[中文版本]
My grandmother loves growing all kinds of flowers and herbs. Different kinds of plants grow all around our house; different flowers bloom during every season of the four—winter jasmine, peonies, roses, orchids, chrysanthemums, lilies, roses, dahlias, zinnias. Among them, my favorite flower is the peony.
Peonies come in a rainbow of colors—red, white, purple, yellow, and more. The row of peonies my grandmother planted in front of the house are pink. Whenever spring arrives, the peonies always radiate the brilliance of the season. The blooming flowers have layer upon layer of petals, thin and delicate in pink, wrapping around a pale, tender yellow pistil in the center. The pistil is plump like a kernel of corn, and the leaves are emerald green, sometimes still carrying dewdrops. When bathed in the morning light, the entire flower sparkles, dazzlingly bright and utterly enchanting. Breathing in the peony’s unique fragrance fills my heart with delight—it’s truly breathtaking!
Because of my grandmother’s love for gardening, whenever I have free time, I join her working in the yard, digging soil, pulling weeds, pruning branches, and watering plants—busy but full of joy. Gradually, I’ve learned a lot about flowers. Grandma told me: "The peony is China’s national flower, holding special meanings for the Chinese people. During the Tang Dynasty, peonies symbolized wealth, prosperity, and love. Many scholars wrote about their beauty, calling them 'the national beauty and heavenly fragrance' and 'the king of flowers'! Even today, Chinese people deeply admire the peony, seeing it as a noble and magnificent flower. During festive occasions, many people buy peonies as gifts for family and friends, as they symbolize wealth, peace, happiness, and good fortune—making them a beloved and cherished treasure."
After hearing Grandma’s words, I loved peonies even more. Not only for their noble beauty but also because they embody happiness and joy, bringing me endless delight. I cherish and enjoy the time spent working alongside Grandma. The days when the peonies bloom are the happiest days for our whole family. I love our peonies; they bloom not only in our garden but also in the hearts of everyone in our family.
