Question
I live in the central valley of California and have Hydrangeas and Azaleas in
my garden for the first time.  Both bloomed very well but now the blooms are
dying.  Do I deadhead like usual - cutting off each bloom one by one?  Or do
they just drop eventually.  Will it bloom again?  They are both facing east, one
is against the house wall and one is in a more open garden.  Thank you for
any help you can give!

Answer
Hi Margie,
Thanx for your question.  If for no other reason, deadheading helps keep your plants tidy but it is not absolutely necessary.  I find deadheading especially useful on hydrangeas because their spent blooms are so large and unsightly.  

Your shrubs will not bloom again once the blooming period has passed.

Here is a link for hydrangea care I have found useful.

http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/

Here is a link for azalea care.

http://www.azaleas.org/

I hope this helps.
Tom