THE BOOK OF THE PEONY 



As the roots are usually well packed in dampened 

 moss or peat, they may, if necessary, be left in 

 the box for some time ; but, unless the soil of the 

 garden be lumpy or muddy from recent rain, there 

 is nothing except convenience to be gained by 

 delay. 



Planting 



To open a case of fine peony roots is a pleas- 

 ure; the roots themselves are beautiful things, 

 strong, firm and fleshy, with their delicate little 

 white rootlets and big crisp eyes that hold the 

 future glory of the garden. A label is attached to 

 every plant: as one joyfully reads over the names, 

 visions of each perfect flower arise. One's delight 

 in the peony garden to be begins perhaps with 

 reading the catalogues : one's delight in the actual 

 garden begins right here — at planting. 



The roots and buds are as fragile as bits of 

 old china and, lest pieces be broken off, must be 

 handled as tenderly. After they are taken from 

 the case they should be examined, checked and 

 sorted. The general rule of keeping roots moist 

 during the process of transplanting applies 

 to the peony. A dampened bm-lap bag thrown 



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