Visitors are invited to step right up for the 63rd annual “Under The Big Top” Garden State African Violet Club Show at Mercer Community College on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4. This year’s circus-themed show will include hundreds of judged plants and flower arrangements created by local club enthusiasts and growers. Arrangements will be inspired by clowns, jugglers, and trapeze performers.
Experts will be on hand to answer questions about growing America’s favorite houseplant. Workshops include “Hybridizing African Violets” on May 3 at 2 p.m. and “Growing Tips and Tricks” on May 4 at 1 p.m.
“From a tiny leaf cutting a small plant emerges within months; within one year it can be in full bloom,” says Karen Kennedy of Plainsboro. “Seeing a plant bloom for the first time is like springtime, bringing the promise of eternal renewal.” Award-winning plants will be available for purchase with proceeds benefiting a scholarship for a graduating MCCC horticulture student.
Born and raised in Trenton, Kennedy and her family moved to Haverford, Pennsylvania, when she was in her teens. Kennedy returned to the area in 1992 following a work relocation. “My home is a refuge of orchids and houseplants, in addition to the African violet collection,” Kennedy says. “My husband, John, who tolerates my passion for all things green and growing, refers to my hobby as an obsession.”
“Green thumbs run deep through the bloodlines,” Kennedy says. “As far back as the Civil War, I know that my ancestors were farming the land.” Her grandparents had a florist business in Trenton for 60 years beginning in the early 20th century. “My mother’s love of gardening and horticulture was passed on to me and my siblings,” Kennedy says. “I, in turn, have planted the seed for our two adult children, Megan and Matt, who both have gardens of their own.”
Through the years her interest was heightened, and Kennedy wanted to learn to show African violets. Realizing that she required more knowledge about proper care, feeding, and grooming, Kennedy turned to her neighbor, Luann Arica, a long-time enthusiast, who convinced her to join the Garden State African violet club in 2009. Through the monthly meetings she learned the variety of types and colors and associated growing requirements from award-winning growers and hybridizers.
“African violets, these beautiful flowering house plants, are often the centerpieces of dish gardens,” Kennedy says. “We were fortunate to receive many African violets in celebration of the births of our children, and I found plants that graced our home for many years easy to grow. With just the right amount of bright indirect light and minimal care, they seldom complained and bloomed again and again.”
Through Rutgers’ Master Gardener program Kennedy attended classroom lectures and learned hands-on practical applications in earth-friendly gardens. She graduated in June, 2012.
“I till the soil that once grew potatoes and replace with medicinal and culinary herbs, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, and trees,” Kennedy says. “Gardens make a home a sanctuary — a place for quiet mediation and profound beauty.”
Show and Plant Sale, Garden State African Violet Club, Mercer College Student Center, West Windsor. Saturday, May 3, Noon to 4 p.m.; Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Violets Under the Big Top” features African Violets in horticulture form and in flower arrangements. Hundreds of judged plants on display are grown by area enthusiasts. Members will be on hand to offer information, history, and answers about African violets. Plants for sale from commercial growers and club members. Free. 609-259-7095. www.princetonol.com/groups/gsavc.
