The Peony Garden

The Peony Garden is located adjacent to the Rose Garden. Over 170 different cultivars of herbaceous peonies can be found there. From late May to mid-June, the garden is swimming in colors, from reds to pinks to whites to yellows. The beds contain old standards such as 'Edulis Superba' and 'Sarah Bernhardt', as well as the relatively new Itoh hybrids such as 'Garden Treasure' and 'Prairie Charm'.

Many of the plants are American Peony Society Gold Medal winners, awarded to those cultivars that exhibit all-around excellence. An entire bed is devoted to 'Red Charm' with its huge, luscious red bomb flowers, which are often harvested for use in arrangements in Kingwood Hall.

Many other cultivars can be found in the vases of Kingwood Hall during the season and many are dried for later use in Christmas decorations and winter arrangements.

The garden, as seen today, is the result of a major renovation in 1979. The beds were widened and raised allowing room for more plants. Many of the plants were obtained through the generosity of several people. Among them were Charles Klehm of Klehm Nursery and William Krekler a hybridizer in Somerville, Ohio. Both were legends among peony devotees. More recently, donations have come from Don Hollingsworth, a very active member of the American Peony Society. Periodically, the society holds their annual show and convention at Kingwood. Members from across the country come to show their peonies, both new and old, and awards are handed out to the best in many different classes.

Although peonies are in bloom for a very short period, their beauty generates an excitement that has spanned centuries and many generations. New colors and forms continue to be sought, but old ones continue to cast their spells with their ageless beauty. The Peony Garden at Kingwood offers the visitor a chance to see the best of the old and the new in an annual spring extravaganza of color.