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25.01.2022 Todays beautiful plant is Bluey. Earlier there were red flowers, then yesterday we had white, so here is blue. This is a close-up of some of the flowers on a plant exhibited by Dennis Halton in our 2005 Annual Show Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Semidouble to double medium blue two-tone star Foliage: Variegated dark green, pink and cream... Personal opinion: Performs well and if you like blue - well you wont be able to resist this. See more

25.01.2022 Coming up to Mother's Day, perhaps a white African violet would be appropriate. This is 'Den's Blush' and this plant was exhibited by the hybridiser, Dennis Halton in our 2009 Annual Show, where it won a first prize. Description: Semiminiature, hybridised by Dennis Halton Blossom: Semidouble white with variable pink tinge. Foliage: Light green, pointed.... Personal opinion: A very heavy flowering plant that has done well in exhibiting as well as just in general growing. See more

24.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 19 This is Biara. It is an Australian hybrid from Kel Willis. He has had some majestic plants of it in shows ...and others have too, but I also like it just to sit on the shelf and be itself looking beautiful. For me it has been very reliable, although just occasionally a plain purple will turn up. Still quite lovely. The description is Blossom - Semidouble purple frilled/pink fantasy; Foliage - variegated medium green and white, ovate, serrated.

24.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.16. Still liking red - this is Omaha Thunder - one of a whole list of wonderful red hybrids produced by Kent S...tork. Its description is "single-semidouble dark red star". Foliage is "medium-dark green, pointed, serrated/red back. I have grown if for some years now and it has been around for even longer being registered in 2001. It is one that always shines on my shelf - along with a number of other reds, of course. See more

24.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.20. I really love this flower. I dont think it has had much circulation at this point. It is called Marjorie... Jean. It was a hybrid created by Maree Bale and named for her mother. For me it is an absolutely delightful plant which grows quite well aside from being so beautiful to look at the individual flowers. On a sad note, it almost died for me, but I was fortunate enough to have it re-shoot from what looked like a dead stem. So it is tough too!

23.01.2022 Today's beautiful plant is a Sinningia, a plant from a genus associated with African violets. This is Sinningia cardinalis 'Innocent' x S. iarae, it was grown by Ron & Sue Armstrong and exhibited in our 2011 Annual Show. Description: Sinningia hybrid created by Colin Rampton. Blossom: Narrow, tubular, bright medium orange with galea or hood. Blossoms in large numbers held on top of each of the many stems.... Foliage: Large hairy leaves in medium green. Medium height to tall. Personal opinion: Splendid plant for a warm climate where it flowers most of the year on a succession of stems. See more

23.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.11. I mentioned that sometimes violets will "try" to produce a nice sport, but never quite make it. This is a...nother one of that kind. It is named Cotton On, a Margaret Taylor hybrid whose description was Single white frilled star. It had variegated foliage and was nice enough, but I really liked this sport. So dainty, I thought. Every stem on the plant produced flowers like this so I really thought I was onto something. Next time it flowered - the pretty colouring had vanished. But I still have the photo. Hope you like it too! See more

23.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.20. I really love this flower. I don't think it has had much circulation at this point. It is called 'Marjorie... Jean'. It was a hybrid created by Maree Bale and named for her mother. For me it is an absolutely delightful plant which grows quite well aside from being so beautiful to look at the individual flowers. On a sad note, it almost died for me, but I was fortunate enough to have it re-shoot from what looked like a dead stem. So it is tough too!

22.01.2022 Another red African violet. It is a very cheerful colour isn't it? This is Sedona, and was grown and exhibited by Ruth Coulson in our 1994 show where it won a first prize. That was one of our most memorable shows. Description: Standard, hybridised by Kent Stork. Blossom: Semidouble red wavy star Foliage: Dark green, plain.... Personal opinion: Another wonderful red-flowered African violet from this hybridiser. This variety not seen around for some time, but was distinguished by the fact it grew beautifully flat without any real effort. See more

22.01.2022 Following our Mother's Day post last night, here is something with a more masculine style. It is 'Corroboree', a plant that has endeared itself to many over the last 15 years or so. This plant, grown and exhibited by Margaret Taylor was the Best Standard African Violet in our show in 2015. Description: Large standard hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Single dark purple frilled pansy Foliage: Dark green, pointed, scalloped.... Personal opinion: Big, brazen, beautiful. Some may not like its hearty strength and rapid growth. See more

22.01.2022 Here is a photograph of a species African violet to conclude this series. There will be no more of these photographs for the time being, as many people are returning to work and lockdown is not as tight as previously. But fear not, as most of our meetings have not resumed there will be some other photographs in a series appearing soon on the AVAA page.. Meanwhile this is Saintpaulia ionanthus subsp. grandifolius, formerly known as Saintpaulia grandifolius. In fact, the Saintp...aulias have all been reclassified into the genus Streptocarpus, but we are continuing to call them Saintpaulia for clarity. This plant was grown and exhibited at our 2006 show by R&M Shears. It was awarded Best Species. (Note: species plants are the original ones as found in the wild - before hybridising)

21.01.2022 How about this for a red African violet? This plant was entered by Margaret Taylor as an as yet unnamed sport - sport of Oracle - in our 2011 Annual Show, where it won a first prize. But this is the plant which later was named Duo. Description: Standard, from Margaret Taylor Blossom: Single-semidouble red and white chimera, frilled pansy Foliage: Variegated dark green and cream, quilted, serrated.... Personal opinion: Can be a little bit variable like many chimeras, but definitely has the "wow" factor! See more

