Tags
Bug Woman – Adventures in London Blog, Caladiums, JJL Greenhouse, Matrix Pansy, Pigeon Red Cabbage, Winter Annuals, Zephyranthes
Here at Ravenscourt Gardens we plant and trial many plants. Mostly we plant perennials and evergreens. We have a mix of natives and acclimated. We do leave a special spot for annuals. Along our front side walk we have two long beds with Dwarf Yaupon Holly at the back and Zephyranthes aka Rain lilies at the front. In between we plant annuals. In the summer you will see lots of multi-color Caladiums, great summer color and we get the best bulbs from Easy To Grow Bulbs Co. 
In autumn we plant Pansies. They have been a favorite of mine all my life. I love their rich beautiful colors, happy open faces and velvet petals. Pansies are in the genus Viola, with 400+ species, part of the Violaceae family. Originally cultivated in Europe, they became popular in the States in the late 1800’s. Living in a Victorian home moves me to plant at least some flowers that could have been around when the house was new. The origin of the word “Pansy” comes from French, “pensée” meaning remembrance or thoughts. I like that idea!
This time we chose Matrix Pansies. We planted 12 flats in early November. We put down a nice bed of compost/mulch and then planted them into it. Matrix pansies come in several rich colors. The flowers are around 3 ” in size with little 8 inch bright green mound of leaves. They can be blotched in more than one color or solid. We got these beauties at JJL Greenhouse, inc. a fabulous place in Houston to get annuals. It is a “wholesale only” nursery and our go to place for annuals. I got 8 flats of Pansy Matrix Clear Mix and then because I have favorite colors, I got 2 flats of Blue and 2 flats of Scarlet. For more information on pansies, their history and background check out Bug Woman – Adventures in London her blog inspired this post.
We have been playing to get the amount and color right for years. I am super pleased with the results this year. They did get off to a late start blooming, but I am hoping that means they will last till April again. 
Pansies are cold weather plants in Houston good from late fall to early spring. Last year our pansies lasted well into spring. So what could be a 4 season bed has turned in to a change twice a year bed. We do plant a few other annuals around the garden to keep it pretty through the winter. Looking at my invoice I see along with the pansies we bought, Snow Crystal Alyssum, Lobelia Magadi Indigo Blue and Pigeon Red Cabbage.
In the bed on the right the annuals are place holders. I can’t figure out what I want to plant there!
Happy Gardening from Laurin and Shawn
Ravenscourt Gardens 
Your pansies look absolutely lovely, Laurin, and thank you for the support x
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They get prettier everyday. I love your blog and learn so much from it!
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That combo of rain lily, pansy and holly really works! I wonder if you happen to know … I am a huge fan of viola odorata but I never see them on offer here in Texas. Can they grow here?
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You might try seeds. Here is what Dr. Welsh say :
Violet (Viola odorata)
By Dr. William C. Welch
Professor and Landscape Horticulturist
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Violets were once considered indispensable perennials for the well designed garden. Although numerous native violet species occur in Texas, the violet of choice for most southern gardens was V. odorata, which is of European, Asian, and African origin. Dark blue or purple is the predominant color. Well into the early 20th century, violets were among the most popular florist cut flowers. Their fragrance, rich colors, and relatively easy culture contributed to nationwide popularity.
Violets prefer a rich, moist but well drained soil high in organic content. Partially shaded locations are preferred. Their natural bloom period is late winter and early spring. Although evergreen, garden violets become semi-dormant during our long, hot summers. They can, however, endure considerable drought and heat stress, and usually become lush and healthy with the onset of cooler and more moist fall and winter conditions.
Landscape uses include borders and ground covers. Large container shrubs can often be enhanced by a mass of violets at their base, providing attractive foliage, fragrance, and color at a season when few other plants are at their peak. Mature height is usually 8 to 10 inches. The rounded foliage is attractive even when the plants are not in bloom.
Usual propagation is by division of mature clumps during early to mid fall. Seeds can also be used to produce new plants, but require considerable attention during the early stages.
Borders of garden violets may still be found in some of the old gardens of East and Central Texas. They can be long-lived and relatively low-maintenance perennials. Few plants perform as well in shady areas and offer color and fragrance during January, February, and March. Availability in nurseries is inconsistent at present, but garden centers specializing in perennials or native Texas plants usually offer violets.
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Thanks, Laurin. I had heard that the seed had to be fresh to have any kind of germination success but you are right! When plants aren’t availabel I can try seed.
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Beautiful photos. Looking forward to getting a garden fence to protect my beds. I wish dogs appreciated flowers. Until then, I will continue to admire yours only.
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