A heavy mulching of manure should be given the 

 peonies in December, and this must not be disturbed 

 until spring when all the inebriate-looking noses are 

 far out of the ground; then draw the manure away 

 carefully and work into the ground between clumps. 



About every five years separate the clumps, or 

 their roots will grow to look like Medusa's hair, and 

 if not separated the blooming will lessen until, after 

 long neglect, it ceases entirely. The country method 

 of putting down four stakes encased in an old barrel 

 hoop is the best support for peonies, preventing the 

 heavy flower heads from becoming earth soiled. 



65 



