Friday, May 30, 2014

The Peony Flower

Indiana's State Flower

This is the first bloom on my peony flower in my garden. I think it is one of my favorite blooms, and I know I wait and wait and wait patiently for this striking flower.

According to Wikipedia, "The peony is named after Paeon (also spelled Paean), a student of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. Asclepius became jealous of his pupil; Zeus saved Paeon from the wrath of Asclepius by turning him into the peony flower"

It has been depicted in many art forms such as this painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir..
Peonies - Pierre-Auguste Renoir
The General Assembly in Indiana chose it to be the state flower in 1957. This replaced the zinnia which had been the flower since 1931.

As for me, I just love it in my garden. It sits right outside my backdoor and permeates the entire garden with its scent. 

Just watch out when you pick a bouquet for your house as you will find a few ants crawling out of the petals!

Until tomorrow.

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