Making Me Smile in the Garden

Almost no aphids left on the maple, the lady bird larvae are everywhere, I can't wait to see a mass of red and black spots. Apparently the larvae can eat up to 350 aphids before they become a beetle.  The kids and I have been watching the larvae multiply and prosper, some seem much bigger than a ladybird. So fun following the ladybug life cycle, we're on the lookout for pupa.

We have also been visiting this critter daily. He's big and easy to find, it's a wonder he hasn't been pecked off his perch but perhaps those hairs are a put off.

 I think this is a type of native bee, I'm always excited to find them in the garden.

 I love Blue Bells, this one is in our garden, and there are many in the bush around us.

more amazing facts about ladybirds here

 

Did you know there are over 500 species of ladybird in Australia?, or that yellow stuff you get on you when holding one is called "reflex blood', its smelly and designed to deter predators ewwww!

 hope this means lots of lemons

 Silverbeet giants

   mystery lupins, what colour will the be?

 Just gave this daisy a hard prune but there is still one in full bloom , they are a hive of activity.  

My eldest cooked dinner for me tonight, she even figured out what to make which is the bit I hate.  This meant I could begin to give the garden a big overhaul - much needed after all the spring growth. There's a weed party going on around here and I didn't send out any invitations.