2010
Each year the appearance of the peony, bush and buds growing, brings special memories and thoughts to my heart. I think of my dearly departed Mother and wish she was still here to enjoy the beauty of nature in bloom which she loved so well.
I made a post on my blog last year about how my discovery and love for them began: “The Eccentric Peony” You’re welcome to go read it, if you want too.
I took this photo of one of the buds on my peony bush this year. It would appear that this year, the peonies are living up to the legend my Mom told me about the name… that ants had to “pee on it” before the buds would bloom. lol
(In reality the ants and other insects chew the edges of the buds and helps them to loosen and be able to bloom.)
enlargement of ants feeding
This is the first year that I recall ever seeing ants predominately working on the peonies. Maybe the other insects will join in the bud-loosening later on. 
I look forward to once again seeing the beautiful blooms and smelling the soft aroma of these gorgeous beauties.
Wishing you all fond Spring memories and Happy thoughts.
Ah, the joys of spring. Enjoy it to the fullest and may the peonies not disappoint – speak to the ants.
Thanks NewsFerret
Happy Spring to you.
I can’t wait to see the pretties! …and a few bugs and birds!
Thanks Tina
I can hardly wait to take photos of the pretties, bugs & birds too.
Certain flowers remind me of my mom too: peonies (pe-OH-nees) being one of them, but also iris and jonquils.
Happy spring!
lol Dianna
I recall the pronunciation discussion from last year. We always pronounced like you & your Mom did, but I still get a chuckle remembering the more-proper-ladies calling them pea-a-KNEES.
Happy Spring to you too.
Peonies are so glorious, but the ants know it too! Dang things. I think your Mother made the best of it with her comment. Lovely E.C. Margie
Thanks Margie
I guess I could look it up, but I rather agree and like Mom’s teaching of this aromatic beauty. 
I agree I think Mom’s jesting holds a bit more truth than she knew.
Hi,
They certainly are a beautiful flower, they also grow in certain parts of OZ as well, and they look magnificent in gardens.
Thanks Mags
I never knew they grew in OZ. That is so cool. I wonder if they grow larger over there. My mind is swirl with curiosity. They are a magnificent plant to be sure.
I have found this for you.
Fact sheet on Peony from Gardening Australia.
Thanks Mags
That’s an interesting link on the history a fascinating hobby. Cool!
I thought you would be very interested in the last paragraph, sorry I couldn’t copy it down for you, but it has a copyright on the article, but I didn’t realize the plant was becoming endangered.
Thanks Mags
)
I didn’t know about the different varieties growing out in the wild. I’m only familiar with the ones grown here in the south (and the seed catalog
It’s sad that a plant so everlasting and beautiful is being wiped out. Hopefully there’s enough collectors and gardeners to keep the peonies from going totally extinct. I hope.
We have both learned something new.
Cool! I love that. Thanks so much Mags.
Interesting about the part the ant has in the opening of the flower bud. Enjoy Spring and all the lovely flowers.
Thanks Sami
It never ceases to amaze me how nature is set up. It’s awe inspiring to think of it all.
Happy Spring to you.
I didn’t know that about the ants and the peonies. And PEE-uh-nee is the pronunciation I am familiar with.
Cool Patti
Between you, me and Dianna we’ve got all the pronunciations covered. lol
I love peonies EC. Ours are still small buds but the ants are working! Hope the leaves don’t come out too soon on our oaks and keep the sun from shining on them! Your peony flower and bud shots are awesome. Love the last capture! And PEE-uh-nee here too!
Thanks Pix
I look forward to seeing photos of your lovelies in bloom. I hope your peonies bloom beautiful for you.
Isn’t it fun how many pronunciations of the peony there is? I think it makes it all the more special.
My peonies are just leafing, they haven’t started to bud yet. I started them off of my mother’s and she says the ants are necessary for the blooms. Don’t know if that’s true, but I follow her advice. Yours are lovely.
Thanks Renee
Your Mom is right and sounds like my Mom’s advice and knowledge about the peony. It’s so great that your peony is a start off of your Mom’s, that’s a special heirloom to have.
I love peonies as well. Yours are beautiful! I read and enjoyed your “Eccentric Peony.” I knew the ants were essential to the peony blooming but I didn’t realize it was their nibbling (along with ladybugs, bees) that actually enabled those beautiful blooms.
Thanks Dolls
It’s amazing that peonies have survived as long as they have since they’re so reliant on insects to help in their blooming. That may be one of the reasons that they’re going extinct in some areas.
Magsx2 posted an informative link in her comment about them:
Fact sheet on Peony from Gardening Australia.:)
Thanks for sharing that interesting article. It’s a shame that so many people are uninformed when it comes to our planet’s reliance on insects…so many are quick to get out the can of bug spray or call the exterminator when they see one insect. I for one leave the bugs alone and if they seem to start to overrun, I use organic deterrents such as cayenne pepper, crushed marigold petals or plant marigolds around the garden.
Thanks Dolls
I personally leave bugs alone unless they are destroying my crops or if they’re in my house. If it’s a good spider or bug in my house, I capture it and take it outside. I use organic deterrents as much as possible, but sometimes we have to use industrial stuff. We don’t like pesticides, but we’re glad they’re there when all our organic efforts fail. You ought to share some of your organic pest controls on your blog. I figure there quite a few of us gardeners that would be thankful to use more organic controls if we knew how to make and use them.
I used to have gardens (flower and vegetable) when I lived on Long Island and Connecticut. However, I’ve been living in Southern Nevada for the past 14 years now and no longer have a garden
I know I have “recipes” for organic bug repellent packed away somewhere. While I’m doing my Spring cleaning, if I come across them, I’ll post them. Love all of your postings! Have a wonderful day!
Hi Dolls
I’d love to have the organic recipes for repellants and pest controls. But if you don’t come across them, that’s okay too. It’s sad that you don’t have a garden now. But really in a way you do have a garden of lovely little dolls, they’re a cheerful bounty to enjoy all through the year.