Flower of the month: peonies

For June, let's honor peonies! This time of year, I see them everywhere--neighbors' gardens, farmers' markets, flower shops and grocery stores. They make an exceptional cut flower. They're quite simple to arrange and really make a florist's job easy. Their large blossoms and sturdy stems make an excellent addition to any bouquet. Just a single stem in a small vase is gorgeous. Some brides purposely select a wedding date in May or June so they're able to use peonies in their wedding, and I don't blame them. They're so feminine and full of beauty. I'm also in love with their sweet scent. Unfortunately, they are expensive as their bloom time is only a few weeks.

As for tips, here are a few:
1. They drink a lot of water, which makes it especially important to refresh the vase daily with clean water.
2. Ideally, they should be cut or purchased in bud stage (about the size of a tennis ball), but the bud should not be too tight as it may be a sign that the flower was picked prematurely.
3. If harvesting from your own garden (lucky you!), clip them early in the morning or late in the evening when they are most hydrated.

 peony arrangement with daffodils, snapdragons, and lilac 

a simple arrangement of pink peonies. photo taken towards the end of the flowers' life span. still so beautiful.

at the Chicago Botanic Garden, where they have millions of peonies in bloom right now

more peonies at the Chicago Botanic Garden 

yup, peonies at the Chicago Botanic Garden 

my pug, Manny, in front of peony plants near our house (he was very excited to take this picture as you can tell) 

a bouquet of white peonies with another one of my favorite, mock orange. this arrangement smelled like paradise.