Product Description
Have you ever had a question on how to grow African violets but could not find the answer? Now your dilemma is solved and you will be able to quickly find the information for which you are looking. With this book in your hands you will no longer have to guess when it comes to growing beautiful African violets, crowned with dozens of gorgeous blossoms.The primary theme of Mel Robey's third book on African violets is: Getting Back to the Basics. The reader will find answers to 250 of the most common questions the author has been asked since the publication of his first book on these popular houseplants. He combines a unique knowledge of horticulture with an easy to understand writing style. 250 Questions and their answers are covered in ten chapters Chapter 1 IntroductionChapter 2 Getting To Know Your PlantsChapter 3 Plant Food Essential For Healthy PlantsChapter 4 Potting Mixtures: Key To Being SuccessfulChapter 5 Containers For Growing Beautiful African VioletsChapter 6 Proper Watering Techniques ImportantChapter 7 Those Ugly Pests: Insects, Diseases, and Other Unsightly ProblemsChapter 8 Propagation Is EasyChapter 9 The Environment Around Your PlantsChapter 10 Light: Its Role In A Plant's LifeGlossary You will find answers to questions such as: *What can be done to solve the problem after a white, salty crust has formed on the potting soil surface and rim of the pot?*Does the type of fertilizer I use have any influence on how well my African violets bloom?*Are there any simple ways to sterilize my potting mixture?*If you could pick one problem that causes African violets the most trouble, what would it be?*Why are the flower buds on my African violet dropping off before they open? This is very discouraging! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Back to the Basics--Too basic
Frankly,I was disappointed with this book.First of all, I didn't enjoy the question, answer format.Several times, it was the same question and answer, just worded differently.Since Robey is such a sought after expert, I expected more from his writing than just the basics over and over.Perhaps worth reading for the very beginner.

African Violets Back to the Basics by Mel Robey Number OneLoved Author in the African Violet World !
African Violets Back to the Basics " Mel Robey 's new book will captivate the interest of all African violet Lovers ! Mel Robey uses his unique knowledge of the plant world to explain to the reader the skills required to grow beautiful African violets. Mel's writings are like him ,Down to Earth , interesting helping us have Fun while we grow beautiful African violets with Ease ! African violets are Easy House plants to grow and they bloom year round Mel shows this in his new book ! . Any level of growers will not be able to put Mel's new book down and you will find yourself reading and re-reading and sharing with friends ! A book you will definably want to own and ad to your Library ! .
Mel Robey is the well known Author of the best books on growing beautiful healthy African violets . Author of; African violets of the Indoor Gardening Kingdom and African Violets Gifts from Nature.
His third New book " African Violets Back to the Basics " We all know and admire Mel Robey for his Love and knowledge of African violets ! His books are Priceless !
... Read more

Product Description
A comprehensive guide to this popular species, with sections on history, development, classification, propagation, general care, hybridization, and prevention of diseases and pests. 128 pp 5 x 8 8 pp color photos, 28 line drawings ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

nice to know not own
some info good whileothe info just too over the top....i was looking for more info than book contained.

violet guide review
I was quite disappointed in this book. I was looking for a basic how to guide in the care of violets. It was to scientific in nature, and not basic in the information needed. I would not recommend it for novice violet growers such as myself.

Very pleased!!
I grow hundreds of violets, I'm experienced but always searching for something new and better to learn. I find this little book very informative and well written! The types, history, hybrids (incl. the list & tips for some variants), cultivation, reproduction, tips & tricks, pests - it's all here.

I guess if you ever happen to seriously grow african violets or have some of them on the window sills, this book is will tell you everything you need to know for successful keeping these pretty little plants! :)

EXCELLENT BOOK TO ADD TO YOUR COLLECTION
Being an enthusiastic hobbyist, I have found this work to be most helpful.In one way or abother, this one work is able to answer the majority of my questions and has certainly enhansed my ability to enjoy by hobby.Of course one book can not do it all, but this one certainly comes very close.I collect books on the subject of African Violets and enjoy them almost as much as actually collecting, raising and enjoying the plants.This work has been a great addition to my collection and I highly recommend it.

