Monday, July 5, 2010

GREAT SEED POD DEBATE

This extremely controversial matter has me flummoxed. There are those who contend — remove the seed pods — remove all seed pods. These deadheaders who believe in lopping off any bulging after-flower parts unless you plan to propagate are on the side of putting all the plant’s energy into flowering. In other words, not letting it go to seed. Well… I have no plans (or space or time and not much patience) to breed even my most beloved plants from seed but I Love the Seedpods. I love them on daffodils, I love them on Iris, and I especially love them on peonies.

Look at these fat velvety apparitions:

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So, what to do? With these lovely tree peony seed pods.......... The seed pods are as enthralling— or maybe more so — than the flowers. In nature, of course, the seed pods don't get cut off – so unless someone can present me a good reason for decapitating them…I'd rather leave them... Though all good advice is welcome…

2 comments:

zentexan said...

Leaving them seems so natural and so clear...why not? Seems uninteresting and odd to cut off part of a process...and for what's sake? Love the pods...lovely.

Sue Langley said...

You have opened my eyes! I have only had Peonys for two years, but next year, I'll wait for the pods, eagerly.