two leaves the same size and a dot the
size of a pin head emerging between them, you have a flower
bud developing.) Wait until the sucker is about the width of

your fingernail, 1/4" to 1/2" long, and cut or snap it off the
peduncle with a small scissors or tweezers, leaving a stub
1/8" to 1/4" long. By not flicking it out with a pencil tip or
prying with a nut pick type sucker plucker, you’re assured of
not tearing out a nearby potential flower bud.

Another thing to think about disbudding, the temperature
of your growing area will influence your disbudding schedule.
Wanner temperatures will bring about blooming ahead of
schedule. If we have unseasonably warm weather in late March
to early April, the plants may want to bolt into bloom earlier
than we want them to. Cutting back on the amount of light on
the plant will help. Please don’t put them in the refrigerator!

A big help in disbudding is knowing your varieties and
their habits. A plant that you have had for a couple of years,
if watched over a six month period of disbudding, may sur¬
prise you with a copious amount of bloom.

For this discussion on disbudding, I used as resource
material; Pauline Bartholomew’s book “Growing to Show”;
and an AVSA Magazine article from 1979, Diz-Dizbudding
by Sandra M. Lee.

From Blossoms , publication of the
Seattle African Violet Society

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 43

SHOW AND TELL

by Barbara Conrad • Carlsbad African Violet Society (CA)

All right, you guessed it! I’m a (retired) elementary school
teacher in you-know-what grades. In many schools Show and
Tell is a common method of encouraging students to bring and
share a wide variety of personal interests with classmates.
These confidence-building items might include hobbies, pho¬
tos, books, weekend adventures, current events, drawings, etc.
It’s a quick way for classmates to be exposed to and learn
about a myriad of subjects as well as focus and highlight on the
individual’s interests. Most of the Show and Tell offerings
would seldom come up in the daily school curriculum. It also
encourages participation from every person at one time or
another. Everyone wins!!

This premise prompted me to try out Show and Tells at the
beginning of our violet club meetings in Carlsbad, CA. It proved
to be just as fascinating to our adults as it is to children! We
look forward to these five minute or less presentations as a
means to examine a problem plant, hear about pitting pumice
in planting mix, try to identify an unnamed violet, pass around
a piggyback or bustle plant, look at seedpods forming on a
plant, give out handouts on tips for growing miniatures, show
how to make mini greenhouses out of clear-lidded plastic food
containers that previously contained commercial baked goods
or salads, whew .

Our list has been endless and never fails to be interesting
and educational! It’s a means for our members to share new
ideas for consideration and for new members to seek advice
from more experienced members. There are questions and
answers after each presentation, which involve more people in
the Show and Tell process. We look forward to these quick and
diverse tidbits of violet trivia. The various subjects (conversa¬
tion starters) often trigger questions to be discussed later and
we break for coffee and dessert.

Each person who signs up on the Show and Tell sheet
before the meeting is rewarded with a free ticket to be used
later on our Opportunity Thble. This sign up sheet gives the
president a list of members to call on for Show and Tell. The
flow of the meeting is not interrupted with someone’s questions
or comments - no matter how interesting - that do not pertain
to the meeting’s agenda. Many violet tips and surprises would
not be brought to the attention of members in our club without
Show and Tell. So much enthusiasm and education results from
these few moments of sharing each month that do not cost
anything and take so little preparation! Yes, everybody wins!
Isn’t there something you would like to share with your violet
friends?

AVSA LIFE MEMBERSHIPS

As of July 1, 2005

Life Membership Dues are $600.00
International Life Membership Dues are $750.00

IN MEMORY

Ella Kiesling

What a great lady she was! Ella Kiesling radiated her
love for her family and African violets. As a teacher, pass¬
ing on her vast knowledge and experience to others came
naturally. She was an inspiration by example, raising and
showing beautiful African violets. Ella was a member of the
African Violet Society of Denver, Chapter I, since 1948. She
was also a member of Hi Country Judges Workshop, Rocky

Mountain African Violet Council, and AVSA. She held many
offices, including President and Show Chair of Council and
was a Master Judge and hybridizer of over 100 varieties of
African violets. Her best and favorite hybrids were
‘Lavender Shadow’ and ‘Spiced Burgundy’, still grown by
many. We will never forget her wonderful sense of humor,
vitality, and her sweet smile.

44 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

More Than Meets the

by Kent and Joyce Stork

Even though we all depend on light everyday to see, as
well to give our plants energy to grow, it is much more com¬
plicated than most of us care to comprehend. It isn’t really nec¬
essary to understand all of the physics involved to grow vio¬
lets well, but it is useful to understand a bit about the differ¬
ences between visible light and the energy that light radiates.

All of light is energy traveling in wavelengths. A small part
of that light is visible, but most of it, like X-rays and radio
waves, is energy that cannot be seen by human eyes. Plants
use the energy of light for photosyn¬
thesis, and it happens that the wave¬
lengths that they need fall within the
bounds of visible light.

Visible light is comprised of the
colors in a rainbow, with the length of
the waves determining the color that
is seen. Thus, the color of visible light
ranges from deepest violet blue (at
the shorter wavelength side) to red
(at the longer wavelength side).

Plants happen to be stimulated to
grow primarily by the blue wave¬
lengths, while red wavelengths stim¬
ulate plants to flower. The
yellow/green wavelengths have a
fairly negligible effect on plants.

The spectrum of visible light is
brightest in the middle yellow/green
section. The brightness of visible light
is measured by foot candles, but that
measurement isn’t of much help to
growers, because plants don’t care
how bright the visible light is. Plants respond primarily to the
energy in the wavelengths which are on the somewhat dimmer
edges of the spectrum regardless of how bright that light may
appear to be.

For growers who choose to raise African violets under arti¬
ficial light, it is fairly easy to provide the red and the blue wave¬
lengths of light energy by using fluorescent tubes. Cool white
tubes provide plenty of the blue wavelengths to stimulate good
growth. Wide-spectrum tubes provide significant amounts of
the red wavelengths, which aid in blooming, in addition to the
blue wavelengths. Either type can be used for satisfactory
results, but many growers choose a combination of the two,
often for economic reasons.

Getting the correct wavelengths is important, but it is also
important to get the proper amount and quality of those wave¬
lengths to keep each African violet happy. That is done by con¬

trolling the length of the day that the fluorescent lights are
turned on and by controlling the distance from the tubes as
well as the position under the tubes. The average violet will get
plenty of light energy when the fluorescent lights are set to run
ten to twelve hours a day with the plant approximately ten
inches from the tubes and near the middle of the shelf. Growers
can tell when it is not enough or too much by watching the
position and the color of the leaves.

While not only good for producing necessary light energy,
the combination of cool white and
wide spectrum fluorescent tubes pro¬
duces a delightful visible cosmetic
effect on violets. It highlights the col¬
ors of the flowers most effectively.
Please note that now we are talking
about the way the human eye sees it.
Cool white tubes tend to make violets
that have blue or putple blossoms
look bluer. Meanwhile, wide-spec-
trum tubes tend to make violets with
pink or red flowers look redder. This
is most apparent when a burgundy-
red violet blossom looks to be fire-
engine red when grown under two
wide-spectrum tubes. Used individu¬
ally, the type of fluorescent tube cho¬
sen may cause certain colors to be
over-emphasized and distorted.
When the two types of tubes are
used in combination, the color of the
flowers will be more natural.

The cosmetic effect of the vari¬
ous sources of light is especially important when violets are
on display in public rooms. Fluorescent ceiling lights will gen¬
erally highlight the bluer flowers. Incandescent light bulbs
will highlight the pink and red flowers. Mercury vapor bulbs,
commonly used in large spaces like gymnasiums because
they are bright and economical, will highlight yellow, green,
and white flowers; unfortunately, it will also highlight yellow
tones in the foliage. The latter type of bulbs is quite likely to
make healthy light green foliage look like it has chlorosis and
is in need of fertilizer.

Energy, brightness, and the color of light are all inter¬
related, but each has a different role to play. To be safe, follow
the recommendations of good growers in choosing your artifi¬
cial lighting. Don’t be overly concerned about how bright the
light seems, since the right type of light is actually more
important.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 45

Ralph Robinson

P.O. Box 9
Naples, NY 14512
Email: robsviolet@aol.com

As I write this, the prospect of falling temperatures and ris¬
ing heating bills looms. Let’s hope that, by the time you read
this, we’re in the midst of a mild winter. Your violets won’t mind
if you turn the thermostat down a few degrees - they can tol¬
erate a cooler household than you can. Variegation will be bet¬
ter as will bloom size and color. If you’re growing in a cold base¬
ment, move your plant stands closer to a hot water heater or
furnace, if you can, and further away from cold cement walls.
For commercial growers and others with greenhouses, it might
get expensive. When writing that check to the oil company,
think of this: what better place to be in winter than working
inside a bright, warm greenhouse filled with foliage and
flowers?

As is always the case, we are far too busy to reply to mail
(or e-mail) , though we do read all of it. Should you want a per¬
sonal reply, we are more than willing to answer phone calls
made during our normal business hours (12-5 pm EST), since
we can work and talk at the same time. For those with access
to the internet, we can be reached at robsviolet.aol.com or via
our web-site at www.violetbarn.com. The web-site also con¬
tains a wealth of information (and answers to many of your
questions) .

/QUESTION: When rooting leaves, when you make the

y/ 45-degree angle cut on the stem, does it make any
difference if the cut side is facing down or up when planted?

Answer: Cutting the leaf petiole (stem) at an angle increas¬
es the surface area of the cut. Since new plantlets are produced
along the cut, this increases the potential number of plantlets
that can be produced from the leaf. Cutting at too sharp an
angle, however, might result in damaging or losing the leaf if
the cut petiole becomes too thin. Something approaching a 45-
degree angle seems an acceptable compromise. The difference
in number of plantlets produced with an angled (versus
straight) cut isn’t likely a large one, and is only an issue for
commercial growers or others for whom maximizing the num¬
ber of plantlets produced is important. Even then, many com¬
mercial members don’t bother making angled cuts, believing the
extra time and training required to do so properly with a large

number of leaves isn’t worth the potential benefits. They just
“stick it in the soil”.

Though the leaf will root with the cut-side facing in either
direction, it’s better if the cut side is facing up (towards the front
with the leaf facing upwards) . With the leaf itself placed into the
rooting medium at a slight angle, this means the cut surface of
the petiole will be nearly parallel with the soil surface. Plantlets
produced from the frontward-facing cut will have a shorter dis¬
tance to travel before reaching the soil surface and, once there,
will appear in front of the rooted leaf. This means that they can
reach light and begin more actively growing earlier. If the cut
side is facing down (or backwards) , plantlets must grow around
the petiole and may emerge from soil level beneath (or behind) ,
and be shaded by, the blade of the rooted leaf, slowing its devel¬
opment. How do we do it? We cut the leaves at a 45-degree
angle and root leaves at something less than a 45 degree angle.

/QUESTION: My violets are growing very well. They
1 have gotten pretty big with lots of nice, green leaves
but haven ’t flowered. What’s wrong?

Answer: First, be sure that, unless this is a trailing variety,
your violet is free of “suckers”, the small pairs of leaves that
appear along the stem beneath the leaves (in the axils) . New
leaves should be produced from only one point, in the center of
the plant. If “lots of leaves” is the result of more than one
crown, or growing point, then your violet is too distracted pro¬
ducing foliage to bother producing blooms. Lots of leaves aren’t
necessary for lots of bloom, since flowers are only produced
from newest growth and each leaf generally will produce only
one flower stem. A well-grown violet, even when grown for
exhibition, rarely needs to have more than 12 to 15 mature
leaves.

Assuming that there are no suckers, and the plant other¬
wise appears healthy and lush, the most likely reason for a lack
of flowers is inadequate light. If you're growing in windows, try
moving the plant to a brighter exposure. Usually, east or west¬
facing windows are best, with southern light being too intense
and northern exposures not bright enough. That said, every
window, in every house, is different. Let your violet decide. If

46 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

one window doesn’t seem to work, move it to another, or move
it closer to the window it’s in. Also, keep in mind that not all
windows are good in all seasons in all climates. A north-facing
window may be perfect in the middle of summer, when days are
bright and long, but will likely be far too dark in the middle of
winter. Your plants will tell you if they’re happylisten to them!

S“\UESTION: You’ve suggested using a “balanced" fer-

ytS tilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, but the only bal¬
anced formulas that I can find here are 7-7-7 and 10-10-10.
Can I use these?

Answer: We do suggest using a “balanced” formula, where
the proportions of nitrogen (N) , phosphorus (P) , and potassium
(K) are relatively equal. It’s been our experience that these for¬
mulas produce the lushest, healthiest plants, and plenty of
bloom without the need of excessive doses of phosphorus (i.e.
“bloom boosters”) . Any of the formulas you mentioned would
be fine. All of them have the same relative amounts of these
three important nutrients. Just follow the directions on the con¬
tainer for dilutions when feeding every time you water. The
manufacturer has already accounted for the strength of the fer¬
tilizer when determining the appropriate dilutions. If using a
wicking, or other constant-watering method, fertilize at only
1/3 to 1/2 of the recommended dilution since plants watered
this way process more water (and more fertilizer) than those
that are not.

Q

'ES'TION: How often should I water?

Answer: We get asked this one a lot. Better to ask, when
should I water? The simple answer is, when it needs it! There
are just too many variables for a definitive answer. How quick¬
ly the soil dries depends upon heat, humidity, maturity and/or
size of the plant, amount and porosity of the soil, size and type
of pot, and many other things. When a grower says “I water
once a week”, that means either: a) in her environment, for her
plants, they will need watering once a week or b) , they need
watering every 3 or 4 days, but her schedule dictates they be
watered only every 7 days. Either schedule is possible, but the
violets would be happier if they were watered at their conven¬
ience, and not hers.

Most plants, violets included, don’t want to be either too
wet, or too dry. The best rule of thumb is to water when the sur¬
face of the soil is “dry to the touch”. Feel the surface of the soil.
If it feels damp, or soil sticks to your fingertip, then water later.
If it feels dry, water it now. Don’t wait for it to wilt, yet don’t
water an already wet plant.

JESTION: Why do you instruct your customers not
1 handle plants? Doesn ’t that discourage customers
from shopping and buying?

