Weekend Gardening: Distinctly Southern Hydrangeas
July 25, 2015
by Santa Rosa County Extension
Nothing defines a southern landscape more than hydrangeas.
These beautiful, large flowering shrubs fill gardens with their green, leafy foliage and incredible blooms during the warm months.
In order to ensure consistent and reliable blooms, these shrubs must be cared for correctly. In addition to proper site location, fertilizer and moisture conditions, hydrangeas may require pruning. Proper pruning includes correct timing.
Hydrangea aficionados are constantly debating pruning techniques. There are many different types of hydrangeas and pruning differs according to the type. It is a big genus of plants and so it’s important to know what type of hydrangeas you may have and on what type of wood they bloom on.
Blooms on old wood, prune after flowering
The bigleaf hydrangeas, known scientifically as Hydrangea macrophylla, are what most people think of when you mention hydrangeas. Most gardeners will know these as mopheads (also called hortensias) and lacecaps. Many of these blooms will be blue or pink although other colors now are available.
Many large colonies of bigleaf hydrangeas have existed around old homes for decades, surviving and blooming in spite of neglect. This tells us that it is not necessary to prune bigleaf hydrangeas.
However, if you want to keep these shrubs within a defined boundary, control their height or rejuvenate old shrubs, it will be necessary to prune them.
Bigleaf hydrangeas can be reduced in size immediately after flowering. A general rule of thumb is that you may remove up to a third of the shrub’s height. Be sure to complete your pruning before August. This is critical because next year flower blooms start to form in August. Pruning after August will remove next year’s blooms.
There now is a small group of bigleaf hydrangeas that are everblooming or remontant. Endless Summer® is one well-known brand. According to the developers of these reblooming hydrangeas, remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom. They are quite forgiving and will not suffer if left unpruned or pruned at the wrong time because these cultivars bloom on both old and new growth.
Our native oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) is a large, deciduous shrub that can grow up to six feet tall. It has deeply lobed, oak-like leaves which turn bronze in the fall. This plant does not usually need pruning. If reshaping or size-reduction is necessary, prune after blooms begin to fade.
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Lacecap hydrangea
Blooms on new wood, prune in early spring
Smooth hydrangea (H. arborescens) is the other U.S. native. The most common cultivar, ‘Annabelle’, produces rounded inflorescences that may reach up to a foot in diameter.
The panicle hydrangea (H. paniculata) is more of an upright type. It is typically a 10 to 15-foot large shrub or low-branched tree.
Panicle and smooth hydrangeas flower on current year’s growth and can be pruned anytime from late summer until early spring. If pruning these two species in the spring, try to prune before leaves appear.
Winter pruning
Established bigleaf, panicle, oakleaf and smooth hydrangea plants can often benefit from rejuvenation pruning. Remove about one-third of the oldest stems each year. The result is a fuller, healthier plant. This type of pruning is easiest to do in winter, since the absence of leaves makes it easier to see and reach inside plants.
Hydrangeas offer a wide variety of plants which can make the timing of pruning difficult to remember. Just keep in mind, if in doubt, either don’t prune at all or prune after flowering.
Escambia Schools Summer Class Of 2015 Graduates (With List)
July 24, 2015
The Escambia County School District held their Summer Commencement Exercises today for 47 members of the Class of 2015.
They were commended by Superintendent Malcolm Thomas for their determination to “hang in there and not give up until you could walk out of here with a diploma in your hand.”
Thomas spoke to the graduates about Walt Disney and Elvis Presley who were each told they didn’t have what it would take to be successful. But they didn’t give up. Thomas also thanked everyone in the room who had supported the students in their efforts to complete high school and reminded the students that “none of those people control your next step. You made the choice to be here today. There is always a way to find success, if you don’t give up.”
