They're blooming now, heavy, many-petaled heads that fall forwards. They should be tied up - perhaps over the weekend. These deep pink peonies are of the no-name variety; they were here on the property when we moved in. I've moved them and divided them and they have rewarded me with more blooms each year.
The paler version is (I think) Sarah Bernhardt. How I love these. They remind me of romance - delicate, exuberant, full of careless joy.
Since I knew we would be away last weekend, on Friday morning I cut a blossom that was just about to open into ruffled glory, put it into a glass of water and placed it in the fridge. What joy to return home to a peony blossom that seemed to have not aged a whit over 3 days. Here it is now, impossibly lush.
There's a promise of more to come. Fat buds of possibility nestle into pale petals.
Because peony plants can bloom for up to 100 years, they are symbols of marriage, but also of royalty and honour. Whatever their meaning, I'll enjoy their all-too-short season in the sun, or as the case is today, in the rain.
edited to add: Things are a little rough in our extended family just now. Tim's mother is not doing well at all, and there are serious health issues in so many directions that it's hard to keep them all straight. It's a bit overwhelming, to tell the truth. My garden calms me and turns my thoughts to prayer. I'd appreciate prayers for Tim's mother, and for others I've not mentioned specifically. Thanks.
Looking at my Sarah Bernhardt peonies while I'm reading your post. Love the extra information about them and how they symbolize marriage.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are beautiful. So sorry to hear about the family difficulties, and yes, will hold you and yours up to the light in my thoughts. take care xo
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to read of illness in the family and will pray. It is never easy to have one's parent's health compromised or to be concerned about more than one family member at a time. I am glad that you find serenity in the garden. Thank you for sharing your beautiful peonies. I am sharing mine in the morning...all of them! Don't rush over to see them as it is a bit embarrassing. When I asked Siri for the extended weather report, she told me a week of rain so I promptly went out and cut myself all but two. No sense in not enjoying them.
ReplyDeletePeonies are the essence of summer romance. The bud is oh so fabulous! Lorrie, you are in my thoughts <3
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you have some family health worries, and will cover you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteSlightly envious of your beautiful peonies, as mine produced two flowers only...
Nothing brightens a room like a pretty flower. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time. A big hug.
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Sending you a hug Lorrie, your family will certainly be in my prayers. Beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteGorgeos Peonies. My mom has a red one. I use to have a pink/white one but it died one winter. - So sorry to hear of family health issues, prayers for healing for all involved.
ReplyDeleteSaying a prayer for your family right now . . . for those who are struggling with their health and for those who love them. May the One Who Sees offer grace and guidance and strength.
ReplyDeleteI'll pray.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your beautiful peonies. They are romantic and stunning!
Peonies are a top favourite... love their blowsy petals and their fragrance.
ReplyDeleteAdding a prayer for your family ... grace, peace, and a turn around in health issues and circumstances. I'm grateful for beauty in nature and our gardens ... a gift from the Father when thoughts are troubled.
Peace...
Brenda
Dear Lorrie, I can totally relate, things are heartbreakingly difficult on a number of fronts in my little world and often the best thing is to go outside and cut some grass, pull some weeds, prune some branches, smell the flowers, take some pictures. Bring order the only place that it seems possible. Praying for Auntie Ruth and your other family members. Much love.
ReplyDeletePrayers are being sent your way. Thank you for sharing those gorgeous flowers.
ReplyDeleteDearest Lorrie; Oh, what sweet and gorgeous flower your peonies are♫♫♫ Pink is my favorite color. We used to enjoy some of them before having my husband's hobby room to cut our small garden.
ReplyDeletePrayers for your family from me as well, Dear friend. With our age, me and my husband had been through tough time.
I always appreciate your sweet comments,Dear friend.
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*
Oh yes, I will pray. Gardening is the best therapy and prayer time.
ReplyDeleteYour photograph's are just lovely.
ReplyDeleteI so adore peonies, they are one of my favourite flowers.
I am so sorry to read about your families health issues, sending my thoughts and prayers.
All the best Jan
Lorrie I had NO IDEA that peony bushes could bloom up to 100 years. I am on year two of trying to grow them here. (They say it takes 3 years before they blossom.) So I shall look forward to next spring. I think I will also plant a few more.
