By Carolyn Polakowski

One of the things Georgians look forward to in the spring time is the explosion of beautiful flowers in our neighborhoods. Dazzling azaleas are a happy sign that spring has sprung. But there is a less celebrated shrub that deserves a bit of the limelight as well, the hydrangea. The American Hydrangea Society (AHS) was formed in 1994 for people who love hydrangeas and want to “study and learn about the genus Hydrangea, its species and cultivars, as well as its culture, habits, hardiness, and performance.” A fascination with the hydrangea in all of its forms is the common thread that unites the members of the AHS. East Cobber Gloria Ward, the President of the American Hydrangea Society, celebrates their lovely blooms with hundreds of other admirers across the globe and invites others to as well.

According to Japanese legend, the hydrangea became associated with heartfelt emotion, gratitude and sincere atonement when an emperor gave them to the family of the girl he loved to apologize for not giving her sufficient time and affection. Pink hydrangeas are particularly symbolic of genuine emotion, as their shape resembles a beating heart. Today there are over 70 species of the plant in blue, purple, pink and white hues.

Gloria Ward’s love of the hydrangea grew after the severe cold of 1993 wiped out over 100 rose bushes in her garden. Her late friend Penny McHenry, the founder of the AHS, suggested replanting with the hardy hydrangea and a love affair bloomed—literally. Gloria takes great pride in now leading and growing the organization which today, touts a membership of over 400.

The AHS meets the fourth Monday of February, April and October at the Atlanta History Center at 7pm to share gardening insight and hear from guest speakers in the horticulture community. Their signature event, the Annual AHS Garden Tour, now in its 23rd year, is Saturday, June 10, from 9am to 5pm. Five beautiful gardens around Atlanta will welcome the public to view several varieties in charming settings. Tickets for the tour also grant membership to the group. They are $30 for a single membership (1 tour ticket) and $40 for a couple/ family membership (2 tour tickets) which includes a one-year membership in the society and AHS newsletters.

“This is such a wonderful group of people who love the charms of the hydrangea, we welcome all who would like to join”, says Gloria. “I certainly hope the word “society” doesn’t put anyone off. We all wear jeans!” For more information about the Atlanta Hydrangea Society and their garden tour, visit www.americanhydrangeasociety.org.

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