Wow I only wish I could have gone. That is beautiful...

It would have been fun to have you there too! We met a bunch of really nice people.

When I first went to an APS meeting I was told before I got there to just look but not get in the way of the exhibitors. I think I did that for about 20 minutes until I noticed that several people had flowers ready to go to the floor but they did not have any helpers. Since then I try in my small way to help with seeing the flowers that are ready to display get to the show floor. I am glad that the three of you enjoyed yourselves.

Although I would have liked to sit with you I thought you would enjoy meeting other people. We can talk on here but how many times can you sit and talk with Real peony experts.

I saw one small tree peony sitting by it's lonesome. Being a sucker for orphan plants it came home with me. Turns out it is one of Bill Seidl's plants, Rosalind Elsie Franklin. I found a discription but no picture. There is only one small shoot in the whole pot so it will be a couple of years to see how beautiful she is.

If it's Seidl's, it's going to be gorgeous, make no mistake. AND you didn't have to bid on it in the auction, which means you saved big bucks!!

And yes, we were very fortunate that their were no chairs left when Adelmans came in, so they got stuck with us newcomers. What a treat indeed.

It was really darling. The Adelman's actually asked whether it was all right for them to join our table. Such humility. Such lovely people.

GORGEOUS!

Do you have to be a member of the American Peony Society to attend? If not, when is it and where is it held? Can you actually buy peonies at this show? I am a newbie to all this, all though I have been growing and collecting peonies for several year. Just can't get enough of them. They were my mother's favorite flower and also mine. Just a home gardener, have the peony fever. Tell me more.

You do have to be a member to attend. I hadn't been a member before last year. In addition to showing peonies, giving seminars and field tours, there were seeds for sale. Also the last night they had an auction, which is where you could have landed a peony or several peonies. The auction was after a very nice dinner and annual meeting for business. I hadn't participated in anything like that before. It was neat to watch. And even neater to see the gems that were up for auction.

If you love peonies and it comes this way again, it is most certainly worth your time and energy. You meet all sorts of people and learn a lot too. I think you'd enjoy it.

Magnolialover: Thank you for the reply. How much does it cost to join, or is it free? Do you have to "reserve" your spot or can you just decide to go to the Peony Show. Sounds like so much fun and to be able to see so many varieties. Someone would have to restrain me, I would want them all. Do you know if they have ever shown or sold the "Molly The Witch" at a discount? Would love to get a start of that. Maybe someone on here knows where to get a start of it;if so; I would love to have some.

Any APS meeting has a free show that is open to the public normally on saturday afternoon after the blooms have been judged.

It may be possible that the meeting in 2012 will be in Nebraska however that has not been finalized.

Thanks for the info. Can't make Nebraska. Have fun if you go.