21.01.2022 For todays beautiful plant its back to another local Australian hybrid. This is Candyman. Both photographs are of the same plant, entered by Margaret Taylor in our 2015 Annual Show, where it won a 3rd prize. Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Double red pansy/wide white edge Foliage: Medium green... Personal opinion: Really glows among other plants. See more

21.01.2022 This is a lovely dark colour flower on 'Jays' Frosted Burgundy'. One of the violets hybridised by Jenny & Pete White as featured in yesterday's post commemorating the death of Pete White. This plant was grown by Rod Shears and was an entry in our 2011 Annual Show where it won a 1st prize. Description: Standard, hybridised by Jenny & Pete White Blossom: Semidouble burgundy star/white frilled edge Foliage: Medium green, heart-shaped, serrated.... Personal opinion: The white edge on this dark flower is a real stand-out. See more

20.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 22. This is Heinz's Bubbles, from Heinz Dornbusch. Not a terribly good photo of a not too good flower, but I ...couldn't leave it out because I like it so much. Heinz has some wonderful puff fantasies to his name and I think this is one of the prettiest. It makes lots of flowers, too. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. When mine flowers again I will take better photos.

20.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.16. Still liking red - this is Omaha Thunder - one of a whole list of wonderful red hybrids produced by Kent S...tork. Its description is "single-semidouble dark red star". Foliage is "medium-dark green, pointed, serrated/red back. I have grown if for some years now and it has been around for even longer being registered in 2001. It is one that always shines on my shelf - along with a number of other reds, of course. See more

20.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no. 17 This is another oldie. It is called Elizabeth. Hybridised by B. Bryant, it was registered in 1989. The des...cription reads "Double light pink two-tone star/raspberry-sparkled ruffled edge". But that is only the beginning. The foliage was always well behaved and very evenly variegated through the time I grew it. It was a most enjoyable plant. I havent seen it for a long time but it is sure to be still in cultivation with someone, somewhere. Or so I would hope. Please excuse the quality of the photo. It is scanned from a transparency as this was grown before digital cameras and camera phones! See more

19.01.2022 Information for Members: Meetings: The August meeting is cancelled because of concerns over the worsening COVID-19 situation in this state. At this stage the September, October and November meetings are still scheduled, but decisions may have to be made closer to the times of those projected meetings.... 2020 Annual Show: The Show to be held on 14 November has also been cancelled. There would be significant difficulties in holding a show during a period of social distancing and any other measures that might be in place at the time. The Committee deeply regrets these cancellations. We would all like to resume our normal programme if it were possible. However, it seems that cant happen just yet. Members watch out for an email about a new way of communicating with each other while there are no meetings. You will receive an email in the next few days.

19.01.2022 Now here is something gorgeous. Ness' Crinkle Blue. Grown and benched by Ron & Sue Armstrong, it was the Best Miniature/Semiminiature in our 2012 Annual Show. Description: Semiminiature, hybridised by D Ness. Blossom: Double dark blue star/variable thin white edge. Foliage: Dark green, quilted, serrated/red back.... Personal opinion: Lovely to have and often a winner. It just flowers so well. See more

19.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Plant Portrait no. 4. This is called Lyon's Early Spring, hybridised by S. Sorano. I have used this photograph in many ways in re...cent years, so you might have seen it already. It was a very lucky shot. I had just got a new camera and was trying it out in various conditions, just snapping at random and this photo really stood out. The plant was on the growing bench so the background is messy, but I was impressed with the result. The description is "Semidouble white large star/variable blue eye, edge. Foliage variegated medium green and white. I am not sure why I don't have it any more, aside from the fact that nobody can grow everything!

19.01.2022 This is a much more modern hybrid. It is 'Blue Secret' hybridised and here grown and exhibited in our 2016 Annual Show by Margaret Taylor. The markings on the flowers are unusual and so it has become a favourite with many growers. Already it appears regularly in our shows. Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Semidouble-double blue two tone/mauve veining at tips. Foliage: Dark green, quilted, serrated/red back... Personal opinion: Fast becoming a firm favourite. See more

19.01.2022 Today's beautiful plant carries on the red theme. This isn't a violet but is an associated plant - Episcia 'Chocolate 'n' Cherries'. Like many other Episcias it has orange-red flowers, which really stand out against the foliage. This plant was grown and exhibited by Ron and Sue Armstrong and won a First place award at our show in 2011. Description: Episcia, part of the Gesneriad family Blossom: Large red bloom with yellow dotted throat. Foliage: Hairy, chocolate leaves... Personal opinion: Really good if you want lots of flowers. See more

19.01.2022 There is something about chimeras that gets many growers immediately interested, Whatever it is this photograph of todays beautiful plant has it in plenty. This is "The Alps", and the plant was grown and exhibited by Dennis Halton in our show in 2016 where it was awarded Best Standard African Violet. Description: Standard, from K Horikoshi/H Sawara Blossom: Single-semidouble chimera white pansy/light blue stripe Foliage: Medium green, plain, quilted.... Personal opinion: If you insist on plenty of flowers . . . This ones for you See more

19.01.2022 Today's beautiful plant is 'Bluey'. Earlier there were red flowers, then yesterday we had white, so here is blue. This is a close-up of some of the flowers on a plant exhibited by Dennis Halton in our 2005 Annual Show Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Semidouble to double medium blue two-tone star Foliage: Variegated dark green, pink and cream... Personal opinion: Performs well and if you like blue - well you won't be able to resist this. See more

