Years ago, we used to drool all over the place when we had the chance to look at pretty violet pictures, and I even remember the days of drooling over the paper catalogs (we don’t so much have those anymore!) The Violet Barn used to have a great little pamphlet catalog with color photos, and I picked some of my very first varieties from those pictures. Of course now we have unprecedented access to beautiful violet pictures all over the internet. It just didn’t used to be that way. We diehards had to learn the “hard way” how to truly understand a description so that we wouldn’t be disappointed when the plant bloomed. Not anymore! Now we can see almost any violet we want before we decide if we want to grow it. And of course First Class has spoiled us, as well as the endless sites on the internet and facebook where we get to chat and learn from others who also enjoy the hobby. The times have changed, that much is certain - for the better, I do believe, but for those who are newer to the hobby, you can’t fully understand that feeling of anticipation waiting for the first bloom on a plant that you have NEVER seen a photograph of. Most of us now create our wish lists based on photos. And with that said, here are some pics for you to enjoy...
Getting back to business, I want you all to know that while I've been bad about keeping the blog as updated as I would like these days, the plants are doing well and I’ll be able to sell leaves this year. The plants did not really like being in the cold basement this winter. Fortunately for me, it was a mild winter this year thanks to El Nino, so I have another 8 or 9 months to make a plan for next winter. Actually I already have a plan, but it probably really will take all that time to implement it.
If you are thinking of placing an order with me, please know that as of right now, the inventory lists on this site are up-to-date, so make those wish lists and send them off to me whenever you can. While I won’t be sending out any boxes until it's warm enough here in Chicago, getting your lists early will help me a lot. I can repot (and pamper) those varieties first and even put down some “insurance” leaves. The orders will be sent out in the order in which I receive them, and since I don’t have several duplicates of each variety, get your name on the list soon before I run low! Some of the more popular varieties are quick to sell out in the spring, so the early birdies get the wormies. :-)
As always, friends....Happy Growing!