Ye Baystater Jan 2016 - Bay State African Violet Society

Ye Bay Stater
Publication of the Bay State African Violet Society
Vol. 53, No. 1
January 2016
ABOUT YE BAYSTATER
Published quarterly by the Bay State African Violet
Society, a non-profit organization founded in 1959,
to offer a convenient and beneficial association of
persons interested in the African violet
(Saintpaulia). The Bay State African Violet Society
is affiliated with the African Violet Society of
America. Publication
Staff Editor:
Nancy Manozzi
Production:
Sharon Rosenzweig
Circulation:
Sharon Rosenzweig
Logo Design:
Clorinda Temple
President:
Carol Hess 508-872-7574
Vice President: Larry Hoyle 617-312-9184
Recording Sec’y Cynthia Brooks 508-829-0314
Corr Sec'y:
Sharon Rosenzweig 508-877-8076
Treasurer:
John Cook, 508- 993-2386
Historian:
Nancy Manozzi, 508-872-1478
2016:
2016:
2016:
2016:
2016:
2017:
2017:
2017:
2017:
2017:
DIRECTORS
JoAnne Brown 508-432-5956
Peg Crawford 617-782-5863
Darcey Porter 508-791-7339
Holly Walker 603-526-9442:
Susan Gimblet, 508-675-7258
Dawna DiOrio 978-667-0331
Laurie Friedman 508-881-2296
Cheryl Major 978-759-0505
Joan Russo 978-422-6034
Sue Stafford 508-829-6403:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President’s Message
Membership Report
Highlights From 2016 Dinner Meeting
African Violets – Always in Fashion!
Show Schedule
Evolution of Show Rules for Pots
Gateway on the Move
Volunteering
My Experience with Powdery Mildew
Are You A Member of AVSA?
Local AFrican Violet Clubs
Coming Events
1
2
3
4
5
13
15
17
18
18
20
20
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Hi to all,
I hope everyone had a
wonderful
holiday--who
would have believed short
sleeves and no jackets were
the attire of the day? It was
great while it lasted!!
It is time to think of the spring show and start
pampering those potential show plants. How
about trying a design this year? Once you
start you'll see that it's not difficult and the
theme promises to be a fun one to work with.
As a plant society member of Tower Hill, Bay
State African Violet Society has two
complimentary passes for free admission.
These are available for Bay State members. If
you would like to borrow them, please email
me at violetsppp@aol.com or phone 508-8727574 at least two weeks in advance of the date
desired. I will mail them to you right away.
They must be returned to me immediately
after use.
Enjoy the "new" Ye Bay Stater. Wishing
everyone a healthy and Happy New Year!!
Carol Hess
MEMBERSHIP REPORT
BAY STATE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
My wishes for a Happy
New Year to you and
your families. Please
promote our wonderful
society to anyone you
know that enjoys the
beauty of African violets.
There are no new members to report at this
time.
Ye Bay Stater is being distributed through
email and limited postal mail. We plan to
limit the postal mailing to the members
who don’t have access to email. I encourage
everyone to send me their email addresses.
We don’t want you to miss a single issue.
My email address is eldumas@charter.net.
I hope to see you at the Bay State’s Spring
African Violet Show and Sale, April 23rd
and 24th. Till then have a safe winter.
Elaine Dumas
An Affiliate of the African Violet Society of America
INVITATION TO JOIN
The Bay State African Violet Society, a non-profit
organization, was founded in 1959 for the convenience
and benefit of persons wishing to expand their
knowledge in the fine techniques of growing and
propagating African violets (Saintpaulia).
As a member, you will receive four issues of the
Society’s official publication, Ye Bay Stater, which is
published in January, April, July and October. Each
issue features articles on all aspects of violet culture and
offers information on the activities of local clubs and
events or show held within the area.
Activities include our annual Spring Show and Sale,
which offers many special awards, an annual Dinner
Meeting in the fall with a program presented by an
outstanding speaker, and the opportunity to socialize
with other violet enthusiasts.
To join, please mail this form (or a copy), with your check
made payable to the Bay State African Violet Society, to:
Elaine Dumas, Membership Chair
89 Longwood Drive
Chicopee, MA 01020
Telephone: 413-538-8802
E-mail: eldumas@charter.net
Application for Membership
Cost of full membership is $8.00 per year ($6.00 for Senior
Citizens over age 65). An Associate Membership is available
for $4.00 per year (but does not receive a separate copy of
Ye Bay Stater.)
