I saw this tiny viola while I was out, and it occurred to me that we could learn a thing or two from it and its larger cousin, the pansy. Only two days ago, it appeared crushed by the biting wind, precipitation and cold. In fact, I was dismayed when I saw all of my pansies and violas lying prone, their leaves upon the ground as if in surrender. What I didn’t realize until today was that they were simply holding themselves together and saving their energy for the first warm day.
This is that day. It’s the first we’ve had in awhile, and I went outside to see what might be surviving our crazy up and down weather. Surprised that so much was available, I nearly threw myself upon the ground in gratitude. However, it was damp and squishy underfoot so I didn’t.
I am in awe of my little viola and other plants whose roots are still pushing through the soil and growing in spite of winter. This Woodland Phlox, a/k/a Wild Sweet William is green and has used the winter to grow and multiply. In early spring, I’ll be graced with violet and blue blooms, and the cycle will renew itself once again.
So has this ‘Dr. Dirt’ Dianthus I bought from Bustani Plant Farm last spring. It grew tenfold, and not all of that was during the summer. It appears to be evergreen in the present climate, and won’t it look great when it blooms mid-spring?
Which begs the question: Is spring an abundant bursting forth which suddenly occurs, or is it a series of small steps, and we only notice it when it is most evident?
Since writing this blog, I believe it is the latter.
That’s not to say that we won’t have a lot more cold weather. We will, but I see the beginnings of a thaw. Just ask my iris and daylilies who are peeking out of the soil. Spring will come again.
However, I wish these roses would quit spouting leaves. It’s early days yet.
Aisling of the Quiet Country House is the instigator of all our Sunday Strolls. For more strolling, head on over to her blog. You can find all of the Green Thumb Sunday participants by clicking on the GTS page above.
Your viola is very bright–reminds me of the pansy I posted not too long ago!! Mine was a photo from LAST spring. I am so looking forward to it again! Our temp here this morning was 10 degree’s but now it’s up to 31, so it seems warm in comparison–and the sun is shining brightly!! I’ve tried to put your blog on my sidebar and ‘follow’ it on blogger but it won’t go through. Is there something I can do to get the link right???
Jan(ThanksFor2Day)´s last blog post..Remember
Good evening! Where did the day go? I think I have this same sweet Viola in my garden…I don’t think I can winter garden without them! They are wonderful all winter long, but this last bit of cold has laid them flat. Soon Dee we’ll all be sharing our spring beauties…Keep warm! gail
Gail´s last blog post..Good morning, Garden Blogger. Your Mission, Should You Decide To Accept It…
Hi Dee, I love your insightful posts about your garden! Those violas and pansies are the toughest things in my garden too. They look awful for months, this has been the coldest winter since we moved back to TN by far, but when that rare warm day comes, up they pop. The bulbs even seem to be going up and down in the earth, hyacinths are here to day, gone tomorrow! I am so glad you are having some warmth, we are having our first snow of the season, very pretty! Do stay warm and safe when, not if, the cold returns.
Frances
Frances´s last blog post..UT Blooms Days June 2008
I agree, slow and steady:)
Carla´s last blog post..Progress: Lasagna Carla Style;)
I love violas too. They don’t reseed very reliably here but I always buy some in early spring.
Marnie
Some plants grow under the snow. Most of them are weeds, but not all.
Kathy´s last blog post..Garden Bloggers Bloom Day January 2009
Amazing how resilient nature is! We have had such a mild winter in south Texas – no freeze or even frost – I’m anxious about all the tender new growth I’m seeing, much like the new growth on your roses.
Mary Beth @ Cultivating Paradise´s last blog post..Pegging ‘Adam’
Can you say “road trip”? I think we are going to have to get a group up to visit Bustani Plant Farm since ‘Dr. Dirt’ is available on site only. I have had a daffodil that blooms January 1st most years. This year it was 3 weeks later. Gotta Love it! I’m glad to see this article since I was feeling so bad for my poor pansies. I’m going to go out right now and give them some lovin.
I’ve noticed quite a bit of life emerging in my garden inspite of the cold. The pansies that were gorgeous for Bloom Day are presently wilted due to days of below freezing temps. Hope it warms up soon, looking forward to spring!
Racquel´s last blog post..Poor Kitty
Dee, I can agree more. We have had some crazy yo-yo weather here as well and some of my plants just soldier on.
What a cheery and bright colour certainly makes one feel good to see its happy face.
Some years, here in Chicagoland, spring is like that, but in other years (& I suspect this is 1), spring does just suddenly burst forth when the snow finally disappears.
I feel a lot like those Violas, beaten down by winter, but somehow I always manage to get back up.
Mr. McGregor’s Daughter´s last blog post..January Bloom Day – Stir Crazy Edition
I’m … guessing that something might be happening down there. I love violas though! I wish they were more persistent here.
My Fatsia is looking better this morning. I forgot about covering it up. It looked like death warmed over the last two mornings. It is back up to 45 degrees with a little bit of rain. Should do better now.
Katie´s last blog post..Growing Greens in the Cold
I enjoyed this Sunday stroll, showing us that close to the ground so much IS happening.
But you often have to get down on your knees to see it.
Many would do better at gardening if they spent a little more time on their knees observing rather than tromping through the garden always looking at eye level.
Carol, May Dreams Gardens´s last blog post..In Just Two Months…
The garden doesn’t take much encouragement to begin to sprout after being in a deep freeze such as we have had. I actually hear a cardinal singing a little predawn note. Not quite full song but another promise of spring.