Continuing on in the memory of its original founder - Denise Showalter - AV Swap Buddies is a forum where African violet and other gesneriad growers living in the U.S.A. can share cuttings and starts of their named varieties of African violets.

Trading leaves and starter plants with each other is an excellent way to expand a collection. It helps minimize financial investment and maximize the opportunity to make new friends.

There are AV and gesneriad groups for those just beginning and learning the basics. This is not one of them. This group is intended for hobbyists well-acquainted with the joys of growing African violets and other gessies. We'll share our triumphs and our woes, compare tips and techniques, and maybe help each other become better growers.

This group is not a forum for seeking donors of free plants and cuttings, customers for your plant sales, or plants in exchange for other merchandise or handicrafts. Members may not request "trades for postage", which is nothing more than a thinly disguised way of asking for free plants. However, members may offer surplus leaves and starter plants for postage only.

New members must post an introduction and swap list within 7 days of joining the group. All members must publish a swap list and keep it updated at least yearly. Members who participate on the group message board at least quarterly may enter and benefit from games and contests. Inactive members are removed from the group after 6 months of inactivity on the message board.

We're primarily here for swapping, sharing and caring. We are a close-knit community of committed friends who like to grow African violets and other gesneriads. You'll find this to be a friendly bunch and will probably have a list of new trading partners in no time at all. We hope you'll join us and stick around.

Our motto is "We care enough to share".