This year's winter peony at Botanen in Saitama Prefecture

For the last few years Botanen, Saitama's largest peony garden, have had a winter peony display each year. The winter peony are only on display for two weeks. I have visited each year since this event began. My favorite display to date was last year's (2024). The main reason was because they had a lovely display of Japanese parasols too. 

This year's display is supposed to be a special one for the 70th anniversary of the city of Higashimatsuyama. However, I have to be very honest, I wasn't overly impressed. But the dome with a display of peony with rocks, an ume tree and bamboo is very beautiful. The red and white installation is also very impressive, but personally I preferred the Japanese parasols. 

It was also unfortunate that the peony didn't seem to last very long this year. I visited ten days into the display and the peony with the yukigakoi were already withering. Moreover, this year they only have peony on one side of the footpath, whereas last year they were on both sides. However, there is the same amount more or less, just concentrated in one area. Again, I preferred last year's display when they are on either side of the path.

All that said, I am glad I went to see the display again this year. Especially as the wintersweet are also in bloom and smell divine. If you are in the area it might be worth popping by. There is no cover charge and parking is free. (You do have to pay for parking during the main, spring peony flower season).