The peony is one that of those flowers that marks another tipping point in the year, from the delicacy of early blooms to something more exuberant and many petalled with summer firmly in mind. Sometimes short-lived, not always able to stand up to the changeability of UK weather, it’s wise to look to the experts. This month we visit Billy Carruthers at his nursery Binny Plants in West Lothian. His focus is on peonies with a tried-and-tested bloodline, including those from famed 20th-century breeder Professor A Saunders. All are marked as strong growers with single or semi-double flowers and all are worthy of a continued presence in our gardens.
With experts in mind, this month does, of course, see the return of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It hardly seems any time at all since we were enjoying Chelsea 2021, and for many the turnaround from September to May will have felt but a moment. There’s a renewed vigour, though, with designers and horticulturists determined to convey the importance of gardens to our wellbeing and our climate – and more than ever this year, to our communities, with Project Giving Back sponsoring 12 designers to create gardens for chosen charities, all of the gardens then going on to benefit good causes. Find out more about the scheme and some of the show gardens and exciting plants and products in our Chelsea coverage.
Far from the hustle and bustle of Chelsea, designer Sid Hill is quietly influencing our approach to gardening too, with designs that increase biodiversity and health.