Heritage is honored to host the first local book signing for noted author and garden communicator C.L. Fornari for her new book Hydrangea Happiness: Planting, Pruning, and Blooming. This comprehensive, easy-to-use, illustrated guide to hydrangeas for gardeners at all levels of experience will hit retail shelves at the end of April. C.L will begin by presenting a short talk sharing insights into the process of writing the book, from topic selection to cover design, along with comments about how hydrangeas are doing on Cape Cod in 2026. Following the talk, enjoy light refreshments and the company of fellow garden enthusiasts. C.L. will be available to sign copies of her book, which may be purchased in advance of the program at The Shop at Heritage, or following it at the program location, the Heald Center located in the J.K. Lilly III Automobile Gallery.

This program is free with museum admission or membership. Advance registration is required.

Hydrangea Happiness: Planting, Pruning, and Blooming

A comprehensive, easy-to-use, illustrated guide to hydrangeas for novice gardeners and experienced horticulturists.

With large, long-lasting flowers that range from showy pinks to heartbreaking shades of blue, hydrangeas are captivating, popular plants. Yet gardeners often find themselves flummoxed by the challenge of understanding and growing the many varieties of these shrubs.

Writer, radio host, and gardening consultant C. L. Fornari (also known as The Garden Lady) simplifies the cultivation and care of the six most popular species of hydrangeas in this practical, clear, and accessible guide. Hydrangea Happiness explains the difference between varietals and tells how and where they can successfully grow in assorted soils and conditions throughout the United States. In addition to sharing essential information, Fornari addresses myths and misinformation and fields questions about cultivating these popular plants. Punctuated with catchy rhymes and beautiful photographs, this book makes the road to Hydrangea Happiness easy, successful, and fun.

About the Author:

C.L. Fornari is the author of nine books, and the host of The Garden Lady on CAI and GBH 89.7. She is a frequent speaker to groups nationwide, including green industry meetings, businesses, and audiences with green or black thumbs. C.L. has worked for a family-owned independent garden center for 30 years as a writer and educator, and her favorite time of year is when she can go into the garden and ask, “What’s for dinner?” C.L. grows hydrangeas, vegetables, flowers, and other plants at Poison Ivy Acres on Cape Cod.