Hiding in plain sight, in the courtyard surrounding the Visitor Center of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve, is a cacophony of colors ranging from pure white to lipstick pink to a deep red mahogany. This delightful treasure is the meticulously maintained peony garden – Japanese Tree Peonies to be exact. To the hikers, equestriennes, birders and nature lovers visiting the park this magnificent display might seem a bit odd and out of place. But their placement in the Preserve is a symbol of international solidarity and compassion.

In March 2002, a small group of representatives from the town of Yatsuka-Cho of Shimane Prefecture Japan traveled to New York and presented the Rockefeller State Park Preserve and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden with 500 Japanese Tree peony flowers. This small Japanese town wanting to express a gesture of healing and peace to New Yorkers in light of the terrorist atrocities of September 11th.. The Japanese Tree Peony is a sacred and noble flower of Japan. This area of Japan is specifically known for its beautiful tree peonies and the preserve received 50 different varieties of peonies in reds, pinks, whites, purple, and yellow and even black!

And to celebrate this breathtaking gift, the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve are inviting the public to attend the Second Annual Spring Peony Celebration on Thursday, May 13. The event will feature a buffet and cocktail reception, a fine art and floral exhibit and sale, as well as a flower show and sale presenting creations from local garden Clubs.

Information on the event can be obtained by visiting the Friends group website www.friendsrock.org or by calling the Preserve office at (914) 631-1470. This event will benefit the Friends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve.----Sharon Pickett