One of the sure signs that spring is almost here is when all the varieties of pansies and violas start appearing in local gardens. When I visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden a couple of weeks ago, there were violas all over the place. Here are a few of the varieties I photographed that afternoon.

Some purple violas – not sure which variety these are.

Purple Viola (c) 2009 Patty Hankins

Some Sorbet Yesterday Today Tomorrow Babyface Viola (OK who comes up with some of these names???)

Sorbet Yesterday Today Tomorrow Babyface Viola (c) 2009 Patty Hankins

Sorbet Yesterday Today Tomorrow Babyface Viola (c) 2009 Patty Hankis

And finally a very dramatic set of viola – the Angel Tiger Eye Viola.

Angel Tiger Eye Viola (c) 2009 Patty Hankins

Angel Tiger Eye Viola (c) 2009 Patty Hankins