The Peony Flower

Red single Peony on Forsythia Hill

Is the Peony the perfect flower? It is very difficult for a plant lover to narrow the list down to just one Species but when thinking about how much delight a Peony blossom brings and weighing it against the others, it just might come out narrowly ahead. The top competitors in my garden are perennial Iris, Daffodil, Hibiscus, Lily, Daylily, Rose, Dianthus, and Primrose.

Pale Pink Tree Peony, 50 + yrs old in Ted's Cville Garden

Peonies are long lived, being recorded to live in flower beds for centuries. This Peony Garden article published by China Daily talks about plants over 100 years old and one 170 years old!

Top competitor, My Grandmothers Primrose, 50 + yrs old

Also long lived are Daffodils, Primrose, and Iris. I have some that my Grandmother planted 50+ years ago. I LOVE Dianthus and at one time collected it but they don't make it from year to year in my garden. Store away a little seed each year, from non-hybrids, to ensure you have a backup plan if they peter out.

Climbing Rose, Seven Sisters, on my trellis on Forsythia Hill

Roses are breathtaking and I have several, but once again, it all depends on the type of Rose as to its longevity. I tend to go for Climbers, Grandiflora, or Rugosa as for me they are easy to grow and require only pruning to keep alive and happy. Generally, if it does not have a glorious scent then I am not interested.

Faithful perennial Hibiscus, stunning in its own right

Daffodils are by far my favorite Spring bloomer and I collect them as well but most don't have the color variety or size like the Peony to make you GASP. Perennial Hibiscus is also a knock out plant that lives many years in the garden but it doesn't have the layers of petals like the Peony. Lilies and Daylilies come in all sorts of varieties and seem to last a very long time as well but I go back to the massive pillowy layers of petals in the Peony that brings out romance and reminds me of the finest of old fashioned floral arrangements.

This Double Peony head is heavy and will kiss the ground

My only complaint about the Peony is that often the big doubles get so top heavy they sink to the ground when it rains. To assist, I shake mine off and fluff them up. Also planting a few other clumps of Summer blooming sturdy plants in front of them helps to prop them up. That is one reason I lean toward the single Peony. It has less weight and is more upright. In my collection I have a Red and a single Pink that was my Grandmothers, planted at least 60 years ago and in appearance to the original Peony that all were bred from.

I don't have any Tree Peonies because they are so ungodly expensive but hopefully one day someone will want to share!

Glorious Single Hot Pink Peony on Forsythia Hill

After the Peony bloom dies, you can cut off just the bloom and leave the foliage (never cut this down because like Daffodils it provides needed energy for next years blooms) until it withers away. The leaves are actually very pretty as well and can provide a nice backdrop for small Summer bloomers.

What can outshine a faithful plant that returns each year, blooms its head off, and provides such delight. I would love to know!

-Rebecca

Perfect Memorial Day Garden

Civil War grave, note Missing Leg.

One of the most fascinating Gardens I've ever visited is located in the historic Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg, Virginia.  Not only is there a interesting history of the Gardens but the Cemetery is the oldest Virginia Public Cemetery containing an estimated 20,000 graves.  Leaving quite an impression are the rows and rows of identical Civil War tombstones.  Lynchburg was the second largest hospital center in Virginia during the Civil War and many fallen men were buried here.

Little pink blossom on a huge Climber.

I first visited the Cemetery last Fall with the Newcomers Club of Greater Charlottesville Gardening Group.  There was little in bloom at that time but even so I was dying (no pun intended) to return in the Spring to see the bare climbing roses and shrubs give life to the graves and grounds.  I stopped by a few weeks ago on my way to Roanoke and it just happened to be the day prior to their annual Antique Rose Festival.  There were easily 100 roses available for purchase and it took me an hour (with the help of a wonderful rose expert) to select the perfect rose for my trellis.  Fragrance #1, climber #2, mauve #3.  I ended up with a hybrid Musk introduced in 1960, Lavender Lassie and it is budding up right now and I can not wait to see it bloom!

Scatter Garden for ashes of loved ones.

The Cemetery contains graves of not only Soldiers but Slaves (many unmarked) and those unable to pay for burial.  At one time the beautiful pond was the city trash dump!  With great care there has been much work carried out at this special place to preserve and document its varied and rich history.  It may surprise you to know that this is actually a popular wedding location complete with a charming historic church that was relocated to the Cemetery.

This Monday on Memorial Day at 3 pm there will be a Confederate Ceremony (a tradition since 1866).  If you are going to be in Lynchburg, this is a MUST MUST SEE.

Glorious Gardens

Bronze Peony and assorted Pansies.

A loaded down pink and cream Foxglove.

As previously blogged, I traveled Friday to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, Virginia.  I am so glad that I went.  I have been to the Christmas light extravaganza several times (amazing) and to the gardens on the only other FREE day, July 4th.  I have never visited the gardens in the spring and let me tell you, the gardens are spectacular right now.  All trees have leafed out and the Peonies are peaking as is the Rose Garden.  I forget Richmond is a bit warmer than Charlottesville so ahead of our bloom schedule.  I get to see a similar show in a few weeks right here as the Peonies and Roses are budding up on Forsythia Hill.  Several of my favorite plants were budding or in bloom, False Blue Indigo, Oakleaf Hydrangea, Native Wisteria, Foxglove, and Allium. 

The new Conservatory was loaded with Orchids and Bromeliads.  It was a glorious Spring day with perfect weather.

Vermicelli Bowl with Fish Sauce on side to die for.

My first stop in Richmond was to my favorite restaurant, Vietnam 1.  It is always delicious.  When my friend Ed lived in Richmond, he took me to this wonderful place.  It's nothing fancy but the food is inexpensive and so good I eat until I nearly pop.  I always get the Vermicelli bowl with crispy vegetable wonton. 

I also checked out Trader Joe's which is said to be coming to Charlottesville soon.  Oh man, did I fall in love with this store.  I can't wait until they arrive.  Great prices, fresh produce, and I'm loving the Cat Ginger cookies (for people).

Native Wisteria at Lewis Ginter Botanical G.

Have you visited a lovely garden this Spring?  Please leave a comment and tell us about it.

-Rebecca