The
Violet Barn
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AFRICAN VIOLETS OTHER
GESNERIA |
News and updates Check out this page for the latest news:
Check out these pages, regularly updated: To link to these pages, "click" on highlighted words, or on buttons in left margin
Looking for that hard to find variety? Check out our "Collector's Treasure" pages, for both standard and miniature African violets. These are listings of varieties not usually found on the web-site or in our printed catalog. What's new on the site: Besides all of the new plant material and new photos.
See what's new for 2010! Among other things, are the following.....
Important changes to the web site! We've recently had to make some major changes to the design of the site. Our apologies for any inconvenience caused. Our site had resided on an "old" server (circa 2003) which had not been upgraded to the most current security standards that our credit card processors required. Migrating the site, however, meant changing our web-design software, which was no longer supported on the new server. In the process, the site had either disappeared entirely, or had limited functionality for about 10 days while we made the necessary changes. The good news is that the current site and server are now supported with the latest technology and security protocols. One significant change is in the appearance of our order form. Rest assured, ordering is still safe and secure, in fact, more so. The form, the page, and all the servers are secure and all information is encrypted when processed. If you have any comments on the new look, or suggested improvements, we'd like to hear from you. Let us know. "Good news See us in the early spring issue of "Country Gardens" Magazine. "Alluring African Violets" is the title of the article that appears on pages 41-45 of the magazine. A number of our plants can be seen pictured, in particular many of our "Rob's" varieties of miniatures. An informative and well-presented article on African violets and their care. More big winners! A number of our varieties appeared on the list of top winners at AVSA shows for 2008. 'Rob's Boolaroo' reappears as the winningest trailer for 2008--our varieties taking 3 of the top 5 spots amongst trailers. Others among the top varieties include 'Rob's Boogie Woogie' and 'Rob's Heat Wave'. Our thanks to all who entered at the shows! Congratulations! To all of the other big winners at affiliate shows around the US and Canada! There is quite an extensive list appearing on the site on our "congratulations" page. The exhibitors winning Best in Show honors can receive discounts of $10 from any orders placed with us. "Good deeds" Promoting the hobby. For the sixth consecutive year, we were honored for enlisting the greatest number of new members into AVSA. If you love African violets, there isn't a better way to learn than by joining AVSA. In an effort to promote membership in the African Violet Society of America, we're offering a few incentives. Choose to become a member when ordering, and we'll send you a free plant (our choice)! See the home page and order form for details. It's money very well spent, considering the value of the information contained in the magazine. Saving the "wild" (species) Saintpaulia. On October 1, we wrote a check to the African Rainforest Conservancy, for $40. This donation represents $1 from each species Saintpaulia sold during July and August. Thanks to those who participated in our special promotion and now have one of these plants in their own collections--the best way to preserve these plants! "Good deals" Special plants and special prices. Be sure to visit our "special offers" pages! This is where you'll find plant material that isn't regularly listed elsewhere on the site or in our catalog. We grow a lot of unusual, different, plant material, often just for ourselves--when we have extra plants, we offer them for sale! Or, sometimes, we just have too many of a good thing, and use this page as a way of selling off the excess--often at discounted prices!
Consider adding one or both books to your order.
We also offer special awards at all of the affiliate shows that we attend
ourselves. Be sure to grow those Robinson originations! Where we'll be next: March 11-14, 2010. 19th Annual Greater Rochester Flower & Garden Show. Otherwise known as 'GardenScape', it's held at the Monroe County Fair and Expo Center, in Henrietta, New York. Rochester is home to some of the country's best landscape designers and the show is known for it's spectacular landscape displays. Some wonderful society exhibits (like bonsai), too, as well as lectures and vendors. We're at booths 46 and 47, in Minnett hall. For more information, visit www.rochesterflowershow.com April 14-17, 2010. African Violet Society of America Convention Show. Held at the Hilton North Raleigh, in Raliegh, North Carolina. International gathering of African violet enthusiasts, vendors, and exhibitors. Sales room open to public Friday, April 16, 9-5 pm and Saturday, April 17, 9-4 pm. Show room open to public Friday 2-5 pm and Saturday, 9-4 pm. Workshops and lectures, as well as additional priveleges available to convention registrants. The biggiest gathering of African violets and growers each year--it's THE show to attend. For more information,visit www.avsa.org April 25-26, 2010. AVS of Rochester Annual Show and Sale. Held at the Perinton Square Mall, Corner of Rtes. 250 and 31, in Perinton, New York. Show and sales areas open to public on Saturday, April 25, from 12-5 pm, and on Sunday, April 26, from 11am-4pm. Free admission. Our apologies.... Looking through the site, you'll notice that some varieties are either out of stock or in very limited supply. Those in short supply are noted on the web-site, as well as the date we expect to again have them available. To ensure that your order gets filled promptly, please list substitutes! Please bear with us. We do the best we can in sending you the best plants available. Listing substitutes always helps, since this allows us to fill orders with the most mature plants. if you are entitled to free plants, we'll often select these from your list of substitutes. Looking for work? Have a green thumb? Employment opportunities available. If you're from the area (or, for the really ambitious are willing to relocate), we're always considering hiring additional full or part-time help. The pay is modest, but fair, and comes with a full package of benefits for full-time employees. The environment is pleasant and the work is enjoyable, especially if you love getting your hands dirty--though it is work. For those sincerely interested, give us a call at 585-374-8592 or e-mail us |
For your library--two informative books. We're now offering two
of the most useful books for growers of African violets and other Gesneriads.
Growing to Show ($16), recently updated and revised, has long been the
"bible" for those wanting to grow "show quality" African violets or, just for
those who want to grow their violets better. Contains a wealth of
information, for growers of all abilities. How to Know and Grow
Gesneriads ($10), published by the Gesneriad Society, is a great reference
book for gesneriad (African violet relatives) growers. Descriptions and
detailed cultural information is provided for many of the many genus of plants
within this large family. 