With winter settling in on these shortest days of the year I thought you all might be interested on the major milestones that divide up our year on the peony farm.

Some are obvious and others are much more behind the scenes.

We have two busy seasons here on the farm. The first of course is spring when the peonies are in bloom and the fields are full of visitors. But we are just as busy in fall digging, dividing and shipping.

You may have caught us thsi past year on a television station or newspaper article. Perhaps even a magazine article.

In case you missed those… here’s a 2024 media roundup.

Our resident fox family is doing a pretty good job keeping the squirrel population down on our farm. But the few I do see this time of year are working hard to plant more black walnut trees.

We have several on the farm and I do love the nuts, but they aren’t exactly a good match for peonies.

Here’s why.

When you think of peonies, my guess is that you picture the big gorgeous blooms of a double peony.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that’s the only type! Peonies come in six different forms that are recognized by the American Peony Association.

Which is your favorite? That’s the hard part.

Before we start this topic here’s the most important point… KNOW YOUR ANIMAL! Some animals love to chew plants and just about everything, other’s don’t touch them!

When it comes to plants there’s a spectrum of how toxic or non-toxic a plant can be.

After planting peonies, hopefully you’ve been watering well. Or better yet, hopefully Mother Nature has given you a nice soaking rain.

Either way, there’s one specific thing I want you to look for before you say good night to your peonies for the winter.