My Peony Party
My herbaceous peony garden was pretty magnificent this year even though it bloomed three weeks ahead of schedule. When the peonies are in full bloom, I like to entertain and show this garden off. I’m excited to tell you about a new book I’ve been working on called Living the Good Long Life, a guide to healthy aging, due out next January. I have been getting health and medical advice from a number of professionals, including doctors from the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. I thought it would be lovely to entertain these people and others who have contributed to the book.
1 Another beautiful early morning at my farm and a view of the herbaceous peony garden
2 There was such amazing light on this misty morning.
3 This peony bed contains 11 double rows. Each double row is planted with 2 different varieties, with 22 plants in each row. That's a total of 484 plants in all!
4 The floppy-headed, highly fragrant peonies are held erect by a spider web of twine supported by metal stakes.
5 This bright pink flower would be so pretty in an arrangement.
6 Don't you think?
7 Each spring when the peonies are in bloom, I like to have a party to show off their splendor. In the past, it's been a cocktail garden reception. This year, I chose to do a sit-down formal dinner.
8 The occasion was to honor the fine professionals from the Martha Stewart Center for Living at the Mount Sinai Hospital.
9 Doctors at the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai offered their advice for my new book, which is still in the works, called 'Living the Good Long Life.'
10 The Martha Stewart Center for Living (MSCL) serves to promote and facilitate access to health care resources for older adults and to enhance the public perception of aging. It's basically an outpatient clinic specializing in geriatric care and services.
11 Through the MSCL, patients and their caregivers have access to programs and resources appropriate for their needs and interests.
12 These may include medical care, healthy living activities, educational programs, caregiver support, and community referrals through the most up-to-date technologies and evidence-based information.
13 This new book, 'Living the Good Long Life', has an expected publication date of January 29, 2013.
14 What my 'Homekeeping Handbook' did for every aspect of keeping house, 'Living the Good Long Life' does for living the most healthy life after 40.
15 In this book, I impart my expertise in my signature topics - eating, exercise, intellect, home, and organizing. It's really the definitive handbook on staying well physically and mentally into and beyond middle age.
16 This book is important because over the next 20 years, the US population of baby boomers aged 65 and up will jump nearly 80 percent to 1 in every 5 Americans.
17 There's a tremendous need for clear and inspiring information, tools, and resources as more people and their families face the challenges and responsibility of getting older and caring for one who is aging.
18 Margaret Chan, her husband Dr. Albert Siu - head of Geriatrics for Mount Sinai, Stephanie Young - researched for the book, Ellen Morrissey - VP, Editorial Director, and Heather Kirkland - Administrative Manager, Special Projects
19 Dr. Audrey Chun - Director of the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai, and Ellen Morrissey.
20 I really enjoyed spending the time at dinner with Dr. Siu, who always has such enlightening information to share.
21 Stephanie Young with Dr. Jeffrey Farber
22 Dr. Farber is a Chief Medical Officer at Mount Sinai.
23 Dr. Kevin Baumlin runs the emergency room at Mount Sinai. He recently opened their ground-breaking geriatrics department.
24 Pam Krauss is our publisher at Clarkson Potter.
25 Margaret Chan enjoying the first course
26 This is Gardner Semet, whose wife Daphne, runs the Center for Living.
27 For the first course, Chef Pierre Schaedelin prepared an Alaska King Salmon Gravlax with Dill and Lemon. There was also a Chilled Katonah Asparagus Velouté made with asparagus picked that morning in my garden. It was so fresh and delicious!
28 For the second course, Pierre made Osso Bucco Milanese served with Creamy Polenta, Baby Carrots, and Spinach, also from the garden.
29 The dessert, was fresh garden Sticky-Sweet Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake with Rhubarb Ice Cream.
30 Patrick Mahanger and John Lee - husband of Dr. Audrey Chun
31 Patrick and Kevin were celebrating their third wedding anniversary!
32 This is Jean Graham and Daphne Semet, who have worked with me on the Center for Living from its inception.
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
You are a real inspiration Martha,i would love a peony bed on my property in Australia but unfortunately it's too hot where i live.
Brian.
Posted by: Brian Mazzer | June 1st, 2012 at 2:15 am
Martha I would love to cut my Peony flowers and bring them into the house but they are filled with ants. The local garden center told me that is common is that true?
Posted by: Ann | June 1st, 2012 at 7:11 am
Martha, you have inspired me with the beauty of your garden, your table setting, your presentation of food, and all the details you shared. However, I must say that I am really looking forward to your future book Living the Good Long Life. The title alone spurs ones thinking, giving thought to all the options one has to live a healthy and productive life during the process of aging.
Posted by: Syl | June 1st, 2012 at 7:46 am
Greetings from London, Queen's Jubilee this weekend, everything looks beautiful. I Love love your peonies, your field looks amazingly gorgeous.
