Ladybug factory...

Today I made an amazing discovery! While in the process of relocating my ornamental grasses I found this little guy. He may look "like an alligator" according to the Rapplings but he turns into one of our favorite beneficial garden buddies. Paige holding her "little larva buddy."

Eggs are flat and yellow... they are EVERYWHERE. Paige wanted to eat some eggs. "No sweetie, those aren't like the chicken eggs that we eat." That child will put anything in her mouth. Mr. Matt, a horticulturalist at TBG, discovered her trying to eat Milkweed today....yep, a little poisonous. We have to watch her every second.

One more Larva...
This is the Pupa stage of the Lady Beetle. They are stuck to the blades of grass. Kind of like a chrysalis.
Here is the process come full circle. I was just so excited to have these visitors. I remember my dad buying ladybugs by mail order when I was little. I feel like I just had Christmas. It doesn't take a lot to make my day, just thought I'd share.

Working in the garden...

I actually got shots of the girls working at "The Botanicals"....most of the time they only play but "Mr. Matt's spray that smelled like dinner" was to good for Sydney to resist. Once Syd started helping then Paige had to help too. Kate well she's just gathering bugs. She's knows beneficial insects and isn't allowed to capture them. Bugs.....good for hours and hours of fun.

Mr. Preying Mantis is only an 3/4 to 1 inch long! The big stalks are actually chives. Checkout his hiding technique between the two chives.Pretty little purple hot peppers on a compact plant...not sure on the variety(I'll double check tomorrow!) Peppers are about an inch long and each little plant produces a bunch. Okay I just can't stop myself from thinking this. Peter piper picked a peck of purple peppers. Glad I got that out my head sorry to put it in yours.