« What's blooming in Baltimore's Rawlings Conservatory? | Main | First week in May »
Photo credit: Gary Mihoces
My friend Nan tells the story of taking peonies to her teachers as a schoolgirl.Not because she was especially fond of her teachers. But because ants are particularly fond of peonies.
Nan was counting on that...and on her teacher sniffing all sorts of ants up into her nose.
Sure beats tacks on the teacher's seat in the realm of practical jokes.
Susan Reimer has spent 16 years writing about raising kids - among other topics - in her column for The Baltimore Sun. And every time son Joseph or daughter Jessie passed another milestone - driver's license, college, wedding or a move to a new military duty station - she has planted another garden. Now she will be writing about those gardens - and yours - here on Garden Variety. 
Sign up for the At Home newsletter 
The home and garden newsletter includes design tips and trends, gardening coverage, ideas for DIY projects and more.
Comments
My late former mother-in-law, who raised glorious peonies told me that if peonies like you, they'll go great guns for you; if they don't, they won't even show up. For years, in my old house, peonies were my biggest fans. I wish I could find a way to let them know that it's me in this house, because despite planting new roots (thrips? bulbs?) in a different spot every year, they never show up!
This year, I'm holding out for the Towson Garden Clubs' sale, and I'm buying an established plant. At least I'll know it actually was alive.
Posted by: Eve | May 10, 2010 12:43 PM
Another peony lover! When I was in San Diego, Ca, couldn't grow peonies at all. I was jumping with joy when we moved to Sequim, WA and planted 25 peonies immediately in my garden. They are just fantastic. Every year is like a peony extravaganza when they are in bloom.
And, so glorious in even the simplest floral arrangement for the house.
Posted by: Peony Lady | May 25, 2010 9:15 PM
I live in Oceanside, Ca. I planted my peonies three years ago with no bloom; I was told this would happen. This year I decided to dig them up and put them in pots I could transport to and from the freezer. I put them in the freezer for 3 hours everyday for 2 weeks. I have blooms. I am so stoked!
Posted by: MICHELLE RICHTER | March 16, 2011 2:45 PM