When you container garden, no matter how many pots you have each and every bloom is a precious reward for all of your hard work. Each flower is a small victory against bugs, disease, and the weather. You might have picked a few blossoms for inside but most were cherished and likely to stay on the plant. Limited supplies, not enough flowers not enough space.
Now that I have a large garden filled with perennials I was still in the “please don’t pick the flowers” mentality. I didn’t want to shorten the length of time that I could see them blooming by bring them inside, and that’s silly.
While they are outside I can enjoy them for the length of time it takes to go from the door to the vehicle, maybe a glance while I am gardening, but that’s it. So I’ve changed my ways.
Peonies were meant for picking, they were meant to grace a table, and be plunked in a antique teal colored mason jar. Their sweet fragrance was meant to meander through the kitchen, and up the halls.
I have a good friend down on the coast who used to bring me armfuls of flowers from her garden, the generosity of that act just blowing me away. Now I understand the joy those flowers brought me multiplied her happiness also.
Flowers are meant to be enjoyed, both in the garden, and in the house.
Do you pick the flowers and bring them inside to enjoy, or are you parsimonious with the peonies? Do you have someone who shares their bounty with you?
Plucking petals…..Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
I agree with you. Part of the joy of having a garden is bringing some blooms inside. My sister-in-law was the recipient of a bouquet of peonies (2 colours) a few weeks ago. It is nice to share them.
ReplyDeleteJen, Photo #3 especially, is just stunning. I love everything about it! Oddly enough, my peonies didn't bloom this year. I think that what had once been a full-sun garden has now become too shaded for them. Time to move...the peonies.
ReplyDeleteI'm assuming that you do not want your photos pinned?
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI bring flowers in; but this year has been more than ever before because my plants are now mature and producing enough blooms for me to spare indoors.
Previously it was more difficult to part with blooms from the garden because they were so few :)
I just picked a bunch of yellow coreopsis to put on the counter.
ReplyDeleteI just HATE to pick a flower but yes, you are right ... the aroma is so sweet to enjoy indoors. Our peonies are long gone, yours I shall enjoy.
ReplyDeleteTTFN
Have a great weekend ~
Marydon
I agree with pick the peonies, the scent is so sweet, and it fills the house.
ReplyDeleteYou've heard - flowers leave some of their perfume on the hands of the giver?
ReplyDeletePissing with rain, but before it came down I picked wide open Duftwolke and 2 opening buds of Perfume Passion. If I'd left them out there, they'd be waterlogged and iffy.
Is there anything more luscious than the fragrance of peonies? None comes to mind. These photos are stunning Jen, what a gift you have. And I agree, peonies are made for picking and enjoying inside. And how beautifully you've displayed them here. The blue eggs...what are these made of? So realistic.
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday, G :<)
I do pick some. My inlaws always had something from the garden on the table even in the middle of winter when it may be twigs and evergreens.
ReplyDeleteLove the peonies.
Those pictures are stunning! I tend to leave my flowers outside. I don't know why. But I am seriously thinking about bringing some of the crazydaisey shasta daiseies inside this weekend. Maybe a few others to go with them. Not that we don't have plenty of flowers for the house and garden! lol.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty peonies and vingnettes Jen. I do pick some of my flowers to enjoy in the house. I love fresh flowers. I hope you have a great weekend. Pamela
ReplyDeleteFirst of all... you photos are stunning!!!! I am in love with every one of them (your know I love that color combo). Peonies are so beautiful. They definitely should be in vases inside so one can enjoy the fragrance.
ReplyDeleteI can't grow peonies so I grow roses. I don't cut them as a general rule but that's because they grow just outside a large picture window that fills the entire living room wall. So when I'm siting in the living room, it's like I'm sitting in the garden with them and I have no need to bring them inside. Otherwise, I would.
Cindy at Rosehaven Cottage
I've always said I'd love to have a cutting garden: rows and rows of flowers that just beg to be cut and brought indoors!
ReplyDeleteI think I'll have to quote you on that one: "Peonies were meant to be picked." I totally agree. I'm a big one for growing plants that produce excellent cut flowers. Thanks for reminding us to take advantage of the gift of cut flowers!
ReplyDeleteWe have some rose bushes that my husband keeps an eye on. When the buds are just perfect, he snips them off and brings them to me! Isn't that sweet? I know! Enjoy your big beautiful blooms!
ReplyDeletePeonies have such a nice sweet aroma about them. Ours are just coming out now.
ReplyDeleteyes Jen~..
ReplyDeletei too agree..
flowers are to be enjoyed..
both indoors and out..
and yes again..
my delight is multiplied many times over when I first share the exquisite beauties with friends and family.. and yet again when i see the joy shining forth in their eyes!
especially again when i receive a phone call or note days later centering around the flowers and how long lasting they are..
I've started snapping pics of the bouquets to use as note cards..
calling them ie..Jamie's just for fun..or Whitney's whimsical wonders..sending them later..to their delight yet again!
love and hugs..Loui♥
I have to bring flowers into the house to spread a little cheer inside. I do still like to see them growing outside too, so always leave a few there, if possible.
ReplyDeleteJen I just love these picture of the peonies in the blue mason jar. They are just gorgeous.They will make a beautiful card girl. LOL! I always have a hard time of cutting flowers to bring in too. I thought about planting a cutting bed but knowing myself I would probably hate to cut them too. LOL! Have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteI love bringing flowers inside. Something about bringing in a bundle and arranging them in a vase is a happy activity for me. Just watch to shake the ants out of the peonies first!
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be quiet here (yes, I AM still here)....but this post cuts me to the quick. Ummmm....I'm the one who leave her blooms outside. I grow them to be able to have them inside, but always think "there aren't enough; perhaps when they mature and have more blooms...." But, heck - I'm even that way with lilacs! (Although this year, I didn't have nary a lilac bloom....) I've heard it said, though, that plants bloom best when their blooms are plucked....so perhaps I need to change my ways.... :o Smiles & Hugs ~ Robin
ReplyDelete