When I was at Lilactree Farm a few weeks ago, I promised to show you some of Brian Bixleys species peonies when I returned for the ORGS picnic. It was a beautiful day, hot and sunny, great for a picnic, but the poor peonies were a little weary with all the heat. I am not sure of all the varieties, so I shall just show you the photos.
But, by the end of the day,
fading, but still beautiful, (just like me, lol).
Makes you want to grow a few, doesn’t it.
I am a floral designer living in a tiny condo in downtown Toronto, Canada's largest city. But on the weekend, I am a gardener/frustrated architect trying to keep up with a 3/4 acre garden in Owen Sound, Ontario, a warm (to Canadians, Zone 5b, and a cold (to Americans, Zone 4b) garden.
Green Theatre 
paulinemulligan said,
June 1, 2012 @ 3:39 AM
Thats how I feel when it’s hot!! Our peonies are just about to open, they are so deliciously over the top, real stunners, that you forgive their flowers being so fleeting. Thanks for sharing yours.
kilbournegrove said,
June 12, 2012 @ 12:11 PM
It seems some of the most beautiful things are fleeting, maybe we appreciate them more because of it.
Alberto said,
June 1, 2012 @ 5:22 AM
One better than the other, they are simply beautiful, yes, even when they’re fading! I spotted molly the witch amongst them! 😉 Did you buy any?
kilbournegrove said,
June 12, 2012 @ 12:12 PM
Unfortunately these were not for sale, although I did buy a peony rockii earlier in the spring. Still do not have Molly, yet…
Heather @ new house, new home, new life said,
June 1, 2012 @ 7:35 AM
As I said in my recent post, I have peony envy. With just two little blooms on my tiny peony plants, it’s a tease for this peony lover. Now it’s rainy here, so what there is will surely be gone by the time these storms pass.
kilbournegrove said,
June 12, 2012 @ 12:13 PM
I got that rain as well Heather, but I find the singles or semi doubles stand up to it. I have a couple of old fashioned doubles, they are always laying on the ground, so I bring them inside.
Donna@Gardens Eye View said,
June 1, 2012 @ 9:02 PM
I have never seen such lovely different peonies…oh yes I would love to see a few in my garden…
kilbournegrove said,
June 12, 2012 @ 12:14 PM
It is nice as they flower so much earlier then the old fashioned double varieties, and stand up proudly.
Northern Shade said,
June 4, 2012 @ 9:19 PM
If I had a sunnier garden, I would have a larger peony collection, since there are so many beautiful varieties, making them fun to collect . Right now my peony is still at the bud stage, and I am still waiting to see and sniff the flowers.
kilbournegrove said,
June 12, 2012 @ 12:15 PM
I am usually waiting for mine to open at this time of year as well, but spring was so early this year, they opened 2 weeks ahead of schedule.