Summer comes to our part of the world even though many believe we have no seasons.

There are several sure signs of the seasonal change, however. One is evident in the foliage. The bunches of “grapes” return to the spreading seagrape trees (Coccoloba uvifera). I understand that the indigenous inhabitants of this area ate these fruits somehow; I don’t know of anyone who does any more.

The brilliant orange and red flaming blossoms that fill the outstretched branches of the royal poinciana trees are another sure sign of the advent of summer. For some reason, their blooms have been sparse this year. Usually their brilliance remains in our neighborhood well into August. Instead, the flowers are quickly being overtaken by the leafy green foliage much to early.

My gardenia, that I planted when we first moved in about 25 years ago, also heralds the arrival of summer. My particular plant always flowers late. I realized that June was well underway before she blossomed. And as we reach toward August, the most beautiful and aromatic blooms are showing up; the annual perfumed floral display is even later. Curiously, the neighboring jasmine that towers over and encroaches on gardenia flowered the other day for one brief day for the third time in the last three months.

Another sign of summer are the rains. Rainy season starts on June 1 and persists (on the weather person’s calendar) until the end of November. Of course, we watch the reports of impending hurricanes with bated breath. It’s been a long while since one has hit us. Nevertheless, about a month ago some system moved in for almost a week and drenched our roads and yards. Luckily our home is raised a few steps and no water breached the house. The driveway and the major thoroughfare in front of the house were under ankle-deep water for about two days.

And then, there’s the heat and humidity. Summer is the time to be occupied with activities that allow us to stay inside for many of us.

Look closely, you can see the thin waterfall streaming off the edge of the room. It’s summer!