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What are these pretty lawn plants?
QThese plants have popped up in our lawn – are they violas?
Ben Tasker, via email
AThey look like common dog violet also known as the wood violet (Viola riviniana). This is a perennial plant commonly found in woodland rides and grassland but also in gardens, arriving by seed.
It is a very pretty plant, particularly at this time of year, but although it seeds itself around and will establish in a garden, it does not need to become a nuisance as seedlings are easily removed. It is very useful as ground cover in situations that mimic woodland such as under deciduous shrubs.
Do take care if you are growing cultivated violas and pansies as well, as all varieties of these plants can fall foul of the fungal disease leaf spot.
How do I make my hedychium bloom?
QHow should I care for my ginger lily so it flowers well this year? It is already growing well.
Alison Price, Biggleswade, Beds
Hedychiums do best in a rich, loamy compost such as John Innes No3 in winter temperatures of no less than 7ºC/45ºF. Having
