Ohhh, dinner plans....NICE. Anywhere special, or are you cooking ?
Climbing hydrangea has flowers more like the 'lace cap' variety. I have one on each side of an arched arbour....one is doing well, the other is behaving like it's bratty little sister. Perhaps that's all the more reason to pay it some attention. (I'm going to give it an extra pinch of Miracle Grow, and I'll use ribbon instead of twine to tie up the little bas.....I mean....the nice little plant)
Starting a new project is always exciting, especially when you have a vision. I like the idea of a woodland garden to honour your cedar. I think we shouldn't fight with what we have. Of course people DO have gardens where they can plant pretty much what ever they like, but when the basic necessities like sunlight, and water aren't all they should be.....just go with it. There's always something that like to grow somewhere. (I think that's why my hydrangea is rebelling)