I am in love with hydrangeas. My bushes are in full bloom right now, and I wish they stayed that way year-round.
I started my hydrangea garden after listening to my dear friend Alexandra Stoddard speak of her writing room. The white-drenched room, complete with open windows and billowing curtains, overlooks her French hydrangea garden where the beautiful blue blossoms nod their heads with the breezes. I can just picture her seated at her desk and gazing out at the spectacle.
Inspiration for simple and lovely hydrangea arrangements from Victoria Magazine‘s recent special issue, Gardens of Bliss.
It seems every year the colors of the blooms are varied, even on the same bush. These plants are easy to root so multiplying your prize possession is easy. The most intriguing thing to me is how the pH of the soil determines the flower color. When Neal and I married, there was a beautiful white hydrangea in an arrangement. Upon closer look, the plant was in a pot with other flowers placed around it. I decided that this would be a treasured plant that would reside in my garden. I carefully found my location and planted my special plant.
The next spring, to my amazement, my white wedding cherished hydrangea blooms were French Blue. It is still cherished and loved even though the white blooms have given way to the new color.
Hydrangeas are a lovely decorating icon too. I was so thrilled to find that Elizabeth Bradley Home has released beautiful needlepoint pillows showcasing hydrangeas. What a lovely addition to any room! The delicate needlepoint pillows will be a constant reminder of the beautiful plants that grown in my garden.
What’s your favorite summer bloom?
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Does limelight hydrangea hold its unique color?
Oh, although I adore hydrangeas also I must give credit to the wonderful passion flower! How beautifully it spreads through “disturbed areas” hiding unsightly ditches and other rough patches with bright purple flowers – and giving us one of nature’s best remedies as the leaves are often taken in tincture form or in teas to alleviate stress and anxiety. The fruit also makes great jellies – look up recipes for “maypops,” the plant’s nickname and while you’re at it, read the lovely legend of its symbolism. Put along a fence or trellis and watch it spread prolifically but without being invasive… and enjoy the myriad of bees and butterflies who will abound!
Hydrangea are my favorite, too! They are so beautiful and long lasting. They also dry so well, and look beautiful in my home in the autumn.
Hi Phyllis, hope your summer is going well…I am with you, they are like the flower that keeps on giving. LOVE them and have them all over my yard too:) Enjoy your summer!