Photo by SimplyMary
Breathtakingly beautiful flowers have been appreciated for over 28 years at the Rochester Farmers Market because of the diligent work of peony agriculturist Melissa (King) McGowan of rural Spring Valley, Minn.
Melissa’s passion for these massive and fragrant blossoms goes beyond her personal joy of being surrounded by their beauty. Excitement is evident each spring as people take tours of her garden or receive her bouquets. “I enjoy taking time to notice the subtle differences in the blooms and showing them to others, as well as the wide range of varieties in the garden and providing unique bouquets at market,” said Melissa. “It is a blessing for me to see the joy peony bouquets bring to so many people.”
After studying animal science and horticulture at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Melissa returned to Southeastern Minnesota to be a dairy farmer where she milked Holstein cows for many years. In June 2022, she married a dairy farmer who milked Jerseys. In combining their lives (and their herds) Melissa and Daryn presently milk about 50 head of Jersey and Holstein cows.
Many similarities exist between gardeners and farmers since thoughtful soil preparation as well as what to plant and how to care for growing vegetation are important. “I am always trying to find ways to improve the soil to grow healthy plants whether it’s peonies or forages for our cows. With peonies, you need to prepare the area before planting to help prevent weeds,” stated Melissa. “I use heavy mulches to kill the grass versus chemicals, then plant in full sun and well drained soil. When starting, decide if you would like peonies for cutting or landscape flowers. Fall is the correct time to plant peonies. I wait until a frost to cut foliage off at the soil level to reduce disease problems. Also, you can split your peonies on either an old ‘established’ bush or a bush that is more than five years old.”
One myth believed about peonies is that they need ants in order for them to open properly. Actually, ants are attracted to the peony blossoms because of the sweet nectar the flower produces. These plants will bloom without the help of ants. To remove ants from the buds, gently shake the buds so ants fall off or dip the upside down buds in water to wash them off. Keep in mind that ants do help protect peonies from floral-feeding insects.
Melissa shared, “For the longest bloom life, pick when the petals are just starting to open or the bud (not opened) feels like a marshmallow. I can keep my cut flowers for a longer duration by storing them in a cooler. Sometimes, I pick peonies three times a day to provide my customers with a longer lasting bouquet.”
Having over 450 plants on her farm with 100 different varieties of peonies, Melissa differentiates Herbaceous and/or Bush peonies and Intersectional or Itoh peonies. Herbaceous and/or Bush peonies are the most common species found in nurseries; they die down to the ground in the winter, and are Lactifloras or hybrids producing side buds or one bloom per stem. Intersectional or Itoh peonies are a cross between Herbaceous and Tree peonies with a unique leaf form. It is a sturdy plant with rare colors.
“I find that the Herbaceous peonies are better for cut flower bouquets than the Itoh peonies which are better for landscape options. Also, consider what of the five types of bloom appeals to you: single, semi double, full double, Japanese, and the Bomb. You can also choose peonies that bloom at different times in the spring, so you can stretch out the time to enjoy the blooms,” commented Melissa. “Do your research on the types of peony you want by visiting peony growers or researching the different varieties.”
Melissa has not only sold peony bouquets raised on her farm at the farmers market since 1997, but over the years she has added honey, vegetables, eggs, beef and pork; however, there is something very special to her about peonies.
Known at the farmers market as “The Peony Lady,” Melissa finds such fulfillment in growing peonies and sharing her love for them with others, in closing she remarks “I enjoy every spring looking at the different blooms, colors, shapes, and the subtle differences in all the peonies. They are so amazing to me. It makes me grateful to God to be able to work so closely each day with His creation.”
Readers can find Melissa (King) Gowan in the mornings from May to October at the fairgrounds of the Rochester Farmers’ Market to ask any questions or purchase beautiful blooms for a special occasion.
Leave a Reply