Wild Violets

Wild violets show up in my garden almost every year; the internet identified this plant as a weed and I suppose it does have weed like qualities, but the flowers are really pretty. I do pull it out of areas where I don't want it, but I leave it is some open spaces; this one is growing under my Japanese Maple tree. As you can see, I leave the leaves from the maple  to decompose and nourish the ground in place; but honestly these leaves are very slow to decompose so I hesitate to put them in my compose bin. My gardener has a difficult time getting that i don't want him raking up all the leaves; I guess most people want them gone? He leaves them for awhile, but if he has a helper the leaves seem to be raked automatically if I am not here. Oh well, I am just delighted to have the help! 
Thanks for all your kind comments lately and for sprinkling of stars and hearts. Your encouragement is greatly appreciated.