Hi Judy, From Lyndon Lyon's, or LLG, I get consistently large plants, often in bloom, in 2 1/2 in square pots in a good potting mix that does not have to be changed for at least six months. They come with plastic stakes that have the plant name printed on them so I can move them when I repot. The plants grow rapidly and do not sucker. The company has excellent customer service and ships promptly. For me, it is worth it to pay slightly more to get consistently larger, premium quality plants. For all the trouble of ordering live plant material across country, I want to get the best I can for my money. They have good quality control and accurately label the plants. They are my first choice. I only go elsewhere if there is something I want that they don't carry. They also keep their web catalogue updated, so if they are out of stock, they won't list the item. So, no surprises and no substitutions. They usually have enough of a particular type to choose from. For example, they will offer five different reds or five different whites or more. Their own hybrids are exceptional, vigorous and strong. I primarily raise Lyon 's own hybrids. They also have a wide selection of many other hybridizers. They are a large enough company to be able to introduce new hybridizers. They first opened up the Russian market and offer a wide range. They seem to pick the best choices of other hybridizers, so if they offer a plant , I feel it has been preselected for good performance. If something is new in the plant world, chances are they developed it. They are consistent in what they offer, it is usually possible to find the same plant year after year, plus new ones. I like to be a loyal customer and give them my business. They have been at this for sixty years, I appreciate they are still in this business. I feel they are excellent, so why not do business with them? When I place an order with them, I already know what to expect, so I can safely order a dozen. But they will accept an order of any size. When I want to try out a new grower, I place a small order. Usually, about four. Joanne This post was edited by fortyseven on Tue, Aug 12, 14 at 10:56

StephanieZone6binKY, I will pray God gives you peace and comfort. Only He can. I know what you are going through. I simply remember when my father passed away unexpectedly, it's hard to find words to describe. Then, God showed me my father was saved and in heaven, he was alive and fine. Tears of joy. I miss my dad badly, but knowing he is alive and with the Lord is truly the best comfort. I know I will see him again one day and we will be together. On the violet update, I will continue searching on your behalf. 2 nurseries replied to me so far: 1) The Kate's Garden https://www.katesgarden.ca/indoor-plants/african-violet-plants does not have that variety any more. 2) Valley View Nursery (Ashland, OR) might have it in the coming spring, but they only sell in small bulk batches.

pix would sure help not letting the media ever dry.. might be a sign of overwatering.. which could have led to root rot .. media does wear out.. and when it does.. you have watering problems... that might be complicating the issues .. i never rescued an AV when it got that gelatinous ... sterilize all the tools you used before you go palying with other plants ... i also never thought of AV a long lived plants ... yeah.. im sure grandma had one for decades.. but al in all.. they can be rather short lived .. bigbox is not known for carrying heirloom plants .... who knows what they were selling ... probably the purple one.. the pink one.. and the white one.. lol ... ken

Ok,,,WOW!!!! This sale was one of the largest we have had in a long time. Soooo many people came and the vendors were almost sold out within a couple hours. Many people who trickled in around 2pm couldn't believe there was not much at all left. Don't get me wrong, what was left were still beauties, BUT, there were only about 10 plants left total. All sold out! They vowed to come at opening time at our next sale which will be this October. Due to a family emergency I could not attend (thankfully everything turned out well) but hopefully I can participate in October! Will post information around August. By the way,,,,we have some very faithful customers who drive from outside Michigan to purchase these beautifully grown violets and gesneriads! Hope to see you in October!!! Rosie in S'east Michigan