One of our main offseason goals was to re-establish a production profile for our inventory of herbaceous peonies. After residing in pots for three years after our move from Flatrock, time was becoming an issue. It was going to be a big job getting plants into the ground. There were no guarantees winter weather conditions would cooperate with our plans. By February 1st or Groundhog Day, our efforts have met with some success.

The location of the new peony production plantings is on a south-facing slope. Unlike our previous garden site, surface soil does not readily freeze in heavy cold. Whether by hand or with equipment, I have been able to dig the right sized holes to install plants. Varying quantities of twenty-two varieties are back in the ground. We have accomplished half of our winter goals.

We were hoping for an assist from Punxsutawney Phil on Groundhog Day, but the furry Pennsylvania weather prognosticator is predicting another six weeks of winter. A normal season does offer a small consolation. If plants begin an early spring growth cycle, the odds rise dramatically for devastating damage from freak spring frosts. We can deal with the cold, but a major February snowfall however can bring further planting to an abrupt halt.

Piedmont red clay soil offers a significant challenge to digging "a dollar hole for a dime plant." Holes are typically 19" X 19". A depth of one foot helps accommodate varying sized pots in our current inventory. Excavated soil is mixed one to one with well-rotted leaf compost to lighten soil for future excavation and division. A recipe of organic amendments is added during the mixing process to insure a happy growing environment for the peonies. Even on a small scale, progress is slow.

Peonies are a time investment. The impact of our efforts will not be seen during the upcoming growing season. If we succeed in keeping plants alive through our trying Central VA summer, reasonable bloom can be expected for the 2010 spring season.

Some of the varieties planted to date include Polly Sharp, Ivory Jewel, Charles Burgess, Karen Gray, Peter Brand, Martha Reed and Pink Derby. The list includes selections from each herbaceous peony flower form. If the weather falls our way, there will be more exciting additions to our production lineup. Stay tuned.