I’m sure many of you are still dealing with some sort of fall-out from Hurricane Milton. Maybe it’s a repair not done yet, a fence still knocked over, or just the sheer number of trees missing from the area.

Depending on what kind of damage you’ve had in your area, your garden is probably struggling a little, too. We went from 16 inches of rain in a few days to none for 5 to 6 weeks and then a little again yesterday. And if your garden is dealing with changing light conditions, well, it’s just one more thing those plants have to contend with.

One of the trees that fell in our yard crushed about 50 feet of chain link fence and our beautiful hedge row of Viburnums that keep our backyard a little more private. Once the tree crew had removed the fallen tree and large branches from other trees, there was nothing left of the Viburnums. As we were moving smaller debris out to the road, I gave them a trim all the way to the ground since all that was really left were a few scraggly branches and to give the fence crew room to replace the now-missing fence.

And wouldn’t you know, this week when I was doing a yard walk, I saw all sorts of sprouts coming out from the root balls of those Viburnums. It’s easy to forget when you are having trouble with a particular garden spot that plants want to grow. They need good soil. They need food and water, but even when faced with adversity, it is their nature to grow and survive. I was so relieved and grateful to see these new sprouts. 100 mile-per-hour winds, torrential rains, falling trees, heavy equipment, and my pruning were thrown at these bushes, and they just keep on keeping on.

Which I think is fair advice for all of us, as these two quotes sum up:

“Flowers grow back, even after they are stepped on. So will I.” – Unknown

“The plant is blind, but it knows enough to keep pushing upwards towards the light, and it will continue to do this in the face of endless discouragements.” – George Orwell

Everyone in our area has dealt with a lot over the last few months. It seems, fortunately, that the risk of hurricanes is behind us as the season closes and we experience the coldest weather we’ve had since February. It’s time to grow back. To push towards the light, just like those sturdy, old Viburnums in my yard. Who knew that a simple shrub could provoke such inspiration!

And as we turn the corner into the holidays, we invite you to come and be a part of Return to Wonder with us at Kerby’s. It’s a simple idea, really. To return to those feelings you had as a kid when you tried to spot Santa and his reindeer on Christmas Eve. That feeling of believing that you are filled with when you read The Polar Express. Or the joy you feel popping in your favorite Christmas movie (Muppet’s Family Christmas, anyone?) and snuggling under a blanket with hot cocoa. We’ve got some fun things planned to help you return to those feelings of joy and wonder. After all, it’s what the holiday season is all about. We hope you’ll join us to be a part of it.

P.S. Don’t miss Spellbound Sourdough at the Nursery this Saturday, Nov. 23 from 10 am – 1 pm (or until sell out). She’ll have her “Everything but the Turkey” seasonal loaf along with other mouth-watering breads and treats. Stop by to get some for your Thanksgiving spread and leftover turkey sandwiches.