Run to a garden immediately, if you aren't familiar with this magnificent flower. Perhaps a neighbor is growing them. If so, ask if you can hold and smell one. If you are extra fortunate, you'll be able to take a stem home! These flowers are out for only about 7 to 10 days. I just picked these today from our garden. This is an article I wrote last year about peonies which tells you a bit more about them: peony article