Once.
A long time ago.
I was thumbing through an issue of Southern Living.
And I happened upon the most beautiful image of a yard full of gorgeous hydrangeas – my most favorite flower in the entire world.
I told Grunt Labor, “You know, if my yard looked like that, I don’t think I’d ever leave it.”
But I had tried hydrangeas before.
And I didn’t have the magic touch.
A few weeks later, I came home from work and was surprised to see that Grunt had beaten me home.
He never beat me home.
I wandered through the house looking for him and finally found him in the back yard.
Crouched by the fence, hands in the dirt, digging a hole.
And placing a hydrangea plant into the ground.
And there were nine more already planted in front of that one.
He walked over to me and said, “Since you said you’d never leave your yard if it was filled with hydrangeas, I figured that meant you would never leave me either.”
Oh honey, I could never leave you, who else would be my free Grunt Labor?
And that’s how you get a yard full of beautiful hydrangeas.
Sorry if you were expecting something about sticking rusty nails in the ground or a magic fertilizer.
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April says
LOL! Awwww….I loved this post, Jenna! xo
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks, April! 🙂
Megan says
Lucky you! My hubby may have bought me some, but would never be planting them. I have 7 hydrangeas and I feel they are super easy as long as they are planted in the right spot. But, our soil is super good (we got lucky as we haven’t messed with most of it). I, occasionally, fertilize mine but I think I’ve done it twice in the 6-ish years I’ve had most of mine.
Karen J says
What a woman! You have learned well. 🙂 You picked a great guy and a great flower too!
Paula says
That was beautiful. Grunt Labor knew exactly what to do.
Oh the joy of love! He is a keeper!
Cranberry Morning says
Gorgeous hydrangeas, but even better little one! I like hydrangeas, but they’re always falling over. I guess they need a cage around them or something. Cute post. 🙂
Sarah Pralet says
Who says romance is dead?! Smile
Kathleen says
What a sweet story.
Lisa says
Love this little story. Hydrangeas have always been my absolute favorite flower. They are gorgeous and wildly, beautiful.
TwoPlusCute says
Haha, whiplash.
Ok, I can see now why you kept him even with all his unlucky comments on your delivery day. 😉
Nancy K. says
Very sweet, Jenna. I love the little dimpled hand, being so gentle with the blossoms.
P.S. I voted for your project. Do I need to do anything else in order to be entered? For example, is it necessary to create an account and log in before voting? I was unable to find the rules to the competition.
P.P.S. Apparently, we can vote once a day. You probably knew that. Thought I’d point that out to your other fans.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much for voting, Nancy! From my understanding – you don’t have to do anything else. If that changes though, I’ll let you know! 🙂
Dharma says
I now have to tell Greg to plant hydrangeas…but I too have the THUMB of BLACK. Seriously, no tips and tricks? 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha! Honestly, Dharma, he just gave them a whole lot of water especially in the first few years they were planted!
Hope Williams says
Ok then! Here I’m reading, holding my breath, waiting for it……and BAM!
Well Grunt, you have done it again. Setting a standard that no other man I’ve EVER met can reach! Yep, you’ve gone and done it again. now what do I do? How do I get my Strawberry Vanilla hydrangea propagated?
Jenna I know this, I would have had a questionable marriage too if I found a man like yours too!
Beautiful blooms and the circus is growing way too fast!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Hope, I have no idea how you can propagate your hydrangea – but if you figure it out – send me some. 🙂 haha!
Su says
awww men like that are keepers 🙂
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Agreed, Su!
Marcia Banach says
Great post! That’s love…
Tiffany says
Jenna ~ This was so sweet! That Grunt Labor of yours is a keeper! :0) I’ve tried Hydrangeas before, too, but I can’t get them to grow. Maybe if my husband brings them home and plants them for me???
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Its always worth a shot, Tiffany! 😉
Cindy DIY beautify says
Not fair Jenna, you totally had me going and I was expecting some magical formula!! However, your story was so sweet I can forgive you this once Hydrangea are my favorite outdoor flower too!!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
hahaha!! Sorry, Cindy!
Lisa says
So love your stories…Grunt Labor is definitely a keeper! We are both blessed with one of those :0)
I tried 2 small hydrangeas last year. One came back, but is very small with no blooms. I bought 2 HUGE new ones this year and they are full of blooms. Maybe because MY hubster planted them for me! Perhaps THAT’S THE TRICK! LOL
And I definitely voted for you :0)
Hugs for a beautiful day!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Totally the trick, Lisa! 😉
Tracey A. says
I think you are so clever. I love the blue color of the ex-bookshelf and how you made it your own by the hanging pole and shelves. I hope my vote helps, but I think you are a shoe in.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Thanks so much, Tracey!
Cynthia says
Very cute. He must love you lots. My man won’t get his hands dirty. I love Hydranges too and was thinking you were gonna give me a quikc tip. lol
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Sorry, Cynthia!! The only real tip I know is lots of water!!
Peggy says
That is the most romantic, beautiful story I have read in months! Refreshing! Although I truly thought you would tell me how to get a whole yard of my favorite plant.
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
haha! Thanks, Peggy! Sorry I didn’t have any stellar hydrangea tips!
Taryn @ Design, Dining and Diapers says
I love white hydrangeas SO SO much! We had a whole bunch of them at our old home and I want to plant more at our current house. They are so easy to maintain, love them so much!
Jenna @ Rain on a Tin Roof says
Me too, Taryn! And yes – soooo easy to maintain!
Nikki Gwin says
Beautiful Story. I love a romantic man. I have one too.
🙂 gwingal