Summer Graduates Class of 2015:
Tate High School
- Logan Taylor Ahl
- Sheldon Wayne Biggs
- Emmalie Desirae Earnest
- Dalton Ray Flowers
- Ashton Daniel Hand
- Samuel Vernon Henke
- Johnnie Randall Jarman
- Keith Michael Maresca
- Tara Grace Maresca
- Savannah Graye Marron
- Jacob Bryce Marsh
- Quintin Dante McGhee
- Dominick Anthony Mondello
- Cory James Walker
- Arkisha Lashae Williams
District Extended Program
- Demondo Weathers
Pine Forest High School
- Tatiana Janae Andrews
- Stephen Brent Bodree
- Amie Marie Bradley
- Christopher Peter Jaycub Byrd
- Nicholas Ryan Coon
- Devin Austin Cushing
- Rolence Dubois
- Marcus Jermon Ephfrom
- Samuel Miguel Fast
- Wesley Shane Gainey
- Paul Tyler Jesus Garcia
- Michael Guadulupe Gonzalez Clark
- Arthur Edward Hampton
- Creay Tonetta Howard
- Bruce Edward Lindsey
- Cassandra Maxine Mayon
- Dylan Ross McFadyen
- Shaunderrick Ja’Marcus Jerome Purifoy
- Christopher Jordan Rape
- Steven Chappell Smith
- Tanner G. Ward
Escambia High School
- Matthew Budzinsky
- Amanda Gelano
- Ethan Griffith
- Xavier Pope
Booker T. Washington High School
- Cameron David Carr
- Melody Chen
- Robert Wade Fretland
- Qudarius Timothy Sanders
- Jacob Morgan Vincent
- Logan Dakota Yancy
Escambia Virtual School
- Kenthea Davis
K-9 Officer ‘Mink’ Retires
July 20, 2015
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Mink retired from service last week. The German Shepherd and his handler, Deputy 1st Class Michael Milstead have been responsible for many suspect and narcotics finds throughout the last five years, according to the ECSO. Mink will spend his retirement with Milstead and his family. Courtesy photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
That’s Cool: Molino’s Only Igloo Ready For A Week Of VBS
July 19, 2015
For a really cool Vacation Bible School during this hot summer, Aldersgate United Methodist Church members constructed an igloo. They collected over 1,000 gallon jugs for the project and spend days gluing together the self-supporting structure. With a forecast of a little fake snow by the end of Sunday, the igloo will be ready to Aldersgate’s Vacation Bible School this week.
“Camp Edge” VBS will be held each night, Monday – Friday, this week at Aldersgate United Methodist Church on Highway 29 just south of Highway 97 in Molino from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m. The VBS is for children age 3 to rising 5th graders. For more information, contact Sandra at (850) 587-2489.
Scroll through the photos below to watch the construction of Molino’s only igloo progress.
Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Gymnastics Team Performs At The Library; Summer Reading Series Continues
July 16, 2015
The Pensacola State College youth gymnastics team flipped, tumbled and entertained during a display Wednesday at the Century Branch Library and Thursday morning at the Molino Branch Library.
The Summer Reading Series at the West Florida Library will continue as follows:
Magic with Russell Davis
This humorous magician uses tricks and comedy to encourage a love of reading.
- Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 21, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 22, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 23, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Superhero Wrap Up Party
Celebrate a super summer with crafts, face painting, snacks and prizes.
- Tuesday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 28, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 30, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 30, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
All programs are free for children of all ages.
Pictured: The Pensacola State College youth gymnastics team at the Century Branch Library Wednesday morning. Reader submitted photos by August Whorff, click to enlarge.
DCF Offers Summer Water Safety Tips
July 11, 2015
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) is reminding parents to take extra precautions to keep their children safe.
“We can’t forget the importance of safety when it comes to our youngest family members,” DCF Deputy Secretary David Fairbanks said. “Drowning remains a leading cause of death for children in our communities. You can never be too careful around water.”
