The Peony: Alice Harding's Peonies in the Little Garden & the Book of the Peony, Updated Edition

by Alice Harding, Alice Harding

Early in the 20th century, Alice Harding wrote two short books on peonies that remain valuable to this day. This new edition combines the most important elements of the books with extensive supplements and superb color photographs by the noted peony grower Roy G. Klehm.

162 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Karen Floyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a 1985 reprint of a book first published in 1917, updated with a section of color photos. One of the photos is of the 'Alice Harding' peony, a lovely white, named after the author for her contributions to peony history and culture. In the book she covers the history, mythology, cultivation and propagation of both herbaceous and tree peonies in a manner that is infomative and easy to follow. At the end she appends a paper from 1915 by Professor H. H. Whetzel delivered to the Massa chusetts Horticultural Society. This latter was a bit of a downer, I must confess, describing the icky things that can happen to peonies. He says the claim that peonies are free from disease is a "fable," but I think he's a bit of an alarmist. In my 30 years of growing peonies I have had very few problems with them, and mine have survived both my enthusiam and benign neglect.
I highly recommend this book for both the history and growing infomation it provides. There is also a wonderful list of cultivars, some still available that has me wondering where I can fit in another peony bed.

[Elisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitive 1917 book on growing peonies in the small garden -- helpful chapters on mythological and literary as well as botanical history. Most of book is lists of varieties and advice about growing, propagation, etc. Dated but enthusiastic.

[Al Maki]

Good details on planting.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book after I acquired the peony cultivar named 'Alice Harding'.
Since then I have gone on to add a few more herbaceous peonies. The is useful in selecting standard cultivars.