Beautifully English
Romantic twisting paths, fabulous bright colours and exuberant flowers. A pleasant mixture of colour and fragrance with some hanging baskets of course. There`s no better spot for a Hydrangea than an English garden! This natural atmosphere creator, which originates from Asia and South America, first took root in European soil in England when Sir Joseph Banks, an English botanist, brought it to Europe at the end of the 18th century. From the Botanical Gardens in Kew in London it conquered the rest of Europe with its beauty and enthusiasm. ‘Hortensia’ - the old name for the Hydrangea - is even an English girl`s name; although it does mean that the girl is called `garden`.
Mmm, hydrangeas
In Japan the hydrangea’s role was not to be beautiful. Here, Hydrangea serrata was used as a sweetener: the taste changes from bitter to sweet when you chew on it. Syrup can be made from the leaves by condensing them with water. The Japanese also use the magical powers of the round ball of petals to banish evil spirits.
Traditional teas
Buddha Amacha is the sweet Japanese Hydrangea tea which is drunk annually at the traditional ceremony to celebrate the Buddha's birthday. Make a big pot of tea and then organise your own Hydrangea flower festival. The sun on your skin, friends around you, tasty food and drink – let the celebrations begin!
Credits
Couture with flowers: Edwin Oudshoorn for Funnyhowflowersdothat.co.uk.
Photography: Melody Lieftink.
