My dear, departed father was in love with African Violets and grew them on a stand in a spare bedroom for years. And Movita mentioned an interest in them when she was here last. The passion for them, I am sure, is genetic!
When we lived in the Annapolis Valley, I had fluorescent light stands with trays for growing African Violets. I always had dozens of beautiful hybrids and belonged to the Annapolis Valley African Violet Society. We kept the light stands at the front of the law office. They provided a distraction for clients who were stressed, a conversation piece for newcomers to the community, and a treat for plant lovers. I propagated and sold the plants at a modest price. The money was put in a collection box and used to buy plant supplies and new and interesting hybrids, which found their way, once well established, into other homes in the community.
When we moved to the metro area, I continued to grow them on a smaller scale. About five years ago, with the light stands full of beautiful flowers, a fungus wiped them out and I lost heart. I cleaned the lights and trays with a bleach solution and put my pots away.
Today, we went to the annual show and sale held by the First Halifax African Violet Society, viewed the prize winners, which included other gesneriads (like exceptionally beautiful streptocarpus), and bought a number of plants, including one streptocarpus cutting (Streptocarpus Bristol's Goose Egg), and the African Violet Optimara IsaBelle. It was great to talk to the very experienced violet growers there, especially Ina Beaver, who was a name in provincial violet circles thirty years ago! Oh, it's good to be back!
