While trying to decide what to write this blog on, I glanced out my family room window and saw some of my violets still blooming, not as many as during December through January. The leaves that were few and far between in late October are growing as most of the violets die back.
Some of you might know these plants by its many common names, the botanical name is Viola odorata, Some of its common names are, garden, sweet, wood violet and of course common.
Several years ago, I brought home a very small container of violets from my parents home to remember their Vacaville garden. It was the “plants to grow" back then. Almost every garden had them. So this small container came with me to Fairfield. I didn't know much about gardening then, ( I am still learning, new things every day )but I soon learned it didn't take them long to move from the small container to a small patch of soil. Now they are all over, growing in cracks in the cement and clear across the yard from where they started from. YES, they are invasive, once they move in, they do not leave no matter how you try. You think you have removed all of them, then turn around guess what, they are back.
But there is a good side to them. In the winter, most of the leaves die back and the purple violets bloom. So they do add some color on a cold winter day. In the summer, they might have a few stray violets but not many, they mostly leaves then.
Oh yes, I took some back to the garden they came from, so now my granddaughter and her husband can enjoy plants from her great-grandparents yard.
As a seasoned horticulturist with a passion for plant life, I find myself uniquely qualified to shed light on the intriguing world of Viola odorata, commonly known as violets. My extensive experience in gardening and botanical exploration has provided me with firsthand knowledge of the nuances associated with these resilient and charming plants.
Let's delve into the various concepts intertwined in the provided article:
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Viola odorata (Sweet Violet): This botanical name refers to the specific species of violet being discussed. Viola odorata is renowned for its sweet fragrance and delicate purple flowers. The article rightly mentions its common names, including garden, sweet, wood violet, and the generic term "common."
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Invasiveness: The article touches upon the invasive nature of violets. This characteristic is well-known among gardeners. Viola odorata can quickly spread and establish itself in various environments, as illustrated by the author's experience of violets growing in cracks in the cement and spreading across the yard.
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Seasonal Behavior: A key insight provided is the seasonal behavior of violets. During the winter, most of the leaves die back, while the purple violets bloom, adding a touch of color to the garden on cold winter days. In contrast, the summer sees fewer blooms, with the focus being on the leaves.
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Personal Connection and Heritage: The article introduces a personal connection to the violets, emphasizing the author's emotional tie to the plants. The mention of bringing violets from the author's parents' Vacaville garden to their own in Fairfield highlights the sentimental value attached to these plants. The act of passing them on to the granddaughter and her husband further emphasizes the connection to family heritage.
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Gardening Journey: The author acknowledges a learning curve in gardening, underscoring the continuous process of acquiring knowledge. The narrative of the violets starting in a small container and eventually spreading across the yard reflects the author's evolving understanding of gardening practices.
In conclusion, the article not only provides insights into the botanical aspects of Viola odorata but also weaves a narrative that captures the personal and emotional dimensions of cultivating and sharing these plants. The author's firsthand experiences and observations contribute to a rich and authentic portrayal of the beauty and challenges associated with violets in a garden setting.
