40 CHERRY HILL NURSERIES 
Peontes 
Wherever one desires continuing bloom year after year 
from plants in the garden, we recommend the planting of 
Peonies. Hardy in almost all parts of this country and Canada, 
the vigor of the plants and the wealth of blooms in their 
lovely shades of white, pink and rich reds give delightful 
effects both in the garden and as cut flowers. When once 
established, the plants increase in size and quality for many 
years and need not be disturbed. They will persist in many 
localities where other perennials fail to grow and their in- 
creasing use testifies to their popularity. 
Peonies are especially decorative as cut flowers and many 
amateur enthusiasts give thousands every year to churches 
and_ hospitals. 
We have endeavored to consistently maintain our free-bloom- 
ing Cherry Hill Strain by selective propagation and the large, 
vigorous plants which we furnish give satisfactory results. 
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 nec- 
essary 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 dis- 
eased 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 do best if transplanted in the autumn months from 
September until November when the buds for the next year 
are dormant. They may be planted in the spring, but it should 
be in early April before the buds have pushed through the 
ground. The first season will not produce large and often not 
