An opportunity for WPS members to participate in growing a peony for WPS for 3 years, at which time the said peony will be dug and divided, a division will be kept by the participant (if they would like, otherwise, if not, all divisions can be donated), the other/s will be donated to WPS Root Auction. participant must agree to terms above. First group to be hand selected by chair (Tracey Nelson). Future years will be through interest and a lottery type drawing if interest numbers outweigh what roots are available. Members that participate in this program must be WPS members in good standing through the end of the guest gardener program year( paid up on dues through root year dig and divide year). Goal for this program initially is to preserve Klehm Peony varieties in cultivation but will also make available other cultivars with a focus on Wisconsin bred peonies and others that are known to do well in Northern Climates. Ultimately I would like to see the proceeds from the auction of these peony roots to go back in to the program, to purchase more roots, eventually funding itself after initial $500 disbursement of funds by WPS. I see this as supporting our auction efforts moving forward, and another way to involve the membership in peony cultivation and preservation. Interested participants must be present and express interest at the WPS Spring Meeting and Lecture virtually or in person. A drawing of names of interested participants will be done and offer of available cultivars will be given to participants that have been drawn. Priority will be given to those members who have not participated in the program before to give opportunity and to foster involvement in WPS.
Guest Peony Root Program participants will obtain roots at any given year of participation, at the WPS Root Auction of that year. Participant should be at WPS Fall Root Auction to obtain their root or make plans well in advance for program chair to ship to them. Any shipping costs incurred must be paid to program chair for reimbursement as this cost is not covered by WPS. Participants who are due to dig their guest garden peonies on the given year it is due, shall expect to bring their peony division to the root auction. If unable, must be responsible to get root to chair of guest gardener program by the date of the root auction. Failure to do so will prevent you from any further participation in the guest gardener program. This program can only work if we have responsible participants.