Of all the hydrangea species, H. macrophylla is the best suited to growing in a container, especially a decorative one whose color and style blend with the charming blossoms of the hydrangea and companion plants. This container-friendliness is a very good thing, as our beloved ‘macs’ are the least cold-hardy of the hydrangea species group, and they appreciate isolation from direct contact with any winter severity. Heritage’s Curator of Hydrangeas Mal Condon has developed superior ways to enhance both plant growth and winter protection attributes through his “Pot-N-Pot” and “Bag-N-Pot” growing techniques that will be explored during this small-group workshop. This method gives the gardener total control over plant growing conditions, particularly during the freezing months. It truly provides the only way you can obtain reliable and repeatable summer blooming – even on Cape Cod!

The blooming beauty of the H. macrophyllas is especially appreciated when plants are located close at hand – like on your deck, patio, or porch. Singly or in groups, you can move them around to achieve varied floral displays and can adjust for changing sun and/or shade conditions as the growing season progresses. They can also become “garden art” within your traditional planting areas. Given reasonable care, this species can remain in the same pot or bag for several years. Interestingly, many H. mac cultivars like being root-constrained, often flowering better in containers than when planted in the ground. Best of all, this container growing arrangement provides an effective mobility factor – this component system makes it comparatively easy to move and protect these cold-sensitive plants.

Mal is especially fond of his time-honed container growing methods and will share full details. He will be joined by expert guest Linda Coven of Strictly Hydrangeas who will demonstrate the fine composition skills she has developed to completely plant your container in an enviable fashion. She will share her favorite “fillers” and “spillers” to compliment the central hydrangea “thriller” in your containers. Following the program, you’ll receive a PDF file including presentation content via email for your reference.

This program will be held indoors at the Heald Center inside the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out quickly.

Join expert gardener and Heritage’s Curator of Hydrangeas Mal Condon to learn why the irrigation system he calls “LEGOs for Gardeners” is essential for keeping our hydrangeas happy during our often too dry summers – and how you can install drip irrigation in your home garden. Successful irrigation for hydrangeas (and all the other woody ornamentals in your garden) is all about surface irrigation via low-flow drip emitters to gradually apply water to the base of the plant on a defined schedule. The installation techniques demonstrated during this program are well within the capabilities of most gardeners, and DIY-ers will love it!

During this small group workshop, you’ll see exactly how it’s done, be introduced to the needed tools and supplies, and learn where to obtain them. Even if you’re not interested in doing the installation work yourself, you’ll become knowledgeable enough to better interact with your chosen irrigation contractor. There will be plenty of ongoing time for questions and discussion, and following the program you’ll receive a PDF file containing presentation content via email for your reference.

This program will be held indoors at the Heald Center inside the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery. Advance registration is required, and we expect this popular program to sell out.

Location: Check in at the Ticketing Pavilion

Program fees fund Heritage’s mission to inspire people of all ages to explore, discover, and learn together. Thank you for your support.