{ les pivoines printanier }

Who doesn't love a peony? or a whole bunch of them? It is a little early in the season... peonies generally bloom around here and in Provence in May...but having just returned from our local nursery, I have peonies on my mind. Here is a little sampling of peonies in artistic forms for a little springtime lift to your Easter weekend.

I would love to grow them in my garden, but have not ventured there yet. My friend, Trish Allen of Trouvais, is passionate about her peonies, and has given me some advice. For now, I'll enjoy others' labors of love! and learn all about Paeonia here.  

Trois Pivoines by Sophiecreations

I love this budding peony painting on rustic wood!

Pivoines Printaniers tableware at Caravane

peony'd fabrics from Return to China {Retour de Chine}
...the peony is said to have originated in China

 Peonies Wallpaper  could anything be more cheerful!

 Stunning Peony painting by French artist

 Beautiful Peonies paintings by French artist Sophie Adde; first
discovered her on Hidden in France

this beautiful peony just seems to say: 

"Happy Easter, Happy Spring.
Happy, happy Everything"  

{poem written by my daughter Lisa when she was four years old}

I've tried to credit all art; where I didn't, I could not find the
link... if this is your art please let me know and I will
give full credit for your stunning work

The Calendar Says Spring is Here...

..but when the temp is minus 2 degrees in Vermont, as my friends there have told me, you have to wonder? No daffodils poking through the snow this week..the first full week of spring.

Here at home, however, it is all about the spring time... and our visit to Filoli last Sunday was just what stuffy, wintered rooms needed... a breath of fresh air! So I invite all my East Coast friends who are expecting yet another frozen week to come feast your eyes on nature's early springtime show here in Northern California at the gorgeous gardens of Filoli, just a few miles from our home in Silicon Valley. Chris, Lisa and I were there together and had such a gorgeous time. Wish you were here! And take heart, spring really really will come!

all photos Kit Golson iPhone