Answer: This is paraphrased from observations (and a few
complaints) from many visitors to our shop. Of course, we don’t
want to discourage visitors from buying plants, though that is

sometimes a consequence. It is true that it might sometimes
seem that way. Before entering the shop, a visitor sees two
large signs listing the “house rules”. 1) If there is a “Do not
Touch" or “Not for Sale” sign, please do not touch those plants,
2) Try not to pick up plants before you decide what to buy, 3)
Place plants you want to buy on the front counter, 4) Do not
move plants around, and 5) If you are “just looking”, use your
eyes, not your hands. Upon entering the shop and being
“introduced”, they’ll be verbally reminded again by us or our
staff.

It all can seem a bit harsh, especially since we should be
encouraging visitors to enter the shop and buy plants! Usually,
once we explain why, visitors are more understanding, if not
appreciative. Besides helping keep the plants arranged and well
displayed, and minimizing damage (in broken leaves and the
like) , this is a very important step in minimizing the introduc¬
tion of pests and disease to our collection and controlling their
spread once they are introduced. EVERYONE who grows plants,
even indoors, will, at SOME time, have pest problems. If you,
or another grower you know, hasn’t yet, they’ve been fortu-
nate-their time will come! Insects were on this planet long
before us and will remain here long after we’re gone. They’re
more adaptable and better at reproducing themselves than we
are.

Eliminating pests from one’s plant collection can involve
using (often toxic) chemicals, as well as time and effort. It’s
always better to prevent their introduction into your collection
in the first place and then, if they are introduced, to limit their
spread and damage caused. As careful as we are in not bring¬
ing pests with us into our growing area, we only have limited
control over what pests others (i.e. the public) bring with them.
Fewer plants being handled means fewer plants being exposed.
This isn’t to say every visitor brings problems with them, but
insects don’t ask permission before “hitching a ride” on some¬
one’s shoes or clothing. It might be wise to follow the same
rules that apply to us and our staff: don’t work on outside plants
(or lawn) and avoid walking in grassy or wooded areas before
entering the growing area. We’ve been know to turn away
hikers at our door for this reason.

Since pest problems are inevitable, especially in a “public”
place with a large number of plants, limiting the movement of
the plants also limits the potential spread of problems, should
there be any. A good rule is to always tiy to grow the same
plants in the same places, and not move them around too
much. This way, should you see something “suspicious”, it’s
easy to isolate that plant, or plants, from the others. If you don’t
have a habit of moving plants around, you can also be confi¬
dent that you didn’t spread the problem to other plants before
the problem may have become visible. With a large number of
plants, total isolation of a problem to one plant might not be
possible, but at least the problem can be limited to a particular
“area”. At worst, we might have to discard a few hundred
plants-better than thousands if a severe problem were to spread
more widely.

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 4 7

^i/t/(f(jc cfto/e/ri

Barbara Elkin

Vintage Violets Committee
2855 Gayle Lane
Auburn, CA 95602-9674
Email: bjabar@earthlink.net

My husband jack and I are back from our trip to the Baltic
Countries and Russia.

My only wish was that we could have had more time in
this fabulous country. The history was hard to grasp in only
a few days. Look out Russia, 1 am coming back when I have

more time!

I have a correction to last month’s issue of the AVSA
Most Wanted. I wrote Mr. Brain, it should be Mr. Brian. I
named it after my middle grandson. (I know he would
approve of Mr. Brain though.)

Chateaugay
Chisholm Trail
Corpus Christi
Crusade Trail
Dark Crystal
Drops of Wine
Eleanor

Ethyl Champion
Foxy Lady
Fringed Pink Swan
Lovely Lace
Lyon’s Shockwave
Mariner Blue

Niagara’s Blue Thunderhead
Niagara’s Celestial Star
Niagara’s Cream of Raspberry
Niagara’s Cream of Strawberry

Niagara’s Critic’s Choice
Niagara’s Ebony Cream
Niagara’s Foxpoint
Niagara’s Indigo Cream
Niagara’s Intermezzo
Niagara’s Miss Liz
Niagara’s Native Dancer
Niagara’s Sonata
Niagara’s Sweetums
Niagara’s Trillium
Niagara’s Unique Concept
Navy Girl
Optimara Hawaii
Optimara Massachusetts
Persian Treasure
Plaything (Lyon)
Priscilla

Rainbow’s Dragonfire
Rainbow’s Dark Storm
Rainbow’s Emerald Frost
Rainbow’s Black Forest
Rainbow’s Enchanted Gold
Rainbow’s Starburst
Rainbow’s Galactic Storm
Rainbow’s Universe
Rebel’s Binky
Rodeo Flashdance
Silver Girl
Spiro Agnew
Starstruck
Sybil

Twist of Fate

Dixie AVS Convention

Mark your calendar!

The 50th Anniversary of the Dixie African Violet Society convention. Athens is a lovely city. Not only does it have the

will be celebrated March 8-11, 2006 at the Holiday Inn, 197 University of Georgia campus, but also the State Botanical

East Broad St., Athens, GA 30603 706-549-4433. “Violet Garden.

Time in Dixie-50 Years Later” is the convention theme. This

was the show theme at the first convention held in the fall of Contact: Kathy Spissman for more information:

1956 here in Atlanta. The Georgia State African Violet Email: Mrsstrepstreps@comcast.net

Council is looking forward to sponsoring this 50th celebration Phone: 770-939-5289

48 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

Aca’s Eloise

Exhibited by: Sandra Lex
Hybiidized by:

). Brownlie

Semiminiature

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

Rob ’s Scooter

Exhibited by: Sandra Lex
Hybiidized by: R. Robinson
Semiminiature

Photo Credit: Winston J. Goretsky

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 49

NEW BIOPESTICIDES

by Nancy Robitaille

Our prayers have been answered! In the African
violet world, we are constantly on the lookout for signs
of mite, aphids, thrips, and all the other pests as well
as weird looking viruses and diseases.

What would you give to have something that you
could put on your plants that would make THEM do
the work of protecting themselves from all our pests
and diseases?

Science has finally caught up with us. Here’s
what’s happening:

Some very courageous small businesses have
been doing a lot of research for a more environmental
ly friendly way to get rid of the insects, pests, and dis
eases that plague us. Actually, they are working to improve
food crop yields, but we seem to have a lot of insects and dis¬
eases that food crops have.

These are biopesticides where you put them on the plant
and the plant itself is triggered to protect itself from pests and
diseases. Biopesticides are virtually non-toxic to mammals,
birds, honeybees, plants, and fish.

Eden Biosciences from Bothell, Washington, has discov¬
ered and is marketing a product called MESSENGER. This prod¬
uct wards off attacks from mite, aphids, and other insects as
well as common diseases and environmental stress by activat¬
ing the plant’s natural growth and defense mechanisms. The
product contains HARPIN, a protein which, inci¬
dentally, is the same bacterium that
causes fire blight. HARPIN was dis¬
covered by Dr. Zhongmin Wei, Vice
President and director of research at
Cornell University.

MESSENGER IS A BIOLOGICAL
PESTICIDE. Its job is not to kill pests or
pathogens but rather will protect plants
by activating the plant’s own defense
mechanisms. Results from California say
MESSENGER is helping plants to protect
themselves and already shows an 1 8% average
yield increase in tomato trials due to this product.

Other biological products, VALERO or CINNAMITE, derived
from cinnamon, controls powdery mildew, mites, leafhoppers,
and aphids.

MYCOTROL and BOTANIGARD controls whitefiy, aphids,
and thrips. This is derived from naturally occurring fungus
Beauveria bassiana.

Fungal diseases such as botyritis, downy mildew, powdery
mildew, fusarium, verticillium, and Phytophtora can be con¬

trolled with a product called SERENADE made by the
company AgraQuest.

A product called SONATA is superior for control¬
ling downy mildew. This product is still on trial.

The company AgraQuest is licensing a product
called MUSCODOR ABUS and related strains for use
as a biological fumigant. This produces a gaseous
substance that will control soil-bome fungi such as
Fusarium, Phytophthora, Phyium, Phizoctonia,
Verticillium, and Scleroticia.

Dow Agro Science’s product SUCCESS will control
worm pests and is easy on delicate beneficial insects.
SUCCESS is a beneficial fungus discovered outside a
warehouse in the Caribbean.

There is little doubt that discoveries such as these are both
effective and unprecedented in sparing the environment not to
mention the health of the person who must use the product.

Smaller firms are the ones producing for the most part.
New biologicals mean money. But first it costs money — and
lots of it— to discover the product, test the product, and put it
on the market.

One company raised 36 million dollars before going public
two years ago, and spent most of the money on research and
development of MESSENGER.

Now this is the problem, I think. All of these will soon be
available to us for our collections of African violets. BUT think
of what will happen to those huge companies who have pro¬
duced all the chemicals we have been using. Do you think they
will buy out the small companies and never release these valu¬
able discoveries so we are forced to continue using chemicals?

These products will reduce the need for all chemical poi¬
sons. These products are not presently registered for
use or for sale in the United States.

EPA registration is anticipated in a
few weeks, or so they say.

MESSENGER is currently
being evaluated in US, Mexico,
and China.

Will we be allowed to use
these products? Hopefully so. But
you know what lawn mower man¬
ufacturers did with the invention of
grass plants that stopped growing at
3 inches. Hopefully, these small busi¬
nesses will not be taken over by big busi¬
ness, and products will be registered and
be sold for a cleaner environment and a healthier YOU!

50 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

A Good Member, continued

Bev Promersberger - Affiliate Committee
7992 Otis Way
Pensacola, FL 32506
Email: Promers22@hotmail.com

Having a club full of good members is so important in
encouraging guests and visitors to join that I decided to spend
two columns on the subject. If your club would like to have
one or both of these columns sent to you via attachment in
Word format, please contact me by email above, and I will be
glad to send it to you.

Bee a worker. Be a doer, a worker, not a watcher or a
spectator. The best way to learn is by doing. Find a commit¬
tee that you would like to work with and offer to assist. Ask
the President or Show chairman where they need help. If you
have a special talent or interest, you might as well work
where you have the most to offer. But, do something!

Bee a supporter. Support whoever is willing to do the
work. Do not be a troublemaker or cause friction; don’t gos¬
sip or complain.

Bee dependable. Accept and carry out duties of various
chairmanships and assigned duties. Refer to the columns in
the January and May issues of the AVM, “Strive for the A+”.
In short, be reliable, committed, be a member who can be
called upon to do anything any time.

Bee willing. Be available to help whenever possible,
whenever needed.

Bee challenged. Accept challenges. Some members like
to do the same job each year because they feel comfortable
doing the same thing over and over again. Try something
new and be creative, original, and imaginative. It makes the
club healthy and strong when members are trained to do dif¬
ferent jobs. I was a member of a club once that had the same
show chairman over and over. She did not want anyone else
to do it. It was her job. When she died, so did the club.

Bee educated. Participate in programs and workshops.
Listen, pay attention. Learn so that you can grow better vio¬
lets and so that you can confidently share in educating the
public on how to grow better violets.

Bee a helper. Be willing to help other members. Provide
them with answers, information, any help that encourages
them to grow better plants, helps them do a better job, or
helps them to be better members.

Bee charitable. Be giving and sharing. Share leaves,
plants, and cuttings with club members. Don’t just “bee” a
taker. As a new member, you may not think you have much
to share at first. You would be surprised how much even your
most active grower enjoys a new plant or finding a leaf of a
plant that he/she hasn’t grown in a long time. Do not limit
your sharing to the tangible. Sharing your knowledge is just
as important. The more a member learns at a meeting, the
more likely he or she is to keep returning.

Bee a communicator. Be understandable, intelligible,
and clear. Make sure that people understand clearly what
needs to be done, when, and how. Many problems and mis¬
understandings occur simply because people do not take the
time to explain clearly. Sometimes they beat around the bush
instead of just telling it like it is, especially when trying to
make a job seem simpler than it really is.

Bee club-minded. Be a member, part of the whole. All
the members must work together. It’s just as bad to do every¬
thing, even it you want to, as it is to do nothing at all.

Have you ever been a member of a club and watched
presidents resign their memberships after completing their
terms as president? It is usually the result of members not
doing their jobs and leaving the president to do all or most all
the work. The office of the president should be the easiest one
of all. The President should preside over the club like the
“Queen Bee”, and all the other members should be the
“worker bees”. It’s obvious that not all members can exem¬
plify all these twenty traits all the time. Where are your
strengths? Where are your weaknesses? I’m sure everyone
can find something to work on. I know I can!

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 5 1

CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN EPISCIAS

AND AFRICAN VIOLETS

by Nancy Robitaille

Photos courtesy of Winston J. Goretsky

The culture of episcias is very similar
to African violets, and growers can
even “get by” by raising them
exactly like African violets.

But there are subtle
differences. When you know
these differences, you will be
able to raise more luscious,
more colorful episcias thriving
with health.

The first thing on the voyage
to lovlier episcias is to learn from
where each hybrid’s parents come.

Episcias were originally found in
Northern and Southern Mexico, Central
America, South America, Brazil, West Indies,
Southern island of the Lesser Antilles, and other tropical
areas. They are seen growing in the wild from full sunlight
to tropical shaded woodlands. Most epicias need as much
or more shade than African violets. When you know from
where they were discovered, you get a better idea of the
ideal conditions under which they should be grown.

According to research, there are over forty species of
episcias, but only ten or so are well-known. Those grown
and used as hybridizing parents are: E. cupreata , calyx
green inside, sometimes flushed red outside. Narrow, hairy,
not toothed, pointed lobes orange-red, approximately
three-eights inch. E. lilacina, with flowers of white with
lavender blue throats
boasts having the
largest flowers
of all the
e p i s c i a
species,
and E.
reptans,
o b 1 o n g
hairy
lobes,
pale rose
red outside,
inside, blood
red. These have
translucent papillae at the

throat. Lobes are toothed and are about one-half inch long
which widens slightly toward the throat. E. cupreata and
E. reptans are two highly variable species which can
change continuously.

Origination of Species:

E. cupreata is from the Pacific
Island Ecosystems, Figi, Guam,
Marshall Islands, Palau, Central
and South America, etc. E.
Cupreata prefers shade to part
sun. E. Cupreata grows in the
range of nine to twelve inches
tall by two feet spread. It
needs regular watering.

E. lilacina is very tender to
temperature and may die when
temperatures go below 60 degrees F.
This episcia and its hybrids prefer
shade. Its origin is Panama to Nicaragua. E.
Lilacina grows to six inches tall and needs abundant
watering. This species can be difficult to bloom indoors but
the very fine
foliage

makes
it worth growing.
Some of the other species are E. dianthiflora
(requires veiy high humidity), E. punctata, E.
Jimbriata (may have disappeared from
cultivation), E. xantha, E. vindifolia, E. prancei,
and E. melittifolia (transferred to Nautilocalyx ).
Several species episcia have also been transferred to
other genus.

