Hydrangeas
I’ve been told that hydrangeas are making a comeback in gardens but, in my opinion, they’ve never gone away. With their serrated-edged leaves and huge balls of flowers, why wouldn’t you like them?
The flower heads are composed of small fertile flowers surrounded by larger sterile bracts. The bracts can last on the plant for months and their colours fade to antique shades that many gardeners find attractive. I’m not fond of this look, so I cut some of the heads when they are at their most colourful and display them inside. Hydrangeas come in eye-catching shades of white, pink, purple and blue.
On hot days, hydrangeas will droop if they don’t have enough water. When the hot westerly winds blow in summer and the sun beats down, I sometimes fear for the health of my plants. Covering them with a sheet during the hottest part of the day helps. After a thorough watering, my hydrangeas always recover.
There are four hydrangeas in the completely wrong place – facing west and up against brick walls. I’m gradually turning this area into a dahlia bed so I’ll remove these hydrangeas once summer is over.
This is my favourite one. It’s planted on the eastern side of the house and is shaded all day by my neighbour’s garage. I’m thrilled with the mix of colours that have appeared this year, all without any help from me. Isn’t it a beauty?
Summer stories
I’ll be posting some short stories on Instagram and my website at irregular intervals over the summer months. I hope you enjoy them.
That’s all for now. I’m settling down with my stitching to watch the Brisbane Test. Stay cool, everyone!
This newsletter is written by me, Erica Spinks, so I can share stories about books, gardens, quilts and other interests with you.
You can also find me on my website, Instagram, and Bluesky.