Rose:
The peonies I had were ordered from a catalog as roots, and they were very slow growing. I actually didn't have blooms on them for at least 4 years. You can divide peopny roots from existing plants fairly easily and supposedly any pieces of the root will grow into a new plant. Maybe your neighbor could give you a couple of her roots?

They are easy to grow once they are established which can take a couple of years. I always feel that true perennials take 3 growing seasons to become mature.