Don’t miss noticing the patches of sweet violets appearing on our verges - a lovely, but fleeting part of early spring. There are apparently 9 Violet species in the uk, but sweet violet is the only one with the lovely scent that gives it its name. Their nodding flowers are held on a slender leafless stalk. Most blooms are purple, but there are white variations, which seem to like our Parish. Sweet violets have been used to make perfume throughout history, dating back to Classical Greece. The flowers are edible, can be candied and used to decorate cakes. The leaves and flowers can be added to salads. They are becoming less common from habitat loss, but are also vulnerable to excess foraging - so be sparing
A link in the comments explores the rich symbolism and cultural significance of violet flowers.
Google dinkymoira Violet ID tips for how to distinguishing sweet violet from our other common Spring violets, the early dog (Viola reichenbach
Photos from Catherine Truscott
Symbolism and cultural significance of violets