All dues coincide with date of paid
membership. Please print the following:
Name:__________________________________________
Address:________________________________________
City: ______________State & Zip __________________
Telephone: ___________________________
January 2016
Page 2
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2016 DINNER MEETING
The Bay State Annual Dinner meeting was great success. We had delicious food, a very
interesting panel discussion and the ever popular raffle event. Many thanks to those who
donated items to the raffle: Family of Zelda Owens, Minna Katz, Nancy Manozzi, Carol Hess,
Dawna DiOrio, Eve Welts, Elaine Dumas, Sharon Rosenzweig, Joanne Pazzano, Gail
Sokolowski, Sharon McLaurin, Janet Green, Peg Crawford, Sue Stafford, Joan Russo, Larry
Hoyle, Holly Walker, Marie Montague, Cape Cod Violetry.
January 2016
Page 3
AFRICAN VIOLETS – ALWAYS IN FASHION!
Bay State African Violet Society
54th Annual African Violet Show and Plant Sale
Saturday, April 23, 2016, 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
Sunday, April 24, 2016, 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
Boylston, Massachusetts 01505
(508) 869-6111
Larry Hoyle, Show Chair
January 2016
Page 4
SHOW SCHEDULE
Horticltural Division
Section I: Collections
Class 1: AVSA Collection of three different, registered varieties of standard size single crown or trailing
African violets.
Class 2: AVSA Collection of three different, registered varieties of miniature or semiminiature size single
crown or trailing African violets.
Class 3: AVSA Collection of three different, registered species of any type.
Class 4: Non-AVSA Collection of three different standard, semiminiature, or miniature single crown
varieties or trailers. Plants registered or not registered with AVSA are welcome. Each collection must
consist of the same type of African violet.
Section II: Standard Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom, Green Foliage
Class 5: Blue and purple tones.
Class 6: Pink, red and peach tones.
Class 7: Blush, white, cream, green and yellow tones.
Class 8: Multicolor and chimera.
Class 9: Edged.
Class 10: Fantasy.
Section III: Standard Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom, Variegated Foliage
Class 11: Blue and purple tones.
Class 12: Pink, red and peach tones.
Class 13: Blush, white, cream, green and yellow tones.
Class 14: Multicolor and chimera.
Class 15: Edged.
Class 16: Fantasy.
Section IV: Semiminiature (8” and Under) Specimen Plants Any Type Blossom, Green
Foliage
Class 17: All solid colors.
Class 18: Two-toned and multicolor.
Class 19: Edged, fantasy, and chimera.
Section V: Semiminiature (8” and under) Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom, Variegated
Foliage
Class 20: All solid colors.
Class 21: Two-toned and multicolor.
Class 22: Edged, fantasy, and chimera.
January 2016
Page 5
Section VI: Miniature (6” and under) Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom Green Foliage
Class 23: All solid colors.
Class 24: Two-toned and multicolor.
Class 25: Edged, fantasy, and chimera.
Section VII: Miniature (6” and under) Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom, Variegated
Foliage
Class 26: All solid colors.
Class 27: Two-toned and multicolor.
Class 28: Edged, fantasy, and chimera.
Section VIII: Hybrid Trailer Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom, Any Foliage
Class 29: Miniature.
Class 30: Semiminiature.
Class 31: Standard.
Section IX: Species, Originals, Vintage Specimen Plants: Any Type Blossom, Any Foliage
Class 32: Saintpaulia species, natural hybrids and sports.
Class 33: Armacost and Royston Originals.
Class 34: Vintage Violets (registered or listed by or before 1991).
Section X: New Cultivars
Class 35: Seedlings (must have been grown from seed).
Class 36: Sports and mutants. (See Horticulture Rule 13).
Section XI: African Violets Growing in an Unusual or Novel Container
Class 37: African violet plant(s) growing in a decorative or unusual container. One entry allowed per
exhibitor.
Section XII: Specimen Plants: Growers’ Category
Class 38: Novice (members exhibiting for the first time).
Class 39: Youth Grower (under age 14) only.
Class 40: Non-member only – plant must be a named variety, healthy, clean, single crown
Class 41: Club project plant—All Seasons.
Class 42: Club project plant—Patriots.
Class 43: Club project plant—Gateway.
Class 44: Window-Grown Plants.
Class 45: New England Originated Hybrid (e.g. Cook, Fredette, Major, Corton, others).
