The hydrangeas are in full bloom and gardeners across New England are rejoicing.

 

You've almost certainly heard the name before, especially if you live remotely in the vicinity of a garden. Hydrangeas are the colorful round flowers that are often the mainstay of many gardeners' floral arsenal.

 

Coming in a variety of colors including blue, green, pink, purple, red and white, the popular perennials are particularly vivid this summer.

 

"This year is going to be a fantastic hydrangea year," said C.L. Fornari, a Cape Cod gardening expert.

 

Plants form flower buds for the next year in mid to late summer, so rain throughout the year is essential. Regular rain throughout last summer and fall, followed by a mild winter "has produced an astounding amount of hydrangeas because the buds made it all through the year," said Fornari, founder of the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.