Have I mentioned how much I love peonies? I’m sure I say it every year, but they never fail to make my heart glad.
This spring my peonies grown in pots only produced three blooms. It dawned on me afterward that I hadn’t fertilized them—so that might explain the small number. I’ll definitely remember to feed them next season and hope for more flowers.
I cut two of the three open blooms and brought them into the kitchen. It wasn’t much, but what a treat—instant joy and beauty on the counter.
Actual footage of me wandering the garden (just kidding—below I’ll share a lovely peony farm outing with my grandson)
At our previous house we had several peonies that I adored, but overall my results have been a bit hit-or-miss. Fertilizing might be the missing link for better performance in containers.
There are so many glorious peonies around our neighborhood that I often stop to admire them. I had to snap this photo as I walked across the street the other day—so lovely!
To my delight, our sweet neighbor surprised me this morning with a bouquet of peonies. Maybe she noticed me admiring them! I haven’t taken a photo yet, but I’ll share one when I do.
We’ve wanted to visit a peony farm for years. The blooms are so ephemeral that we somehow always missed the brief window—until this week, when we decided to seize the day.
We finally made the trip and it was stunning. Now that we’ve gone, I’m pretty sure this will become an annual outing.
The farm we visited is Simply Peonies in Everson, Washington.
I wish my little granddaughter Lila could have come, but my grandson Forrest was a delightful tour guide and he loved every minute of the visit—so did we.
We stopped to smell every variety—many smelled like roses—and together they perfumed the air around us.
Each peony was so unique in color and form—no two exactly alike.
Forrest enjoyed the peonies, but the buttercups seemed to be his favorite—he was enchanted by all the colors.
The farm welcomes dogs, which was perfect—our pups adore adventures. Lily, especially, has always savored new scents and places since she was a pup.
Lily is getting older, but she still delights in outings to nurseries, the beach, and gardens. She was as happy as can be at the peony farm.
They looked a little windswept that day—the weather was blustery—but everyone had as much fun as we did.
Since moving to our coastal neighborhood I’ve noticed deer don’t bother peonies as much as they do other plants. Back in Seattle we didn’t have deer, so when we moved here I kept mine in pots on the deck to protect them.
After visiting the peony farm and seeing our neighbor’s success, I’m convinced I should plant as many peonies as I can in our small yard. I only wish their blooms lasted longer, but they’re absolutely worth it.
Do you grow peonies? I’d love to hear your tips and experiences with them.