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Introduction

Hello Everyone:
I am new to the list, and my name is Keith Davies. I have been growing
plants outdoors all my life.  It was expected that one be *in communion
with the earth* when growing up in a family of ranchers, and farmers; and
to be Welsh (father) and Cherokee (mother), two cultures with stong ties to
the Mother Earth, it is an inherent part of my being.  I am an animist. I
not only talk to my plants, but they talk (or more properly, respond) to
me.  I began growing plants indoors when I moved away from home to attend
college, over 30 years ago.  My first plant was an African Violet which sat
in my apartment's kitchen window, the first of many because I really didn't
know how to grow them.  I don't remember how many died,  there were many,
before I finally gave up trying to grow them.  After college there was a
stint in the Air Force, during which time there was never an opportunity to
grow anything; but once I returned to civilian life, bought my first home,
and began my re-indroctrination into normalcy, a houseplant became a
necessary element. I purchased an Angelwing Begonia who was christened
"Ralph" by my little sister.  Ralph was the first plant I was able to grow
successfully, and he was soon joined by other begonias, and a smattering of
orchids.  Living in my familiy's beach house afforded the plants a near
perfect growing environment.  Bright, diffused light (thank goodness for
the marine layer) until 10:00 A.M.; sun (over-cast until 2:00 P.M.); and
then the return of the marine layer.  My Cymbidiums bloomed at the age of
two years (unheard of behavior), and begonias outgrew their pots every 6
months (I don't know how many of those original cuttings are still around,
but there were many given away).  During this period I became interested in
bonsai, and a Little Lady in Stockton, California picqued my interest in
Gesneriads.

Today, my collection includes (but is not limited to): Streptocarpus,
Sinningia, Eucodonia, Nematanthus, Aeschynanthus, Achimenes, Smithiantha,
X-Achimenantha, X-Achimedonia, X-Codonantanthus, Episcia, Nautilocalyx,
Kohleria, Columnea, Alsobia, miniature ferns, miniature begonias, miniature
orchids, cacti, succulents, and a modest (read...small) collection of
bonsai.  The bonsai (really...Pen 'tsai) collection is primarily restricted
to Penjing (the ancient art of miniature landscapes begun during the reign
of the Emperor Qin).

Through the generosity of two Plant Ladies, Ruth Carapella and Hedy (in
Montana), I am about to embark, once again, on trying my hand at African
Violets.  With all the kindnesses extended to me through the gesneriphiles
mailing list I'm sure I'll succeed in growing them.

Although I am new to this group, I hope to make as many friends as I have
in the others to which I belong.  I'm sure I'll be able to learn more and
more about growing plants indoors, and I look forward to extending my
knowledge through the accumulated knowledge of your members, and to making
new friends.

I hope this introduction was not too long, nor too boring.

Keith Davies
depau@northwest.com
Portland (Cedar Mill), Oregon
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