Class 46: Unusual Foliage (wasp, clackamas, bustle, piggyback, girl, holly, longifolia/spider, spooned,
supreme, chimera-leafed).
January 2016
Page 6
Section XIII: Gesneriads Other Than African Violets
Class 47: Flowering; tuberous-rooted in bloom (i.e. Sinningia).
Class 48: Flowering; scaly-rhizomed in bloom (i.e. Achimenes).
Class 49: Flowering; Fibrous-rooted in bloom (i.e. Streptocarpus).
Class 50: Other flowering fibrous-rooted in bloom (i.e. Columnea, Primulina/Chirita, Episcia, Petrocosmea).
Class 51: Non-blooming; gesneriad grown for ornamental foliage.
DESIGN DIVISION
Section XIV: Container Gardens - A miniature garden with one or more blooming African violet plants
and other growing plants. All plants must be planted in the container. No artificial or cut plant material shall
be used. Man-made accessories are permitted. Dried wood, grasses and leaves may be used to accessorize,
along with shells, stones, pebbles and sand. Live creatures and the American or national flags are not
permitted. One entry per class per exhibitor is permitted.
Class 52: Terrarium—A covered terrarium not to exceed 30” in length. The design is to be viewed from the
front.
Class 53: Dish Garden—A dish garden design not to exceed 24” in any direction.
Class 54: Natural Planting—A planting in a natural material, such as wood, shell, sandstone, lava rock, or
driftwood, with one or more areas of planting pockets.
Class 55: Bottle Garden—A planting in a transparent container with an opening that is too small for a hand
to enter. Not to exceed 36” in any direction. Opening need not be covered.
Section XV: Interpretive Flower Arrangements
Each entry is a design using fresh-cut African violet blossoms. Fresh-cut, dried, treated, painted and/or colored
plant material, and man-made materials are permitted. Artificial plant materials, live creatures, and the American
and national flags are not permitted. Backboards and draping of niches are permitted, as are accessories, unless
restricted by the particular class.
Class 56: 6” Design – Baubles, Bangles and Beads
Accessories make the "look". Accessorize your design to complete the outfit. A design set in a 6” square
niche. Limited to six (6) entries.
Class 57: 6” Design – Disco Fever
The 1970s evoke garments in silver and shimmering or spandex in gold. A flashy design remembering the era,
set in a 6” square niche. Limited to six (6) entries.
Class 58: 12” Design – Under Cover
From corsets to Spanx, women have used the ‘foundation’ to adjust shape. A design, set in a 12”x 12”x12”
niche, paying tribute to the undergarment.
Class 59: 12” Design – Roaring Twenties
Cloche hats, bobbed hair, tasseled dresses and speakeasy champagne. A design, set in a 12”x 12”x12” niche,
evoking the fashion of the 1920s.
January 2016
Page 7
Class 60: 18” Design – Revolution
In the 1960s, it could be mod, mini and op art or tie dye and love beads. A design set in an 18”x 18”x18” niche,
reminiscing a period of change.
Class 61: Underwater Design – Sailor Suit
Something nautical in red, white and blue. An underwater arrangement not to exceed 20” in any direction.
Class 62: Kinetic Design – Hoopskirts
Structures of bone, wire or plastic worn under skirts in many different fashion eras. A kinetic design with a
circular motif. A stabile, sta-mobile, or freely swinging mobile arrangement to be displayed in a 24”x24”x24”
niche. Limited to three (3) entries.
Class 63: Pave Design
A design using pave techniques set in a low, flat container that completely covers the surface with flowers and
other plant materials so that nothing peeks through from below. The design, not to exceed 10” in any direction,
is to be viewed from the top. For Exhibit Only.
Section XVI: Interpretive Plant Arrangements
Entries in this section are 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/or colored
plant materials are permitted. Artificial plant material, live creatures and the American or national flags are not
permitted. Accessories, backdrops and/or draping are permitted, unless restricted by the particular class.
Class 64: 12” Design – Western Wear
From the pioneer days of bonnets and aprons to line dancing in denim and chambray, this design celebrates the
cowboy style. Set in a 12”x 12”x12” niche.
Class 65: 12” Design – Black Tie
A black and white design, set in a 12”x 12”x12” niche, inspired by the elegant evening wear of the 1930s and
1940s.
Class 66: 18” Design – American Bandstand
Remember dancing the Twist or the Stroll in bobby socks and poodle skirts? A design, set in an 18”x18”x18”
niche, evoking the style of the 1950s.
