2022 Fall Auction Summary

The Minnesota Peony Society sponsored a Fall Educational and live root auction on Sunday, September 25, 2022. Nate Bremer of Solaris Farms, Wisconsin gave a presentation titled  “Insider Information – Investing in New, Novel and Not-to-Miss Introductions for Your Peony Collection”.

About 70 people listened to Nate explain and debunk some of the myths on growing peonies.  Perhaps one of the most discussed was the use of peat moss when planting bare roots in the fall. When digging a hole for peonies, it is important to keep and mix in as much as native soil as possible. Too much peat and compost may hold excess  water and cause decay. If you picture a bowl (dug hole) filled with water  then you can imagine what the peony root has to sit in for the winter. He stressed to take care in digging your spot for planting peonies and make sure to mix in soil building materials carefully so rot is not promoted. 

There were many desirable peonies shown in his presentation that every collector should have. However, not all peonies are created equal. Some are easily cultivated, others not. Some varieties may look alike varieties already released. The tips Nate gave helped novice as well as seasoned gardeners.