Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Johnny Jump Up!


ABC Wednesday is a word meme with participants from around the world. This fabulous meme was created and hosted by Mrs. Denise Nesbitt who hails from Great Britain. Over time, others have joined in to help host this wonderful and informative meme. We are now in our EIGHTH round! Some of the participants have been with this from the very first round; others have joined in along the way. Each week we are taken across the globe to see the varied and exciting contributions people have taken the time to discover and capture. We start with the letter, "A" and each week we post something in regards to the next letter of the alphabet. This week's letter is, "J".

Perhaps you might know these flowers as the viola cornuta?


This image is courtesy of Public Domain Pictures. I was looking for public domain images of this flower since I haven't grown them in a while and have no images of my own. Nice place to go look for images that won't get you into copyright trouble!

OK, back to the flower. I've always known them as Johnny Jump Up but perhaps in your neck of the woods they are called something else. The formal name is the viola cornuta. These are really easy to grow if you live in a zone that they grow in (3-9). I love throwing caution to the wind and use the broadcast method with the seeds. Literally, I broadcast them over the soil where I want them to grow. And then put a thin layer of soil over that. They brighten up any area they are planted in and will re-seed themselves. Since they are not a perennial, you need to re-seed every year. Another bonus to having this in your garden other than the wonderful profusion of color is that the flowers are edible (unless you use pesticides and other chemicals in the area it grows in). A quick and easy way to decorate a cupcake or a cake. Or, even a salad or as a garnish to a dinner plate.

Doing "J" is hard this time around. Mostly because I, and all of you have Japan on our minds. Watching helplessly in horror with each event that unfolds...it jars the emotions and the senses. Wondering what will come next. 

You can donate to the Red Cross specifically to Japan here. There are also some other bloggers who are not only united in prayer towards Japan, but also donating money to Japan for each comment left on their site. Much like a personal pledge. You can find out who these humanitarians are at Rebecca's blog.

14 comments:

mrsnesbitt said...

I love viola's - need to get some in - yes spring is on its way! oops sorry tis here.
Denise
ABC Team

Roger Owen Green said...

I've heard the term, which, for some reason, makes me giggle.

ROG, ABC Wednesday team

Wanda said...

They look like a cousin to the pansy. Very delicate. I like the name Johnny Jump Up....brings a smile.

Tumblewords: said...

Happiness in that little flower face. Yes, it is difficult to tear one's mind away from the horror of Japan.

Sylvia K said...

They remind me of Pansies, too! Love the colors! Hope your week is going well!

Sylvia
ABC Team

Kate said...

I enjoy the name almost as much as the flower!

Reader Wil said...

Great post! I love that flower! It's good to mention Japan again lest we forget. It's still on top of the news, but we are also concerned about Libya, which is also a hot item. The world is full of trouble and aggression.

Spadoman said...

I've heard that expression before, Johnny Jump Up, but didn't know it was a flower. Now I know. They are pretty darn cute. I don't plant much these days, but I am thinking of a small garden this year. I used to border my garden with marigolds. I have had this thought in my head of planting marigolds this year to use when Los Dios rolls around.
I have also had Japan on my mind. I have been getting daily reports from a friend there who was not in the middle of thiomngs, but the whole country, and the world, is reeling at the struggle to survive. Thoughts and prayers contunue to go out to everyone affected.

Peace

photowannabe said...

I love these little Johnny Jump ups. they have such a sweet look about them.
Yes Japan has been on my mind so much too. I did 2 posts on the situation before the ABC post. I just couldn't do a third one.
Great post Paula.

Chubskulit Rose said...

What a beautiful take on J!

Come and see the Joys of our Lives, have a lovely day!

Carver said...

Johnny Jump up is a great name for viola's. I've heard the name before although I don't think it's commonly used here. Great choice for the J day.

Joy said...

They are such pretty little things, and brighten up any garden or basket. I've read the Johnny Jump Up name, but never heard it used.

LisaF said...

I know them as violas, but Johnny Jump Ups work perfectly for today. Love the daintiness of them. Your capture is adorable.

Meryl said...

Great blog and great resources for donating to Japan.

Thanks.

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