I'm sure this will be very boring to most of you but, in case there are any other slightly crazy gardeners out there, I will explain that these are shoots of a special and rare peony that goes by the name 'Golden Wheel'. It's hard to find plants of this variety but, about 10years ago, I got my hands on one and now, every spring, I wait eagerly and with some apprehension to see the new shoots emerge. Last year, snails ate three of the shoots as soon as they broke the surface so, this year, I was relieved to see these shoots looking pretty sturdy. Fingers crossed I haven't jinxed them by celebrating too soon.
