This gift lets them Plant a chapter of their peony story—rooted in love and friendship—that returns each spring for generations.
about “the Peony Story”
“MARRY ME AND I’LL YOU PLANT 1000 PEONIES”
Hi, We’re Kristin & Eric Swenson. We’re here to welcome you into The Peony Story.
Our story originated in 2019 when Eric made a proposal promise to plant 1000 of Kristin's favorite flowers if she said yes to marrying him. Kristin said “yes!”, and six years later, Eric continues to plant peonies every fall.
Today, our “Adoration Peony Garden”, located in Central Illinois, produces 1000s of blooms each spring. What began as a personal grand gesture quietly grew into something much sweeter.
Over time, our garden became a place where blooms represent community and meaningful connections with friends and neighbors.
“A Peony Story” is inspired by the many stories people have shared with us along the way of how peonies are connected to core memories and special people in their lives. “A Peony Story” was created to help people share peonies and write their own peony story.
We’d love to watch your peony story unfold. Let’s connect at @AdorationPeonyGarden on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
what Makes this Sustainable Gift Meaningful
Ships in Fall of 2025 (Peony Harvest Season - October - November)
This gift allows you to begin the tradition of growing and sharing peonies with others. A gift that blooms every Spring for generations.
Peonies are storytellers. A peony plant can put on a show every spring for 100 years. During that time they tell and retell stories of love and friendship, wedding bouquets, Grandma’s garden, and friends who showed up with a bloom.
Peonies carry our people and those memories with them. Peony roots are heirlooms that can be divided and shared, and relocated to live on in the gardens of loved ones.
The Peony Story Gift Experience is a meaningful gift for engagements, weddings, new homes, births, anniversaries, and remembrances.
Story-led unboxing experience
A wax-sealed letter welcoming them into their peony story + “A Chapter of Your Peony Story Takes Root This Fall” booklet—that takes them into the world of peonies, what included in their gift, and what to expect.
Premium freshly-dug 3-5 eye bare root from The Peony Story Fall 2025 Peony Variety Collection
Choose a peony variety, or a three root set, they’ll love from a curated collection of USDA inspected peony roots that were grown on a family-owned farm in the midwest.
Etched peony vase
Something beautiful to use now and every spring ahead.
Magnetic keepsake box
A place for vows, notes, photos—the small proofs of love across seasons.
Repurposable cotton bow-tied root cover
After planting, it becomes a soft travel/keepsake pouch—nothing disposable.
Easy Planting Guide
Easy breezy clear steps (sun, shallow depth, room to grow) for first-time planters.
Peony blooms return every spring once mature
One planted gesture that becomes a tradition to greet and share.
The Peony Story Fall 2025 Peony Collection
The Fall 2025 The Peony Story Collection was thoughtfully curated by Kristin and Eric to include classic garden favorites and a few unique varieties we think they’ll love! These peonies are also the same varieties we will plant in our garden this fall.
The stories of the roots in this collection started long ago, on a family farm in the midwest that’s been growing peonies for a half a century.
Each gift includes a premium USDA inspected 3 - 5 eye bare root, freshly dug and divided to start a new chapter in a garden this fall. Root sizes and shapes are not uniform, but they will all have 3-5 eyes. Roots are harvested in Fall of 2025. Harvest dates are weather dependent.
Roots are presented in a cotton ribbon tied pouch. Inside the pouch they’ll find a brown chunky root that looks the exact opposite of the elegant petals that it will one day produce. But the ugly root is the source of the peony’s beauty and resilience.
The root should be planted as soon as possible this fall, before the ground freezes for the winter. Each gift includes easy to follow planting instruction.
Coral Sunset
A semi-double bloom that makes a dramatic color transition from vibrant coral to soft apricot and creamDuchesse De Nemours
A gathering of luminous white petals with a touch of lemonKansas
A burst of vibrant red and magenta for the bold and beautifulSarah Bernhardt
The classic peony of ruffled pink petals that stands the test of timeBridal Shower
A peony of white lace that dances through the gardenHonor
An elegant bright pink peony with petals of silk and a playful yellow centerMonsieur Jules Elie
A grand “bomb style” peony overflowing with pink ruffles
Ships in Fall of 2025 (October - November)
Adoration Peony Garden Media Features
These media features tell Adoration Peony Garden’s story better than we ever could!
Click on the icons to read.
FAQs
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The gifts will ship in Fall 2025 during peony harvest. The timing of harvest is subject to weather conditions. We estimate that gifts will ship late October - Early November. (Subject to change if weather delays harvest.
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We source our roots from a family farm right here in the Midwest. Always American, always exceptional.
Our peony roots are USDA inspected at the time of harvest and then individually checked by us to ensure the highest quality.
Adoration Peony Garden is certified as a nursery dealers by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Certificate number 519-8120.
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Spring is bloom season! Grown from a root, your peony may need 1-3 years to bloom.
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Peonies grow in USDA zones 3-8. That’s most of the country, but confirm your zone on the USDA Hardiness Map before making a purchase.
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Because roots are perishable outside of the ground, the gift must be returned within 14 days of the time it’s delivered to the shipping address for a full refund. If there are any issues with your gift such as a damaged root or vase, we’re happy to assist with a replacement.
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Yes. It takes extra care, but peonies can be grown in a pot and have beautiful blooms.
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Yes! Peonies can be moved and divided. Don’t leave this family heirloom behind! It’s best to do so in the fall when the plant is dormant.
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Yes! Each box is carefully packed and tied with a bow. Your peony experience is ready for its recipient.
Please enter the recipients information at shipping.
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Not at all. If you have a sunny spot and a small shovel, we can get through this together. Peonies mostly take care of themselves.
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Store roots in a cool dry place, like the basement or the garage until they can be planted this Fall.
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Yes! Adoration Peony Garden, LLC is certified as a nursery dealers by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Certificate number 519-8120.