When I was a child in England, my great nana grew a plethora of antique hydrangeas around her front door.  I remember them vividly,  antique blues and pinks – masses of them. The imagery has stayed with me. And who knew  later in life that I’d be enamoured with all varieties of hydrangeas and their loveliness, and be a grower myself.

On arrival here in 2017 the hydrangeas were lost amongst the other stuff around the verandah. The other ‘stuff’ being weeds, and over sized standard roses which are beautiful  in their own right but the box hedging needed a soft second layer and I could picture the Annabels bobbing in the breeze around the verandah.

Happy that I cleared the clutter  and rescued the hydrangeas. They’ve become the star of the show every season from November to February, and  bring much joy for me as they bloom from lime green babies to full cream lace caps.  They are delicate and special. I’ve planted other varieties in the extended garden; Bridal Bouquet, Pink Panther, and  vivid blue hydrangeas that morph into antique  throughout the season.  There’s nothing more satisfying than hand picking flowers from the garden, a vase of these beauties add the final welcoming touch for guests staying over summer.

From early November gardens in Marlborough come into their own and in December it’s perfection – lush and full of blooms before the January heat kicks in.  It’s my happy place to wander and roam whatever time of day; to breathe in the year’s effort, to water, pull weeds, and marvel at the soft creamy mops wafting in the breeze 🌱🌱🌱