Dear Peony Plants,

You were a very special gift from a delightful kindergarten student and her mom at the end of school last year. They remembered that I LOVED peonies and sought out two beautiful plants as a very meaningful gift for me. Your lovely petal-icious flowers were on my wedding invitation and in my wedding bouquet, and I was so very excited at the thought of having you in my front yard.

My dad and I planted you last summer. I watered you and tried to keep you comfortable in your new home. But I have to admit, since Vivian arrived you have been ignored.

And I really, truly thought I had killed you. One sad little lifeless stick poked out of the ground where you were each planted. But two weeks ago, I noticed a small little something coming out of the ground where I planted you. At first I thought it might just be a weed...but I daresay your roots were established enough to get you through months of neglect. You're alive!

And now I am giddy at the thought of you growing and blossoming for years to come. My student's mom was right - apparently you're the type of plant that can weather the storm of a non-green-thumbed wannabe gardener. That makes you the perfect plant for a girl like me. That, and your gorgeous blooms make my nose tingle with delight.

Oh, to think my Shirley Temple peony might one day look like this one!

Thank you for reminding me that growth happens under the surface even when it can't be seen. That hearty and strong roots allow for all sorts of surprises and blossoming.

And, dear peonies, I'm so relieved I didn't kill you.

Love,
*hannah