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lainielady_gw

How Many Is Too Many?

21 years ago

Well, I just went through my violets and find I have about 140 different varieties. And, that doesn't equal the total amount of plants I have because of babies, not to mention leaves put down. Talk about addicting!

Some need to be culled out but the problem is that after going through everything, I still ended up with the same number! I love the heavy bloomers, the mosaic foliage ones, the wasp kinds, all fantasies, the trailers, the variegated leaves and different blossoms colors...not to mention the blossom types. I can't even decide which is my favorite color because it keeps changing!!!

But since I've been repotting all spring it is now time to start over with the minis, and I just did them in March. Well, slowly but surely, as some violets don't perform well they will hit the compost heap, but this could take quite a long time!!

Is there anyone else out there with this...er...problem????

Elaine

Comments (12)

  • 21 years ago

    Elaine, I figure too many is when you find yourself trying to figure out how to rig some lighting on the back of the toilet.

    You're nearly a hundred ahead of me, but if I had space... (wistful sigh)

    Korina

    PS Why compost what you can trade?

  • 21 years ago

    Hi Elaine,

    I don't have as many plants as you do but I suspect that I don't have as much a room as you do either. I went a little hog wild with eBay this winter and I am starting to see how much trouble I have gotten myself into. When I had a bunch of starter plants there was plenty of room but now that they are growing it is evident that I don't have the space for all of them. I am going to have to give away some plants that I bought just five months ago because the space problems. Oh well. Sometimes I think I have to buy a violet to see what it's going to look like and only then can I determine whether it is something that I want to have. Good luck with your culling.

    Larry

  • 21 years ago

    Korina,

    Because if you trade you still have the same number of violets. lol

    Larry

  • 21 years ago

    Korina - Hey, what an innovative idea! All that humidity would be great for violets! If I have a plant I just don't like I would be happy to let it go. As for trading, like Larry said I would end up with the same number of plants. Then what would I do??

    Larry - Boy do I know what you mean about lack of space. Those little bitty baby plants grow up in a hurry. I do agree with you about waiting for them to bloom before making a decision. I think it is fun to go a little nuts getting new plants every once in awhile. Variety is the spice of life(or something like that)!!!

    Elaine

  • 21 years ago

    Okay, so we all have the same emotional strengths and difficulties!

    It's nice to free up some space for something new, by trading something old. As a matter of fact, it's nice to free up some space for something old too sometimes.

    I have lots of extra plants this year, which I will either, give away, trade or sell. Anyone interested in a trade, should email me. Elaine is right, variety is the spice of life.

    Larry:
    why compost what you can sell?

    Russell

  • 21 years ago

    I recently made myself cull out other types of houseplants so that I would have more room for gesneriads! The link below is something an administrator on the Violet Voice posted. Maybe you'll find it helpful, if you're looking to downsize!

    Here is a link that might be useful: African Violet Culling Scorecard

  • 21 years ago

    YOU GO GIRL!

    Hi Elaine and everyone

    I've seen Elaine's collection and it is "fabulous"!!!!!!!
    I hope to get a collection going like her.

    Truely the Expert.

    Keep up the great collection.

    Cork

  • 21 years ago

    Brambles, thanks for the scorecard. Maybe I'll use it someday. Yeah, right; that's much too organized for me.

    If you don't want to trade, I noticed in the Exchanges page a couple of folks asking for plants to start their own collection. Or donate to your club, or give them to random strangers, or... Okay, this is beginning to sound like zucchini, but you get the idea.

    Korina (vegging)

  • 21 years ago

    Cork - Thanks so much for your kind comments. We enjoyed our visit with you and your wife, and spending the time talking violets and sharing information. I am so glad you enjoyed my collection and were able to see first hand the consequences of violet addiction! Come back anytime!!

    Russell - I agree it is always nice to have some extra space to grow something new or acquire a most wanted.

    Brambles - Thanks for the link. I haven't had time to look at it yet but I'm sure it has a lot of good information, and I plan on reading it shortly. I could use some good culling tips.

    Korina - Thanks for your suggestions but I really don't have too much difficulty in finding new homes for some violets. The ones that don't perform well are another story. I don't want to pass on to others a plant that hasn't grown well for me. It could be my growing methods are the problem(the violet doesn't like me!)or it could be the plant is from weak genetic stock. These definitely are the ones that go into the heap! Your suggestions are great and thanks for sharing.

    Elaine

  • 21 years ago

    Korina, Zucchini! Tee hee! I remember when we lived at the farm and I only worked part time. My garden was gangbusters and I was practically cruising to find unlocked cars to dump the zucchini. And now - look at me, livin' in town. I have to BUY it at the store. Pitiful what we're reduced to, as city-dwellers. If you can call it a city, being in WV, that is. HA!

    -Mo (WV)

    PS, Another bit of trivia: The folks who we bought the farm from used to grow zucchini to feed the hogs. Smart...

  • 21 years ago

    Mo, why can't you grow zukes in a pot? You might not get as many, but that's a *good* thing.

    Elaine, I know what you mean. I had a Rob's Bamboozle which *never* liked me (and I'm such a nice person!). I suppose I should've given it to someone, but I got frustrated and trashed it. However, I have a three standard Noid rescues that are also not too fond of me (was it something I said??); I tried to toss the worst one, but ended up fishing it out of the trash. I'll find a good home for them; or any home, really. And before anyone asks; sorry, I don't ship plants for postage. I got burned to the tune of $12 once, a lot of money to me. Now, if you want to stop by and pick them up...

    Happy Friday!

    Korina

  • 21 years ago

    Hi Korina, Lanielady, Montezuma;

    I'm beginning to understand Korina's concerns. I'll trade AV's with each of you, and I mean trade. If you want leaves or plantlets, I will send them to you. I'll pay the postage. But then you must send something back or it's the end of the friendship. If you want some plants or leaves, but don't want to send some then you can send me postage.

    I put a list in the 'babies, i got babies' thread. Email me if you're interested in a trade.

    Russell

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