A good time blooms on the Cape, fun in the Fundy Isles, and lightweight beach accessories

Hydrangea Celebration Blooms on Cape Cod

THE BOSTON GLOBE – Summer is finally here, and with it comes the brilliant floral blossoms at the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival (July 5-14). This Cape-wide 10-day annual event showcases all things flowers and plants at private garden tours, workshops, and lectures by international horticulturalists, classes, and promotions at participating home centers and nurseries, and art exhibits and painting demonstrations of (what else!) flowers. With so many events, be sure to check the website for a calendar of daily offerings, especially the home garden tours. Beginning July 5, stroll the grounds at the Heritage Museum & Gardens in Sandwich to discover eight species of hydrangeas and more than 170 cultivars; take a walking tour of historic homes and gardens, greeted by costumed docents, with the Sandwich Arts Alliance (July 10); or attend the Hydrangea Art Soiree at the Cape Cod Art Center, Barnstable, a cocktail party with music, painting demo, art auction, and sales (July 13). Prices vary by event. Private garden tours are $5 per person per garden and support local nonprofits. Tickets and details: Sandwich Arts Alliance’s Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival events.