I would love to share some pics of some peonies here at this time beautiful
http://instagr.am/p/LSa6tqKpwn/
http://instagr.am/p/LVBl65qpzN/
http://instagr.am/p/LVC4XDKpzj/
Wish you a wonderful weekend xo
Posted by: Rowaida Fl | June 1st, 2012 at 7:46 am
Martha, the peonies looks gorgeous in the arrangments, so pretty and colorful! I can't wait for your new book, Living the Good Long Life, to come out next year!
Posted by: Cindy F | June 1st, 2012 at 8:51 am
Hi Martha,
Gorgeous peonies and lovely dinner party! Much luck on your new book – I look forward to reading it. Trish
Posted by: Trish | June 1st, 2012 at 9:29 am
Hi Martha, What a delightful, inspiring, beautiful blog you have shared with us today! I love seeing your absolutely beautiful peony garden at your Bedford farm and what a fantastic party you had to show off those stunning peony's out in your garden and inside you beautiful home-AWESOME! Thank you for sharing this information about the newest book you are writing and I can't wait to get a copy on January 29, 2013! How inspiring and thoughtful for you to write a book to guide us to healthy aging called 'Living the Good Long Life'! I will be 75 soon and your book will inspire me to follow your wonderful guides in that book! Your party members certainly are special with their connection to Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC plus their helping you produce the new book! All of these photos are so fantastic and so are the comments! Everyone looks so happy and the food Pierre made with your garden fruits and vegetables look so delicious! You look so happy and gorgeous in photo #20! Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful, newest blog and hope you have a great day no matter where you are-have a great weekend, too! Off to see handsome GK talking to Rinze! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | June 1st, 2012 at 9:40 am
I am excited about the upcoming book about Living The Good Long Life. It appears to be the main topic for all the baby boomers these days. Should be a another best seller. Maybe you will come to Owensboro, Ky for a book signing.
Blessings to you.
Posted by: Judy Stamper | June 1st, 2012 at 10:07 am
This has to be the most beautiful party you have ever had. I love this flower and picture # 10 is "awsome"! Love that color.
Posted by: Bonna Nichols | June 1st, 2012 at 10:17 am
Aah peonies...still waiting for mine to open. Still waiting for the sunshine to return to Vancouver, BC where currently we have nothing but downpours.
So for now i am happy to look at your peony photos. A very pretty dinner party and i look forward to your new and very time-sensitive book because i plan to live for a very long time.
Posted by: Sherey | June 1st, 2012 at 11:21 am
Hi Martha, Thanks for sharing your beautiful peony gardens. I only have 2 peony bushes & not many places to plant more but I love their scent & beauty. When I bring some into the house I wash them with the sink sprayer to get rid of the ants. You are an inspiration to many with your expertise on living,decorating, crafts & cooking. I'm looking forward to your new shows in the fall. JoAnn
Posted by: JoAnn Pochciol | June 1st, 2012 at 11:22 am
Takes my breath away with your photos of spectatular display. Peonies are lovely but Sinan says with such short bloom season in small space other perennials may be alternate. Baby Boomers are born after WW 2 so think it is nothing new that many of us want to live long good life and you continue teaching us. Your family seems interested in Morocco living and I am still apalled at UK's action toward you.The world admires you for your way of LIVING. I love Marakesh and best wishes for happy days there.
Posted by: ann | June 1st, 2012 at 11:45 am
Hi, Martha,
So enjoyed your beautiful peonies and table settings.
I'd like to share something proactive I've done for my adult daughter and myself concerning my aging. Much of it is based on my interactions and observations of my own mother in the years before she passed at 85, two years ago.
I created a letter for us to review together before my 70th birthday (I'm going to be 62 soon). It's really a request for her advocacy. In it I explain how, as we age, we still want to retain our independence, but we may need a review of our health and living conditions. The idea is for me, as a senior, to jump start the discussion while emphasizing how proactive I am in identifying potential issues and challanges, alternatives, and solutions.
Bulleted questions become points of discussion: am I being responsible in addressing my health issues? Are my kitchen and other parts of my home arranged so I can function well and safety in my home? How's my driving? What unexpected challenges am I experiencing? Are family, friends, business associates treating my with dignity and respect? Are any taking advantage of me in my more vulnerable state? And, lots more. It's two pages long. I spent much time and thought on the letter with the goal of giving us both confidence that my last years will be as productive as possible.
I ask for a review once a year in my seventies and increased as needed. Additionally, I added a note that, should I become stubborn and un-cooperative, she is to remimd me that it was my idea in the first place and I'm not to argue with my very common sensical 60+ year old self.
Now, this is an idea that should work well for my daughter and me because I trust her; she is very respectful of me; she is a creative thinker; and, she's solution oriented. It, however, won't work for everyone.
