So where are you guys?? What do you have planned for your peony gardens for this year??

Other than finally planting the peonies that I did not get planted last fall I am trying to find plants that will hold the soil but not bother the peonies. With the rains we have been having the soil loss is starting to become a problem. The new storm sewers that were put in a block away have been overflowing. Since I am down hill water pools then runs off along with the soil where I had been using wood chip mulch. I am trying to think of it as green mulch. Some of the older areas the peonies are planted so that little sunlight gets between the plants so the ground is bare. But other areas I am going to add strawberry plants, more thyme and try some of the ornamental oregano's. It appears that I will have to break my habit of purchasing just one or two plants of one kind and letting mother nature spread them. So I am on the hunt for plants. In the old bed I may just resort to large rocks under the plants.

I do have last falls trimmings to chip up and use but very little is available. Since I am cheap, except for peonies, I use what ever I have rather than buying things.

Alana, have you ever checked out a little plant called "Snow in the Summer?" It's a great little ground cover...

http://landscaping.about.com/o...

I'm really quite fond of it and it does reseed nicely. It also starts from seed quite easilly. :)

I remember purchasing but never established.

I haven't had any problems with it not establishing. You might also try Flax, California Poppies, and Gallardia aka Blanket Flower...

Ticker, those peonies are beautiful! I do hope they bloom in time this year. Hard to believe I will have blooms in about a month. Seems like they are coming up late this year.

Thanks Lili. Usually my Roselette and Double Fern Leaf are the first up and blooming, but yes, everything is a bit slower this year it seems.

The attached picture is not either of the two peonies mentioned above. I think it is Buckeye Bell...

WOW! Look at all the buds. Mine are just popping out.

Oh Lili, these area all old pictures. None of mine are above the pip stage right now... :)

oh, LOL! What is that pretty white one just posted above? Oh and I have Rasberry Sundae on my wish list this coming year.

Thanks, I wish I could remember who it is. LOL

I have a beautiful Oriental peony, The blooms are finishing up when can I transplant some to share??
You all have some beautiful blooms.

The best time to divide a peony is in September through early November. If you just want a chunk off it to give to someone you wouldn't necessarily have to dig the entire peony, just put a spade down through the area you want to divide off and dig that piece out. Again, this is best done in September through early November.

Sept. is a good time. Thank you. got a tree peony from Maajack and it has bloomed. I picked off the bloom when it wilted to help it go ahead and make roots. It is cute little thing. got it planted out in the sun. Now the Oriental is in partial shade and does great. here is the bloom.
Thank you for the speedy answer.
Charleen