19.01.2022 Here is African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait, no.2. This is "Sea Rainbow", a long time favourite of mine that I have been growing for many years. Acco...rding to First Class it was hybridised by J. Swift, but there is no indication of how long ago. Described as a fuchsia and lavender fantasy star, and with dark green leaves with red back, it is actually quite double, for me anyway. The colour is a little more lavender than many of the other fantasies I have had over the years. I always try to have a plant of it. See more

19.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.13 Even at no.13 there is nothing unlucky about this. Another plain colour flower that is most appealing. It i...s called Starlight Express, a single to semi-double large white to blush pink star hybridised by Margaret Taylor. I think I love it best in this, its single plain white mood. See more

18.01.2022 For today's beautiful plant, it is hard to follow all the lovely red flowered African violets shown recently. But let's look at the fact that a white African violet will look just stunning in that company. This one is called 'Corella', and was entered in our 2006 Annual Show by Kel Willis. Description: Standard, hybridised by Kel Willis Blossom & Foliage: Those luscious white stars on variegated foliage are just so attractive. This plant, though, is not listed on First Class... or elsewhere, so we assume it was never available to the public. So this is just for enjoying the photo. Personal Opinion: Maybe this isn't available to you, but there are heaps of other truly beautiful white flowered African violets. This applies to many of the other photos that we have staged recently. If you can't get an exact one easily, then there are sure to be others to attract you. See more

18.01.2022 The African Violet Association of Australia has now circulated the May/June edition of the news magazine "The African Violet" to members. This edition includes articles on Growing an African Violet from Leaf, Variegated African Violets, Girl Leaves, Mid-winter Flower Show and a few words about Potting Mix.

18.01.2022 Following our previous post about the cancellation of the August meeting of the African Violet Association of Australia, we have to inform members and public that the September meeting is also cancelled. October and November meetings are still scheduled but there will be further information closer to the time. As already mentioned, the Annual Show which was to have been held in November 2020 has also been cancelled. ... We can only hope to have a better year in 2021.

17.01.2022 For those who can't go past the colour red. This is a close-up photograph of one of the plants on the bench of our 2016 Annual Show. It is "Omaha Thunder", yet another beautiful red flowered violet from Kent Stork. This plant grown by Ruth Coulson Description: Standard, hybridised by K Stork Blossom: Single-semidouble dark red star Foliage: Medium-dark green, pointed, serrated/red back... Personal opinion: If you like red - say no more. See more

17.01.2022 Today's beautiful plant is 'RD's Dorothy'. RD's is the prefix chosen for hybrids from Reg & Dorothy Townsend. After Dorothy's death, Reg named this for her. This specimen was exhibited by Ron & Sue Armstrong in our 2012 Annual Show where it won a 2nd place. Description: Semiminiature, hybridised by R&D Townsend Blossom: Semidouble white pansy/rose pink tips. Foliage: Variegated medium green and white, ovate... Personal opinion: Sometimes sensitive to cold weather, but so rewarding when it produces so many flowers, like this one. See more

17.01.2022 This is African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.9. Chimeras normally originate as sports of plants with different blooms. But sometimes they are not f...ated to stay. This lovely flower is of Carolina Elegant Affair. It is normally a white ruffled star with pink patches. This particular plant produced all striped flowers like this. Well, for the first flowering anyway. After that they reverted to normal. Pity! I am still keeping the plant, just in case . . .

17.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.21 This is actually a flower with no name, and it doesn't exist any more as it happens. I have always been f...ond of 'Birthday Gift' which is a pink and white bicolour. In itself it is a little bit of a puzzle until you get used to it. The flowers may sometimes be plain or almost plain white in cold weather. In the heat of summer the white can almost disappear and the pink takes over. Still it is very beautiful. But this one little plant decided to produce flowers like this. I thought it slightly reminiscent of 'Painted Desert'. I had only just decided to keep it when certain family disasters meant that my plants had to look after themselves. This was a little one that just didn't make it. I'm not sure if I am sorry or not. In any case I have the photo.

16.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 29 This is Mulberry Glow. It was a hybrid from Margaret Taylor. I fell in love with the colour as soon as I s...aw it, especially as it was on variegated foliage. Sometime after the hybridiser told me she did not go ahead with it because it was unstable. Well mine wasn't, so I kept it just for me. That is, it wasn't right then. However later after a few generations of propagating and a few seasons of varying conditions it began to show its true colours. I had mulberry-coloured flowers with thin white edges, and with wide white edges, one that was trying to become a chimera and never made it and so on. Eventually all I had were flowers of plain mulberry colour. Yes, unstable for sure. Still if I couldn't have the plant with the flowers I really liked, I still have the photo. I still like that.

16.01.2022 And the beautiful plant today is 'Moby Grape'. It isn't by any means a recent hybrid, but it wouldn't be surprising to find it is still being grown. This plant was grown and exhibited by Kel Willis in our Annual Show in 1993 where it was awarded a first prize. Description: Standard, but there is no hybridiser listed Blossom is not described either but is a rich purple Foliage is dark green and quilted... Personal opinion: If it turned up in shows now it would still be a winner. See more

16.01.2022 'Tiny Wood Trail' is a miniature trailer that is popular for its small size and good flowering habit. This plant was grown and exhibited by Beverley Donsworth in our 2011 show where it won a first prize award. Description: Miniature trailer hyridised by L. Ray. Blossom: Single blue Foliage: not recorded... Personal opinion: The small growers are always treasured See more

15.01.2022 Unfortunately the October 2020 meeting has also had to be cancelled. Members, please keep in touch with the committee regarding further meetings.

