Peonies by Jane Eastoe
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
This book came out in 2018, and the subtitle is Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden.
And I should mention that the magnificent romantic photographs are by Georgianna Lane.
Ah, peonies! Those voluptuous blooms, so full and fragrant, a veritable feast for the senses. Jane Eastoe’s Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home & Garden is a veritable treasure trove for the discerning woman gardener, offering a delightful journey through the world of these magnificent flowers.
From the classic Shawnee Chief to the daring Top Brass, Eastoe presents a curated selection of over sixty peony varieties, each one a masterpiece in its own right. Whether you're drawn to the visual splendor of a particular bloom or the intoxicating perfume it exudes, this guide has something to offer every peony enthusiast.
In the introduction to her book, Jane wrote,
There is a phenomenon in the east known as "peony gazing"
Every spring, in China and Japan, hundreds of thousands of people throng to the annual peony festivals to revel in gardens overflowing with peonies in full bloom.
Here visitors take a meditative stroll, drink in the perfumed air, and gaze deeply into the heart of these exquisite flowers to discover the intricate construction of each variety.
It may be a frilled, flounced and curled confection - the Marie Antoinette of the flower world - or blessed with a classical perfection of form like a greek statue.
As each bud unfurls it reveals a color palette of great artistry, combining the soft tones of a watercolor, vivid and intense primaries, or a mix of sugary sweetshop pastels that delight the eye. every part of the flower contributes to this feast of visual delight.
Eastoe’s writing is as elegant and engaging as a well-crafted sonnet. She delves into the history and symbolism of peonies, weaving together tales of mythology and lore. Her descriptions of the flowers are evocative, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. Her advice on growing peonies is practical yet poetic, making even the most mundane tasks feel like a delightful adventure.
The publisher wrote this about Jane's book.
From Shawnee Chief to Top Brass, this guide to over 60 varieties of peonies presents an eclectic selection of specimens—from those with the best visual appearance and the most fragrant perfume, to those that are easiest to grow and produce the best cutting flowers. With commentary on each bloom, easy-to-follow growing advice, and glorious photography, Peonies will appeal to anyone who appreciates the romance of the majestic peony.
If you are a lover of peonies, you may be wondering, "How do we tell them apart?"
Jane writes,
To aid identification, the American Peony Society has classified Six types of flowers: the single, the Japanese, the anemone, the semi-double, the double, and the bomb. Rather than providing wordy descriptions, these are illustrated opposite, where it is easy to see how one type of bloom differs from the other.
Georgianna Lane's photographs are simply stunning. Her images capture the beauty and complexity of each peony variety, showcasing their subtle nuances and unique characteristics. From the delicate blush of a pastel peony to the bold crimson of a double-flowered variety, Lane's photography is a feast for the eyes.
As a garden plant, peonies are so long-lived. As a result, they are often heirloom flowers. They are a favorite bridal flower. Their color, fragrance, and large blossoms elevate the peony as a worthy rival of the queen of flowers - the rose.
Jane covers the history of the peony and then divides peonies into categories: pure, dramatic, romantic, and fragrant. Then she wraps up her book with tips on peony growing and care.
Jane wrote,
This book is designed to inspire you to grow your own peonies. There are thousands of varieties to choose from, with more being released every year. Here we present a selection of personal favorites, a mix of the old, the new, and the cutting edge. As these stunning pictures by photographer Georgianna Lane illustrate, there are peony varieties to suit every taste and every garden color scheme. Garden centers tend to offer just a few limited varieties, so if you want a particular specimen it is best to seek out a specialist peony nursery on the Internet.
One plant will give you, and generations to come great pleasure. In our fast-paced world, there is nothing more therapeutic than a little peony gazing.
I love that Jane points out that you may need to reach out to specialty growers if you want a particular variety. There's no way a garden center could offer every kind of peony.
Peonies is more than just a gardening guide; it is a celebration of beauty, nature, and the joy of creating a garden that is truly your own. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book is a must-have for any woman who appreciates the elegance and romance of peonies.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.
