Garden Holiday - "The Hydrangeas"

In Part II of my highlights of upcoming Garden Holiday presentations, I want to talk Hydrangeas and Vinnie Simeone. Hydrangeas have to be the most popular garden shrub today with their many new hybrids all revolving around the Endless Summer Series.



Hydrangea Quercifolia 'Snowflake'

The Endless Summer series are hybrids that bloom on both old and new wood. This gives guaranteed bloom no matter how cold your winters are. On top of all that excitement the renewed interest of some our native species is a welcome addition to all this Hydrangea chatter.  Who better to introduce to this whole new world but Vinnie Simeone from Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay N.Y. 



Hydrangea Marcophylla 'Blushing Bride'

Vinnie describes his talk as follows:

“The Ever Changing and Exciting World of Hydrangeas”- Hydrangeas are one of the most popular and beloved garden plants in the world. With so many new species and varieties now being introduced into the horticultural trade, gardeners have unlimited possibilities. While these possibilities are enough to make the average person crazy, a crafty gardener can illuminate the landscape with a wide variety of foliage textures and colors as well as flower types and colors.

This lecture and walk will provide a diverse selection of hydrangeas to enhance the garden. Specific information on cultural requirements, pruning and landscape use of hydrangeas will also be discussed.    

Vincent Simeone has worked in the horticultural field for over 20 years and specializes in woody plant ID, culture, use, and selection. He has appeared on “Martha Stewart Living” and “HGTV.” He is the director of the Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in New York.

Those of you who might want a little background should read this:
Vincent Simeone's Complete Biography

 And here is what he looks like:

Vincent Simeone



Hydrangea Arborescens "Annabelle"

So are you excited?  I am... and remember Mohonk meal guests get to attend all programs that day. Why not join us for lunch and Vinnie on August 29th?

-gartenmeister