2023 AVSA 77th Annual Convention in Atlanta, Georgia
May 28 – June 4, 2023
Presentations
Creating a Small Interpretive Plant Arrangement
Thursday, June 1
10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Elmer Godney
Brenham, TX
About the Presentation
Have you ever thought about entering a design in a show but didn’t know where to start? Have your design skills gotten rusty? Then, this hands-on workshop is for you. We will begin with a short discussion of the elements and principles of design. Then you will be given materials to create your own small interpretive plant arrangement. All materials and the live plant are yours to keep. The completed designs will be anonymously displayed to the convention registrants to vote on and prizes will be awarded.
To register for the hands-on-workshop “Creating a Small Interpretive Plant Arrangement,” there is a materials Fee of $25 and is limited to 24 participants.
Register early to ensure a place in this hands-on workshop.
Click Ready to Register
About the Presenter
Elmer Godeny lives in Brenham, Texas, and has been growing African violets for about 30 years. Elmer is currently a member of Spring Branch African Violet Club (Houston), Lone Star African Violet Council, and is president of the Central Texas Judge’s Council. He is a Master Judge and AVSA Teacher. Elmer made his first design for a local show because he wanted to participate in the show but did not have plants to enter. Since then, he has successfully won awards at the local, regional, and national levels.
Growing and Hybridizing Primulinas
Friday, June 2
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Jim Vlasic
Eden Prairie, MN
About the Presentation
Jim is making hybrids with his hybrids, and he will discuss the progress he has made through May of 2023. Currently, Jim is concentrating on creating Primulina hybrids with interesting patterns on the leaves, flowers that are not lavender, and reducing the overall size of the plants. He has made many hybrids with P. yungfuensis as a parent and will discuss some of the characteristics it imparts to its progeny. Some of the current and newer species that are available in the US will also be reviewed.
About the Presenter
Jim has been hybridizing Primulinas for a little over three years now and has made over 30 crosses to date. His first hybrid to bloom was P. gueilinensis x P. brachytricha and it was quite stunning with its pure white flower and a splash of lemon yellow in the upper throat. It is named Primulina ‘JV Snow White’.
Hybridizing African Violets
Friday, June 2
3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Stephen Covolo-Hudson
Springville, California
About the Presentation
Steve will take you through the steps of plant sex specific to African violets and how to use this knowledge in hybridizing.
About the Presenter
Steve modestly describes himself as “just someone doing something called hybridizing African violets and Streptocarpus.” His goal is to create the perfect package hybrid for the show grower and the home hobbyist. Steve’s plants all have the prefix “Steffano’s.”
Encouraging the Next Generation of AV Growers and Club Members
Saturday, June 3
10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Rich Follett
Strasburg, VA
About the Presentation
One of the most pressing problems that AVSA and affiliate clubs face is attracting and retaining younger enthusiasts. The plain truth is that the average age of AV enthusiasts worldwide is going UP every year! This fun and informative session will provide some creative strategies for reversing the trend and securing a future for the AVs we love. Q & A and giveaways will follow the presentation – something for everyone!
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 finds there is always more to learn and never a bad time to return to the basics and refresh our skills.
The Magic of Moss
Saturday, June 3
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mark Romansky
Henderson, NV
About the Presentation
Whether it is a zen garden in Japan, or moss-covered pots in an antique English greenhouse, there is something magical about MOSS! Take a fascinating trip, 470 million years in the making! The Magic of Moss will discuss the oldest living plants on earth, including their biology, growth, cultivation, propagation and use in African violet shows, in dish gardens and terrariums.
About the Presenter
Mark Romansky has been around African Violets for over 50 years. Having parents who were African violet enthusiasts, vacations were planned around greenhouses and growers. Caught early by the orchid bug, Mark was a judge for the American Orchid Society and has judged nationally and internationally, including 2 World Orchid Conferences. Mark speaks frequently on topics of horticulture, reptiles, parrots, rescue, and re-homing, and accommodating special needs birds.
Recently Mark completed the AVSA judging workshop and is a student judge. Mark is the Vice President of the Glitter Gulch African Violet Growers in Las Vegas, NV.