vintage pixie

One of my favorite things of summer are peonies. They are fragrant and showy and a romantic bloom. I am always torn when they start to bloom. I love the luscious blooms in the garden, but also love them cut in containers and vases. Then the business side of me thinks I need to dry as many as I can for use in arrangements over the winter.

I don't know if our exceptionally long winter and late spring is the cause, this years crop has been exceptional. I have hung tons to dry and still had lots for cut bouquets.  Surprisingly they are still blooming.