Hydrangeas: The Show-Stopping Favorites of New England Landscapes

It’s no surprise that hydrangeas top our list of most-planted shrubs each year—this season alone, our team at Ahronian Landscaping & Design installed over 130 of them! Loved for their large, colorful blooms, versatility, and timeless charm, hydrangeas are a staple of classic landscape design. Whether you prefer the elegance of tree-form varieties or the compact beauty of dwarf options, there’s a hydrangea for every yard and every homeowner.

Endless Variety: Size, Shape, and Color

One of the reasons hydrangeas are so beloved is their incredible diversity. They come in an array of sizes, shapes, and hues—each offering something special to the landscape.

• A Multitude of Sizes – From small, tidy dwarf varieties perfect for borders or containers to striking tree-form hydrangeas that create stunning focal points, there’s a form for every setting.

• A Palette of Colors – Hydrangeas bloom in shades of white, pink, blue, and purple. Some varieties, like the popular Vanilla Strawberry Hydrangea, shift color through the season—from creamy white to soft pink as temperatures change.

• Beautiful Bloom Forms – Their showy blossoms come in a range of shapes—round mopheads, delicate lace caps, or elongated conical clusters—each adding texture and drama to the garden.

• Long Blooming Season – Hydrangeas are among the longest bloomers in the garden, brightening landscapes from early summer into fall.

Choosing the Right Hydrangea for Your Landscape

With so many hydrangea varieties, thoughtful garden design is key. Each species has unique growing preferences, from sunlight to moisture levels.

• Sun or Shade? – Some hydrangeas thrive in partial shade, while others prefer full sun. Oakleaf hydrangeas, for example, can handle more shade and are easily recognized by their lobed leaves that resemble those of an oak tree.

• Plan for Size – Picking the right plant for the right place prevents overgrowth, especially near foundations or walkways. Dwarf varieties like Bobo or Let’s Dance are perfect for smaller spaces, while larger types fill out mixed borders beautifully.

• Design Versatility – Hydrangeas look stunning just about anywhere—along the foundation of a home, near a pool area, or in layered garden beds. They’re equally eye-catching when planted in rows or as standalone accents.

Care and Maintenance Tips

Hydrangeas are deciduous shrubs, meaning they lose their leaves in winter, but with the right care, they’ll return each year even more vibrant. Here are a few essentials for success:

• Pruning Matters – Each hydrangea species has different pruning needs, depending on whether it blooms on old wood, new wood, or both. Having a professional who can identify your hydrangea type ensures it’s pruned at the right time and in the right way.

• Deer Awareness – Deer love hydrangeas, so if your property isn’t fenced or you live in an area with high deer pressure, it’s important to apply repellent regularly to protect your investment.

• Soil and pH – Soil acidity can affect bloom color. In some species, more acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils bring out pink and purple tones. A soil test can help you achieve the shades you love.

Tree-Form Hydrangeas: Standing Tall in Winter

We’ve fallen especially in love with the tree-form hydrangeas we’ve been planting this year. Their sculptural shape and large, cloud-like flowers bring vertical interest and elegance to any landscape design. Even as their leaves drop in late fall, their dried blooms and strong branching structure continue to add winter interest, especially when accented by snow or subtle lighting.

The Perfect Plant for Every Season

Hydrangeas embody everything we love about seasonal landscaping—beauty, resilience, and variety. With proper care and placement, they’ll reward you year after year with reliable color and structure. Whether you’re looking to add a single statement shrub or redesign an entire garden bed, hydrangeas offer endless design potential.

At Ahronian Landscaping & Design, we specialize in helping homeowners choose the perfect plants for their property. From compact hydrangeas that brighten small spaces to graceful tree-form specimens that anchor a landscape, we’ll make sure your garden blooms beautifully for years to come.

Why Choosing an MCH-Certified Designer Makes a Difference for Your Landscape

Why Choosing an MCH-Certified Designer Makes a Difference for Your Landscape

When it comes to designing and maintaining a stunning and functional yard, expertise matters. At Ahronian Landscaping, we pride ourselves on having a team of Massachusetts Certified Horticulturists (MCHs), a designation that sets us apart in the landscaping industry. But what exactly does it mean to work with an MCH, and why is it important for your yard? Let’s dig in.

What is an MCH Certification?

The Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) designation is the highest certification offered by the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA). Achieving this title requires rigorous training, extensive knowledge, and a commitment to excellence in all aspects of horticulture and landscape design. It’s not just a title—it’s a mark of a true professional dedicated to the craft and science of landscaping.

The Rigorous Certification Process

Earning the MCH designation isn’t easy. Candidates must pass a comprehensive exam that evaluates their expertise across a wide range of industry topics. These include identifying and naming over 300 plant species by their common and botanical names, mastering landscape design principles and practices, understanding pest management and plant health care, and being knowledgeable in irrigation systems, water management, hardscaping techniques, pruning, planting, and weed control. The exam combines practical and theoretical components, ensuring MCHs have hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the science behind successful landscaping. Once certified, professionals must complete continuing education to maintain their certification and stay updated on the latest trends and techniques in the field.

Ahronian Landscaping: Leaders in the Industry

At Ahronian Landscaping, MCH certification isn’t just a credential—it’s a commitment to excellence. Every one of our designers holds this prestigious designation, ensuring that your project is handled by the best in the business. Our team is actively involved with the MNLA, with our founder serving as a past president, Dave as the Membership Chair, Chris contributing to the Education Committee, and Amber as a reporter for Pro Grow News, the MNLA’s professional magazine. This deep involvement reflects our dedication to improving not only our craft but also elevating the entire landscaping industry.

Why MCH Certification Matters for Your Landscape

When you work with an MCH-certified designer, you’re gaining access to a level of expertise that goes beyond ordinary landscaping. MCHs use their extensive knowledge to create personalized designs tailored to the unique features of your property. Their deep understanding of plant health care, pest management, and soil science ensures that your plants will thrive for years to come. They also prioritize eco-friendly solutions for irrigation and weed control, benefiting both the environment and your budget. Most importantly, their advanced training guarantees that your landscape will not only be beautiful but also functional and enduring.

Experience the MCH Difference with Ahronian Landscaping

Your yard deserves the best, and at Ahronian Landscaping, we’re proud to offer unmatched expertise through our team of Massachusetts Certified Horticulturists. Whether you’re dreaming of a lush garden, a functional outdoor living space, or a complete yard transformation, we have the knowledge and experience to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see the difference an MCH-certified designer can make. Your dream landscape is closer than you think. Let’s grow together!