Who founded the Pacific Northwest Peony Society and who can join?
Updated
The Pacific Northwest Peony Society (PNWPS) was founded in 1996 by Allan "Al" Rogers, a lifelong peony enthusiast and author. Membership is open to anyone interested in peonies — from someone growing their first peony to a garden full of them — and annual membership costs $10 for a two-person household.
The founder: Allan "Al" Rogers
Al Rogers was a lifelong peony enthusiast and author who envisioned a group where people could come together to share their passion for peonies, exchange knowledge, and celebrate their love of the flower. Those early gatherings grew into the Pacific Northwest Peony Society.
He also wrote Peonies, described by the Society as an enjoyable and informative resource reflecting his deep knowledge and enthusiasm for the plants. Rogers passed away on September 23, 2015, at the age of 94, but the Society he founded continues his vision and passion.
Who the Society brings together
The Society initially brought together growers from throughout Oregon and Washington, and it has continued to thrive since. Today its membership includes:
- Commercial growers
- Landscape professionals
- Avid collectors
- Home gardeners
All are united by a shared appreciation for peonies.
Who can join
Everyone is welcome to join, whether you are growing your first peony or have a garden full of them. There is no experience requirement implied by the Society's description — beginners and experienced growers are both explicitly included.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Allan "Al" Rogers |
| Original regional base | Oregon and Washington |
| Membership cost | $10 annually for a two-person household |
| Who can join | Anyone interested in peonies |
What the Society does today
The PNWPS remains active beyond its founding era. Its latest news notes that it will host the 2027 American Peony Society Convention, taking place for the first time in Washington State, with updates posted on its site as they become available.
It also holds member events. An upcoming Fall Meeting on 11/7/26 in Puyallup, Washington, is scheduled to feature a 2026 APS Convention review and 2027 APS Convention preview, lectures, a live auction, and the Society's 30th Anniversary celebration. Registration is handled through the Society's site.
If you are considering joining, the $10 two-person household rate and the open-to-everyone policy make it a low-commitment way to connect with growers across the Pacific Northwest — and the 2027 convention hosting role suggests the Society is worth watching if you want to attend a major peony event in the region.