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.


I often chuckle each November (and now even in October) as I am berated with the daily Christmas advertisements, seemingly earlier and earlier each year. On my phone, on the TV, in the papers, on the radio stations, via email – literally everywhere. So here I am (my sincere apologies), talking about Christmas in November! Please find some…