20/06/2026
The First Peony
Four years ago, I bought a small peony that wasn't in great shape. I planted it in my garden and hoped for the best.
Each year, I watched it grow stronger. Its leaves were healthy, and it slowly turned into a lovely green bush. But there were never any buds. After a while, I stopped expecting flowers.
Then, this spring, I noticed a tiny bud. Soon, there was another. And now, four years after planting it, I have my very first peony flower.
Watching it bloom reminded me of language learning. We often expect quick results, and when we don't see them, we start to doubt ourselves. But growth isn't always visible.
Like my peony, we may be developing strong roots long before the flowers appear.
My peony didn't need more pressure. It needed time.
Perhaps we do, too.
And perhaps one of the biggest mistakes language learners make is giving up just before their first flower appears.
Photos and music by Anna Czyżewska
® ®
