Brian Connor is an enthusiastic indoor gardener who has grown gesneriads since he was a teenager and is currently Program Chair of the NCAC chapter of The Gesneriad Society. On Sunday, September 18, at 2:30 pm at The Behnke Nurseries in Beltsville, Brian will be presenting a lecture on "Propagating Gesneriads," so you can learn the tips and tricks to sharing your favorite gessie with your friends, neighbors, and fellow society members! (It is rumored that this will be a hands-on session!)
Streptocarpus 'Neil's Strawberry' grown by Brian
Currently, he enjoys collecting and showing Sinningia, Streptocarpus, Episcia, Chirita, Saintpaulia (African Violets), Kohleria, Nematanthus, Smithiantha, and many other wonderful gesneriads. His plants are grown (mostly wicked) under fluorescent lights, natural sunlight, or a combination of the two.
Occasionally he tries his hand at orchids, begonias, and succulents. Plant cultivation (and propagation!) does not leave him much time to pursue his other interests such as travel, cooking, reading, and tennis. Flowering plants bring a number of unique joys and a few challenges to his life.
Brian is the Vice President of NCAC and was Flower Show Co-Chair for The Gesneriad Society’s annual convention in July 2011. He is also Vice President of the Baltimore African Violet and Gesneriad Club and an active member of the Mid Atlantic African Violet Society.
The show and sale are open to all--society members, chapter members, and the public. Check out the speakers schedule, peruse the sales table, or even enter your own plants into the show!
