Saturday, June 19, 2010

In My Garden...

These Hydrangeas are on one side of my house by my front porch. I love the delicate pinks and yellows that turn into lavender when they are almost finished. These are so southern. I use to gather them and use them as pom pom's when I was younger when I practiced cheering.

These are on the other side of my house. This is the hydrangea as the head is starting to form. It is hard to believe that from such tight little balls come these huge flower petals.

And...this is the Hydrangea after the head has formed and is blooming. I have maybe ten of these up to six feet tall and wide along the drive of my house. Every time I pull in they make me smile.

I thought I would share some photos of my Hydrangeas that are in full bloom. The blue or pink depends on the acidity in the soil. You can alter the soil and change the color of the bushes. I like both colors so I alter the blue ones. I use nails. When planting you are suppose to put a box of nails in the bottom of the hole. These are seven years old so it is time to dig around them and set some nails. They have chemicals that you can use that do the same thing, but my grandmother always told me that "nails don't wash away." It is sort of fun to think that rust makes such glorious colors.

12 comments:

K J D said...

These are completely beautiful - no wonder you smile everytime you see them.

I've been thinking of putting one in my front garden - you've decided me!

When I was first married my old next door neighbour had them down the side of her house - and they always remind me of her. She was lovely.

Karen

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Your photos are just so dreamy, they really are gorgeous plants, I have 3 in my very small garden but I just couldn't be without them - mine are now near ready to bloom though yet, every thing over here seems to be late this year :)

bobbie said...

I love hydrangeas... but I'd never heard about the nail trick! I'll have to try that on mine.

peggy gatto said...

I love hydrangeas and have used them for several of my paintings!!!!
thanks!

Anneke said...

Such beautiful colors, thanks to some nails! Awesome flowers, very beautiful pictures!!

Mrs. Fry said...

I have a pink and a blue growing side by side.
Same soil. No color change. weird.

Terri Kahrs said...

Your fabulous hydrangeas have me pea green with envy! I've tried and tried to grow them over the years and my efforts have never met with success. I'll just have to admire your from afar!!! And nails!!! Fantastic!!! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Lindart said...

Gorgeous flowers! I have no garden to speak of. Everything is in the shade. I have tons of hostas. I'm tired of planting impatiens every year, so I've filled up their spaces with hostas. Hostas and trees is my garden. I have 2 lovely hanging pots of impatiens, though, that gives me some color. And the lady across the street has a wonderful English garden, so I stare at that a lot!

Janet Ghio said...

Elizabeth-your hydrangas are so beautiful! One of my favorite flowers!! The colors--so yummy. I miss my gardens (we live in a condo now--not gardens-boo hoo--but does save on the lower back pains!!)

Glenda-TwoCoolTexans said...

Your hydrangeas are gorgeous. Mine aren't blooming yet except the white snowballs. Hopefully, soon.

Heavens2Betsy said...

Oh Elizabeth, these are just divine! I love hydrangeas but didn't realise their potential to be alterable. I love the notion of the box of nails. Grandmothers so often were the original wise women weren't they? Thank you for your visit and encouraging words. Penny x

Ann Flowers said...

Stunning picture of the flowers, will definitely make my day. Keep posting.