J is for Johnny Jumpups

I suppose I could have used this also for “V” violas, but I like the Johnny Jumpup name. As with many flowers I have associations in my mind with various family members. Johnny Jumpups are associated with my paternal grandmother. She lived on a farm when I was VERY young and I only remember a couple of things from that time. But when she moved to town I remember her house and yard with more clarity.

She had a very large lot and a very small house. She and her neighbor, Mrs. Boltz gardened the back section but close to her backdoor (to the left as you looked at it) she grew morning glories and a thick bed of Johnny Jumpups. I think if you have the right combination of climate and spot these will naturalize and they did so in that spot. (Hence the name perhaps?)

The last place I lived in Germany they also ‘took off’, self-seeded and came back each year. Even spreading into the gravel of the parking spot for the car.

Here I’ve planted them in the front yard and with some hope/luck they maybe will help themselves to the spot for years to come.