69.0°

Like a sweet breath of spring sweeping us along into the new season, the annual arrival of the first pansies is like hearing the varied thrush singing in the daybreak. It signals the change of life, shaking off of snow and darkness and opening the season of joy and renewal.

They seem so much creatures of the natural world it is difficult to remember that they were brought into being by a small group of dedicated plant breeders a scant 200 years ago.

Lord Gambier, a proper English aristocrat in the late 19th century, like many of his compatriots, was convinced he could change the world by the rigorous application of intelligence and education. This was the age of the engineer: Bridges, canals and illuminated cities were creating a new world.

Our hero had another focus. With his assistant, William Thompson, he was determined to transform the small, incredibly tough alpine violet into something else, something vibrant and multicolored but still able to endure the rigorous life of freeze and thaw.

Plant breeding is an ancient art, and as Thomas Jefferson said, "The greatest service which can be rendered any country is to add a useful plant to its [agri]culture."

This pair of flower breeders did just that, creating the modern pansy, with the bright splotches of colors and the remarkable face impression that we love. Within 20 years, the seed of this flower was outselling all other flower seed worldwide, and still today it is by far the most popular flower in cultivation.

The qualities of her alpine ancestors; tenacity, early flowering and most importantly to us, the ability to be frozen hard every night and upon thawing to happily continue growing, are masked by the joyful face she presents to the world. The word pansy is an English representation of the French "pensee," or remembrance. Its familiar names all refer to its characteristic ability to call up fond thoughts and deep-seated desires.

The practice of pressing flowers between the pages of a book to remember a certain day or person is perfect for pansies. Their bright colors remain and even a hint of the sweet aroma stays with the delicate preserved blossom.

The Japanese were introduced to the pansy in the early 1900s, and by 1950 it had become their favorite too, the "bansi" and "biolet" are so loved that the modern breeders are cultural heroes with Web sites portraying their newest creations just like other fashion icons.

Pansies have become a worldwide success due to their ease of culture, and the innate human response to the tiny faces. It is as if they all become pets. People use the same terms to describe the pansy flowers as they would when talking about kittens, puppies, or favorite grandchildren.

Here in Juneau, the pansy is the earliest blooming flower that can be planted outside. Its ability to take low temperatures, even to freeze overnight, without losing its blooms are so incredible that flowerboxes and planters sporting her colors are among the earliest signs of returning spring. As long as the flowers are picked before they start making seed, this durable delight will continue producing abundant flowers until heavy freezes come again.

A constant supply of moisture, some balanced fertilizer and the attention of a devoted bouquet maker will keep flowers coming and glossy green leaves shining with good health.

To plant the flowers, fill a pot to within six inches of the top with an organic soil mix, add a packet of time release fertilizer, some quick release fertilizer too, and arrange the plants so there is about an inch between the tips of the leaves. Make sure to add a little white to any arrangement so the other colors show off best, and set the plants in at the same level as they are in the pots. Press the soil in around the roots making sure that there is still enough space to water the soil (about an inch of space below the rim) and water them in.

Later in spring or early summer, you may want to replant these with other colorful annuals, or combine them with some favorite perennials for a more elaborate display. It's easy to take this planter apart and recombine with other elements. The combinations of pansies with fragrant stock, spring flowering bulbs, or a selection of salad vegetables is also popular, and as it gets a little warmer the selection of flowering varieties will become much greater.

All in all pansies are a great gift to our culture.

Thank you, Lord Gambier and Thompson; we are all in your debt. The next time I pick a pansy I will remember you.

• David Lendrum, with Margaret Tharp, has operated Landscape Alaska for 25 years in Juneau. They design and build landscapes on every scale and have won numerous awards both locally and nationally. They have a weekly call-in show on KINY and can be contacted through their Web site at www.landscapealska.com.