Conversations with Julie Pal

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julie Pal

Hi Julie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a peony lover, and began growing in my suburban back yard. A few peony plants passed down from my Grandmother, and Mother, were gifted to me when we moved in. I was thrilled to have some of the same flowers that I grew up with, that my Mom grew up with, and that my children will now have. Over the course of a decade, I learned about different varieties, flower forms, and enjoyed more blooms as I planted additional roots each year. I learned how to perfect my harvest, how to store them, and best of all, how to share them with others.

I began looking for additional space to grow as many as I could. As I searched, my parents offered to share an acre of their farm. The location was not ideal, 2.5 hours from our home, but it has turned out better than I could imagine, and I get to see my folks more often than I otherwise would.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Kansas weather is very fickle and extreme, we catch it all on the open plains. Despite the hardiness of peonies, they can struggle with the elements. Unrelenting wind has been difficult, making stems curvy and damaged as they grow against the wind. Getting a wind break with a hedge row, as well as planting closer together was needed to help get support and protection.

Inconsistent moisture is a big problem in Kansas. One year the field was completely under water, the next we had a drought so intense that it stifled the plants health and production for the whole next year. We put in an irrigation system, but that year it failed. Late freezes have been problematic with early varieties that put on beautiful buds only to be frozen and frost bitten. Nature will continually get you in this kind of work.

I found success with peonies when I have had very little success with other veggies and tender annuals. Peonies are incredibly hardy and native to Kansas landscapes and homesteaders. However, Mother Nature is always in charge, and each spring we wait in hopeful anticipation that the weather cooperates and rewards.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known as the ‘Peony Lady’, that’s really the one thing I can do well. Growing them began as a passion project and turned into a business. I have been able to specialize in all things peonies by proving flowers in the spring, roots in the fall, and education year round. Because I am a ‘one variety’ grower I can really dive in and have become fairly proficient and knowledgeable. I have been lucky enough to have true experts as mentors both past and present. Don Hollingsworth is a hybridizer known world wide for his varieties and expertise. Don generously counsels and shares his knowledge. He is now 94 years old and continues to be a great mind, friend, and mentor. I’m so happy and lucky that I get to pass on his expertise.

Peony farming takes year long work, for the enjoyment of the blooms, which lasts about a month. There is weeding, field prep, disbudding (removing side buds in the spring), insect prevention and control, irrigation, and planting. Winter prep requires cutting all plants down to the ground to keep bacterial away from the roots. By the time the cold settles in, the field looks like a blank slate, just ready and waiting to come alive again the following spring. I love everything about these fleeting blooms. That’s why it’s worth it, each year.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Kansas City feels like a town more than a city, it’s just all-around friendly. The area is incredibly progressive; the food and arts scene continue to grow, public spaces and parks are plentiful; our city is continually being improved and transformed in beautiful ways.

The coastal states have been doing ‘local’ better and longer in flower farming. Our city has historically relied on wholesale (floral) product. Change is slow, but exciting as we all see how important local production is; the quality is better and the global impact is huge. These changes in practice and buying make it exciting to be a grower in the Midwest.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.juliepalpeonies.com
• Instagram: @juliepalpeonies
• Facebook: @juliepalpeonies
• Youtube: @juliepalpeonies4471