The love story of Kristin and Erik Swenson began with an ambitious promise—to plant 1,000 peonies, Kristin’s favourite flower—if she agreed to marry him. This heartfelt gesture took place in 2019, and little did they know that it would blossom into a grand venture, cultivating not just thousands of peonies but nurturing a strong community centred around love, generosity, and shared experiences.
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The couple originally shared their tale with PEOPLE in 2024, recounting how Erik’s proposal ignited a passion for gardening that would evolve into a vibrant peony garden. Now, seven years later, it has become a testament to their relationship and a source of connection for many others. Kristin explains that they began receiving stories from people around the world who were inspired by their journey. “We discovered that while our story is unique, there are countless heartfelt tales about peonies, many of which have been passed down through generations,” she remarked about the stories they’ve collected.
Building upon this sentiment, the Swensons introduced the concept of sharing their blooms with the community. “We’re still not selling the peonies,” Kristin stated. “We find ways to share and donate them because they symbolise love, and that’s what we want them to represent.” The couple has organised events such as a community peony bar at their local shop, where individuals can collect flowers to brighten someone’s day. They have also donated peonies to a local pantry for families and a homeless shelter, emphasising their commitment to spreading joy.
In their latest venture, dubbed Adoration Peony Gardens, the Swensons have created a project aimed at helping others give peonies as gifts. Kristin elaborated, “We developed something called ‘The Peony Story’, which comes in two forms. One is for someone who wishes to plant them at home intentionally, fostering a connection that can live on through shared roots.” The second version serves as a beautifully presented gift, perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or housewarmings.
Peony season is a fleeting marvel, typically lasting a few weeks every spring. However, the Swensons have found ways to allow these gifts to be given year-round. “While they bloom in spring, the best time to plant them is in the autumn,” Kristin explained. With fresh products harvested only to be delivered in the fall, purchasers can gift them anytime, inviting recipients into the enchanting world of peonies through special notifications.
Kristin also highlighted their intention to keep cultivate connections within the community. The roots offered are those that originated from Erik’s original garden, thereby strengthening the bond between people. “It is heartwarming to hear how sharing these roots continues the legacy of love that they began,” she reflected. The couple’s determination to give back is further solidified by the understanding that the flowers require time to grow and flourish, often taking years to mature and bloom.
The impact of their garden extends beyond mere blooms. Kristin shared how their peonies have bridged friendships, including the relationship formed with a woman named Abby, who re-homed her peonies with them after moving. “We’ve developed a friendship that has grown over the years, making it a meaningful connection,” she noted, adding that Abby now visits every year to witness her coral charm peonies bloom.
This year, another friend named Claire reached out with an abundance of peonies that required a new home. Sharing roots has fostered deep ties within the garden community, with Kristin articulating how special it is to incorporate these stories into their own garden narrative. Her vision for the future includes plans for a public space dedicated to enjoying peonies annually. “I dream of creating a magical setting where people can immerse themselves in the beauty of peonies while learning about their care and history,” she enthused.
As the Swensons continue to cultivate their garden and community, they envision a future filled with opportunities to host events and fundraisers, further entwining peonies with love and friendship. Their journey is a beautiful reminder of the enduring power of love, captured in the timeless beauty of flowers.