My Favorite Volunteer

As we were trying to clean out some dead shrubbery earlier this year, I was insistent that we pull out some very tall, *very* dead brown stalks by our back porch stairs. But by the time we got around to pulling them out, there were a few green leaves peeking out at the base of the plant. Pablo trimmed back the dead stalks, and we waited to see what would happen.

After a month or two, we had a healthy little bush with a few buds. And not long after, those buds unfurled to reveal scarlet blooms with delicate ruffled edges.

Our hibiscus has been blooming for months now, and even though the weather has turned crisp, we can count on a few more beautiful flowers every morning. The plant I was so determined to trash is now flourishing.

I suppose our hibiscus doesn't technically count as a volunteer, since it was planted by the previous homeowner -- but still, it's such a lovely surprise to have something so beautiful grow up in the last place you'd expect!