Thank you. I don't really care about fall color personally. The long cones of things like strawberry sundae I don't find attractive as I rather prefer the domed shape of Annabelle if she just wasn't so aggressive to take over real estate even after I thought I removed her. I also saw one photo that had a row of fire and ice and they looked a very blah shade of pink/beige and the florets were spaced far apart to make the scene all the worse.. Perhaps it was just a moment between two attractive colors, but it made me wonder what others have experienced. I look forward to any photos.

Hi Has anyone used fire balls for their outdoor fire pit? What did you use for the base? Fire glass or lava rock? Thanks

Unfortunately, I don't think we can give you a firm answer for your location. It will depend on where you are. And that locale's regulations. I know I didn't get homeowners' insurance unless my rural property was less than 3 miles away from the fire station. (It is about two miles away). I also know that the local business (approx. 25 employees) needed to put in a fire pond before they could be covered, even though they are well less than half a mile away from the fire station, probably more like a quarter mile. We live rural, there are NO fire hydrants around here whatsoever. (Those poor puppy dogs!!! Nothing for raising their legs against!) All our home water sources are from wells. These local fire trucks do have (because it's needed as there are NO fire hydrants here) tanks of water. It will depend on speed of deployment and the volunteer fire staff ability, as to whether your (or my) house will be saved. It can't hurt to discuss what you may need extra for your own property, that they can tap into. In rural areas, yes, they know and do tap into pond water. In ANY case, talk to your prospective town!

Is it planted in full sun? Panicle hydrangeas bloom at their best in full sun. When they receive less than full sun, they may bloom less or the color changes may last longer. More sun exposure tends to make the color changes occur faster; shadier conditions make them last a little longer. Has it been cloudier than normal? Is it getting more shade? Are there forest fires sending smoke to your area? Extremely hot temperatures may prematurely brown out the blooms instead. Hotter than normal weather can make them become a little dormant so aim to keep the soil mulched past the drip line and keep it evenly moist at a depth of 4 inches.