-mary howit
from a tight green bud to luscious layered petals, every stage of a peony is art. local growing season ended back in june, but they are imported from holland through august. if you are lucky enough to live in a metropolitan area such as manhattan, you can purchase these and other blooms wholesale in the flower district (26th through 29th street on and off sixth avenue). the market closes around noon and local purveyors are there at the crack of dawn to get first dibs so arrive early.
courtesy of martha stewart
fuchsia peony
coral peony with yellow inside
my personal favorite, white peony