Member of the VAVGC since 1992, and with over 30 years growing a wide variety of African Violets and other Gesneriads, Michael is the consummate grower.

He comes accredited by the Pacific Northwest Judges Council as a Senior Judge of African Violets and Gesneriads; the American Gloxinia & Gesneriad Society (now simply the Gesneriad Society); and frequently attends shows across Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, and Calgary.

Some years ago — probably ten or more — we bought a beautiful indoor plant from a grocery store. It had stunning red, bell‑shaped flowers that bloomed abundantly through the Summer. In the Fall it would die back, going dormant for the Winter, and then reappear each Spring as if by magic. We enjoyed it for quite a few years until, eventually, it didn’t return.

I spent a long time searching for the same plant in local stores but couldn’t find anything like it. With the help of Google, I finally discovered its name: Gloxinia. Once I knew what it was, I tried to find one to buy, but it seemed impossible. A friend suggested that I reach out to a local African Violet Club, because some members might grow Gloxinias.

I found the club on Facebook and sent a message asking whether anyone had this plant and whether I could buy or receive a leaf cutting. As luck would have it, the club had a meeting that same week, and I was invited to attend as a visitor. I went— and I loved it. That’s how I became a member.

I’m still fairly new compared to some people who have been part of the club for twenty or thirty years. This is only my 5th year; I joined in 2022. Since that first meeting, I’ve really enjoyed being involved.

By the following Spring I was more than hooked on Gesneriads. At the Spring Show & Sale, I somehow ended up with around a hundred plants, all in bloom. They were stunning. That was my very first year growing Streptocarpus.

That’s the story of how I joined the club. I don’t have a long history like many of our experienced members, but I truly enjoy being part of this community. Besides houseplants, I also grow vegetables — tomatoes, cucumbers, and others — and we have fruit trees, roses, lilacs, hydrangeas, and more.