Class 67: 18” Design – The World Beyond
Space, the final frontier, has introduced all types of futuristic fashion. Seen at the NY World’s Fair, read about
in Sci-Fi books or watched on film, fashion appears to be unique across the universe. This design is set in an
18”x 18” x 18” niche.
Class 68: 22” Design – Shoe Fetish
A design that celebrates our fascination with coordinating shoes with the rest of the ensemble. This is a nonniched design, not to exceed 22”x22”x22”.
SPECIAL EXHIBITS DIVISION
Section XVII: Education and AVSA Information
Class 69: Education and AVSA Information Exhibit (by invitation only).
January 2016
Page 8
SCHEDULE FOR ENTRIES
1. Reservations for the Design Division, Classes 52-67 must be made by Sunday, April 17, 2016.
Niches will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis; and if you have not pre-registered your
entry, you are not guaranteed a space. For container garden entries, also include the approximate size
of the container. Please send reservations to Sue Stafford: phone-508-829-6403, email
Stafford.sue20@gmail.com.
2. Entries must be made between 11:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. on Friday, April 22, 2016. Pre-registered
entries only may also be brought on Saturday, April 23, 2016, between 8:00 A.M and 9:30 A.M,
including pre-registered design entries. Blossoms may be added to design entries on Saturday
between 8:00-9:30 AM. Judging will begin promptly at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday.
3. Plants or designs arriving after the posted entry time will be shown for exhibit only.
4. 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 card.
5. An exhibit may not be altered or removed after judging until the show is closed, except to replace
blossoms in a design. Entries may be removed between 4:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 27,
2014. Exhibits cannot be removed from the show before this time.
6. The Society will make every effort to protect exhibits, but cannot be responsible for loss or damage.
Entries will be merit-judged by qualified AVSA judges using the AVSA scale of points applicable to each
class. The AVSA Handbook for Growers, Exhibitors, and Judges shall be the authority for any criteria not
covered in this schedule. The decision of the judges is final.
Only clean healthy plants will be accepted. If any sign of pest or disease is noted at entry, the plant may be
disqualified from entry at the discretion of the Entries Committee.
RULES FOR HORTICULTURAL ENTRIES
1. All exhibitors must be members of the Bay State African Violet Society, with the exception of Class 40
(Nonmember). All exhibitors entering a Collection in Class 1, 2 or 3 must be members of AVSA (see
Section 9, below).
2. Any number of plants may be entered in each class by an exhibitor, but only one plant of a named variety
may be entered in the same class. However, an exhibitor may enter plants of the same variety in several
classes, such as the AVSA Collection class and Unusual Container class, in addition to the appropriate
blossom color class. Commercial members may enter any class.
3. All African violet species, cultivars, and other gesneriads shall be correctly named. However, all cultivars
need not be listed in the Master Variety List or Supplements to be entered. Some older varieties were
never listed and some newer varieties have not yet been listed. A hybridizer’s list may be presented, but
is not required. Plants are subject to correction by the Classification Committee upon entry.
4. All plants must have been in the possession of the exhibitor for at least three months before exhibiting in
the show. This rule also applies to Section XI, Class 37: Decorative, Novel or Unusual Containers.
5. All judged AV exhibits must be in bloom, except for gesneriads other than African violets which are to
be shown for their ornamental foliage.
6. All African violet exhibits, except species and trailers, must be single-crown plants.
January 2016
Page 9
7. Plants may be slip potted (using a pot of the same size) into clean non-decorative pots. No flare top pots,
supports or collars under the foliage will be permitted. Exception: trailers, trailing species, trailing
gesneriads, and gesneriads in protective containers or hanging baskets may be exhibited in the containers
in which they are growing. For Section XI, Class 37: Decorative, Novel or Unusual Containers, the
African violet(s) must be planted in the container, not slip-potted in the container.
8. Exhibitors are to print their name on tape or a label and attach it to the bottom of the pot.
9. Rules covering Classes 1, 2 and 3, AVSA Collection Awards:
a. Open only to AVSA members in good standing. AVSA current membership card must be
presented as evidence. Only one collection per exhibitor for each of the Classes 1, 2 and 3.
b. Entry must consist of three registered varieties, each a different named African violet variety: 3
standards, 3 trailers of the same type, 3 miniatures, 3 semiminiatures, or 3 species.
c. The registration number of each entry must be on the entry card.
