China News Service, Hangzhou, March 29th (Zhang Bin) On March 29th, the annual Liuhe Pagoda Peony Exhibition by the West Lake in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province came as scheduled.
Under the Liuhe Pagoda, peonies are in full bloom. Photo courtesy of Qianjiang Management Office of West Lake Scenic Area
There are 180 kinds of peonies available to visitors at this flower show, including about 50 kinds of ground plants and about 130 kinds of potted plants. Recently, the stable temperatures in Hangzhou have ensured the growth of peonies. They have now entered the early flowering stage, with a flowering rate of 30%. The flower show will end on April 15 and last for 18 days. During the Tomb Sweeping Day holiday, the Liuhe Pagoda peonies will enter their peak flowering period.
Under the Liuhe Pagoda, peonies are in full bloom. Photo courtesy of Qianjiang Management Office of West Lake Scenic Area
Peonies are delicate by nature. With the high temperature and humidity in Hangzhou, it is not easy to see large areas of peonies. A staff member of the Qianjiang Management Office of the West Lake Scenic Area said that in recent years, the Peony Cultivation Skills Master Studio there has continuously adjusted the soil proportions and implemented staged fine maintenance and variety domestication.
Under the Liuhe Pagoda, peonies are in full bloom. Photo courtesy of Qianjiang Management Office of West Lake Scenic Area
In addition, the ornamental characteristics of peonies are not more stable than ordinary flowers. Before the flowers bloom, there are many unpredictable unknowns, because even the characteristics of the same variety, such as flower shape and color, may change with the passage of cultivation time and the influence of climate. And changes occur.
Under the Liuhe Pagoda, peonies are in full bloom. Photo courtesy of Qianjiang Management Office of West Lake Scenic Area
During this flower show, the organizers will select shooting angles and use slow live online footage to continuously track and record special varieties of peonies such as "Lantian Jade", "Huang Cuiyu", "Fugui Mantang" and "Oasis Silk" throughout the day.
Peony appreciation became a top leisure activity for literati in the Song Dynasty. During the Wuyue Kingdom, the Liuhe Pagoda was located in the South Orchard of King Qian, and many peonies were planted in the garden. To this day, the tradition of planting peonies continues. The Liuhe Pagoda Peony Exhibition, as a brand flower event in the West Lake Scenic Area, has been held for 16 consecutive years. (over)