Violets Galore at Annual Show and Sale

The Sweet Water African Violet Society held their 36th annual plant show and sale at the West Sayville Fire Department recently and this year’s theme was “Violets at the Movies” as guests were treated to different arrangements that celebrated the movies.

The show is judged by accredited judges and all 24 members (from both Nassau and Suffolk counties) are asked to participate. this organization is one of three different African Violet clubs on Long Island. Members were on hand throughout both days of the show, offering advice and information on the plant they know and love.

There are different sizes of African Violets, such as mini, semi-mini, standard and trailer. According to president Joyce Rodler, some of the criteria on which the entries are judged include their leaves, color, culture of the plant, symmetry and condition. The winners go up to the front of the show in what’s called the “Court of Honor.” There are 74 classes in all.

There’s also a portion of the show that incorporates African Violets with other flowers. Those projects are judged based on balance, form, color and theme. There were dish gardens, bottle gardens, container gardens and terrariums. Some of the movie themes this year included “Gone With the Wind,” “The Sound of Music,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Avatar,” “Harry Potter” and “Bonnie & Clyde.”

“The African Violet is an easy plant to grow and comes in many different sizes,” Rodler said. “It’s not very demanding, doesn’t take up a lot of space and you can get plenty of satisfaction out of a minimal effort.”

All the money raised at the event, which included a $2 donation at the door, the plant sale, the basket raffle and a 50/50 drawing, goes back to the club.

The big winner of the show was Carolyn Klein, who took home the Best in Show award as well as best vintage, best Lyon’s origination, best trailer, best New York State origination and best Long Island origination. Joyce Rodler won for best chimera and best species, while the best mini and semi-mini prize went to Esperanza Kesler.

Sweet Water African Violet Society meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. (except in the summer) at the West Sayville Fire Department. Entry into the club is just $10 per year and with that you get access to guest speakers, plant sales, leaf exchanges and club projects with plenty of hands-on work.