An opportunity for WPS members to participate in growing a peony for WPS for 3 years, at which time the said peony will be dug and divided, a division will be kept by the participant (if they would like, otherwise, if not, all divisions can be donated), the other/s will be donated to WPS Root Auction on behalf of the Guest Garden Program. Participant must agree to terms above. Future years will be through interest and a lottery type drawing if interest numbers outweigh what roots are available. Members that participate in this program must be WPS members in good standing through the end of the Guest Garden Program (GGP) year (paid up on dues through root year dig and divide year). Goal for this program is to preserve and distribute Klehm Peony varieties in cultivation and also make available other cultivars with a focus on Wisconsin bred peonies and others that are known to do well in Northern Climates. GGP supports WPS Auction efforts of fundraising, and another way to involve the membership in peony cultivation and preservation. The program is at least in part, funding itself through auction proceeds.
Interested participants must be present at the WPS Spring Meeting and Lecture (virtually or in person) and/or have a minimum 4 hour volunteer shift at Garden Expo.. A drawing of names of interested participants who qualify will be done after the spring meeting and an offer of available cultivars will be given to participants that have been drawn. Priority will be given to those members who have not participated in the program before to give opportunity and to foster involvement in WPS. Participants will sign a contract committing to the terms of the program and will obtain a copy for their records. Any problems with Guest Garden Peony must be reported to Guest Garden Chair as soon as possible for advice/ consultation. A failure to thrive peony is rare.
Guest Peony Root Program participants will obtain roots at any given year of participation, at the WPS Root Auction of that year. Participant should be present at WPS Fall Root Auction to obtain their root or make plans well in advance for program chair to ship to them at the cost of the participant. Presence at the fall root auction is both preferred and encouraged. Any shipping costs incurred must be paid to program chair for reimbursement as this cost is not covered by WPS. Participants who are due to dig their Guest Garden peonies on the given year it is due, shall expect to bring their peony division to the root auction. If unable, must be responsible to get root to chair of Guest Garden program by the date of the root auction. Failure to do so will prevent you from any further participation in the Guest Garden Program. This program can only work if we have responsible participants.