‘Unbearable’: California Town Closes Access to Super Bloom Due to Massive Crowds

The downside of the super bloom? A massive influx of crowds has overwhelmed a SoCal community

Amy Graff, SFGate

Thomas J. Story

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Hydrangea paniculata ‘Fire Light’

The large white summer flowers turn magenta in fall. In bouquets, the pale blooms mix well with pastel-colored flowers while the deeper petal color late in the season transitions well to a fall. ‘Fire Light’ is available through Proven Winners (www.provenwinners.com/plants/hydrangea/fire-light-hardy-hydrangea-hydrangea-paniculata).

Thomas J. Story

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Chinese foxglove (Rehmannia elata ‘Rose Glow’)

This deciduous perennial sends up 3 foot tall flower spikes with bell-shaped pink flowers with golden throats from mid-spring to fall.

Thomas J. Story

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Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Lime Ruffles’)

The frilly chartreuse foliage of ‘Lime Ruffles’ brightens the shady border and mixes well in bouquets. Flowers bloom white in fall. Available through Terra Nova Nursery, terranovanurseries.com.

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Coral bells (Heuchera ‘Paris’)

‘Paris’ forms compact mounds of silvery foliage and sends up showy sprays of salmon-colored flower spikes from mid-spring to fall. Not traditionally used as a cut flower, the long-lasting blooms are just as attractive in the vase as in the garden. Available through Terra Nova Nursery, terranovanurseries.com.

Thomas J. Story

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Pretty-in-pink bouquet

The garden provided everything we needed for this perfectly balanced bouquet. White hydrangeas look like fluffy cushions, while pink flowers of different sizes and shapes add a playful element, and hints of lime leaves add just enough of a twist. Floral design: Christina Stembel of Farmgirl Flowers.