Tree Peony

The spectacular flower of the Tree Peony is about ten inches across. It is actually a shrub rather than a tree. Perhaps surprisingly it is very hardy although late frosts can damage buds.

It was a highlight in National Trust Kingston Lacy where we met up with old friends before the long drive home. The drive lasted over eight hours excluding stops with much slow cross country and even slower motorway crawling. The only positive side of the journey was listening to a disc of Mozart string quintets four times.