Fall came very early this year, seemingly the first of August. Having been spared the typical end of summer heat, my long-awaited, much-anticipated bank of ‘Limelight’ hydrangeas was not missing that baking heat that speeds them to a dried out rusty pink color. The result? A welcome lingering period of dreamy lime colored buds that didn’t turn to pure white for three weeks…and then stayed this captivating white for another month. This year they were truly without compare!!
The stone wall between the Fountain Garden and Orangerie beds with the four matched pruned cherries was a veritable 114′ runway of blousy whiteness, thanks to the 12 individual shrubs planted just the right distance apart to create a thickly voluminous, healthy and happy ‘Limelight’ hedge.
So perfect for this prime spot in the center of the formal gardens. And one of the key points here–they are pruned to be just the right height to be seen in all their glory from the wide bay window in the sunroom.
Even the Parterre Bench has a good view of them…
What good fortune that the whimsical Japanese anemones bloom at just the same time…and look upon the hedge from the Green and White Garden.
And as the hydrangeas mature to russet shades, the not-coincidental decision to plant coleus ‘Inferno’ in the three Fountain Garden stone containers will be appreciated even more.
Let me not forget in closing to mention the yummy benefit of having these hedges from which to cut flowers for the house.
I trust you have enjoyed the beauty and bounty of this early fall star at Parterre, that has graciously overstayed her welcome.
So incredibly beautiful.Thank you for sharing.What a delight to wake up to your post this morning.Jeanine Dunlap shared your blog with me as I am also a certified Francophile.On our way to France for a month and only hope to find a garden as enchanting as yours.
Yours
Theresa
Thank you, Theresa, and I’m so envious that you’re off to France…rest assured, you shall see MANY gardens you will adore. PLease share some images! xB
Limelights are my favorite Hydrangeas and yours are truly beautiful. I love your green and white garden theme which includes your gorgeous Parterre bench. The soft shade of green used on both the bench and planters compliments your beautiful garden perfectly. I would be living on that bench with a good book and afternoon tea. Happy Autumn! Cheers, Evie
Your Limelight’s are outstanding! How do you keep them from flopping over?
Like all of us, I wish I had a bit more time to do some of the things I love doing…xB
I’m with Evie – I’d be on that lovely bench in that lovely garden all day!
Simply dazzling, Hydrangeas are gorgeous. What is the vine growing along the roofline?
Just stunning!! A plan you well executed!! I would like to see this area in Winter? I love color in garden but don’t like deciduous shrubs. My garden is all Boxwoods except Drift Roses. I hate the roses and plan to dig up.