The Latest Book on African Violets
This is the latest book on African Violets and it is certainly one of the most updated ones regarding techniques and products available in the market. This book shows how to propagate, cultivate/grow and show your beloved African Violets. Great ideas on type of water, soil, light, humidity to obtain great show plants. Also, it has ideas on how to prevent diseases such as cyclamen mites, crown rot, ... Great book for beginners and even for those wanting to hybridize their African Violets. ... Read more

Product Description
A complete and thorough update for a successful guide, originallyreprinted nine times. An authoritative guide to success with these supposedly difficultplants, with clear, practical advice from Britain's leading African Violet specialist.Completely free of technical jargon, and illustrated with superb colour photographs,African Violets will fire would-be collectors with enthusiasm and give encouragement tothose who have previously found them difficult to grow. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

African Violet reference Book
The book was in perfect shape, and arrived before the promised date.Very good.

A OKAY BOOK BUT I HAVE RESERVATIONS
I was in complete agreemnent with the first reviewer of this particular book.I did find certain aspects to be quite helpful and am certainly glad I added it to my collection (of books on this subject).On the other hand, I could not recommend it for the beginning in this wonderful hobby.To start with, the author did seem quite full of himself and did indeed treat the reader as if he were lecturing a small child.I am no expert in this area, but again, I did not just fall off a turnip wagon either.While worthwhile reading, there are certainly better books out there for the money and I would suggest you take a close look at some before you leap at this one. If like most of us, you do not have all that much money to throw around, you could probably spend you money more wisely elsewhere.

A little disappointing
Let me preface this by saying that this is the first book on African Violets that I've purchased.I have just gotten into the "Violet" hobby, and presently share my home with 26 of them (and growing!).

I was looking for a reference guide.I'm a novice but not neccessarily a beginner.There was a lot of great information there, if you are growing your first AV, and have no idea where to start in caring for it and there was a nice section on creating your own hybrids.But somehow I felt like the writer was talking down to me through the whole book.I would have liked to see more discussion about the different leaf and flower types, and a little less obbsessing about drownings.

If you're not starting at the very beginning of your African Violet hobby- maybe this isn't the right book for you, but if you are just starting, and need all of the basic information this could be a good jumping off point for you. ... Read more

Product Description
An authoritative guide to the cultivation and care of African violets, divulging the secret of keeping these supposedly tricky plants in beautiful condition. The author has over 20 years' experience of commercial violet growing behind him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

WONDERFUL LITTLE BOOK
I raise African Violets strictly as a hobby.I have owned and used this great little book for a number of years now and have found it to be quite valuable hobbyist like myself.It has a number of very nicely done illustrations, both color photos and black and white drawings.Like another reviewer, I have found the Q&A Section of the books to be more than useful.I have yet to come across a question that this section did not at least touch on at the very least, or refer me to where I could find the answer.The text is well done and quite understandable.I have a number of other books on the same subject and some of those get quite "techy" at times...not so this volume.Recommend this one highly.

Excellent book with much information for the novice!
Tony Clements' "African Violets" book is an excellent, one-stopreference with a wealth of information.

Being new to the hobby, I foundthis guide amazingly useful.It features seven main sections, beginningwith the history of African Violets (very interesting) and continuingthrough the basic topics of plant care and propagation.It includessections on basic care, pests and diseases, propagation by seed or leaf,and discussions on displaying African Violets.

Most useful, however, isthe seventh section entitled "Your Questions Answered" whichfeatures a handy and easy-to-use reference of common questions and answers. These are separated by category headers (e.g. "Pots AndRepotting", "Temperature, Humidity, And Water", etc) andcontain a shortened, easily accessible version of the information foundwithin the first six sections of the book.

The book also includes a"List of Popular Named Varieties" and a "Suppliers andUseful Addresses" list.Neither is overly informative (the supplierslist contains only six references, three for the United Kingdom and threefor the United States), however both are nice touches.

