Mrs. Bread gave me the sweetest cape violet plant before Thanksgiving. She had 
rooted a cutting from her own plant, I think, which has been blooming enthusiastically ever since. But I couldn’t get mine to make a flower until last week. Here it is posed with another event: my first Sunsugar cherry tomatoes of the season.
I think I wasn’t paying enough attention to the detailed horticultural tips she also sent me, and in order to encourage growth and bushiness I was diligent to pinch the tips instead of to “cut out stems when they have finished.” I pinched too soon and therefore too much.
If you look carefully in the background, you might notice that there is no fence around my pool anymore. Dear Mr. Bread took that away yesterday in preparation for the demolition crew who we hope will start work this month to continue the transformation of my back yard. I’m working on a nostalgic pool blog post.
Also in the distance is the hanging basket that Cousin Renée gave me a couple of months ago. It is filled with all sorts of begonias and trailing flowers, and goes on blooming and blooming. Which I expect this violet to do now, too!
Gladsome Lights 
Aw, the tomatoes are so pretty and fresh looking. I just put my tomato plant in the earth yesterday. I know, I’m behind.
I anticipate the pool post. Sending love your way, friend.
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Beautiful!! My grandmother raised violets in Chicago windows all my childhood. Temperamental plants but so worth the work.
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Are you removing the pool? Have fun creating your new backyard! 🙂
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Lisa, Yes, I am!
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Hi Gretchen,
I love violets. I grew them a long time ago, before children. Once I had children, well I just wasn’t good with them. But I loved them very much and I think yours are so pretty. I will be interested in your post and life after your pool.
I think it is only worth having a pool if it gets used. I do like mine though, I just don’t use it enough. Thankfully the kids do. 🙂
I like that picture looking out at your back yard.
Have a lovely rest of the day.
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Lovely flower, Gretchen. I’m so glad you were able to coax it out! Looking forward to seeing what you do to your backyard.
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We have only had Early Girl tomatoes ripen thus far….you must have a good little hot spot. Your new gardening area, a whole new room outside, is going to offer so many possibilities. It will be fun to see what you decide to grow.
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lots of plans and doings here! God bless you.
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