Just before leaving Georgia, I dug up and packed up as many plants as I could possibly stuff into our truck. The week prior to our move, I actually priced out U-Haul trailers, but one-way rentals were ridiculously expensive. I'll admit that I was tempted ... but in the end, I bid farewell to a lot of my pretties. Despite hearing mixed messages as to whether or not they actually survive and thrive in Texas, I brought two peonies with me.
Well, I am happy to report that my transplanted peonies not only survived, but bloomed this year! And I was thrilled to discover two peonies from the previous owner coming up through the leaf litter. I actually talked to the previous owner today, and she used to ice her peonies in the winter (something I did in Georgia with my lily of the valley), but I didn't ice these peonies nor hers (since I didn't even know they were there). Needless to say, I am beside myself ... if you hadn't already guessed. :o)
Some clippings from some of my "inherited" roses and one small branch of confederate jasamine are enough to scent the whole living room. I love spring flush!
Smart girl. Beautiful pictures. It didn't even occur to me to bring flowers from my old house to my new house. I planted four peonies and about eight hydrangeas last year, can't wait to see how they bloom, just been admiring the buds!
Posted by: Cricket | April 15, 2012 at 06:16 AM
Your flowers are so beautiful! I love that you packed them up and carried them along with you and the family! :) And, I'm so happy that you are back to blogging! :)
Posted by: becky | April 15, 2012 at 02:10 PM
http://storiesforthebroken.blogspot.com/
Posted by: bruno signori | April 15, 2012 at 09:57 PM
Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Ana | April 16, 2012 at 03:49 AM
I'm so glad they survived the move, they're gorgeous!
Posted by: Lauren B | April 16, 2012 at 08:25 AM
So happy they survived the move....and flowered this year! Mine usually don't bloom the first year after being transplanted. Happy to have you blogging again.
Posted by: Stacy | April 16, 2012 at 02:56 PM
So pretty! What great news! Last year I decide to try planting some peony bulbs after seeing you peonies blooms on your blog! This spring...I have 4 plants with leaves but, no blooms. I remember you saying it can take years before the bulb blooms so I'm going to keep on waiting! This gives me lots of hope! I'm off to google how to ice the bulbs during winter! I'll have to try that this winter!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | April 16, 2012 at 09:11 PM
Ah yes, those blooms are lovely!!! I am totally in awe of God's creation. I look at how much detail went into creating the peony and I am just speechless.
Posted by: Maria | April 20, 2012 at 10:25 AM
GORGEOUS! Could you blog about how you take care of your peonies and other flowers (hydrangeas, roses)? I have a pretty green thumb, but for some reasons, my peonies won't bloom and my hydrangeas are just so-so. What does icing mean?
Glad to see you posting and hope you're loving Texas!
Katie ;)
Posted by: Katie | April 21, 2012 at 09:57 AM
I, too, am in the DFW area, and will be watching to see how you grow my northern favorites, peonies and lilies of the valley. Yours are beautiful.
Posted by: Sue | April 26, 2012 at 09:44 AM
Katie! I am so happy for your delightful garden joys - what a pleasant surprise! There are so many partings with a move and it's nice that you didn't have to part with your favorite blooms! Our peonies are about2 weeks behind yours, but soon - very soon! I'm so glad you are blogging again - I've missed your sweetness and seeing the babies grow! Hope you are settling in well and have found some girl friends who love the Lord Jesus, His Word, their hubbies, their children, great food and vintage treasures like you do! I've been praying for some kindred hearts for you and Mike!
Posted by: Heather | April 27, 2012 at 07:35 PM
That was a smart idea! I live in Dallas (McKinney, actually) and I find it difficult to grow many things here, even under the best of circumstances. Spring isn't too bad, but once summer hits, everything shrivels. :(
I've had great luck with canna lilies and iris plants. I ignore them and they thrive.
Posted by: The Undomesticated Wife | May 14, 2012 at 02:01 PM
I hope you are having a wonderful summer! Miss your posts but, I know you are busy enjoying your new home and new friends!
~ Ali
Posted by: Ali | June 19, 2012 at 12:53 PM
We miss you Katie! I hope y'all are well!
Posted by: Farrah | June 20, 2012 at 09:19 AM
Miss you! Please come back to "Blogland"! Hope all is well...
Posted by: donna | August 23, 2012 at 05:28 AM
want to echo Donna's comment. please come back soon! It's autumn! how has your summer been?
Posted by: sadie | September 04, 2012 at 12:19 PM
where are you? come back and tell us what you've been up to,and I haven't forgotten about the pink kitchen either!
Posted by: sadie | September 21, 2012 at 06:33 AM