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When Pastor Kevin Schumann moved into Taylors Falls a little over 30 years ago he was not sure which plants would work best in his yard; but the dilemma was easily resolved.  It didn’t take long to realize the city had a deer problem. He observed the  deer ignoring peony plants while mowing down gardening favorites, like Hostas and phlox and thus began a relationship with the peony.

Peonies are to Schumann what muscle cars are to the motorhead.  A collector can recall details of every car part acquisition, and Pastor Schumann vividly recalls the first plant that  he actually purchased, the Red Charm.  

This was a financial commitment and not just a remnant of a divided plant.  If an adventure begins with the first step this is it.  But he also brought a ready-made love for peonies he attributes to his grandmother.  His wife Carol’s family too,   introduced him to the Russia Red,  brought to America among her migrating family’s possessions.  Schumann said in peony loving households, the plant has a reputation for being passed down through generations. 

 Schumann’s peony open house, when he opens his private residence across from Taylors Falls Elementary School.  has been a popular event each blooming season for years.   The public can enjoy his private peony garden, as well as cut flowers, exhibited in the church next door.   This year the open house is June 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The “news” this year is the first ever “Peony Picnic in the Park” June 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Cherry Hill Park is the site for the event,  with brats and hot dogs provided by the Lions club.   Taylors Falls’ parks commission is involved and of course, Schumann.  Bring a picnic blanket or folding chair and whatever else you need.

Cherry Hill city park was just an overgrown open space to the west side of downtown, next to the meat processing business of the same name.  Local parks boosters held years of fundraisers and the city levelled off the site, now blanketed in grass. Strolling the site with a reporter, Schumann marvelled at the transformation of a spot that at one time was literally the edge-of-the-city dump.

Now, thanks to a very cooperative public works crew and parks volunteers Cherry Hill boasts three large berms planted with 115 varieties of peonies plus multiple perennials.  It has attracted dignitaries from the Peony Society who held an annual meeting there at Schumann’s invitation. 

Pastor Schumann said his vision to create a public peony destination,  started alongside the 130 foot long split rail fenceline, which was an early Eagle Scout contribution.  The fenceline garden is kept manicured by  13 citizens who volunteered to adopt  a 10 foot section each.  There are tasks for many more volunteers if you have some time.  Swing by the picnic next Friday and get involved.

City employees helped strategically place large St Croix River-style boulders  in park locations. Schumann sends special appreciation to the city for its support of his destination peony showcase.  As far as he knows, peony concentrations can be found in a park in Duluth and at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum southwest of the metro, but  Cherry Hill has the best collection in this part of the state.

And, yes there is a cherry tree. 

"A lot of people haven’t seen these varieties,” Schumann said,  pointing out plants as he walked with the reporter, and “... don’t even know they are available to grow.”  There were three typed pages of varieties and descriptions he had prepared.

At Cherry Hill you can find peony displays of frilly blooms that resemble giant roses or subtler but vibrant blossoms look like they belong in the tropics.  There are three distinct types and each has its own “habit” Schumann explained.  They present their own care protocols but the main factor is they are cold hardy and in fact need a dormancy period to thrive.

The park contains plants from Wisconsin, Oregon, Missouri and greater Minnesota nurseries, as well as from Schumann’s original groupings down the street in his yard.  He is experimenting with developing his own  varieties,  but the seed selections and  seedling care are enough of a challenge for now. 

Excitedly the pastor directs the visitor to where a plant is blooming for the first time and—yay— it turned out to be the proper color for the garden location.  There is deliberation in the design of Cherry Hill and you can sink deeply into formality in raising peonies in general. The show of color can go for weeks and weeks if the gardener selects plantings following a timing spectrum of bloom cycles.

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