Easy to grow and lovely to use in vases on the family table, peonies are one of my old-fashioned favorites. There are times it would be lovely to have vases spilling over with these spectacular, care-free beauties when out-of-season.
I have read that there is a way to hold them from mid-May (when cut) until the middle of June. So this is an experiment to see if it works for me. That is pretty exciting if you are planning to show hospitality and want cut flowers for the table after they have bloomed.
Here are the basics and a link to Pendleton’s Country Market where they do this every year with reliable results:
1.) Cut peonies when they FEEL as like a soft marshmallow.
2.) You may need to check through the day UNTIL THEY DO feel like a soft marshmallow. They can change their ‘feel’ quickly.
3.) Cut with a 14-16″ stem. In the shade, remove the majority of the leaves (except 1-2).
4.) Group into bunches of 8-10. Then turn them flower heads down and let them thump onto a table bringing all the heads to the same level.
5.) Wrap them in dry newspaper, covering the heads but leaving the stem ends open to air.
6.) Place in the refrigerator as cold as possible, but not freezing. The colder the temp, the longer they will store.
The longer I garden the less I see the task of caring for it as a chore. I find that through these seemingly mindless activities that I take pleasure in the Lord’s peace, joy and comfort, witnessing His glory close-up. It has been said that there’s something about being in a garden that allows one to worship and feel just a mite closer to our Creator than anywhere else.
This is a photo of the peony gardens of the late Tasha Tudor. I hope it inspires you to garden 
“The grass withers, the flower fades
when the breath of the LORD blows on it;
surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades,
but the word of our God will stand forever.” ~Isaiah 40: 7-8
~ Jacqueline
I grow peonies…they are my favorites! I adore them!
I am looking forward to enjoying them soon!
Deanna
What beautiful flowers!! Will they grow in partial shade in the northeast?? You seem to always have blooms and buds a little sooner than we do!! I love the flower gardens of Tasha Tudor. I love that sort of garden.
Hi, Judith,
And Happy Mother’s Day!
I am remembering lots of lovely peonies in partial shade, but if I recall correctly they had about 6 hours of morning sun until 1PM. I would go to the web and search out a variety that does best in partial shade…I hope you find one that states it will…would you let me know if you find out? Blessings to you
I just read The Private World of Tasha Tudor and so enjoyed the photos of her gardens! Thank you for your kind comments on m blog. I hope to get back to regular posting this summer!
I am so glad to hear from you! It will be nice to be back in touch more
I always enjoy what you write…
Oh, I just love peonies…they’re one of my favorites, too! Several years ago, we lived in an old house that had a long row of peonies along the back yard fence. They were in the shade (due to many mature trees), and they bloomed all spring and summer. I had an endless supply of peonies for the most beautiful bouquets. The former owner was an elderly lady (who had built the house with her late husband), and she was the president of the area gardening association. Thanks to her, we also had roses, daylilies, lilacs, tulips, and so many other lovely flowers.
I have tried to grow peonies, and none of them have bloomed like the ones we had there. I wonder if it was the particular variety she had planted. I’m still searching for the “perfect peony!”
And Tasha Tudor’s garden is always an inspiration…I would love to have gardens like hers!
Oh, yes! so would I. they have the most heavenly fragrance
I can’t wait for mine to bloom! Your pictures are beautiful! My sister used the peony as her wedding flower. The bouquets were gorgeous!
Farmlife Chick,
There are still many blooming and yet to bloom here, too 
I think the peony would be a glorious flower for a bridal bouquet. I am wondering how they kept them from dropping petals…probably pick right before and add stuff to the little tubes of water
Just beautiful, I hope it works out as anticipated! I would agree with caring for our land and gardening- it brings such a peace and is a great time for me to reflect and talk to the Lord. Thank you for linking up to Workin’ It Mondays
~Nicole, Working Kansas Homemaker