2022 AVSA 76th Annual Convention in Little Rock, Arkansas
May 29 – June 5, 2022
Presentations
It Followed Me Home. Now What?
Thursday, June 1
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Rich Follett
Strasburg, VA
About the Presentation
New to African violets? Curious? Returning to growing after some time away? Need a refresher? Whatever your reason for wanting to attend a basic African violet care and culture program, there is never a bad time to learn more or to refresh what you already know. Rich Follett will offer up the basics of AV care, share resources, and help find solutions to common problems. Goodies and giveaways, too!
About the Presenter
Rich grew African violets for many years and then drifted away from the hobby. Now, what is old is new again and as he returns to growing these plants, He find there is always more to learn and never a bad time to return to the basics and refresh our skills.
Fun with Nature’s Special Treasures: Trailers
Friday, June 3
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Glenda Williams
McDade, TX
About the Presentation
AV trailers have a more natural look, like plants grown in the wild. Some fill their containers with flawless beauty. Some give us that “Bad Hair Day” look. Some are voracious bloomers, while others must be coaxed to share a single bloom. Trailers can be both fun and frustrating to grow. The joy of growing trailers is their unique ability to be forgiving. Do you have a favorite trailer? Join us for an overview of AV trailers, their unique growth habits, how to select an appropriate growing container and growing medium, fertilizer and amendments, lighting, humidity, grooming techniques, and showing. Be sure to bring your questions for a brief Q & A at the end of the presentation!
About the Presenter
Glenda loves and has grown African violets for many years. Even so, she found herself frustrated and challenged as a grower. She discovered trailers are very forgiving…and she confesses, they have stolen her heart, bringing the joy and happiness of growing African violets once again into her life.
Unleash Your Creativity and Find Your Passion for Design
Friday, June 3
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Joyce Stork
Henderson, NV
About the Presentation
Do you struggle with where to place the flowers in a design so that they pop? Ever wonder why some people can do so much with so little material? Fibonacci’s spiral is the secret behind many prize-winning designs, as you will see. Joyce will help you understand how you might use math principles to place flowers more effectively. It’s not as hard as it sounds!
About the Presenter
African violets have been a life-long passion for Joyce, but in her real life, she was first a teacher and then a floral designer for over 30 years. That’s where she learned the math behind professional floral design and why it satisfies us so much. She’s looking forward to sharing it with you.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Sinningias!
Saturday, June 4
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dale Martens
Davenport, Iowa
About the Presentation
Dale Martens, one of AVSA’s Bronze Medal recipients, will show lots of beautiful photos of micro, miniature, and standard size sinningias. They’re easy to grow! Learn about propagation and what to do with the tubers. Dale will share secrets to maximize blossom count. You’ll also be treated to photos of her latest hybrids.
About the Presenter
Dale Martens has been a gesneriad hybridizer for over 30 years and is an AVSA Bronze Medal recipient. She is well known for her beautiful Sinningias.
Renew, Review, and Invigorate
Saturday, June 4
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mary Corondan
Fairview, TX
About the Presentation
The Shows and Judges Committee is proud to announce the launch of the African Violet Society of America revised Handbook for Growers, Exhibitors, and Judges. This presentation will provide a review of the newly revised Handbook. Highlights will be provided by members of the Shows and Judges Committee and other main contributors. You are invited to attend this informative session. You may want to bring your new Handbook along either in digital or hard copy format (both will be available at the AVSA Sales Table at convention). If times allows, a question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the presentation.
About the Presenter
Mary Corondan is our Shows and Judges Chair and has been on the Shows and Judges committee for nine years. She is looking forward to sharing many wonderful new updates to the newly Revised handbook.