The sweet violet, Viola odorata, may be a diminutive flower, but its small, slightly asymmetrical, pansy-like flowers are highly fragrant. They open in early spring before most plants have even though

The latest from Carol's beautiful cottage garden… plus her diary for the week!

Bringing you some of the gardening news highlights

Ancient miracles Around two years ago, the garden ...

This month, Lalage impatiently awaits the start of the growing season, busying herself sowing seeds indoors, nourishing the soil in the potager beds, and spreading gravel for pathways, as her plans begin to take shape

Modest, alluring and versatile, Viola odorata, or sweet violet, is a small, hardy, herbaceous perennial that tumbles and scrambles close to the ground, forming dense clumps of dainty, heart-shaped, gr