The flowers dangle at staggered heights in the vaulted clearing like chandeliers in a shadowy ballroom, each palm-size inflorescence a whorl of pale yellow, pea-pod-shaped buds on arched stems.

The best time to plant will depend on your US hardiness ... Pick the sugar snap peas regularly as over-ripe pods can be ...

Sow seeds in a cold frame in autumn or straight into the ground in spring, and you'll be eating sweet, tender peas straight from the pod all through ... there's enough space for plant supports.