Welcome
We're not strangers, only friends you have not met!
Welcome to the Toronto African Violet and Gesneriad Society web site.
Our home is on the north shore of Lake Ontario, but our members are international. We have an active and enthusiastic membership with all levels of experience. This site was designed to introduce our society and to inform you of our activities. Check us out.
What's Happening
2026 Annual Spring Show photos have been added to the Photo Gallery
Mark your calendar for the Fall Sale on Sunday, September 27
July and August 2026
Summer Rest
No Meeting
September 13, 2026
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Welcome back from the summer break!
Leaf Sale and Back to Basics -Tips on growing and propagating plants
Putting down a leaf. Breaking up a clump. Potting up a plantlet. Mold potting. Disbudding.
Presenter and demonstrator: Beverley Williams
September 27, 2026
In the Garden Hall, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Fall Sale - African Violet and Gesneriad Plants and leaves are for sale.
10:00 am to 11:00 am opened to TAVGS MEMBERS ONLY
11:00 am to 4:00 pm opened to the PUBLIC
October 04, 2026
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Lighting, the Basics and LED’s.
Power Point presentation previously given at the AVSA Convention in Arizona 2024 with updates.
Presenter: Bruce Williams
November 08, 2026
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Rhizomes and Tubers Program.
How to start specimens from rhizomes and tubers, and the use of cuttings. A discussion about dormancy.
Presenter: Louise Cheung and Beverley Williams
December 13, 2026
In the Garden Hall at 2:00 PM
Holiday Potluck and Auction
Bring your favorite potluck dish to share. The holiday raffle will feature all kind of things related to the culture of plants. Special full grown plants will be auctioned. A nice way to add to your collection.
Note: Bring your own tableware.
January 10, 2027
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Plantings of Growing Material - Tray Landscapes
Webinar Presentation - The program includes discussions of suitable plants, landscape plans, container shapes, and the use of rocks, wood, and ground cover such as moss.
Presenter: Jill Fisher and Karyn Chichocki
February 7, 2027
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Petrocosmeas, The Must Have Plant
A Power Point present, which was recently given at the Gesneriad Convention in Wheeling, IL in July, 2026.
Presenter: Beverley Williams
March 14, 2027
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Getting Ready For the Show
How to groom your African Violets and get them to the show in great condition. What is a “sucker” and how to deal with it? A discussion on the show schedule
Presenters: Julie Thompson, Louise Cheung and Brett Flewelling
April 03 & 04, 2027
In the Floral Hall and Studios
2027 Spring Show – Theme “Golden Years of Gesneriads”
Saturday April 03 – Setup and Judging
Sunday April 04
Show Room: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Open to the Public
Sales Room:
9:00 am-10:00 am opened to TAVGS MEMBERS ONLY
10:00 am-4:00 pm opened to the PUBLIC
May 02, 2027
In the Studios at 2:00 PM
Introduction to the Gesneriad Nautilocalyx
What are Nautilocalyx and how to grow them?
Presenter: Nick Quintal and James Dean Parise
Ugly Duckling show and certificate presentation
May 08, 2027
In the Garden Hall
Spring Sale
10:00 am-11:00 am opened to TAVGS MEMBERS ONLY
11:00 am-4:00 pm opened to the PUBLIC
June 13, 2027
In the Garden Hall
Show Awards Presentation and Potluck Social
Bring your favorite potluck dish to share. Auction, grand raffle, and potluck. Note:Bring your own tableware
Honouring Ron Myhr and 50 years Toronto Gesneriad Society
For a downloadable copy of the programs CLICK HERE
Parking Notice
Fees at the Toronto Botanical Garden
During the summer of 2019, the Toronto Botanical Garden implemented Parking Fees.
TAVGS members who are also members of the Toronto Botanical Garden are eligible for free parking.
All other visitors, the cost of parking are $4.00 per hour. At the closest parking machine, enter your license plate number and select the desire duration. Payments can be made via credit card, cash, or via mobile app.
For additional information on parking at the Toronto Botanical Garden, click here.