Almost all peonies have lots of buds, and even a few planted last fall have a couple of buds. I should snip them off, but on the other hand, I would like to
see the flower! But one of my species, pictured above, is the first to bloom. It's loaded with open flowers and even more buds. A very prolific clump this year.
My single fern leaf is also blooming and mlokosewitschii has buds about to open. Peony season will be worth this year's long wait - YEAH!!

Our botanical garden has a peony called Peony Anomala. It is quite old (no idea how old) and is huge (sprouts from the ground measure about 15" in diameter -- the area of the shoots coming up) and the crown probably 36-40" across. The entire top is covered with blooms. The stems are about 1/4-1/2". Gorgeous.

Nice.