If you look closely at the photo I've attached you'll see the new bud growth (4) at the bases of two of the three remaining branches. Because of a lack of proper sun light I've acquired a grow lamp that could be contributing to this new bud growth but I alse have to thank moochinka for the advise to cut back on some of the branches.These are the three remaining branches. They seem to be getting longer and longer, but on a positive note though there is the (4) new bud growth. Is there a safe way to control the growth length of these three remaining branches without damaging the tree? It just seems so stringly and spindly at this stage! Is there any way I can promote more new budding at the bases of the limbs? The orphan and its companions are thriving thanks to the knowledge I've acquired on the forum. Thanks bonsaiprice

Now would be a great time to add some really good soil. Either way, make sure that you've got good positive drainage away from your house. As a landscaper, we usually install the soil so that it's a bit mounded in the center or back, but when it reaches the edging, it should leave room for mulch or rock above it.

Contact your counties office of your state Agricultural Universities Cooperative Extension Service about having a good soil test done (usually in the $6.00 to $15.00 range). These simple soil tests, 1) Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. A good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. 2) Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains� too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. may be of some help in determining what you have. A good soil for plant growth will have between 5 and 8 percent organic matter.

Hi Steve! Peonies are pretty forgiving as long as the soil isn't boggy. They can survive and do pretty well in anything from clay to sandy soils so it's kinda hard to mess up. Your idea of adding topsoil to get rid of the depression and create a slight slope sounds like a very good plan. I can tell you from experience though that it's hard to get peonies to the correct depth when planting in a newly topped off bed, they tend to sink and create their own depressions! Another member here, Kousa, advised someone last fall to plant their new peonies so the eyes were at ground level then to mound over them; that way when they sink they won't be too low. I read her advice and followed it on the last of my new peonies last year and will certainly do the same this year, it worked out perfectly. Most peony sellers don't advise adding anything other than compost when planting roots, say it's not necessary. I wouldn't add anything more than that at planting. And whether you mulch or not is personal preference, I do here just because it's so dry in the Denver area, helps conserve moisture.