V is for Viola

Well, I just spent the day at Longwood Gardens reveling in the tulips, flowering trees and new conservatory (see L is for Longwood Gardens) so I had no time to spare for the A to Z Challenge. Plus V is a tough letter. But I did think of my mom's favorite flowers, a member of the viola family: pansies.

Pansies come in all shades of rich colors but they hate the heat. So although they can be a stand out in the early spring and fall, during weather that's nice enough to be outside enjoying them they are ready to crawl under their leaves to escape the sun.

One variety that is pretty tough, comes back every year and is perfect for those spots under or shaded by bushes is Johnny Jump Up. It's a miniature version of the pansy and it takes a lot of patience (and a really small vase) to use these are a cutting flower.