Hydrangeas are one of the most loved and widely planted flowering shrubs in Canada. And although the Hydrangea genus is a large one, in my current garden, there are representatives of just two species: the smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) and the panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata), both hardy to Zone 3. In the past I’ve grown other types in other gardens, notably big-leaved … [Read more...] about Bountiful midsummer flowers: Hardy hydrangeas
hydrangea
Design a white garden
Think of the colour white and the image of a wedding dress, eggs or snow will likely spring to mind. But with a little stretch of your imagination, visualize instead a small corner bed or a border around a patio filled with white plants. Single-colour schemes are sometimes referred to as “monochromatic” — a term that takes the romance out of any flower arrangement — but be … [Read more...] about Design a white garden
How to dry hydrangeas
Hydrangeas are one of the easiest flowers to dry, and given their size, you need only a few to fill a table arrangement or decorate a wreath. Drying hydrangeas Cut when the blooms are partially dry and slightly papery — usually between August and October. If cut too soon, the blooms will wilt and not dry; cut too late and they will be brown and less attractive. There are … [Read more...] about How to dry hydrangeas
Why isn’t my hydrangea flowering?
Question from Margaret S. in Kingston, Ont. As a loyal follower from issue No. 1, I have come to look on you as my general garden encyclopaedia. However, I have a problem: This year my hitherto lovely hydrangea is quite luscious and green, but not a single flower. I have been told that it’s lacking phosphate as my composted leaves have produced too much nitrogen and depleted … [Read more...] about Why isn’t my hydrangea flowering?
Plant picks: New for 2015
We asked nurseries, plant breeders and wholesalers, and seed companies to tell us about new plants they’re excited to offer to gardeners in 2015. We featured dozens of their top picks on four pages in Garden Making No. 21 Great Plants to Grow. We didn’t have room in the magazine for all of their recommendations, and have included more below. For more on favourite … [Read more...] about Plant picks: New for 2015
