The Idaho recorder. [volume] (Salmon City, Idaho) 1886-1927, 1922-10-20
PEONIES THIS FALL.
BY F. F. Rockwell, horticultural Edi.
tor of Farm and Fireside."

ASN iAOIkNCitt
tor of Farm and Fireside."
This is the time of year TO start the
new peonies or beds of peonies, and
to re-plan. 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-
len. 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 descend
ents 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. II 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 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 a minimum
amount of attention. To produce a
profusion of blooms, however, and
blooms superb as to size and color, q
little extra care and attention is a
paying proposition.
Almost any location will do in
which to set the plants,--but, 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 tn,
plants 2 #. deep, and 8 #. in diameter
The plants spread very rapidly, s,
place the plants about three feet apar
each way. When digging the holes
save only the richer top SOIL discard
ing the bottom soil. In the bottom o
each hole, put about in. of very wei
rotted manure COW or sheep manur
is the best,-and dig il we'll in the soil
being careful not to let the manur,
touch the roots of the plant. Thel
fill up the top with mixed 2-3 soil, =:
leaf mold and thoroughly well rottet
manure and sand.
Do Not Plant Too Deep
In placing the plants in the holes
1 do not place the crowns too deep
only about 3 in. below the surface, q
too deep planting will make grea
difference in their blooming capacity
After the fall planting, cover with
mulch of coarse, strawey manure
keeping it there until spring.
In the spring watering about tn
roofs once or twice each week will en-
courage the blooms. Always keep th
soil loosely cultivated and free + f-on
weeds.
! Every year, the peony plants requn
a heavy fertilizing with stable manur
or bone meal, as they are the hearti
est feeders Of all garden flowers, an,
need an abundance Of plant fooG.
If, for any reason, the plants do no
seem to be doing well, in early Sep
.ember carefully dig up the peon,
clumps with a garden fork, and divid
so as to leave only to 6 eyes (whicl
produce ueXt years shoots) on the tol
Of each division. Place these division
in new holes which you have care
fully prepared for them in the name
described above.
This division Of the roots Is alway
necessary in peony culture if goo,
blooms are 20 be expected.
Some of the Best Peonies
Among the many new handsom,
varieties of peonies, there are plant
producing all shades of blooms. Fo
pure white, there are the Couronne d
Or, late blooming variety with large
broad flowers and golden stamcns; tn,