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The 2024 Garden Year

January 19, 2024 January Our year started with snow, ice and frigid temperatures in mid-January. Our temperatures stayed below freezing for almost a week. I think it was the most consistent cold that we've experienced since moving here. Fortunately, it was a dry snow so there wasn't too much damage. Once again, we almost lost the azara and I'm afraid there would have been some breakage if I had not kept knocking the ice off. February 14, 2024 February In past years, it seems that inclement weather seems to hit around Michael's birthday in mid-February. After the January snow and ice, this month was actually quite tame. Nothing exciting to report - mostly birdwatching . Early flowers like hellebores, cyclamen and crocus begin to bloom in mid month. March 3, 2024 March I got into a walking routine which I'm happy to report I am continuing this year. You get to the point where you feel guilty if you miss a day. I do miss days occasionally but I'm learning that ...

Hydrangea "Veitchii"




One for the top 10 list is this elegant but tough hydrangea that is a dependable performer. It grows in an upright habit and is always loaded with lovely flattish white lacecap sepals with fertile blue flowers. The flowers age to pink. An added bonus are the dark green leaves that turn yellow/red in the fall. It is mildew resistant and is reputed to have exceptional cold hardiness. In 2002, it received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Veitchii was imported from Japan in 1861.



Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. How do I find out which Lacecap I have....?

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  2. Darla, it is often very difficult to identify a hydrangea because, as you've probably noticed, they look similar and to make matters worse, most of them will look different in other people's gardens because of the soil types. I would suggest getting a book on hydrangeas (there are several good ones) and compare yours with photos and the descriptions. Good luck!

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  3. Phillip - thanks for your comment. I learned to put newpaper under the mulch from Frances Worthington former garden columnist for our regional newspaper here in Upstate SC The Greenville News.
    This is a beautiful hydrangea you have pictured. I'm not wild about lace caps but its pretty in the garden. I am in search of the little dwarf sized bushes i see around town.

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  4. Oh, how absolutley lovely.
    Hydrangeas' are one of my most favorite plants, although I never have much luck with them in my own garden, I do admire them form afar.
    Just a lovely specimen.

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  5. I'm blaming you when the partner starts screeching about what I'm spending on additional hydrangeas......

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  6. These are lovely! I love them coz they seem to bloom forever, only I couldn't get them in my city...

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  7. Okay that's it - I'm moving to Alabama where Hydrangea is a happy plant. Phillip you do so well with them! If I were a Hydrangea I'd want to live right there in your garden!

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  8. I'm really wishing for a shaded, fenced garden! Quite a lovely!

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