In the serene hills of Bernardsville, New Jersey, one woman’s love for peonies has transformed her backyard into a vibrant, nationally recognized haven for flower enthusiasts. Kathleen Gagan, a former corporate communications consultant and linguist, found her true calling in horticulture—and in doing so, created something truly remarkable: Peony’s Envy. What began as a modest backyard experiment has grown into one of the most extensive peony collections in the United States, drawing visitors from around the world.
“I didn’t pick peonies. They picked me,” says Gagan with a warm smile, explaining how these hardy, beautiful flowers became her passion. “The deer didn’t eat them, and I didn’t kill them—so it was a perfect match.”
The Birth of Peony’s Envy: From Cocktail Party to Garden Legacy
The name “Peony’s Envy” has its roots in a memorable cocktail party years ago. While sharing her plans to create a peony garden in her Bernardsville backyard, one guest jokingly remarked, “Sounds lovely—I’m sure we’ll all have peonies envy!” And just like that, a name was born, and a dream began to take root.
Kathleen’s journey into horticulture wasn’t an immediate one. After spending 15 years abroad in dynamic roles, including consulting for major corporations and working as a linguist, Gagan longed for a more peaceful, grounded life. In 2002, she planted her first peony crop—and what began as a personal passion grew into an endeavor that would delight and inspire visitors. By 2006, she opened her garden to the public, eager to share her love of peonies with others.
Today, Peony’s Envy is an extraordinary destination that showcases more than 700 different cultivars of peonies, making it one of the largest collections in the country.
A Blooming Business: Rootstock Sales and Global Reach
While Peony’s Envy is undoubtedly famous for its stunning display garden, it also operates a robust commercial venture with a thriving mail-order business. “We’re primarily a root grower,” says Gagan. “Our online catalog is open year-round, and we ship thousands of orders globally every year.” The farm produces peony rootstock and sells an ever-changing selection of about 125 cultivars annually, offering a variety of colors including white, pink, yellow, coral, and red.
Every year, the catalog is updated with new varieties, keeping both gardeners and enthusiasts engaged with fresh options. With such a vast selection, Gagan and her team ensure that there’s something for everyone, from novice gardeners to seasoned peony collectors.
The Beauty of Peonies: Why They Captivate Gardeners
Unlike other more finicky plants, peonies are a relatively low-maintenance flower, which makes them an ideal choice for Gagan. “I tried raising peach trees, but deer ate them all. Then I failed with irises,” she says. “Finally, I found success with peonies. Deer and rabbits don’t like them, and once they’re established, they require very little care.”
Peonies are resilient and generous. Once they’re planted, the blooms return year after year with little intervention. For someone like Gagan, who had seen her fair share of gardening struggles, finding a plant that thrived without constant attention was a revelation.
The history of the peony as a prized flower dates back thousands of years. Cultivated in China for over 1,000 years, the peony spread to England in the 19th century and finally found its way to the United States in the early 1900s. In fact, one of the first books written about peonies for American gardeners, The Book of the Peony, was penned by Alice Harding of Harding Township in Morris County in 1917. Gagan’s library proudly boasts first-edition copies of many peony-related texts, including Harding’s.
The Four Types of Peonies: A Kaleidoscope of Color and Form
Peony’s Envy’s 7-acre property is a canvas of color and variety, with peonies blooming from late spring to early summer. Visitors can experience all four major types of peonies: woodland, tree, herbaceous, and intersectional. The garden is designed so that each type blooms in succession over a six-week period, ensuring there is something new to admire every time you visit.
Tree peonies bloom in early May, followed by herbaceous varieties later in the month. The final wave of blooms peaks in early June, so there’s always something to catch the eye. For those wishing to get the full experience, many visitors come back weekly to witness how the garden transforms as the flowers mature.
Gagan believes that anyone can grow peonies with the right care. “Raising peonies requires no innate talent,” she says. “Once you establish them, they’re practically self-sufficient. If you do nothing, the garden will still thrive. But if you put in a little more effort, the result will be absolutely fabulous.”
Visiting Peony’s Envy: A Peaceful Sanctuary
Peony’s Envy is open every day from the last Friday in April until the second Sunday in June. The entrance fee is $10 per person, which grants you access to explore the beautiful garden at your own pace. While the trails are unmarked, they meander through the expansive grounds, offering plenty of space for quiet contemplation and enjoyment of the flowers.
Gagan encourages guests to take their time and soak in the peaceful surroundings. “We’re not a pick-your-own farm,” she explains, “but we do offer cut flowers for purchase. If you want to pick your own, visit our commercial farm in Liberty Corner, where we grow flowers for sale.”
In addition to its stunning displays, Peony’s Envy hosts Friday night picnics beginning in May, where guests can spread a blanket, bring their own picnic supper, and enjoy the sunset over the fields of blooming peonies. These picnics have become a beloved tradition, especially among couples seeking a romantic date night. Gagan has even witnessed wedding proposals in the midst of the blooms, adding a touch of magic to the already enchanting setting.
A Life Fulfilled by Flowers
Kathleen Gagan’s life as a peony farmer may have begun as a personal passion, but it has grown into something far more profound. “I continue to do this because I haven’t failed at it yet,” she says, her eyes twinkling. “When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them, ‘I’m a peony farmer!’ It’s a great conversation starter.”
Peony’s Envy is not just a garden; it’s a celebration of nature, resilience, and the beauty that comes with nurturing something from the earth. For anyone seeking inspiration or simply a peaceful place to recharge, Gagan’s peony garden is a must-see destination. Whether you’re a gardening enthusiast or simply a lover of flowers, a visit to Peony’s Envy will leave you with a deep appreciation for these stunning blooms—and the woman who has dedicated her life to their cultivation.
