Customers stop in their tracks. Neighbors pull out their phones. Passersby peek through our windows to see what all the excitement is about.

It’s peony season.

For a few short weeks each year, our flower shop fills with armloads of lush pink, white, coral, and crimson peonies. Their oversized blooms, intoxicating fragrance, and fleeting availability make them one of the most sought-after flowers in San Francisco.

As florists, we’re surrounded by beautiful flowers every day. Yet peony season still feels special.