48 
CHERRY HILL NURSERIES 
(peonies 
This magnificent group of flowering perennials is one 
of the hardiest and most satisfactory for our northern 
climate. While Peonies will thrive in Alabama, it is in 
the colder and more rigorous temperatures that they de¬ 
light us with their unfailing appearance to tell us that 
springtime and harvest shall never fail. 
The newer varieties, with their many flowers of rich 
hues and varying forms, strike a strong note of color in 
the garden in May and June and the dark green foliage 
makes a good background for other flowers later. Once 
planted, the clumps should be left undisturbed, as the 
blossoms will increase in number and quality and need 
not be divided for twelve or fifteen years. 
Peonies will thrive the best if well fertilized, but care 
should be used to vary the plant foods. Well rotted ma¬ 
nure may be applied occasionally and bone meal, potash 
or “potato fertilizer’’ are useful. In our New England 
soil we find lime to be beneficial. 
Peonies may be planted at almost any time of the year, 
but are usually planted in the fall, from September to 
November, and early in the spring before the new growth 
starts too much. The roots should be planted so that the 
buds are about two inches below the surface when the 
ground has settled around them. Too deep planting will 
result in good foliage but no blooms; in fact, this is al¬ 
most always the cause for lack of blooms. 
We have endeavored to consistently maintain our free 
blooming Cherry Hill Strain by selective propagation 
and the large, rugged plants which we furnish give sat¬ 
isfactory results. As our stocks of the newer varieties in¬ 
crease, we reduce the prices and while we do not try to 
quote the cheapest prices, we believe the value to be of 
the best. 
Sizes marked L.D. (large divisions) should give excel¬ 
lent results. Plants one year from division are larger, 
where quicker results are desired. 
The numbers or ratings which are noted in the left 
hand margin are the averages tabulated from the votes 
of the members of the American Peony Society all across 
the United States and Canada. Varieties rating below 7.0 
have been discarded by us so that you may be sure of the 
best. 
The American Peony Society is composed of both 
amateur and commercial growers (the former in the 
large majority). Bulletins are published through the year 
dealing with matters of Peony interest. The Peony Man¬ 
ual published by the Society gives a wealth of accurate 
and impartial information and should be in the library 
of every Peony lover. The dues are $3.00 per year. For 
futher information consult us, or better, the Secretary, 
W. F. Christman, Northbrook, Illinois. 
Don’t let fertilizer come in contact with the roots 
of trees or plants. 
