The International Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) and its Commission for Nomenclature & Registration, has appointed The American Violet Society as International Cultivar Registration Authority for the genus Viola..

             The American Violet Society is committed to the Cultivated Plant Code, and to compile and maintain an International Register of Viola cultivars. Independently from this appointment, The American Violet Society is also taking on the compilation and maintenance of an online and print version of a Native Species Register within the next months.

             While The American Violet Society has now the authority to gather data and oversee the authoritative list, it also recognizes the voluntary nature of this process, and does not convey legally enforceable protection over the names or the plants.

             The American Violet Society trusts both the viola and horticultural communities the world over will see the value of a comprehensive viola database online and in print, as well as the benefits of cooperation with the ongoing registration system.

             The American Violet Society has designated Mr. Peter Robinson (United Kingdom) as its International Registrar for the cultivated varieties of the genus Viola. Mr. Robinson is presently working with Mr. John Snocken from The National Viola and Pansy Society (United Kingdom) in the compilation of the melanium section of the genus Viola. Viola experts in different parts of the world are also joining Mr. Robinson as appointed Registrars

.             The American Violet Society has designated Mr. Peter Robinson (United Kingdom) as its International Registrar for the cultivated varieties of the genus Viola. Mr. Robinson is presently working with Mr. John Snocken from The National Viola and Pansy Society (United Kingdom) in the compilation of the melanium section of the genus Viola. Viola experts in different parts of the world are also joining Mr. Robinson as appointed Registrars

For additional information on Registrar activities and agenda, please contact:.

Mr. Peter Robinson
International Registrar for the Genus Viola
The American Violet Society
peter.robinson@sbu.ac.uk

For all other information in connection with The American Violet Society, please contact:.

Norma Beredjiklian
amerviolet@aol.com
The American Violet Society
http://www.americanvioletsociety.org/

             In March 2001 The American Violet Society was approached by a group of show judges from Portland, Oregon who inquired if the society had any knowledge of the rules for judging Show Pansies and Show Violas.

             The query was transmitted to Peter Robinson, AVS Horticultural Advisor/Taxonomist in the United Kingdom. Together with John Snocken, Director of the National Viola and Pansy Society (NVPS), Mr. Robinson compiled a joint brochure using the latest set of show rules as prepared for the Royal Horticultural Society by the NVPS, along with illustrations of the various different forms of show blooms.

             The completed brochure was edited by Mr. Snocken, and sent over to Portland, Oregon at the end of last week.

             To the best of our knowledge, this effort represents the first set of rules in use in the U.S.A. for Show Pansies and Show Violas

For additional information, please contact:.

Norma Beredjiklian
amerviolet@aol.com
The American Violet Society
http://www.americanvioletsociety.org/

             The Preston Arboretum and Botanical Gardens (Preston, Washington) is in the first stages of master planning a 300-acre garden which will be both an environmental learning center and a series of display/demonstration gardens. The American Violet Society has been formally invited to be part of this planning process to move from phase to phase to achieve the implementation of a unique violet garden and international collection featuring native and cultivated varieties from all over the world in this newest of Pacific Northwest gardens. The complete project will take about 3 years. Among the features proposed by the Preston Arboretum and Botanical Gardens is the ability to provide a learning facility so that horticultural groups such as The American Violet Society will have a classroom and meeting space available for their members.

Note from the AVS:
             .This is an extraordinary, challenging opportunity for all violet enthusiasts and experts around the world to join the AVS with efforts and ideas. We welcome you to join us, in any capacity, in the AVS Preston Arboretum Violet Garden Project Committee. For additional information and guidelines, please drop us a line at

Prestonarboretumproject@americanvioletsociety.org:

             The Summer 2000 issue of The Violet Gazette is now available to AVS members online. The Print version will be mailed shortly.  The Spring 2000 issue is now available to our visiting public.

             The AVS is pleased to announce the following additions to our officers' team.

              Please join us in extending these 4 wonderful ladies the warmest of welcomes!.

             Date and place to be announced shortly. This will be a first introduction of the AVS to the Pacific Northwest. We anticipate a lovely event!

             The New York Botanical Gardens has invited The American Violet Society to host a special violet lecture /  workshop event at their premises next March 17, 2001 during their Get Up and Garden seasonal event.

             The American Horticultural Society is to curate the North American Violet National Collection.  This first of its kind violet collection in the USA, is being put together under the supervision of Chief Horticulturist, Janet Walker, and will be located at the AHS' River Farm (Alexandria, Virginia). Through the good office of some of its members, the AVS is contributing to this project with expertise and plants.