In a recent letter to the editor in the Everett Herald, the author claims that because plants need carbon to function it is insane to be attempting to reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere. They detail the delicate balance between plants that take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen and animals that take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. So far, so good. But then they say that reducing carbon will reduce the plant population since photosynthesis will be restricted - this is where I have to disagree…
During the months of May and June one of the all-time favorite plants of local gardeners, the peony, is bursting into bloom. There are many excellent peonies available to utilize in our landscapes; including herbaceous cottage types in all sorts of colors (and varying fragrances) and larger growing tree peonies too. I would never scold anyone for growing either of these types (since I do as well), but I want to bring attention to another fabulous peony option… what is known as the intersectional or Itoh Peony.