This small-group workshop session is geared toward gardeners who wish to learn more about Heritage’s successful practices associated with the very important garden chores of planting and replanting. While it focuses on hydrangeas, the practices are largely universal to most of the woody ornamentals you would plant on Cape Cod. Major subjects that will be addressed include specifics on site selection for various hydrangea species, planting area preparation, root pruning, soil composition and amending, mulching, fertilizing, watering, and hilling-in and wintering-over plants. Timing-wise, planting and replanting is typically a major mid-spring gardening activity as new plant stocks are just arriving at local plant nurseries.

In addition to sharing his best practices gained over many years of hydrangea growing, Mal Condon, Heritage’s Curator of Hydrangeas, will cover details of his special tools and techniques that facilitate this essential area of understanding. Plenty of time will be allotted for questions and discussion. 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.

Consider staying after the program to visit the gardens and exhibits. Admission to Heritage following the program is included with Heritage membership. Those who are not members of Heritage may purchase a program registration that includes admission following the program at a discounted rate. Save $8 on your visit!

About the Speaker:

Mal Condon, Curator of Hydrangeas

A lifelong gardener, Mal is locally known as “The Hydrangea Guy” and has been collecting, propagating, and growing hydrangeas for nearly 50 years. He and his wife Mary Kay owned and operated Hydrangea Farm Nursery on Nantucket Island for many years. Early in 2014 they “retired” to Yarmouth Port on Cape Cod and now continue to refine another significant garden, which was featured during the annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival for many years. Mal joined the staff at Heritage in 2016, and as the “hydrangea whisperer” on the property, he’s especially devoted to the continuing expansion and evolution of the Hydrangea Display Garden and the North American Hydrangea Test Garden. He currently serves as the Co-President of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, an organization dedicated to growing and sharing knowledge about hydrangeas with the Cape Cod community. He also loves to teach and regularly shares his wisdom through a variety of workshops at Heritage.

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