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Pansies: How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas
This “must-add to your garden library” is an indispensable guide to pansies—and a brand new way to look at the dazzling flower that brings drama, whimsy, and diversity to every garden and arrangement (Erin Benzakein, Floret). Pansies is the big idea flower book we’ve all been waiting for. While working at the famed Floret Flower Farm, Brenna Estrada was so inspired by the pansies being grown that she began to trial hundreds of varieties of pansies and violas on her own farm. Her innovative approach to growing in full sun results in pansies with long stems, breathtaking fragrance, and unique color. Filled with stunning photography, Pansies is perfect for growers, florists, artists, and collectors. Readers will ·The fascinating history of pansies and violas, from their origination as a wildflower to a necessary adornment in every household garden ·Everything you need to know about growing pansies (and how to save pansy seeds!) ·How to keep pansies healthy and resilient all year round ·Inspiration for incorporating pansies in crafts, recipes, and in the apothecary ·Inspiring examples of knockout bouquets and arrangements ·Lush profiles on 50 varieties of pansies and violas available today
- GenresGardeningNonfiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2025
8 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 1, 2025
Pansies' cheery faces bring me such joy! They have been a favourite in my family for generations and I grow masses of them. This extraordinary book by Brenna Estrada could not be more fitting and I absorbed the wondrous illustrations, lush photographs and fascinating like a sponge. It is truly a joy to behold.
Anything a pansy and viola lover could ever hope for is included such as their history, the introduction of varieties over the years, fancy pansies, exhibiting, growing requirements (yes, in full sun), maintaining them (removing all blooms and buds monthly), sewing in flats, soil prep, insect and pest prevention (buy ducks!), fertilizing, and collecting seed. There is also a popular past varieties list and an extensive section with specific varieties with bloom size, height, cutting stem length, fragrance and colour.
Delightful varieties include 'Bunny Ears', "Chianti Mix', 'Floral Days Mountain Dew', Fizzle Sizzle series, Nature 'Mulberry Shades', 'Sweet Pea Mix'', Gem 'Apricot Antique' and 'Tiger Eye'. The author describes which are the most fragrant and which are ideal for cutting which many don't do. They last an impressively long time in vases.
As if that weren't amazing enough, prepare to be stunned and inspired by seasonal arrangements and pairings with other flowers and greenery, doable by anyone who grows flowers, whether with a green thumb or not. I grow them in climate zones 2a and 8b...they can grow in many areas. These sweet lovelies also have other uses in the home.
This book is an absolute dream for anyone even remotely drawn by these nostalgic sweet things. Regardless of knowledge or experience, you will certainly experience lightbulb moments. As a master gardener, I realize the more I know, the more there is to learn, and I love that!
Anything a pansy and viola lover could ever hope for is included such as their history, the introduction of varieties over the years, fancy pansies, exhibiting, growing requirements (yes, in full sun), maintaining them (removing all blooms and buds monthly), sewing in flats, soil prep, insect and pest prevention (buy ducks!), fertilizing, and collecting seed. There is also a popular past varieties list and an extensive section with specific varieties with bloom size, height, cutting stem length, fragrance and colour.
Delightful varieties include 'Bunny Ears', "Chianti Mix', 'Floral Days Mountain Dew', Fizzle Sizzle series, Nature 'Mulberry Shades', 'Sweet Pea Mix'', Gem 'Apricot Antique' and 'Tiger Eye'. The author describes which are the most fragrant and which are ideal for cutting which many don't do. They last an impressively long time in vases.
As if that weren't amazing enough, prepare to be stunned and inspired by seasonal arrangements and pairings with other flowers and greenery, doable by anyone who grows flowers, whether with a green thumb or not. I grow them in climate zones 2a and 8b...they can grow in many areas. These sweet lovelies also have other uses in the home.
This book is an absolute dream for anyone even remotely drawn by these nostalgic sweet things. Regardless of knowledge or experience, you will certainly experience lightbulb moments. As a master gardener, I realize the more I know, the more there is to learn, and I love that!
December 29, 2025
Pansies may very well be my favorite flower and this book was a delight. I am very ignorant about everything to do with gardening, but I enjoyed learning about the history of the cultivation of pansies, but mostly, I enjoyed looking at all the pretty pictures.
May 31, 2025
I received this DRC from NetGalley.