10. Rules covering Class 4, Non-AVSA Collection:
a. Open to any member of Bay State African Violet Society.
b. Entry must consist of 3 named African violet varieties, each a different variety: 3 standards, 3
semi-miniatures, 3 miniatures, or 3 trailers all of the same type. An exhibitor may enter one
collection of each type of African violet.
c. Plants registered or not registered with AVSA.
11. Vintage Violets, Class 34, shall be defined as having been registered or listed by or before *1991 (25
years old or older). Species are not included in this category.
12. Entries in Seedling Class 35, must never have been exhibited in a BSAVS show. The plant must have
been grown from seed. If not exhibited by the original owner, a written rights release must be shown.
13. Sports and mutants should conform to the desirable characteristics for new cultivars as presented on pages
57 through 59 of the current AVSA Handbook for African Violet Growers, Exhibitors, and Judges.
a. Any sport or mutant African violet entered should be accompanied by a card containing an official
description of the parent plant, either from the MVL, First Class, hybridizer’s list, or vendor
catalogue.
b. Please note: “any sport or mutation that is simply a solid-color version of an existing multicolor
or two-tone will have 5 points deducted immediately for no improvement over existing variety.”
14. Special Note: During 2013, AVSA changed the minimum size for a Standard African violet to 9 inches.
Standard varieties smaller than 9 inches may be exhibited, but these plants will receive a point deduction
for lack of size.
January 2016
Page 10
RULES FOR DESIGN DIVISION
1. All exhibitors must be members of the Bay State African Violet Society and each exhibitor is limited to
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
one entry per class.
The use of plant material (fresh-cut, dried, treated, or colored) is permitted, except in Section XIV,
Container Gardens, where no artificial or cut plant material is permitted. The American flag, state flags,
national flags, plants on the endangered list from any state or nation, and use of live creatures shall not
be used in any design.
African violet plants and other plant material used need not have been grown by the exhibitor.
The exhibitor must present to the Entry Committee an entry card for each design entered before entering
the show area to set up the design. A card must accompany the entry card that states the name of the
African violet variety used; this card may also include a list of the other plants materials used as well as
the designer’s statement of intent. Exhibitors are strongly encouraged to describe their creative intent as
to interpretation of the theme and use of materials vis-à-vis the class theme. For Class 63, Kinetic Design,
the exhibitor should state whether the design is a mobile, stabile, or stabmobile. All exhibits will be the
exclusive work of the exhibitor.
For niched entries:
a. All niches are painted off-white. All niches will be provided by the Society.
b. The sides of the niche are not to be used as supports for elements of the design (except for the
support used in a hanging kinetic design). No part of the design may extend beyond the confines
of the niche. The background may be altered by the use of drapery or background material of
your choice.
Underwater designs may not touch the side of the container.
Judges shall eliminate from consideration any exhibit not conforming to the schedule and to AVSA rules.
It is suggested that exhibitors interested in entering a design should read the specific descriptions for that
category in The AVSA Handbook for Growers, Exhibitors, and Judges.
RULES FOR AWARDS
1. If there is only one plant in a class, and the plant is a blue ribbon plant that the judges want to consider for
the final ‘Best’ awards, then the judges should also award the plant a Best in Class award.
2. Rules covering Classes 1, 2, and 3, AVSA Collection Awards:
a. Each plant in the Collection must score 90 points or over to be eligible for this award.
b. The Gold Rosette will be awarded to the Best Collection and the Purple Rosette will be awarded to the
Second Best Collection per class.
c. Blue ribbon winners in these Collection classes are eligible for any other Special Award.
d. Award ribbons in these classes are counted toward the Horticulture Sweepstakes award.
3. Rules covering Class 4, Other Collections:
a. Each plant must score 90 points or over to be eligible for an award.
b. Blue ribbon winners in this Collection class are eligible for any other Special award.
c. Award ribbons in this class are counted toward the Horticulture Sweepstakes award.
4.
Entries in Class 40 (Non-member) are not eligible for any Special Awards.