Episcia Colors:

Episcia flowers are tubular with five petals (lobes) which
sometimes show pinked or fringed edges. The range of color
is wide: red, scarlet, orange, orange-red, orange-yellow, wine,
pink, yellow, lilac, or blue and white. These have patterns as
well. Foliage colors are just as wide: light emerald and jade

52 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

green, bronze, copper and silver-leafed as well
as brown, pink, and white. These have
texture of smooth or pebbled, glossy
or matte finish as well as
iridescence and have scarablike
markings of bronze, copper,
green and silver. Foliage
variations are numerous.

Healthy episcias should be
able to flower from spring to
fall when requirements are
met. Episcias can be propagated
from most any part of the plant
Stolon propagation is quickest. Cut
stolon from plant, pin it down onto
fresh soil, and place a plastic bag for
humidity. Plantlets may be obtained by setting
an episcia leaf in soil, although this method is much
slower than propagation by stolen. These plants can also be
propagated by seed.

Temperature:

Sixty degrees F. is about as low as an episcia should
have to endure, and 65 to 90 degrees F. is a much more
welcomed temperature.

Amazingly enough, a temperature of 1 1 0 degrees F. will
not be injurious to the plant if you provide daily mistings.
Episcia roots should never be allowed to diy out.

When temperatures are lower than 60 degrees F., the
edges of the leaves turn brown or the whole leaf will shrivel
up and often will fall off.

Some varieties grow in the lower 65 F. to 80 F. range. In
the medium temperatures 65 F. to 90 F., all the light green,
medium green, and silvery cupreata-tyyz hybrids will grow
well.

From 65 F. to 110 F. all the dark brown
and bronze hybrids as well as the pink,
lilac, and magenta colored ones
thrive.

Episcias cultivars can
overlap these temperatures, of
course. Sudden drops in
temperature should be
avoided. Top growth will be
killed at 50 degrees F. Even
though the plant looks like it
is really finished, it can
resprout in three to four weeks
if the old leaves and soil mix are
shaken off and replaced and a
plastic bag is put over the plant.

Actually, making a new plant from a stolon
will grow faster than the plant that has suffered such
neglect.

Light:

Experts give conflicting data
concerning light for episcias. In
African Violets Gifts From Nature,
Robey, on page 70, says, “All
the members of the genus
Episcia perform best when
grown in bright light. In fact,
episcias are outstanding
bloomers when provided with
more light than most African
violets receive." Virginie and
George Elbert, authors of “The
Miracle Houseplants,” say, “There
have been very misleading
indications from experts that episcias
require even less light than African violets. If
we grew them only for their leaves, this might be true,
but since we want flowers, considerably more light is needed.
The confusion results from a difference between indoor and
greenhouse growing. . . .The majority of episcias require 500 to
800 footcandles for good flowering under fluorescent lights.”

If I am not mistaken, African violets need 1000 footcandles
of light. The majority of Episcias require 500 to 800 footcandles
for good flowering under fluorescent lights, kept around 6
inches from the lights which is slightly less than African violets.

Episcias are tolerant of less light than most gesneriads. In
fact, the name “episcia” comes from “espiskios” which means
“shaded.” Episcias can take dense shade or frill sun depending
on the variety and from where its parents come.

The cupreata- type hybrids will make beautiful large leaves
but offer few flowers in low light. The darker the leaf, the more
light they need so place darker varieties in the middle of a light
stand.

Lower light intensity:

These varieties can grow very well
under low light: Acajou, Boston Grey,
Daisy, Fantasy, Filigree, Frosty, jade,
Emerald Oueen, Noel, Painted
Warrior, Shades of Erin, Wine
Brocade.

Medium light:

Most cupreata- type
hybrids with light green or
silver leaves can produce many
flowers using only medium light.

Strong light:

Light green and silver leaves do
poorly in strong light. Dark brown or copper
colored leaves grow well and bloom well in strong
light. All blue, violet, blue and pink varieties require strong

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 53

light to bloom well, as well as high temperatures and humidity.

Don’t crowd episcias. This causes them to grow weak and
leggy since there is less light on all sides of the plant

Potting:

Shallow pots are better than deep pots since roots like to
grow up nearer the surface of the soil. Episcias placed in exposi¬
tions are often grown in large saucers. Episcias do not like to be
pot bound.

Soil:

Good African violet soil less mix is adequate for episcias,
using the 1-1-1 formula. Many growers prefer live spaghnum
moss or suggest the use of bark with perlite and vermiculite.

Humidity:

40% to 50% is adequate, but 70-75% humidity is much
better.

Humidity is important to episcia culture. 30% and less will
not produce beautiful plants. 40% to 60% is tolerated, but the
ideal humidity for episcias is 65% to 75%. This higher humidity
percentage produces larger, more luscious plants with vividly
marked leaves. High humidity is also a must if you expect to
grow large and numerous flowers. This is especially true on blue,
pink, and magenta hybrids as well as most of the dark leafed
cupreata-types.

Fans and Misting:

Fans are important in an Episcia’ s growing room. These dis¬
tribute mist, and keep humidity at the desired level, and provide
air circulation to keep down mildew, mealy bug and other pests.
It helps with carbon dioxide which is necessary for photosyn¬
thesis and respiration.

Misting cleanses the leaf pores and the stomata. Cleaning
dust particles and other things in the atmosphere that have land¬
ed on the plants insures better health. Be sure to use hot water
in spray bottles since sprayed hot water flying through the air
becomes cooler. Certain episcias are shocked with cool water,
especially plain dark brown or bronze hybrids.

Darker varieties tend to have leaves that are higher in tem¬
perature than light green or silver varieties since dark leaf sur¬
faces absorb light while light or silver surfaces reflect light. It is
suggested that you mist early in the morning to allow the
foliage to dry during the day. Keep away from bright light
when foliage is wet.

Watering:

Keep on the slightly diy side: Adam’s Rib, Amazon White,
Chocolate & Cheries, Cleopatra, Dianthaflora, Filigree, Fire & Ice,
E. Lilacina virdis , Mrs. Fanny Haga, Noel, E. Reptans, Star of

Bethlehem, Toy Silver, Topical Topaz, and Rose Brocade. The
small root systems of these can easily be over watered.

Episcias with blue, magenta and pink flowering varieties
should be kept on the wet side and can stand as much water as
possible without drowning them.

“Episcias do not have a dormant season in the sense that
tuberous or rhizomatous plants have, but they do have periods of
slower, or no growth, and water should be slightly withheld grad¬
ually during the late fall and winter months....” Max Dekking,
“Episcias: The “Peacocks” of the Gesneriad Family,”
Gesneriad Saintpaulia News January-February 1975.

Fertilizer:

Episcias are heavy feeders yet need no more than 1/4 tea¬
spoon fertilizer to a gallon of water. They enjoy foliar feeding.

Pests:

Episcia are able to become infected with the same
insects, pests, and diseases African violets have. When
your plant room has a pest or disease, treat with homemade
remedies or natural remedies first before resorting to chem¬
icals which often destroy episcias before they cure them.
New centers grow in extremely slowly if at all when burned
out by chemicals or affected by pests. Episcias, especially
younger cultivars, may be more sensitive to certain chemi¬
cals and may react badly.

Episcias are especially subject to foliar mealy bug. Look
on the back of young leaves on spent leaves and flowers, on
stems and crevices. Symptoms of mite include centers of the
stolons or main crown appearing dusty, curled up, and hard.

Sometimes when centers turn brown and leaves com¬
pletely shrivel up, it may not be mites. These symptoms
may be from too high a percentage of nitrogen in the fertil¬
izer which makes it too acid. Or it may be a symptom of salt
build up. Top watering once each six weeks is recommend¬
ed. This could also be from lack of humidity.

When plants wilt although well watered and seem not
to be growing, in the 50s it was usually a sign of nema¬
todes, a pest we don’t often get these days because of our
use of soil less mix. In the past, many growers used a soil
mix which contained garden loam, and this is probably
where most nematodes were picked up. Nowadays, these
symptoms may be considered a sign of soil mealy bugs.

Crown rot is caused when soil mix is too heavy and
keeps water in the plant. Make sure your soil less mix is
light. Most growers recommend using a variation of one
part peat moss, one part vermiculite, one part perlite with
additives such as charcoal and other organics. Serious
growers also use live sphagnum moss. Mildew is caused by
poor ventilation and air circulation.

54 African Violet Magazine

A

January • February 2006

Vacation Juggling

by Susan Gimblet

This past winter, my husband and I rented a house in
Florida for a month. Including driving time, we expected to
be away about six weeks. This meant that my violets would
be left for a longer period of time than ever before. To make
matters even more interesting, we would be returning home
just six weeks prior to our spring violet show. Thus became
my dilemma, how was I going to keep my violets watered
and also have them ready for the show?

To begin, I analyzed what I normally do. 1 wick- water
most of my violets using the standard deli tubs. I use the pre¬
show schedule from Pauline Bartholomew’s Growing to
Show book to prepare my violets for show. So, first I experi¬
mented with filling the deli containers to the brim and deter¬
mining how long the contents lasted. Of course, this varied
depending on the size and location of the plant as well as the
amount of light and heat. However, I decided that if I filled
each container to the top, the violets would have sufficient
water. I expected that when I returned, the reservoirs would
be dry, but the violets would not have completely cried out.
(I hoped!) I did have a safety net. A friend was due to check
the house on a regular basis and would add water to the
reservoirs as a last resort.

Next, I reread the Growing to Show pre-show schedule.
For those familiar with the schedule, it is suggested that a
bloom booster fertilizer (5-50-15) be used during the 10th,
9th, and 8th weeks prior to a show. I would be leaving for
Florida approximately twelve weeks prior to the show. I
decided to give the violets one feeding of bloom booster
fertilizer the week I left. I then filled the reservoirs with a
20-20-20 fertilizer for the remaining weeks. I kept the lights
on the same schedule as always, deciding it was better not to
try and increase light times.

I placed all my violets on wicks, disbudded completely,
filled all the reservoirs to the brim, watered with 5-50-15 the

day before we left and hoped for the best.

When we returned six weeks later, the violets looked fair¬
ly good. They were a bit scraggly looking with leaves every
which way. The plants had grown and were crowded. The
reservoirs were empty or nearly so. The violets themselves
were still barely moist to the touch. February turned out to be
a cold, cloudy month, which I believe, helped to conserve the
amount of water utilized. My friend had added water to some
tubs toward the front of the light stands.

My first project was to evaluate each plant. I straightened
leaves, removing leaves that were too misshapen, were baby
leaves or affected the overall symmetry of the plant. I helped
blooms to surface and removed spent blooms. I watered care¬
fully with plain water. I separated plants as much as possible
for better air circulation. The results were amazing. The vio¬
lets looked great! Symmetry was good and most of the plants
had a nice head of bloom. My plan had worked. At least
some of the violets would be eligible for the show.

In the following weeks, prior to the spring show, the
biggest issue became dying blooms. I had not been able to
stagger disbudding according to plant type. Therefore many
of the plants had come into bloom too early. Every day I was
removing dead blossoms. I reduced the light times to 3-4
hours a day to try and slow the process. Fortunately, when it
finally came time to pack up for the spring show I still had a
nice selection of blooming violets to choose from. And the
rewarding part was that they won some blue ribbons!

1 will be trying the process again this coming winter. Our
spring show is two weeks later this year. The one change I
will make is not giving the violets a bloom booster feeding
prior to leaving to see if this slows down the blooming. We
will see the results come show time!

From Ye Bay Stater, publication of the Bay State AVS

0

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CCV African Violets

P.O. Box 113 Chiritas, Episcias

Stanford, Kentucky Leaves, Stolons

(606) 365-1123 Plants & Specials

David & Nancy Rollins
2006 Catalog $3.00 (Refunded on 1st Order)
Online ordering: www.orderafricanviolets.com
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worse will happen to you the rest of the day......”

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January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 55

The

Violet Barn

8-time winner, AVSA Best New Cultivar Award
Home of ‘Rob’s’ and ‘Ida’s’ hybrids. Shipping since 1985.

NEW STANDARD VARIETIES

AM 'S ALMOST AUTUMN. Excellent showplant! Sdbl. dark
coral ruffled pansies. Dark, variegated foliage. $6.50
AAA'S BLUEBERRY TAFFY. Double dark blue stars edged white
to green. Nice, medium green variegated foliage. $6.50
AM'S BLUE SPINNER Sdbl. white pansies with blue-purple
pinwheel stripes. Variegated foliage. Chimera $15.00
MA'S CRIME SCENE So red, it's criminal! Sdbl. red stars over
dark, variegated foliage. Great, compact grower. $6.50
AMS EVENING SKY. A superior showplant. Large, slightly
wavy sdbl. coral stars and dark, variegated foliage. $6.50
AMS FRUIT SMOOTHIE Dbl. lavender-pink stars with purple
fantasy splashes. Variegated foliage. Very profuse. $6.50
AMS JAMAICAN FAREWELL Very hot-hot pink dbl. stars with
lighter centers. Dark variegated foliage. Sizzling! $6.50
MA'S ULY PAD. Best New Cultivar at 2005 AVSA! Sdbl. white
stars w/distinctive green edging. Variegated foliage. $7.00
MAS MOODY MONDAY. 3rd Best New Cultivar at 2005 AVSA.
Large sdbl. medium blue stars w/frosted white edges and
eye. Dark, variegated foliage. Terrific for show. $6.50
AMS NEON LIGHTS Large sdbl, slightly fringed, hot-pink stars
that positively 'glow' above variegated foliage. $6.50
AMS PRINCE FROG&E One of our favorites— very unusual!
Lightly fringed dbl. lavender stars w/light purple fantasy
speckling then edged green. Variegated foliage. $7.00

NEW MINI AND SEMIMINI VARIETIES

ROBS BAD BUNNY. Adorable sdbl. sparkling bright pink over
tiny, dark, pink, cream and green variegated mini. $5.50
ROBS CHILLY WILLY. A superior plant. Dbl. sparkling white to
silver fluted stars w/medium blue overlay and edges.

