Peony Grower's Library
I've learned a few things about growing peonies in the years that I've been at it. And while my growing conditions are almost certainly different from yours, you may be able to use much of what I know as a place to start.
Before long, you'll be an old hand. My basic conditions look like this: Compacted clay soil, long humid summers, short warmish winters. I'm in Upstate South Carolina, zone 7b. Where I know of instructions for other climates/soils, I'll note them as I go.
Happy growing!
-Erin-