The Peony Prize

Peonies. Prose. And Prizes.

Large drooping blossoms

Bright pink, pale pink, white, even peppermint striped

They start tight as a little round ball

and gradually, silky petal after silky petal

they triple their girth

Those fat pom-pom like blossoms, cheering on the rest of the garden

Natures cheer.

Blooms so heavy their stems bow down from the weight, but never break.

I am the lucky recipient of this wonderful bouquet, courtesy of my dear friend Karen, who picked them, especially for me, fresh from her garden.

Aren't they delicious?

The peonies are lovely, but the real prize is her friendship.

And I feel the same about all of you! Thanks to all of you for your friendship and your kindness!

Leave a comment. A little note to let me know you are there.

A little prize will come to one lucky winner, drawn at random.

You have until midnight on Monday evening.

NurseTerry
June 13th, 2008
Peonies! My absolute favorite. We had hundreds at the house in Rhinebeck. They do not grow in California due to the fact that they need to frost back in winter. Also it is important to note that the real reason the little ball of bloom opens is because of the ants. The love nibbling on the sugar and thereby eat the green covering of the bloosom to be. That’s why you always need to shake the ants off prior to bring the peonies inside.
I miss them!!

Cherrye at My Bella Vita
June 14th, 2008
THose are beautiful. They are such a romantic flowers, too. I never know the names of plants and flowers (unless I’ve tried and failed to grown ‘em!)

jessica in rome
June 14th, 2008
OOOHH! How pretty! They remind me of my mom’s garden in the states! I used to pick them and get in trouble. Who could resist?

LuLu
June 14th, 2008
Peonies are absolutely beautiful. The colors of your bouquet are so lovely you can’t help but smile. What a wonderful friend you have to give you such a pretty gift.

janie
June 14th, 2008
I LOVE peonies! We can’t grow them here so I’ve been buying them to brighten up my house and my day. How wonderful to get them from a friend!

erin :: the olive notes
June 14th, 2008
I love having flowers around (but friends are even better). The variegated ones are beautiful!

Erin
June 14th, 2008
I LOVE peonies! My grandma and my mom always had beautiful peonies in their gardens and I’ve decided that one day when we are settled in a house to stay I want a big peony garden. Beautiful pictures and what a lovely friend!

Ice Tea For Me
June 14th, 2008
Great Blog, I found you through Bleeding Espresso and My Bella Vita.
Can’t wait to see your finished terrace.
Linda

Chouzy
June 15th, 2008
Robin – You are sweeter than any bouquet of flowers, though I must admit that those peonies look amazing.

Scintilla
June 15th, 2008
Peonies are among my favourite flowers!
I have six no seven in my garden in Luxembourg and I tenderly molly coddle them into flowering (they don’t always appreciate it). The colours you have are Gorgeous!