Karen and her grandma agreed—of all the beautiful blossoms in the garden, the most spectacular are peonies. Now days, in memory of Karen’s grandmother and in gratitude for our friendship, we watch and wait for that glorious hallmark of Spring—the bursting forth of Karen’s peonies!
Peonies start off slow. Through winter, their stems are quite plain. Then, as Spring arrives, green buds swell with promise. “It’s almost time,” Karen and I say to each other. It’s a wonder there isn’t a chorus of angel-song on the day the peonies bloom. We stand in awe, staring at what rain, sun, time, and God have done! For Karen and me, peonies are a rite of Spring; a celebration of sheer beauty; a loving hello from Karen’s grandma, and now, a lifelong reminder of our friendship. Peonies never last long enough. Too soon, silky petals drop to the ground and green stems become just a garden place-holder—until next Spring. Peonies are worth the wait.
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Sometime, years ago, when peonies were chest high, my sister and I would “steal” the delicious sticky nectar from the bulb-0ne finger dip at a time. It was a sister secret. We were sure we’d be in trouble.
Sometime, years ago, when peonies were chest high, my sister and I would “steal” the delicious sticky nectar from the bulb-0ne finger dip at a time. It was a sister secret. We were sure we’d be in trouble.
Yes these flowers are truly beautiful. Thank you Karen. Sorry I am not there to see them.
You’re here in spirit when you comment on Bright Ideas, Robin. We miss you!
Lovely story on Karens beloved flowers. They are showstoppers that I look forward to every spring. They multiply and Karen’s bed gives joy to all the walkers. I share her love of them.
My fav flower is still roses. The sheer variety of color and scent ! All of natures beauties, even some we consider weeds have a place.
Thanks Shiela, for another great piece.
Ruth
And thank you, Ruth–for being a regular reader and commenter. It means a lot to us!
Soooo gorgeous! Can never have too many flowers! Of course, my favorites are roses, but I love the peonies too (and many, many more!!) Thanks for sharing . . . now I’ve got to drive by Karen’s to see the “real thing”!!!
Aww, Janice! Sorry. They’re gone! As I said they don’t last long. Maybe next year in April or early May. Thank you for your comment!
Beauties! Both of them!
Aren’t they though! Can’t you just imagine what a sweet face her grandma had?
Love, love love them!
Thank you, Pat, for your comment. Welcome!
Just gorgeous, Karen! A grateful heart a garden is…
Thank you for sharing your talents.
Donna 🌸 🌺
A lovely thought, Donna. I’ll be sure Karen sees it. Warmest Hugs!
Karen’s peonies bring me to a halt each time I stroll by them… and I know I’m not alone! Not everyone can sit beside a flower and match their beauty, but Karen surely does…
I’ll be sure to pass your comment on to Karen, Kathey. Don’t we just love her?
Thank you for the story on Karen (also my friend) and her Peonies. I once gave her a Peony plant and I had a nice bed when I lived in RC. Wish I could see how my old plants were doing. Thanks again, Sheila.
Thank you, Glenna. I’ll pass your comment on to Karen. It’s probably too late to get a picture of your peonies but I’ll go by and see–and I’ll try to remember next year.
That would be wonderful, Sheila.
My beds were in the side in the back on John and Debbie’s side.