Peonies are my absolute favorite flowers and it wasn't until recently that I learned how well they grow in Minnesota. I mean who would have guessed with are extremely cold winters and oppressive hot summers? But as soon as I learned this I went straight out and bought my first peony plant with little hope that would survive its first winter in Minnesota. That next spring I couldn't believe it when I saw buds appear. Every day I went to see how they were doing. Then when the ants started appearing I was immediately worried but a quick google search led me to the answer that it's actually a good sign when ants appear on your buds. Phew!

That first year I was so excited; I had 8 flowers that appeared on my plant. Which doubled from when we planted it. I thought for sure that was a fluke and it was bound to not repeat the next year.

But wouldn't you know it, this year 16 buds appeared! I thought I hit the peony jackpot! Every morning I looked upon the plant waiting anxiously for the buds to get bigger. Then one morning I looked out the window and saw half eaten peony buds! Chewed up but spit out. Who would do this! I instantly thought a baby deer had tried them out because I read that deer don't really like peony plants. But I figured they must have to learn at some point that they don't prefer them. Right?

Then apparently my husband saw our trying to be innocent puppy go in for a nibble. The culprit had been found! So I lost quite a bit of flowers this spring because of that little snack my dog decided to have. Luckily I still ended with more than last year and just a few less than I thought I was going to have this year. Hoping next year the buds are back and they continue to double has they have been. I just wish peonies last longer.