Opening

I do love the peonies - one is tattooed on my arm in fact! After Kelly Rae's post the other day, I almost bought some when I went to Whole Foods market - but holy schnikees they were super expensive!!! Hoping that it won't rain on Friday so I can get some at the Farmer's Market instead - even if they are a bit spendy, I'd rather support the local farmer, KWIM?
Anyway, till then, I'll have to keep this post and Kelly Rae's open on my desktop so I can live vicariously through yours!
Have a great Monday!

I don't have ants on my peony shrubs outside (these ones were purchased)...we seem to mainly have issues with snails.

Pretty to look at and they smell so heavenly too.

How nice to make a serie of pictures of it...

I just bought some peonies yesterday...so pretty! For those people who have peonies in their yard with ants...try spraying a mixture of water and mild dish detergent on them...the suds will suffocate the ants.

peonies always remind me of my great grandma -- love them!!

I can't wait until they start blooming out here in MA!!

I live in Virginia - we had our peonies in early May - in time for Mothers Day.
When my daughter married in 1994, some pink and raspberry-colored peonies were among the components of her bouquet (the raspberry ones matched her wedding shoes; yes, she was wearing a simple, but elegant, ivory colored gown- bouquet and bride were both beautiful.

Love them in the jar--I think I will go and pick some right now and I might even get some pictures!!

lovely

Peonies remind me of my grandparent's yard when I was growing up. Such a beautiful childhood memory for me - THANK YOU FOR SHARING!!!!

Aren't peonies so pretty!
Great idea to take pics of them on a series like this!

i'm no expert; but i've heard peonies actually need ants to be able to flower. therefore i'm don't have any on my yard; as much as i'd like to!

so pretty! i like the giveaways moved to the weekend. it's fun this way. :)
i'm gonna keep trying for them!...one fine day....
a

this is true

don't kill the ants---they are needed to eat off the outside of the bloom so that they will open

georgeous photos! lovely flowers!!

Beautiful!

so interesting - thanks for the info

Yes, the ants are required to help the blooms to open. There is a sticky, sweet substance on the peonies that attracts the ants. You can bring them inside, just don't put them near food. I usually spray them good with the hose first. I never tried bringing them in before they opened.