June Meeting

Tuesday 21st June 2016

Topic - African Violets

Presenter - Annette Kennedy

This morning we welcomed Annette Kennedy from Bass Valley African Violets to talk to us. Annette was very informative and gave us a bit of the history of this very pretty plant as well as a bit of history of how she and her husband first began cultivating African Violets and their entrance in the Melbourne Flower Show. She explained about the many and varied types, such as miniature, standard, and trailing, and the different colours that are able to be grown, as well as how and where to grow them in order to get the best results. African Violets are predominantly an indoor plant that needs sufficient light, preferably 8-10 hours a day, but not direct sun, to thrive. They do not like to be over watered. Annette also gave us a demonstration of how to plant, re-pot, and also grow from cuttings. She brought along some beautiful specimens for purchase as well. It was a wonderful presentation and the members enjoyed it immensely. Thank you very much for sharing your experience and expertise Annette.

The Betty Knox Award (Best Exhibit)

There was a very full show bench this month with a spectacular array of exhibits so the judges had their work cut out for them. They decided on a beautiful display of crimson and green Hydrangea staged by Aileen Hogan. Very impressive, congratulations Aileen - well done!

Popular Vote Award

In a month of tough competition and many amazing exhibits to choose from, Meng Yeap took out the most popular award with a lovely vase of pretty pink Luculia. A worthy winner - congratulations Meng!