Staff Report

Despite a harsh winter that killed many peony plants, Homer’s seventh annual Peony Celebration is expected to flourish.

As in years past, the celebration, which kicked off July 1 and runs through Aug. 14, will include workshops, farm tours, peony-inspired artwork, an Alaska-style peony high tea, as well as special peony beer, mead and wine, and opportunities to buy peonies and peony products.

New this year is a chance to be a peony farmer for a day. Through the Alaska Beauty Peony Co-op Farms, volunteers can sign up to learn about peony farming and processing on Sundays beginning July 12 through Aug. 16.

Wild Wellness Farm in Anchor Point will be open for “U-Pick” peony opportunities from July 15 through late August.

Alaska Perfect Peony is offering a farm stay with check-in on Fridays and check-out on Sundays.

The Rotary Club of Homer-Kachemak Bay will again partner with the peony co-op to sell flowers and peony products, including teas, soap, bath soaks, calendars, and note cards from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays July 30-31, Aug. 6-7, and Aug. 13-14 in front of the Homer Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. The co-op shares a portion of sales with Rotary, with that money used to support a variety of community projects.

For the second year, Rotary also will partner with Captain’s Coffee and the peony co-op to host an Alaska-style Peony High Tea at 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 11.

Last week’s First Friday included the unveiling of Grace Ridge’s Peony Pilsner with label art by Jen DePesa.

This weekend, the Art Shop Gallery will feature three original peony paintings and other work by Barbara Lavallee. The artist will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday to sign books and calendars. From 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the gallery, Lavallee will be honored with her own celebration. She is “semi-retiring,” and this is likely her last visit to Homer, said Joell Restad, gallery owner.

Lavallee is donating an original piece of peony art for a silent auction at an exclusive Diamond & Ruby Peony Dinner designed to raise money to support the renovation of the peony garden at the Homer Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. That showcase garden allows everyone to experience and enjoy peonies up close, said Jan Knutson, manager of the visitor center.

Other auction items include a diamond and ruby ring donated by Kathy Toms and a framed peony photograph by Edson Knapp.

The chamber is updating peony celebration events on a weekly basis. For the latest information, including the weekly bloom report, visit the Peony Celebration online.