It took me a while to realize that Peonies do this weird thing when they are going through the bud phase. They produce this liquidy/syrupy substance over the buds and is why mine are often covered in ants. I honestly just thought I was always catching them with dew collected on them or after they’d been rained on or the sprinklers had run. I don’t think I’ve seen a Peony bud that didn’t have some form of liquid on it at while it was in that state. One of the cool things you learn when you stop and look at the smaller things.
Today’s Pretty: Peony Bud
TJ Fox: Sharing the Experience 
I had no idea! We had peonies when I was growing up and I knew we had rinse the ants out before bringing them in the house.
Thanks for the new learning.
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I honestly don’t know for certain but my science nerd daughter suggested it was to attract pollinators.
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Totally makes sense. Ants are definitely pollinators. You and your daughter might be interested in a book I’m currently using as a mentor text: FLOWER TALK HOW PLANTS USE COLOR TO COMMUNICATE, by Sara Levine.
It’s full of information and I love the writing and illustrations.
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I’ll take a look at that. Thank you!
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