These are Viola riviniana commonly known as dog violet or wood violet. I think it is a stunning little flower. Hidden away in the woodland shade it would be so easy to miss as you walk by, but it is definitely worth a second look.
I think this is possibly my favourite image from my walk around the garden at Dunham Massey, the light is perfect and the colours are so vibrant, I love the lustre of the deep blue petals which beautifully frame the flowers' golden heart.
The flower is Anemonoides apennina, Apennine Anemone or blue anemone. Nearby there were many other anemones but their colour was a little muted compared to this one so when choosing a photo to share today there was no competition. I hope you like it as much as I do.
