That's definitively a good idea to give violets a try ;o) About odorata under a tree: better not a conifer and pay attention there's enough sun :-) During spring time, the more they'll have sun, the more they'll make blooms. About Marie-Louise: a pot :-)) Anyway, don't put them together. Really hope you will sucess, but don't worry too much, there's no reason why you shouldn't, odorata is so easy :-)