Sunday, August 28, 2011

Irene and the mess she left behind

Irene made her way north, leaving us with 5.25 inches of rain and a big mess.   Though we have many big and small limbs down and some other minor damage, others around us were not so fortunate.  There are many downed trees around us, including two just next door.
Only one of the trees is visible in this photo taken from my 2nd floor balcony.
Here  you can see both trees across the road.
There was another large pine down at the other end of the street, and numerous hardwoods and other trees down in my neighborhood and all over town.  
For more photos see our local newspaper photo gallery.
We are thankful that Irene weakened before she arrived.  I can imagine how devastating it would have been had she made landfall as a category 2 or 3 storm as originally predicted.  Having been through two major hurricanes before - Fran and Floyd - after which we were without power for 10 days or more, we know that it could have been much, much worse.  But for those who have trees on their houses or whose property is flooded, it doesn't matter - this is devastating, and my heart goes out to them.
In my garden there's a lot of cleaning up to do.


These are dead ivy vines that had continued to cling to the pine.
Notice the trellis?
Uprooted sassafrass
But here's the good news - the caterpillars were still on the parsley (what's left of it, anyway)!

And I saw three butterflies today - I was only able to capture this with with the camera, but it made me happy.

14 comments:

BernieH said...

Having come through a Category 5 rated cyclone ... the equivalent of your hurricanes ... I, like you, know just how devastating these storms can be.

Thankfully Irene weakened before she reached your area and the damage doesn't look too bad. Of course I'm sure everyone could have done without all the cleaning up that's needed now, but at least most properties look OK. Looking on the cheery side, things could have been much worse.

It's good to know you and yours have come through safely. Hopefully the clean-up won't take too long and things will be back to almost normal in no time.

Butrifli said...

Those pictures are incredible. I can't image the damage and also clean up that must take place. I'm happy to know that you and yours had made it through safely. Hope things get back to norm sooner than later...
From one Ginny to another...

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Going through hurricanes is very scarey, we went through Frances, Jeanne and Wilma, Wilma being the worst.

Clean up was huge, but it's got to be done, and you just get out there and start. It seems monumental and at times is very depressing, and I can't even imagine having your home destroyed.

Glad you were spared any major damage and that you didn't lose power for long.

I think it's wonderful that the 'critters' were still around after Irene passed.

Have a good week ~ FlowerLady

Rebecca said...

What a contrast in photos from the devastation left by the storm to the beautiful wildlife that persevered! I'm glad the storm has passed and hopefully the clean-up won't take too long...

Karen said...

Thank goodness Irene is history now. Amazing photos of the aftermath. I wish I lived closer, I'd come over and give you a hand with cleanup. I'm so glad Irene wasn't any more destructive; as it is, she left too many headaches and heartaches behind.

becomingkate said...

Glad you're all okay! So sorry for the damage - we have had a lot of hail this year and each time it breaks my heart to see the garden take a hit.

Donna said...

Oh Ginny you certainly bad a time of it with Irene. Amazing how it uprooted things and pushed over a trellis...so glad you are safe.

Benjamin Vogt said...

I'm always amazed at what the caterpillars can go through. Somehow, it always seems like the smallest creatures fare the best. A lesson, perhaps?

Plant Chaser said...

Good to know that you are safe and sound. I understand how bad it must have been for you. I'm sorry to hear about all the uprooted plants and trees. We've had much worse than that but, fortunately or unfortunately, are used to it by now. Preparation is almost automatic when we hear of a new typhoon. Good luck with the clean-up!

Daricia said...

ginny, can you believe we didn't get a drop of rain in charlotte? and we needed it! i remember from hugo that there are blessings in the garden from every hurricane, but what a lot of mess to clean up first, huh? i'm glad you and your family are okay.

Curbstone Valley Farm said...

I'm so glad Irene wasn't worse, but what a mess for so many on east coast. I'm always amazed though that a mighty tree falls in such a storm, and yet something as delicate as a butterfly or caterpillar survives unscathed. We had a similar mess here a few years ago when the remnants of typhoon Melor blew through. I promise, your garden is still under all the branches and leaves somewhere, just waiting to rebound to its former beauty.

Wally said...

So sorry about the mess, but I'm glad it wasn't worse for you.

Diana Studer said...

Looks a bit grim, but as it's two weeks later, it will be looking nearly right again?

Glad you and your home are OK.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

I hope the clean up has gone well. I was riveted to the coverage of Irene on the news.