January 2016
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SPECIAL AWARDS
Best in Show
AVSA Collection #1, Registered Standard
AVSA Collection #2, Registered Semi, Mini, or
Trailing
AVSA Collection #3, Registered Species
Non-AVSA Collection #4
Best Standard
Best Semi-Miniature
Best Miniature
Best Trailer
Best Species
Best Vintage AV
Best Decorative or Unusual Container
Best Novice
Best Youth Grower
Best Club Project Plant
Best Window Grown
Best N.E.-Originated Hybrid (Cook, Major, Fredette,
Corton)
Best Unusual Foliage
Best Blooming Gesneriad
Best Non-Blooming Gesneriad
Horticulture Sweepstakes in Memory of
Caitlin Muello (for most blue ribbon plants)
Best Design
Best Interpretive Flower Arrangement, 6” design
Best Interpretive Flower Arrangement, 12”-18”
Best Interpretive Plant Arrangement, 12” design
Best Interpretive Plant Arrangement, 18”-22” design
Best Kinetic Design
Best Underwater Design
Best Pave
Best Natural Garden
Best Dish Garden
Best Terrarium
Best Bottle Garden
Design Sweepstakes in Memory of Zelda Owens (for
most blue ribbon designs)
You Can Sponsor A Show Award
The list above is a list of the awards that will be
given at our spring show by the judging panel.
These awards receive rosettes that
may be sponsored by anyone at a cost
of $5 each.
Additionally, an award in the form of
cash or a violet-related item may also
be sponsored. For example, most cash
gifts are $10; decorative plates, selfwatering pots, or the like with a violet motif, make
excellent gifts. If you are interested in sponsoring
an award, contact Nancy Manozzi at 508-8721478 or n-rmanozzi@comcast.net and she will
help you select an award to sponsor.
PLANT SALES – TOWER HILL – 2016
January is not too early to think about plant sales for April. Now is the perfect time to repot plants
to sell. All plants with at least four leaves will be accepted if sleeved and with member stakes and
price, and MVL description. Leaves are also welcome. A simple sandwich bag with a staple works
well with stake inside and MVL label attached.
Now is the time to order sleeves and stakes from vendors. Plan to use the same color and size for
stakes to make it easier to count at show’s end.
Support Bay State and make many people happy at the same time. Of course, while we will have
vendor plants for sale, member plants are always a pleasant extra.
 
January 2016
Page 12
EVOLUTION OF SHOW RULES FOR POTS
By Sharon Rosenzweig
While making preparations for the 2015 Bay State
African Violet show, the director of our venue made
a request that all horticultural entries be placed in
clay pots. Coming from an art background she was
looking for consistency in the display. After
explaining to her that AVSA has certain
requirements for show pots, and why AV growers do
not grow in clay pots, I became interested in the
evolution of the show rules with respect to planters.
In the early days of AVSA, you could enter a plant in any type of container.
According to Pat Hancock, the “Best in Show” plant in the first AV Show
in 1947 was exhibited in a small tub. Before the popularity of plastic
flower pots, AVs were entered in clay pots. These were not ideal as the
plants dried out quickly and the petioles became damaged when in contact
with the rim.
The 1960s saw a rise in popularity of plastic pots. Some folks were using
plastic and some were still using clay pots. A rule was introduced requiring
pots to be covered in foil with dull side out to provide consistency for show
plants. Pots could be any shape. Double potting, flare tops or supports
were not permitted.
Self-watering planters may their appearance in the 1970s. The “Aquamatic
Planter” and Swift’s Moist Rite Planters were introduced in the early 1970s.
In 1983, George (Clem) Oyama developed the Oyama Planter. You could
exhibit in these.
Aquamatic Planter
January 2016
Moist Rite Planters
Oyama Planters
Page 13
Through the 1980s, pots were still being covered with foil. In 1991, this
requirement was changed. No need to cover with foil, but pots had to be
white or could be slip potted into white pots. Self-watering planters such
as Moist Rite and Oyamas could be used, but had to be white. John Cook
relates the story of the Washington DC Convention (in the 1990s). Due to
Barbara’s Health, he was unable to attend to sell supplies. Usually,
exhibitors using green pots came to him for white ones to slip pot. The
color rule was changed as a result of this convention to allow white, green
or neutral colored pots.
In the 2015, the rules state that pots cannot be decorative, can be white,
green or neutral. Self-watering Moist Rite and Oyamas can be white, green,
black or neutral. When slip-potting, pot size must be same size or slightly
larger than current pot. The bottom of the pot containing the plant must
be covered with plastic or foil to prevent leakage on to the table covering.
Also, trailers, trailing species, trailing gesneriads and gesneriads in
protective contains may be exhibited in the containers in which they are
growing. This has always been the rule.
Pat Hancock told me that at one time the size requirement for semi-minis
and minis were such that if leaves were hanging down around the pot,
they were not included in the diameter measurement. Only the leaves that
were in a flat out in the rosette were measured for plant diameter. I’m glad
this guideline was discontinued.
