I think the humble Johnny Jump Ups or Viola are about my all time favorite plant over the years. Every spring after the bitter cold and winter winds are about worn out and my spirits are as low as melting, ugly snow with spring to distant for comfort yet, a little cheeky face of a viola will pop up somewhere covered in ice water and slush with it's little face turned to the sun and I just marvel at such a seemingly delicate plant can work its way to the surface warmth. It always seems there is a life lesson for all of us in its sturdy little glory. I still have a lasagna pan of viola seedlings that I winter sowed a couple of years ago and forgot about in a back corner of the yard that bloomed all summer despite no attention what so ever. I found it late this fall at my old property but had to many other things to fit in my car that day for transporting home. I suspect they will still be there this spring along with some Sweet William and a few other odds and ends that thrive on neglect.
