There is an old-timey saying that if you don't have ants on your peony bushes, they won't bloom. Truthfully, peonies don't need ants to open the blooms. However, peonies do emit a sweet sap that attracts ants. For us, ants and peonies just go together! Like baseball and hot dogs, you can have one with out the other, but they just seem right paired up.
To get rid of the ants, avoid insecticides. Carry the blooms upside down from the garden, shake gently, and dip in a bowl of cool water. Nothing says summer is arriving like a mason jar full of homegrown peonies-- and daisies, and chamomile and.............. ants!.
Nice pic. I do not mind the odd ant or two, we all have to live.
Posted by: Paul - Leeds daily photo | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 06:52 AM
Nice photo, and it is my favorite flower in the summer!:)
Posted by: Gunn White | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 07:46 AM
We don't have them down here. Sure wish we did.
Posted by: B^2 | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 08:22 AM
Anytime I see or hear the word "peony," I always remember Danny Kay's version of "T'was the peony bush there is my garden that made you turn around and smile at me...." Once you've heard it, you'll never forget it!!
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 08:43 AM
I think it's a shame that ants get to climb all over this beautiful bloom, but no uncles! Ah, well, that's life.
Nice shot, though!
Posted by: Jacob | Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 09:19 AM