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| Violets prosper in my gardens.They have almost become as weeds, choking out plants and flowers we deliberately planted... |
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| ...so much so that last year I worked very hard to eradicate them.It did not work, they have sprung up in greater numbers this spring. |
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| This year I am appreciating their hardiness. Look at these violets springing up in my herb garden. They have survived the storms, the onslaught of slugs, crushing branches, and even peek out from under weeds that can choke a tree. |
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| The violets in the picture above are a bit different than the previous picture, they are a different variety. You can see the tiny, dark purple plant in the foreground. The violets are holding their own amidst the bugle-weed and Lady's Mantle, both vigorous and aggressive plants themselves. I did not deliberately plant violets here on our property, they snuck in by hiding themselves in pots of newly purchased herbs.The good thing about weeding violets out of the garden is that my chickens love to eat them, so do my sheep.Even as weeds violets are useful. |
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| I have been reading about this little plant that is beginning to claim my heart. For one thing, it is blooming at a time when there are not a lot of flowers in my gardens, thanks to the weather. The violets bloom in the hot summers, in the shade. They thrive in rocky and dry soil, wet and sloppy soil. |
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| Violets are used in medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, teas, in cooking.Some ancients used violets to "moderate anger".I am going to try crystallizing some violet flowers to decorate desserts, and may even try some of the herbal remedies ,with such an abundant crop, why not? |
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| I am not going to be quite so hard on the violets anymore. They can have a little space here and there. |
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| On reading about flower symbolism I see the violet is associated with modesty, virtue, humility, calmness. I think the violet should symbolize tenacity, persistence, survival,determination. And beauty. Delicate beauty that belies is hardiness. "Winds wander, and dews drip earthward; Rains fall, suns rise and set; Earth whirls, and all but to prosper a poor little violet." James R. Lowell |
20 comments:
Sweet little flowers and such a beautiful teacup/saucer, Kathy. The backyard of our last home was very rocky with clay soil and we had so many of these tough little plants!
An absolutely "pleasant" read this morning before leaving for my less than perfect day at work. (It's not so bad usually) Your little violets do look sweet. And like you said..a treat for your sheep and chickens
I too love these little hardy 'weeds' and look forward to them each Spring. Mine aren't as hardy as yours yet. My bugle weed is doing well though and I'm regretting the vinca we used as a ground cover a few years back. It is sooo invasive!
Debbie
Lovely!
Amy
I don't think I have seen violets in Florida, other than as house plants. I would love to have these here. They are so dainty for being so hardy. From all you described today about these violets, I would choose that as my name, and I would love to strive to cultivate all those positive characteristics you talked about. How sweet!!!! And I, too, love that teacup!!!
Kathy,
Sweet Spring to you.
Violets are beautiful. I didn't realize that they were used in cosmetics.
Having one a violet blossom to eat would be a treat!
Lovely post and the china is gorgeous. I can see how you are falling in love with violets!
They are so very delicate and beautiful,
d
I love violets too! I ache for violets, but the rabbits eat all of mine. The grandkids and I were exploring a bit of wooded scrub in the park last spring and suddenly found ourselves wading in wild violets. It was like a secret garden. Delicious.
Who makes the teacup and saucer? I know its brazen of me, but next time I am in your neck of the woods, would you invite me for tea and serve mine in that cup? Or the daffodil one. Or the gossamer green one. Or the one with trilliums on it. Sigh. Who can choose?
i love that such a delicate, sweet flower
is really so hardy. great word picture.
I love violets, and they really are very hardy. I've seen them take over in a spot that was nothing but rocks, but still they thrived. :)
Thank you for the commliment, and I miss you too. I adore viloets! I now have them from the wild growing, unlike you I been trying really hard to get them to grow. I was wondering the other day if they were edible. So they are????
Love the dishes, I long for a violet tea set and cups
Oh my goodness, .....I've tried and tried to get violets started, but they don't like south Texas.
I'll just look and admire yours!
Hugs,
Awwww, sweet little violets!!! They sure shine in your beautiful pics!!!
We get the wild ones that are truly invasive but I kinda like it in the early spring when the bloom in the grass!
God bless ya sweetie and have a fantastic day!!! :O)
Violets are in my yard also. Yes, they are tenacious but they are my birthday flower so I will keep them. I love their delicacy and their color. I did not know they were eatable.... I love your teacup and saucer...
I have always loved violets, however,they will not grow in our climate. I want to say you are blessed, but I guess it's in the eyes of those who don't have them, and not so great when they over take you. But they are very pretty!
I just love Violets. They were one of the flowers my mom gave me to plant in my very own flower bed when I was a child. Along with Primroses and Forget Me Nots.Thanks
Yes to all the definitions of violets, Kathy. They are beautiful.
A great post on a delicate, tenacious flower. I love the shape of the leaves-they would make a neat applique design for a spring quilt.
Kathy, what a lovely post! I loved the composition of your pictures with the herbal books. Thank you for the info too.
Kathy M.
After reading this I won't be so quick to yank out the violets that are creeping all over my mossy flower beds.
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