By Sue Davis

Rowan Master Gardener

Hayden Shuping from Reynolda Gardens in Winston-Salem is coming to Rowan County on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m. to help you fall in love with hydrangeas.

Many people remember hydrangeas from their childhood. The good news is that we can now grow many hydrangeas that our grandmothers never knew. Some newer hydrangeas grow in colder climates; some are so small that they will fit into the perennial border, and others have amazingly large blooms and deep colors.

Come and learn how to grow a colorful kaleidoscopic garden full of these summer blooming beauties.

Shuping has had his own love affair with hydrangeas since he was a child. He grew up in Winston-Salem and was always a self-described “outdoor kind of kid” with an appreciation for nature and all things growing.

At a young age, his mother and grandmother had him working with them in their gardens. This led him to pursue an education in horticulture at Forsyth Tech. After college, he worked for a large garden center in Winston-Salem and then moved to his current position as greenhouse manager for Reynolda Gardens of Wake Forest University. He is a frequent guest at Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens in Kernersville.

In his presentation, he will share his knowledge on the different species and the cultivars within the species, both new and old. The primary types of hydrangeas that grow in Rowan County are Mophead and Lacecap, PeeGee, Annebelles and Oakleafs.

Each one has its own identity and general care and maintenance regimen. All of these mysteries will be uncovered for you. Perhaps the most important of all is his talk specifically about when to prune each type and how to treat them if a late frost nips the bud. Bring your questions, and share with the group what you have been dealing with as a hydrangea gardener.

Hydrangea: Now, Then and the Basics of Now will be held in the auditorium at the Extension Office, 2727 Old Concord Road, at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 12. It will be necessary for you to make reservations by calling 704-216-8970, so that we can plan for refreshments and seating.