White, yellow, and green variegated mini.. Terrific. $5.50
ROBS OOEY GOOEY. Unusual and pretty. Sdbl. pink pansies
w/rose-pink swirls. Dark, variegated foliage. $5.50

ROBS PEEDLETUCK Very heavy, constant bloomer. Lovely
med. blue pansies. Dark, variegated semimini. $5.50
ROBS SCRUMPTIOUS Absolutely spectacular! Huge, sdbl.
deep pink thumbprint stars w/large white centers and
borders. Lovely, cream and green variegated semini. $6.00
ROBS ZOOT SUIT. Large, sdbl. bright, deep blue stars w/thin
white edge. Very dark, glossy, variegated semimini. $5.50

...hundreds more listed on our web-site and catalog,
other standard varieties at $5 each, minis at $4.50 each

NEW STREPTOCARPIIS

BRISTOL S ANTEA TER Velvety, very dark burgundy-purple with
yellow flecking in throat. Dark, compact, foliage. $5.50
BRISTOLS BLUE BOPPER Big, very blue-blue, velvety blooms.

Heavy bloomer, very big and very blue! $5.50
BRISTOL S FIFTH ELEMENT. Deep purple w/yellow veining in
throat, some white spotting on face. Profuse. $5.50
BRISTOL S FOURTH DIMENSION. Light periwinkle-blue with
darker blue fantasy splashes, white throat. Unusual! $550
BRISTOLS GOOSE EGG. Lovely pastel-pink blooms w/large,
clear, lemon-yellow throat. Showy. Fragrant! $7.00
BRISTOLS MELLO JELLO. Striking, large blue blooms w/white
veining in throat, white edging and petal backs. $5.50
BRISTOL'S SEVENTH HEAVEN. Lovely, lightly fringed, sdbl. lilac
blooms with large, creamy-yellow throat. Feminine. $5.50
BRISTOLS SIXTH SCENTS Rhubarb-red blooms with bright
yellow veining in throat. Tremendous! Fragrant! $7.00
BRISTOLS TIGER ULY. Deep rose-pink blooms finely spotted
w/deep crimson, two yellow 'eyes' on white throat. $5.50
BRISTOL' TRACTOR BEAM Very exotic dark blue-purple with
white throat, and lighter lower lobes heavily spotted with
distinctive purple 'leopard spotting'. $5.50

...dozens more priced at $4.50 shown on our web-site!

100’S OF OTHER MINI, TRAILING, AND STANDARD VIOLETS. AND OTHER GESNERIADS

Episcias, Columnea, Nematanthus, Chirita, Petrocosmea, Kohleria, Begonias, Hoya, and truly miniature houseplants!

PRICES: As shown above. For shipping beginning April 1 5, add $1 2 per order for shipping.

We ship in winter! By express mail only. Visit our web-site or call for details and pricing.

Special Offer: 10 different (seller's choice) violets or streps, $35 plus shipping. We also ship wholesale.

WE SHIP ANYWHERE (INTERNATIONALLY), ANYTIME-SAFE DELIVERY GUARANTEED!
SEND $2 FOR FULL-COLOR CATALOG, OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW. ViOLETBARN. COM

Dr. Ralph (Rob) & Olive Ma Robinson
PO Box 9, Naples, NY 14512

Phone: 585-374-8592 Fax: 585-374-6947
Shop & Greenhouse open daily, 1 2-5 p.m.

We're dosed to public on Mondays in April and May

56 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

CAPE COD VIOLETRY

John & Barbara Cook
28 Minot St. Falmouth MA 02540-2840

Ph. (508) 548-2798 Fax (508) 540-5427
Email violets@cape.com
Request catalog in Adobe Acrobat @ cc violets @ msn.com or send $2.00 to above address
WE CARRY ALL THE SPECIES AND THE ORIGINAL 10

WE HAVE MOVED!

After over 45 years in the same location, we have moved

OUR NEW ADDRESS

CAPE COD VIOLETRY
JOHN & BARBARA COOK
587 SHAWMUT AVE
NEW BEDFORD MA 02740-4620
Phone 508-993-2386
Fax number to be assigned

SEE US AT THE:

NYSAVS Convention Albany NY Oct. 26th- Oct. 30m WWW.NYSAVS.ORG
MAAVS Convention Richmond VA Nov. 9th - Nov. 13th WWW.MAAVS.ORG
INSV TESTING KITS BY HYDROS - Prices Postpaid Priority Mail 1- $8.00, 3- $21.00, 5 - $33.50

Uh

MRS STREP STREPS

Chiritas, Episcias plus many other Gesneriads:
Email for list of available plants by mail order.
Kathy Spissman. 4086 Brownlee Dr.,
Tucker, GA. 30084, 770-939-5289
Call for an appointment and directions when you are in
the area. Tucker is just a few miles east of Atlanta, Georgia
Look for my auctions on EBAY - Kathystrep • Mrsstrepstreps@comcast.net

African Violets and Gesneriads

Send $2.00 for catalog to Pat’s Pets
4189 Jarvis Rd. • Hillsboro, MO 63050
Phone (636) 789-3604
E-mail: patspets@jcn1 .com
Internet catalog: www.jcnl .com/patspets

African Violets & Gesneriads

"Sinningia Heaven" - Home of the Ozark series
"It's a sin not to own a Sinningia!"

Dave's Violets Ph: (417) 887-8904

1 372 S. Kentwood Ave. FAX: (41 7)-887-l 378

Springfield, MO 65804 Web site: www.davesviolets.com

OUT OF AFRICA

Blooming Streptocarpus
Gary S. Mikita 2842 Brown St.

(219) 763-4861 Portage, IN 46368

garymikita@cs.com

Send $1 for Catalog

TravisNiolets

P.O.BOX 42 OCHLOCKNEE, GA. 31773

“NEW 2006 SHIPPING SEASON! 3 FREE VIOLETS!!!”

Order now before May 1, 2006 and get 3 FREE violets, our choice. Min. order for this offer is 12 plants (Not including Specials).

Send $2 for our CURRENT CATALOG. CATALOG IS SAME AS 2005. New and older varieties of African Violets from the leading hybridizers,
featuring TRAVIS’ VIOLETS, LYONS, ROBS, REBELS, BUCKEYE, SORAS and others. New Shipping Season starts April 15, 2006, weather permitting.
Try our SUPER SPECIAL - 12 Husky Starters, all different - $54.00 Postpaid, all plants our choice. (Does not include free plant offer).

ORDERS SHIPPED IN ORDER RECEIVED
We accept: VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (Min. $30 order)

Greenhouse Open 7 days a week (please call first)

COMMERCIAL MEMBER: AVSA AND DAVS

Phone: 1-229-574-5167
1-229-574-5236
Fax: 1-229-574-5605
E-mail: tviolets@aol.com
http://travisviolets.com

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 57

NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH AVSA!

AV WORLD’S
BEST SELLER

A step-by-
step guide

Illustrated - 112 pages
8‘/2 x 11 paperback

USA/Canada

14.50

Postage Paid
Texas add
8.25% sales tax
Overseas postage:
$7. 50 air mail

African Violet Society of America, Inc.

2375 North St.

Beaumont, TX 77702
1 (800) 770-2872

Lyndon Lyon

Greenhouses, Inc.

P.O. Box 249 Dept. AV Dolgeville, NY 13329

“ Where The Violets Are!”

Quality hybrids since 1954

African Violets, Aeschynanthus, Chiritas, Codonanthe,
Columneas, Episcias, Kohlerias, Nematanthus, Orchids,
Rex Begonias, Streptocarpus, other assorted Gesneriads,
and SO much more!

You’ll go CRAZY!!!

&

To receive our current Catalog, please send:
$3.00 U.S. / $5.00 International (US Funds).

Our greenhouses are open year round.

No appointments necessary!

Call for hours! Phone (315) 429 8291

Visit our website at:

www.lyndonlyon.com

wjd Gree.QA

Apex, NC

At the Peak of Violetry \L

G

K

4821 Jessie Drive
Apex, North Carolina 27539

91 9-362-0530 libbie @ bluebirdgreenhouse.com

http://www.bluebirdgreenhouse.com

J

THE AFRICAN VIOLETRY

New & Old Varieties - Standards, Semis, Minis

Mail Order - Leaves only - My Choice

$1 .50 each (2 leaves each variety) Minimum 1 2 varieties
$6.00 S & H - Texas Res. 8 1/4% St. Tax

All size plants available at shop
Call for appointment and directions

(254) 896-2397 • mhall370@earthlink.net
P0. Box 370 • Marlin, TX 76661

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO: MEREDITH HALL

(K ama Self Watering Planters
If interested in becoming a dealer

Call: (907) 338-4510 or Fax: (907) 338-5758
To order planters call:

Jim Davis
Bellingham, WA
(360) 398-2631
Beverly’s Violets & Gifts
2700 Scarborough Drive
Anchorage, AL 99504-3390
(907) 338-4510
Email: violets@alaska.com

Soil Line

Perlite Line

Ventilation Strips
Water Lines

1

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y Custom Made Award Ribbons and Rosettes

4

rjQaviilion

If y

| 941 FM 2377 &

Red Oak, Texas 75154

(972) 617-1186

Fax (972)617-1198

email: chiefrond@aol.com

CLASSIFIED ADS

BELISLE’S NURSERY

Belisle’s Heirloom Violets, quality
Gesneriads and unusual companion plants. Catalog $2.00
P. O. Box 1 1 1. Radisson, WI 54867

Goose Gardens/Ardy Hagen

Very Best Prices!

Supplies and chemicals sized for small growers.

Free catalog: www.goosegardens.com,
sales @ goosegardens.com .

(408) 249-4111

58 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

P. O. Box 527-AV • Dexter, Ml 48130
Phone (800) 823-5740 • Fax: (866) 823-4978
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. EASTERN

www.indoorgardensupplies.com

FULL LINE OF INDOOR GARDENING PRODUCTS

♦ PLANT TRAYS ♦ LIGHTED STANDS ♦

♦ METERS, TIMERS ♦ PLANTLITES ♦ ACCESSORIES ♦

40 WATT WS (Wide Spectrum) LAMPS:

6 = $41.81 12 = $70.13 24 = $131.51

G48A-PL2 $492.40
w/4 Two Lamp Fixtures
and WS Lamps
4 Shelves 8 Trays
74" H x 27" L x 23" D

ALL PRICES PREPAID.

MICHIGAN RESIDENTS ADD 6% SALES TAX
VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, CHECKS & COD'S ACCEPTED

FREE CATALOG

Tan GH-T $86.50
2 Shelves W/3 Trays
per shelf
44“ H x 36" W x 25" D

Violet Perfection by Gini

1420 Oxford Ave • Claremont • CA 91711
A California Goldmine of

Quality violets new and older varieties
Standards, Minis, Trailers & Leaves
All plants $4.00 Leaves $1.50

Minimum order: 8 plants + one free gift plant

Special Offers

12 sturdy starters, my choice, $42.00 + $13.50 S&H

12 leaves, my choice, $22.00 S&H included

(Does not include free gift plant)

Send $3.50 for color catalog or visit my web-site at:
www.violetperfection.com
Shipping only within the Continental US
Phone: (909) 642-8331 or Fax: (909) 624-6565
email: violetperfection@earthlink.net
Mastercard/Visa available with $25.00 min. order

$17 per year (4 issues) in Canada $16 (US) to the United States
Published by John Beaulieu email: gesnews@bconnex.net

V^Box 118, Midhurst, ON LOL 1XO CANADA J

BUGS - BUGS - BUGS - BUGS * BUGS - BUGS - BUGS - BUGS - BUGS

Bui

1

288 pages - 24 Color pages
Paper Back

Only $23.,,<us>

$25 ” ,CDN>

plus shipping and handling

Insects, Pests and Diseases

OF THE AFRICAN VIOLET FAMILY
Nancy Robitaille

Order by PayPal :

greenthumbpress@yahoo.com

Or send check to :

G keen Thumb Press

Nancy Robitaille, Editor
10065 Lausanne Avenue
Montreal, Quebec Canada H1H 5B1

514-324-1969

by Nancy Robitaille

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 59

Looking for Orchid
Information? Log Oni

Interact with other eager
orchid enthusiasts by click¬
ing on Orchid Forum at
Orchid Web®, developed
especially as an informa¬
tion exchange platform for
orchid growers throughout
the world. The American
Orchid Society's popular
web site has extensive
plant-care tips, inspiring photographs, a calendar of orchid events,
and other helpful orchid information.

AMERICAN

ORCHID

SOCIETY

Founded in 1921, the AOS is the world's number-one orchid-
information source - just ask 30,000 members worldwide. On-site
membership application is available along with convenient,
secured shopping in The AOS Bookshop and Orchid Emporium.

The American Orchid Society

Dept. AVMAG, 16700 AOS Lane

Delray Beach, FL 33446-4351

Telephone (561)404-2000 Fax (561)404-2100

E-mail theAOS@aos.org Web site aos.org

Save the Wild Saintpaulia

Will the Wild A frican Violet Survive?

Wild Saintpaulia species are found only in a very
limited habitat in a handful of mountain and
coastal rainforests known by scientists as the Eastern Arc.
Much of the Arc rainforests have been destroyed by man.

The African Rainforest Conservancy
is preserving and regenerating the Saintpaulia habitat.

You can play a critical role.

Friend (Rafiki) of Saintpaulia - $10
Patron (Mhifadi) of Saintpaulia - $25
Guardian (Mlezi) of Saintpaulia - $50 or more

Donations are Tax Deductible made to:

African Rainforest Conservancy ‘ 8o Broadway. , Suite Cjo3
New Yorh, NY lOOlS

Greenhouse

African violets and supplies

Online growing help and photos
Online catalog at:

www.reedsgreenhouse.com

Rainbowviolets

Plants Only - African Violets, Streptocarpus, Wasps
Online Catalog @ Web Site: www.rainbowviolets.com
Mail Order or visit by appointment only
Email: rainbowviolets@aol.com - Phone: 805-522-2150
Nancy Schoepflin • 1648 Fremont Ave. • Simi Valley, CA 93065

VIOLET GALLERY

African violets - standards, miniatures, trailers, leaves,
and supplies. Our catalog is available online with
many violet pictures, or send $3.00 for a printed
version (with descriptions only).
www.violetgallery.com - email mpetry@cvn.net
1590 Cranberry Road, York Springs, PA 17372 • (717) 528-8268

JoS Violets

African Violets, Epicias, and more
www.geocities.com/iosviolets or

send stamped envelope

2205 College Dr
(361) 575-1344

Victoria, TX 77901
josviolets@yahoo.com

Violet Showcase Plant Assortment

Our choice of 6 different standard sized
■vV' fit,'! starter plants from available stock.

