Darth Vader has returned...sort of!

This was without question the largest flower on any plant in the LSAVC show and boy is it ever showy!  Although commonly referred to as "Florist Gloxinia" these plants are actually Sinningia.  In this specific example we have Sinningia speciosa 'Peridots Darth Vader'.

Streptocarpus Blueberry Butterfly

This was a STUNNING plant at the LSAVC show in Fort Worth.  I've almost purchased this variety several times but for some reason never pulled the trigger.  Now I wish I had!  UGH!

Rebel's Rose Bud

This is a GORGEOUS standard variety that made more than a few heads turn.  Simply gorgeous!  

Rebel's Rose Bud (9288) 11/12/2003 (R. Bann) Double light pink two-tone star/ruffled fuchsia edge. Variegated dark green and cream, pointed, quilted/red back. Standard

At Home with Hortense Pittman

I always take a few extra days when I attend the Lone Star African Violet Council show to spend time with my old and dear friends Ray & Hortense Pittman.  This year was no exception and I managed to capture a good picture of Hortense grooming some of her entries for the show.

Lone Star African Violet Council Show (2011)

The 2011 Lone Star African Violet Council Show is in the books and what an amazing show it was with over 450 horticultural entries.  I'll be posting some of the exhibits from the show over the new week or so.  So keep checking back!

Harlequin Blue goes Batty...just in time for Halloween!

I seem to be on a roll lately with Streptocarpus sporting on me.  Here's the latest.  This is occurring on a plant of Dibleys Harlequin Blue.  The flower shape is now "tubular" (trumpet shaped) and the color within the tube is yellow but the outside is still the original blue.  Strange but true!

Myfanway - a strange name but a pretty little Streptocarpus!

Did you know the general public goes CRAZY over strepts?  Me either!  Well, I didn't until I started putting them in my gift store.  Some months they almost pay the rent!

Here's a newer variety from Dibleys in the UK.  I'm not a "fan" (no pun intended) of the name but I do like the plant.  It blooms young, is very prolific blooming and the foliage is well behaved.  It should definitely be on your wish list!

Lone Star African Violet Council Show (a.k.a., Texas State Convention)

I'm just a few weeks from taking my annual pilgrimage to Texas to participate in the Lone Star African Violet Council Show (LSAVC).

This year it is being held October 27th - 29th in Fort Worth, Texas.  The convention hotel is the Crown Plaza Fort Worth South.  The theme of the convention this year is, "A Violet Traveler's Guide to Cowtown".  

The guest speaker this year is Dr. Bill Price from Vancouver BC, Canada.  He is an avid grower of the "other gesneriads" and is recognized as an expert on many.

If you're in the greater Dallas/Fort Worth area come pay us a visit!

There be SEEDLINGS in those trays!

I sowed the seeds on September 22nd and 14 days later...presto!  Seedlings.  The mother plant is Alan's Fallen Angel.  The pollen parent is TOP SECRET! :)

"Doc...I'm seeing SPOTS" or "Me thinks Streptocarpus Cajun Shrimp has sported!!

My friend was kind enough to send me a starter plant earlier this year.  It was shy about blooming so when this first blossom came on I paid close attention.  Much to my surprise it has SPOTS!

It will be interesting to see if the spots continue or if this is a "one and done" type of aberration.

Stay tuned!