I wanted to read this because I love growing violas. I'm not as familiar with pansies specifically. The photography in this book was done really well, which was a really important part for me. This was especially nice in the section which highlighted various varieties of pansies and violas. Being able to see all of the detail of these small flowers was appreciated. There's a long section about the history and breeding of violas. The section on growing violas had some good tips. I also liked the pictures of the bouquets you can make with violas. I've never seen them used that way, and I think they did a good job with that. I'm always looking for new varieties to grow, so I enjoyed going through this book.
I wanted to read this because I love growing violas. I'm not as familiar with pansies specifically. The photography in this book was done really well, which was a really important part for me. This was especially nice in the section which highlighted various varieties of pansies and violas. Being able to see all of the detail of these small flowers was appreciated. There's a long section about the history and breeding of violas. The section on growing violas had some good tips. I also liked the pictures of the bouquets you can make with violas. I've never seen them used that way, and I think they did a good job with that. I'm always looking for new varieties to grow, so I enjoyed going through this book.
May 1, 2025
This is the pansy book I’ve been waiting my whole life for!! What a blessing Estrada is to the flower world 💖 if I have a pansy garden even half as fine as hers, I’ll be very happy!
September 21, 2025
First found out about this book through the Floret Newsletter and I knew I had to check it out. As a funny moment of happenstance, the next day I walked into a little watercolor shop that was completely decorated with pansies because the owner had also been inspired by the book! What are the chances!
As a lover of the history of heirloom plants and heritage livestock alike I was delighted to do a deep dive into the Pansy/Viola history with Brenna. There’s so much I didn’t know about these wonderful flowers that I absolutely devoured.
While the entire book is *stunning*, seriously, if you do any form of art I would HIGHLY encourage you to check out these images, I was especially taken with the descriptions of the various plant varieties.
Some of my favorites:
Pansy variety ‘Pandora’s Box’, “everything fresh and full of late spring and early summer[...]Thoughts of fresh cream, strawberry shortcake, raspberry mousse, and lemon pie will fill your mind on seeing this delectable and tempting array, which, being edible, is perfect for use in baking and garnishing”
Viola variety ‘Sorbet ‘XP Neptune’, “Whenever I see this viola, I think of the ocean and Neptune, the mythological god of the sea. Hurricane-force winds, dark, murky waters, and beckoning Sirens often swirl in my thoughts. Look close enough at its petals and you can almost feel the breath of the kraken on the back of your neck [...] I have also considered, what if the inspiration for this
smalt-blue gem was actually in the stars and not the seas”
Like are you kidding me??? Brenna, why aren’t you writing poetry or maybe a superb short story collection? I was so absolutely in love that I forced my coworkers listen to me recite the descriptions of some of the varieties (they were good sports, thanks all lol).
I would absolutely recommend this and can see myself checking it out again and again (since I’m on a book ban…might have to make an exception though for the stunning photography and magical language). Oh! And I am definitely adding pansies and violas to the garden next year, as if I didn’t love them enough.
As a lover of the history of heirloom plants and heritage livestock alike I was delighted to do a deep dive into the Pansy/Viola history with Brenna. There’s so much I didn’t know about these wonderful flowers that I absolutely devoured.
While the entire book is *stunning*, seriously, if you do any form of art I would HIGHLY encourage you to check out these images, I was especially taken with the descriptions of the various plant varieties.
Some of my favorites:
Pansy variety ‘Pandora’s Box’, “everything fresh and full of late spring and early summer[...]Thoughts of fresh cream, strawberry shortcake, raspberry mousse, and lemon pie will fill your mind on seeing this delectable and tempting array, which, being edible, is perfect for use in baking and garnishing”
Viola variety ‘Sorbet ‘XP Neptune’, “Whenever I see this viola, I think of the ocean and Neptune, the mythological god of the sea. Hurricane-force winds, dark, murky waters, and beckoning Sirens often swirl in my thoughts. Look close enough at its petals and you can almost feel the breath of the kraken on the back of your neck [...] I have also considered, what if the inspiration for this
smalt-blue gem was actually in the stars and not the seas”
Like are you kidding me??? Brenna, why aren’t you writing poetry or maybe a superb short story collection? I was so absolutely in love that I forced my coworkers listen to me recite the descriptions of some of the varieties (they were good sports, thanks all lol).
I would absolutely recommend this and can see myself checking it out again and again (since I’m on a book ban…might have to make an exception though for the stunning photography and magical language). Oh! And I am definitely adding pansies and violas to the garden next year, as if I didn’t love them enough.
