48 
CHERRY HILL NURSERIES 
Peonies 
This magnificent group of flowering perennials is one of 
the hardiest and most satisfactory for our northern cli¬ 
mate. While Peonies will thrive in Alabama, it is in the 
colder and more rigorous temperatures that they delight 
us with their unfailing appearance to tell us that spring¬ 
time 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. 
We have endeavored to consistently maintain our free 
blooming Cherry Hill Strain by selective propagation and 
the large, rugged plants which we furnish give satisfactory 
results. As our stocks of the newer varieties increase, 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 excellent 
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 ama¬ 
teur and commercial growers (the former in the large ma¬ 
jority). Bulletins are published through the year dealing 
with matters of Peony interest. The Peony Manual pub¬ 
lished by the Society gives a wealth of accurate and impar¬ 
tial information and should be in the library of every 
Peony lover. The dues are $3.00 per year. For further in¬ 
formation consult us, or better, the Secretary, W. F. 
Christman, Northbrook, Illinois. 
CULTURAL DIRECTIONS 
Peonies will grow in almost any location but of course 
do best in a good garden soil of a loamy texture where 
there is a good drainage. In this type of soil, no especial 
preparation is necessary except to loosen and break up 
any lumps. You may put stable manure at the bottom of 
the hole covering with six inches of soil, or you may ferti- 
hze after the roots are planted. Do not attempt to replant 
Peonies in soil where they have grown before, and if the 
same location is desired, the earth should be removed and 
replaced by fresh earth from another part of the garden. 
planting. Peonies should be spaced at 
least 2% or 3 feet apart as they will grow into large 
plants. 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 almost always the 
cause for lack of blooms. Fertilizer may be applied after 
the plants are set, working it into the top soil and yearly 
applications may be made. Well-rotted manure may be 
applied occasionally, varying with bone meal, potash or a 
potate fertilizer . In our New England soil, we find lime 
to be beneficial to keep the ground free from fungi which 
may cause crown rot or botrytis which attacks the stem at 
the base causing it to wilt. These troubles seldom occur 
unless too much fertilizer is used inducing a rapid, soft 
growth. When the buds attain about an inch in size, they 