In Florida, 41 children have died so far this year from drowning. Of those who have tragically passed away, 68 percent were under the age of three. These deaths are 100 percent preventable. There should always be a responsible adult present when a child is engaging in water activities.
DCF urges parents and caregivers to keep “Eyes on the Kids” at all times when children have access to water. Lengthy conversations, texting and phone calls create distractions that should be avoided while children are swimming or near water. A responsible adult should be designated as a “Water Watcher” at all times.
Often times a child slips away undetected in family pool when several adults are present. Supervision, pool barriers and emergency preparedness, such as learning CPR, are crucially important.
Oh How We Love Our Blue Angels
July 11, 2015
The Blue Angels took to the skies over Pensacola Beach Friday, along with other military and civilian acts, in air show dress rehearsal for Saturday. The official 2015 Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show begins at noon Saturday, with the Blues taking to the skies at 2 p.m.
Have Blue Angels pictures to share? Email news@northescambia.com, visit us at Facebook.com/NorthEscambia, or follow @northescambia on Twitter.
Pictured top: Cousins wave to Fat Albert Friday (Leigh Ann Beck photo). Inset: Kaylie McCall enjoys the Blues Friday afternoon (Kirsten McCall photo). Below: A Blue Angels selfie (#BlueAngels). Submitted photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Photos: The Blue Angels Take To The Skies
July 10, 2015
The Blue Angels took the skies for a practice show at Pensacola Beach Thursday.
On Friday, the Blues will rehearse with the military and civilian acts that also perform in the Saturday air show. The rehearsal begins at noon, and the Blue Angels fly at 2 p.m. The official 2015 Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Air Show begins at noon Saturday, with the Blues taking to the skies at 2 p.m.
Photos by Perry Doggrell for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Library Summer Reading: Percussion Extravaganza
July 9, 2015
Mark Seymour brought his interactive percussion extravaganza to the Century Branch Library Wednesday and the Molino Branch on Thursday, encouraging children to believe in themselves.
The Summer Reading Series at the West Florida Library will continue as follows:
Pensacola State Gymnastics
This PSC youth gymnastics team will flip, tumble and entertain in a display of athletic fitness at its finest.
- Tuesday, July 14, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 14, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 15, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 15, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 16, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Magic with Russell Davis
This humorous magician uses tricks and comedy to encourage a love of reading.
- Tuesday, July 21, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 21, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 22, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 22, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 23, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Superhero Wrap Up Party
Celebrate a super summer with crafts, face painting, snacks and prizes.
- Tuesday, July 28, 10:30 a.m. – Southwest Branch, Big Lagoon State Park
- Tuesday, July 28, 3:30 p.m. – Westside Branch, held at the Main Library
- Wednesday, July 29, 11 a.m. – Century Branch
- Wednesday, July 29, 3:30 p.m. – Main Library, Meeting Room A
- Thursday, July 30, 10:30 a.m. – Molino Branch, Auditorium
- Thursday, July 30, 3:00 p.m. – Tryon Branch, Meeting Room A
Pictured: Mark Seymour’s interactive percussion extravaganza at the Century Branch Library Wednesday. Reader submitted photos by August Whorff, click to enlarge.
Registration Event Scheduled For Danceworks Classes
July 9, 2015
Registration is underway for Heather Leonard’s Danceworks, and a registration event will be held Monday in Byrneville.
The registration will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday, July 13 at the Byrneville Community Center
Ballet, tap and jazz classes will be taught by Heather Leonard beginning the week of August 108 for girls ages 3 and up. This year, classes for ages 3-8 will be based on age, while classes for dancers over age 9 will be based upon level. Leonard has taught dance to hundreds of girls from North Escambia and surrounding areas. She is also the coach for the Northview High School Dance Team.
For the class schedule, click here. For further information or questions email hldanceworks@gmail.com.
Pictured: The Heather Leonard’s Danceworks Spring 2015 recital at Northview High School. NorthEscambia.com file photos, click to enlarge.
