Bees!

Before I was distracted by the nightmare-inducing evil bagworms on Tuesday, I was calmly waiting for this friendly bee to settle and pose for me ;)


And snapping shots of these pretty wildflowers.

Eeeeeeeew Yuck!

Bag worms! Creepy little alien-looking icky, icky bugs. I hope I got them all.


Look at the evil little critters poking their heads out and chewing on my cotoneaster. Ick, ick, ick.


Given the option of squishing or burning, I chose FIRE!
Die, bag worms, die!



For more on bag worms, click here.

Seasons Change

The wildflowers are in full bloom, but the asters are just getting started. (See all the buds?) Soon enough fall will be here and the asters will be the focal point, along with the fountain grass plumes that will last through the winter.















Meanwhile, the morning glories are taking over the shed.

Buddy Walk 2008

This year marks the 7th Annual Buddy Walk for Greater Cincinnati. If you are looking for a great cause to support and a really fun walk to participate in, this is definitely it! Check out my Team Duncan page and join us, donate, or form your own fundraising team.

The Buddy Walk benefits the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and all the local individuals with Down Syndrome (as well as their families and the whole community). It is a truly heartwarming event--corny as that sounds, I think there is a picture of the Buddy Walk next to the word heartwarming in the dictionary. The event is totally centered on the kids with Down Syndrome, and their joy shines through and spreads to everyone who walks.

Come on out and Buddy Walk on the Purple People Bridge this year!

The $64 Tomato

Indeed! I have just finished reading this most entertaining book by William Alexander. After pouring his blood, sweat, tears, and heart into his garden, his family thinks he's crazy (though they appreciate the fresh produce and his gourmet cooking!), and he eventually is prompted to figure out how much those tasty heirloom tomatoes really cost. Of course, like the MasterCard ads remind us, they are actually "priceless." I mean really, who can put a price on a hobby that brings such joy and connection to the earth? :)

For anyone who enjoys gardening, I highly recommend this book. You'll chuckle in recognition of all of the Alexander family's trials and successes.

Mystery of the Week

Okay, here's another one I just don't know. Pretty, though, eh?




Of course, I do know this evil weed, so I am keeping my distance. It is too mixed in among the irises and whatever that orange flower is for me to spray it, and too tangled with the wild grapevines for me to pull out the grapevines that are taking over the creek. Argh. I'll have to get somebody else to deal with the whole mess come fall.

Latest on the Deer

I've now moved the feeders over a bit and set up a little fence and wire to discourage my deer visitor. The recommendation was to set up a wire about 3 feet off the ground. (An old strand of Christmas lights--free wire!) With the empty area directly below the feeder, I'm hoping it won't traumatize the mowers any more than necessary. And with any luck, the sprouting seed will be kept to a minimum. I did see the deer next door after setting this up, but I haven't seen her come up to the feeder, so it remains to be tested.


Of course, I'm not sure that the neighbor's cat isn't now scaring the birds away. He likes to nestle there in the mulch or under the honeysuckle that shades the raised bird bath. He was having a serious tussle with a squirrel when I left yesterday. He's still here. I'm not sure about the squirrel.

On a positive note, my pseudo Queen Anne's Lace is finally recognizable. If you follow the link you can read more about why it is "pseudo." Something about the real thing being invasive!