The difference in my yard between the beginning of September and October is stark. Where my plants were once full of colorful flowers and busy pollinators, there is nothing but brown, dead sticks.

The storm surge from Hurricane Helene at the end of last month killed off most, but not all, of my plants. I haven’t removed any yet, just in case they manage to pull through.

While securing my house this morning against the next incoming hurricane I noticed a red blob in the middle of my yard. One of my beleaguered hibiscus plants was blooming! I’m in awe of its resilience. Definitely a bright spot in a dreary time.

Here’s hoping Hurricane Milton isn’t as damaging as predicted… 🤞