Thanks,
Posted by: Bobbie | June 1st, 2012 at 2:20 pm
Martha,
What beautiful flowers! What a lovely party! Thanks for sharing this blog. And I look forward to your book coming out!
Posted by: KLBrown | June 1st, 2012 at 2:55 pm
DEAR MARTHA,
I JUST WANTED TO EXPRESS MY THOUGHTS ON HOW MUCH I'VE ENJOYED READING YOUR BLOG...YOUR BABIES ARE SO SWEET...
FOR THE LONGEST TIME I'VE BEEN SEARCHING OUT A FRENCHIE TO BE MY FOREVER GIRL OR BOY
AFTER COMING THROUGH A UNEXPECTED LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS, I HAVE LONGED FOR A LITL FRENCH BULLDOG TO HELP IN MY HEALING...
FRENCHIES ARE THE BEST WAY TO HEAL ANY FORM OF BROKENNESS BECAUSE THEY ARE THAT SPECIAL!!
THANKS FOR ALL THE CREATIVE AND EXPRESSIVE WAYS YOU GIVE BACK...I WISH I WAS HALF AS TALENTED AS YOU
MARYJO/ASHEVILLE, NC
Posted by: MARYJO MORRISON | June 1st, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Martha,
Like you I love peony plants. How do you ever keep ants from coming in the house with the beautiful peonys? Washing the plants outside has not helped and has kept me from enjoying my garden INSIDE the house. Would really love to know your secret.
Posted by: Ron | June 1st, 2012 at 7:14 pm
I was just coming to turn off my computer and thougt I'd just take a quick look at MSL Website (as I often do). To my delight was your post on peonies, one of my favorites (of course I say that about most flowers). I will go to bed dreaming of peonies and anxiously await their arrival in the store. Unfortunately I live along the coast in California and they don't do well in my garden...heavy sigh. Thanks for sharing and I am looking forward to the book!
Posted by: Michelle | June 2nd, 2012 at 1:07 am
I love peonies! Loved seeing them arranged in your formal dinner party. Congratulations on your much needed book and on your much-needed charity endeavors.
Posted by: Karen | June 2nd, 2012 at 12:13 pm
The peonies in your Bedford may be in bloom, however, my peonies in Bedford, England have not yet bloomed! I inherited these little loves in the garden of the Victorian terraced house we rent. Productivity alternates, one year bringing lots of blooms, the following year not so many. I would love to hear your expert thoughts on this cycle! I noted today's entry on the "Martha's Month" in your current Living magazine ~ enjoy your fragrant garden and thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Liz | June 2nd, 2012 at 4:14 pm
Your field is one of my dreams! I can only imagine the sweetest fragrance that fills the air. Fabulous. Now I must work harder and wiser for my own field. I hope you have a big part of your book devoted to nutrition and nutrients in fresh fruits, vegetables, berries and nuts. Thank you for sharing sosny lovely pictures with us.
Posted by: Candylei | June 2nd, 2012 at 7:24 pm
the Peonies are blooming here in minnesota too. my mom brought a bucket of them to decorate the tables for our grad party. snipped off at the head and put in low custard cups down the center of long tables...they are such an impressive flower!
Posted by: Laura | June 3rd, 2012 at 8:08 am
Hi Martha, I got a lot of joy out of sharing this post with my mother. She marveled at how open the peonies were on your table. She also wondered if the rhubarb desert recipes were accessible. Being Midwesterners, we're huge fans of rhubarb! Is there a site I can go to get the recipes for my Mom?
Posted by: Karen | June 5th, 2012 at 2:54 am
Love every day fresh and new, like a flower, love what we are, and every little thing we do, to love our Creator has given us this wonderful world to care for and enjoy, and give this love to others. This makes me happy!
Posted by: virginia | June 6th, 2012 at 12:15 am
Your garden is absolutely beautiful. I love peonies, especially when they are used in weddings, they're just lovely!
Posted by: Ellen | June 6th, 2012 at 9:51 pm
What a great blog. I love peonies and the picture of your peony garden is beautiful. The succeeding photos just illustrates how peonies are gorgeous for arrangements. I have a Peony Farm in Sequim, WA and I find that you seem to have quite a bit of the peony varieties in your Bedford farm.
Definitely, a long blooming period can be enjoyed by selecting and planting peonies with different blooming periods (7 blooming periods). And, ants in the house can be avoid by cutting peonies while still in marshmallow stage and dunked in a bucket of water to swish off the ants. This is also the best time to cut them for a longer vase life. You can view pointers like this at: http://www.ilovepeonies.com/Herbaceous_Peonies__Care__I.html
And of course, your dinner party arrangement looks terrific and the food - wish I was there!
Thank you for sharing your peonies, just love them!
Posted by: peonylady | October 26th, 2012 at 11:07 am