Lynn,
I collect pine needles that drop from the trees in my yard and put them around my hydrangeas. I top dress with only compost and manure every spring-no other fertlizer. I did have my Tardiva hydrangea in too much shade (like maybe 2 hours of morning sun) and it bloomed very little. I moved it to a sunnier location and it is much happier now. As far as blooms your first year, I believe it depends on the specific variety. My Endless Summer took a couple of years to give me more than a flower or two. Same with Tardiva. But Quickfire, Limelight and Little Lime each bloomed quite a bit the first year.
Good luck to you...hope these all work out.for you.