15.01.2022 This is African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.9. Chimeras normally originate as sports of plants with different blooms. But sometimes they are not f...ated to stay. This lovely flower is of Carolina Elegant Affair. It is normally a white ruffled star with pink patches. This particular plant produced all striped flowers like this. Well, for the first flowering anyway. After that they reverted to normal. Pity! I am still keeping the plant, just in case . . .

15.01.2022 Todays beautiful plant carries on the red theme. This isnt a violet but is an associated plant - Episcia Chocolate n Cherries. Like many other Episcias it has orange-red flowers, which really stand out against the foliage. This plant was grown and exhibited by Ron and Sue Armstrong and won a First place award at our show in 2011. Description: Episcia, part of the Gesneriad family Blossom: Large red bloom with yellow dotted throat. Foliage: Hairy, chocolate leaves... Personal opinion: Really good if you want lots of flowers. See more

15.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.15 I really like red and almost-red flowers. I dont grow this now, but I had a really long history with it. I...t is Colonial Broome. The Colonial series violets were hybridised in South Australia by the Hams nursery. This one, described as "semidouble large red star" has lovely dark leaves and was a reliable part of my collection. And yes, I did say that some of these photos had been used elsewhere. This is the photo that appears in First Class.

15.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.13 Even at no.13 there is nothing unlucky about this. Another plain colour flower that is most appealing. It i...s called Starlight Express, a single to semi-double large white to blush pink star hybridised by Margaret Taylor. I think I love it best in this, its single plain white mood. See more

14.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.8 I said that chimera flowers with a bold contrast are eye catching and very popular. We must not forget thos...e with less contrast and softer colouring though. This is Glitter Surprise, and according to First Class was introduced by K. Patton in 2003. The intensity of the colouring varies a bit for me depending on the temperatures. It looks more brilliant in winter, softer and more delicate in summer. It seems a favourite with many, and that will be why I am fond of it too!

14.01.2022 For today's beautiful plant it's back to another local Australian hybrid. 'This is Candyman'. Both photographs are of the same plant, entered by Margaret Taylor in our 2015 Annual Show, where it won a 3rd prize. Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Double red pansy/wide white edge Foliage: Medium green... Personal opinion: Really glows among other plants. See more

14.01.2022 Following a year of cancellations, the African Violet Association of Australia is planning a normal schedule of meetings in 2021. If all goes well the first meeting of the year should be in February. Members will find the details in their recent news magazine. Others who may be interested should enquire first by telephone, email or message. In the meanwhile the AVAA wishes everyone a very happy and healthy holiday period. Stay safe. The photograph is Sinningia 'Kristobel', an Australian hybrid Gesneriad that is just as Christmassy as any other seasonal plant.

14.01.2022 As part of the African Violet Association of Australia's beautiful plant series, here is an older plant (in an older photograph). 'Ballet Don Juan', was the Que...en of Show in 1987. The plant grown by Beverley Donsworth. 'Ballet Don Juan' was one of a long line of "Ballet" series hybrids created by A. Fischer all of which seemed to produce a large head of flowers (like this one!). Unfortunately it is not listed in First Class (from the African Violet Society of America) which is our reference for descriptions. You will have to take the description from the photograph. For any other information, we can just say it was very popular in the 1980s when plants of this series were fairly new to us.

14.01.2022 Back with trailing African violets today. This is Brazos Belle. We used to call it a microminiature trailer, but now those plants are all included in the category of miniature trailers. But it does have a very small leaf, although with proper care and attention it can become quite large. This specimen was grown by Ros Woods and won her a 2nd prize in our Annual Show in 2011. Description: Miniature trailer hybridised by L. Ray Blossom: Single pink bell Foliage: no description ...given, but the leaves are small and pointed and the growth compact. Personal opinion: Has a charm of its own, although not everyone likes the single flowers. See more

14.01.2022 The Association's news magazine "The African Violet" has just been sent to members. The front page shown here details the cancellation of meetings and of the Annual Show for this year. There is also an excellent article on growing African Violet trailers.

13.01.2022 And the beautiful plant today is Moby Grape. It isnt by any means a recent hybrid, but it wouldnt be surprising to find it is still being grown. This plant was grown and exhibited by Kel Willis in our Annual Show in 1993 where it was awarded a first prize. Description: Standard, but there is no hybridiser listed Blossom is not described either but is a rich purple Foliage is dark green and quilted... Personal opinion: If it turned up in shows now it would still be a winner. See more

13.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 25 This is 'Imperial'. I don't know how old the variety is. I know I had it for a long time. I just couldn't ...part with it, to tell the truth. Haven't seen it for fifteen years or more. It is another fairly unassuming flower but a very reliable plant for me. It is a J. Swift hybrid. In First Class it is described as "Semidouble light wine, streaked, frilled." I was always fascinated by those markings on the flowers. I would like to think it is still in cultivation somewhere.

