Progression of Peonies

Peonies are one of my favorite flowers.  Each year when they begin to emerge from the ground, I know it is warm enough to uncover my roses.  Some of my peonies date back decades to my grandmother's garden.  We lovingly transplanted them each time we moved to a new house.  This spring there were very few ants crawling around on the buds.  When the peonies bloomed, they were bug-free and ready to bring inside for a dramatic bouquet.