The Little Flower that Could
What flower has a face, is edible, blooms in both spring and fall and comes in the widest range of colors? If you guest pansies, you are right! Pansies are one of the best ways to add color to those 6 months of cooler Hampton Roads weather that we experience from October thru March. These tough, vibrant flowers come in all the colors of the rainbow ~ including red, purple, blue, bronze, pink, black, yellow, white, lavender, orange, apricot and mahogany. Pansies are easy to grow, are hardy and provide a burst of cool weather color. Pansies can be used in a variety of ways. Here’s a few of our favorite ways to show these beauties off:
- Both the leaves and flowers are edible and have a mild, minty taste. They are even a rich source of vitamin A and C! Use leaves and flowers as garnishes in cakes, fruit salads, green salads, desserts and soups.
- Float pansies in a shallow bowl for an interesting mosaic-like effect.
- Freeze petals in ice cube trays and use in drinks.
- They make excellent cut flowers. Use to add a burst of seasonal color in flower arrangements.
- Plant pansies as an edging to form a colorful border in flower beds.
- Fill window boxes & hanging baskets with pansies to brighten up the exterior of your house.
- Cut pansies make for a colorful tabletop centerpiece… we especially love them arranged in a hollowed out pumpkin.
- Fill small containers like strawberry jars & bud vases with pansies for pops of color around your house.
- Plant white pansies in containers surrounding a dwarf Alberta spruce. Top it off with white lights for a festive holiday display.
- Press pansies between two pieces of glass and frame for a unique work of wall art.
- Pansies make excellent companions for spring-blooming bulbs, such as tulips, iris, and daffodils.
- Plant under shrubs; acting as living mulch, plus they inhibit the growth of weeds.
