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.
Mary Husk
Austin, TX
About the Presentation
Everyone has creativity within. For some of us, it lies hidden, waiting to be unleashed. For others, it is present in everything around them. What is the key to tapping into our creativity and expressing it? Why is it easy for designers to create winning designs show after show? And how can those of us who are hesitant to try our hand at designs find our creative gifts? The key is to open your imagination to possibilities in the abstract. This session will focus on basic design elements and simple ways to unleash your creativity and find your passion for design.
About the Presenter
Mary has been growing African Violets all her adult life. Mary loves growing Standards, Streps and Episcias. Passionate about designs, she will often enter small interpretive flower arrangements, container gardens, and mobiles in local shows. Mary finds that growing and caring for violets is a wonderful stress relieving hobby and activity.
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.
