Tuesday, November 03, 2009





ABC Wednesday

P is for Peony

A spectacular flowering plant, native to Asia, southern Europe and western North America but cherished wherever they can be grown.

The Peony is named after Pacon, a student of Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Aesculapius became jealous of his pupil, but Zeus saved Pacon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower. (Wikipedia)

The photo above is called Candy Cane and is from a Peony Tree that is just starting to flourish and bloom in our new garden.

In our Old Lost Garden the Peony Tree was about twenty-five years old, and the blooms were magnificent for about a week, but then faded and the ground around the tree was covered with wine coloured petals.



This lovely Oriental Poppy below accompanied us to our new home and blooms along with some wild buttercups that were transplanted with it originally from #2 son's garden.



This is a delicate white peony with a pretty blush that is just establishing itself in the new garden.



Along with the plum blossom the Peony is a traditional floral symbol of Mongolia. It is known as the 'flower of riches and honour,' and is used symbolically in Chinese art.



How can one help but love a flower that is as appealing as this....



For more interesting P's visit ABC Wednesday here with thanks to Mrs. Nesbitt

16 comments:

Dimple said...

Very Pretty, they make me Pensive, will winter quickly Pass?

Unknown said...

Such a beautiful, beautiful flower. Lovely in every way! Wow. Just gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the history. I had no idea!

Elaine Yim said...

The peony is truly a stunning beauty. In Chinese culture, the red peony signifies love and beauty, especially associated with lovely maidens. White peonies are as magical as a fairy. We like to hang art with the

Jama said...

They are simply gorgeous! thanks for sharing the history.

magiceye said...

so pretty..

photowannabe said...

I think the peony is such a beautiful flower. Thanks for all the information about them. I didn't know all the history.
Perfect choice for the letter P.

Reader Wil said...

I love peonies! I have some in my garden. They are the same kind as on your last photo!
Thanks for your visit!

Rune Eide said...

A very worthy P - or more correctly - a whole lot of them. very impressive.

Mara said...

I love peonies, my Mum had them in her garden as well: deep red ones.

Joy said...

Beautiful selection of flowers. Interesting information.

Paula Scott Molokai Girl Studio said...

I Do love peonys and that first one is a beauty!

Roger Owen Green said...

purty peonies!

Tumblewords: said...

Perfect peonies. I've seen many paintings using them as symbols and find them quite wonderful. I'm particularly fond of your very first photo on this post.

Barb said...

Wow! These peonies do breathe some color into Nov! They are fabulous in your Header!

April said...

Beautiful pictures of your peonies - I like the story of how the peony came to be. Very nice!

Judi said...

Lovely flowers and photos.