Roses seem to get all the love as the most romantic and enduring flower, but to that we say phooey! It really is the gorgeous peony that deserves our unwavering love. They are, arguably the most beautiful flower in the world. Author Janet Eastoe seems to agree, since she just released the new book, Peonies: Beautiful Varieties for Home and Garden. The book covers the storied history of the peony (Did you know that Ancient Greek mythology says that peonies were gathered from Mount Olympus and used to treat the ailments of the Gods?) before getting into cultivation techniques, and pest and disease prevention.

The real treasure of this book, however, is its gorgeous photos and descriptions of over 50 peonies, from ‘Bartzella’ to ‘Yachiyo-tsubaki’. Flipping through the pages of this book is memorizing and sure to put a hole in your wallet when you find yourself needing to buy several more peonies this season.

Price: $21.99

Source: harpercollins.com, amazon.com

This Week’s Spring Picks:

Days to Spring:11 – Keep a Better Garden Record with Rite in the Rain Notebooks

As someone with a terrible memory for anything that’s important, I have been a terrible garden record keeper. I want to know what I planted and when, ideas for combinations or designs… Read more.

Days to Spring: 12 – Native Plants for New England – and Beyond

Like many gardeners, my awareness and appreciation for native plants has greatly increased in recent years. I love discovering native plants that are well-adapted to my garden’s soil conditions and climate… Read more.

Days to Spring: 13 – This Garden Tool is a Must-Have

There isn’t much that Eliot Coleman doesn’t do well. He’s a farmer, author, lecturer, and arguably the father of the modern organic movement. Now add to that list inventor and garden tool innovator… Read more.

Days to Spring: 14 – Pelletized Seeds Mean Easier Sowing – and Designing

I have always admired gardeners who put in the effort to arrange their vegetable plots in an attractive manner. The artful arrangement of lettuce plants always gets me, but try as I might… Read more.

See the whole list.

Countdown to Spring:

Check back tomorrow for Fine Gardening’s Countdown to Spring to find out what tools, plants, books – and more! – we are excited about this season. And join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest – tell us what you are excited about this spring, too!

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* Cordless Chainsaw, 10-Inch, Tool Only (LCS1020B)

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

10 inches premium oregon low kickback bar and chain. Tool-free blade tension system for quick adjustments. Oiling system for lubrication of bar and chain. 20V max Lithium Ion chainsaw bare tool. Included components: (1) Lbxr2020, (1) Lcs1620, (1) Lcs1020; Power source: Lithium ion. Battery and charger sold separately.

Buy at Amazon

Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

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Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone's hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

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Dramm Bypass Pruner, Cut up to 5/8-inch in diameter, Stainless Steel Blade, Blue

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Ideal for trimming trees, bushes, and flowers, the Bypass Pruner is designed for both professional and home gardeners. It has a 5/8-inch cutting capacity and is made with corrosion-resistant stainless steel blades for precise cuts. The ergonomic handle and non-slip grip design fit comfortably in your hand. The locking mechanism allows for safe and easy storage. Available in six sharp colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and berry.

Buy at Amazon