Picnic with the Peonies Online Auction

By participating in this online auction, you are supporting the installation of a physically accessible path in the Peony Garden at Allerton Park! With your support, we will replace the current pea gravel path with a hard surface that is accessible to those with limited mobility or using wheels.

Any bid greater than the item's value is considered a donation to Allerton Park - Thank you!

The Peony Garden bloom occurs in mid-to-late May, and draws visitors from throughout the region who are awe-struck by the spectacular display of white, pink, and scarlet flowers. Learn more about the Peony Garden and our fundraiser here - https://bit.ly/3aXbjVa

Built as a private residence by artist and philanthropist Robert Allerton in 1900, Allerton Park and Retreat Center is a historical treasure that was donated to the University of Illinois in 1946. The property contains 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas, a mansion and reflecting pond, a 10-acre meadow, formal sculpture gardens, hiking trails, a café, and several lodging facilities.

Designed in the 1920s, the Peony Garden was one of Robert Allerton’s favorites. Over 1,600 peonies in nearly 70 varieties create a spectacular display of colors, ranging from white to pink to deep scarlet. Visitors from throughout the region travel to see the much-anticipated bloom, which occurs between mid-May and early June, depending on weather conditions.

By participating in this online auction, you are supporting the installation of a physically accessible path in the Peony Garden. With your support, we will replace the current pea gravel path with a hard surface that is accessible to those with limited mobility or using wheels.