As a newparticipant in the African Violet keeping hobby, I found this book to be anexcellent source of information.For those more experienced in this hobby,"African Violets" is still a great reference, and an easy,informative read.

great reading-I'm trying their technique of hybridising-
Very interesting book.I've already had success with stem propogation. This book explains how to cross pollenate two different colored violets.I just cross pollenated a single white flowered violet with a double pink flowered violet. I won't find out if it's a success for at least a year but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a bi-color double bloom. We'll see. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Too much
I was told about this text by a member of the local African Violet society. I mentioned that I wanted a book for beginners.

This book is very thorough but geared toward the advanced or experienced grower. For this reason, I found it somewhat overwhelming.

I'm looking for another book for a beginner!

AT LAST - A HOW TO BOOK FOR US ALL!
The title of this book my be a bit misleading. While it does indeed cover almost every aspect of raising African Violets for show, it is much, much more. If you buy only one book addressing the raising of these wonderful plants, buy this one. The book is written in a straight forward manner, presenting many details, without being over whelming. Technical terms (jargon) are kept to a minimum. You do not need a degree in horticulture to understand the points the author is making. The book is quite suitable for both beginner and advanced grower alike. Illustrations are simple but very adequate and understandable as is the author's style. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the raising of African Violets! I wish there were more books on the market like this one.

great beginners book
Loved the drawings and easy to understand directions. A good book to have handy when playing with our av.

At Last, an African Violet Book for Everyone
The title of this book my be a bit misleading.While it does indeed cover almost every aspect of raising African Violets forshow, it is much, much more.If you buy only one book addressing the raising of these wonderful plants, buy this one. The book is written in a straight forward manner, presenting many details, without being over whelming.Technical terms (jargon) are kept to a minimum.You do not need a degree in horticulture to understand the points the author is making.The book is quite suitable for both beginner and advanced grower alike. Illustrations are simple but very adequate and understandable as is the author's style.I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the raising of African Violets!I wish there were more books on the market like this one.

An excellent book for all growers, for show or not.
As a grower of African Violets for many years, I find this book to be perhaps the most informative, particularly for the actual growing of the plants, in print. Virtually every aspect of growing perfect plants isdiscussed in a straight-forward format. Opinionated only by factualinsight, no words are wasted. Technical necessities are discussed at alevel for most everyone to easily comprehend and put to use. Considered THEBOOK in many grower circles, and deservedly so by virtue of the successthat can be achieved by following the authors advice. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

African Violets, Queens of the Indoor Gardening Kingdom
African Violets, Queens of the Indoor Gardening Kingdom was one among many such books I have purchased in the last few months.I am a new-to-African-Violets lover, and I purchased a mini library on the subject.African Violets, Queens of the Indoor Gardening Kingdom was definitely a stand-out text.A good general reference guide! I have already used it repeatedly! ... Read more

Product Description
Have you ever killed an African violet? Kent and Joyce Stork killed their first violet too! They soon mastered the skills for growing the plant and eventually wrote for the African Violet Magazine, the official publication of the African Violet Society of America, Inc. for over ten years. Their column For Beginners explained the basic elements of growing violets in an entertaining and straightforward way that anyone could understand.

Now these columns have been adapted and edited to provide even the most novice grower with a step-by-step guide, whether the goal is simply to keep violets alive or to exhibit the plants in competitive shows.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Not for a beginner.
I'm a beginner.
First things first, what kind of pot should I buy.
All this book talks about is weather it be clay or plastic.
It makes no reccomendation of any brand. It does not even mention brands. Or the types of plastic pots their are.
O.K. I don't have a pot maybe I'll skip over to see what is reccomended for soiless mix. They tell me there are 3 main ingredients. Would you belive they make no mention of how
much of each to use to make up my soiless mix.
Do I use equal parts of each???
Remember i'm a beginner and the name of this book is
"You Can Grow African Violets"
One other thing about this book. They say a picture is worth a 1000 words. Sorry there are no pictures or drawings in this book.

Excellent Guide
This should be sold in every store that sells african violets. It provides all the information you need to grow show worthy plants.

Good book!
The book is very helpful for learning the basics of growing African violets.It would be nice to have more illustrations, but they aren't absolutely necessary.I'm happy with the order.

