Yeah, this is the worst I've seen, hopefully next spring will be better. Most of the significant damage was limited to one bed. Guess I know not to put anything I'm really attached to in that one! Here's hoping the improvised frost/hail damage prevention methods work next year.
Karen, it is amazing how the vast majority managed to pull through. I don't think a single one completely avoided damage. Some of the earlier bloomers had buds that were deformed, even if there were other buds that opened well. My double fernleaf looked pretty sad this year! Even the early growers thad aren't early bloomers had snapped stems, sheared buds and some seriously deformed stems--several looked like a major series of S curves! I could barely get the stems that I cut of Heidi in the vase because of deformed stems. And this is the first year I've ever had deer eat buds and blooms. Don't know what to expect next! Late bloomers seem to be doing pretty good right now, though, so the season isn't a complete loss. And it looks like most survived. I do need to move some though. There is absolutely no reason my Bartzella shouldn't be large by now except for location.
Graycrna4u, I don't think I saw a picture of your High Noon when it bloomed, was it beautiful? I have one but it's tiny, probably a few years off from blooming. I'd certainly take some seed though, let me know if I can collect any of mine for you. The only trees that I have that didn't have the buds destroyed are Phoenix White, Alice Harding and Yae-zakura. Yae-zakura was more white that I expected, it's supposed to be a pale pink. Phoenix White bloomed much larger than in previous years, was quite pretty this season. Think Karen's recommended fertilizer improved the size on several of my peonies, that's the only positive for the bloom season so thanks for the tip, Karen! I can also let some herbaceous go to seed if there are any you're interested in trying. I had several that bloomed last year that didn't this year, though.
Tracey, the initial setup will be a bit of a pain but I think it'll be worth it. I'll have the majority of it set up this fall when I cut back foliage for the season.
Has anyone actually cut down many tomato cages to use for peony rings? Those things are surprisingly tough! I thought I'd be able to use the tin snips that we typically use to cut the wire mesh fencing but it didn't even dent it! I might still be trying to get the things cut in half this fall! I've done 3 so far, need to cut 10 in half....might have do some improvising.....
