After the hottest year on record, we’ve had another unusually wet winter. Our garden turned a luxurious green with joy. Red camellias, in the captioned photo, blushed as we passed by on the way to and from the parking area. With a few exceptions, the succulent plants have also responded well to the soaking.

The growth of the potted Aeonium Mint, shown below, was impressive. Just two plants! Compare its growth since October 2023.

Other large potted plants in this open area, shown below, have also responded well to the drenching.

The Aeonium Kiwi, one of my favorite succulents, is also happy. Thankfully, the open area did not flood and drained well.

To prevent the collapse of the Aeonium Haworthii, due to the saturated soil, I had to add support and secure its exposed roots. It closely resembles the Aeonium Kiwi but is all green. Its flowers will be in full bloom in spring, attracting the bees.

The potted Purple Graptoveria Debbie, below the stairway, has won attention from visitors. Its spring blooms of tiny yellow flowers will add to its beauty.

I was happy to see the extra growth of the Foxtail Fern. The latest sprout is extra-long. Did you notice that the potted succulent to the front right is flooded? Following each rainy day, I’ve had to drain the over-saturated, compact potted soil. I’ve been closely watching it as I’m concerned about root rot. So far, it appears healthy.  

The two plants, featured below, have been this winter season’s greatest surprises. Though I’ve had little success in growing flowering plants, in summer 2022 I fell in love with a white Azalea plant at a local Japanese garden center. The plant adapted well to its new home until the extreme temperatures struck us during summer 2023, scorching its leaves. The leaves that withstood the heat lost their lush green color. After removing all the dead branches and leaves, I prayed that the cooler autumn weather would help to revive the skeletal plant. What a joyous surprise to see the white blooms following the winter rains!   

My potted eggplant, rooted in the ground, was the other great surprise. In early October, I cut back the plant following the end of its vegetable-bearing cycle. Four days of continual rainfall at the beginning of February brought it back to full bloom with dense foliage. I’m keeping an eye on all the blossoms. Who knows? I may get one to two vegetables in the spring.

Rainfall makes a great difference to plant life…even succulent plants. Should the gods hear my prayers, this water saturation will carry them through the extreme summer months ahead.

After light rain on Wednesday and Thursday, our local weather forecaster has promised sunshine for the next two weeks. I can’t wait to get outdoors again to tend to the garden!