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Show MARCH 1997 SPECIES OF THE MONTH Early Bloomers: These Aren’t Shrinking Violets arch brings warmth that reveals buried gardens. As the sun reaches its noon meridian, the snow cover thins, and from between the stepping stones, peeks a tiny face of royal purple. A not so tender violet, flower of people born in February, is blooming in the late days of winter. Violets are not as fragile as we: have been led to believe. “Shrinking” violets are some of the hardiest of flowers, often blooming beneath a cover of snow. While violets show preference for moist soils and shady conditions, they are common throughout the world and are adapatable to all major habitats. Depending upon latitude ‘and climate, violets will be flowering’ from. late January (early spring) through mid July (summer,) when they die back to protect themselves from the heat. Some violets thrive in home gardens and have come to be known as weeds. Violets utilize a variety of reproductve techniques to ensure survival. Probably the most successful technique in perennial plants is vegetative reproduction. Violets grow from creeping horizontal underground stems called a rhizomes. Pulling up a single violet causes branching of the rhizome which sprouts several more flowering stems in its place. Even a small piece of rhizome can produce a new plant. The expanse of violets in your lawn probably started from a single seed, reproducing from spreading rhizomes. Violets produce thousands of offspring from seeds. Using a perfumed scent, brilliant color, nectar guides and changing positions of the flower, violets attract many varieties of bees, flies, moths and butterflies. Initially, flying pollinators are attracted by bright flower color. Contrasting coloration, stripes or spots on the petals direct the way to the stash of neetar. Nectar drips from glands on the stamens and collects in pouches at the base of the bottom petals. Pollinators stick their heads deeply into the flower — past the pollen laden stamens — to reach the nectary. Violets are long bloomers (up to 2 weeks,) and during one blossom’s lifetime it changes positions and rearranges petals to accomodate various pollinators. When newly opened, the flowers are nodding, then horizontal, and _ finally erect. The petals spread increasingly more open, so that at different times the flowers will be able to service both pollen eaters and nectar suckers. The earliest blooming violets extend their flowers above the leaves for best vantage of pollinators and to ensure cross pollination. As the blooming season progresses, each flower stalk produced is shorter and flowers are plainer, until the plant produces simple green flower buds that never open. These are cleistogamous (Greek: closed marriage) flowers, which pollinate themselves without blooming. Some cleistogomous violet flowers are produced totally stemless on the rhizome—pollinating, producing viable seeds and germinating without surfacing. Ves also ensure propagation with effective seed dispersal. In some species of violets, dry seed capsules explode, catapulting seeds up to 16 feet away. Ants haul off seeds of some violets to eat tastey oil glands on the outside of the seed. The leftovers are tossed into the colony’s refuse chamber, where they are exposed to perfect conditions for germination. Because of their strong scent, violets have been used throughout history in food, cosmetics, medicine and crafts. Violets have been used fresh as a garnish or in salads; pickled in vinegar; and dredged in sugar, honey or oil. Crystalized violets were common treats in the 1920s and 30s and are still popular in Europe as candy or garnish. Like the odor, the flavor of violets is strong, and perfumey. The colors of violets are brilliant and lasting and do not fade. Violets have seen their bit of history in legend and lore. Western Europeans believed that if violets bloomed in fall it was a sign of bad luck, death, plague or pestilence in the coming year. They also believed that you would have bad luck if you carried a single violet into your home. On the other hand, violets growing on a loved one’s grave, promised that he was happy in the afterlife. In the early 19th century, violets were the symbol of Napoleon. When Napoleon left France for Elba, he said he would return again in the violet season. During his absence the violet was the emblem and password of his secret supporters. When he escaped Elba and returned to France in March 1815, Napoleon was welcomed with garlands of violets. When replaced Napoleon became dangerous Louis on the to wear the XVIII throne, violets symbol of liberty: Farewell to thee, France! Liberty rallies, Once more in thy But when regions, remember me then— The violet still grows in the depths of the valleys, Though withered, thy tears will unfold it again. —tLord Byron RECIPES coe Violets 5. a Beat one egg white until foamy. Dip violet flowers into egg whites. Place dipped violets on wax paper. Sprinkle granulated sugar on all sides, Let stand for 2 days. Vinegar Fill bottle with chopped violet petals, 2. Cover poe with white wine vinegar. a Cork and allow to stand for 4 weeks. 4, Strain petals from vinegar. Violet Perfume 1. -Fill bottle with chopped violet petals Cover petals with rubbing alcohol. Cork and allow to stand for 2 weeks. 4. Strain petals from perfume. 2. 3. FEED THE Wyoming Wear is committed to preserving an important part of our wildlife heritage. Stop by the store at 518 Main St. (Park City) and see how you can help us protect the Yellowstone Bison. We 801-645-9427 eo id 875 IRONHORSE | : “aii DRIVE B[ oat PARK CITY KA ADVENTURE DESIGNS FROM JACKSON HOLE oe pees PPLE Pe: PAGE 12 AZ “UTAH'S WILD BIRD STORE...” AT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN WILD BIRD STATION WE HAVE UTAH'S FINEST SELECTION OF BIRD FEEDERS, SEED, AND WILD BIRD ITEMS. COME SEE OUR GREAT CHOICES. PHONE (IN STATE TOLL FREE 888-647-5990) 518 Historic Main ¢ Park City, Utah & Jackson Hole Wyoming it in your lapel, but the flower remained a aR OREO cE By Pam Poulson Manager of Visitor Education Red Butte Garden WILD BIRD STATION |