“From the sweet little Johnney Jump Ups to the cute little cat-faced pansies, the plants in the viola family are cheery harbingers of spring. Newer varities, such as Icicle when planted in fall are guaranteed to overwinter and spring forth and bloom again in spring. These versatile plants are perfecting for planting early in the season when frost still threatens. It’s joy to see their smiling faces peaking through and unexpected late spring snow fall as if to reassure us warm weather on its way.”

Written by Nancy Szerlag in her Annuals For Michigan by Lone Pine Press.