March 3, 2025
Pansies by Brenna Estrada
How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas
"This must-add to your garden library" is an indispensable guide to pansies—and a brand new way to look at the dazzling flower that brings drama, whimsy, and diversity to every garden and arrangement (Erin Benzakein, Floret).
How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas
Pansies is the big idea flower book we’ve all been waiting for. While working at the famed Floret Flower Farm, Brenna Estrada was so inspired by the pansies being grown that she began to trial hundreds of varieties of pansies and violas on her own farm. Her innovative approach to growing in full sun results in pansies with long stems, breathtaking fragrance, and unique color.
Filled with stunning photography, Pansies is perfect for growers, florists, artists, and collectors. Readers will discover:
·The fascinating history of pansies and violas, from their origination as a wildflower to a necessary adornment in every household garden
·Everything you need to know about growing pansies (and how to save pansy seeds!)
·How to keep pansies healthy and resilient all year round
·Inspiration for incorporating pansies in crafts, recipes, and in the apothecary
·Inspiring examples of knockout bouquets and arrangements
·Lush profiles on 50 varieties of pansies and violas available today
I recommend this book.
Wonderful pictures.
Lots of good advice.
You will want to keep this book with your other garden books.
Pansies by Brenna Estrada is a wonderful 5 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas
"This must-add to your garden library" is an indispensable guide to pansies—and a brand new way to look at the dazzling flower that brings drama, whimsy, and diversity to every garden and arrangement (Erin Benzakein, Floret).
How to Grow, Reimagine, and Create Beauty with Pansies and Violas
Pansies is the big idea flower book we’ve all been waiting for. While working at the famed Floret Flower Farm, Brenna Estrada was so inspired by the pansies being grown that she began to trial hundreds of varieties of pansies and violas on her own farm. Her innovative approach to growing in full sun results in pansies with long stems, breathtaking fragrance, and unique color.
Filled with stunning photography, Pansies is perfect for growers, florists, artists, and collectors. Readers will discover:
·The fascinating history of pansies and violas, from their origination as a wildflower to a necessary adornment in every household garden
·Everything you need to know about growing pansies (and how to save pansy seeds!)
·How to keep pansies healthy and resilient all year round
·Inspiration for incorporating pansies in crafts, recipes, and in the apothecary
·Inspiring examples of knockout bouquets and arrangements
·Lush profiles on 50 varieties of pansies and violas available today
I recommend this book.
Wonderful pictures.
Lots of good advice.
You will want to keep this book with your other garden books.
Pansies by Brenna Estrada is a wonderful 5 star book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions shared here in this review are my own.
January 8, 2025
I have been in love with Pansies forever. I love their bright, beautiful flowers. I love that even in cold climates, they will often survive with winter and cheer us up in the spring - and again later in the year. I've been known to rescue pansies when gardeners pulled them all out in Delaware where I was visiting, and I brought them back to my home in Massachusetts because I knew I could replant them and I'd keep them for months of more beauty. But I certainly didn't know that there are over 600 recognized species in the genus Viola! (A fact I picked up while reading this book.) The first chapter is academic, providing a detailed introduction to the history of violas and the origin of the garden pansy.
Chapter two covers growing pansies, including growing them from seed. The author also provides information on how to propagate by cuttings, root division, and layering - and she provides useful photos on how to accomplish this. And she addresses how to keep pansies safe from garden hazards, including challenging weather conditions.
But of course the best part are the multitude of pages of photos and descriptions of so many different types of pansies and violas. Many of us don't consider pansies to be appropriate for floral arrangements, but the author provides information about how to grow them for arrangements and provides glorious photos of stunning arrangements.
And did you know that pansies are edible? Beautiful photos of soups, salads, desserts provide ideas. They also have been used for apothecary and health applications.
This book is a thing of beauty and it's also very educational. I'm glad I found it.
Chapter two covers growing pansies, including growing them from seed. The author also provides information on how to propagate by cuttings, root division, and layering - and she provides useful photos on how to accomplish this. And she addresses how to keep pansies safe from garden hazards, including challenging weather conditions.
But of course the best part are the multitude of pages of photos and descriptions of so many different types of pansies and violas. Many of us don't consider pansies to be appropriate for floral arrangements, but the author provides information about how to grow them for arrangements and provides glorious photos of stunning arrangements.
And did you know that pansies are edible? Beautiful photos of soups, salads, desserts provide ideas. They also have been used for apothecary and health applications.
This book is a thing of beauty and it's also very educational. I'm glad I found it.
September 17, 2024
I was astounded by this book's ability to be as informational as it is beautiful.