Definitely a good way to get your Violets on the right track
Several months ago I started growing african violets for the first time.I got this book and read it all the way through once and then have referred to it several times since.It really gave me a good feel for how to start and grow them successfully.I avoided several pitfalls I'm sure I would have fallen into otherwise.Examples:
- How to not over-water
- How to avoid commercial violet potting mixes and fertilizers that have urea in them.
- When to give up on a plant, before it causes more trouble for other plants.
- Grooming
- Lighting and environent

My 10 violets are beautiful and I'm not spending endless hours fussing with them.A good deal of the credit should go to Joyce Stork's book.

The only quibble I have is that the book seems to be a bit disjointed at times.The chapters feel like a collection of articles rather than a seamless whole.Minor problem, as the content is the important thing.

good basic guide
This gave me some good ideas for my new hobby.Wish there had been pictures and illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

African Violets & Flowering Houseplants
I am a novice African Violets lover.This was one of many such books I have purchased in the last few months concerning the lovely flowers.The text is a good introduction to African Violets & Flowering Houseplants, but it would likely NOT satisfy the advanced collector. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A MUST-have book if you love blooming houseplants
I've read the comment that "this book could be the textbook for an African Violet course at your local community college."That's not an exaggeration.Although some techniques and supplies have evolved that are not covered in this book, the underlying science and practical applications are so good that it is not really dated.The knowledge you gain can guide you in using the newer technologies for your violets, streptocarpus, and any other indoor bloomers.

Although I would happily pay Mr. Robey whatever he wanted for a copy, this is not an option, so I obtained one through interlibrary loan and photocopied it (carefully!) page by page.If you can afford it, order it used from the Marketplace.If you decide to go into model railroading instead, you can always get a nice price when you resell the book!

A thorough source of information.
This is a very thorough book and it will answer probably any question you'll ever have about African violets.It covers anything from potting mixture composition to lighting, watering, pests (covered to the extent to give you nightmares), the various methods of propagation, hybridizing, and genetics.Because it gets into the science of growing African violets, it is probably not for the person who has a passing interest in them.However, I am one of those who love African violets and am relieved to have a source to go to get all of my questions answered.

It's a big book, and reminds me of a textbook in size and weight. It has 314 pages and 29 color photos.

Comprehensive information
Robey's book provides an excellent overview of both the history and present culture of African violets, including such areas as hybridizing.For as popular as African violets are, there are few books that focus onthem, and Robey's is one of the best.I would recommend it for the libraryof any serious AV grower. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Queen of african violets
M's Van Pelt brings her considerable experience and knowledge to the writing of this book. At one time, african violets were the most popular indoor blooming plants.* This book came out during that first flush of popularity for violets.

This book not only has beautiful color photos, but detailed black and white line drawings. M's Van Pelt explains everything from "boy" and "girl" foliage to how to grow and show violets. There are a few outdated comments - there are now some yellow african violets and the internet has made swapping leaves a much quicker process. But her methods of plant care are clear and concise, based on the plants needs as well as the folks living in the house. If you're interested in african violets, I recommend this book highly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

My picture "Bible"for vintage African Violets &Episcias"
As an African Violet & Gesneriad grower, enthusiast, and self proclaimed "Gesneri-addict", I strongly recommend this publication.

Igot this book when it was first published. I wanteda book that wood provide me with reliable information about African Violetculture.I found so much more than what I had expected.Mr. Jamesincluded flourescent lighting information, soil recommendations, and greatpropagation tips as well.I still, to this day, refer back tothis book when I want to see what some of the vintage Optimaras,"Rhapsody", "Ballet" and other great older varietieslook like.He also includes some great growing info on Sinningias,Episcias, Aeschynanthus, and Standard Florist Gloxinia.

Inconclusion, this book has a lot of nostalgic value to me. Having grownAfrican Violets for over 23 years....I love seeing pictures of the vintagevarieties like "Ballet" and "Rhapsody" . These were thevarieties availablein the stores when I first started growing violets!Ilove this book and strongly recommend it to both novice African Violetenthusiast and advanced! ... Read more