13.01.2022 Today's beautiful plant is an older one, but none the worse for that. It is 'Red Ferrari'. This particular plant was grown and exhibited by Michelle Morrison in our 1991 show, where it won a first prize. It was very popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. A flood of newer varieties rather crowded some of these out of being grown but they are just as worthy as anything else you might grow. Description: Standard, hybridised by Irene Fredette Blossom: Double red, ruffled Foliage: ...Variegated dark green, rose and cream. Plain. Personal opinion: Where have all the old violets gone? See more

13.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower portrait no.14 Now here is a chimera mutation that actually stayed constant and has proved easily reproducible from sucker...s or flower stems. This is a chimera and sported from another plant in my collection a good many years ago. I fell in love with it from the first and still grow it now. I have shared it with a good many growers and hope it is still around. I called it Meditation.

12.01.2022 Today's African violet was not exhibited in our show, but was Best in Show in 2006 at our sister group, the now-defunct Central Coast African Violet Club. It is appropriate here because it was grown and exhibited by Jenny & Pete White. It is Colonial Mount Remarkable. This commemorates the work of Pete White who died yesterday after a long illness. Pete had a good eye for perfection and this plant was one of the most perfect that you will ever see. As hybridisers, growers, j...udges and hard workers Jenny & Pete worked for many years in the various African violet groups in the area. Ill health has more recently limited their activities. The "Jays'" series of African violets were hybridised by Pete and Jenny and we hope to have photographs of some of those in the following days. This variety description: Standard, hybridised by Hams Blossom: Semidouble white large star. Foliage: Medium green. Personal opinion: Still one of the best white flowered African violets.

12.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no. 10 This is Ness Midnight Fantasy. Hybridised by D. Ness, and registered in 1991, it is described as semidoub...le large pink star/blue fantasy. Most normally the fantasy is smaller markings of blue, but I have long had this version with larger splashes. It is also even trying to be a chimera but never quite succeeds. However I have had it for 25 years or more and I am not looking at doing without it any time soon.

12.01.2022 'Lavender Delight' was one of the most successful African violets in our shows in the 1980s and 1990s. It featured in the major awards numerous times, from our second show in 1983 (Princess Standard grown by Margaret Taylor) and on. Here are three examples of this plant that won Queen of Show awards. In 1984 (white background) by Ruth Coulson, 1992 (map in background) by Marina Stukacz and 1994 (ferns in background) by Eric Marks. Description: Standard, hybridised by Eyerdom ...Blossom: Double light lavender star/darker fantasy Foliage: Medium green, plain Personal opinion: Why did we ever stop growing it? (as always, differences in colour are mostly down to differences in lighting and film) See more

10.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 28 This is 'Uluru', a hybrid from local Australian grower and hybridiser, Kel Willis. It is a semidouble cora...l/lavender fantasy and has masses of flowers. Some thirty years ago Kel Willis encouraged us all to produce and grow our own hybrids. Slowly a group of local growers did that, but Kel himself went ahead immediately. A year or two later in 1993 he won Best in Show with this lovely hybrid.

10.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.15 I really like red and almost-red flowers. I don't grow this now, but I had a really long history with it. I...t is 'Colonial Broome'. The Colonial series violets were hybridised in South Australia by the Hams nursery. This one, described as "semidouble large red star" has lovely dark leaves and was a reliable part of my collection. And yes, I did say that some of these photos had been used elsewhere. This is the photo that appears in First Class.

10.01.2022 From the beginning of the lock-down until the end of May the African Violet Association uploaded a new African violet photo from the show archive. The attached video includes some of those that proved most popular. These are photographs from our previous shows over a good many years. Dont forget we will be having another African violet and Gesneriad show on 14 November this year. The show will be held at the Burwood RSL Club, 96 Shaftesbury Road, Burwood, NSW. More details on this page when available.

10.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 10 This is Ness' Midnight Fantasy. Hybridised by D. Ness, and registered in 1991, it is described as semidoub...le large pink star/blue fantasy. Most normally the fantasy is smaller markings of blue, but I have long had this version with larger splashes. It is also even trying to be a chimera but never quite succeeds. However I have had it for 25 years or more and I am not looking at doing without it any time soon.

10.01.2022 I have been taking photographs of African violets over many years and I have many pictures therefore of my own plants and those of other people. So it seems use...less to have the pictures just sitting there. I have decided to upload them to this Facebook page one by one. Not every day but from time to time over quite a while. These will mostly be photographs of individual flowers, as I have been quite keen to take portraits in this way. Some are old, and some are newer. I have decided to begin with this photograph of a mass of African violet flowers. Dont ask me what the individual flowers are - this was taken 20 years ago and I have quite forgotten some of them. Pity. There are a few that look interesting now!

10.01.2022 'RD's Inferno' is another wonderful red flowered violet. It is a locally hybridised Australian hybrid. This plant was awarded a first prize at the Association's Annual Show in 2010. The grower was not recorded. Description: Standard, hybridised by Reg & Dorothy Townsend Blossom: Semidouble-double dark red, ruffled Foliage: Dark green, serrated/red back... Personal Opinion: One of the best See more

10.01.2022 For todays beautiful plant, it is hard to follow all the lovely red flowered African violets shown recently. But lets look at the fact that a white African violet will look just stunning in that company. This one is called Corella, and was entered in our 2006 Annual Show by Kel Willis. Description: Standard, hybridised by Kel Willis Blossom & Foliage: Those luscious white stars on variegated foliage are just so attractive. This plant, though, is not listed on First Class... or elsewhere, so we assume it was never available to the public. So this is just for enjoying the photo. Personal Opinion: Maybe this isnt available to you, but there are heaps of other truly beautiful white flowered African violets. This applies to many of the other photos that we have staged recently. If you cant get an exact one easily, then there are sure to be others to attract you. See more

