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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 2011)
v o ic e s ► OREGON'S LGBTO NEWSMAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 16, 2011 JZ_JS For Hydrangeas, Love Always Wins Out There was a backup on a recent garden tour at our place. A huddling was occurring, with sounds of “oohs” and “aahs” courtesy of out- of-town family members visiting from hot Midwest areas. 1 was caught off guard. What in the heck were they ogling over there? Of course: our “Niko Blue” hydrangea, in full bloom and sporting its gorgeous inflorescence of blue, lavender and green petals. W hat has become de rigueur in our Portland garden is a showstopper for the rest of the country, and it’s easy to forget that. Unless you’re Madonna. A clip went viral early this month in which the pop legend had her microphone turned on, unbeknownst to her, during a news conference. An adoring fan gifted her with a giant hydrangea bloom, and while she graciously received it, she could clearly could be heard uttering, “I loathe hydrangeas” as she tossed it under the table. Oh, Madge. Who knew you hated on the hydrangea? I took to my Facebook page to see if I was the minority in my love for the hydrangea. A very unscientific poll of Sassy Gardener read ers elicited vast support of the classic bloom ing shrub. My favorite comment came from reader Paula, who suggested, “Perhaps hy drangeas make her face swell up and look... ummn... altered.’”Touché, Paula, touché! ■ us BY LEANN LOCHER My future hydrangea purchase will Indeed have giant balls, as it’s called Tn c re d ib a ll.” In my first Portland garden, surrounding an old farmhouse in the Sellwood neighbor hood, a giant lacecap hydrangea stood guard in front. I always figured it as old as the house itself, so well established and so mas sive. I was immediately smitten and learned how to prune and care for it. It wasn’t hard. On hot summer days it would tell me it needed water by wilting a bit in the late af ternoon sun, only to eagerly perk up with deep occasional watering. I’ve become so used to them now, I some times forget how wonderful a plant they really are. Our recent visitors helped me remember that, and got me keeping an eye out for pos sible hydrangea additions in the future. If I could have more, I’d experiment with some of the new shrubs available at all large nurseries. “Incrediball” is exactly what you’re imagining: gigantic round orbs for blooms. I’m a sucker for anything giant and this one has me written all over it. Plus, I’d be prone to note flowers. Both are paniculata hydrangeas and will stand more sun than other varieties. Also, their blooms are cone shaped rather than the more common ball-shaped hydrangeas. Things to know... How to get them blue: Hydrangea color is controlled by soil mineral content. To increase the availability of aluminum to your hydrangea, increase the acid in your soil. Look for acid compost and fertilizer with aluminum. How to cut hydrangea flowers: If you’ve ever cut a big bouquet of hydrangeas only to have them go limp within an hour, 1 feel your pain. Here’s the secret: Run their cut stems over a flame. This seals the stems and allows the flow ers to retain their fullness. When to plant them: Now is a great time to plant a new hydrangea. The roots will have time over the winter to get established, and come spring, be ready to support new growth. Hydrangeas will tolerate part sun here in Port land and do better when protected from late my Incrediballs to visitors with every pass. Yes, afternoon full summer sun. M thank you v ery much, I am crass. 0 Others I have my eye on include “Limelight” This is L e A n n L o c h e r ’ s last Sassy Gardener o f and “Pinky Winky,”both offering colors a little the season. She'll be back at the holidays w ith a g ift unexpected when it comes to hydrangeas. Soft gu ide , and w ith bells on come next March. Keep in lime green blooms abound on “Limelight,” and touch via her hom e arts blog at lelonopo.com or on “Pinky W inky” sports two-tone white and pink facebook atfacebook.com/sassygardener. 4 Come to the Arts Party! 39th Annual Women's Health, Naturally ♦Corvallis Fall Festival 160 Fabulous Artists! Free Admission! Free Parking and Shuttle Free City Buses September 24 & 25, 2011 Saturday 10-6 • Sunday 10-5 Central Park • Downtown Corvallis Continuous Main Stage Music Fine Art Showcase *. Local Wines & Micrcbrews Saturday Night Street Dance Art Discovery Zone * Community Stage 5k & 10k run NEW: Eco-Fr’endly pood Court Food Drive for Linn-Benton -oca Share < PixelCraft q the MAC Sorry No Dogs; NCNM Clinic Open House Saturday, September 24 1 - 5 p.m. $ Your health is the foundation for an active, happier life. Learn about natural medicine for healthy living. Free talks include: • Libido and Staying Vital • PMS • Healthy Aging: Menopause and Osteoporosis • Nourishing Vitality in Women Using Chinese Medicine Receive a FREE mini-consultation, make your own essential oil blend, and tour the NCNM Clinic. Walk-ins welcome, or reserve your appointment today. NCNM Clinic is located at the west end o f the Ross Island Bridge w ith plenty of free parking. 3025 SW Corbett Avenue, Portland, OR 97201 503.552.1551 For more information go to www.ncnm.edu and dick on the Clinic Open House link. www.corvallisfallfestival.com tomcas! H For directions click on "Quick Links." courut or NAI I ONAI NATURAI MEDICINE NCNM CLINIC