Milford chronicle., 1922-09-08
PEONIES this FALL
(By F. F. Rockwell, Horticultural Editor
of Farm and Fireside."O


This is the time of year to start the
new peonies or beds of peonies, and
to re-plant the old ones. From the
middle of August to the middle Of Oc-
/ tober is the very best peOny planting
season. This is also the most cOnVen-
] lent time of the year, as we then have
the opportunity to stop to think and
plan about these permanent features
of our place-when the summer rush
of work is over and we are already
beginning to look forward to next
spring.
The peony of few generations ago
would hardly recognize its decendents
of the present day. By the skill and
labor of flower growers, the old
fashioned peony has been developed
and improved until today it almost
rivals the rose in beauty and size of
bloom, and also some varieties are de-
liciously fragrant. 1t outstrips the
rose in being easier to grow, and
harder and freer from diseases and
insect pests. The peony also produces
blooms most generously, and, possess
ing lasting qualities, is a most salts
factory flower for cutting for house
decoration.
The PeOnies Among the Hardest of
All Plants.
AS the peony is hardy and vigorous
in its. growth, it will grow and survive
almost anywhere, in any good, ordi-
nary garden soil, and with minimum
amount of attention. To produce a
profusion of blooms, however, and
blooms superb as to size and color,
paying proposition.
Almost any location will do in
which to set the plants if there
is any choice, pick out place that is
moist, but not wet most of the time,
and which has partial shade.
Dig the holes that are to receive the |
plants 2 #. deep, #. in diameter.
The plants spread very rapidly, so
place the plants about three feet apart |
each way. When digging the holes,
save only the richer top soil, discard
ing the bottom SOIL In the bottom Of |
each hole, put about in. of very well
rotted manure-cow or sheep manure
is best-and dig it well in the soil,
being carefuE not to let the manure
touch the roots of the plant. Then
fill up the top with mixed 2-3 soil, 1-3
leaf mold and thoroughly well rotted
manure and sand.
Do Not Plant Too Deep.
In placing the plants in the holes,
do not place the crowns too deep
only about 3 in. below the surface, as
too deep planting will make a great
difference in their blooming capacity.
After the fall planting cover with
mulch of course, strawey manure,
keeping it there until spring.
In the spring, watering about the
roots once or twice each week will en-
the blooms. Always keep the
soil loosely cultivated and free from
weeds.
Every year the peony plants require
a heavy fertilizing with stable manure
Or bone meal, as they are the hearth
est feeders of all garden flowers, and
need an abundance of plant food.
If for any reason the plants do not
seem to be doing well, in early Sep
tember carefully dig up the peony
elumps with a garden fork, and divide
so as to leave only to eyes (Which
produce next years shoots) on the top
Of each division. Place these divisions
IN new holes which you have carefully
prepared for them in the manner de-
iecribed above.
This division of the roots is always
necessary in peOny culture if good
blooms are expected.
Some of the Best PeOnies.
Among the many new handsome var
eties of peonies, there are plants pro-
lucing all shades of blooms. For pure
white, there are the Couronne dor, a
late bloming variety with large, broad
lowers and golden stamens; the
Duchess de Nemours, white tinged
with light green; the Festiva Maxima,
or early white-fowers borne on long
stems and inner petals slightly tinged :
With carmine; Madame de Verneville,
/ medium sized, creamy white with
,rinkly petal and purple fakes at :
center; Marie LIE Moine, pure white