The peony is outrageously breath taking when in bloom, often with the largest, most luscious flowers and outrageous green foliage which flowers from spring to summer.
Alec White
Peonies are perennials that come back every year to continue taking your breath away. In fact, the plants may live longer than we do—they are known to thrive for at least 100 years.
They bloom from late spring through early summer, depending on the location and the variety of peony you’re growing.
There are midseason and late blooming varieties, so you can stretch out the peony season over many weeks and enjoy those lovely blooms for as long as possible!
Peonies are hardy and grow well, the rules for success are simple, provide sun and well-drained soil. Peonies will even need cold winters, because they need the cold for bud formation.
There are six peony flower types, anemone, single, Japanese, semi-double, double, and bomb. Many have fragrances, these vary from intoxicating rose-like scents through to a lemony perfume, then there are the ones that have no scent at all.
Now let’s introduce a man who is besotted by these beautiful majestic flowers, so much so he has written a book on them that you will find both enthralling and educational.
A Love affair with Peonies By Alec White
Driven by a passion for horticulture from a young age, Alec was introduced to the peony by his Grandparents, and further encouraged by his parents. He shares his extensive expertise and personal experience in this illustrated celebration of the peony. Alec is also quick to point out that although he is an award winning grower, he is completely self-taught, so when writing this book it had to be an easy read, interesting and informative, fun and entertaining, and packed full of beautiful photographs that would for both gardeners and non-gardeners. He wanted all who read it to share his experience and knowledge of growing and ultimately achieving his dream of running a peony nursery and being able to exhibit at the highest level thus encouraging as many as possible to achieve such rewards as he himself has.
Written from Alec’s perspective as a professional peony grower and enthusiast, the book is accessible to both gardeners and non-gardeners and is more than just another gardening title – it conveys the inspiring story of how Alec pursued his passion to achieve the first RHS Chelsea Flower Show gold medal for peonies in eight years.
Varied chapters introduce each of the qualities that make this remarkable flower stand out: their many varieties, scents and colours, how to care for and cultivate your plants, the historical and cultural significance of the peony and the hard work and commitment needed to exhibit at the UK’s leading flower shows.
Each is superbly illustrated, with the photography showcasing the range of colours and changing shades of peony blooms to their cultivation on the nursery and art works featuring or inspired by peonies.
A Love Affair with Peonies is a book to be returned to again and again, whether to appreciate the excellent quality of the images and illustrations, for entertaining insight or for expert practical advice.
This is Alec’s story of a dedicated career combined with all of the essential information needed to appreciate peonies to the full and keep them thriving in your own garden.
A Love Affair With Peonies by Alec White
ISBN-13 978-1913733957 Publisher Bird Eye Books Out now in hardback