WEST NEWBURY, MASS. 43 
Cile Of oaorees 
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 satis- 
factory roots and flowers. In this type of soil, no especial 
preparation is necessary 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 satisfactory. 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 at- 
tractive to ants, but these seldom do harm and will dis- 
appear in a short time. 

ANNISQUAM PEONY 
One of Our New Introductions 
