Two years ago, I spent some time cataloguing the growth of a peony plant (bush?) that can be seen from the kitchen window. You can see the ‘catalogue’ here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dsugden/sets/72157626315206872/
I’d 
planted the peony when we first moved here ten years ago – I’ve always thought that she (I think of it as a she) was a bright and showy madam, perhaps a little on the blousy side? When the weather is kind, she is certainly a show off.
During the early stages of growth she can achieve something approaching 1″ (2.5cm?) a day and you begin to think that the flowers will be out ‘any time now’ – but she likes to keep us waiting.
This year, she has been keeping us waiting longer than usual. This photo was taken on April 25th 2011. And this photo was taken today – May 29th 2013. There’s very little difference!
We seem to be over a month behind with everything this year. The magnolia is only just flowering, the rhododendrons are usually in full bloom by Spring Bank holiday (which finished yesterday) but they are only just appearing and the laburnum hasn’t flowered yet!
So, is this a good thing (perhaps this is more normal than it was a few years ago)? or a bad thing (food crops may also be affected)?
Saturday Walks 