When you picture the quintessential shingled Cape Cod home, you’re probably imagining hydrangeas blooming in the front garden. Hydrangeas and the Cape go hand in hand. They thrive here due to the climate. Hydrangeas can’t handle extreme heat or cold so the region’s mid coastal winters and cool sea breezes make it the perfect location. The massive blooms are made possible by the soil on the Cape as well. The soil across the region is sandy and naturally acidic which allows the aluminum in the earth to be easily absorbed by different varieties of hydrangeas. The aluminum in the soil is actually what gives the flowers that famous beautiful blue color. If you ever see a pink hydrangea, know that the soil in that area became more alkaline.

Hydrangea bushes with blue flowers grow beside green grass in a sunny, well-kept garden.

Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival

 

The Cape is a hydrangea lovers haven. In 2014, the Cape Cod Hydrangea festival began as a collaborative effort among local gardeners, nonprofit organizations, and businesses on Cape Cod. This year the festival runs from July 10th to 19th with the epicenter of the festival being the Heritage Museums and Gardens in Sandwich. There you can tour the beautiful grounds and view eight different hydrangea species and more. The festival also features over 80 private garden tours this year. All of the private gardens are designed and maintained by the homeowner.

White text on a dark green background reads The Thirwood Difference, highlighting our commitment to exceptional assisted living, with the Thirwood Place logo above.

The festival doesn’t just feature tours of flowers either, there are workshops and lectures presented by horticulturists as well. In one workshop with Gardner Brigitte Hartmann you can learn how to create a thriving container garden. The Hydrangea Festival is an important Cape Cod tradition because it celebrates the region’s iconic summer blooms while bringing together local gardens, artists, businesses, and visitors to support the community and showcase the Cape’s natural beauty and coastal charm. Click here for more information on Hydrangea festival events and tours.

Hydrangea bushes with bright blue flowers bloom along a green lawn in front of a house, adding vibrant color to the garden on a sunny day.

Hydrangeas at Thirwood Place

Residents of Thirwood have attended the festival in the past but don’t even need to leave the property to experience this wonderful coastal flower. In May, C.L Fornari came to Thirwood Place for a hydrangea event with our residents. She planted herb garden bowls and gave residents a wonderful presentation on her new book “Hydrangea Happiness.” She even did a book signing. Additionally, we have hydrangeas blooming all over the property. Hydrangeas line our village entryways as well. Their vibrant blue blooms enhance the scenery, adding to the natural beauty and charm of our community. Our gardener, Claire Liberty, works tirelessly each day to keep our grounds bursting with vibrant flowers and color. Thanks to her dedication, our residents can simply relax and enjoy the beauty of the gardens without having to lift a finger.

 

 

 

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