I never really thought about the ant/peony relationship before, Lani, but you inspired me to look into it. It turns out the peony can open with or without the ant but the petals emit a sap that the ants slurp ecstatically!
ever since i was a small child, i’ve been fascinated by this process of the peony needing the ant….or vice versa…
cool photo! their full colorful blossoms will be here b4 we know it!
ants on fern peony bud
avant garden 365 
Was this taken at our garden? Love, love, love the fern peonies, add them to the love list. Great Shot!
Yep, that’s from your garden. I’ll have to come back when they open…
I never really thought about the ant/peony relationship before, Lani, but you inspired me to look into it. It turns out the peony can open with or without the ant but the petals emit a sap that the ants slurp ecstatically!
ever since i was a small child, i’ve been fascinated by this process of the peony needing the ant….or vice versa…
cool photo! their full colorful blossoms will be here b4 we know it!