The Ottawa African Violet Society (OAVS) was founded by Bob McCabe in 1987. Monthly meetings at that time were held at the Canadian Museum of Nature, 240 Macleod St. and the first show was held in 1990 at the Canadian Museum of Nature. The unique theme of the first show was “First Steps”.
Subsequently, the OAVS was moved to the Old Town Hall, 61 Main St. where monthly meetings and annual shows were held in 1991 and 1992. In 1993 the Club was moved to our present location, the McNabb Community Centre, 180 Percy St. Monthly club meetings are normally held the first Sunday of each month September through April.
In 1993 the OAVS held its first annual show at the Regional Municipality of Ottawa Carleton Headquarters, now the Ottawa City Hall. In 1996, 2000 & 2006, OAVS was very pleased to host the 29th, 33rd & 38th AVSC National Shows.
The purpose of the club is to create a nonprofit relaxed environment for members to participate in and enjoy the art of growing African Violets and Gesneriads, while exchanging ideas and methods to collectively improve their skills. To demonstrate the accumulating skills the club holds an annual flower show encouraging all members to participate. All show-entered plants are individually judged based on a 100-point system governed by AVSA rules. The shows are open to the public for viewing and the purchase of plants, leaves and growing supplies.
OAVS is fun and informative and is one of the largest clubs in Canada. Everyone interested is invited to join OAVS to learn more about cultivating the most popular houseplant in the world, the African violet.
OAVS is affiliated with the African Violet Society of Canada (AVSC), African Violet Society of America (AVSA) and the New York State African Violet Society (NYSAVS).