As a lifelong gardener, one of the things I enjoy most about San Diego is its year-round gardening climate and the fact that almost anyone can grow anything here if they'll just meet the basic light and water needs of the plant.

In a climate like San Diego's, one can plant trees to provide dappled shade below them, and with dedication can even create mini- and micro-climates that will allow one to grow what absolutely shouldn't be grown here. Knowing what a plant requires is half the battle. The other half is actually giving the plant what it requires.

In the case of hydrangea, they generally don't grow well here except along the cooler coastal areas and if one can find a damp, semi-dark, somewhat cooler area on one's property.

At the property for Steve Hall's Clients where I was at on Tuesday, the owner had roses everywhere. In a deep, dark, semi-damp north side corner of one of the foundation planters, he had a hydrangea bush that was blooming like there would be no tomorrow. Maybe Mr. Hydrangea was fearful of losing his little place in the ground in deference to another rose bush -- LOL.

Following are my pictures of his hydrangea.