I do mulch heavily in my raised beds, mine are more hill beds than traditional raised, higher in the middle dropping to ground level. I've had some problems at the edges with roots rotting. I haven't noticed the peonies needing any more water than daylilies, lilies or irises planted in the same beds. Mary Stella, I'm beginning to believe that there are some varieties of peonies that just weren't made for my weather. I've given up on a few but only while living in CO! I'll keep a list and start ordering again when we're getting ready to retire and move a bit further south...
