It’s an annual affair, “a spring fling” if you will, between myself, and the African Violet Society here in Seattle.

Sweet, little, tiny plants are proudly displayed among the “regular sized” plants – and, like me, the smaller the plant, the better.

So, I picked up a couple of Sinningias – only because I always come late to this show, and I’m always missing them. I also found those neat containers that keep them watered – because they are so tiny, I might miss them when I get really busy with work.

And, I had to pick up a couple more miniature African violets of course, but these ones are trailing. “They’re different than the ones I already have!” I tell my husband while watching his eyes roll to the back of his head.

(He is slowly being driven around the bend by my mini plant addiction – you’ll probably find him in the nut house in a few years. But, I’ll make sure to plant a miniature garden outside his window, so he’ll think of me often.)

African Violets are part of the Gesneriad Family that contains more than 2,500 species of plants. They are tropical and subtropical, which really means they make great houseplants. They come in all different kinds of shapes, sizes, colors, and flowers, to suit all kinds of personalities, situations and home décor. There is something for everyone in this family!

The African Violet still tends to be the most familiar, and it remains a true pleasure to grow. Look for the mini ones to add to your terrariums, or miniature garden scenes. Get a grow-light bulb for your office desk lamp, and set yourself up a wee garden that you can escape to anytime.

For those outside the Seattle, be sure to check out The African Violet Society of America (http://www.avsa.org) for more information on clubs in your area. Just doing a quick scan through Google leads me to believe that they are just about everywhere!

In the Seattle area, checkout their Web site for more information, and very resourceful links page too: http://seattleafricanvioletsociety.googlepages.com/. You can join their mailing list and receive notices on the next sale. They meet once a month throughout the winter months, on Beacon Hill.

Now, I’m off to repot my new wee gems which should take me about three minutes! Or, maybe I’ll stretch it out to five minutes… I’m feeling a bit reckless today.

Janit can be reached at info@TwoGreenThumbs.com or 206-352-0494.