Living with Flowers: Pansies

("A Rough Start" by Dancingtreephoto on Etsy)

Pansies have just got to be one of the sweetest flowers around. Their unique and cheerful blooms are synonymous with springtime, and they're so easy to grow which makes them a favorite with children and adults alike.
In the Victorian language of flowers pansies symbolized merriment and meant "you occupy my thoughts." What a nice sentiment!
Here are some beautiful ideas from Etsy to bring the cheerfulness of pansies into your home.


Floral Wreathes
How about a beautifully vibrant everlasting wreath? This gorgeous example from StylishStems
is made of silk bearded pansies and would be a welcoming sight on any door.

Easy planters

("Petit Pansies" by Cottagelightstudio on Etsy)

When we were in grade school we always used to come home with pansies (or "Johnny-Jump-Ups" as we called them) in all sorts of containers such ad paper bags, dixie cups, or milk cartons. If I could grow this flower as an eight-year-old, then you know it's an easy flower! Here is a great little guide to get you started: http://www.gardenguides.com/125446-tips-growing-pansies-seed.html

Pressed flowers

The flat shape of pansies make them an incredibly popular flower for pressing. You can either use a ready-made flower press, or make your own press by putting the pansies between two sheets of wax paper and placing them in the middle of a dictionary or other heavy book. Or you can buy them already pressed to use for decorating or craft projects! Here are some lovely ones from Lizbethsgarden on Etsy

Edible Treats
This tip came from DomesticAesthetics on my Facebook page! She reminds us that in addition to being beautiful, pansies are also tasty! They can be used as a garnish on salads, or candied and added to cakes as an unexpected and fresh edible decoration!