Sweet Violet - Viola Odarata

"I know a bank where the wild thyme blows
Where oxslips and the nodding violet grows"
Will Shakespeare

Provider of nectar for the early flying insects and a welcome early flower living on the woodland margins and shady hedgerows.

There were quite a few of these flowers in the lane (all white) but not too easy to photograph because the sun's direction and their position meant that my shadow kept falling on them however found this little gem which I managed to twist around and take the shot.