Violas…

ID you know that violas have four times the flower power of pansies? For a truly spectacular effect, plant en masse; don’t be content with just one or two trays of seedlings.

Violas (Viola cornuta) are more compact and lower growing than pansies and they flower through winter and spring, and even into summer. The tiny, dainty blooms cover the bush, almost obscuring the leaves. Like pansies, the range of colours is extensive with many having ‘faces’ and ‘whiskers’.

A great choice for small gardens, violas do best in a position that receives sun in winter but semi-shade in spring and summer.

Dedging for beds of cabbage, spinach or lettuce. Viola flowers are edible (for salads and desserts). ■ As fillers for containers, windowboxes and hanging baskets, especially the trailing varieties. ■ Together with Bellis perennis, and even alyssum, they can be grown in tiny pockets of soil between steps as well as in loffel stones that are often used as retaining walls. into the beds when preparing them. Incorporate a slow-release fertiliser into the potting soil if planting in a container.

Once the bed has been prepared, plant violas 15cm apart.

They should be close enough to make a show but still allow the air to circulate.