Bugs

I often feel like I live in an insect desert. But there are a few that show up and hold still long enough for me to photograph.

Mystery bug

Grasshopper

My daughter placed a basil plant where the drain from the HVAC exits her house (constant drip irrigation) and this fine specimen showed up. She suggested a water feature might attract more insects in my yard. I have a small, poorly designed fountain I rarely run, but in the past, insects have paused there for a drink, so maybe she has a point. She also has loads of crickets.

Praying mantis

Pineapple sage was an impulse purchase. I forgot how long it takes to bloom. If it weren't for our extended summer weather, it might not have made it.

Pineapple sage

I was under the weather this past week, but once I perked up, I managed to finish deconstructing the pile of not-asparagus that has been ruining the view. Today's outdoor activities were curtailed by some much needed rain. And so it goes.

Looking back

Today, with very little to report, I took a look at past Augusts. This blog is almost 19(!) years old, so that took a while. There have been a lot of changes over the years. It looks like I tried a little bit of everything. (I think my writing was a bit more creative in previous years as well.)

This little guy was on the storm door the other day. Google Photos Lens identifies it as Synchlora aerata, a.k.a. the wavy-lined emerald moth or camouflaged looper. Read more about it here (including videos of the larva camouflaged with plant tissue and fending off a spider attack).

From the top

From underneath

While standing out in the yard the other day, admiring the cup plants, I heard a chirping that was coming from a hummingbird. I had no idea they were vocal, as usually all I hear from them is a whirring noise as they buzz past. Learn something new every day.

So THAT'S what smells so good

Recently, when I stepped out the patio door, I smelled something wonderful but could not place. Today I realized it is the common milkweed. I'm surprised there isn't a perfume called Eau de Asclepias syriaca.

I have seen a few butterflies this summer, including a random monarch or two. I wish I knew what this guy is. I initially mistook it for a leaf. The legs and body are fuzzy, like a moth, but it has its wings folded like a butterfly. Anyone know?

The Betty Corning clematis experiment is half fail, half successful. I didn't get the tuteur moved early enough for one, plus I did not provide it with stable support, so now it looks like it is crawling toward the redbud. Another problem is some critter hides underneath it, so the dogs are always nosing around there.

The other BC is doing what I hoped, except this particular variety of clematis does not get tall enough to twine through the tree branches. I will have to rethink this experiment. (Sorry for the poor pic - it was a bit too sunny for quality photography.)

I have tried repeatedly to get some butterflyweed established, even purchasing a variety that is supposed to do well in clay soil. One problem is it is easily overwhelmed by its neighbors, which is my fault. It needs a little elbow room. (In the background are the black hollyhocks.)

I could try to convince you that these hollyhocks are a new variety known as "Lacy Leaf". I plant hollyhocks for two reasons: the blossoms yield a lovely natural dye and the plants act as a trap crop for Japanese beetles. Success on both counts.

As if my bum hip weren't enough, I caught a summer cold (THANKS, JANINE!) and now it is unbearably hot out. A few minutes standing in the sun chatting with my neighbor just about gave me heat stroke. It's a bit too dry (didn't think I'd be saying that after our wet, wet, wet spring) but not so dry I am watering anything... yet.