Costco Peony Purchase Blossoms Into Decade-Long Gardening Passion

Author Annabel Monaghan shares how an on-a-whim $5.99 plant purchase transformed her relationship with gardening.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 6:37pm

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Annabel Monaghan, a New York City-area homeowner, didn't consider herself a gardener until she impulsively bought a peony bulb from Costco about 10 years after moving into her new home. Despite initially feeling unsure about planting it, Monaghan's peony bush has since flourished, blooming beautifully each spring and prompting her to become an enthusiastic amateur gardener.

Why it matters

Monaghan's story highlights how even small, spontaneous decisions can blossom into meaningful hobbies and sources of joy. Her experience also demonstrates the therapeutic and creative fulfillment that can come from nurturing plants, even for those who don't consider themselves naturally green-thumbed.

The details

Monaghan, who had previously avoided touching the established landscaping around her new home, was drawn to the excitement of other shoppers in the Costco garden center. Intrigued, she purchased a single peony bulb and planted it between two box hedges. Over the following years, Monaghan's peony bush grew steadily, going from a single flower to a large, thriving plant that she proudly supports with stakes.

  • Monaghan bought her first house in 2007.
  • Around 2017, Monaghan impulsively purchased a peony bulb from Costco.
  • The first peony flower bloomed the following May.
  • The peony bush continued to grow over the next decade, with the flowers blooming reliably each spring around Mother's Day.

The players

Annabel Monaghan

The author of the essay, a homeowner in the New York City suburbs who initially considered herself a non-gardener until an impulse purchase of a peony bulb sparked a decade-long passion for gardening.

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What they’re saying

“Put them in the ground!”

— Unidentified Costco shopper

“I made this flower. This must be like what God feels.”

— Annabel Monaghan, Homeowner

The takeaway

Monaghan's story demonstrates how a small, spontaneous decision can blossom into a meaningful and rewarding hobby. Her experience with the peony plant shows that even those who don't consider themselves natural gardeners can find joy, fulfillment, and a sense of accomplishment in nurturing plants and watching them thrive.