Velvet Violas

Today I am thrilled to notice the nigra violas still blooming in their half hidden location underneath the black elderberry.  I know they are hardy but the elderberry branches definitely offer protection.  Maybe they'll live all winter?  (typed in hopeful optimism)

 

Looking at them on my screen, not so much do they look black?  more purple?  Either way, their cheery faces are a welcome sight on a brisk November day. 

 

Every year I contemplate replanting my strawberry jar for fall.  Putting in pansies, violas, etc., just to have something colorful outside.  Thinking about it is as far as I've ever gotten.  By the time the frost has killed the summer plantings, it's Halloween or the first of November (if we're lucky), and I get wrapped up in Christmas preparations so it sits unattended until spring.

 

I have lots and lots of pansy & viola seedlings coming up in the rock path along the north side of my house (the path featured in the Viburnum photos recently).  Some could be transplanted but are not big enough to go in the jar.  I think, once again, that project will be put on hold.  Maybe next year??

Comments

[Nancy Bond]

They are aptly named, for sure. They sure do look like velvet.

[inadvertentfarmer]

How rich and luscious!

[gail]

I love these little guys! My first viola flower crush is Johnny Jump-ups with their little tricolor faces. But these are quickly becoming favorites, too. ...I've planted them in the sunnier bed and hope they do well! I would love for them to spread about! You've captured their velvet beautifully. gail

[Darcy]

Such beautiful little flowers! As always, your pictures are stunning.

[Ra]

I just love Violas. These Nigras are a gorgeous dark velvet shade of purple! They would look great in your strawberry jar.

[Beckie]

Velvet is a perfect description on these viloas. How wonderful to still have blloms in the garden.

[Shady Gardener]

What a great idea for "groundcover!" Little pansy seedlings. I wonder if I've ever seen such dark pansy flowers? Very pretty. :-)

[tina]

What super nice pictures. You just want to touch its silkiness.

[Kathleen]

It's amazing how much the camera captured that velvet texture, isn't it Nancy? Like you could reach out and feel them.

[Kathleen]

The perfect adjectives Inadvertent Farmer!!!

[Kathleen]

oh, I love the johnny jump up's too Gail! I planted some this spring but they got smothered by the Ligularia. I should check on them and see if any remain. I bet your violas will be happy in their sunny bed at C&L. :-)

[Kathleen]

Thank you Darcy. You're the sweetest.

[Kathleen]

Thank you Racquel. and thanks for seeing the vision with me (of them in the strawberry jar). Maybe next year will be the year I make time to follow thru with that plan.

[Kathleen]

Oh Beckie, they are one of the VERY FEW blooms I have left. Any day there will be nothing so I treasure them even more!!!!

[Kathleen]

Thanks Shady Gardener ~ they do make a nice groundcover. The way they seed about, it doesn't take long to find them popping up everywhere.

[Kathleen]

Thank you Tina. I feel that way too ~ like you could touch them thru the computer screen.

[Amy]

These are one of my favourite flowers. Absolutely gorgeous pictures, as always :)

[Kathleen]

Thank you Amy!! I love violas too. So hardy and sweet.