Your climate in MD is probably much like ours in coastal NJ, so you'll want to plant your peonies with 1/2" to 1" of soil covering the crown. If you plant too deep, they will not get enough winter chill to produce flowers, and if you plant too shallow, they may get too cold (frozen) in winter and die.

Oh, great. That's what I did.
I did find that the woodchips were totally saturated and in standing water. I had some root rot, but all in all, I can't believe the peonies withstood my "care." [ahem] I did have to prop up the sprouts, but it's looking good so far.
Thanks for your input!

You don't say where they overwintered - if they were outside, that's good, but if they were indoors and did not get a sufficient chill, they probably will not bloom for you this year. If you're able to leave them in their new home and let them get well established, they should reward you for many years to come.

Garage.