Tuesday 14 June 2011

V is for Violets and Violas

Vibrant and Versatile they vary in variety adding valuable colour to borders, pots and hedgerows.This is my contribution to ABC Wednesday to celebrate the letter V



Viola odorata - the wild violet


Folklore:

The ancient greeks considered the violet a symbol of fertility and love,so they used it in love potions

Midsummer Night's Dream

I know a bank whereon the wild thyme blows
Where oxslips and the nodding violet grows
Quite over canopied with luscious woodbine
With sweet muskroses ,and with eglantine
There sleeps Titania sometime of the night
Lull'd in these flowers dances and delights
And there the snake throws her enamell'd skin,
Weed wide enough to wrap a fairy in.

William Shakespeare





New additions to my garden - Viola Martin - Spider - Victoria's Blush - bought from a local plant fair at Hodnet Hall

Gardeners tip given to me on that day - always grow violas in deep pots - to give maximum root space and clip back hard in September to encourage new healthy growth.

10 comments:

  1. They are such pretty flowers, delicate and innocent looking.
    Jane x
    Lucky you to see Elton John!

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  2. We have planted violets in our deck planters for the first time this year. I love them

    An Arkies Musings

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  3. Very pretty (and good posting!)
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  4. So, so lovely. I love the pastel lavender shades of violas.

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  5. I love violas and have quite a few in my garden too. Great idea for the V post and beautiful shots.

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  6. lucky you going to Elton John. The photo of the viola is lovely - I love those colors.

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  7. That brought back memories, I once played Titania in a production and loved those words...love your header photo, lucky you getting to hear Elton John, bet it was magical too.

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  8. So lovely to hear from you all it makes blogging so worth while - take care x

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  9. Jane - catching up with your blog tonight! You lucky ducks going to see Elton John - brilliant! Your violas are cool too xxx

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