10.01.2022 This is the last of the beautiful Jays' varieties for the time being. 'Jays' Flossy'. Someone was asking about it. Sorry we don't have a photo of the whole plant. But when you think about the recent several posts in this series you will realise it does prove something. That is, an African violet doesn't have to have huge flowers, be a fantasy, be yellow, a chimera or even just bicoloured to be a top plant. A violet that grows beautiful leaves that sit well on the plant and ...that produces heaps of flowers is always bound to be a winner. Description: Standard, hybridised by Jenny & Pete White Blossom: Semidouble hot pink frilled star Foliage: Dark green, plain, serrated Personal opinion: Another pink to die for.

09.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 12 Plain coloured flowers are lovely too! It is easy to think that the more complex the colouring the better ...the flower. Sometimes there are other considerations. A flower of a very beautiful single colour, especially when double like this one has its own appeal. It is Nancy Leigh, a Sorano hybrid from the 1990s. I note that the official description is white with a pink blushed eye. However every plant I have seen in this country (so far!) has been plain pink - and none the worse for that. It doesn't grow a nice flat show plant and doesn't even have a huge number of flowers. But those it does have - wow!

09.01.2022 Here is African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.3. This one is Dorothys Delight. I grew it for a long time as it was a gift from the late Dorothy Tow...nsend and was a memory of her. She and her husband Reg imported it many years ago. It is said to be a "Pale pink two-tone ruffled star" (hybridised by Heard) but mine always gave the impression of being somewhat darker than that. What I really liked was the veined appearance of the petals. I dont have the plant any more, but I at least have the photo.

09.01.2022 This is a real pretty. Our photo for today was exhibited by Margaret Taylor in our show in 2006 at which time it was an unnamed seedling. It was awarded 2nd best seedling. However it is the plant which eventually became Party Time and is very popular for its beautiful flowers. Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor Blossom: Single-semidouble white large star/rose-pink patches Foliage: Medium green, quilted... Personal opinion: Beautiful flowers indeed and it grows well too. See more

08.01.2022 Here is a rather older photograph of a plant, 'Constant Spring', that may not be around any more. If not it is a pity because as you can see it flowered very well. This plant of 'Constant Spring' was exhibited by Marina Stukacz in our 1992 show where it earned a First Prize. The photo is scanned from a print and is therefore not as clear as it could be and does not show the colour quite as well. Description: Standard, hybridised by C Reed Blossom: Double rose-pink/white frill...ed edge Foliage: Quilted Personal Opinion: If this is still available to you it is definitely worth a try. See more

08.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no. 22. This is Heinzs Bubbles, from Heinz Dornbusch. Not a terribly good photo of a not too good flower, but I ...couldnt leave it out because I like it so much. Heinz has some wonderful puff fantasies to his name and I think this is one of the prettiest. It makes lots of flowers, too. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. When mine flowers again I will take better photos.

08.01.2022 Here's a considerable change of pace after photographs of "perfect" plants. This delightful exhibit of an African violet in a novel container was staged at our 1989 Annual Show (yes, a long time ago), by Pat O'Reilly. While the record doesn't indicate what the little African violet was, the whole exhibit seems to encapsulate just what is meant by "novel" container.

08.01.2022 Here is African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.3. This one is Dorothy's Delight. I grew it for a long time as it was a gift from the late Dorothy Tow...nsend and was a memory of her. She and her husband Reg imported it many years ago. It is said to be a "Pale pink two-tone ruffled star" (hybridised by Heard) but mine always gave the impression of being somewhat darker than that. What I really liked was the veined appearance of the petals. I don't have the plant any more, but I at least have the photo.

07.01.2022 Tomorrow being Mother's Day, here is something for all mothers. 'Girl Talk'. This plant of it was grown and exhibited by Margaret Taylor in our Annual Show of 2015 where it earned a 1st. Description: Standard, hybridised by Margaret Taylor. Blossom: Semidouble - double pink and white star Foliage: Dark green, scalloped.... Personal opinion: A great plant and very girly. See more

07.01.2022 Another beautiful plant. This time 'Floozie', exhibited in our 2006 Annual Show by Dennis Halton. A plant that has done well in our shows over time. Description: Large standard, hybridised by Kent Stork Blossom: Semidouble-double vivid pink pansy/thin raspberry sparkled edge. Foliage: Dark green, plain... Personal opinion: Another good performer from this hybridiser. Seldom seen now, but really worthwhile. See more

06.01.2022 Here is African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait, no.2. This is "Sea Rainbow", a long time favourite of mine that I have been growing for many years. Acco...rding to First Class it was hybridised by J. Swift, but there is no indication of how long ago. Described as a fuchsia and lavender fantasy star, and with dark green leaves with red back, it is actually quite double, for me anyway. The colour is a little more lavender than many of the other fantasies I have had over the years. I always try to have a plant of it. See more

06.01.2022 'Phantom Flash' was very popular for showing at one time. And you can see why! Hard to beat the head of flowers on this plant exhibited by Pat O'Reilly in our 1992 Annual Show, where it was awarded a First Prize. Description: Standard, hybridised by G Boone Blossom: Lavender-purple two-toned frilled pansy Foliage: Medium green, plain, glossy... Personal opinion: Reliable plant in any collection and great on the show bench. Please tell us it is still being grown. See more

