peonies

i love peonies! i did a little research via the internet and found this tidbit regarding ants & peonies that i thought i'd share with you.

A popular myth that ants "tickle the buds" or "lick the sugar" to help peonies open is not really true. The ants are attracted to the sweet nectar exuded on the buds, but the blossoms would open regardless of the ants' presence.

The ants do provide protection--they attack other bud-eating pests by stinging, biting, or spraying them with acid and tossing them off the plant. By protecting their food supply the ants help peonies bloom.

www.almanac.com/blogs/everything/peonies

i wish for you and me: a big beautiful, fragrant, ant-free bouquet of peonies.