Heritage Museums & Gardens, the largest public garden in Southern New England, is celebrating one of Cape Cod’s most iconic plants this summer during the Cape-wide Hydrangea Festival, July 9 through 18.
The highlight of this year’s festival at Heritage is the ribbon cutting and official opening of the expansion of The North American Hydrangea Test Garden Wednesday, July 14, at noon. Other festival programs include self-guided walking tours of the gardens for adults and families, virtual hydrangea programming and a lecture and book signing.
“Heritage is so fortunate to work in collaboration with Dr. Michael Dirr and with hydrangea industry and growing partners to host this important research garden,” said Anne Scott-Putney, president and CEO, Heritage Museums & Gardens. “Its expansive design not only allows for data collection and research, but also provides a stunning landscape for visitors to tour and enjoy as they learn more about this iconic plant.”
The North American Hydrangea Test Garden, the most comprehensive in the United States, is made possible by the financial support of Dr. Michael and Bonnie Dirr, Bailey Nurseries, Star Roses & Plants, The Cape Cod Hydrangea Society, and The American Hydrangea Society, as well as grants from the Horizon Foundation and the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust. Donations of plants for this garden came from Bailey Nursery, Star Roses & Plants, Spring Meadow Nursery, Greenleaf Nursery and Monrovia Nursery. The Test Garden was the brainchild of Dr. Michael Dirr.
“The North American Hydrangea Test Garden at Heritage Museums & Gardens is the pre-eminent display and evaluation garden in the United States,” says Dr. Michael Dirr. “It showcases the newest introductions and serves as a genetic repository for the best of the heirloom cultivars.”
At 2 p.m., July 14, Dirr will give a lecture and sign his latest book, “The Hydrangea Book: The Authoritative Guide.“ Preregistration is recommended.
All on-campus Hydrangea Festival events are free with admission to Heritage. Visitors can purchase tickets online at heritagemuseums.org
