Many species of the Violaceae family are found in temperate areas in the northern hemisphere. The viola pictured here is Viola Tricolor or "Johnny Jump Up." It is a common European wildflower. One of its other names, "heart-ease" refers to its medicinal use in past centuries. Lady Mary Elizabeth Bennet cross-bred a large sampling of viola tricolor plants from her father's estate near London, UK. She presented the first large flowered violas and pansies to the Royal Horticultural Society in 1812.
A half-hardy annual, this humble wildflower provides colorful and dainty ground-cover in our garden from spring to mid summer. When it becomes too warm out, the plants begin to lose their luster, and become susceptible to powdery mildew, so it is best to cut them back or remove them. As they self-seed, they will return!
A native viola, the Viola Canadensis (Canadian White Violet) grows in moist, humus-rich North American woodlands. The Canadian White Violet is common in some states and provinces, and threatened in others, including Saskatchewan. These native violas (see gallery) have thrived in a small, shady, mossy corner in our yard.
Congratulations to backcachers for the FTF!
Update: In January 2019, the city track set a 1 km cross-country ski loop in Harold Tatler Park North.