At 83 and 76 years old John and Jill Smith are still putting in huge days at their family business Altitude Peonies in Naseby. 

Daughter Jayne Hazlett said their situation was very unique, but the season was ramping up with exporters and New Zealand clients “wanting every flower we can give them.”

Jayne’s grandchildren three-year-old Braxton and 18-month-old Lola are out in the paddocks with the family all the time during the season. 

There’s also a new rescue kitten Holly, and two black labrador huntaway mastiff crosses that have been rehomed to complete the crew.

“There’s always days someone might get a bit titchy, if someone is a bit tired. Dad gets frustrated with us because he wants to do it. [But] we make him stay with Lola when she has her afternoon sleep,” Jayne said.

The business is largely family run, but they employ two local women who help with picking and stripping and one other to assist with bunching too. 

Jayne’s advice on how to get the most out of a bunch is to put them in a vase after recutting the stems, include a few drops of bleach in the water and then top up the vase everyday.

“Peonies are massive drinkers, keep them out of direct sunlight . . . and you should get five to seven days from a bunch of local grade blooms.”

She said everyone has their skills to complete the team and their business prides itself on high standard and quality of their product.

“Dad, James and [daughter] Maddie, [30] can pack. I do paperwork, pick and can do bunching.

"The succession plan is in place and my daughter and I are taking the reins.

“We are the last growers in New Zealand, to do that in Naseby you are playing Russian roulette with weather, snowfalls and frosts.”

Altitude Peonies blooms. PHOTO: The Fridge on Charlemont 

Jayne said working with peonies is far from the imagery people might imagine of “white floaty dresses and hats, with a basket”.

“The reality is trousers, sweatshirt and gumboots . . . you face such a variety of weather in one day . . . our fingernails are broken, there’s cuts and scratches . . . it’s really physical work.”

Looking ahead, there’s a new flat site, with new sheds coming and the peonies they want are moving off the hill. 

“We’re incorporating what we've learned and what we know.”

Ranfurly’s The Fridge on Charlemont has a chiller where you can find Altitude Peonies during the season.

Jayne said they’ve been five dollars a bunch there for 10 years.

“[This] is to supply our community and give them pleasure and joy.”