PEONIES, PLEASE? Eau Claire will soon become host to its first free to attend Peony Show, organized by Avalon Floral shop from June 13-14. Don't miss your chance to learn best practices for your blooms, see dozens of peony varieties and attend a limited floral arrangement workshop.

“Inhale deeply. Peony season, like life itself, is fleeting, precious.” Writer and poet, Katrina Kenison, pays homage to the florals currently in bloom – with pastel hues abundant across the residential homes in the Chippewa Valley.

Here in Eau Claire, Avalon Floral (421 Water St., Eau Claire) will become host to its very first Peony Show from June 13-14. It is free to attend.

Hundreds of blooms – pink, red, white, magenta, maroon, fuchsia, yellow, orange and more – will be beautifully displayed and labeled by cultivar at the local, European-inspired floral shop.

Why peonies, you might ask?

“Why not peonies?” Sandy O’Connell, the owner of Avalon Floral for close to 15 years, said. Having worked along Water Street over 30 years, she has observed countless locals who love to see the area's peonies grow tall, pop up and reveal their blooms and fragrance.

“We’re fortunate to have friends in Eau Claire who grow peonies locally,” O’Connell said. “They are allowing us to showcase many of their peonies. The show will be on the level of an event by the national American Peony Society.”

Avalon Floral, located at 421 Water St. in Eau Claire, pictured above. (Photo by Andrea Paulseth)

This family-friendly event will be held from 10am-3pm on June 13 and 10am-2pm on June 14. Peony growers local to the Chippewa Valley and Avalon Floral staff will be on hand to answer questions from curious locals.

O’Connell will also host a special floral design workshop on June 14 from noon to 1pm, where she will demonstrate how to thoughtfully design and showcase peonies in a vase, she shared.

To reserve your spot ($20/person) reservations can be made prior to June 8 by calling floral shop at (715) 838-8880.

While this will be Avalon's first iteration of the show, O'Connell intends to make the offering a regular occurrence and get more locals involved, she said.

“Peonies are the kind of flower that connects folks through generations,” O’Connell shared. “We want to continue to bring that joy and excitement to the newer generations.”

RSVPs are required for one or both days of the inaugural Peony Show event and can be made by calling Avalon Floral; seating is limited to 40 guests each day.

Avalon Floral (421 Water St., Eau Claire) will host its inaugural Peony Show from June 13-14. For more information and announcements, visit the floral shop’s Facebook page online (@AvalonFloral).