As of July 4th, summer is in full swing in our City by the Sea, and just like clockwork, an iconic flowering shrub, the hydrangea, comes into bloom. This presents another summer right of passage for me–photographing the different ways that hydrangeas are used in the landscapes of Newport.
Some uses are understandably very traditional, and expected, serving a complementary purpose for almost any period or style of architecture.
Others provide a look at just how effective decorating with hydrangeas can be–especially for creating a “WOW moment,” as in a breathtaking view or singular architecture (a whimsical guard house)…
framing a bespoke garden accessory…
playing up the verdigris color of an architectural feature…
or just making an extravagant statement with double rows of hydrangeas lining a full circular driveway.
Then there are those that skew more creatively in their use and perhaps are more than the homeowner planned (or anticipated), as in the blue beauties growing bountifully through their fence.
And at Parterre, when the hydrangeas are in bloom, this personalized bench moves from the Fountain Garden into the Green and White Garden, to be the centerpiece that she was designed to be.
Keep your eyes open for the many faceted personalities of the summer hydrangea.
Absolutely stunning!
Very pretty!
We, too, love our hydrangea!!! What a multi seasonal flower…currently changing from periwinkke to chartreuse w/ shades of dusty rose…
franki. ps the photos take my breath away ❤️
LOVEL LADY,
TRULY AMAZING HOW ONE ‘SPECIES’ CAN HAVE SUCH AN AMAZING IMPACT.
AS A CHILD, MY OWN BACK YARD MEASURED 30 X 100. THE GARDEN HAD SOME OF THE MOST MAGNIFICENT HYDRANGEAS.
GRANTED, YOUR OFFERING IS BEYOND THE ‘NORM’ – ON ANY LEVEL.
IN THESE ‘TROUBLED’ TIMES – (AROUND THE WORLD)
IT’S A TRULY A BLESSING THAT BEAUTY IS NOT POLITICALLY DRIVEN.
BEAUTY WILL SAVE THE WORLD!
THANK YOU.
TOM
What a “wake up” moment to see these exquisite beauties !! I can’t think of any other venues so profuse with hydrangeas. Thanks for these exquisite photos !
You created a symphony in blue !
Then are are pink hydrangeas I changed from Blue to pink by putting
many pennies at the base of one bush… Love the way in many places how
the hydrangeas peak through fences, making the summer drive in Newport’s
as you sit in car and wait in traffic to move so cheerful
HYDRANGEA HEAVEN! All the talk in Atlanta has been about the FIFA Cup, and I suspect even those hockey players and ardent fans would be blown away by all those “Blue and Pink BALLS.” You bring such JOY!