VaVa, I did it!

My favorite flower (besides the tulip) are hydrangeas. My VaVa (grandma in Portuguese) had a huge hydrangea plant in the front of her home on Alpha Street in Turlock. I'm pretty sure it was there long before I was. It was the most beautiful plant. And it lived in a perfect spot right next to the porch in the front of the house. For me it was like a big welcome home sign who's big green leaves and beautiful blue and pink flowers seemed to say "Everything is going to be alright."

My VaVa was quite the gardener (among other things: cooking, listening, kissing..). And her yard was always filled with Roses and many many other flowers I cannot name. She took care of them like they were her own children. Picking up each leaf one by one. I'm not sure if there were leaf blowers back then, but even if there were she probably wouldn't have used one. Preferring to take the quiet and slow approach.

I don't know if I like hydrangeas so much because they remind me of her, or if she reminds me of hydrangeas. But one thing I do know is I have never, and I mean NEVER, been able to grow them. I have tried at every house we've lived at. I've tried in pots and in shade, in part-sun, fertilizing and praying to no avail. Until now. Although I can't take all the credit because I didn't actually put them in the ground (thanks Fritz!), but I did choose the location and have been feeding and looking after them ever since. I think the other plants in the yard are a little jealous. But they just need to get over it, because VaVa's in the house! Yeah!