Hi everyone, hope I am not breaking any forum rules but I have a 91 year old mother who loves african violets and I'm going to visit Friday and would love to find an african violet grower in my North Houston, TX area (Jersey Villiage/Cypress/Spring)
Thanks for your replys
Susan (Buns)
Need Help Locating African Violets in Houston
Hi Susan:
I don't know anything about this place but googled and found this nursery in central Houston. Maybe you already know about it? http://www.teasnursery.com/abouteas.HTM
I found them listed in the Garden Watchdog: http://davesgarden.com/products/gwd/c/1514/ but there are no recent ratings. If you scroll down you can read what a few folks have written about them.
edited to say: Ooops ... looks like they only carry AV supplies but no African Violet Plants. Maybe if you give them a call they would know of a nursery local to your area who does carry them.
Or another idea: I googled for African Violet Clubs, Houston and got this: http://www.avsa.org/LocalClubs2.asp?RegionID=11
I don't know if any of the cities listed are in or near the Houston area but if so, you could give them a call and I'm sure they would know where you could purchase African Violets ... maybe even a club member would have a few for sale!
Good luck with your search and I hope you find a nice plant or two for your Mom!
This message was edited Jun 17, 2008 6:48 PM
I was going to suggest Tea's also. I agree, do call them and tell then what you need. Hopefully they can steer you in the right direction. Good luck.
Thanks for your help, most of the AVSA clubs listed on that site are not very close (Houston is a huge area) and Teas used to be a huge nursery but alas they had downsized a lot when I was there last.
I was really hoping to find an enthusiast in the area. I know I used to grow 100's of them but haven't in years. I might get back into it.
Years ago I was a card carrying member of AVSA until the molly bolts gave way and all of my lighted shelves fell to the floor. I was living in an apartment at the time and hope that apt never floods because if it does it will grow african violets, lol. But that was 20 years ago when I was much younger.
Went to Home Depot today to look for some (they are usually good for a few) but was hoping for a little nicer ones than the local lumberyard garden sections. Home depot had some varigated ones with no blooms that I might go back for and get them blooming for a visit down the road but not what I had in mind for this Fridays visit.
Thanks for all of your input and I'll keep hoping someone in this area comes forth with a bonanza of blooming african violets I can take to mom.
Thanks
Susan (Buns)
Too bad Tea's is smaller now. I went there when they were huge! I do hope others will know a person to ask.
Hiya Buns,
You might try giveing these folks a call...they may have members with Av's for sale...
AFRICAN VIOLETS
Spring Branch African Violet Club
2015 Bauer, Houston, TX 77080
713-468-0844
Maybe this one??
African Violet Shop
Category: Nurseries & Gardening [Edit]
Neighborhood: Spring Branch
2015 Bauer Dr
Houston, TX 77080
(713) 468-0844
This message was edited Jun 17, 2008 7:38 PM
Good idea as Spring Branch is closer than the giant big Teas on Bellaire Blvd. Teas used to carry lots of African Violets when I lived in HOuston.
Buns,
Which direction does your Mom live? If she lives in another town, we might have some more suggestions.
Oh, I knew some of y'all Texas folks would pop in sooner or later with some suggestions for Susan! Gail: I forgot that you said you lived in Houston at one time! Should have d-mailed and asked you for some suggestions - you know I would have if I had remembered about you living in that area at one time!
Susan: Please keep us posted on what you find for your Mom! We Love pictures too!
Yup, among my many moves, I did spend over 30 years in HOuston.
Been to Tea's and I don't remember seeing any AV's there. Some other nice plants though. Brought one home to IL with me.
Laura
Probably the best hookup would be through one of the AVSA groups in Houston..........maybe you could call the Spring Branch one and ask them the phone number for your area of Houston ...........north..........you know they have a group in your part of town.
Like you, I have scoured Houston for AVs, but I wanted minis. Teas does carry AVs, but personally I don't think they are any nicer looking than Home Depot or Lowes. If you find some through the Spring Branch AV club let me know.
In the end I mail ordered some minis and wasn't thrilled with them. Next year I'll probably order some from Rob's Violet Barn unless I hear about local folks selling them.
Karen
Cypress, Tx
Thanks so much for your suggestions. I didn't find any AV's before my trip so I just packed up the hanging baskets I had found for her and will get her some AV's next trip.
Mrscritterkeeper thanks for the spring branch information that's not too far from me and I'll give them a call. and I am intrigued by your name, what critters do you keep? My name "Buns" stands for Bunnies. I used to raise them now I raise Cavys (guinea pigs) and have tons of other critters.
Hummerseeker, what part of Cypress we are probably neighbors. I'm 290/1960 area.
Hiya Buns,
I see the phone numbers are the same & didn't notice til after I posted...lol
I believe the shop belonged to the Munks who hybridized Av for years.They have both passed away so I don't know if the shop is still open???
I'm sure someone form the club would at least know when the next sales are.I've been to the sales & they are pretty nice, think thye are in March & Oct at the Houston Botanical Gardens.
My name comes from my love of animals and I'm owned by a Herd of Chihuahua's, parrots and raise singing canaries & afew exotic finches. I refered to them affectionately as "The Zoo Crew".
I love bunnies,too. I used to have a pair of piggies when the kids were young, they are adorable lil critters...I've never met a furry/fethered critter I didn't love.
MsC
Hey Buns, I've been out of town visiting my mom in Idaho. I live near Huffmeister and 290 so we're very close. I've started a few of my violets and if they sprout I'd be happy to share.
Karen