
WEST NEWBURY, MASS. 41 

Peonies 
This magnificent group of flowering perennials is one of the 
hardiest and most satisfactory for our northern climate. They 
endure for many seasons in the same location increasing, in 
size and quality. They mark our years with their rich blooms. 
The abundance of flowers in varying forms strike a strong 
note of color in the garden in May and June and the dark 
green foliage is pleasing throughout the summer. Peonies are 
especially decorative as cut flowers and many amateur en- 
thusiasts give thousands every year to churches and hospitals. 
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. 
We do not try to quote the cheapest prices, but we believe the 
value to be of the best. 
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 
colors may be retained. A good garden soil of loamy texture, 
where there is drainage, will produce satisfactory roots and 
flowers. In this type of soil, no especial preparation is neces- 
sary except to loosen and break up any lumps. 
You may use any garden fertilizer available or bone meal. 
Wood ashes containing lime and potash have proved very sat- 
isfactory. 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. The diseased 
stems should be burned. | , 
The roots should be planted so that the buds are about two 
inches below the surface when the ground is settled around 
them. Too deep planting will result in good foliage but no 
blooms. This is usually the cause for lack of blooms. 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. When the buds attain about an inch in size, they exude 
a sticky honey which Is attractive to ants, but these seldom do 
harm and will disappear in a short time. 
Peonies may be successfully planted at almost any time of 
the year, but are most easily handled in the fall from Sep- 
tember to November, and early in the spring before the buds 
have pushed through the ground. The first season will not pro- 
duce large and often not typical blooms. They should be 
treated as permanent plants and will grow and thrive from 
ten to twenty years in one location. 
NEW INTRODUCTIONS 
For many years we have been growing new peonies from 
seed pollenized by the best known varieties. We have ob- 
