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
By: Bob Green,
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
Session 2 A. Heart Like a Wheel–the Charm of Chiritas
By: Paul Kroll,
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
Session 2 B. Understanding the New
Species Classifications
By: Barbara Pershing,
Recently, the genus Saintpaulia has been reviewed by the Royal Botanic Gardens,
Session 3 A. Writing a Show Schedule that
is Both Imaginative and Specific
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
Moderator: Bill Foster,
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
By:
Janet Riemer,
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
By: Adrienne "Annie" Rieck,
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?
By: Rich Follett,
Session 5 B. Understanding the New
Species Classifications
By: Barbara Pershing,
Recently, the genus Saintpaulia has been reviewed by the Royal Botanic Gardens,