How Beautiful Hydrangeas Link Fall River to the Azores

If you've ever been to the Azores, chances are you've seen them with your own eyes.  Gorgeous pink, white, blue and purple hydrangeas dot the lush islands. They are the perfect complement to the green hills and blue ocean. The hydrangeas are part of what makes Sao Miguel so magical and peaceful.

According to TreeHugger.com, even though the hydrangea plants didn't originate in the Azores, "historians believe the plant arrived in the U.S. courtesy of immigrants from the Azores. In the mid-1900s, nearly a quarter of a million Azoreans (many of them fishermen) came to U.S. cities in Rhode Island and the SouthCoast of Massachusetts seeking better living conditions. Today, if you visit The Hamptons, Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket you'll likely see stunning hydrangeas in the immaculate properties and gardens there."

With this special link to Portugal in mind, Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan will proclaim June 25 the third annual Hydrangea Day in the City of Fall River. The city has already launched a hydrangea beautification project in Fall River’s downtown and waterfront districts.

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Hydrangea Day reflects the initiative of the hydrangea beautification program, which was launched in 2018, facilitating the planting of dozens of hydrangea plants across Fall River. The City Council has since voted to make hydrangeas the ornamental flower of Fall River.

The strategic plantings and official status of the hydrangea in Fall River reflect the city’s strong ties to the Azores, where the hydrangea is a prominent local symbol. To date, plantings have been completed throughout Battleship Cove grounds, around City Hall, a portion of South Main Street, Old Second Street and businesses.

This year plans are to plant on the greens of the I-195 connector and Water Street which will be part of a small placemaking area. These two projects are collaborative projects with MassDOT and Mass Coastal Railroad.

If you can't get enough in Fall River, you might also enjoy the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, happening next month.