Will include an assortment of leaf +
blossom types + bloom color. All will be
! - .V' - husky, well-rooted, named, labeled varieties

(>•' , A .. JW in 2 1/4" pots with descriptions.

$27 per 6 plants includes packing and
Priority Mail shipping, and a free catalog/list. (12 for $45).
We ship May thru October.

The Violet Showcase 3147 South Broadway
Englewood, Colorado 80113 (303) 761-1 770
www.violetshowcase.com

SHE'S BACK!!!!!!!

Shirley's Bloomin' Blossoms
14464 Limerick Lane
Cement City, Michigan 49233

Large List $2

Vintage, Variegated and Fancy

60 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

2005 AllEEal Index - Compiled by Bill Paauwe • 45 Third Street • West Sayville, NY 11796-1109

2005 INDEX OF AUTHORS

Albrecht, Georgene, A Family Portrait, Jan p 16; Mar p 30; May p 22; Jul p 10; Sep p 22; Nov p 22;
Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus, May p 41; Brave Hearts, Jul p 31; Pythium, Nov p 41; Ups For
The Uny Ones, Nov p 50

Baker, Marion, Rejuvenation of an Older Plant, Sep p 23
Baker, Mary, So, What is Tissue Culture, Anyway?, Sep p 53

Bann, Ruth, 2006 AVSA Convention, Jul p 11; Stillwater: Birthplace of Minnesota, Sep p 45;
Convention 2006 Minneapolis, Minnesota Shopping Experience Like No Other, Sep p 55; The
American Swedish Institute, Nov p 45; Science Museum of Minnesota, Nov p 56
Beaulieu, John, Exposing Your Tfrbers, May p 50; What is a Gesneriad?, Nov p 34
Beaver, Ina, Start a New Plant, Nov p 44
Bellows, Shirley, Propagating Chimeras from Leaf Cuttings, Jul p 17

Berger, Shirley, AVSA Booster Fund, Jan p 17; Mar p 20; May p 27; Jul p 42; Sep p 17; Nov p 23

Brown, Carol J., Boyce Edens Research Fund, May p 51

Brown, JoAnne, Beating Those LooOOOng Winter Blues, Nov p 59

Bruns, Janice, Registration Report, Jan p 11; Mar p 38; May p 5; Jul p 31

Bruns, Joe, Registration Report, Sep p 10; Nov p 38

Buck, Marlene J., Boyce Edens Research Fund, Jan p 17; Mar p 20; May p 27; Jul p 42; Sep p 17;
Nov p 45

Buttram, David, Vermiculite: Healthy or Harmful?, May p 14; 2005 Vacation Guide, May p 16;
Carter, Carolee, Multiple Crowns, Jul p 54

Champion, Ethel, Making the Best of the Worst in Culture, Mar p 55; A Letter to AVSA, Jul p 23
Clark, Bob, Moving Plants Across Country, May p 31; Perlite, May p 59; Underwater Flower
Arrangements, Jul p 16; Petrocosmea, Sep p 35
Cole, Dr., Charles, Cyclamen Mite, Steneotarsonemus pallidus, Jul p 44
Coleman, Kyle, Discovering Semiminiatures, Jul p 30

Conrad, Barbara, Rooting African Violet Blooms, Mar p 47; Violets in the Community, May p 54

Comibe, Cathy, Judging Guidelines for the Top Horticulture Awards, Jan p 47

Corondan, Mary, “And The Winners Are...", Jan p 9; Mar p 12; Jul p 50; Sep p 46; Nov p 24

Corrigan, Mary Ann, Judging the Show Plant, Mar p 26

Cotton, Sharon, African Violet Ups, Jul p 55

Cromer, C. A., Too Much Light?, Nov p 14

Curcuruto, Bruno, Hybridizing B-Man's Style, May p 52

Daroche, Chris, “Might" Infestations, Mar p 34

Daugereau, Jenny, Office Update, Mar p 5; Jul p 5

Eaton, Peg, Rejuvenation, May p 58

Elkin, Barbara, Vintage Violets, Jan p 10; Mar p 22; May p 19; Jul p 22; Sep p 8; Nov p 48; Around
the World, Jan p 10; Noah's Ark, May p 19; A Success Story, Jul p 22
Follett, Richard, African Violet New Year’s Resolutions You Can Make - and KEEP, Jan p 14; My
Quest to Preserve Rob's Hybrids, Jan p 54; The Importance of Focused Collecting, Jul p 26; It
Was Reigning Violets in Cincinnati!, Jul p 58

Foster, Bill, Shows and Judges, Jan p 24; Jul p 24; Sep p 5; Judging The Show Plant, Mar p 26
Garbarino, Kathy, Year of Growing, A, Sep p 52

Gardner, Sue, Different Ways of Propagating African Violets, Mar p 9; The How, When, Where, and
Why of Reservoirs, May p 55

Gasper, Virginia W., Worth Repeating... From 1994 - No One Wants a Scrawny Neck!!, Nov p 47
Giangrande, Carole, Symmetry? Who, Me? My First Blue Ribbon, Mar p 31
Gimblet, Susan, Location and Light, Jan p 38
Glembocki, Tom, Annual Library Message, Sep p 30

Godeny, Dr., Elmer, For Beginners, May p 12; Sep p 18; A “Basket", May p 1 1; It All Starts At The
Beginning, May p 12; Repotting Your Plants, Sep p 18
Goodship, Gwen, The Problem of African Violet Mutation, Jul p 47
Goretsky, Laurel D., Small Thlk, Jan p 12; Mar p 18; May p 6; Jul p 14; Sep p 38; Nov p 6
Green, Bob, Interpretive Designs, Nov p 46
Grieco, Ruth, African Violet Tips, Jul p 55

Haffner, Sue, Question Box, Mar p 10; Jul p 6; Nov p 18; African Violet Ups, Jul p 55
Hapner, Susan, AVSA Building Maintenance Fund, Mar p 20; May p 27; Jul p 42; Sep p 1 7;

Nov p 1 7

Hazard, Betty, Light & Dark, Sep p 25
Hedberg, Kyle A., Learning the Hard Way. Jan p 46

Hodges, Sue, Winter Care of Violets and Gesneriads, Jan p 13; Thrips, Jan p 45; Growing in Natural
Light, Jul p 5; Nov p 39

Hofftnan, Sue, 2005 Convention Awards, Jan p 34

Holtzman, Sharon, In Praise of Moist-Rite Planters, Jan p 56; For Beginners, Mar p 6; "One Size
Does Not Fill All", Mar p 6; Multiple Crowns, May p 13
Huntley, Marge, Sinningia, May p 53; Propagating Trailers From Leaves, Jul p 57
Huther, Gabrielle, Biotechnology Comes to the Classroom, Sep p 52

Johnston, Cheryl, Cheryl in Violetland, or Why a Novice Like Me Went to Judges School, Sep p 50

Kemp, Sharon, My Passion for Episcias!, Jan p 50; Vintage Violets Win The Show, May p 34

Kennedy, Annette, Preparing for the Show, Jan p 39

Kennedy, Pam, Summer Growing, May p 35

Kimbro, Joyce, Placement, Mar p 7

Kitko, Joan M„ African Violet Tips, Jul p 55

Knight, Kerry, Repotting Standard African Violets, Jul p 48

Kolehmainen, Johanna, African Violet Conservation and Tourism in Thnga Region, Tanzania,

Sep p 27

Larouche, Suzie, Amateurish Violets, Nov p 51

Lawson, Floyd, AVSA Honor Roll of African Violets, Jul p 35; AVSA’s Best Variety List for 2005

Ledford, Margaret, The Benefits of NEEM Oil for Violets, May p 5

Lind, Keith, More About Propagation, Sep p 59

Lipson, Neil, The Disappearing Chimera, Sep p 20

Lombard, Lynn, Avoid a Fine, Ship the Fertilizer, Jul p 19

Lowe, Rod, New Friends from Old Friends - Growing and Showing the Vintage Violets, Jan p 41
Madison, Peggy, Thoughts While Repotting, Jul p 23

Malott, Karen, Cincinnati Blooms, Mar p 27

Manozzi, Nancy, Was It The Oyama?, Mar p 50

Martens, Dale, Wick Watering, Jul p 25

Martin, Frank, African Violet Tips, Jul p 55

Mason, Christopher, Saving the Wrangler Legacy, Nov p 60

Menzel, Heather, Tilly Time 2004, Mar p 14

Montague, Marie, Repotting Large Standards and Trailers, Jan p 7; Tools and Their Uses for Growing
African Violets, Jan p 15; Preparing and Transporting Violets for Show, May p 8; Violet
“Fatigue”, May p 30; Soil(less) Mixture, Jul p 27; Preparing and Transporting Violets to Show -
Results, Sep p 24; Propagating Violets From Leaves, Nov p 10
Moran, Doris, What's First About Cincinnati?, Mar p 19
Muello, Caitlin, Plant Stands, Jan p 45
Nicholas, Anne, In Memory of Paula Foster, Jan p 4
O’Reilly, John, “Fads and Changes”, May p 23

Ott, Walther H., A New Union County Chapter Collection Class and Awards for Max W. Maas
Hybrids, Sep p 49

Otto, Norah, Some Things Never Change; A History Lesson, Jan p 30

Owens, Jim, New Research Tool on the AVSA Website, Jan p 22; What is New (and Notable) on the
AVSA Web Site?, Sep p 39

Owens, Linda, President's Message, Jul p 3; Sep p 3; Nov p 3
Paauwe, Bill, 2004 Annual Index, Jan p 61

Promersberger, Bev, AVSA and Affiliates - Growing Together, Jan p 48; Mar p 17; Mar p 35; May p
9; Sep p 41; Nov p 17; AVSA Affiliates, Jan p 48; Mar p 35; May p 9; Do You Need Money -
for Operating Expenses for Special Projects? (Part 1), Jan p 48; Invitation to all Affiliates, Mar p
1 7 ; Trailers: Making Them Do What I Want Them To Do, Mar p 5 1 ; Do You Need Money? (Part
2), May p 9; Affiliate Update, Jul p 15; Nov p 17; Bee A Good Member, Sep p 41
Ramser, Sue, In Memory of Mary Walbrick, Mar p 19; Comments For Exhibits, Nov p 54
Riemer, Janet, President’s Message, Jan p 3; Mar p 3; May p 3; Visit to the AVSA Office, Jan p 5;

Committees of the African Violet Society of America,

Jan p 20; A Violet Visit to Russia (Paul Sorano), Mar p 52; Violet Club Records Management,

Sep p 44

Robinson, Dr., Ralph, Question Box, Jan p 18; May p 20; Sep p 6

Robitaille, Nancy, Are You Starving Your African Violets?, Jan p 26; Drenching, Jan p 42; Disbudding
For Show, Mar p 16; Another Way to Produce a Chimera, Mar p 44; Of What Benefit are the
Beneficials?, Mar p 48; A Study on Types of Variegation of African Violets, May p 44; The
Kohleria, May p 55; African Violet Basics, Jul p 59; Wasps and Bustles, The “Newest" Fashion
in African Violets, Sep p 42; Francine Pilon, Canadian Hybridizer, Nov p 35; nailers, Nov p 42
Rourke, Edna, Annual Luncheon Auction, Jan p 10; Light and African Violets, May p 26
Rumsey, Ruth, Editor's Notes, Jan p 4; Mar p 4; May p 4; Jul p 4; Sep p 4; Hurricane Rita Update,
Nov p 4

Salatino, Cheryl, Sinningia Tp, Mar p 39; Consistency, Jul p 46; For Beginners, Nov p 30;

Demystifiying Fertilizer - Some Food for Thought, Nov p 30
Samek, Samantha, Streps - R - Us, Sep p 53
Smith, Betty, Soap Recipe, Jul p 46

Smith, Dr., Jeff, In Search of New Violets, Jan p 6; Mar p 8; May p 10; Jul p 18; Sep p 14; Nov p 26;
A New Report of Control Gene Mutation in African Violets Flowers, Jan p 23; Saintpaulia
pendula 3090, Mar p 41; Saintpaulia grotei Protzen, May p 43; The Evolution of African
Violets, Jul p 4 1

Sorano, Paul, (with Janet Riemer), A Violet Visit to Russia, Mar p 52
Stenger, Joyce, A Community Project, Jan p 44

Stork, Joyce, Are Those Seed Pods on My Plant?, Jan p 53; Diseases of African Violets, Mar p 46;
Fighting With Peat Moss!, May p 18; Root Rot, May p 52; Bud Blast, Jul p 11; Violet
Hibernation, Jul p 40; AVSA Gives Special Award, Jul p 54; Meet Steve Hall, Gloxinia Hybridizer,
Sep p 16

Stradley, Lee, Brazil, The Trip of a Lifetime - A Search for Gesneriads, Jan p 52
Strathmann, Jana K., Soft Rimmed Pots, May p 58
Stride, Brenda, Adjusting the Advice, Jul p 48
Sudol, Stan, Storing Seeds, Nov p 25

Switzer, Maty Ann, Worth Repeating... from 1994 - Make a Havel Case for Your Violets, Sep p 54;

Organize Your Growing Area, Nov p 16
Thylor, Margaret, Hybridizing African Violets is Fun, Nov p 1 1
Toms, Jim, How the Ill-Prepared Prepare for Show, Jul p 32
Timer, Dr., Tammy L., Making Chemical Decisions with MSDS, Sep p 34
Tyler, M. J., Constructing a Terrarium, Nov p 8
Walbrick, Mary, AVSA Building Maintenance Fund, Jan p 1 7
Walton, Sheila, Summer Growing, May p 35; Basic Care, Nov p 58

Wichman, Penny, Springtime in the Queen City, Jan p 8; Fun Things to do in Cincinnati . Jan p 31

Williams, Beverley, I Switched, How About You?, May p 48; Streptocarpus, Nov p 52
Wilson, Jack, Fertilizers - Facts & Myths, Mar p 21; Aeration vs. Water Retention, May p 24

2005 INDEX OF TITLES AND SUBJECTS

Achimenes, Jan p 16

ADJUSTING THE ADVICE, Stride, Brenda, Jul p 48
AERATION VS. WATER RETENTION, Wilson, Jack, May p 24
Affiliate Liability Insurance, Mar p 5
AFFILIATE UPDATE, Promersberger, Bev, Jul p 15; Nov p 17
Affiliates, Jan p 48; Mar p 17; Mar p 35; May p 9
AFRICAN VIOLET BASICS, Robitaille, Nancy, Jul p 59

