Going back to the op question...
If you know what you want you should start searching in January and order early. Prices vary quite a bit from trusted suppliers. Time spent searching on the web usually pays off.
In October or so, many trusted suppliers have sales on their left-overs. I have found some really great peonies with this method. For me here in Michigan, I sometimes prepare the planting home prior to freezing:)
And, I always check out G H Wild. They now hav e a spring and fall offering. Most of it is pure crap, but sometimes they find and offer some really great peonies.
