Gift of peonies
replaces stolen heirloom plants
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On Sunday, Oct. 11, 2015, the Peony Society of Maine traveled from midstate to Presque Isle to present the Presque Isle Historical Society with peonies to replace those that had been stolen earlier in the year.
Peony Society President Roger Lycette said, “This is the first time our society has traveled so far north to present peonies and the first time we have presented three peonies to the same organization, but we felt that this was a special and deserving organization especially in light of the recent thefts.”
Lycette brought three different types of peonies to Presque Isle Historical Society: Bouquet Perfect, Comanche, and Edulis Superba.
Lycette offered his expertise as he watched over Historical Society President Craig Green while he planted the peonies at the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum. The society also planted several irises donated by a local resident.
The Peony Society of Maine was founded in 2000 and currently has about 80 members. The group’s goal, according to Lycette, is to educate the public on the “queen of flowers” and foster appreciation of the flower, which has been treasured for thousands of years for its beauty, medical and magical powers which were once thought to be reserved only for royalty and the privileged few.
“Presque Isle Historical Society has plans to renovate the garden at the Estey House to make it a destination for those who want to enjoy the beauty of a garden, sit quietly and contemplate, read a book, or have a picnic — or even provide a location for a garden wedding,” Green said.
“The presentation of these peonies marks the formal kick-off of the renovation. We are so thankful to the Peony Society of Maine for traveling all the way from the Bangor area just to present us with these flowers and to provide us with instruction for proper planting,” he added.
For more information on the Presque Isle Historical Society, its mission and programs or to make a tax deductible contribution, call 762-1151 or visit www.pihistory.org.
For more information on the Peony Society, visit sites.google.com/a/peonysocietyofmaine.org/home.