Show Rules have evolved to fit the times and to make it easier for growers
to enter shows and conventions and for judges to judge.
Many thanks to Bill Foster, June Swift, Pat Hancock and John Cook for
sharing their memories of “the way it used to be”.
 
January 2016
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GATEWAY ON THE MOVE
By Sharon Rosenzweig
Ask anybody what one key to business success is and the answer is
Location, Location, Location. Well, the same can be said about successful
club meetings. Almost since its inception, the Gateway African Violet
Club’s meeting spaces have not been ideal. We were cramped with no
space to do “hands-on” programs or view DVDs or slide shows. Fewer
members were attending meetings. So the search was on to find a more
inviting and adequate meeting space. We are happy to announce that the
new home of Gateway meetings is Whitney Place in Northborough. The
assisted living facility welcomed us with open arms. We have a large
meeting room with both a working area with tables and a theater area with
seating and a projector.
The first meeting in our new space was November 10th. The program was
“Creating a Container Garden” and suggestions for other decorative
containers. Sharon Rosenzweig demonstrated the techniques involved.
Darcey Porter and Cindy Brooks made their own beautiful creations.
Their gardens are awaiting the placement of their African violets.
January 2016
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We invited Whitney Place residents to attend the meeting as guests, with
an option to join. They enjoyed the meeting and we enjoyed having them.
Gateway did not meet in July and August. We have now decided to meet
in the summer, but not have meetings in January and February.
December is our holiday dinner in a restaurant.
The next meeting at Whitney Place will be March 8th. Social time is 6:30
pm. Meeting starts at 7 pm. The program will talk about the spring show
and view a DVD of the AVSA 2013 Convention in Austin Texas. Guests are
always welcome.
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January 2016
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VOLUNTEERING
By Darcey Porter
Being a volunteer clerk
at the Bay state African
Violet Society, show at
Tower Hill can be fun
and informative, but be
prepared
to
stay
focused on your task!
There are a few personal
items you may wish to
bring along that will help: pencils with
erasers, clipboard, drinking water, good
support shoes, your name badge and a
basket big enough to hold the prize
ribbons, 8” or so. Wearing a name badge
is great so everyone can see that you are
part of the African violet show and the
judges can see your name and get to
know you. Plan on spending from 9AM
until 1PM working the show. You are
able to participate in the judges’ lunch
at the end of this shift. If you are
planning on adding to your violet
collection be sure to show up at Tower
Hill early enough to select before the
9AM judging. There is a hostess that
arranges for coffee and pastries to be
available before the judging located in
the kitchen.
Each plant gets an entry identifier upon
entering and acceptance into the show
and this card stays with each individual
plant as it is placed on display. This
same identifier will be listed in the
appropriate plant class on the class
entry sheets. After the judging, this
class entry sheet will go to the show
volunteer who will store it in the
computer. Then all the awards will be
accumulated and gathered so Bay State
knows how many of what ribbons were
awarded by class and individual.
Clerking can be divided into two jobs.
One will record in pencil, on the
individual class entry sheets whatever
award the judges entered on the show
entry card. The judging chair will issue
the class entry sheets in folders to the
clerks on each team of 3 judges and will
either pick up or the clerk will return
each to the judging chair upon
completion of judging so the computer
input can continue throughout the show
judging process.
The other clerk will do a lot of running
and assisting the judges with whatever
help they may need. Moving plants for
better viewing, questions for show
judges’ chair, whatever comes up. The
main responsibility is setting the actual
ribbon – blue, red or white that the judge
has indicated on the show entry card as
the plant is judged. If the public seems
annoyed, this clerk can help the process
by informing the public that a judging is
under way and they can get a better
viewing in a moment, sorry for any
inconvenience.
While the judging process is going on,
the clerks can hear quite a bit of the
dialogue about the merits of the various
plants and why some are better than
others and why some may receive a best
in class or special award or may be
considered for best in show. So there is
an opportunity to hear from 3 different
judges, all experts in the merits of our
beloved African violets. These judges
have many years of experience growing
and judging African violets so the
opportunity to learn is great!
 
January 2016
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MY EXPERIENCE WITH POWDERY MILDEW
By Janet Osborne
Reprinted from the October, 2009 Ye Bay Stater
In mid-July, I
discovered some
powdery mildew
on 12 of my
African violets.
I currently have
about 80 plants.