ReplyDeleteYour peonies are gorgeous! I have pink ones and their blooms were short-lived. I think they got fried by the extreme temperatures (high 30s) last week. I'll remember your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts over the miles for your dear MIL and your family. The peonies are beautiful especially the delicate pink ones. (I remember peonies and hope for some to still be in bloom when we get home to. Oregon).
ReplyDeleteWill pray Lorrie.
ReplyDeleteLove peonies, so lush and romantic. xo
Such lovely peonies and so glad they can bring you a little happiness during this difficult time. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to your dear MIL and family. xx Karen
ReplyDeleteYour scrumptious photographs of these beautiful peonies are greatly appreciated! Sending blessings and prayers for healing for all, in whatever form brings most peace.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful! I brought in the last of my peonies 12 days ago...and am still enjoying them. Sorry to hear of all the issues you are dealing with right now. Thinking of & praying for you!
ReplyDeletePrayers sent for Tim's mother. Hope by now she is doing better.
ReplyDeleteOh the peonies just sing to my heart. I had to buy some at the market yesterday, as I just had to have some. We have planted several peonies, but only one bloomed about a month ago. Maybe next year they will feel more like blooming.
I am sorry to hear about the health problems in your family, Lorrie. I will keep you all in my thoughts. Sometimes it all seems to happen at once and is, indeed, a bit overwhelming. When I faced a similar situation a few years ago, the first place I would head is the garden. Sometimes just to sit and cry, other times to get lost in my weeding as a way to get away from it all. The garden can be very therapeutic. May you find peace and comfort there.
ReplyDeleteYour peonies are just beautiful. Ours are long gone now so I enjoyed seeing yours and I am able to imagine their delightful scent.
Take care.
I'm really saddened by the news of Tim's mother and other family health issues dear Lorrie. Hopefully all will improve very soon.
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile enjoy your garden. . . . . . hopefully being out there with those beautiful flowers surrounding you will help bring you some peaceful and happy moments during the rough times.
Hugs - Mary x
Hi Lori. The peonies here are finished, except for the late bloomer. I suppose that is why we love them so much and for their delicate fragrance and petals and rich color. We do hope that your mother in law regains her health soon. Our prayers for her healing.
ReplyDeleteThe peonies were remarkable beautiful this year. I saw mine as fat orbs ready to burst....and then I went to work on the mainland for a week and came home to tattered, overblown blossoms. I was so disappointed to miss THE peony week. Last night a dear friend came over with a lovely big bouquet from her more-sheltered garden. Joy!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read that there are health problems in your extended family. It is a time of life. I understand and will hold your family and Tim's mother in prayer.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful flowers.
ReplyDeletePeonies have a heavenly scent ; so sorry to hear about the problems in your family / yes will pray
ReplyDeleteLori, I will remember Tim's mother in prayer, and both of you as you watch over her, and other loved ones facing their worries. I can understand that your lovely garden must be a solace to you and the peonies must be a true gift now. I showed my husband your pictures and we both admire them greatly. The old Festiva Maxima at our old house always bloomed in May and there was nothing comparable to bringing some in for vases around the house.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you and yours,
Dewena
Lorrie, I do so LOVE peonies! They have the most gorgeous blooms! I am still waiting on mine to start blooming, this will be its third year, and it is quite slow. I think perhaps it needs more sun. I may move it this fall.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for your husband's mother, my MIL is still having terrible health struggles too, so difficult. I hope that you find some time to relax and enjoy the summer, and will be in prayer for all the extended members of your family in need of prayer. Our God is able to meet and supply all these needs. Hugs to you today dear friend!
Popping back in to say that I am still praying for you and yours . . .
ReplyDeletePraying for Tim's mother now, and for the other needs that the Lord knows. I love that He knows all the details, so I don't have to. Asking Him to meet the needs and minister to you all.
ReplyDeleteSuch beauty in your peonies and words. I wish ours had produced more this year but maybe next year. Meanwhile I can enjoy your images. I'm sorry to hear of the current challenges in your extended family. I will pray for Tim's mom and the family.
ReplyDelete