East Midlands,
United Kingdom 
I have two tree peonies both of which have grown another weaker stem next to the main stem. This has no flowers on it at all, and I've had this happen two years running where the extra stem eventually dies off. Does anyone know why they do this please ?
Also, can anyone tell me why the strawberries have all risen to the top of the jars on some strawberry jam I've just made ? I've never had this happen before.
22 Jul, 2013
Answers
Jam usually rises when it is potted when it is still too hot, it needs to be cooled more, then more likely to set.
23 Jul, 2013
Moon Grower and Lizzie Bee - Sorry to take so long to reply - have been unwell. I am such a fool - when I said tree "Peonies" I meant tree lilies. Quite a different question.
Re the jam - I did cut the strawberries into smallish pieces but perhaps potted it too hot. Luckily it has set well.
Many thanks to both of you for your help.
19 Aug, 2013
Sorry you have been unwell, no idea about tree lilies.
19 Aug, 2013
Re Tree Peonies the growth starts off sappy and then hardens off.
Strawberry jam, are you leaving the berries whole it is usual to cook them down for jam.
22 Jul, 2013