PEONIES FROM MY GARDEN

The peony is among the longest-used flowers in Eastern culture and is one of the smallest living creaturenational emblems in China.  It is also known as 富貴花 (fùguìhuā) "flower of riches and honour" or 花王 (huawang) "king of the flowers", and is used symbolically in Chinese art.^[16] In 1903, the Qing Dynastydeclared the peony as the national flower. Currently, the Republic of China on Taiwan designates the plum blossom as the national flower, while the People's Republic of China has no legally designated national flower. In 1994, the peony was proposed as the national flower after a nationwide poll, but the National People's Congress failed to ratify the selection. In 2003, another selection process has begun, but to date, no choice has been made.

I think the rose with is scent and beauty is the Queen of flowers.  I truly believe the Peony to be king!

In my little piece of the world in southern  vermont….. Summer doesn't begin until the peony blooms, heavenly scented and graceful flowers.  The fattest and most scrumptious of all flowers, a rare fusion of fluff and majesty, the peony is now coming into bloom.

–Henry Mitchell, American writer (1923-93)

Peonies are outrageously beautiful in bloom, with lush foliage all summer long. These perennials may live longer than you do—some have been known to thrive for 100 years. The plants require little maintenance as long as they are planted properly and establish themselves; they do not respond well to transplanting. Oh do I know this only too well.  It took me 10 years to wait patiently for 6 of my plants to grow happy in their new home when I transplanted them!

THE  CENTER PETALS HAVE EDGES ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH DEEP PINK

THIS ONE HAS BEAUTIFUL WHITE EDGES

PALE, PALE PINK, EAVER SO DREAMY

I LOVE THE SOFT CONFUSION OF MULTI PETALS

AFTER A WEEK IN A VASE SHE FINALLY OPENED TO REVEAL HER FULL RUFFLES

NOT REALLY RED, BUT AN EXPLOSION OF MAGENTA

ANOTHER VIEW

GRACING MY FARM TABLE

I LOVE THE LOOK OF THE CABBAGE ROSE CETER

MORE PINK WITH WHITE EDGES

WHITE WITH A BLUSH OF PINK CENTER AND THE FABULOUS CABBAGE SHAPE

GOOD BYE DEAR WONDERFUL FLOWER UNTIL NEXT YEAR

 HONEY HUGS UNTIL NEXT TIME