My May Gardens

Lamb's Ear

After planting perennials for 20 years or so, my May gardens have new blooms every day. The most spectacular of those are peonies. I have a pink peony that has expanded and produced more flowers every year. It's about 3 feet across now and loaded with flowers. Lamb's ear, iris, and azalea are also  blooming.

Peony

Bearded Iris

Another fun thing about the May garden is starting vegetable plants from seeds. I have bush beans and zucchini started. We're holding off on tomatoes and eggplant. I had a problem with those plants collapsing from a fungus last year. This year they will be relocated to another location in smaller quantities.

Zucchini Sprouting

Zucchini- 1 month after planting seeds

Bush Beans - 1 month after planting seeds

As an experiment, my husband bought a couple of strawberry plants last year. I enjoyed a few tasty bites while working in the garden. Through the fall and spring those plants sent out runners that developed into two dozen strawberry plants. I have strawberries ripening everywhere ya'll! It's a lot of fun to check on these.

I hope your gardens are off to a good start. All the best!

Many Ants on Peonies

This is the time of year my peony plants become heavy with buds...and ants. Years ago, I had been told that the ants perform a function that helps  the peony blossom. A quick web search indicates this is not true. The ants are enjoying the nectar secreted around the bud.

To avoid carrying ants inside with cut peonies, I carry the vase and a bowl of soapy water outside. I cut the peony knocking off visible ants. Then I take a paper towel dipped in the soapy solution and wipe off any emerging ants.

I place the cut peony(s) in the vase and let it sit outside for 10 minutes. Usually a few ants will come out of the flower. I knock these off with the paper towel. I give the cut peonies another 10 minutes and then take them inside.

Peonies are delightful perennials to have in the garden. Each year, the number of blossoms increases. If your peony is not blooming, the plant may be planted too deep. Peonies prefer a shallow bed. A peony plant can last for generations so it's well worth the initial investment.  The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service has information about peonies on its website.