THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT PEONIES that enchants me unlike any other flower of spring.
Their intoxicating scent invites me to lean in close and breathe deeply.
They remind me, too, of vintage sepia photographs I’ve seen of brides enfolding peonies gathered from grandmothers’ gardens. These blossoms speak to me of romance and of love.
And they speak to me of the history in this town I’ve called home for 28 years. Beginning in 1927, Faribault was the “Peony Capital of the World,” celebrated with an annual festival and parade. I’ve seen images of floats blanketed with peonies by the hundreds, by the thousands. Long gone are the masses of peonies.
But, oh, how fabulous that must have been, to celebrate the peony, to inhale their sweet perfume wafting through the city streets.
In my backyard, a fern peony bud, April 16
Fern peony bud, April 30
Fern peony bud, May 5
Fern peony in bloom, May 17
© Copyright 2010 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Wow! Neat pictures! My mother used to have a garden full of them.
Thanks, Virgil. When I shoot close-up images like this, I’m going to run them in a larger size so you can see the details.
I think we all have fond memories of mothers or grandmothers with yards/gardens blooming in peonies. Perhaps that is why this flower is especially endearing to me. The peony reminds me of loved ones long gone.
Wow what a great idea. I wouldn’t have thought of that. I love the ant, how they love their peonies. I can’t wait for flowers here. It will still be awhile.
Dana
Here’s hoping spring comes to Canada soon, Dana, so you too can enjoy the delightful peony. Can you believe that temps in Minnesota this weekend are expected to soar into the high 80s? Unbelievable for May!
One of my favorite flowers. I picked some from my garden and could not throw them out until as I picked them from the vase they fell apart in my hand. With all of the rain we have had my peonies did not bloom long. Heavy rain destroyed them as well as my Iris. Maybe next year?
Dorothy
I’m crazy about peonies too and really need to get a bush with those gorgeous, mammoth pink flowers. I just wish peonies bloomed longer. There’s now a lilac that blooms all season. Maybe a peony could be next on the researchers’ list for a longer bloom time.