Violet Sugar
February 19, 2007
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It is that time of year when we find the violets peeking up through the ivy. In the spring of the fist year living in this house I noticed little purple flowers popping up. This property is surrounded by lots of ivy and that make it hard to see were the gardens were. I try to keep the ivy back so these little plants will not get lost. I love to think about who planted these and what the garden was like when they planted them. I see there are starting to spread.
We always pick the blossoms and mix them with sugar. The sugar adsorbs the fragrance of the flower. I have learned over the years to store the sugar in zip-lock baggies. Now I know that is not very pretty but the problems with jars is when the sugar hardens you can not break it up. But by keeping it in baggies you can easily break up the sugar. I will just transfer the sugar to a pretty bowl when I want to use it. When I give it as a gift, I do put the sugar in a lovely jar. But tell the recipient I recommend they transfer the sugar to baggie. Ahh spring is in the air !!!
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I am a little envious, I am!! in our area we will certainly have "none of that violet talk" for a few months. Sigh. thanks for sharing yours though! What do you with the violet sugar?
Posted by: teresa mcfayden | February 20, 2007 at 05:07 PM
Clarice,
We won't have violets in Missouri until April or May.
I am jealous...
I am happy they are popping there though.
I love sugared violets!
Jill 00
Posted by: Jill | February 20, 2007 at 02:54 PM
There is nothing better than violets in the Spring! and sugared Violets are pure heaven - what a sweet post - pun fully intended!
Posted by: Ulla | February 20, 2007 at 07:20 AM
Thanks for this post Clarice, I can't wait to try it! I love the picture, it makes me want to stop by and have tea with you:-)
Posted by: Suzanne | February 20, 2007 at 06:49 AM
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I had no idea how to make it. Great advice too!
Cherry xx
Posted by: Cherry Menlove | February 20, 2007 at 05:23 AM
Violets are so beautiful.
Posted by: carolyn | February 20, 2007 at 05:21 AM
Violets are so beautiful.
Posted by: carolyn | February 20, 2007 at 05:19 AM
Hi Clarice,
I have violets too. Out by the pond. I haven't checked to see if they are blooming yet, but I will now. Thank you for the idea for violet sugar. I imagine it must smell lovely.
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | February 20, 2007 at 01:11 AM
Aww, I love your linens! And thanks for the tip about voilet infused sugar! I learned something new today :)
Posted by: Mizsmoochielips | February 19, 2007 at 09:05 PM
Sweet! I love violets. Lucky you to be seeing them already.
Jody
Posted by: Jody | February 19, 2007 at 08:09 PM
I have never heard of mixing blossoms and sugar, what a neat idea! Thanks for sharing your tip.
teresa
Posted by: Teresa Sheeley | February 19, 2007 at 08:01 PM
Awww, Clarice--I adore the combination of purples and greens so this photo just sings to me : )
Posted by: Country Mouse | February 19, 2007 at 06:18 PM
I cannot wait until those start popping up in the yard this year! What is that cute tree fabric? tablecloth? towel? underneath the violet?
Posted by: Sarah | February 19, 2007 at 03:48 PM
Oh, real violets! SO EXCITING! We only have snowdrops so far, and my violet leaves aren't even out of the ground, but you give me HOPE!
Posted by: LaTeaDah | February 19, 2007 at 03:23 PM
I have fond memories with violets as well. They use to come up all over my grandmothers yard and in her gravel driveway. We use to get so tickled as a kid to see the delicate and beautiful johnny jump ups in amongs the old hard rocks. I guess we sort of thought there was this hidden garden magic that my grandmother had.
Posted by: Gina | February 19, 2007 at 12:39 PM
I love violets. My grandmother has a basement where she raises them year round. Everytime I see one I think of her love for violets and it makes me smile.
Posted by: Lindsey @ enjoythejourney | February 19, 2007 at 11:43 AM
"I love to think about who planted these and what the garden was like when they planted them."
I love this thought! I'm so happy you do this. It just seems so lovely, and so right.
'MN'
Posted by: 'MN' | February 19, 2007 at 11:18 AM