Hydrangeas

My hydrangeas are so gorgeous so I thought I'd share!

The name Hydrangea comes from the Greek word for water,  "hydra", and “angos,”, the word for vessel.

The hydrangea is a flower of duplicity, both in form and meaning. It's large and showy pompom is mad of tiny, delicate, four petaled flowers.  It has two meanings as well. It has been associated with sincere and heart felt emotions and gratitude, but a contrary meaning if one of coldness and frigidity. 

At one time, families were cautioned not to place hydrangeas near their front door if they had single daughters. The flowers  guaranteed the maidens would never marry. 

Hydrangeas contain cyanide. DO NOT eat them. One of my first thoughts was how darling the  delicate flower segments would be candied, like violets or lavender (recipes for both are hidden somewhere on this site, by the way.) But I am always cautious and do research. Sadly, they are poisonous and can't be candied or used in salads or desserts. Luckily, there are plenty of other herbs and flowers available. 

They do come in handy for other purposes though. In addition to making gorgeous fresh bouquets, they can be dried and used in wreathes, bouquets and garlands, but they are best made while the flowers are just beginning to dry, and placed where they won't be touched or moved. Once dried, they are very fragile.