24 Comments

What a perfect way to manage the violets that have invaded the lawn! I'll turn them into syrup. That will teach them!

Expand full comment
author

I like it, go for it! 🤣

Expand full comment

Love the party trick! And the latest colorful post from the homestead! Thank you, Sydney!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Heidi, so glad you liked it! The violets will be so pleased 🤣

Expand full comment
Apr 26Liked by Sydney Michalski

My goodness! I had no idea. I have so many violets (which I adore) that they have escaped and become a bit of a problem in our communal area. I have lots of very dark purple, mid purple, some pinks and some whites as well as the Johnny jump-ups. It will be great fun trying these fun things with them. Thanks so much!!

Expand full comment
author

Oh yay, I'm so glad to spread the word! I hope you'll let me know what fun things you do with them :) (🤣And hopefully the overspilling violets will win hearts instead of being a problem🤣)

Expand full comment
Apr 25Liked by Sydney Michalski

Thank you for this surprising truth about violets. Well done!

Expand full comment

Except for pansy most violets are considered pretty weeds here. Maybe if I had more of a woodland space it’d be different but we are a cityscape yard. I enjoyed watching you make violets syrup and lemonade.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Cheryl, I'm so glad you stopped by! :)

Expand full comment

Violets are my favorite springtime flower, too. I craft a lot of my own herbal teas and salves, and violet flower is exceptional for a 'sleepy time' tea.

People around here tend to rip the poor plants out of their yards, and I am guilty of going around with a small trowel and baggies to rescue those which they don't want.

Expand full comment
author

Oh my gosh, I am just tickled by the thought of you out being the violet rescuer! Funny how people will get a bad opinion of something that could be really delightful 🤷🏼‍♀️ So glad you're making the most of your own violets and everyone else's🤣

Expand full comment

A fitting tribute to violets! I have common blue, Canada white and prairie violets growing in my native gardens. Another property of violet is that they are a host plant for fritillary butterflies…and their lovely scent—my favorite perfume is Verte Violette.

Expand full comment
author

Thanks, Carmine! I didn't realize that about the fritillaries, I often lose track of which beautiful butterflies are making use of which fabulous host plants! 🤣 You're absolutely right about the fragrance, so lovely. I don't wear perfume, but I take these deep breaths every time I open my tea containers of dried violets or chamomile or rose...I can't believe they last so long smelling so good! Gives me the scent of summer all winter long :)

Expand full comment
Apr 17Liked by Sydney Michalski

Does the violet syrup preserve well? Will you sell it in your shop? I’d come check that out this summer !!

Expand full comment
author

Good question! We haven't tested long-term storage yet, we use it up pretty quickly. We don't sell any food-type items in our shop yet, though I'd like to one day. I'd be happy to make you some though, if you were out our direction! :)

Expand full comment
Apr 17Liked by Sydney Michalski

That's so cool! It would take a lot of the tiny wild violets we have around here to make 2 cups. I wonder how long it would take me to pick them? I may have to find out tomorrow!

Expand full comment
author

It does seem like a lot, doesn't it? But, it's 2 cups loosely packed, and it actually goes pretty fast if it's a nice day. I hope you try it out!

Expand full comment

I love johnny jump ups and violets. Both sweet sings of spring.

Expand full comment
author

So true, Pamela! 💕

Expand full comment
Apr 17Liked by Sydney Michalski

I had no idea! Totally amazing. Moments makes me smile. Every single time!😊

Expand full comment
author

I was totally floored when I learned about it, too - so glad I could share the feeling with you! 💕

Expand full comment
Apr 16Liked by Sydney Michalski

This was such a delightful read to begin my day. This sounds delicious and fun - will have to grow some violets now!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! They should be easy to grow, and so much fun, whatever you do with them :) 💕

Expand full comment