Peonies

Before starting this entry, I was going to go outside a take a few pictures of the peonies that are blooming in the garden but that will have to wait. Some much needed rain has just started to come down. It means that the lawn will not get moved tonight but the plants will be happy and I do not have to go around with the hose and watering can tending to the newly planted plants that need special attention until they are established.

Recently, a good friend gave me a book about "The secret lives of Our Favourite Flowers" and the peony is one of the entries.

Apparently, Romans distributed the European peony as their empire spread west and north. 1000 years later Chinese peonies also traveled beyond China's borders.

At one time, peonies were used as a a coagulant. During the Middle ages, peonies were used as a sedative, the roots were used for this herbal remedy. With time, it became apparent that the peony was just a beautiful flowering plant.

The Chinese favoured the peony as a symbol of prosperity. For centuries, tree peonies were displayed in salons and courtyards of Chinese houses to show off their owner's affluence to passersby.

The peony is now respected and admired throughout the world. I promise to take some pictures tomorrow. Must log off, the storm is becoming serious and I do not want an electrical problem.