my mom’s hydrangea: old wisdom vs. new garden trends

Every June, my mom’s hydrangea bush bursts into color, just like it did when I was a child. She tends it with the same patience her mother showed her, pruning by hand and talking softly to the leaves. This year, her bush is the envy of the neighborhood—full, lush, and glowing blue against our New England porch. But lately, I notice younger neighbors using new fertilizers and Instagram-inspired pruning tricks. Their hydrangeas bloom earlier, sometimes in colors that seem almost unnatural. My mom shakes her head, insisting, “Nature knows best.” Yet, the younger crowd argues their methods are more efficient and eco-friendly. I wonder: Is there still a place for the old ways in our fast-changing world? Or should we all adapt to these modern shortcuts? Some in our community love the wild, traditional look, while others prefer the neat, curated gardens that fill social media feeds. And as the climate shifts—hotter summers, unpredictable storms—will my mom’s methods survive? Or will the new techniques prove more resilient? Every time I see her hydrangea, I feel the pull of family roots and the push of change. Which side are you on? #hydrangea #gardeningdebate #familytradition #Gardening