Today, we head a few blocks north from yesterday's photo to the corner of Tate sand West Market Street. This hydrangea is as beautiful as specimens grown by members of the National Hydrangea Society. This blue mophead is taller than the porch rail and the scene looks like grandmother's porch down a quiet rural road. In actuality, the intersection is very busy. The wrap-around porch is part of a house known as the Kennedy Chase House. Two lawyers, Chut & Brackett, and Swaim Tax Accounting have their offices here. Formerly it was the law office Mike Barber who was also a city councilman.
We drive past this thriving-- yet, likely neglected-- hydrangea and wonder why ours in the back yard has half-opened blooms and wilts at the drop of a hat. It seems like the most neglected hydrangeas are the hardiest. We do know that the blue ones have more aluminum in the soil that the pink ones.
If it stays this hot in Greensboro (96 degrees yesterday), we might have to go calling on this business with iced-tea in arm so that we can rest a spell and enjoy the beauty of these flowers. How is your luck with hydrangeas? We're headed to this website to learn a little more about them.
Because I live in an apartment, my hydrangeas are all in containers - and they require lots of watering, sometimes more than once a day, or they will flop over. However, I did dry some about 3 years ago and those are still looking lovely (so long as you don't move them to vigorously!)
p.s. and yes, I have 2 blogs, both of which welcome you anytime!
Posted by: VioletSky | Thursday, June 02, 2011 at 07:11 AM
My hydrangeas are doing quite nicely. I recently added some aluminum sulfate to they are a pretty blue again. My neighbor has one that is almost magenta-unusual so everyone comments on it. You should come photograph it some time.
Posted by: Jane Mitchell | Thursday, June 02, 2011 at 08:14 AM
In this case - Hydrangea heaven! Beautiful blue - I love, love them!
Posted by: Leif Hagen | Thursday, June 02, 2011 at 10:15 AM
I planted petunias on my balcony - they are the only type which can stand my style of gardening.
I always though that they colour flowers to get this blue shade))
Posted by: Irina | Thursday, June 02, 2011 at 04:54 PM