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This winter I will have access to two new clearings in a wood which has violets and Silver Washed F around its borders. The wood is only a couple of miles west of Chiddingfold/Dunsfold forest. Which violets would do best in fairly heavy shade, I am thinking of dog violets (Viola riviniana) which I will have to buy in. Though I might be able to find enough runners of sweet violets (V. odorata) from my own field. Which would a Pearl-bordered die for (if there are any still around here)?

John,
I'm sure others will weigh in with more knowledgeable opinions, but there does seem to be a slight difference of opinion regarding the Violets for Pearl-Bordereds in my reference books. The 'Millenium Atlas' by Asher et al suggests Common Violet and other Violets such as Heath Dog-Violet and in the north, Marsh Violet. Jim Porter's 'Caterpillars of the British Isles' book suggests Dog Violet, Marsh Violet, Sweet Violet and in captivity other species of Violet and Pansy.

I would think Heath Dog-Violet and Marsh Violet wouldn't do so well in shade anyway. Dog-Violet would do fine, and it's probably the best source for many of our Fritillary caterpillars anyway. Your biggest problem is that it takes a bit of a while to bed-in and spread, at least that's my view from the ones I've put in the garden On the plus side it does self-seed pretty well once established, but I would still think it needs dappled light at worst. Best thing about Sweet Violet is it's easy to get your hands on specimens at many garden centres (you'll no doubt not be going to those) and the leaves can be a lot bigger i.e. good for caterpillars. I'm always amazed that Fritillaries do so well from Dog-Violet as it is often spread so thinly around even good sites in woodlands. Michael