Yeah those guys sure do like their riding mowers!
And some things do better with cutting, making them bigger and fuller! I checked into it and read that the peony will survive occasional cutting, which was a relief!
Other peony facts:
Peonies prefer to grow solo and are not fond of being moved so, it is best to plant them where you want them to grow. There are many references that the peony needs the Ant to flower, but this is apparently a myth.