A quick review of history shows that peonies have been cultivated in China for over 2000 years and for many centuries they have been used in medicine, in art, and in gardens. In the garden they have long been admired for their ornamental qualities. Peonies are regarded as symbols of good fortune, compassion, prosperity and romance. We all know better but yet it is easy to see why “Peony’s Envy” can take over one’s life.
When you think your collection isn’t as big as your friend’s; it is easy to harbor unhealthy thoughts and have “Peony’s Envy”. There is no sure cure. A gardener may think that getting a bigger patch of the plants will satisfy the need to feel superior, but someone is always going to have an even bigger patch of peonies. On and on it goes – “Peony’s Envy”.
My recommendation for a cure is to enjoy what you have. Stop comparing yourself to others. What you have works for you. Looks great. Has that certain something. Appreciate all you have. Others no doubt have even less. You will never have the biggest, and I think it is realistic to say, you won’t have the smallest collection. Envy can only cause heartache. Get over it, get on with it.
What is posted here today is a representative overview of some of the peonies growing in the Gardens at Waters East. Not the biggest collection and not the smallest – just right for this garden.
NOTE: All photos use in this posting were taken on the property of Gardens at Waters East.
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Oh, yout peonys are wonderful! I was about to get jealous but remembered your wise words and instead started to look forward to see my own peonys bloom in a few months. I have two, and when we moved here in 2005 the were hidden on the dark north side of the house. I moved them info the sun and after two years they bloomed. I think they have grown here since our house was built in 1920, and I love them! I wish you a lovely Thursday! Love, Hanna
ReplyDeleteWooow they are realy so beautiful, I wish I have only one of them...maybe a white one:) Love it!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful ! All those peonys in your garden ? You are a lucky gardener, Jack. I enjoyed your photos very much. Thank you !
ReplyDeletePeonies…Peonies…Peonies…That’s something I cannot grow here in Houston, along with lilacs and dahlias. I suppose you don’t really miss what you’ve never grown. Although, I must say they do look beautiful in photos.
ReplyDeletePeony's envy, ah, you had me laughing with that title! And I do envy your collection, too! I should look into planting some more peonies here, I have some very old varieties from my great-grandmother who gardened on the farm over 100 hundred years ago. Their longevity is amazing. Truly an heirloom plant.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post, I enjoyed it! I love peonies but I just have two p. mlokosevichii which refuses to flower and grow but their leaves are amazing. (I have to admit I can't follow your advice and I AM a little jealous of your peonies...)
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Jack, and wonderful pictures.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I moved all my peonies from various areas in the garden and planted them all around the perimeter of the deck. In early June, the stalks get long, the buds are still curled up tight and then suddenly one warm sunny day: they open - white, pale pink and deep magenta. I adore them.
I used to cut them and bring in bucketfuls to work. Some staff and customers loved them - others shrieked at the ants that crawled out. Oh well - you can't please everyone!
You have a beautiful garden. while I may not have peony's envy, perhaps I have a tiny touch of garden envy!! Great post.
ReplyDeleteI have a award for you in my blog. I hope you will accept this award.
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day. / Hans
Lovely. I've never seen them growing around here, although there are a couple of people I've met that say they will grow here. I've planted a few just to see, but with no result. So, while you say don't have peony envy if you only have a few, I say - with no peonies at all, peony envy is inevitable! ;)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful collection! I'm trying hard to pretend I don't have peony envy, but I do - I'm battling with my only one. But I'm fortunate I get to enjoy yours via your blog :)
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed about the peony envy - that's me now. We can never grow peonies here in Malaysia. Cut flowers cost a bomb, hence the florist don't import them. I have artificial peonies for my vases. How lovely they (yours) are!
ReplyDeleteThey are my favorite flower for obvious reasons but also for sentimental reasons. They are beautiful in your garden!
ReplyDelete