Peonies are in season! I yearn for this time each year. While we are in transition with many spring blooms as they start to become less and less available…we wholeheartedly welcome The Peony.

Like many, peonies are one of my most adored flowers. They are romantic, they are gardeny, they are classic and sophisticated.

I just couldn’t pass up these vibrant raspberry sorbet colored peonies {pictured}…Ten stems have proven the perfect pick-me-up. A vintage trophy urn sits next to my bed hosting a handful of ruffly stems, accented with their natural foliage…what a wonderful way to drift to dream and later awake! A single stem used on my vanity adds charm for no one but me (my husband could care less!), and a tiny bud vase hosted one bloom on my desk that grew to the size of a melon!

Peonies can be used en masse for a bountiful, ruffly look or can be used mixed with other seasonal flowers like hydrangea, ranunculus and sweetpea for a remarkably textural look.

Versatile peonies are a wonderful selection for bouquets, for large focal arrangements, used singly floating in a beautiful dish, or used in centerpieces.

Brides beware – while many claim that most flowers are available year round – peonies are not one of them. Choose your wedding date wisely, lovelies, as I have had many clients disappointed with the news that we can’t create a peony-laden féte in early September! While in Chicago, peonies start to become available in the winter, the variety availability is quite limited, the quality is often disappointing and the prices are hefty. May and June (especially late May and early June) are wonderful months for the best and most voluminous blooms, for the best prices (although never a bargain, I fear) and for the most inspiring color and variety selections.

The season is upon us – enjoy!

{photo credits: peony urn, my own. blue bud vase, a client wedding with botanicals – a branch of hm designs. outdoor centerpiece and peony bouquet, martha stewart. dreamy white peonies, carolyne roehm}