Peony Love

My neighbor inadvertently became my gardening instructor when I realized her peonies bloomed wildly and lushly in full sun, regular soil and average water. See, I thought they looked like delicate southern belles in need of shade and moisture. I know better now.

Her lovely soft pink is one of my favorites.  

I had one very much like it, once upon a time.  She hated the shade and moisture and competition in my backyard and didn't survive the move to a better growing area, poor girl.

I love the white blossoms with the color breaks.

They remind me of huge hundred-year-old bushes still flourishing in a farmhouse garden.

This double white--oh, my!

Positively, joyously bridal!

My little red girl did survive the move to a hotter, sunnier place a few years ago.

She's a reliable bloomer now.  She's happy and so am I.

Last year I bought this as a bareroot at Walmart of all places.  This is her first season of bloom.

She's a simple creature and a little shy each morning.

But she opens to display her golden heart to the sun and passers-by.

I'd have a garden filled with peonies if I had more sunshine and dog-free planting area!  They might not have a long season, but their exuberance and loveliness remind me to carpe diem.