Peony's Envy

I turned 39 this week.  Almost 40, but not quite there yet.  It was a low key day (my favorite kind!).  Billy was supposed to have to work, but found out the evening before that he didn't have to go in so we got to spend the day together.  We had breakfast with the boys before school and I got some great accessories to use in my new bathtub (bath salts and sponges).  Those boys sure know their way to their mom's heart...

I love peonies.  I got my first plant several years ago and I have been hooked ever since.  I love how they smell and that they are an heirloom plant that has been around forever.  And it doesn't hurt that they aren't difficult to grow. I don't do a lot of gardening but every Spring I get excited to plant a few things.  So each year around my birthday we plant a peony.  While I was researching care of peonies online, I found a place called Peony's Envy in Bernardsville, NJ.  They are a large distributor of peonies across the country, but every spring they allow visitors the chance to walk through their gardens.  We decided to visit on the morning of my bday.  What a beautiful place!

The peonies were gorgeous and the smell was amazing.  But the best part to me, was wandering the paths surrounding this beautiful old white colonial.  I felt like we were in someone's private garden (which actually we were).   They open their property on the peony farm for the blooming season, which lasts a month or so.  

Some peonies weren't blooming yet.  But the trees were so pretty, too.

My peonies at home aren't blooming yet but they are getting ready.  Do you have any peonies?   And if you have any tips about growing them, please let me know!