J is for Johnny come lately
I'm often asked, "What is your favorite wine?"
It's not an unusual question, often posed to people who have some wine knowledge. The answer? "Whatever is in my glass right now."
So it is with the garden. What is my favorite flower? "Whatever is in bloom right now."
J is for Johnny Jump-ups. Sometimes called miniature pansies (same genus, different species - Viola cornuta), they are happy-face volunteers in the sunnier areas of the landscape.
The rain has not bothered them at all.
Beautiful photo of pretty perky posies!
Posted by: Chris | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 12:41 PM
Ms. Laurie, those are some happy looking flowers. :)
Posted by: elisa | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 01:46 PM
Violas and JJU's were some of the flowers I bred in Montana. I miss them! Thanks for the pic and the memory.
Posted by: Sylvia | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 02:07 PM
I love Johnny Jump-ups, especially when they're scattered through the yard.
Posted by: naomi | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 02:22 PM
They're lovely!
Posted by: Chris | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 03:06 PM
They're beautiful! And I love you favorite wine and favorite flower philosophy.
Posted by: Carole | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 03:48 PM
That is my favourite flower, mainly because they sprung up all over our yard when I was a kid, and I would literally cry when my dad would mow them away with the lawn...
Thanks for a photo that really makes me smile.
Posted by: Lee Ann | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 05:12 PM
you must have such a beautiful garden.
Posted by: maryse | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 09:10 PM
JJU's are just the CUTEST flowers!
Posted by: Marcia | Saturday, May 20, 2006 at 11:26 PM
Oh, I feel the same way -- whatever is in bloom right now!
Posted by: Norma | Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 12:50 AM
Your Johnny's are so vibrant. We have a few yellow and purple that come back each spring but the color in yours is so shockingly happy! They look like sweet, smiling faces.
Posted by: margene | Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 08:45 AM
Haha, that was my "J," too, only mine aren't yet blooming in the garden so I had to use a photo from last year! I do love how they "jump up" all over the garden. Very pretty.
Posted by: Vicki | Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 10:36 AM
Johnny Jump Up's, Buttercups, Daisy's, Forget-me-not's and Dandelions are my favourite flowers. Hmmm... I think I may have a thing for bright happy little flowers that don't care if I'm a lazy gardener! ;-)
Your JJU's are gorgeous. I may have to go find a yard to steal some from so I can have them too!
Posted by: Dorothy B | Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 01:23 PM
I LOVE that mentality! What ever is in my glass or garden. I LIKE that!! LOL
Cheers!
Posted by: Kim | Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 07:20 PM
. those are gorgeous! i'll be posting flower pictures to my blog this evening as well, but they won't match my j, lol.
Posted by: minnie | Sunday, May 21, 2006 at 09:43 PM
Lovely cheery flowers. We called them Heart's Ease where I grew up.
Posted by: LornaJay | Monday, May 22, 2006 at 12:26 PM
I needed to see those Johnny Jump-ups today!
Posted by: Cindy D | Monday, May 22, 2006 at 02:36 PM
Oh, gosh, they're even more stunning this year than last!
Posted by: Kim | Monday, May 22, 2006 at 03:43 PM
Oh! So pretty! The pattern inside reminds me of the lacing on a butterfly's wings. What lovely flowers - they brought a smile to my face here on this dreary grey day in Seattle. Thank you!
Posted by: moiraeknits | Monday, May 22, 2006 at 07:04 PM
Well, the question I keep meaning to ask you is how you learned so much about wine. :-)
I've always loved the name "johnny-jump-ups." And they're so cute.
Posted by: Cordelia | Monday, May 22, 2006 at 11:19 PM
de-lurking to say, love the photo! Johnny jump ups always remind me of my Grandma. We used to pick them at her house. She always found a little vase for us.
Posted by: KS | Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 11:06 AM