Sweet Vi-o-lets.

If I had known how invasive they would become, I don't think I'd ever have planted them. But they are sweet and endearing at this time of year, even as I'm ripping great clumps of them out!

I chanced upon the loveliest online shop the other day called Cottage Violets. It has the most gorgeous collection of violet inspired vintage lovelies. Do have a look!

This image is courtesy of lunagirl images.

The violets at my front gate are the first signs of approaching spring here, and a reminder that I have to get weeding, feeding and mulching.

I still rely on my winter pansies for my main purple fix!

I picked a tiny bunch of violets for the photos, and hunted for a vase tiny enough to display them.

Perfect.

I found a lovely recipe for violet jam on one of the blogs one day. Alas I cannot remember exactly who to attribute it to, but I think it might have been Soule Mama, who is a very reliable source of such lovely ideas.

Anyway, I haven't tried it, but it sounds delicious.

Violet Jam
1 packed cup violet blossoms

1 cup water

juice of 1 lemon

1/2 cup honey

pectin

Blend violets. 1/2 of the water and lemon juice. Heat remaining water and honey in a saucepan. When warm, add pectin and stir until mixed well. Add pectin/honey mix to blender. Blend again until smooth.Place in jars immediately to set. Can be frozen according to the author.

The only thing that puts me off is collecting a cup of packed violet blossoms. I'd have to take a packed lunch in red spotted hanky and be gone for the whole day!