Tulsa Convention

Presentations


Session 1 A. Basic Skills for African Violet Growers

Thursday May 29, 2008                                10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
By: Fern Hildiger, Wagoner, OK

In an economy where many independently owned and operated nurseries have been drummed out of business by huge commercial ventures, Fern Hildiger and her husband have run a successful horticultural business for more than thirty years. They began their success story with African violets and Fern has many awards to her credit. Many of her tips for growing African violets in the sometimes harsh and dusty Oklahoma conditions could be just what growers with air conditioning or dry winter heat woes need to succeed! Fern’s Basic Skills presentation is sure to be a convention highlight.

 

Session 1  B. Hanging Out on Route 66

Thursday May 29, 2008                                10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
By: Bob Green,
Rockledge, FL

Bob Green, a well known designer who dares to be different, will share his innovative techniques and expertise in a show-and-tell presentation on hanging designs—those interpretive arrangements most designers are reluctant to try.  Over the years, Bob has won numerous best in show design awards in AVSA, Dixie AVS, and Florida shows and has written many articles on design for the AVM, The Dixie News, and The Florida Connection.  Bob’s presentations at previous AVSA conventions have been audience favorites – don’t miss your chance to see him in action!

 

Session 2 A. Heart Like a Wheel–the Charm of Chiritas

Friday May 30, 2008                                10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
By: Paul Kroll,
East Aurora, NY

Chiritas grow in neat circular patterns and come in many sizes. Some grow in perfect rosettes, while others are multi-crowned; either way, these charming ‘wheels’ of the gesneriad family offer something for every taste.  This Old World gesneriad has become extremely popular with growers all over the world.  Come and learn  more about this intriguing Genus and the large group of plants it contains.  The program will feature growing tips, photos, and perhaps some goodies to be given away!

 

Session 2 B. Understanding the New Species Classifications

Friday May 30, 2008                                10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
By: Barbara Pershing,
Cedar Falls, IA and Dr. Jeff Smith,Muncie, IN
Recently, the genus Saintpaulia has been reviewed by the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew, in a booklet titled "Flora of Tropical East African Gesnericeae", published in 2006. As a result, the number of species has been reduced and many subspecies identified from a taxonomic review based on DNA studies and significant field collections. This reclassification will affect many aspects of AVSA registration, shows, schedules and judging. Barbara Pershing's Power Point includes a brief history of the discovery and original classification of Saintpaulia species with photos of the original 20+ species; Dr. Jeff Smith will clarify the taxonomic changes.

 

Session 3 A. Writing a Show Schedule that is Both Imaginative and Specific

Friday May 30, 2008                                3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
By: Laurene Jones, Annandale, VA

Everyone loves to see a show schedule full of new and different ideas to spark the imagination of growers and designers alike but delight can often turn into frustration as participants figure out that important details have been left out in the creative process. Laurene will share valuable tips and about how to write a show schedule that will satisfy both left-brained and right-brained AV enthusiasts! Learn firsthand how to spice up your schedule without sacrificing specifics.

 

Session 3 B. Advanced Judging Skills – The Pursuit of Excellence in AVSA Judging

Friday May 30, 2008                                3:00 to 4:30 p.m.
Moderator: Bill Foster,
Mesquite, TX

Many AVSA members who grow and show African violets and other gesneriads or who create designs  have little or no idea who our society’s judges are, how they got their credentials or even what their credentials mean. In this panel discussion, hear a mix of advanced, senior, and master judges talk about  their journey to judging excellence and their different styles of judging beyond what the manual says. This informative session will conclude with judges’ answers to questions from the audience.


Session 4 A. The Max Maas Legacy of African Violets

Saturday May 31, 2008                                10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
By: Janet Riemer, Pennington, NJ

Max Maas, an AVSA Bronze Medal winner, hybridized African violets for many years, creating cultivars that have been favorites for decades.  They have won top awards at convention and at shows around the country.  Come see photographs of a broad sampling of Max Maas varieties and reminisce with fellow devotees.  Learn about the last seedlings he created, how they have been “saved,” and how YOU can help to preserve his legacy!

 

Session 4 B. Planting by the Signs of the Moon

Saturday May 31, 2008                                10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
By: Adrienne "Annie" Rieck,
Olympia Fields, IL

Scientists have known from the time of Galileo that plants, animals, and people respond in measurable ways to the phases of the moon. Does the moon have an effect on us and on our treasured plants?  If you've wondered about this method of growing, this is a great opportunity to learn more about it. Annie will share the highlights and results of her experiences using this age-old way of growing . . . you never know; that Best in Show ribbon you have dreamed of might be only a full moon away!

 

Session 5 A. David Senk’s Amazing hybrids - How Does He DO That?

Saturday May 31, 2008                                1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
By: Rich Follett,
Strasburg, VA

California hybridizer David Senk has started an African violet revolution with his unique and amazing hybrids. David’s varieties stop traffic and start conversation wherever they go. Find out about this reclusive but brilliant hybridizer and his amazing work from a ‘number one fan’ who has served as a test grower for David’s new hybrids and learn about David’s past, present, and future hybridizing goals. This presentation will feature commentary straight from David, slides of his newest work and a generous supply of giveaway Senk hybrid leaves for you to start at home.

 

Session 5 B. Understanding the New Species Classifications

Saturday May 31, 2008                                1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
By: Barbara Pershing,
Cedar Falls, IA and Dr. Jeff Smith,Muncie, IN
Recently, the genus Saintpaulia has been reviewed by the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Kew, in a booklet titled "Flora of Tropical East African Gesnericeae", published in 2006. As a result, the number of species has been reduced and many subspecies identified from a taxonomic review based on DNA studies and significant field collections. This reclassification will affect many aspects of AVSA registration, shows, schedules and judging. Barbara Pershing's Power Point includes a brief history of the discovery and original classification of Saintpaulia species with photos of the original 20+ species; Dr. Jeff Smith will clarify the taxonomic changes.