I never tire of early spring walks in my yard. This is not only the time I take inventory on what made it through the winter but also look for interesting objects left by winter. I'm also watching for new growth pushing through the ground to herald spring's arrival.

My backyard is a mix of a few sunny spots and heavy tree canopy. The gardens include a tiny prairie area and wooded edges. I can find the dregs of winter-an interesting twig, a knot hole wrestled to the ground by an overbearing squirrel, and lichen and mosses that didn't seem to mind the snow cover. It's the exercise of spring to gather objects that will become décor in my fairy gardens in May.

The early meanderings morph into to weekly walks or continue until the soggy ground doesn't swallow my boots. These jaunts let me observe the unfolding. My observations are rewarded with seeing the grass greening, the wildflowers emerging, and occasionally a colorful lost feather. The north side of my backyard has been allowed to do its own thing so wildflowers abound. First there are snow drops and spring beauty. Close thereafter are the wood or sweet violets.

The violet is my all-time favorite spring wildflower. This woodland treat is one of spring's first flowers - colors of violet, white or yellow. The long stems can be gathered into a perfect bouquet for a friend or woven into a wreath. The blossoms can be gathered by young or old, and the flowers can be eaten if the habitat is not chemically treated. Candied violets make lovely decoration on frosted baked goods. Fresh violets can garnish salads too. I have also made violet vinegar; it's a beautiful purple color, a good base for vinaigrettes. One of the best of all culinary creations is decorating wedges of cheese with violets, topped with a white wine jellied glaze.

Years ago, violets were used for perfumes, but many natural scents have been replaced. Violet syrups had their place in pharmacies of old as a laxative and coloring agent. Conserves of blossoms were prescribed as an expectorant. Early chemists could also use a violet infusion as a substitute for litmus to test acids and alkalis. A poultice of leaves were applied to hasten the healing of bruises. Powdered violet roots (rhizomes) have been used to induce vomiting; the violet is still being studied as to its medicinal value. This remarkable woodland plant has a long history as one of man's helpful friends.

As the spring season moves into warmer days, the blooming violets disappear, but their foliage can gain footing in the garden and become a gardener's pest. Then I start tracking other wildflowers: Celanese poppy, Dutchman Breeches, Trillium, May Apples, Jack in the Pulpits, Blue Belles. If you drive along Kessler you may see yards filled with lovely spring blue flowers. Sicilia is a small bulb that spread through the yard and becomes a carpet of blue (just right for attracting fairies!).