Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden Photo Maps

Use these photo maps to identify our peonies

The photo maps label the peonies in the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden. For each bed, every peony has a photograph with its name. If you are on-line, as with a smart-phone, the pictures are linked to additional information. Note: The photographs are that exact plant - not from other sources. We thank our photovolunteers!

• During the bloom season every bed has its own map posted in front of the bed.
• Throughout the year you can search the maps here.
• Follow the steps below to 'unlock' the Peony Garden.

First, orient yourself to the Peony Garden's grid of beds.

The historic herbaceous peonies are in 27 numbered beds. The number sequence begins at the west entrance of Nichols Arboretum closest to the Visitor Center / university hospitals and ends at the east entrance that leads to Heathdale / rest of the Arboretum. Numbered concrete markers are located in the bed corners.

The square beds hold 30 plants: 15 kinds of peonies in pairs. The beds are each a grid of 5 "rows" and 6 "columns". The photo map gives the bed number and a photo of each peony in its grid location. Under each photo is the name of the peony cultivar. This makes it easy to line up with the bed and identify any peony of interest. Maps are updated yearly.

The tree peonies are being planted in groupings on the slope above the historic peony beds. These specimens have individual labels. As the areas are completed and our specimens bloom, we will develop the photo maps.

Second, look up the peonies that interest you.

A. If you're working on-line (as a digital device while in the garden)

1. Click on the numbered bed map on the screen. The bed map with images will load.

2. Click on the picture of the plant. This will take you to more information.

3. Use the peony's name to search our Peony Database for information about it as well as additional verified photographs. Since this is a living reference collection reviewed by internationally respected experts, if you search the web and find conflicting information (especially flower color or form), then you know the other information is incorrect.

B. If you're using paper and pen.

1. Use the photo map to give you the peony's name.

2. Write down the name(s). It will help you find the plant again if you note which bed number the plant is in.

3. Once you have access to a computer, go to our Peony Database or more information.

Third, find out if the named peony is for sale from a reliable source

Many visitors wish to purchase divisions of their favorite historic peonies. Historic peonies are a specialty item, so it helps to search the suppliers most likely to have them. Our Peony Organizations and Links is a gateway to likely sources. For some plants, you may find googling the name leads to a nursery.

• Each Spring we offer a selection of potted historic peonies for sale. Notice of sales will be made through our website, member email and listserve notices.

Browse by Photo

If you would like to search the peonies by photograph rather than bed position, use our special browse function.