TAKING THE PLUNGE

April 30, 2016

I discovered an endearing book written by Laura Martin, entitled, Grandma's Garden: A Celebration of Old-fashioned Gardening, and purchased a copy the day my grandfather passed away. It was the closest thing to comfort I could find as I entered this new era of loss. He was the first of my grandparents to go.

I later stumbled onto, Passalong Plants" written by Steve Bender and Felder Rushing. Bits and pieces from the garden are frequently passed along from one gardener to another. Many plants cannot be found at local garden centers, so gardeners are at the mercy of knowing someone who knows someone.

Thankfully, my garden is filled with mementos from grandparents, aunts, siblings, and Master Gardeners. Gardeners cannot bear the thought of tossing away any portion of a plant that has been divided.

At the same time, it's a bit daunting to think about dividing a cherished plant in fear of killing it, which is the case with my grandmother's Peony. It is the last one existing in our family. In my garden. Its survival depends on me.

I believe that sharing it will increase the probability that it will survive for generations to come. " Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it." (Luke 17:33)

Peonies grow better in northern climates and as such, mine has been slow growing. The first Peony I brought back from my grandmother did not survive--not due to our southern climate, but outdoor kittens that used it for batting practice! I've since adopted indoor cats. As Maya Angelou instructed, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."

The key might be, "knowing better." I'm not willing to experiment with my treasured Peony. Former University of Georgia professors, Michael Dirr and Allen Armitage have been my go-to horticulture experts. A little research never killed anyone--more often, a lack of knowledge ends in death. Ignorance is bliss only as long as we avert disaster.

Plants are propagated using different methods. Sexual reproduction (from seed) and asexual reproduction (from cuttings and division) result in different outcomes. Allen Armitage in his, Manual of Ornamental Herbaceous Plants, recommends propagating Peonies by division in late summer. Cut the new starts into sections containing 3 to 5 eyes (buds) then replant the buds approx. 1" below the soil line. It could take up to 3 years to bloom.

Even with the best advice, I'm still nervous. The logic side of my brain suspects that we lose when we hold on too tightly to people and things. The other side of my brain does not want to let go.

This might be the year I take the plunge.

Stay tuned.

[Carolyn Fjeran, LowTide explorer//reflective writer; horticulturist & gardener; former writer for Cooperative Extension Service, Master Gardeners and The Newnan Times Herald]