WEST NEWBURY, MASS. 49 

Peanies 
This magnificent group of flowering perennials is one of the 
hardiest and most satisfactory for our northern climate. 
While Peonies will thrive in the south, it is in the colder zones 
of the northern states and Canada that they excel in vigor 
over other plants. They endure for many years in the same 
location increasing in size and quality. They mark our years 
with their rich blooms. 
The improved varieties with an abundance of flowers in 
varying forms strike a strong note of color in the garden in 
May and June and the dark green foliage makes a good back- 
ground for other flowers later. Peonies are especially decora- 
tive as cut flowers and many thousands are used every year. 
Probably more Peony blooms are cut and given to churches 
and hospitals than any other flower. Surely in these times of 
strain this is something to consider when planting. 
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 increase of stocks permit, we have reduced our prices. 
We do not try to quote the cheapest prices, but we believe the 
value to be of the best. 
The numbers or ratings which are noted in the left-hand 
margin are the averages tabulated from the votes of the mem- 
bers of the American Peony Society all across the United 
States and Canada. Varieties rating below 7.0 have been dis- 
carded 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 Manual published by the So- 
ciety 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 further information consult us, or better, 
the Secretary, W. F. Christman, Northbrook, Llinois. 
CULTURE OF PEONIES 
Peonies will grow in almost any location, but do best when 
not planted too near large trees. However, where they are 
given some shade from the hot afternoon sun, the delicate 
shades may be retained. A good garden soil of a loamy texture, 
where there is drainage, will produce satisfactory roots and 
flowers. In this type of soil, no especial preparation is nec- 
essary except to loosen and break up any lumps. 
You may put stable manure at the bottom of the hole 
covering with four inches of soil or you may fertilize with 
bone meal or “potato fertilizer” after the roots are planted. 
We find it very satisfactory to make yearly applications 
varying from wood ashes or potash in September to a “5-8-7” 
fertilizer in the spring just as the buds appear. The amount 
will be determined by the size of the plant, but a good handful 
is a rough measure. Too much rain may cause botrytis, a 
fungus which causes the stems to wilt and turn black. We 
find that ground limestone is one of the best correctives and 
this may be used freely and diseased stems should be burned. 
In the Fall the dead tops should be removed and burned so 
