Growing up in San Diego I never saw a peony. The winters are too warm for them–they thrive in cold weather. In fact, I remember knowing about them until I moved to Denver in 1985. Then it became a love affair. I like all colors and all styles.
This winter in the San Ramon Valley was just right for peonies. I planted one in my garden two years ago. They take two years to settle into their new home. Last year my plant was brown and sickly–I didn’t think that it would make it. But it did survive and is full and healthy with five blossoms.
What’s great is that the gophers and voles haven’t done anything to it. I cut the one blossom that’s opened and my cats who love to eat flowers (roses, geraniums, and tulips are their favorites) are ignoring it so I can walk into my kitchen and enjoy it.
Now I’m waiting for the ants to finish eating the shell on the other blossoms so I’ll have other giant fuchsia colored buds to cheer me up.
