Peonies time is here.

At the Nelson Market this morning there were a lot of happy women like this one carrying 5 peonies for $10.  I'm sure men would have liked them too.  I just didn't see any men with flowers.  The flowers were tightly closed with just the blush of coral petals showing.  This evening one of my blooms is poised to open.  Tomorrow I will be rewarded with the luscious display petals.  Can you tell I like Peonies?  These ones are grown locally and most of the blooms are exported to the USA.    
Our friends flew home this afternoon.  They have loved visiting the South Island.