Planting Violas

Dedekind

Hello

A couple of months ago I bought a tray of 10 violas which I havent yet planted out and I need to find a space for them. I normally never buy trays or bedding plants so I'm struggling a bit. I think these are relatively hardy so I will put them in the ground and see what happens. 

Anyway the point is I'm looking for a rather informal garden so looking for tips on where to plant them. I have a long border with various bare spots of various sizes so I was thinking they can work as ground cover? Should I zig zag them instead of rows? Should I plant them all relatively in the same region or scatter them around? 

I know it sounds a bit too personal but would like some ideas for them.

AnniD

I tend to plant them in clumps of 3 to 5 plants depending on the space available. They make splashes of colour that way (l think).

Plantminded

Hi there, I'm a big fan of violas and use them mainly to give colour and interest over winter.  They don't spread very widely so won't really make suitable ground cover.  For maximum impact I suggest you place five plants in two pots and use these as focal points in two of your bare spots.  By elevating them you will give these great little plants the prominence they deserve!  It is a matter of personal taste though.  (I always choose only two colours and keep each colour in its own group, avoiding the Smarties look!)