Peonies 
MOVILLA GARDENS 
PEONIES 
We have withdrawn from our list and discarded many varieties 
that have been found inferior to the newer introductions. We believe 
that we have one of the best collections of rare and choice Peonies 
to be found in the world. It embraces the latest and best varieties 
of such wonderful hybridizers as A. Dessert and the late Victor 
Lemoine of France, as well as the most noteworthy productions of 
the older French growers, such as Verdier, Guerin, Mechin, Calot, 
and Crousse. It includes the best of the introductions from Kelway 
& Son, of England, as well as selections from all the noted growers of 
this country, such as Richardson, Hollis, Terry, Rosenfield, Pleas, 
Shaylor, Thurlow, Brand, and others. 
For over twenty years Mr. Boyd has been interested in collecting 
and growing Peonies. In that time he has tested and studied almost 
every variety of merit that has been offered to the public. The Peonies 
he has discarded would fill acres and the list that follows contains, 
with few exceptions, all of the world’s best. There may be a few good 
Peonies that are not included, but they are very few and of very 
recent introduction. We do not boast of the possession of seven or 
eight hundred varieties, as each year we are trying to reduce the 
number by discarding everything but the best, and although we 
have cut down our collection to about two hundred and twenty- 
five varieties, we do not claim that we dig, divide, plant, stake, and 
label every plant that we sell or grow. We employ responsible and 
intelligent help, and have a system of labeling, recording, and 
checking that reduces the possibility of error to a minimum. We 
guarantee accurate labeling, and if by any possibility a mistake is 
made, we stand ready to rectify it promptly. 
The soil in Movilla Gardens is a heavy clay; consequently our roots 
are not as large as those grown in lighter and more friable soils, but 
for bloom-producing qualities and healthfulness we claim that they 
cannot be beaten. In proof of this we not only refer to numerous 
testimonials, but point to the fact that our flowers have been awarded 
the highest prizes at many exhibitions, including the American Peony 
Society’s Gold Medals at Philadelphia in 1917, and at Reading, Pa., 
in 1920; Silver Medal at New York in 1916; many silver cups, 
certificates, ribbons, etc. At the American Peony Society’s Exhibition 
in 1920 we won the highest award in every class in which we exhibited. 
We received the gold medal for “the best collection of 100 varieties” 
and the silver medal for “ the best collection of new varieties introduced 
since 1905.” 
PLANTING. Peonies like a well-drained, deeply dug soil. The 
root should be set so that the topmost eye or bud is about 2 to 3 inches 
below the surface of the soil. They should be planted about 2 to 3 
feet apart; the latter distance is preferable if room can be spared. 
They never should be planted in soil in which Peonies have grown 
before. When the ground is very fertile, it is best to use no manure. 
Under no circumstances must manure be allowed to come in contact 
with the roots. The season for planting is after September 1 and 
before the ground freezes. We will dig and ship Peonies only during 
that season. 
CULTIVATING. Frequent cultivation of the soil in the spring will 
promote strong growth and produce large blooms. Occasional cultiva¬ 
tion after blooming is beneficial to the plants in every way. An 
application of bone meal in the fall and of sheep manure in the spring 
will increase the size and quality of the blooms. 
WATERING. If the spring rains are infrequent after the growth 
appears above the ground, copious waterings will be very beneficial. 
WINTERING. No mulching or protection of any kind is necessary 
after the first year. The first winter after planting, a light mulch of 
cornstalks, straw, or litter after the ground is frozen will prevent the 
plants from heaving. Peonies are very hardy and will stand a low 
temperature. 
2 
