So excited! The oakleaf hydrangea we planted last year has bloomed! Granted, it has two blooms, but right now it only has two stems, so not many opportunities for more blooms, yet. I’m taking this as a sign that it is happy. As it establishes deeper roots, I hope it will develop more branches and overall size. There is an oakleaf hydrangea in the town gardens that is over eight feet tall. It will take years to get to that magnificence.

I am giving it a regular application of neem oil, peppermint oil, and castor soap to keep the grasshoppers from snacking it to death.