Thursday, June 18, 2009

Garden Love: Bunnies & Peonies

LOOKY...
at what's livin' in our berry patch! I don't know how many years a mama bunny has been raising her babies in the middle of our strawberry patch. We have to be careful when we pick not to step on it, the nest is right in the ground, so well blended in with the straw we throw down when the berry plants start to green up!


See the beady little eyes...down among the berries?


This little one is being so still ; probably thinks we won't see her!

...and, hubby shot the photos! I am so proud of him for picking up the camera more and more...and looky what else is bloomin' in the garden...

THE PEONIES!


Excuse me while I post excessive photos of their ruffly blooms so I can look at them in the throes winter -- when I've had my fill of ice and snow next February.



From my FAVORITE gardening book,
"Reader's Digest 1001 Hints & Tips for your Garden"

(purchased recently for $l.68 used from Amazon.com is an indispensable and wonderful resource, an alphabetically organized tome of information for everything to do with yard and garden! Need to know about peonies, just go to "P" and you'll find everything you need to know! Slugs in your garden, head to the "S" section and read many natural remedies to rid your garden of slugs! I LOVE IT!!)

Here is a partial excerpt from my book regarding PEONIES...


PEONIES: Terrible travelers. Peonies like to stay put, so select location carefully and prepare their beds to last for years. Pick a sunny to partially shaded area that is protected from wind. Dig to a depth of 12" and add rotted manure or compost, mix a few handfuls of bone meal into the hole.

Plant peonies in autumn when their "eyes"--which are little red buds on the crown--are visible. Set the eyes 1-2" below soil line, but no deeper; otherwise the plant will never bloom.

12 comments:

Aspiemom said...

So, how many strawberries do you find nibbled on by the bunnies? I think bunnies are cute, but I hate to see my strawberries chewed upon!

Your peonies are beautiful!

Aspiemom said...

So are those Lilacs along the side of your blog.

Elizabeth-Plain and Simple said...

I love peonies and their wonderful scent. My favorite plants are the peony, lilac, and gardenia. Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

blushing rose said...

Aww! Such cuties ... Hope they make it thru w/o to many strawberries. The bugs are getting mine ... any suggestions how to keep bugs out of the patch. TTFN ~Marydon

Donna said...

Awwww!!! Precious! I planted peonies but they never came up!!hughugs

KathyB. said...

I did notice the berries are ripe and UN-EATEN next to the bunny....maybe that is your reward for allowing bunny to dwell there.

Your peonies are so beautiful. Are they scented?

I know what you mean about taking pictures to view when the flowers no longer bloom. I find blogging has allowed me quick access to what was going on in my life months ago and sure helps with perspective on life, doesn't it?

Donna said...

Aaaaawwww, I love those bunnies!!!!!!!!!

Gena said...

I love bunnies! We used to have a big, fat one that visited our backyard quite frequently, but I haven't seen him in a while.

Your peonies are gorgeous and what a fragrance they have! My neighbor grows them, but they are always covered up in tiny ants. I would love to grow my own, but don't know if I can keep the bugs off. Do you have a secret?

Twisted Fencepost said...

Adorable bunny shots!
We have some little ones running around here, too. But I can't get close enough to get a picture.

Countryfolk Keepsakes said...

What precious lil' critters they are! We have a whole family hoppin' around our property. They are also nibblin' on my newly planted veggie garden. But I don't mind. I planted enough for all of us. :> )
Your peonies are gorgeous!!!! I can almost smell them from here!
~Karin

Angelina said...

I do not have any peonies- they seem to attract ants and ants I can live without...Love the flowers- hate the ants- get a solution? Love the bunny! And strawberries are next on our list of things to grow- coming next year- strawberries, r aspberries and grapes.....whooo gonna be a busy spring....:) Happy Friday!!

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

That bunny is so cute! I love them. And your song, Home, one of my favorites.
xoxo Nita