With art and photography of high enough quality I want to frame it, this would make an adorable coffee table or waiting room book.
Some of the specificities Brenna Estrada included I wouldn't have thought to ponder in a million years. The differences in personality as cut flowers from cultivar to cultivar, the nuances in each bloom's fragrance. This could be enjoyed by anyone interested in pansies - seasoned gardener or not. I'd personally throw in a pack or two of pansy seeds and make it the perfect gift!
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Brenna Estrana and publisher Timber Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
With art and photography of high enough quality I want to frame it, this would make an adorable coffee table or waiting room book.
Some of the specificities Brenna Estrada included I wouldn't have thought to ponder in a million years. The differences in personality as cut flowers from cultivar to cultivar, the nuances in each bloom's fragrance. This could be enjoyed by anyone interested in pansies - seasoned gardener or not. I'd personally throw in a pack or two of pansy seeds and make it the perfect gift!
{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Brenna Estrana and publisher Timber Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}
March 6, 2025
I received a copy through NetGalley for review.
Already familiar with Brenna's work through her own work and through Floret Farms and the incredible work they do. I had already got a couple of her seed packets recently and when I saw this pop up I knew I had to read!
I loved that this was a combo of research on early pansies and violas, which was really fun to read, and with her own anecdotes on how she plants, germinates and cares for her plants and the varieties she's grown and rediscovered. Plus all the incredible photos of the different kinds and the stunning ideas and little recipes for floral arrangements, and even edible things for the flowers.
The photography is absolutely stunning. Her flowers are so beautiful.
Already familiar with Brenna's work through her own work and through Floret Farms and the incredible work they do. I had already got a couple of her seed packets recently and when I saw this pop up I knew I had to read!
I loved that this was a combo of research on early pansies and violas, which was really fun to read, and with her own anecdotes on how she plants, germinates and cares for her plants and the varieties she's grown and rediscovered. Plus all the incredible photos of the different kinds and the stunning ideas and little recipes for floral arrangements, and even edible things for the flowers.
The photography is absolutely stunning. Her flowers are so beautiful.
March 23, 2025
Reading this book made me so excited to try growing more violas! I am a gardener and love growing flowers, so I was looking forward to this book as I follow them on IG. It is such a beautiful book, even in electronic form. The photographs are detailed and gorgeous. The book begins with the history and origin of pansies followed by how to grow them. Most of the book describes types of violas/pansies with several pages dedicated to each one. I didn't know there were so many beautiful varieties. I preordered a hard copy of the book after looking through my electronic copy for only a few minutes. I highly recommend this book for gardeners. It would make a beautiful gift!
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review from NetGalley.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for review from NetGalley.
April 10, 2025
In this book you will learn everything from starting pansy seeds to using your beautiful flowers in stunning arrangements. Estrada also examines all the different varieties available - their names are just as charming as the flowers themselves. Here, in one book, was all I ever wanted to know about my favorite flower. Studded throughout with GORGEOUS photos, this is a feast for the eyes that you'll want to peruse again and again.
Many thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for the read.
Many thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for the read.
December 27, 2025
I wouldn't typically read or write a review for this book. However, many years ago I went to bootcamp with Brenna and so I pre-ordered her book and got it signed. I will say I know nothing about pansies, but this book was fantastic. It was easy to read and follow no matter what your knowledge level is. I also did not realize that there were so many varieties of pansies! Well worth your time, fantastic pictures and knowledge provided!
March 17, 2025
This book is so beautiful, and it tells how you can grow long stemmed pansies (we're talking 12-36 inches long) for flower arranging. The pictures throughout are stunning. I look forward to implementing the techniques from this book for growing pansies and hopefully using them in my flower arranging.
August 7, 2025
As a gardener pretty sure pansies held no interest for me, I was proved wrong by this book! The history is deep and far reaching and interesting, and the varieties are much more than I knew before. Pansies can be a cut flower! I plan to trial 5 varieties next year because of this book.
January 24, 2025
Reviewed for Library Journal; full review appears there
April 12, 2025
Beautiful photos, with everything you've ever wanted to know about pansies.
June 18, 2025
Gorgeous photos, great history, and useful growing tips.
June 21, 2025
While I didn't read it cover to cover I did learn a lot as I skimmed my way through it and totally enjoyed the beautiful pictures.
November 11, 2025
Brenna gave me a new found appreciation for a flower I have always considered to be a ‘grandma flower’. I am now going to have to carve out space in my garden for these adorable little faces. 🥹
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews