Tuesday, May 17, 2011

My Favorite Thing About the Month of May

THE MAJESTIC PEONY!
I just adore their multi-petaled creaminess.
Once I tried to count the petals of a peony bloom......I gave up after I reached 100.
Did you know that the peony was named after Paeon of Greek Mythology?
hundreds of medicinal uses
If fresh heavy cream could be a flower, it would be a peony. Laced with sweet strawberry juice for that beautiful, yet subtle pink hue.
Indiana state flower!
Exquisite aroma!
A single bloom makes a gorgeous bouquet all by itself. Peonies have been known to bloom for over 50 years! You can read all about caring for them here.
Because of the sticky substance on the buds, peonies will attract ants, however they are not needed for blooming(old wives tale).
When I pick mine, I submerge them bloom first into a large bucket of water. Any ants scamper out and then I bring the flowers inside.
Replace the vase water daily and cut fresh tips. If the stems are thick or woody, I give
 it an upwards cut to create more surface area for water absorption.
Even the globe buds are beautiful

 Peonies and silver.....what a wonderful combination.
Now go have a lovely day!
Until next time...be kind and stay creative.

Sharing my Peony tips with Hope Studios



17 comments:

Claire said...

Oh they are just gorgeous Janet. Talking about cream and strawberry juice is making my mouth water..........

They look stunning in that silver jug, just beautiful.

Claire :}

Alison Agnew said...

peonies are my absolute favorite flower...and yes, i am awaiting mine to open up!

Amy Chalmers said...

Oh those look scrumptious!

Unknown said...

I'm waiting on mine to bloom they are almost ready I just need one day of sun.... they are my favorite flower....

Pattie

Mallory said...

Just gorgeous! Love them in the silver pitcher!

Janet said...

Gorgeous peonies! I really need to plant some of those. As an adopted Indianan, I wasn't aware that was the state flower. Thanks!

Aprons and More said...

Such a pretty flower! I wish they would grow down here....but it is just too hot! Thanks for sharing yours with us!

Katy :)

Gretel said...

How funny, I have just been stood with my neighbour admiring her creamy peony which is just starting to bloom properly - I buried my nose in the biggest one and had a good old sniff!

Kathleen Grace said...

Oh how I love peonies! My mother has about 50 plants in a double row lining the driveway. As a kid I used to pick bunches and fill every vessel in the house. I couldn't get enough!

The LadyBugs Garden said...

This is such a beautiful flower and the buds are also!

Maddie Kertay- The Domestic Anarchist said...

Oh Sigh... mine have already come.. and they "went" with the tornado... but there is always next year to dream about!

Maddie

Anonymous said...

I managed to get some cuttings from one of my peony bushes between rain storms. The one in bloom now is a pretty pink and has such a wonderful fragrance. All my peonies are heritage plants from my grandfather and his family.

Good tip about submerging the blooms in water first to rid them of ants! I didn't know the old wives' tale was just a tale. Good to know!
Tammy

Atelier Conti said...

What a beauty Janet! The vase is perfect too. Now that should cheer up the house.

Tweed Thoughts said...

Wow, gorgeous flowers Janet! I can smell the fragrance from here - or imagine that I can ;-)

the treat girl said...

Just lovely!!!!!!! Mine aren't even close yet....we have had sooo much rain and not enough sun :(

BumbleVee said...

I have the same soft pink as you...love them...but, they won't bloom here for some time yet.... they are just sprigs at the moment..... sigh....

Joy @ Joy Of Desserts said...

Absolutely gorgeous post. Love peonies, and you placed them in such a beautiful silver pitcher.
I'm following your blog, btw.