–noun,plural-nies.
any of various plants or shrubs of the genus Paeonia, having large, showy flowers, as the widely cultivated species P. lactiflora: the state flower of Indiana.
"Oooh, I wondered what that flower was." Just kidding.
Looking for something for us to do on Saturday, Friday Greg came across a list of places to go - and the CharMarron Peony Gardens in San Jose showed up on the list.
"A peony garden in San Jose…Where?"
Sounded like a great outing to me. Come Saturday Claire had found something else to do but Evan and neighbor Brian joined Greg and me on our afternoon jaunt. The garden/farm is in more like Milpitas - up in the foothills. It was a beautiful day, and a beautiful drive up the hill - pretty views - and the garden - simply lovely.
That's Lick Observatory on Mt Hamilton - a tad southeast of the gardens.
This is a northeast view.
Rows and rows of plants.
Most of the flowers were this size or a little bigger. 
Very peaceful.
A northwestward view from the gardens.
Greg talking with one of the owners.
The owners used to "show" llamas but they said it is too much work. Now they just let the llamas graze.
Look at that crazy thick wool. 
The owners also have an olive grove and make their own olive oil. We bought some. (We have tried it - I don't like it much - it's too bitter for me).
A beautiful drive home.
This is Calaveras Reservoir - San Francisco's water.
Of course, I had to buy some. I talked with one of the owners - asked which ones grow a little smaller and she came up with a few suggestions and I picked these two. This is Angel Cheeks - one of theirs not mine.
This is my Angle Cheeks.
This is one of their Angel Cheeks but gives an idea of what it will look like when it is more mature.
This is The Memorial Day Peony - named that because it blooms around Memorial Day. I thought it the perfect choice seeing as it was Memorial Day weekend - plus it is a gorgeous color!
This is my Memorial Day Peony.
Hopefully, mine will grow to this size in a few years.
