where do you go?

18 years ago

Hi guys! My grandmother died 2 years ago & had numerous a.v.'s that needed to be cared for. I took 1 fairly large one with no blooms & have been caring for it since. It's now a foot & a half wide & flowers all the time now. I've also made a couple brothers for it & they are all huge & in thier own self-watering pot. Hmmm, something is wrong with this picture! I have 3 of the same violet & it doesnt even have a name!! So where the heck do you go in Michigan to acquire your violets? Mail order seems to be fairly expensive & I'm a thrifty kind of girl who can't bear to spend 20 dollars shipping for a questionable plant. I see grocery store ones all the time, but they look so pathetic...I know I could revive them, but still....it would be neat to have something smaller than what I've got...maybe a miniature. So where would you go if you were me? :0) Thanks, Shannon

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Comments (7)

sewnmom7
18 years ago
wow! you must know your violets. i just todat bought a mini at lowes,kinda pricey butuuuuuut. how do you get your a.v.s so big,i'd love to know,mine are just average,i guess.plmk,molly
Hapslappy
Original Author
18 years ago
hmmmm, there is a Lowe's right down the street...I hadn't thought of checking there, thanks! I wish I knew how my violets got so big, I just think it's all lighting related. They are in a good position behind a sheer curtain, & weren't doing so well until I put them there. The light is strong, but not direct, so I'm guessing that helped them a bit. I really don't know very much about violets, but that my Grandmother loved them....maybe she's living inside of this monster, ahaha! Gardenweb has been a huge help. :0)
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Hapslappy
Original Author
18 years ago
Oh, after further searching I realize you don't have to spend a lot. I didn't know there were sites that sold leaves. Maybe what my question should have been was if the miniatures you buy in the store stay miniature?
marjbcrp
18 years ago
Hi Shannon - had to laugh at your subject line as I just repotted my Rob's Slap Happy yesterday. The best place to find AVs is if you have a local AV club. Most of these have sales a few times a year as somehow violets keep multiplying and you just end up with WAY to many!! If you go to our AVSA web page at http://www.avsa.org and click on Local Clubs you will find a number of clubs listed - I see 2 for Michigan; possibly one of these or one in a surrounding state would be helpful. Generally the club members are VERY happy to give you information or even to give you violets. You can always go to the national AVSA convention this year May 30-June 4 in Minneapolis MN as you will be a LOT closer than I am; I am coming from Texas. This same AVSA page will also list vendors and you may find some in your area. And the Coming Events will list shows and sales for all areas, and you might get super lucky and find one of those near you. This is the time for spring shows and they can be really eye-opening for new growers.

AND, of course, if it is not too far for you to come down to Corpus Christi TX our local club is having our annual Mother's Day Sale May 13. I promise to give you a few AVs for your trouble!!!!

I sincerely hope you find exactly what you are looking for. I always find a lot more.

Marjorie in CC TX

Here is a link that might be useful: AVSA
lilypad22
18 years ago
There is also an exchange here to trade leaves and plantlets.
tish
minibot
18 years ago
I'll trade you a couple of miniature leaves for your monster leaves if you like, just PM me! :-) I'd love to see a plant that can get that big around :-) That sounds like a larger one. My plant keeps getting larger around every year too...it's a NoID from home depot from a year or so ago. I love it's double blooms! They tend to range in color though, I guess I have to start the vinegar experiments.

minibot
Hapslappy
Original Author
18 years ago
thanks, Marj, I'll check that out :-) Hi Lilypad, I'm a big fan of the exchanges, I just didn't try since I have nothing of value to offer in exchange as of now. Oh well, maybe soon. Minibot - I'd love to trade leaves with you! I really didn't think anyone would want mine since it has no name.... will send ya an e-mail. Maybe we can trade in a couple weeks just to make sure mine don't freeze on the way over. :-)Shannon

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sewnmom7

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sewnmom7

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