April Violets

"Down in a green and shady bed, 

A modest violet grew, 

Its stalk was bent, it hung its head, 

As if to hide from view. 

And yet it was a lovely flower, 

Its colours bright and fair; 

It might have graced a rosy bower, 

Instead of hiding there, 

Yet there it was content to bloom, 

In modest tints arrayed; 

And there diffused its sweet perfume, 

Within the silent shade. 

Then let me to the valley go, 

This pretty flower to see; 

That I may also learn to grow 

In sweet humility"

~ Jane Taylor (1783-1824)

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This time of year violets are everywhere. They were one of our earliest flowers this year, showing up in late March. Now, in mid-April, our entire yard is full of their sweet purple blossoms and I have not yet been able to convince myself to get out the mower, even though the grass is getting tall enough to cut.

Ever since the two youngest ones have found out that violets are edible they hit up the yard whenever they feel the urge and pluck and eat these little beauties, leaves, stems and all. I've tried one and they taste almost like nothing, at least unprepared! Before the season is over I should try to candy some of the petals and use them to decorate a cake or some cookies. I think this recipe looks very good!

Violets have been my favorite flower since I can recall having a preference. When I was a little girl my Grampie stood with me on the little hill in his Rhode Island yard and tried to convince me of the beauty of the creamy buttercups that grew there in abundance. He plucked one and placed it beneath my chin, looking critically to see if its yellow hue was reflected on my skin. If it was, it meant that I liked to eat butter. I could not have been more than a few years old but even then I remember adamantly preferring violets, although I hoped I would not hurt his feelings by saying so and I did like butter, very much.

*****

"When you talk to me, I smell violets." 

~ L. M. Montgomery, Anne of Windy Poplars