the sad saga of our hydrangeas

In 2007, we bought 3 hydrangeas and planted them in our front yard.

They are all still living but have not bloomed much.  

Manuela 

has been so kind and given me lots of advice on what she does for her hydrangeas.

Water them lots.

Feed them lots.

Don't prune them. 

Mulch them.  

I've consistently done all that.  I was even able to start 6 new plants from the store bought plants.  

I started looking for buds early this spring,  there were lots of nice green leaves but.......

only 2 buds!

total --- 

on 9 plants!  

Both buds turned into healthy looking flowers and I finally cut them to bring them inside to enjoy.  

 I am taking care of the plants all summer and I think maybe last year's hottest summer ever could be to blame for the lack of buds.  

But if you guys don't bloom in 2013,  I am going to dig you up and move you somewhere else!  

Easy plants to grow

Zinnias that are from seeds harvested from last year's zinnias

more zinnias

red and white petunnias
portulacca
and an aspargus fern that has really grown a lot

portulacca,  also called moss rose or dessert rose,  in a strawberry pot.

Betsy's mani-pedi party link up

Betsy,  when I saw baby Andie with this polish,  I knew it was perfect for your party!  

My granddaughter Andie and her first time to get her nails done.  

Not sure I completely approve but I do think Andie looks adorable.  

Andie spends a lot of time at a beauty salon,  because her mom owns and works at a big salon.  

Her dad does all the handy man stuff at the salon and he makes sure Andie is all dressed up when they visit the salon as the clients just love to ooh and aah over sweet little Andie. 

I guess most babies don't get their nails done.  

But I've been told that the nail girl used an almost dry brush to color Andie's nails and  that it only took seconds to apply it.  

betsys-mani-pedi-party-2-and-giveaway

Head over to Betsy's really quick if you want to enter

or just go visit Betsy, if you don't know her yet.  

Betsy is a real sweetheart,  a creative mom with 4 wonderful sons,  just go visit and read a few of her posts. 

I promise you will enjoy her great photography and just marvel at all she does.