Peonies are one of my favorite flowers, but I have not been able to get my hands on any this year. Some day, I shall live in a place where they can grow in my garden. {Sigh}

{About} The name Peony is derived from Paeon, who in Greek mythology was a healing deity and student of Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing. Paeon was turned into a flower by Zeus to escape the wrath of his teacher, when Asclepius became jealous of him. Not suprisingly, the peony flower was used by the Greeks for their medicinal properties. However in excess, all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Photos {via} flickr & video originally seen on pia jane bijerk