With the nights starting to get longer and the temperatures dropping, it feels like autumn has finally arrived. And with a new season only a few weeks away, now's a great time to plan your winter garden. Why not embrace the winter blues (and yellows and creams and apricots...) by choosing violas?

Violas do, as the name suggests, come in violet, but also a whole load of other great colours and combinations, which will brighten up any garden over the colder months.

They have a love of wide-open spaces so they're perfect for growing along your crazy paving or patio. You'll also often see them in hanging baskets. And with the rain that's finally arrived in some parts of the country, and the still warm temperatures, it's a perfect time to plant.

To get started, simply pick up some Awapuni Nurseries viola seedlings from your local supermarket, The Warehouse, Bunnings or from our online store.

These petite plants like pots, so why not grow them around the outside of your potted shrubs or citrus trees? Just make sure you use a good potting mix to provide all the nutrients they need. Nurture their love of space and, in particular, good air circulation, by keeping your pots away from places like under the eaves of your house. This will help prevent them getting downy mildew.

Violas also look fantastic in borders around spring bulbs or roses - particularly as the roses go dormant and lose their leaves.

Once you've decided on the perfect spot to plant, simply dig in a balanced fertiliser, such as nitrophoska blue. Then plant your seedlings in small holes, about 20cm apart.

Your vibrant violas should bloom in about four to six weeks after planting. Once they've arrived, it's a good idea to pick off the dead heads to encourage them to flower longer. And speaking of flowers, did you know you can eat viola flowers? Before you take a bite, check here for some tips on edible flowers.