AFRICAN VIOLET CONSERVATION AND TOURISM IN TANGA REGION, TANZANIA, Kolehmainen,
Johanna, Sep p 27

AFRICAN VIOLET NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS YOU CAN MAKE - AND KEEP. Follett, Richard,

Jan p 14

AFRICAN VIOLET SEED POD, THE, May p 55

AFRICAN VIOLET TIPS, Kitko, Joan M„ Martin, Frank, Haflher, Sue, Grieco, Ruth, Sharon Corton,

Jul p 55

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 6 1

Air Circulation, May p 38
Air-layering, Jul p 7

AMATEURISH VIOLETS, Larouche, Suzie, Nov p 51
AMERICAN SWEDISH INSTITUTE, THE, Bann, Ruth, Nov p 45

“AND THE WINNERS ARE...”, Corondan, Mary, Ian p 9; Mar p 12; Jul p 50; Sep p 46; Nov p 24

ANNUAL INDEX, 2004, Paauwe, Bill, Jan p 61

ANNUAL LIBRARY MESSAGE, Glembocki, Tom, Sep p 30

ANNUAL LUNCHEON AUCTION, Rourke, Edna, Jan p 10

ANOTHER WAY TO PRODUCE A CHIMERA, Robitaille, Nancy, Mar p 44

Archival storage, Sep p 44

ARE THOSE SEED PODS ON MY PLANT?, Stork, Joyce, Jan p 53

ARE YOU STARVING YOUR AFRICAN VIOLETS?, Robitaille, Nancy, Jan p 26

AROUND THE WORLD, Elkin, Barbara, Jan p 10

ATTENTION: ALL AVSA MEMBERS, Mar p 5

Auction, Jan p 10; Mar p 4; Mar p 35

AVOID A FINE, SHIP THE FERTILIZER, Lombard, Lynn, Jul p 19
AVSA ADVERTISING GUIDELINES, Carter, Judith M., Mar p 58
AVSA AFFILIATES, Promersberger, Bev, Jan p 48; Mar p 35; May p 9;

AVSA AND AFFILIATES - GROWING TOGETHER, Promersberger, Bev, Jan p 48; Mar p 1 7;

Mar p 35; May p 9; Sep p 41; Nov p 17
AVSA BOARD OF DIRECTORS NOMINEES, 2005, Jan p 49; Mar p 42

AVSA BOOSTER FUND, Berger, Shirley, Jan p 17; Mar p 20; May p 27; Jul p 42; Sep p 17; Nov p 23
AVSA BRONZE MEDAL AWARD - DALE MARTENS, Jul p 20
AVSA BRONZE MEDAL AWARD - PAT HANCOCK, Jul p 20

AVSA BUILDING MAINTENANCE FUND, Walbrick, Mary, Jan p 17; Hapner, Susan, Mar p 20;

May p 27; Jul p 42; Sep p 17; Nov p 17
AVSA BYLAWS AMENDMENT, Jan p 8
AVSA COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP, Jan p 13

AVSA CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD - ELINOR SKELTON, Jul p 20

AVSA CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD - JOHN COOK, Jul p 20

AVSA CONTINUING SERVICE AWARD - KAZUO HORIKOSHI, Jul p 20

AVSA CONVENHON SHOW SCHEDULE, Jan Sup, p A-l

AVSA CONVENHON, 2006, Bann, Ruth, Jul p 1 1

AVSA GIVES SPECIAL AWARD, Stork, Joyce, Jul p 54

AVSA HONOR ROLL OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Lawson, Floyd, Jul p 35

AVSA HONORARY ONE- YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - ANNE NICHOLAS, Jul p 21

AVSA HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - KATHRYN PAAUWE, Jul p 21

AVSA HONORARY ONE- YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - KATHY BELL, Jul p 2 1

AVSA HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - MARLENE BUCK, Jul p 21

AVSA HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - THELMA HEINRICH, Jul p 21

AVSA HONORARY ONE-YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - VLADIMIR KALGIN, Jul p 21

AVSA HONORARY ONE- YEAR MEMBERSHIP AWARD - WINSTON GORETSKY, Jul p 21

AVSA HUDSON MEMORIAL AWARD - ROSE HOWLETT, Jul p 20

AVSA JEWELRY, Sep p 59

AVSA Judges, Affiliates, & Commercial Members, Sep p 4; Sep p 5

AVSA LIFE MEMBERSHIPS, Sep p 8

AVSA MEMBER ADVERHSING RATES, Sep p 23; Nov p 27

AVSA MOST WANTED (List), Jan p 10; Mar p 22; May p 19; Jul p 22; Sep p 8; Nov p 48

AVSA NAHONAL SHOW WINNERS, 2005, Jul p 8

AVSA RECOGNIHON OF JANET RIEMER, Jul p 20

AVSA SPECIAL AWARDS, 2005, Jul p 20

AVSA'S BEST VARIETY LIST FOR 2005, Lawson, Floyd, Nov p 21

Awards, 2006 convention, Sep p 5 1

BASIC CARE, Walton, Sheila, Nov p 58

"Basket”, A, Godeny, Dr., Elmer, May p 11

Baskets, May p 1 1

BEAHNG THOSE LOOOOONG WINTER BLUES, Brown, JoAnne, Nov p 59
BEE A GOOD MEMBER, Promersberger, Bev, Sep p 41
Beneficial insects, Mar p 48
Beneficial nematodes, Mar p 49

BENEFITS OF NEEM OIL FOR VIOLETS, THE, Ledford, Margaret, May p 5
BEST VARIETY LIST (Send Your Choices for Year 2005), Jul p 35
BIOTECHNOLOGY COMES TO THE CLASSROOM, Huther, Gabrielle, Sep p 52
Birth marks, Sep p 15

Bloom Stalk Propagation, Mar p 9; Mar p 44; Mar p 47; Sep p 59
BLOSSOM COLOR, May p 53
Botrytis, Mar p 46; Jul p 34

BOYCE EDENS RESEARCH FUND, Buck, Marlene J.. Jan p 17; Mar p 20; May p 27; Jul p 42;

Sep p 1 7; Nov p 45; Brown, Carol J., May p 51
BRAVE HEARTS, Albrecht, Georgene, Jul p 31

BRAZIL, THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME - A SEARCH FOR GESNERIADS, Stradley, Lee, Jan p 52

Broad Mites, Mar p 34; Nov p 20

BUD BLAST, Stork, Joyce, Jul p 1 1

Cape Primrose, Nov p 52

Champion variegation, May p 45; Nov p 6

Chemicals, Sep p 34

CHERYL IN VIOLETLAND, OR WHY A NOVICE LIKE ME WENT TO JUDGING SCHOOL, Johnston,
Cheryl, Sep p 50

Chimeras, Mar p 44; Mar p 47; Jul p 17; Jul p 18; Sep p 6
CINCINNATI BLOOMS, Malott, Karen, Mar p 27
Columnea, Sep p 7

COMING EVENTS DEADLINES, Jan p 56; May p 8; Jul p 55; Sep p 1 1; Nov p 15
COMING EVENTS, Jan p 49; Mar p 56; May p 57; Jul p 24; Sep p 26; Nov p 48
COMMENTS FOR EXHIBITS, Ramser, Sue (Compiler), Nov p 54
Commercials, Jan p 4

COMMITTEES OF THE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY OF AMERICA, Riemer, Janet, Jan p 20
COMMUNITY PROJECT, A, Stenger, Joyce, Jan p 44
CONSISTENCY, Salatino, Cheryl, Jul p *46

Constant fertilizing, Jul p 48

CONSTRUCTING A TERRARIUM, Tyler, M. J., Nov p 8
Container Gardens, Nov p 8

CONVENTION 2006 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA SHOPPING EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER, Bann,
Ruth, Sep p 55

CONVENTION AWARDS, 2005, Jan p 34
Convention Presentations, 2005, Jan Sup, p A-l 1; Jul p 58
CONVENTION SPECIFIC AWARDS, 2006, Sep p 21
Convention Tours, 2005, Jan Sup, p A-5

Convention, 2005. Jan p 8; Jan p 31; Mar p 19; Mar p 27; Jul p 58
Convention, 2006, Jul p 11; Sep p 45; Sep p 51; Sep p 55; Nov p 45; Nov p 56
Crown Propagation, Mar p 9
Crown rot, Jul p 34

Crown variegation, May p 45; Nov p 6

CYCLAMEN MITE, STENEOTARSONEMUS PALLIDUS, Cole, Dr., Charles, Jul p 44
Cyclamen Mites, Mar p 34; Jul p 44
Deficiencies in plants, Jan p 26

DEMYSTIFYING FERTILIZER - SOME FOOD FOR THOUGHT, Salatino, Cheryl, Nov p 30
Design, Nov p 46

DIFFERENT WAYS OF PROPAGATING AFRICAN VIOLETS, Gardner, Sue, Mar p 9

DISAPPEARING CHIMERA, THE, Upson, Neil, Sep p 20

DISBUDDING FOR SHOW, Robitaille, Nancy, Mar p 16

Disbudding, Mar p 1 1 ; Mar p 1 6

DISCOVERING SEMIMINIATURES, Coleman, Kyle, Jul p 30

DISEASES OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Jul p 34

DISEASES OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, Stork, Joyce, Mar p 46

DO YOU NEED MONEY - FOR OPERATING EXPENSES FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS? (Part 1),
Promersberger, Bev, Jan p 48

DO YOU NEED MONEY? (Part 2), Promersberger, Bev, May p 9

DONATIONS ARE STILL BEING ACCEPTED FOR THE ANNUAL AVSA CONVENTION AUCTION,

Mar p 35
Double, Nov p 60
Drenching, Jan p 42; May p 39
DRENCHING, Robitaille, Nancy, Jan p 42

EDITOR'S NOTES, Rumsey, Ruth, Jan p 4; Mar p 4; May p 4; Jill p 4; Sep p 4

Electronic ballasts, May p 48

Elements (fertilizer), Mar p 21; Nov p 31

Episcia ‘Unpredictable Helen’, Jul p 10

Episcia lilacina ‘Blue Nile', Nov p 22

Episcia, Jan p 50; Nov p 22

Erwinia, Mar p 46

EVOLUTION OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, THE, Smith, Dr., Jeff, Jul p 41
EXPOSING YOUR TUBERS, Beaulieu, John, May p 50
“FADS AND CHANGES", O'Reilly, John, May p 23

FAMILY PORTRAIT, A, Albrecht, Georgene, Jan p 16; Mar p 30; May p 22; Jul p 10; Sep p 22;

Nov p 22

Fertilizer salts, Jul p 34

Fertilizer, Mar p 21; May p 20; Jul p 48; Nov p 7; Nov p 23; Nov p 31

FERTILIZERS - FACTS & MYTHS, Wilson, Jack, Mar p 21

FIGHTING WITH PEAT MOSS!, Stork, Joyce, May p 18

FIRST CLASS DATABASE UPDATE PROBLEM, Jul p 22

Florist Gloxinia, Sep p 16

Fluorescent lamps, May p 48

Foliage traits, Sep p 14

FOR BEGINNERS, Godeny, Dr., Elmer, May p 12; Sep p 18; Holtzman, Sharon, Mar p 6; Nov p 30
FRANCINE PILON, CANADIAN HYBRIDIZER, Robitaille, Nancy (Interviewer)

FUN THINGS TO DO IN CINCINNATI . Wichman, Penny, Jan p 31

Fungal diseases, Jul p 34

Fungus Gnats, Mar p 1 1

Geneva, Nov p 60

Gesneria 'Flashdance', May p 22

Gesneriad propagation; Jul p 57; Nov p 52

Gesneriads, Jan p 13; Jan p 16; Jan p 50; Jan p 52; Jan p 56; Mar p 10; Mar p 30; Mar p 39;

May p 22; May p 50; May p 53; May p 56; Jul p 10; Sep p 7; Sep p 35; Nov p 34; Nov p 50
Girl leaf, May p 1 1; Sep p 14
Green flowers, Mar p 9
Grooming, May p 8

GROWING IN NATURAL LIGHT, Hodges, Sue, Jul p 5; Nov p 39
HOW DO PLANTS GROW?, Nov p 23

HOW THE ILL-PREPARED PREPARE FOR SHOW, Toms, Jim, Jul p 32
HOW, WHEN, WHERE, AND WHY OF RESERVOIRS, THE, Gardner, Sue, May p 55
HOW'S YOUR MEMBERSHIP? EBBING OR FLOWING?, May p 15
Humidity, May p 38

HURRICANE RITA UPDATE, Rumsey, Ruth, Nov p 4
HYBRIDIZING AFRICAN VIOLETS IS FUN, Thylor, Margaret, Nov p 1 1
HYBRIDIZING B-MAN'S STYLE, Curcuruto, Bruno, May p 52

Hybridizing, Jan p 6; Mar p 8; May p 10, May p 52; Jul p 18; Sep p 14; Nov p 1 1; Nov p 26

I SWITCHED, HOW ABOUT YOU?, Williams, Beverley, May p 48

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (1NSV), May p 3; May p 4; May p 22; May p 41; Jul p 10

Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (Pictures), May p 40

IMPATIENS NECROTIC SPOT VIRUS, Albrecht, Georgene, May p 41

IMPORTANCE OF FOCUSED COLLECTING, THE, Follett, Rich, Jul p 26

IN MEMORY - DORIS R. WEAVER, Nov p 1 1

IN MEMORY - DOROTHY TOWNSEND, Sep p 8

IN MEMORY - HELEN BARTEL, Jan p 42

IN MEMORY - JOSEPHINE “JO” MCCOY, May p 51

IN MEMORY - LORA1NE SCHIEBEL, Jan p 42

IN MEMORY - RETHA JOHNSON, May p 51

62 African Violet Magazine

January • February 2006

IN MEMORY - ROSALINE TSUKIE FUJIMORI, Jul p 57

IN MEMORY - VERA PRICE, Jul p 57

IN MEMORY - VYACHESLAV PARAMONOV, Jan p 42

IN MEMORY OF MARY WALBR1CK, Ramser, Sue, Mar p 19

IN MEMORY OF PAULA FOSTER, Nicholas, Anne, Jan p 4

IN PRAISE OF MOIST-RITE PLANTERS, Holtzman, Sharon, Jan p 56

IN SEARCH OF NEW VIOLETS, Smith, Dr., Jeff, Jan p 6; Mar p 8; May p 10; Jul p 18; Sep p 14;
Nov p 26

