An unassuming but tenacious little plant, often hiding in
shady corners of the garden, flowers profusely in early spring but will often
have flowers throughout the year.
One of the earliest plants to flower in the spring, it
gladdens the heart when one spots it, I like to make little posies of these
lovely little flowers wrapped with a few of their heart shaped leaves to
brighten friends Winter Days, although historically it is the flower of loss and grief, especially
in literature: -
“I know a bank
where the wild thyme blows,
Where oxlips and
the nodding violet grows”
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Act II, Scene 1
As a child I remember picking Violets with mum to
crystallise for decorating Mother’s Day Cakes, also the little Parma Violet
Sweets, which are still available.
Crystallising the flowers is easy to do and can be used to
decorate cakes, ice cream and puddings, a few raw flowers can make an
interesting addition to a salad.
Medically violets are cooling, anti-inflammatory and
expectorant, violet syrup is an effective cough remedy and decongestant. On a
mental level they are useful for anxiety and insomnia, the two often going hand
in hand.
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