I took this picture of this peony bud for a reason. Over twenty years ago my dear friend, Esther gave me this peony plant. I lived in Branchville, NJ then. She told me that because I was a gardener like her and I treasured my plants she would give me part of her peony plant that she had for over 50 years. This peony blooms earlier than any of the other peonies and it is a beautiful pink/light magenta color. When I moved down here to Charlotte, I planted this peony and waited and waited nothing happened. The plant came up ever year but it never budded up and bloomed. I have been in Charlotte now for almost 10 years (June of this year will be 10). I noticed the other day that about 10-12 buds have formed and is getting ready to bloom!! I was so happy, I quickly got John and showed him. He knows what this plant means to me. I will be taking a few photos of the peony when it is in full bloom for sure!
The reason why this plant has a special place in my heart is because about 2 years ago Esther my beloved friend passed away. Esther was 106 when she died. She was a truly wonderful, spiritual and one of the most positive friends I have ever encountered. I meet Esther through my church. She and I went through Disciple I together. We found we had a love for gardening and old fashioned things. We used to have tea. She would get out her silver tea service and I would walk the girls down to her house and everyone would have tea! Of course, the girls tea was more milk than tea. Esther taught me how to weave. I joined the weaver's guild in Warren County with her. She also brought me to the spinner's guild in Warren County. We could talk for hours about our gardens, our children, the birds that frequented our gardens and yards and about our faith. Esther kind of reminded me of Katherine Hepburn. They were both strong women. There will never be anyone else in my life like Esther, she was one of a kind! Where ever you are Esther, I hope you are looking down and smiling at the peony bud/flowers!!
Sherri, What a beautiful post about your friend and her flower for you. I love this. I hope you get lots of blooms. Last eyar was the first year some lilacs bloomed for me...I got the starts from a lilac at my mom's house when she passed away. 7 years ago. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteSusie, I love these kinds of plants (given to us by people we loved and they loved us)!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your post about your friend who sounds like a true treasure who although sadly no longer with you leaves behind memories and now it would seem blossoming peonies.
ReplyDeleteVictoria xx
FlorenceandMary.com
Victoria, she was an awesome person and I miss her every day!
ReplyDeleteSherri- I love your peony story. So precious is this bloom from your friend---- I love my peony plants. Some of them came from my Mothers garden- and before that they were in her grandmothers garden-- they must live forever. Every spring I enjoy the blooms and think about their legacy--
ReplyDeleteLove
Vicki