Paradise in the Two Parks #3: What’s Blooming in Your Yard?

University Park Resident, Eric Zanot can teach impatient gardeners, like myself, a thing or two! 

Ten years ago Zanot replaced some unruly morning glories with a Climbing Hydrangea, Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Moonlight'. The vine has grown to cover the side of his house, framing a window with its pretty silvery green heart-shaped leaves.  When in bloom, it is adorned with lacey cream-colored flower clusters and it is gorgeous! 

I also have a climbing hydrangea vine, but it doesn’t reach near the magnificence level of Zanot’s vine.  In fact it took 4 years for it to finally bloom this summer and only now is it beginning to climb up the side of my garage.

Zanot says the secret is patience.  He researched the plant and then patiently waited for it to produce results.  He says only after 7 years did it produce the kind of results you see it the photo.  

Climbing Hydrangea Vine, Schizophragma hydrangeoides 'Moonlight' is a great choice to brighten a moist, shady spot. It is a vigorous vine that can climb 40 to 80 feet up any non-smooth surface and won’t damage masonry. This is a vine with three season interest: in Spring the new green  leaves contrast nicely with blooming azaleas, in Summer the fragrant blooms   brighten shade and attract pollinating insects to feed on  nectar, in Autumn the leaves add fall color by turning yellow.  

The rest of Zanot's shady garden is equally lovely, with an array of native ferns, different varieties of hostas, camellias and bleeding hearts. It is a true "Paradise in the Park!"

So please, tell us about the beauty you've seen around University Park or Riverdale Park! What gorgeous plant have you spotted in your neighbor's yard? Or let us know --What's Blooming In Your Yard?

You can comment below or email Lydia directly at broccolydia@gmail.com.