Index of Advertisers, Jan p 2; Mar p 2; May p 2; Jul p 2; Sep p 2; Nov p 2
Index, Jan p 22

INTERPRETIVE DESIGNS, Green, Bob, Nov p 46
INVITATION TO ALL AFFILIATES!, Promersberger, Bev, Mar p 17
IT ALL STARTS AT THE BEGINNING, Godeny, Dr., Elmer, May p 12
IT WAS REIGNING VIOLETS IN CINCINNATI!, Follett, Richard, Jul p 58
Judge's Comments, Nov p 54

JUDGING GUIDELINES FOR THE TOP HORTICULTURE AWARDS, Comibe, Cathy, Jan p 47
JUDGING THE SHOW PLANT, Foster, Bill & Corrigan, Mary Ann, Mar p 26
Judging, Jan p 47; Mar p 26; Sep p 50; Nov p 54
Kohleria, May p 56

KOHLERIA, THE, Robitaille, Nancy, May p 56
Leaching, Nov p 31; Nov p 60
Leaf chimera, Jan p 6
Leaf hair. Jan p 6;

Leaf Propagation, Jul p 17; Jul p 59; Nov p 10

LEARNING THE HARD WAY, Hedberg, Kyle A., Jan p 46

LETTER TO AVSA, A, Champion, Ethel and Duane (Champ), Jul p 23

LIGHT & DARK, Hazard, Betty, Sep p 25

LIGHT AND AFRICAN VIOLETS, Rourke, Edna, May p 26

Light meters, Jan p 19

Light requirements, Jan p 38; May p 26; May p 39; Jul p 46; Sep p 25; Nov p 14; Nov p 23
Lilian Jarrett variegation, May p 45; Nov p 6
LOCATION AND LIGHT, Gimblet, Susan, Jan p 38
LOST ROB'S HYBRIDS, Jan p 54

MAKING CHEMICAL DECISIONS WITH MSDS, Timer, Dr., Timmy L„ Sep p 34
MAKING THE BEST OF THE WORST IN CULTURE, Champion, Ethel, Mar p 55
Master Judge, Jan p 24
Mealy Bugs, Nov p 19

MEET STEVE HALL, GLOXINIA HYBRIDIZER, Stork, Joyce, Sep p 16
Members (Photos), Jul p 38

Membership Application, Mar p 54; May p 39; Jul p 45; Sep p 15; Nov p 15
“MIGHT” INFESTATIONS, Daroche, Chris, Mar p 34

Minis and Semis, Jan p 12; Mar p 18; May p 6; Jul p 14; Jul p 30; Jul p 32; Sep p 38; Nov p 6

MINUTES - ANNUAL MEETING, AVSA, 2005, Sep p 58

Mites, Mar p 34; Jul p 44; Nov p 20; Nov p 27

MITES, Nov p 27

Moist-Rite Planters, Jan p 56

Mold potting, Jan p 7; May p 7; Sep p 19

Moon Signs, Jan p 43; Mar p 45; May p 47; Jul p 43; Sep p 57; Nov p 57

MORE ABOUT PROPAGATION, Lind, Keith, Sep p 59

MORE TIPS FROM THE BAY STATERS, Mar p 39

Mosaic variegation, May p 45; Nov p 6

MOVING PLANTS ACROSS COUNTRY, Clark, Bob, May p 31

MULTIPLE CROWNS, Carter, Carolee, Jul p 54; Holtzman, Sharon, May p 13

MY PASSION FOR EPISCIAS!, Kemp, Sharon, Jan p 50

MY QUEST TO PRESERVE ROB'S HYBRIDS, Follett, Richard, Jan p 54

Natural Light, Jan p 19; May p 26; Jul p 5; Nov p 39

Necks, May p 6; May p 58; Sep p 19; Sep p 23; Nov p 47

Neem oil. May p 5; Jul p 23; Sep p 7

NEW FRIENDS FROM OLD FRIENDS - GROWING AND SHOWING THE VINTAGE VIOLETS,
Lowe, Rod, Jan p 41

NEW IDEAS FOR CLUB MEETINGS FROM THE VENTURA COUNTY AVS, Jul p 41
New Master Judge, Jan p 54

NEW REPORT OF CONTROL GENE MUTATION IN AFRICAN VIOLET FLOWERS, Smith,

Dr., Jeff, Jan p 23

NEW RESEARCH TOOL ON THE AVSA WEBSITE, Owens, Jim, Jan p 22
NEW SHOW SCHEDULE APPROVER, Mar p 51

NEW UNION COUNTY CHAPTER COLLECTION CLASS AND AWARDS FOR MAX W. MAAS
HYBRIDS, A, Ott, Walther H„ Sep p 49
Nitrogen, Mar p 21; May p 20; Nov p 7; Nov p 31
NOAH'S ARK, Elkin, Barbara, May p 19

NOTICE OF PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO AVSA BYLAWS, Mar p 27
Novel growing areas, Jan p 30
NPK, Mar p 21; Nov p 7; Nov p 31
Nutrients, Jan p 26

OF WHAT BENEFIT ARE THE BENEFICIALS?, Robitaille, Nancy, Mar p 48

OFFICE UPDATE, Daugereau, Jenny, Mar p 5; Jul p 5

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL”, Holtzman, Sharon, Mar p 6

OPEN FORUM (2 1 ST ANNUAL) , Mar p 7

ORGANIZE YOUR GROWING AREA, Switzer, Mary Ann, Nov p 16

Over-Potted, May p 6

Oyama Pots, May p 35

Peat Moss, May p 1 8

Peduncle, Nov p 60

PERLITE, Clark, Bob, May p 59

Perlite, May p 59

Pests and Diseases, Jan p 46; Mar p 34; Mar p 46; Mar p 48; Jul p 34; Jul p 46
Petiole rot, Jul p 34
Petiole, Nov p 60

Petrocosmea ‘Momo’, Mar p 10
Petrocosmea parryorum, Jan p 16
PETROCOSMEA, Clark, Bob, Sep p 35
Pets, Jan p 18

pH, May p 20; May p 38; Nov p 18
Phosphorus, Mar p 21; Nov p 31
Phytophthora, Mar p 46
PLACEMENT, Kimbro, Joyce, Mar p 7
Plant over-population, Jul p 23
PLANT STANDS, Muello, Caitlin, Jan p 45

PLANTING BY MOON SIGNS, Jan p 43; Mar p 45; May p 47; Jul p 43; Sep p 57; Nov p 57

Pollution, Jul p 34

Potassium, Mar p 21; Nov p 31

Pots, May p 58; Nov p 59

Potting Mix, May p 24; Nov p 59

Potting-down, Sep p 19

Potting-up, May p 6; Sep p 19

Powdery mildew, Mar p 46; Jul p 34; Sep p 7

PREPARING AND TRANSPORTING TO SHOW - RESULTS, Montague, Marie, Sep p 24
PREPARING AND TRANSPORTING VIOLETS FOR SHOW, Montague, Marie, May p 8
PREPARING FOR THE SHOW, Kennedy, Annette, Jan p 39

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE, Riemer, Janet, Jan p 3; Mar p 3; May p 3; Owens, Linda, Jul p 3; Sep p 3;
Nov p 3

PROBLEM OF AFRICAN VIOLET MUTATION, THE, Goodship, Gwen, Jul p 47
PROPAGATING CHIMERAS FROM LEAF CUTTINGS, Bellows, Shirley, Jul p 17
PROPAGATING TRAILERS FROM LEAVES, Huntley, Marge, Jul p 57
PROPAGATING VIOLETS FROM LEAVES, Montague, Marie, Nov p 10
Propagation, Jan p 53; Mar p 9; Jul p 17; Jul p 57; Sep p 59; Nov p 10
PYTHIUM, Albrecht, Georgene, Nov p 41
Pythium, Mar p 46, Nov p 41

QUESTION BOX, Robinson, Dr., Ralph, Jan p 18; May p 20; Sep p 6; Hafiher, Sue, Mar p 10;

Jul p 6; Nov p 18
‘Rainbow's Quiet Riot’, Jan p 18
Raspberry edge, Jul p 18

REGISTRATION REPORT, Bruns, Janice, Jan p 11; Mar p 38; May p 5; Jul p 31 ; Bruns, Joe, Sep p 10;
Nov p 38

REJUVENATION OF AN OLDER PLANT, Baker, Marion, Sep p 23
REJUVENATION, Eaton, Peg, May p 58
REMEMBERING ETHEL CHAMPION, Nov p 5

REPOTTING LARGE STANDARDS AND TRAILERS, Montague, Marie, Jan p 7
REPOTTING STANDARD AFRICAN VIOLETS, Knight, Kerry, Jul p 48
REPOTTING YOUR PLANTS, Godeny, Dr., Elmer, Sep p 18

Repotting, Jan p 7; Mar p 1 1; May p 6; May p 58; Jul p 32; Jul p 48; Sep p 18; Sep p 23

Rhizoctonia, Mar p 46

Ringspot, Jul p 34

Root Rot, May p 52

ROOT ROT, Stork, Joyce, May p 52

ROOTING AFRICAN VIOLET BLOOMS, Conrad, Barbara, Mar p 47
Ruffled foliage, Sep p 14

RUSSIAN HYBRID COLLECTION OFFERED IN MINNEAPOLIS, Sep p 51

RUSSIAN HYBRIDS TO BE REGISTERED, Nov p 20

Saintpaulia 'Cherokee Trail', Mar p 30

Saincpaulia 'Willodene', Mar p 30

‘Saintpaulia botanika', Jan p 23

SAINTPAULIA GROTEI PROTZEN, Smith, Dr., Jeff, May p 43
Saintpaulia grotei, Nov p 42
Saintpaulia magungensis minima, Nov p 42
Saintpaulia orbicularis, Jul p 7

SAINTPAULIA PENDULA 3090, Smith, Dr., Jeff, Mar p 41

Saintpaulia tongwensis, Jul p 10

SATURDAY LUNCHEON AUCTION, Mar p 4

SAVING THE WRANGLER LEGACY, Mason, Christopher, Nov p 60

Scented foliage, May p 1 1

SCIENCE MUSEUM OF MINNESOTA, Bann, Ruth, Nov p 56
Seed Pods, Jan p 53; Mar p 10
Semidouble, Nov p 60

SHOWS AND JUDGES, Foster, Bill, Jan p 24; Jul p 24; Sep p 5

Sinningia sp. ‘Rio das Pedro', Mar p 30

Sinningia speciosa, Sep p 16

SINNINGIA HP, Salatino, Cheryl, Mar p 39

Sinningia tubiflora, May p 50

SINNINGIA, Huntley, Marge, May p 53

Sinningias, Mar p 39; May p 50; May p 53; Nov p 50

SMALL TALK, Goretsky, Laurel D„ Jan p 12; Mar p 18; May p 6; Jul p 14; Sep p 38; Nov p 6

SO, WHAT IS HSSUE CULTURE, ANYWAY?, Baker, Mary, Sep p 53

SOAP RECIPE, Smith, Betty, Jul p 46

SOFT RIMMED POTS, Strathmann, Jana K., May p 58

Soil mix, Mar p 1 1 ; May p 38; Jul p 27

SOIL (LESS) MIXTURE, Montague, Marie, Jul p 27

Soil-less mix, Jul p 27

SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE: A HISTORY LESSON, Otto, Norah, Jan p 30
SPECIAL OFFER FROM PAT HANCOCK, HYBRIDIZER OF THE “BUCKEYE” AFRICAN VIOLETS!, A,
Nov p 8

Species, Jan p 6; Mar p 8; Mar p 41; May p 10; May p 43; Jul p 41; Sep p 27; Nov p 35

Spontaneous variegation, May p 44

Sports and Mutants, Jan p 7; Jan p 24; Mar p 9; Sep p 15

SPRINGHME IN THE QUEEN CITY, Wichman, Penny, Jan p 8

START A NEW PLANT, Beaver, Ina, Nov p 44

January • February 2006

African Violet Magazine 63

STATEMENT OF ASSETS, LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS, AVSA, INC. - MODIFIED CASH BASIS -
DECEMBER 31, 2004, Sep p 51

STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, AND CIRCULATION, Nov p 20
Sterilizing, Mar p 1 1
Sticktite single, Nov p 60

STILLWATER: BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA, Bann, Ruth, Sep p 45
STORING SEEDS, Sudol, Stan, Nov p 25
STREPS - R - US, Samek, Samantha, Sep 53
Streptocarpus, Jan p 56; Sep p 53; Nov pl9; Nov p 52
STREPTOCARFUS, Williams, Beverley, Nov p 52

STUDY ON TYPES OF VARIEGATION OF AFRICAN VIOLETS, A, Robitaille, Nancy, May p 44

SUCCESS STORY, A, Elkin, Barbara, Jul p 22

Sucker propagation, Sep p 23; Nov p 44

Suckers, Sep p 6; Sep p 23; Nov p 44

Sulphur, Sep p 7

SUMMER GROWING, Walton, Sheila and Kennedy, Pam, May p 35
"SUMMERIZING" YOUR PLANTS, Jul p 57
“SUMMERTIME AND...”, May p 38

SYMMETRY? WHO. ME? MY FIRST BLUE RIBBON, Giangrande, Carole, Mar p 31

TALLY TIME 2004, Menzel, Heather, Mar p 14

Temperature, May p 38; Jul p 46; Nov p 7; Nov p 23; Nov p 58

Terrariums, Nov p 8

Texas potting, May p 7; Jul p 48

THOUGHTS WHILE REPOTTING, Madison, Peggy, Jul p 23
THRIPS, Hodges, Sue, Jan p 45
Thrips, Jan p 45

Thumbprint flowers, Mar p 8; May p 10; Nov p 26
TIPS FOR THE TINY ONES, Albrecht, Georgene, Nov p 50
Tissue culture, Sep p 52; Sep p 53
‘Tommie Lou' variegation, May p 1 1; May p 44; Nov p 6
TOO MUCH LIGHT?, Cromer, C. A„ Nov p 14

TOOLS AND THEIR USES FOR GROWING AFRICAN VIOLETS, Montague, Mary, Jan p 15

Toxicity levels, Sep p 34

■Race elements, Jan p 26; Nov p 31

TRAILERS, Robitaille, Nancy, Nov p 42

TRAILERS: MAKING THEM DO WHAT 1 WANT THEM TO DO, Promersberger, Bev, Mar p 51

Railing African Violets, Jan p 12; Mar p 51; May p 43; Nov p 42

Transporting plants, May p 31 ; Jul p 14; Sep p 54

Under-potted, May p 6

Underwater flower arrangement, Jul p 16

UNDERWATER FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS, Clark, Bob, Jul p 16

