This week’s bouquet is, of course, peonies. What else is more magnificent at this time of year than peonies?
I have a love/dislike relationship with peonies. What I mean is, what’s not to love? They are the essence of beauty.
But, on the other hand, I have little patience with flowers that cannot hold themselves upright, even with support.
And, I think the other biggest disappointment is, that the flowers last only a couple days, if you’re lucky enough not to have any rain, or it’s not too hot.
It seems almost irreverent to speak ill of one of nature’s most beloved summer flowers. But I think it is just that the long wait, the exquisite bliss of the opening buds, and then the crumbling and falling of petals, ends for me, in such sad disappointment.
It’s like a tragic love story. Such beauty should not be allowed to fade so fast.
But regardless of their short lived bloom and all my fussing, they are worth the year-long wait . . . just to experience the extravagance of their beauty.
Linking with Cathy at Rambling in the Garden for “In a Vase on Monday”, where you can view lots of pretty flower arrangements.
They are stunning but I know what you mean. I think some varieties last a little longer but they are a fleeting pleasure. Enjoy!
Maybe that is what makes them so much more a treasure, but it would be nice if they could last as long as a rose, or repeat flower. Wishful thinking.
Any of us who grow Peonies perfect understand your feelings and share them. But what beauties you have in your garden.
I thought I was the only one who felt this way. I don’t have a lot of patience for flowers that can’t support themselves or have blooms that don’t last. In this case, both. But they have their exquisite beauty to compensate for their shortcomings, and in that area, they outshine most others.
Yes peonies are so beautiful, but they don’t die gracefully. I have a Sarah Bernhardt that gets so loaded with huge fluffy blooms it can’t stand under the weight, so they all topple over and get wet and messy. They’re worth it though, for that brief moment of glory. 🙂 Your arrangement and photos are beautiful!
I found they do last ever so slightly longer when I cut them and bring them inside, mostly because they are not exposed to wind, rain, and heat. They are glorious and for that brief few days in May, we get to experience a touch of heaven.
So pretty Cindy and makes me think a little differently about my own – I took it out (or so I thought) because it just did not flower, but it keeps coming back so I thought I might leave it at least for the foliage, although it is now overshadowing something I planted in its place…
I really do have a low tolerance for flowers that have one-day blooms or can’t support themselves. Those I do have that fall into this category, were either bought years ago, or given to me. The iris falls into this category for me too, but I can appreciate and do enjoy their beauty as long as it lasts. I just don’t waste my money or precious space on them anymore.
And I have taken up a few things I don’t really want for plant sales at my open days!
That’s a great idea. It is always nice to share plants.
I have something of the same feeling about my Matilija poppies, especially when their yellow pollen discolors my table runner. I’m hoping the closed buds on the stems I cut will open and extend the show. Will closed buds on peonies open once the stem is cut? (You can tell that I’ve got virtually no experience with peonies!)
I only cut the stems that didn’t have side buds, so I could leave some on the bush. I’ll have to try that for next year. I think they are a pretty popular wedding flower, but who knows how they get them to last. Maybe they use faux ones.
You have summed it up well Cindy, and beautiful photos too. I know what you mean – we inevitably get a heatwave and thunderstorms just as they bloom and no amount of staking seems to keep them from breaking. But that is a nice excuse to cut them and bring them indoors! Enjoy yours while they last Cindy! 🙂
Usually I don’t want to cut my flowers, but I’m so glad I did this year. They have lasted longer inside than out, and given me a few more days of enjoyment.
Oh, I am so with you on that, Cindy! Peonies grow on our allotment, which we cannot visit every day and this year I managed to miss their flowering because I was so busy that week. It’s such a shame! I am waiting for someone to breed a variety that reblooms 🙂 I also feel the same way about my iris ensata, they last but two days if weather permits. At least they grow under my window where I have more hope to catch their ephemeral beauty! Amazing photos, by the way.
I am with you Cindy…a feeting pleasure.
I have discovered they do last longer if picked, which is unusual. But next year, I will cut them all and bring them inside to enjoy.
Absolutely beautiful! I enjoyed your photographs just as much as the peonies! What a gorgeous creation. I love the classic pot too. Perfect 🙂 ♥ Thank you for making me smile this morning!
Thank you Holly. They are so beautiful and I have discovered they do last longer if picked and brought inside. Glad I could make you smile this morning!