I am super thankful that the person who owned this house before me loved hydrangeas as much as I do. She planted about 15 different bushes with at least 4 different varieties. They line my driveway and make my heart happy every time I pull in. Along with that goes threats from me every time someone is backing out of my driveway..."you hit my hydrangeas and I may literally kill you!!" I'm only partially kidding :-)
The best part for me is having more to cut than I know what to do with! Back before the days of Pinterest I actually pulled an article out of Southern Living written by the Grumpy Gardener on how to make your hydrangea blooms last. It is old and wrinkly and I still refer to it to refresh my memory at the beginning of every season.
1. Plunge stems in cool water immediately after cutting
2. Pour about 1 inch of boiling water into a container and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Cut the stems at an angle at the length you want for your arrangement.
4.Hold the bottom 1 inch of the stems in the hot water for about 30 seconds.
5. Transfer the stems to cool water for your arrangement.
Do not ask me the reason behind this method because I can honestly say I do not know why... but it works!
I love these blue hydrangeas in a simple white pitcher. |
Here are a couple other varieties from my yard.
Nightingale Lace Cap Hydrangea |
Oak Leaf Hydrangea |
For tips on drying hydrangeas refer to this post on our dried hydrangea wreath.
Coming up Wednesday will be the Entry Closet Makeover reveal! I just have to find a few baskets I like and do some touch up painting. See here for the inspiration and before pictures. Also, and recap of the greatest weekend ever with the Hendricks and Moody's including lots of pictures of muddy husbands and kids from the Mad Mountain Mud Run.
Last but not least Rebekah and I are planning a series on getting balance is all aspects of our (your) life because we have decided we both are in serious need. We are going to figure out how to get our bodies, parenting, homes, and work lives more balanced, organized and healthy. Stay tuned. We have a lot of work to do in a lot of areas and we want you to follow along, help us out, and join in with us!
Kandi
Partying at some of these awesome places!
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Wow, those flowers are beyond gorgeous! Great tips on making them last longer!
ReplyDeleteOh how lucky. I planted two bushes last year, so they aren't real big yet, but they do have about a dozen flowers each. I keep debating if I want to cut and enjoy them, I think I will cut a couple and try this trick! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteGo ahead and cut a few then read the post on how to dry them and then you can enjoy them for years to come!
DeleteAdd me to that list of Crazy about Hydrangeas people...I DO HOPE YOU LOVE DRIED HYDRANGEAS..this way you can enjoy them year round..oak leaf are a no brainer..theyll dry in the vase w water still in them or on the bush..but not as pretty dried on the bush..If you have quesions email me and I will share about cutting and also pruning and drying.can't live w/o hydrangeas.. thank u for sharing that beautiful picture along your driveway.
ReplyDelete~Jonell
Ooh, when/if my hydrangeas bloom, I gotta try this tip! I'll be pinning so I don't forget! Thanks for sharing :-)
ReplyDeletewww.1dogwoof.com
Thanks for the tip! I absolutely love hydrangeas too. I just planted some in my front yard!
ReplyDeleteOh thanks so much for this tutorial on how to make hydangeas last longer, Kandi! I am going to "pin" it to keep on hand. Your hydrangeas in your yard are just beautiful! I saw your post over at "Carolyn's Homework".
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip.... I have 'snowballs' that I will try this with since they too usually wilt away quickly like hydrangeas. I'm jealous of your yard lol! I hope you'll come share this at my link party going on now :) http://www.salttree.net/2012/06/open-call-tuesdays-7-giveaway.html
ReplyDeleteWhat a good tip! I'm pinning it. Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautiful!! TFS! Stopping by from Show me What You Got linky party. Here is what I shared: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.ca/2012/06/kids-roll-up-nap-blanket.html
ReplyDeleteThat's a great tip! I should plant some hydrangeas. They're so pretty. Thanks for sharing at Terrific Tuesdays.
ReplyDeleteRachel
adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this tip.... I'll definitely have to give it a try!
ReplyDeleteI have a lot of hydrangeas too so this his a great tip!! Unfortunately mine are not blooming yet. First time visiting and your newest follower, hope you will stop by and see my clematis this week,. Thanks Laura
ReplyDeleteI adore hydrangeas; my husband planted three new bushes for me this year.
ReplyDeleteInteresting! I wonder if it would work with other branch type blooms like Lilacs? I Pinned this so I can refer to it later.
ReplyDeleteI could use some gardening tips on my web site...would love if you would post and share it with my readers! Join the Community and share any of your creative project!
Susan @ Oh My! Creative
These are gorgeous flowers and I can never make mine last. Thank you so much for sharing these tips!
ReplyDeleteStopping by from the Southern Lovely party :-)
I love hydrangeas and miss the gorgeous one we had at our old house. Can't wait to get some in the ground at our current home. I would love it if you would share this on my linky party Tout It Tuesday. http://www.claimingourspace.com/2012/06/tout-it-tuesday-9.html
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for sharing that tip--I will try it for sure!
ReplyDeleteGreat to know. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove Hydrangeas and I am going to have to try this! Thanks so much for sharing at Toot Your Horn Tuesday :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips! I love hydrangeas!
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous of all your hydrangeas!! LOL You are so lucky! I have so much trouble growing them here. Didn't have difficulty in the past but moved here 17 yrs ago and am still struggling to get them to thrive. I finally have 3 that are doing "ok". Ended up putting them in containers in the gazebo. We get pretty hot here in the Summer and didn't have any tress when we moved in. My trees have matured and given us much needed shade, but am scared to actually put them in the ground given my past experiences. So weird, My Mom had many hydrangeas and they flourished..she was in the same climate I am now.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, thanks so much for the tip!! Much appreicated for when I have an actual bloom to bring in and enjoy :)
*hugs*deb
Your blogs and every other content is so entertaining and useful It makes me come back again.visit your url
ReplyDeleteYour blogs and every other content is so entertaining and useful It makes me come back again.visit your url
ReplyDeleteHey really wonderful blog.. i read your content i think it's very useful for us.. Thanks so much for your tips!! good job.. keep it up!!!
ReplyDeleteHydrangea