There. That looks better. The peak of the peony bloom is past and removing the fading flowers lets the plant feed its roots and the remaining buds rather than wasting energy making seeds. Moments don’t last, though there are always more ahead. The Asian lilies are blooming now, and later the orientals and trumpets will come. Now to sweep up the mess.

A garden is a series of moments. One of the best of these at my place is when the peonies along the path to the secret garden are in bloom. It’s a spectacle of pinks. and the fragrance is heavenly. I want it to last.

But it doesn’t. The main bloom lasts about two weeks. Towards the end, blossoms are wilting and turning brown, and the heavy weight is breaking some of the stems. The scene turns decadent.

It’s time to deadhead. There are actually quite a few flowers that still look good, and here and there are buds which haven’t yet bloomed. Trimming out the dying and decays flowers leaves the bed looking quite spectacular—though not in comparison with what is past.

Most years things look awfully forlorn before I finally grab some shears and have at it. Once I start, it’s pleasant. In most cases, I like deadheading.

But I usually procrastinate when it comes to the peonies. I’m reluctant to let the moment go.