I’m in peony heaven right now and it’s right in my backyard! Thanks to the wonderful couple that lived here before us, we have a bountiful supply of luxurious peonies in creamy white, fuschia and soft pink. They join the Lily of the Valley for a sweet-smelling display visible from my patio.

Peonies remind me of my mom as both possess beauty, grace and fortitude— character traits necessary for survival whether one is a Shirley Temple pink peony or Midwest farmer’s wife.

As a child, I took for granted the lovely peonies, which lined my mother’s vegetable garden and could be freely cut for any occasion. Now, as a florist, forced to buy them from a wholesaler who flies them in from overseas on the off-season, well… let’s just say that I appreciate them in a whole ‘nother way!

Although mom passed away nearly two years ago, her indelible imprint upon me and my sisters is our love of flowers and our love of entertaining. I celebrated her memory this morning, sipping coffee as I marveled at the peonies gracing our kitchen table.

Who is your Ruth Buchholz? Celebrate those who provide daily inspiration in your life. Allow Free Spirit Floral to provide the floral beauty while you gather friends and family for a spring party.