A friend of mine, who lives in the tropical climes of Hawaii, remarked that she could not possibly live in such a cold climate, a tale of fresh coconuts and homegrown pineapples (imagine). However wondrous this may seem, I fear I would miss the annual dance around the seasons, the constant reminder of life in all its different stages. The exciting thing, right now, is that all the herbaceous perennials are stirring to life, they are fresh and optimistic, perfectly positive actually.

P. Festiva Maxima, P. Mons Jules Elie, P. Duchess de Nemours

Besides, what about peonies? Herbaceous peonies (Paeonia sp), need the cold, apparently thirty days of frost, to promote strong flowering, and who would want to be without a herbaceous peony. At the moment they are thick red asparagus like spears, which will in time unfurl into lush green palmate foliage, followed by large sumptuous flower heads in early summer.

Broadly speaking herbaceous peonies can be divided into 3 groups, there are singles, doubles and the Imperials. Singles and doubles are self explanatory, Imperials are interesting in that they are single flowers in which the stamens have become petal like filaments creating a contrasting inner density to the flower.

P. Scarlett O'Hara, P. Krinkled White, P. Bowl Of Beauty

Besides the wonders of herbaceous peonies, one cannot overlook the tree peony, of which Rockii, previously rare, is a certain Nurseryman’s favourite. Think golden yellow stamens encircled by huge white papery petals of crushed silk, blotched with inky berry markings at the base.

All peonies are long lived (100years recorded in some cultivars) and like a sunny site with rich soil (heavy but not waterlogged). Peonies in pots can be planted now, take care when planting, herbaceous peonies need their crown up at the surface to ensure good flowering and tree peonies are generally grafted plants so make sure the grafted union is well above the soil.