underwater

a nature diary

flash flooding on Monday gave us a backyard pond

We were deluged with rain here on Monday morning, and the downpour quickly turned into a flash flood. Within a matter of minutes, the street was underwater, and we had waves lapping onto the sidewalk in front our house and a pond in our backyard.

It was (as it always is in these situations) startling.

The water rose so suddenly and then — once the rain stopped and the storm drains could catch up — disappeared just as quickly. Our impromptu pond in the backyard took a little longer to soak into the grass and the garden and the (as-yet-unplanted) planting beds.

But the next morning dawned bright and clear and, except for the sump pump spewing water into the driveway, you’d never know there had been so much rain everywhere the day before.

Despite the deluge and a soupçon of worry, the hydrangeas, the blazing stars, and the coreopsis are still beautiful. And the bumblebees were back this morning, visiting the lavender and the giant hosta blossoms.

Until next time,
Jennifer

P.S.
Quick reminder that a second weekly letter — Letters from the Garden — will be joining this one on Substack in July.

I’m glad to have you with me on another nature walk.

If you’re curious, I also write very short, fictional tales inspired by our garden and its wildlife — quiet stories for adults who still love children’s books. Feel free to wander through at ReadPurr.com.

This newsletter is, and always will be, free to read. If you’d like to buy me a coffee, you’re welcome to do so here.