Yes, it’s late spring/early summer and that means that our favourite flowers, peonies, are in season again. We bought these amazing single ones the other day: Apparently, peonies were introduced to northern Europe by Benedictine monks which is why they are sometimes referred to as ‘Benedictine roses’. This one is a candle: But that’s a problem – should we actually burn it? ‘Once it’s gone, it’s gone’ as Granny used to say. On  the other hand it won’t look very pretty if it gets all dusty… maybe we just need to find a really special occasion and use it then. Any excuse! Maybe the beginning of summer is a good enough excuse anyway?