Fading Hydrangeas

It is late in the season for hydrangeas. They've all had a rough summer, enduring a hot dry spell that left them with drooping leaves and curled-up florets, begging to be watered.  Now the bright blossoms are fading to a pale sky blue, then each floret outlines itself in cream. As the blue drains from the petals, the balls take on shades of silver, cream and palest green. They offer a more subtle beauty at this stage. Soon their original summer sky hues will be just a memory.