Palmer is a small town in Rio Grande just before the entrance to El Yunque.  It is also close to the Wyndham Rio Mar and how we discovered the street with a few of our favorite destinations for breakfast, burgers, ice cream and souvenirs.

On that street there are also some lovely gardens.  On our first trip, six months after Maria, we were walking down the street and came across the most beautiful bougainvillea.  It’s amazing color and fullness was captivating.  It was growing through a small fenced in patio. Like typical tourists we posed under the magnificent bush and took pictures. 

A lady inside heard us and came out to talk to us.  We complemented her on her spectacular bougainvillea specimen.  She told us how, when Maria struck the island with raging winds, she held onto the plant and prayed that it would survive.  I am so glad it survived (and the family) so we can enjoy its beauty on each trip.

Bougainvillea are a common plant from my childhood in Zambia and India.  However, I did not really think of them till more recently, living in a PA climate where they cannot thrive.

I love their bright colors.  There are a few in the side yard.  It will take a few years before they all mature and paint the hill with vibrant color.

A section of the backyard is not fenced.  In order to create a bit of privacy, I decided to create a bougainvillea hedge.  Look at the amazing colors I found.