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Peonies bring a timeless beauty to any garden.

Peony Perfection - 2025

It wasn't until recently that I recalled the large tree peonies that grew next to the back steps at my grandmothers house.  It was a large shrub (taller than me), the flowers were lightly pink, enormous, fragrant, and had ants crawling all over the buds.

​Long considered an old-fashioned, or cottage garden flower (some plants can live to be 100 years old), the sight and scent of a peony fosters a sense of nostalgia for me.

​I loved my grandmother. She grew pretty flowers, made us comfort foods, and staying at her house on a summer weekend was a cozy time.  Researching peonies recently brought some of those sense memories back to me. 
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With just a hint of pink, peonies have an old-fashioned elegance.
We have a few peony plants in our current garden. A couple were there when we bought the house, a couple more were gifted from a friend who was dividing her plants. 

​Our previous house had three very large peony plants in the front garden, all gifts to my husband from his peony expert sister.

​She not only has some of the most beautiful peonies I've ever seen, she even breeds her own cultivars. Such dedication is inspirational. Peonies as living, growing works of art.
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One of my sister-in-law's spectacular peonies.
As a novice gardener, I have a growing interest in flower gardens. I'm keen on the ones with lots of bright colors. Bird and pollinator friendly, great for making up a bouquet to share. I also enjoy visiting flower farms to cut a bouquet of flowers I haven't had luck growing myself. Wandering a field of technicolor blooms is a pleasure in itself, not to mention filling a vase to cheer up the kitchen table.

In recent years I've visited several local cut flower farms in late summer, sunflower fields, too. I confess, I never even considered that there are cut flower farms that grow cooler season flowers like tulips, daffodils, and peonies. To me, tulips and daffodils were something you picked up at the local supermarket when you were really hankering for spring. Last year, I noticed for the first time, that Target was actually selling fresh cut peony bouquets. Color me surprised. I haven't seen them this year, yet, though.

Then I read about a historical peony garden in Rosendale, and the Beaver Dam peony festival, which will celebrate its fourth year this summer.  I wasn't able to make it to either last year, but this year I'm off to a good start. I recently visited Sisson's Peony Garden for the first time in mid-May. Check out the profile page for details and photos.

Wisconsin is also home to a few peony farms that offer u-pick flower days. Peony season goes by in a blink. Usually tapering off by mid-June.  So check out the following details and enjoy some of these offerings before they disappear for another year.
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A giant bouquet picked from my mother-in-law's peony garden.
A Few Facts About Peonies

~ Peonies are native to China, and have been in existence since 1,000 BC.
~ There are two varieties of peony native to the United States - Brown's peony, which is native to high elevation regions in North America; and the California peony, which grows in southwestern California.
~ Most peonies will be three times the size of the flower buds, when fully open.
~ Ants are often found on peonies in search of their sweet nectar. They do not harm the peony, nor are they necessary for the buds to bloom.
~ Peonies are perennial plants. They come in both tree (shrub) and herbaceous (plant stems) species.
~ Peony plants have been known to live over 100 years. Over 100 blooming seasons. Amazing!
~ Peonies have commonly been thought to represent prosperity, good luck, love, and honor.
​~ Buds ready to open can be stored in a refrigerator for up to two months, and will bloom when placed in a vase of water later. Perfect if you're saving them for a special occasion.
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Brightly colored tree peony blooms - as big as an adult human hand.
VISIT A PEONY FESTIVAL IN WISCONSIN
5th ANNUAL WISCONSIN ARTS & PEONY FESTIVAL  - June 13, 2025 - June 15, 2025, 10am - 5pm
Beaver Dam, WI

This 3-day festival includes tours of local peony grower Ovans Peony Farm.  View over 100 different varieties of peonies, and thousands of blooms. Due to recent hailstorms, stem cut peonies will not be available for purchase. But bring your camera, so you can photograph your favorites. Peony plants and seedlings will be available for purchase, however. You can even have a picnic on the farm.  There is a $5 per car parking fee, but viewing the peony fields is free.
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Other festival activities include an artist market, live music, food trucks, a yarn-bombing event, boutique shopping, special  peony art exhibits, a quilt challenge exhibit, and more.
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From bud to bloom, peonies are beautiful.
PEONY DAYS 2024 - June 6, 2025 - June 8, 2025,  and June 9, 2025 - June 13, 2025 
Wautoma, WI

​Kuckuk Farms, in Wautoma, is celebrating peony season with an annual festival at their peony farm.  Take a free tour of the farm, bring a camera and grab some photos of some of your favorite blooms, you can even bring a picnic lunch. Chelsea's Mobile Cafe will be on site on Saturday, June 7 to satisfy hunger pangs. Sign up for a painting class with a peony theme, or Hatha yoga on the farm opportunities, too. Fresh cut flowers and vase arrangements will be available for sale. Visit their Facebook page for further details and updates.
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Get ready to view some spectacular blooms.
PEONY SUNDAY, 2025 - Date & Time To Be Determined - Visit Their Website For Updates
Rosendale, WI

Sisson's Peony Garden will be hosting their annual guided peony garden tours at this historical place. Admission is Free. Plate lunch and desserts will be sold in the garden during this time. 

​Can't make it? The gardens are open daily, for self-guided tours, while the flowers are in bloom. Typically, mid-May to mid-June.
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The entrance to Sisson's Peony Garden.
VISIT A PEONY FARM OR GARDEN FOR A TOUR
PARKER'S PEONY & PERENNIALS FARM - Peak season: third week of May thru second week of June
Tomah, WI

Open to the public for tours, but by arrangement only.  Over 1,000 varieties grown on the farm. Also breeding hybrid varieties.
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Visit the website for more details.
OH MY PEONIES - Peony Farm - Season Opens June 1 (weather permitting)
​Marion, WI

During peak season, stop in to enjoy the beautiful blooms at this Wisconsin peony farm. They offer "cut your own" peonies specials during peak season. They also offer potted plants for purchase as well.   Visiting hours are Monday-Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sundays, noon - 5pm. For further details, along with updates due to changing weather, visit their Facebook page.
BOERNER BOTANICAL GARDENS - PEONY EXHIBIT - mid-May to mid-June
Hales Corners, WI

A visit to Boerner Botanical Gardens is a welcome experience all year, but during late spring/early summer, their peony garden features over 175 varieties of herbaceous peonies in all their blooming glory. If peonies are your thing, head to Boerner Botanical Gardens and enjoy them while the season lasts.
HOARD HISTORICAL MUSEUM - Museum Hours Tuesday - Saturday, 9:30am - 4:30pm
Fort Atkinson, WI

The museum features a garden display of  intersectional peonies (a hybrid of tree and herbaceous types) established by Roger and Sandra Anderson, in 2010. It is the largest public collection of intersectional peonies in America.

​It features 58 peonies developed by Anderson. There are 18 named intersectional varieties, and two tree peonies in the garden. The garden is typically in bloom from late May through mid-June. Admission is Free. 
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Take a walk through a historic peony garden.