When we talk about perennials we assume that they will return each year without thinking much about their longevity. Most have a definable lifespan, which can be extended with proper care and division as they expand or the center of the clump shows decline.

One perennial that lasts a lifetime is the peony. I remember them from grandmother's garden, mother's garden and now my gardens. I think about them now because their buds are swelling and will soon highlight the show in my perennial border.

From years ago I remember reds, pinks and whites with large double flowers. The color line today has been expanded to include more shades, bi-colors and even a reported yellow one. I haven't rounded up enough dollars to spring for the yellow one yet.

They are easy to grow and, as I implied, are long lived without much attention.

Several drawbacks do exist. The flowers are so large that often with stormy weather they bend to the ground, obstructing their glory. They also are a relatively short-lived flower, lasting only a week or so.

Also, after bloom the robust foliage loses much of its appeal. I do not find this a problem in a border where there are other plants to draw later season attention. As with most perennials, delaying cutting off the aging stems helps the plant build strength for the next season.

The most frequent human distress with peonies is the almost guaranteed presence of ants rushing up the stems to visit the swelling buds. Is it a problem? Does something need to be done?

That leads to an interesting story or bit of science. Let's start with the ants. In the insect world they are the renowned aggressive hard workers. If you mess with them you will soon discover that they can bite only with slightly less effect than a bee. In other words, they are bullies not to be messed with.

The peony plant, like many tropical dwelling plants where insects are a year round problem, has small glands at the base of their flower. As the buds swell, these glands secrete a sugary substance called extrafloral nectar, which attracts the ants.

Combine the above facts and you have a plant working to attract bully ants to protect it from other insects. Research shows that when the ants are kept off the peony plants, the flowers are of lower quality.

If you have peonies that you wish to divide or transplant, the best time of the year to do it is in the period between August 15 and September 15. That's true for most spring blooming perennials, although less important than with the peony.

Dividing or transplanting peonies in the above time frame permits the warm soils of fall to produce root growth, while the cooling air temperatures restrict top growth.

My peonies may outlive me but that won't prevent me from adding more to my garden.