US (AL): Peony farmers try to grow through winter
But underneath the ground are thousands of peony roots, waiting to spring up. Come May, Alaska Blooms Peony Farm will see a little color above ground, “little red spears coming up out of the soil,” Christy describes.
Or, at least, that’s what she’s hoping. The past few winters in Southcentral haven’t exactly been kind to peony farmers, Christy says. When it comes to growing them, snow is her best friend. It serves as insulation, keeping the soil at prime temperature for the peonies to bloom.
“I come out here and walk the field and look for signs of life about Mother’s Day,” she said, adding that she walks the field incessantly toward the end of the month. “It’s like Christmas, opening the presents, I’m like, ‘Tell me there’s life down there, tell me there’s life!”
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