A couple of decent-sized storms moved through the area over the weekend, drenching communities up and down the state. I love being indoors listening to the rain and winds, but it was a bear for those who had to drive. We were lucky to be home. Several large trees went down in the storm, but I don’t think anyone was hurt.
Japanese Maple
Maple leaves in the fountain
Winds and rain stripped the remaining leaves from our Chinese Pistache but the more sheltered Maple continues its colorful show.
The vegetable beds and the surrounding barrier look none the worse for wear. In fact, the cauliflower crowns are forming. They looks so cute at this stage. Something’s been eating the outer leaves, though I couldn’t see any sign of the anonymous nibbler this morning. I’m hopeful that is the only damage.
Broccoli Plants
Cauliflower
It was disappointing to find so much standing water in the worm bin, and worried I drowned the lot of them. Fortunately, the layer of straw gave them a place to go so all is well. I got out the drill and put several holes in the bottom and sides so this doesn’t happen again.
Otherwise, the garden survived the storm and looks refreshed. Here is one last look:
Pretty and Pink
Begonias
Fruit Cocktail Tree
Mystery Balloon
It’s one of the laws of physics: what goes up, eventually comes down. If only balloons could talk.
Gardening Nirvana 
Beautiful pics. Love the pink flower.
LikeLike
Thank you! It’s looking quite fresh over here.
LikeLike
WOW, we saw some of the news coverage about some flooding. I’m glad your garden came out well. They mentioned Santa Cruz and Santa Clara, seemed very close. Good thinking to make holes for water drainage in your worm bin, that’d be horrible to drown the little guys (girls). Is the netting in your fruit tree to deter the rats? The mystery ballon made me laugh…you’re so witty. I’ve seen stories about people tying a bunch of balloons to a lawn chair and going on an adventure. I don’t think it’s ended well. You probably saw Pixar’s UP, I loved the story, the music and that dog….squirrel! They are brilliant over there.
LikeLike
I loved that movie, too. It was so endearing. We also got to see Brave at the Pixar studios about an hour from here. Pixar is a client of Arista, so whenever they debut a movie, they offer free tickets to vendors and their families. We had so much fun walking around the place, seeing art and renderings on walls, Academy Awards in the lobby, and a big, over sized Mike and Sully in the lobby. Brave was a cute movie, too.
We are very close to Santa Cruz and Santa Clara. Santa Cruz, however is on the other side of a mountain range and right on the coast so the micro climate is quite unique. Santa Clara is 15 minutes away, but again, closer to Alviso, a San Francisco Bay inlet. San Jose is so moderate.
LikeLike
That sounds so fun at Pixar. Oscar’s in the lobby, WOW that’s is cool. You’d think some big Pixar Kahuna would have them in a display case in their office.
That’s quite unique having another climate so near by. It would be nice by the ocean but it’s nicer to be safer from the weather I think. I wonder if they worry about earthquakes and Tsunamis’. When we were in Portland we drove to a little seaside town to shop and have lunch, there were all these signs that said “Tsunamis Escape Route” or “Entering Tsunamis Zone”. Makes you think. Glad you were safe. 🙂
LikeLike
Enjoyed reading this and ofcourse, the lovely pictures! The maple tree looks sooooo beautiful!! 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, Nandini. I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately. I hope your recovery continues at a rapid pace.
LikeLike
Thank you so much, Nandini.
LikeLike