Ground cover

[bluebird34]

I have a mixed border with mainly shrubs, and it is being taken over by violets. These tiny flowers are very pretty, but my question is - is it wise to let these flowers competely cover the ground and thus discourage weeds or should I dig some or all of them out. Thank you in anticipation. Janet

[welshlibranr]

I'm not really sure whether or not it's a good idea to leave them there, but I have lots of violets in my borders, they multiply each year and are flowering at the moment, I like them personally, and am happy to see them there, they do seem to stop other less attractive weeds growing there, but I think in the end it's down to whether or not you're happy to have them growing there

[thugulike]

The plants will disappear after flowering so you may as well just enjoy them at this time of year when there isn't much in flower. I should explain that my snowdrops have only just finished flowering and the daffs are just out up here in the frozen north.

[LoftyLottie2]

I love them - they remind me of 'Mothering Sunday'. Leave them, but just thin them out if they completely take over. I haven't found mind to be particularly invasive and they have been around for 30 years minimum.

[bluebird34]

Bless you all for answering - and I am only too happy to leave them there. They remind me of when I was young and we used to go to the woods and see them and also primroses and bluebells and cowslips. Children today can't do that because parents are too frightened something will happen to them so very sad, they miss so much. Thanks again Janet