If you like hydrangeas, then the place to be on June 13 and 14 is Rosebank Farms, where owners Sidi Limehouse and Louise Bennett will once again host the annual Hydrangea Festival. This popular festival celebrates one of the Lowcountry’s most beautiful plants during peak blooming season. Since last year’s festival, more than 1,200 new plants have been added to the existing 2,000 hydrangeas. Sidi is recognized throughout the southeast region as an expert grower and knowledgeable professional. He has been growing and propagating hydrangeas since his boyhood on Johns Island. From 10 am to 4 pm, visitors may take a leisurely self-guided tour among the several acres of hydrangea gardens. Sidi and local horticulturists will be available to answer questions and provide advice about care, variety and location…in other words, all the correct information one needs to become a successful hydrangea grower. appearance. From noon until 1:30, enjoy lunch at tables set up next to the hydrangea and rose fields. Sidi’s famous whole hog BBQ, will be served with all the trimmings. Rosebank vegetables, grown for taste (not shelf-life!) will be featured with the BBQ. Cost of the lunch is $12 – advice and tours are free! Various cultivars of oakleaf, mophead, lacecap and panniculata will be on display. Over 500 established hydrangeas, new and old standby varieties, will be for sale. Hydrangea fans will also enjoy the floral displays designed to show how hydrangeas can be used to decorate the home and table. In addition to enjoying the culture of hydrangeas, guests will also be able to enjoy the Rosebank Farms rose gardens. The gardens feature more than 300 roses, plus another 80 cutting garden roses from Kordes, all selected for adaptability in the Lowcountry. The farm also features artwork created by local artists, the Johns Island Museum, a 19th century freedman’s schoolhouse with local history dating back to the days when Indians inhabited Johns Island, and don’t forget the barnyard animals – they never disappoint and are always entertaining! Rosebank Farms is located at 4455 Betsy Kerrison Parkway on Johns Island, just before the Kiawah/Seabrook traffic circle. For further information, call (843) 768-0508 or email@RosebankFarms.com

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