The garden news is this: (almost) everything is growing and thriving and generally making me feel really proud and happy when I look at my little garden bed. "Ah," I muse to myself. "My little slice of bucolic farm life right here, right now. I've got a back yard, a garden, birdies singing, a toddler in my skirt. My dream."
Almost.
Something is feasting away on my jalapeno, get this - my zinnia, black eye susan, and spearmint leaves. Aren't the last three in the list above suppose to be hardy. Usually, I am worried about my precious tomato plants. This year they are beautiful (so far). Yet, it's the perennial flowers and herbs that are taking a hit. Who knows. And if you do, please enlighten me.
One of two images demonstrating the most devastating results of pests.
This is the spearmint plant clearly showing signs of defeat.
My strategy thus far, has been to release 1500 ladybugs into the bed. The release happened last night. And though I didn't literally take a head count this morning, my guestimation is that a fraction of the 1500 are actually still inhabiting the garden. Oh, but I did see several couples procreating. So let's hope this population grows and sustains itself in my backyard for a while.
In other news, a swallowtail egg hatched on the fennel a couple of weeks ago. The caterpillar ate and ate. Bea really enjoyed watching it grow, pointing at it, and getting really close to squeezing life out of it a couple of times. This morning, the caterpillar ventured away from the fennel. We found it and placed it back onto the fennel, just in case it was still hungry. A few hours later, we went back out to check on it. It was gone. Must have been done eating. We should of known. These guys are severely hard wired. They know what to do. (S)he's off to find a nice, high spot to form it's chrysalis. Good bye caterpillar. We'll watch for you to flutter by in a few weeks.
This is the caterpillar molting his old, tight skin.
My last backyard news for the evening is that this guy cannot get a break these days.
Every time he braves up (with lots of encouragement and coaxing from us) to go outside, the grackles assume position, occupying every corner of our backyard from above. They grackle at him continuously - literally as long as he is outside. They follow him around. And if he moves, they move. I know he is so ready for this reproduction tradition to run it's course. I'm ready too. These guys are extremely diligent at protecting their offspring! It's ironic how the birds are giving Blackie a hard time and not the other way around. Oh, what luck this guy has!
Your garden sounds lovely! No advice on what's eating your plants. Hope the ladybugs do their job.
I visited a montessori school on Friday where a friend was working. It was so lovely. Must be very nice to give children that early education experience. Sadly, no montessori within driving distance of us.
Posted by: Evergreen | May 02, 2010 at 11:04 PM
Thanks Gretchen,
Oh don't worry, it's a modest little garden to be sure. We live right smack in the city, on a small lot, so needless to say, we have to sometimes remind ourselves that life is what you make of it! :)
How nice to be able to visit a Montessori program. Yes, the environments can be fascinating to witness! Who knows, maybe by the time PC is old enough to attend, you'll find the perfect little program just starting out close to you.
Posted by: Nichole | May 05, 2010 at 08:06 PM