Unusual container, Jan p 4; Jan p 24

VACATION GUIDE, 2005, Buttram, David, May p 16

Variegated foliage, May p 44; Nov p 6

Vermiculite, May p 14

VERMICULITE: HEALTHY OR HARMFUL?, Buttram, David, May p 14
VINTAGE VIOLETS WIN THE SHOW, Kemp, Sharon, May p 34

VINTAGE VIOLETS, Elkin, Barbara, Jan p 10; Mar p 22; May p 19; Jul p 22; Sep p 8; Nov p 48
Vintage violets, Jan p 10; Jan p 41; Mar p 22; May p 19; May p 34; Jul p 22; Sep p 8; Sep p 14;

Nov p 48

VIOLET “FATIGUE", Montague, Marie, May p 30

VIOLET CLUB RECORDS MANAGEMENT, Riemer, Janet, Sep p 44

VIOLET HIBERNATION, Stork, Joyce, Jul p 40

VIOLET VISIT TO RUSSIA, A, Sorano, Paul (with Janet Riemer), Mar p 52

VIOLETS IN THE COMMUNITY, Conrad, Barbara, May p 54

VISIT TO THE AVSA OFFICE, Riemer. Janet, Jan p 5

WAS IT THE OYAMA?, Manozzi, Nancy, Mar p 50

Wasp flowered plants, Sep p 42

WASPS AND BUSTLES, THE “NEWEST" FASHION IN AFRICAN VIOLETS, Robitaille, Nancy,

Sep p 42

Watering methods, Mar p 50; May p 20; May p 21; May p 24; May p 38; May p 55; Jul p 46;

Nov p 58

Web site (AVSA), Jan p 22; Sep p 39

Western Flower Thrips, May p 4 1

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?, Nov p 60

WHAT IS A GESNER1AD?, Beaulieu, John, Nov p 35

WHAT IS NEW (AND NOTABLE) ON THE AVSA WEB SITE?, Owens, Jim, Sep p 39

WHAT'S FIRST ABOUT CINCINNATI?, Moran, Doris, Mar p 19

WICK WATERING, Martens, Dale, Jul p 25

Wick Watering, May p 35; May p 55; Jul p 25; Sep p 19

Window sill growing, Jan p 19; Jan p 38; May p 26

Winter Care of Violets and Gesneriads, Hodges, Sue, Jan p 13

WORTH REPEATING... FROM 1994 - MAKE A TRAVEL CASE FOR YOUR VIOLETS, Switzer, Maty
Ann, Sep p 54

WORTH REPEATING... FROM 1994 - NO ONE WANTS A SCRAWNY NECK, Gasper, Virginia W„ Nov
p 47

YEAR OF GROWING, A, Garbarino, Kathy, Sep p 52
Zonolite, May p 14

2005 INDEX OF COLOR PHOTOGRAPHS

ACA’S LIBBIE - (Brownlie), Nov p 13

ACA'S SIZZLE - (Brownlie), Mar p 28

“ADVENTURE IN KING'S ISLAND" (Design), Sep p 49

“ARNOFF CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS" (Design), Jul p 53

AZALI - (Pilon), Nov p 36

BARBARA ANN - (Stork), May p 28

BEST COMMERCIAL DISPLAY TABLE (2005 Show) (Photo), Jul p 9
B-MAN'S CALTANISETTA - (Curcuruto), Sep p 32

BUCKEYE EXTRAVAGANZA - (Hancock), Jan p 32

BUCKEYE REMEMBER OHIO - (Hancock), Nov p 29

CHARITA GEMELLA, Nov p 49

CHEROKEE TRAIL - (L. Ray), Jul p 28

CHIRITA ' CYNTHIA', May p 28

DEFINITELY DARRYL - (Pittman), Mar p 37

DEMERS' PIXIE BELLE - (Demers), Mar p 32

“DESERT MIRAGE" (Design), Mar p 33

EMERALD LOVE - (Kolb), Jul p 36

FANCY TRAIL - (L. Lyons), Jul p 36

FROSTED WHISPER - (Scott), Jan p 33

GAZOU- (Pilon), Nov p 36

GESNERIA RUPINCOLA USBRG 97-117, Mar p 36

“GO BENGALS" (Design), Jul p 52

GRAFFITI - (Stork), Jul p 13

HAKI - (Pilon), Nov p 37

“HEART OF THE CITY, THE" (Design), Jul p 53

HONDO HONEY - (Pittman), Mar p 37

IRISH KISS - (Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses), May cover

KANDY KITCHEN - (Stork), Sep p 33

KIWI DAZZLER - (Snell), May p 32

KOHLER1A 'MONTE'S FRIENDSHIP', Jul p 49

LA1NI- (Pilon), Nov p 37

LILIAN’S SPARKLER - (Champion), Jul p 12

MA'S LILY PAD - (Olive Ma Robinson), Sep cover

MA'S MOODY MONDAY - (Olive Ma Robinson), Nov p 9

MAC’S BLACK JACK - (McDonald), Jul p 28

MACS SOLEMN STILLNESS - (McDonald), Jul p 37

MARY CRAIG - (Nadeau), Nov p 12

MID- AMERICA - (Ruby Cox), Jul p 29

MILKY WAY TRAIL - (Stahl), Mar cover

MISTRAL - (TVemblay), Jan p 33

MOONLIGHT MAGIC - (S. Sorano), Jan p 28

NESS' CORAL SUNSET - (Ness), Jan cover

NESS' CRINKLE BLUE - (Ness), Mar p 29

NESS' SATIN ROSE - (Ness), Mar p 32

NORTHERN ATTITUDE - (Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses), Nov p 28

ODE TO BEAUTY - (Cox/Johnson) , May p 29

OPTIMARA EVERPRAISE - (Holtkamp), Sep p 32

OPTIMARA LITTLE AZTEC - (Holtkamp), Mar p 37

OPTIMARA LITTLE PEARL - (Holtkamp), Nov p 33

OPTIMARA LITTLE RHODONITE - (Holtkamp), Nov p 33

OPTIMARA ONTARIO - (Holtkamp) , May p 29

OPTIMARA ROSE QUARTZ - (Holtkamp), Nov p 33

OPTIMARA VAN GOGH - (Holtkamp) , May p 28

PINK DOVE - (S. Sorano), Jan p 36

PINK MISCHIEF - (Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses), Jan p 29

PLUMBERRY GLOW - (Lyndon Lyon Greenhouses), Jan p 36

RD'S KERRYN - (Townsend), Jan p 37

REBEL'S MIDNIGHT MAUVE - (Bann), May p 36

REBEL'S SPLATTER KAKE - (Bann), May p 36

“RIVERFEST” (Design), Sep p 49

ROB’S BED BUG - (Ralph Robinson), Mar p 32

ROB'S BOOGIE WOOGIE - (Ralph Robinson), Nov p 13

ROB’S FIDDLE FADDLE - (Ralph Robinson), Sep p 9

ROB'S FUZZY NAVEL - (Ralph Robinson), Jul cover

ROB'S LUCKY PENNY, (Ralph Robinson), Mar p 29

ROB'S MIRIWINNI - (Ralph Robinson), May p 33

ROB'S PENNY ANTE - (Ralph Robinson), Mar p 36

ROB’S SOLILOQUY - (Ralph Robinson), May p 32

ROB'S STICKY WICKET - (Ralph Robinson), Sep p 13

“RODEO DAYS" (Design), Mar p 33

ROSIE RUFFLES - (Harrington), Jan p 28

SA1NTPAUL1A BOTAN1KA, Sep p 36

SAINTPAULIA TONGWENS1S, Nov p 37

SATIN BOW - (Bums), Nov p 12

SATIN WINE - (S. Sorano), May p 29

SEMA - (Pilon), Nov p 36

“SHAKESPEARE'S AS YOU LIKE IT'' (Design), Nov p 40

SHINA - (Pilon), Nov p 36

SHY BLUE - (S. Sorano), Sep p 12

SINNINGIA ‘WHITE SPRITE', Nov p 32

SNUGGLES SNOW BABY - (S. Sorano), Nov p 28

STEPHANIE CROTEAU - (Croteau), Sep p 36

STREPTOCARPUS ‘BRISTOL'S LUV IT', May p 36

STREPTOCARPUS 'GUIDELINES', Sep p 36

STREPTOCARPUS 'SALMON SUNSET', Jul p 29

STREPTOCARPUS 'SANDRA', Jan p 32

SUNNYVALE TRAIL - (Khoe), Nov cover

SUNSHINE LADY - (Heard), Mar p 28

SYMPHONETTE - (Lambert), Sep p 12

TI-MINE - (Pilon), Nov p 37

"UNDERWATER ARRANGEMENTS", Jul p 16

TON'S MARINER - (Lambert), Nov p 13

W1KO - (Pilon), Nov p 37

YESTERDAY'S CHILD - (J. Smith), Jul p 12

64 African Violet Magazine

January

February 2006

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

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

AVSA.org

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

You know

rest

Violets -jsdw meet the

■of the family MfW

Mikl 3fSr

ijSeed fund,
CHdw to

■Ipowi Growl

Individual membership - $25.00

*-TieU.

ir, or

■ , iviemoersnip oecteTary

lip Bob Clark

1 1 22 East Pike Street. PMB 637 . .'I

vC ' Seattle, WA 981 22-391 6 • A -v

membership@agq5.org

ViMmonUne/. hltp://\vww.o§0'.d1rg^

J

PHYSAN 20“ Controls
African Violet

• Controls algae on mats, wicks,
reservoirs, trays, pots, benches,
and work surfaces.

• Controls damping off on
seedlings and plants.

• Controls crown rot, powdery
mildew, botrytis.

• Controls disease spread by
disinfecting tools.

Let those pesky visitors know they’re
not wanted. Take control with

PHYSAN 20.

K1ARIL PRODUCTS, INC.
320 West 6th Street
Tustin, CA. 92780
P. 714.544.7711
800.546.7711
F. 714.544.4830
www.physan.com

Home of ‘Rob’s Violets’, smuhsonian institution libraries

neV\ #2 _ S ^ j

K

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D88 01243 7*

63

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uai ■

African Violets, Gesneriads, the Rare & Unusual
7-time winner, AVSA Best New Cultivar Award

Home of * Rob’s ’ and ‘Ma’s’ hybrids. Shipping quality plants since 1985.

NEW AFRICAN VIOLETS FOR 2005

NEW STANDARD VARIETIES

MAS BLUE TURTLE Big, lovely, double deep, very blue stars
over dark, red-backed, variegated foliage

MA'S BRIDAL BOUQUET. Double white pansies with heavy,
bright pink mottling, tinged green. Variegated foliage.

MA'S EASTER PARADE Double pink pansies, with slightly
fringed light green edge. Variegated foliage.

MA'S GRINNING GRAPE Large, lightly ruffled sdbl. purple
pansies with very distinctive dark purple edges and tips.
Wavy, heavily serrated variegated foliage.

MA'S MEGAPHONE Double medium blue bells,. Dark green
variegated foliage. An easy-growing "collectible”.

MAS PINK FLAMINGO. Lovely! Double hot-pink stare over
slightly wavy variegated foliage. Great bloomer, grower.

MAS RED ROVER Really red, really great! Sdbl. to double
lightly ruffled dark red pansies. Variegated foliage.

MAS SHOW GIRL Fully double pansies with glittering rose
overlay and irregular, thin white-green edge. Variegated.

MAS WATERMELON. Sdbl. dark, hot coral-pink ruffled stars
over dark, heavily serrated, variegated foliage. Hot!

MAS WEDDING DAY. Large, glittering, light pink double stare.
Variegated foliage.!

MAS WINTER MOON A superior variety in every way— great
for show, sure to be a favorite. Sparkling, medium blue
dbl. stare with large white-feathered edges, often gray-
green fringed tips. Exquisite variegated foliage. Great!!

ONE NEW MINIATURE CHIMERA

ROBS LUCKY DUCKY. Sdbl. deep rose-pink pansies. Dark,
pointed serrated foliage with white to pink variegation.
Very unusual, euonymous-like variegation impervious to
heat or age. A must for the collector. Chimera. $20.00

All new Standard varieties are $6 each

...hundreds more listed on our web-site and catalog,
other standard varieties at $5 each, minis at $4 each

NEW STREPTOCARP1JS FOR 2005

BRISTOLS CHERRY DIP. Dart cherry-red blooms with white
throat and edging, bright white backing. Very profuse.

BRISTOLS PARTY BOY. Very colorful bloomer with almost
psychedelic blue, rose, and white fantasy-swirled blooms.
Large blooms on larger foliage, always in bloom.

BRISTOLS PINK TEASE Double carmine-pink with darker rays
on lower petals. Constantly in heavy bloom.

BRISTOL S SURPRISE PARTY. Sometimes pink, sometimes blue,
often blue w/pink fantasy, sometimes pink with blue
fantasy, often on same plant. Pretty, always a surprise.

BRISTOLS TROPICAL TWISTER Large raspberry-red blooms
with darker face, spotted throat. Great, compact grower.
BRISTOLS WILD CHILD. Sdbl. deep mauve-purple with some
white mottling on upper lobes, white stripes on lower lobes
white backs. Compact, in constant bloom. Fantastic!

AH new Streptocarpus are $5 each

....dozens more priced at $4 shown on our web-site!

100’S OF OTHI:R MINI, TRAILING, AND STANDARD VIOLETS. AND OTHER GESNERIADS

Episcias, Columnea, Nematanthus, Chirita, Petrocosmea, Kohleria, Begonias, Hoya, and truly miniature houseplants!

PRICES: As shown above. For shipping beginning April 1 5, add $1 2 per order for shipping.

We ship in winter! By express mail only. Cal! for details and pricing. To virtually everywhere.

Special Offer: 1 0 different violets or streps (seller's choice), $30 plus shipping. We also ship wholesale.

WE SHIP ANYWHERE (INTERNATIONALLY), ANYTIME— SAFE DELIVERY GUARANTEED!
SEND $2 FOR FULL-COLOR CATALOG, OR VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW. ViOLETBARM.COM

Dr. Ralph (Rob) & Olive Ma Robinson Phone: 585-374-8592 Fax: 585-374-6947

PO Box 9, Naples, NY 14512 Shop & Greenhouse open daily, 1 2-5 p.m.