Ignore my typo please, I hate that you can't edit after you have posted.

Hi Kathy,

Walter Reeves, in his newspaper column, said the first week in September was a good time to plant--the roots have time to get established. Unless I am planting real close to the walk between car and door, it seems a little early. You are going to have to be very determined about watering it. My ground is bone-dry and there isn't even dew on the leaves in the morning. Unbelievable after all the rain I have had. Although we won't usually get more rain in late Sept and in Oct, we won't have the heat.

The peonies do take time to get established. Too much rain in the spring can cause the buds to blacken. The brown spots on the leaves may be too much sun. Mine that get morning sun and very little afternoon sun do better. And accept the fact that they will never be as gorgeous as they are in Ohio.

Linda