Hydrangeas

One of the coolest, foggiest summers on record has left the roses mildewed and flowerless. The dahlias are sulking - also flowerless. Only the hydrangeas are happy, holding their ethereal colors several months later than usual.

Our local farmer's market offers a myriad of varieties in a 4 inch pot for only $5.00 - and although I'm rapidly running out of room in the garden their beauty continues to seduce me weekly.



We seem to have a real heat wave every year around the summer solstice - one missed watering at that time and the blossoms turn brown and crispy - never to recover. This year we were spared - the temperature on June 21st was 64*. Yes, that's summer in Southern California!