The Pansy

Written by Madame Aradia

Tuesday, 21 April 2009 15:35

One of the first flowers you will be able to buy at your neighborhood nursery is the “sunny-faced” pansy. Though this little flower can handle light frosts and cold temps, the summer heat can wipe them out. Try planting them in the shade so they have a better chance of surviving the harsh summer sun. You can get pansies to re-seed themselves by letting the flower heads go to seed in the autumn and covering them with mulch. The pansy has many names including heart’s ease, kiss-me-at-the-garden-gate, Johnny jumper, and garden violet.

In the early 1800s, an English gardener began cross breeding violets. In just a few years, the modern day pansy was born. In less than 50 years, the pansy made it to America; and by 1888, much of the world was enjoying pansies every spring.

The pansy is a symbol of love, happiness, and friendship...perfect for chasing off those late winter blues. There is also some lore surrounding the pansy. Some believe if you pick a pansy flower early in the morning when the dew is still on them, it will bring rain. This could be quite useful if there is a drought. Other lore says pansies blooming in autumn will be followed by famine or a plague.

Believe it or not, the pansy also has medicinal uses. The flower contains vitamins A and C, so try adding them to a fresh garden salad or a fruit salad. Pansies also contain anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used to treat nearly any inflammation from lung problems (such as asthma and pleurisy) to skin irritations. Also remember to use fresh pansy flowers. The flowers lose their medicinal properties when dried.