• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide

National Garden Bureau Declares 2017 Year of the Pansy

Is it a weed or a flower? Until the 19th century most people considered the now popular pansy a weed.  In recognition of its beauty, diversity, versatility and easy-grow nature the National Garden Bureau declared 2017 the year of the pansy.

Viola, violet and pansy are often commonly used names. Grow them in the garden, containers or hanging baskets for added color in spring and fall.

Garden pansies  (Viola x wittrockiana) are a hybrid of wildflowers native to Europe and western Asia. They grow best in the cooler weather of spring and fall where winters are harsh and fall through spring in milder climates.

Try adding a few of the colorful petals to your salad, candy a few to decorate your favorite dessert or freeze the blooms in ice cube trays and serve in a glass of sparkling water.

A bit more information: The many common names for this plant has led to confusion on what truly is a pansy.  The American Violet Society has classified pansies as having large flowers with 2 slightly overlapping upper petals, 2 side petals, a single bottom petal and a slight beard in the center.

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW