REALITY?: Antless Peonies
This is one of my favorite peonies and as happens every year, they burst open and the rains come and destroy them. This one was freshly showered early this morning and I had to take a picture before I cut him and brought him into the house. I’m always hesitant because while the peony is dependent upon the ants to help the buds open, the ants like to hang around for the life of the bloom. I washed it thorough under running water and shook it out good so that I can enjoy its lovely rose-like scent.
The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology
June 3rd, 2010 at 1:56 am
susan, ’tis beautiful, ’tis stunning.
These are my favorite flowers and for too many years I never cut them for the house — seemed sacrilegious to do so. But I do now. Mine will not bloom for some time yet, but picking dying flowers off the ground and plant seems worse then cutting them while still fresh, and sticking them in a big vase to brighten the kitchen. The picture you took is beautiful with the dew-sprinkle and the fresh color…and yes, I even can see a couple of ants…(chuckle).
June 3rd, 2010 at 5:32 am
Yes, I never used to cut them either until I realized that they had a better chance of lasting if they were cut and brought inside. The scent is heavenly. I have a couple of open Japanese peonies but I missed the opportunity to pick at least one.
June 9th, 2010 at 11:57 pm
Well. The only thing I know about horticulture is that one great line by Dorothy Parker. So while I may not be able to join the conversation, I can at least enjoy two of my favorite people engage each other. Good to see both of you.
June 11th, 2010 at 6:24 am
Hey there, Annie Bananie! I love Dorothy Parker and think you should play her in a movie or onstage. We’d come see you on Broadway with bouquets of peonies and ants!
June 19th, 2010 at 1:44 pm
These are my favorite flowers and for too many years I never cut them for the house — seemed sacrilegious to do so. But I do now. Mine will not bloom for some time yet, but picking dying flowers off the ground and plant seems worse then cutting them while still fresh, and sticking them in a big vase to brighten the kitchen. The picture you took is beautiful with the dew-sprinkle and the fresh color…and yes, I even can see a couple of ants…(chuckle).
+1