In this episode of GardenDC: The Podcast about Mid-Atlantic Gardening, we talk with garden writer, speaker, and radio host C. L. Fornari* about Hydrangea Tips and Tricks. The plant profile is on Cornflower and we share what's going on in the garden as well as some upcoming local gardening events in the What's New segment. We close out with the Last Word on "Benjy and the Bees" from Christy Page of GreenPrints.
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01:17 Welcome C. L. Fornari, author of “Hydrangea Happiness” (and 8 other books!)
01:47 How C. L. became interested in plants as a child
03:57 C. L. shares her experience as a visual artist before she became a garden writer
04:36 C. L.’s gardening photography and interviewing gardeners after moving to Cape Cod
05:25 The moment C. L. found her first book-publishing opportunity
6:37 C. L.’s radio show “The Garden Lady”
7:06 What plant hardiness zone is Cape Cod in reality?
7:59 C. L.’s favorite plants
8:55 Visiting the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival in July
10:07 Planning your Cape Cod Hydrangea experience
11:29 Why do hydrangeas wilt easily, and how can you prevent wilting?
14:30 How to predict the sizes of hydrangeas and other plants (given inaccurate plant tags)
16:52 Are hydrangeas salt-resistant?
17:17 Climatic factors in hydrangea growth
17:54 Hydrangeas’ vulnerability to herbicide damage
18:47 What can you do to revive hydrangeas that have been damaged by herbicide?
19:35 What are the main pests of hydrangeas?
21:21 Theories as to why deer eat hydrangeas while other animals do not
22:19 How do you repel deer without damaging hydrangeas?
23:34 Common diseases of hydrangeas
25:34 C. L.’s favorite bigleaf hydrangea varieties
27:48 What to know about hydrangea varieties sold in box stores and supermarkets
29:24 Book “Groundcover Revolution” by Kathy Jentz
31:27 Smooth hydrangea varieties
33:40 Which hydrangea varieties have a (mild) fragrance?
34:36 Are breeders looking to develop more fragrant hydrangea varieties?
35:28 Ethical considerations and legal restrictions of hydrangea propagation
38:39 What is the ideal timing for cutting hydrangea blooms?
42:14 Influence of soil acidity and plant maturity on color in certain hydrangea varieties
43:21 Myth #1: Adding coffee grounds to hydrangea soil
45:00 Myth #2: Adding banana water to hydrangea soil
46:52 Myth #3: Adding epsom salt and rusty nails to hydrangea soil
48:53 What can you use to make your soil more acidic?
50:19 Get in touch with C. L. and learn more at her website: https://gardenlady.com/
50:53 C.L.’s favorite hydrangeas
52:49 Book “The Urban Garden” by Kathy Jentz and Teri Speight
54:19 Plant profile: Cornflower (Centaurea cyana)
55:44 What’s new in the garden this week? Blooms, tomatoes, cilantro and coriander
56:08 Garden tips: Early summer garden chores
56:27 Local gardening events
56:30 "Beatrix Farrand’s Legacy” on July 11 in Alexandria
57:05 Register for event at fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/parktakes
57:14 “Edible Flowers for Flavor and Health” on July 22 in Wheaton, Maryland
57:54 Register for event at montgomeryparks.org
58:02 “Waiting to be Discovered” exhibit through Sept 7 at National Bonsai & Penjing Museum
58:18 Learn more at usna.usda.gov
58:34 Christy Page reads “Benjy and the Bees” by Fiona M. Jones
If you liked this episode, you may also enjoy listening to:
~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 279: How and When to Prune Hydrangeas
https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2026/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-279-how-and.html
~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 142: Hydrangea Care and Pruning
https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2023/03/gardendc-podcast-episode-142-hydrangea.html
~ GardenDC Podcast Episode 60: Hydrangea Varieties with Andrew Bunting
https://washingtongardener.blogspot.com/2021/05/gardendc-podcast-episode-60-hydrangeas.html
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Host and Producer: Kathy Jentz
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