Sweet memories…
Amateur Gardening|January 15, 2022
The fragrant presence of Devon violets reminds Toby of bygone days and a violet trade that lifted people’s spirits
Toby Buckland
Sweet memories…

WHEN I was an apprentice, one of my responsibilities was to lift, divide and replant the wiry stems of Devon violets for growing on.

I’d completely forgotten this pleasant task until, working through the base of a hedge, I caught some of the stems with a hoe, releasing the unmistakable earthy and dewy aroma into the air.

In an instant, I was transported back to my teenage self, remembering the feel of my woollen work gloves – which had removable fingers when dexterity was required – and the taste of the milky coffee my mum made for ‘smoko’, and I could almost hear the warble of the blackbird that always kept me company in that mist-filled field.

This story is from the January 15, 2022 edition of Amateur Gardening.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 15, 2022 edition of Amateur Gardening.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.