06.01.2022 Here is a rather older photograph of a plant, Constant Spring, that may not be around any more. If not it is a pity because as you can see it flowered very well. This plant of Constant Spring was exhibited by Marina Stukacz in our 1992 show where it earned a First Prize. The photo is scanned from a print and is therefore not as clear as it could be and does not show the colour quite as well. Description: Standard, hybridised by C Reed Blossom: Double rose-pink/white frill...ed edge Foliage: Quilted Personal Opinion: If this is still available to you it is definitely worth a try. See more

05.01.2022 Today's beautiful plant for you to enjoy is yet another "Jays'" hybrid. This plant of 'Jays' Icecastle' was grown and exhibited by Dennis Halton at our 2015 show where it earned the Best Trailer award. Description: Semiminiature trailer, hybridised by Jenny & Pete White. Blossom: Semidouble white pansy Foliage: Crown variegated medium green and cream... Personal opinion: One of the best, if not the best, variegated trailers. See more

05.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.18 Emiko: for a long time one of my favourite plants. I am not sure that I have it any more but it certainly i...s a lovely flower. "Single chimera bright pink star/wite stripe, variable white edge. Foliage Light green, plain, pointed, glossy. Eyerdom, 1989. Yes, another old variety but the large flowers are really lovely. Probably the only drawback is that they fall from the plant while still fresh. This is a characteristic that can be messy and may be why I no longer grow the variety. If you don't know it, it is certainly worth a try, though.

05.01.2022 'Kilauea" was a very popular chimera in the later 1980s when there were very few in circulation, and quite expensive to acquire. This plant earned Kel Willis a 1st Place in our 1995 show. The individual flowers of this are glorious, but they are completely single and like the flowers of the species fall from the plant when still looking fresh. Description: Standard, hybridised by Eyerdom Blossom: Single chimera pink fantasy/white stripe Foliage: Light green, pointed, quilted,... glossy. Personal opinion: Widely grown at one time, but very likely its place has been taken now by other cultivars. See more

05.01.2022 The Associations news magazine "The African Violet" has just been sent to members. The front page shown here details the cancellation of meetings and of the Annual Show for this year. There is also an excellent article on growing African Violet trailers.

05.01.2022 We hope that our photographs are helping to keep everyone cheerful and motivated in this period of stay-at-home. If you are lucky enough to have a plant of 'Heinz's Starfish', know you have one that everyone loves, whether for exhibiting or just for enjoying. This plant was grown and exhibited by Margaret Taylor and won a 1st prize at our 2015 show. The description is not yet in First Class, but what follows is from the hybridiser. Description: Standard, hybridised by Heinz D...ornbusch Blossom: Sticktite single lavender pansy darker centre filigree markings. Foliage: Medium to dark green, wavy, serrated sturdy. Hard to imagine anyone not enjoying this. See more

05.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.21 This is actually a flower with no name, and it doesnt exist any more as it happens. I have always been f...ond of Birthday Gift which is a pink and white bicolour. In itself it is a little bit of a puzzle until you get used to it. The flowers may sometimes be plain or almost plain white in cold weather. In the heat of summer the white can almost disappear and the pink takes over. Still it is very beautiful. But this one little plant decided to produce flowers like this. I thought it slightly reminiscent of Painted Desert. I had only just decided to keep it when certain family disasters meant that my plants had to look after themselves. This was a little one that just didnt make it. Im not sure if I am sorry or not. In any case I have the photo.

05.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no. 12 Plain coloured flowers are lovely too! It is easy to think that the more complex the colouring the better ...the flower. Sometimes there are other considerations. A flower of a very beautiful single colour, especially when double like this one has its own appeal. It is Nancy Leigh, a Sorano hybrid from the 1990s. I note that the official description is white with a pink blushed eye. However every plant I have seen in this country (so far!) has been plain pink - and none the worse for that. It doesnt grow a nice flat show plant and doesnt even have a huge number of flowers. But those it does have - wow!

04.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower portrait no.14 Now here is a chimera mutation that actually stayed constant and has proved easily reproducible from sucker...s or flower stems. This is a chimera and sported from another plant in my collection a good many years ago. I fell in love with it from the first and still grow it now. I have shared it with a good many growers and hope it is still around. I called it 'Meditation'.

04.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.8 I said that chimera flowers with a bold contrast are eye catching and very popular. We must not forget thos...e with less contrast and softer colouring though. This is 'Glitter Surprise', and according to First Class was introduced by K. Patton in 2003. The intensity of the colouring varies a bit for me depending on the temperatures. It looks more brilliant in winter, softer and more delicate in summer. It seems a favourite with many, and that will be why I am fond of it too!

04.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait 26. Here is another plant I don't grow any longer. I often think that if I were again a new grower building up a ...collection I might grow more plants for longer and not be so quick to move on to the next new thing. But on the other hand to grow plants sequentially is the only way to learn about a lot of cultivars. Anyway this one is 'Light Years', another Margaret Taylor hybrid. It's description is "Single white frilled pansy/variable purple markings." Exactly so, and a very pretty plant.

