The peonies in my yard are in full bloom and they are stunning, despite the toll the rain has taken on them. I'm not sure how they manage to look so beautiful after being ravished by storms. It's difficult to see them with their heads slumped over as they carry the extra weight of rain water. I need to run out and cut a few while I'm thinking about it...
Okay, I'm back. I have a short clear crystal vase filled to the brim with double pink Sarah Bernhardt peonies, my favorite kind. I have six clusters of plants in this variety. Five of them are grouped together in a back garden and clearly aren't getting enough sunshine, as exhibited by the lack of blooms and the arching stems that reach toward the direction of the sun. Moving them to a sunnier location is on my list of to-dos for the late summer or fall. They're so tall that traditional peony grates are not able to hold them upright. I think I'll invest in some tomato barrel cages for them to grow through next year.
I can't enjoy them much because they're always in peak bloom during our rainy season. Anytime we get a break in the weather, I make it a point to go out and stick my face right into the center of several. The fragrance is sweet and light. The petals of the double peonies are thick, soft and silky, and feel so wonderful against my face. I do this despite my terrible allergies. It's worth the risk of a flare-up. I know it sounds crazy, but don't knock it until you've tried it. Give it a whirl and report back. I think I'll have converts.
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