This
year, for the first time since 1928, every peony plant in Nichols Arboretum’s
famed peony garden has been staked with bamboo reeds and biodegradable jute
twine in order to provide pillars for support during what has turned out to be
a period of bursting growth.
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| Fresh peony sprouts are a welcome herald of spring |
Horticulture
manager Adrienne O’Brien decided to assist the peonies through their blooming
period this spring due largely to her foresight that they might grow too large
to support their own weight. A host of helping hands contributed to
accomplishing this great chore, including staff, interns, and volunteers.
After
its completion last Thursday, curator David Michener remarked that the staking
of all of the 700-something plants hadn’t been undertaken since at least the
1930s. Those of us who have taken the time to examine and appreciate the
flowers have observed a significant advance in their size, and we cannot
overlook how far the peonies have stretched out this year in order to amass the
all-important sunlight needed for photosynthesis.
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| The peony garden on May 15, 2015 |
Adrienne
believes that the harsh winter followed by an abrupt shift to spring—along with
heavy precipitation in both periods of time—are the primary reasons for the
delayed, but continually piercing growth we have witnessed this year. Peonies
are plants that thrive in climates with cold winters; they are extremely hardy
perennials capable of living many years. Many in our own garden have remained
for generations. We believe that by staking these plants as they tower over the
ground we are contributing to their aesthetic quality, and more importantly,
providing a greater display to any and all who visit the collection.
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| Staff, interns, and volunteers work on the peony garden in early May, 2014 |
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