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Peonies Aplenty rich with colors, history

Schaumburg Park District's Peonies Aplenty will offer an array of sights and smells from noon to 4 p.m. June 7 at Spring Valley's Merkle Cabin, 1111 E. Schaumburg Road.

"It would definitely be a feast for the eyes and nose," said Dave Brooks, manager of conservation services at Spring Valley Nature Center. "We get a lot of photographers and painters. This is a cultivated plant that grows in abundance and is a unique item at Spring Valley."

Boasting stunning shades of dark pink, deep red and white, the peonies were planted in the 1920s as part of a business venture by John Redeker, whose family lost the land during the Great Depression.

"There were originally about 30 to 40 acres of peony fields," Brooks said. "Once they're established, they'll live for decades."

Schaumburg Community Garden Club members will be on hand to provide information and tips on growing peonies. The plants are hardy and low maintenance.

"Every homeowner should consider planting peonies," Brooks said. "They're almost impossible to kill. They don't need a lot of TLC."

Peony enthusiasts unable to attend the event may view the plants anytime between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. The peonies generally remain blooming for several days after Memorial Day.

For more information, call (847) 985-2100 or visit www.parkfun.com.

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