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??
They are aptly named, for sure. They sure do look like velvet.
Posted by: Nancy Bond | November 12, 2008 at 09:21 AM
How rich and luscious!
Posted by: inadvertentfarmer | November 12, 2008 at 09:23 AM
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
Posted by: gail | November 12, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Such beautiful little flowers! As always, your pictures are stunning.
Posted by: Darcy | November 12, 2008 at 01:25 PM
I just love Violas. These Nigras are a gorgeous dark velvet shade of purple! They would look great in your strawberry jar.
Posted by: Ra | November 12, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Velvet is a perfect description on these viloas. How wonderful to still have blloms in the garden.
Posted by: Beckie | November 12, 2008 at 05:49 PM
What a great idea for "groundcover!" Little pansy seedlings. I wonder if I've ever seen such dark pansy flowers? Very pretty. :-)
Posted by: Shady Gardener | November 12, 2008 at 08:12 PM
What super nice pictures. You just want to touch its silkiness.
Posted by: tina | November 13, 2008 at 05:51 AM
It's amazing how much the camera captured that velvet texture, isn't it Nancy? Like you could reach out and feel them.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM
The perfect adjectives Inadvertent Farmer!!!
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 11:53 AM
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. :-)
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Thank you Darcy. You're the sweetest.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 11:56 AM
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.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 11:57 AM
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!!!!
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 11:58 AM
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.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Thank you Tina. I feel that way too ~ like you could touch them thru the computer screen.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 13, 2008 at 12:00 PM
These are one of my favourite flowers. Absolutely gorgeous pictures, as always :)
Posted by: Amy | November 13, 2008 at 04:21 PM
Thank you Amy!! I love violas too. So hardy and sweet.
Posted by: Kathleen | November 14, 2008 at 01:26 PM