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.