Ina Garten uses pretty peonies to create a seasonal living room arrangement – experts say we should follow her example right now
The Barefoot Contessa's peonies are in peak form, with professionals recommending these blooms for both garden and interior display
It's springtime, which means flowers are blooming in full force. Apart from gardens, the best place to display nature's treasures is in the home, and no one does it better than Ina Garten.
The Barefoot Contessa, who often shares her flower bouquets on Instagram, recently posted an arrangement of rich, red peonies in a glass vase – a spring staple that has us itching to get some of our own and display them on kitchen countertops or dining room tables.
Although peonies are a popular flower choice year-round, they are in season from April to July, reaching their peak from mid-May to the end of June. Experts say that now is the perfect time to introduce these delicate flowers into the home.
A photo posted by inagarten on
'As spring rolls on, more and more flowers begin to produce brilliant blooms,' says Homes & Gardens' Gardens Content Editor Thom Rutter. 'One perennial that is ever popular with expert and amateur gardeners alike is peonies, famed for their large, romantic blooms.'
Peonies are both dramatic and demure, making them an all-arounder for the home; they make a statement on a table but are not so voluminous that they become a distraction.
'Peonies are one of the most popular flowering plants, and while they only flower for a short time from late spring to early summer, learning how to grow peonies is recommended for those gardeners who want to add something special to their yard,' Rutter says. 'What's more, as Ina's photo shows, peonies make great cut flowers that can add impact to a vase indoors.'
Thomas is a Content Editor within the Gardens Team at Homes and Gardens. He has been working as a gardener and garden writer for several years. Whilst completing his Horticultural Traineeship at the Garden Museum, London, he was able to gain experience at many of the UK's world-famous gardens, including Sissinghurst, Lowther Castle, and Iford Manor. Following this, he worked for two private estates in Tuscany, Italy.
We love Garten's bold red variety, but Rutter mentions that there are lots of color options for peonies.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
'Peony blooms range in color from white to deep burgundy, and most varieties have an attractive fragrance,' Rutter says. 'In addition, these perennials are popular plants for pollinators, often seen humming with activity in the springtime. So, for any gardener looking for dramatic, romantic blooms, I would recommend planting a peony this year.'
A paler color, such as white or light pink, can be highly complementary against a darker kitchen, while darker varieties add a pop to neutral spaces.
Below, find a beautiful peony variety that looks great in any indoor space (but of course, we're starting with our living room, the way Barefoot Contessa would intend, after all).
Hannah is Homes & Gardens’ News Editor, with a focus on celebrity style and entertainment content. She got her start in media as a digital editorial assistant at ELLE Canada, and has since written about lifestyle and culture for publications such as Nylon and i-D.
Her love of film is rivalled only by one with a great soundtrack, and she hopes to someday decorate a Nancy Meyers-worthy kitchen.
-
How to make towels soft without a dryer – using pantry essentials
Get your towels full, fresh and fluffy with this expert-approved method
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
6 things roofing pros recommend checking as the rainy season gets underway to avoid leaks, mold and pests
Maintaining a roof before heavy snow and rain could save you thousands, experts say
By Chiana Dickson Published