Hi everyone. It's the first Friday in September, and since it is Friday, I'll be joining Nicole at Friday Face Off and Gillena at her Friday Lunch Break.
Today I have some more photos from my yard and gardens. Hope you're not sick of them. 😏
This grasshopper was sticking to a window.
And here's an adult dragonfly face for my face this week.
This newt was actually in the road during a morning walk. I picked him up and moved him to the other side of the road so he wouldn't get squished by a car.
My sunflowers are now blooming. ❤
Or just about blooming.
I noticed these red bugs on some of the milkweeds. I looked them up and discovered they are spotless ladybugs. (Also called ladybird beetles). I've never heard of nor seen these spotless ones, which goes to show you how many insects you can still discover. There are more types of insects than any other type of animal on Earth.
I believe I also see some aphids on this seed pod, and like spotted ladybugs, I also discovered these spotless ones also eat aphids.
And my zinnias are still blooming beautify. ❤
I've finally picked some zucchini. The one on the left went to make a zucchini bread. Yum.
And also, finally, some baby cucumbers forming.
But sadly, the deer have been in the yard, and they took out a few of my hosta. At least it took until September this year so the plants did have some good growing time.
And the deer also munched all the flowers off my tall phlox. 😭 So much for half the blooms in my wildflower garden.
That's all for me this post. I hope you have a super weekend ahead.
And just an FYI- I won't be joining in Friday Face Face or Friday Lunch Break for the next 2 weeks as next Friday we are leaving; the hubby, dogs and I will be off on a little adventure. As long as my husband's back has (and stays) improved that is. (Fingers crossed!) I'll be back for Face Off on the 27th, but I don't even want to write that because it makes me feel like I'm rushing through the month which has only just begun. 😨
I am happy to see this coverage of the insects all around you, Erika. Thanks for noticing and thanks for the pictures, I am also very pleased to learn that you chaperoned that young newt (a red eft) across the road. I think that deer munching at your flowers is a hazard of rural life. Small price to pay, really. All the best - David
ReplyDeleteI hope hubby's back is better very soon! Have fun on your adventure!
ReplyDelete...someone had a taste treat with your hosta.
ReplyDeleteLove your grasshopper and newt. Erika you should join photography contests, enter for prizes your photos are always outstanding works of art.
ReplyDeleteDo you grow the right amount of zucchini or do you find you are growing more than you need? I find that many people are happy to barter with me eg I have more herbs than I need but not enough tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteI wish I'd grown sunflowers this year. I just love them!
ReplyDeleteHave fun on your family adventure, Erika! Loved your garden tour. 😊 So sad about the phlox flowers, but well, at least someone enjoyed them, I suppose... Anita xx
ReplyDeleteWonderful series of nature photos ~ awesome sunflowers ~ thanks,
ReplyDeletean artist reflects
https://anartistreflects.com
Here from Friday Face Off, lovely flower photos and insects! Wishing you a wonderful September and a lovely weekend as well.
ReplyDeleteSo many amazing things happening in your garden! Love seeing those bees on the big bright flowers! :) Hope you have an amazing time away! Safe travels!
ReplyDeleteThe deer apparently enjoyed it!
ReplyDeleteThose are all beautiful photos, and I haven't seen any red ladybugs yet. The sunflower is wonderful!
Thumbs up! I wish you a wonderful holiday!
Hugs, Elke
Happy harvesting, findings and visiting. What a lovely post. Thanks for linking to AFFF today
ReplyDeleteMuch♡love
Happy harvest and your garden is a paradise for the critters!
ReplyDeleteI hope your hubby is better and will be able to travel. I'm so glad I don't have deer. Instead, I have raccoons. I also learned about the ladybugs that were spotless. I had NO idea. Beautiful flowers and sunflowers,. Enjoy your time away.
ReplyDeleteI personally never get sick of seeing your garden. Those darn deer. Ahhh finally a cuck. I have so many Ive been giving them away to my neighbors. Which is fine by me, the more you give the more one will have. I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks. Enjoy your adventure, can't wait to read what it's all about. Thank you for joining FFO and have the best trip.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your adventure. I am glad you moved the newt. If it were up to me, he would be taking his chances.
ReplyDeleteWe had a grasshopper on the sunroom window which kept Calli entertained. Himself’s zucchini didn’t do well so no zucchini bread. Where are you going on your adventure? - CJ
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful newt!, whether you're traveling to message this whole post is glorious thank you for sharing friend Aloha
ReplyDeleteThe newt sure is very cute and thankfully still alive! Oh, the sunflowers. I must plant some next year again, too... The last I had was pre 2008. I had a very small balcony and when they were done I needed to get them out. Didn´t see the bee that hid there and got stung. I think the poor thing died afterwards?
ReplyDeleteI really didn´t see or expect her!
A zucchini bread? Sounds very interesting!!! Recipe please?
Fingers and toes crossed for your Hubby, hugs!
The faces of nature always so inspiring.. i'm smiling about the deer coming into your garden to feed, it's a bitter sweet moment but what a marvellous sight to see. We have finally seen some rain this week, it's been a difficult time for our gardens I have left mine to find it's own way this year in the hope that the bulbs & perennials will have been able to adapt to the heatwaves we have experienced.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your time away Erika, look forward to seeing how your pics.
Take care & safe journey Tracey xx
I love your garden photos-so keep them coming-my garden is all burnt up this year and next week back to the 90' and no rain sigh Happy weekend
ReplyDeleteI don't think I will ever get sick of garden pictures. Your sunflowers are gorgeous and you have a lovely variety. Good think the lady bug is eating the aphids. The deer come through my garden regularly, but they don't find that much anymore except for some volunteer Jupiter's Beard and volunteer hollyhocks as well as the trumpet vine. Everything else they don't seem to like. Fingers crossed for your husband's back and I hope you have a lovely trip!
ReplyDeleteSome interesting and some pretty pictures, Erika. I wish I lived close enough to come over for some zucchini bread! Hugz
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