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.