Motes Orchids hurricane sale
 

Motes Orchids is preparing for the possible arrival of Irma. They are having a hurricane sale. You will see it on their Web page.

I hope for them as well as everyone else living in the path of the hurricane that the damage won't be as catastrophic as in the caribbean. I can't even begin to imagine how hopeless one must feel, knowing that there's little to be done to protect your home or business against such a monster hurricane.

Wonder what will be left of Motes, and other growers in the area, if the hurricane is a direct hit. I can't imagine a greenhouse being able to resist much.

Hurricane Andrew in 1992 blew concrete homes off their foundations in Homestead, Florida, far inland. Many long-established plant businesses in Homestead were wiped out by Andrew. Motes Orchids rebuilt and reopened.

Greenhouses aren't always necessary there; most growers use lath houses and shade structures, which typically disappear in hurricanes. Most to all tree cover is blown away. Palms tend to bend, and retain leaves; dicot trees are defoliated, if they aren't blown over or broken off. After the storm passes, severe sunburn can damage any plants not blown away. Lack of electricity for well pumps may prevent watering until electrical service is restored.

I am still praying it will turn and go back out to sea. I think that God likes to tell us little people he is still in charge sometimes. Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.