The peony collection at the Central Experimental Farm in Ottawa has about 420 peony plants, with a wide variety of approximately 250 cultivars and hybrids. Bloom time lasts about 6 weeks, with the first ones often opening mid-May. A mix of old-fashioned doubles, singles, Japanese, anemone, and semi-doubles will please every taste, and the colours vary from the purest white of 'Le Jour' to the deepest maroon red of 'Illini Belle'.
Volunteers from the Friends of the Farm work in conjunction with Agriculture and Agrifood Canada to keep up this collection, and new varieties and Canadian-bred ones are being introduced each year.
June 10
Visitors braved frigid temperatures (8 degrees with a vicious wind) to attend the Peony Walkabout. George Vorauer - in hat - explains the history of the collection and tells people about the Friends of the Farm who help maintain the peony beds.
Most peonies stood up very well in the cold and wind. The tall, red peony in the foreground is 'America'.
More to come ...
Copyright Canadian Peony Society 2005