At the time, I was keeping the
night time temperature in my
plant room at 66 degrees. The
room was cool. Due to the
weather, the humidity in the plant
room was almost 70 degrees. Cool
weather and high humidity, a
good prescription for powdery
mildew.
On the first of June, I used a
mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of
concentrated Lysol in a gallon of
water for watering my plants. At
that time I was using Lysol once
every three months. I thought I
was safe, but now in mid-July I
had some powdery mildew.
I washed the leaves of the affected
plants with a mild soap, rinsed
them, and blotted them dry with a
paper towel. I raised the
temperature to 72 degrees, set up
a second fan in the room, and
gave the plants another Lysol
treatment. About a week later,
four plants had just a bit of
mildew. Another wash, rinse, and
dry treatment. In about a week,
one plant had just a bit of mildew:
another wash, rinse and dry.
A little over a week has passed
and I haven't seen any more
mildew. Now my plants get a Lysol
treatment once a month. When
the weather is better, I will go
back to cooler nights in the plant
room. Probably, I will remove the
second fan.
With due diligence, I hope that I
can keep powdery mildew at bay.
 
Another Powdery Mildew “Recipe”
1 quart hot water
1 tablespoon baking soda
5 drops dishwashing detergent
Shake up well and spray.
January 2016
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Are You A Member of AVSA?
MEMBERSHIP:
Send check payable to AVSA for new or renewal membership
to AVSA office, 2375 North Street, Beaumont, TX 77702. 409839-4725, Individual: USA $35; Canada $40, International $60.
Associate: (no magazine): $17.50 Commercial: USA $60; Canada $65;
International $70. Life: USA $1,000; International $1,500. Affiliates:
Chapter, Council, State or Region: USA $35; Canada $40; International $45.
SUPPORT:
Booster Fund: Send contributions to Shirley Berger, 2822 S. Mainsail Dr.,
Avon Park, FL 33825-6032.
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, 36
Ridge Point Dr., Chesterfield, MO 63017.
Anne & Frank Tinari Endowment Fund: send contributions to Janet
Riemer, 256 Pennington-Harbourton Rd., Pennington, NJ 08534.
CHECK IT OUT -- Lots to learn and lots of shopping www.avsa.org
Master Variety List: Number 12 describes all varieties to March 2012 for
$30.00.
MVL Supplements: Download from AVSA website, or order from AVSA
office for $1.00.
The First Class Program is also available for $27.50 and updates are $11.
The Entries Program is $27.50 (and includes First Class).
Growers & Judges Handbook (2007) $20.
Also, click on “Plants-Supplies Sources” and find information and links to
AV vendors throughout the country.
Click on “Library” -- the AVSA complete list of rentals can now be found
on the website.
 
January 2016
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LOCAL AFRICAN VIOLET CLUBS
All Season African Violet Club
Serves members in the greater Metrowest area. Meetings are held the third
Wednesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. at Carmel Terrace Assisted Living, 933
Central Street, Framingham. Contact Nancy Manozzi at 508-872-1478 or
email:n-rmanozzi@comcast.net.
Gateway African Violet Club
Serves members in the central Massachusetts region. Meetings are on the
2nd Tuesday of the month September to June at 7:00 p.m. at Whitney Place
Assisted Living, 238 West Main St, Northborough, MA. Club does not meet
in January and February. Contact Gail Sokolowski at 508-842-4131 or
email: gsoko@township.com.
Patriots African Violet Club
Serves the areas around Bedford, Concord, and Lexington. Meetings are
held the first Monday of the month at 1:00 p.m. Contact Eleanor MacIver
at 508-517-2594 or email esmac197@comcast.net or Susie Giovanditti at
781-899-7203.
COMING EVENTS
Saturday, April 11, 2016
The Windsor African Violet Society Show and Sale, "Celebrate with African
Violets," will be held Saturday, April 11th from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm at the
Grace Episcopal Church, 311 Broad Street, Windsor, CT. Visit the WAVS
website: http://instafax.com/wavs/ for more information.
Saturday, April 23-24, 2016
Our annual Bay State Spring Show and Sale, “African Violets – Always in
Fashion” will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 23-24, at Tower Hill
Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston, MA. Entries will be on Friday,
April 22th. Save these dates! Show schedule and details in this issue
May 29 – June 5, 2016
AVSA 2016 Convention and Show Albuquerque, NM
“Violets Color the Land of Enchantment” will be held May 29 – June 5 at the
Crowne Plaza Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Check www.avsa for details.
January 2016
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