Love for African Violets blooms
A group of gardeners meet at the Mitcham Community Centre once a month to share a love of growing African Violets.
Launched in 2022, the African Violet Growers Group brings together gardeners of all skill levels to learn, share plants and enjoy each other’s company.
The group also takes part in garden shows, displays and community events to introduce more people to the joys of indoor plant growing.
Michele Bain joined the group two and a half years ago after discovering a love of the compact, colourful plants that are well suited to Australian homes.
“I started with one from Bunnings and now I have 350 different varieties – they have taken over my house!” she says. “It’s an addiction and we all suffer from it.”
Once considered a plant “for grandmas”, Michele says a growing number of gardeners are embracing the flowers, which come in a diverse range of colours and varieties.
“Ever since COVID indoor gardening has taken off, and there’s a whole generation of younger people getting into them,” she says. “Some people have just one plant on a window-sill, while others have large collections of rare or heritage varieties.”
The group is planning to host evening online meetings to reach people unable to meet during the day.
The African Violet Growers Group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 10am to 12pm. To find out more, contact Jinny Fuss on 0474 074 005.