I have only ever bought plants from 2 places online. The first is www.bluebirdgreenhouse.com, and the second is www.lyndonlyon.com. I only bought episcias from Lyndon Lyon but I was very impressed by their plants. Another big place is www.violetbarn.com. I have no experience with them though.

Mark

Welcome Donovan!

Maybe just slow down a little? I know it's hard :)

If you want to show, you will want to get named and usually registered plants. You can start by visiting and perhaps joining the AVSA (African Violet Society of America) pages.

NOIDS are fine and great for practice though. I will let someone more to the south recommend a "dealer" (these things are like drugs) to you since it's getting late for some of the northern ones to ship.

If there's a show in your area, I understand you can buy plants there. Sadly, I have never had that opportunity.

Next, you can learn about hybridizing.

Diana

The best advice I can give you is to join the AV club in Nashville! You will be welcomed with open arms, and you will find the members very knowledgeable and generous. If they have a mentoring program, get involved. Look under 'affilliates' on the AVSA website. Also check 'events'.

When I was just starting out, I too wanted one of everything. Be sure you can grow ten plants really well before you try to grow 50. You will have to provide the growing conditions they like, and it can sometimes be trial and error before hitting the successful combination of techniques.

Also, read all the posts here, I think it touches on just about everything.

Good luck.

Barbara

Here is a link that might be useful: African Violet Society of America

Thanks guys for your responses!
I am looking into joining the local AVSA here in Nashville. I am not only collecting to show. I enjoy having the plants and taking care of them, thats why I also enjoy having the NOIDS around. I have always been the type to start a collection and jump in with both feet! I am waiting a little while before I get too ahead of myself!