For several years now, the overwintering hibiscus has brightened the cellar with a few holiday blooms. This year Christmas came and went without even a bud. Just a week later I caught a glimpse of scarlet on a smaller plant that usually stays leafy green all winter, and, sure enough, it was flowering – just in time to welcome 2016. Happy New Year!

Each fall, usually when the first frost is imminent, the hibiscus moves into its winter home, AKA the basement. Protesting the fact that it has not been relocated to a balmy, southern climate, it proceeds to dramatize its fate by dropping leaves and feigning impending death. During the following weeks, it resigns itself to sharing space with paint cans, tools and laundry and sets about greening up for the winter. Looking positively festive, it bloomed on Christmas Day.

The holiday spirit continued into the new year with another bloom welcoming 2015 (and another bud getting started). Winter has its own outdoor beauty, but it’s nice to have a splash of color and a hint of warmer climes secretly brightening the basement.