GARDEN STAR OF THE WEEK

 Meet paeonia x 'Jan van Leeuwen'  This was my gift to myself this year in anticipation of Mother's Day (thinking it might bloom by then) I planted it in April and it is blooming for Memorial Day. Peonies like it here in this climate with just enough winter to let it "rest" between growing and blooming seasons. And like many plants fond of the Pacific Northwest, they like an acid soil.

This is a Monrovia plant, of course. My motto is "Look for the Monrovia label." If you're gonna splurge on a plant, get one grown by Monrovia and you'll have a better than average chance of success and satisfaction! Monrovia has locations in the Pacific Northwest as well as California. Their plants are well potted in good soil and not root bound like the stuff you find at the big box chains. These blooms are about 5" across and open wide in the sun.