Endless summer: enjoy blooms all year by decorating simple tips for drying, arranging and decorating with hydrangeas.

I have always loved hydrangeas. They have a sense of belonging to Mississippi and the South. The colorful pink and blue mopheads and the soft white lacecaps interspersed with large, finely defined leaves develop lush backdrops for our gardens and add beauty to our inside settings. The clusters of color spill gracefully from baskets and urns and delight our senses at the table. The imposing blossoms take the place of honor at weddings and are the center of attention at parties. Hydrangea arrangements make statements as spacious groupings copying their natural bushes, as masses combined with other flowers, or as single graceful specimens in silver vases.

To condition hydrangeas for fresh arrangements, cut the flowers early in the morning the day before you plan to arrange them. Make sure to choose sturdy blossoms rather than very fresh and limp new growth. Crush the woody stem of the flowers, and carefully remove the leaves that would be submerged in water. Place the flowers in cool water in a cool place. Don't forget to add or replace water daily to enjoy the flowers longer.

To dry hydrangeas, it is very important to collect the flowers at the correct stage of development. Select flowers that are near the end of their growing season when they appear paper-like--these are known as "immortelles"--and before they are faded. Pick perfect blossoms at midday or in the early afternoon. Never pick flowers with high moisture content after a shower or in the morning with dew. The flowers can then be air-dried in small bunches of 3 or 4 flower heads or a single large flower head held with rubber bands. Hang the clusters upside down, spaced so they do not touch, in an airy and warm place like an attic or garage that is dark or has little light, in order to protect the colors. Another method of air-drying hydrangeas is to place the selected stems upright in a tall vase with 1-2 inches of water in a dark, well-ventilated place until the water evaporates.

Silica gel (actually fine crystals), available at craft stores, can also be used to dry flowers. Collect the flowers and place them in the silica gel medium in a large airtight container, and carefully follow the package directions.

To refresh faded blooms with a natural look, lightly spray or mist the flower heads with Just for Flowers, a spray tint by Design Master, available in fresh green, lilac, rose pink, and hydrangea blue.