Join expert for talk on popular houseplant

Growing African violets is a lot of fun- they thrive under a variety of conditions and provide bloom all year long. With thousands of varieties to choose from, nearly every color is represented, as well as edged, fantasy, striped and variegated characteristics.

An avid grower of African violets for 20 years, Susan Gimblet usually cultivates between 75 and 80 different varieties at any given time. Join Gimblet at Blithewold Mansion, Gardens & Arboretum on Wednesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. as she touts the violet's virtues and shares her time-tested secrets.

Growing conditions, re-potting techniques, propagation protocols, and maintenance will be covered in depth. Gimblet will show and sell violets from her personal collection and she invites participants to bring in their own plants for evaluation and grooming.

Pre-registration is required, and the cost is $12 for Blithewold members and $15 for non-members. Call 253-2707, ext. 21 to register, or visit www.blithewold.org.