03.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no. 19 This is Biara. It is an Australian hybrid from Kel Willis. He has had some majestic plants of it in shows ...and others have too, but I also like it just to sit on the shelf and be itself looking beautiful. For me it has been very reliable, although just occasionally a plain purple will turn up. Still quite lovely. The description is Blossom - Semidouble purple frilled/pink fantasy; Foliage - variegated medium green and white, ovate, serrated.

03.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.24 This is Matinee from Margaret. Yes, it is an uncomplicated flower - just a large semidouble pale pink frill...ed star. When I say large - it is really very big indeed. Each flower can easily make 3 inches or 75 mm across. And there are plenty of them. All on variegated foliage. Easy to grow, too. Wouldn't like to be without it. For some the bicolours and multicolours really are the collectable ones. I still like the plainer ones as well.

03.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no. 17 This is another oldie. It is called Elizabeth. Hybridised by B. Bryant, it was registered in 1989. The des...cription reads "Double light pink two-tone star/raspberry-sparkled ruffled edge". But that is only the beginning. The foliage was always well behaved and very evenly variegated through the time I grew it. It was a most enjoyable plant. I haven't seen it for a long time but it is sure to be still in cultivation with someone, somewhere. Or so I would hope. Please excuse the quality of the photo. It is scanned from a transparency as this was grown before digital cameras and camera phones! See more

03.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.11. I mentioned that sometimes violets will "try" to produce a nice sport, but never quite make it. This is a...nother one of that kind. It is named 'Cotton On', a Margaret Taylor hybrid whose description was 'Single white frilled star'. It had variegated foliage and was nice enough, but I really liked this sport. So dainty, I thought. Every stem on the plant produced flowers like this so I really thought I was onto something. Next time it flowered - the pretty colouring had vanished. But I still have the photo. Hope you like it too! See more

03.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower Portrait no.23 This is 'Den's Isabella' a chimera sport of 'Topliner', which is white with a lavender edge and eye. You pr...obably will not have seen this one, and likely cannot get it, so you might as well save the effort and not try! It grows nicely and has plenty of flowers, but is infinitely variable, or as some might say, slightly unreliable if you want something that comes the same each time. Sometimes this is a more distinct pinwheel with pure white and lavender, other times it is a darker blue with white, and then unfortunately, sometimes it comes out as Topliner again. I have even had a couple turn out plain dark blue/purple. Always pretty. Always a surprise.

02.01.2022 African Violets for Everyone's Flower portrait no. 27 'Ness' Sizzlin' Pink' is an old favourite. It is a semidouble pink ruffled pansy. Another fairly plain fl...ower. It is "just" a bright pink, but it is so reliable and gives so many flowers over such a long period that it is worth its place in anyone's collection. It was registered in 1991 I see. Like so many of my favourite violets it is a somewhat older cultivar. See more

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02.01.2022 Another of the beautiful Jays' varieties. This is Jays' Peachy. It has never seemed to be as popular as Jays' Just Pink which was uploaded a few weeks ago, but it is a similar plant with a more peach coloured flower. This isn't actually a plant in a show, but lovely, all the same. Description: Large standard, hybridised by Pete and Jenny White Blossom: Double peach-pink star Foliage: Dark green, pointed/red back... Personal opinion: A little more unusual colour, and very beautiful. See more

02.01.2022 Another beautiful plant. This time Floozie, exhibited in our 2006 Annual Show by Dennis Halton. A plant that has done well in our shows over time. Description: Large standard, hybridised by Kent Stork Blossom: Semidouble-double vivid pink pansy/thin raspberry sparkled edge. Foliage: Dark green, plain... Personal opinion: Another good performer from this hybridiser. Seldom seen now, but really worthwhile. See more

01.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Flower Portrait no.18 Emiko: for a long time one of my favourite plants. I am not sure that I have it any more but it certainly i...s a lovely flower. "Single chimera bright pink star/wite stripe, variable white edge. Foliage Light green, plain, pointed, glossy. Eyerdom, 1989. Yes, another old variety but the large flowers are really lovely. Probably the only drawback is that they fall from the plant while still fresh. This is a characteristic that can be messy and may be why I no longer grow the variety. If you dont know it, it is certainly worth a try, though.

01.01.2022 'Merinda' is now the name of this beautiful flower. When this photo was taken it was nameless and had just been given the award for "Best Seedling" in our 1992 Annual Show. Hybridised, grown and exhibited by Kel Willis. Description: Standard, hybridised by Kel Willis Blossom: Semidouble pink and white/lavender fantasy Foliage: Medium green... Personal opinion: So pretty, for those who like to look at the beauty of individual flowers. See more

01.01.2022 RDs Inferno is another wonderful red flowered violet. It is a locally hybridised Australian hybrid. This plant was awarded a first prize at the Associations Annual Show in 2010. The grower was not recorded. Description: Standard, hybridised by Reg & Dorothy Townsend Blossom: Semidouble-double dark red, ruffled Foliage: Dark green, serrated/red back... Personal Opinion: One of the best See more

01.01.2022 African Violets for Everyones Plant Portrait no. 4. This is called Lyons Early Spring, hybridised by S. Sorano. I have used this photograph in many ways in re...cent years, so you might have seen it already. It was a very lucky shot. I had just got a new camera and was trying it out in various conditions, just snapping at random and this photo really stood out. The plant was on the growing bench so the background is messy, but I was impressed with the result. The description is "Semidouble white large star/variable blue eye, edge. Foliage variegated medium green and white. I am not sure why I dont have it any more, aside from the fact that nobody can grow everything!