One of the unexpected joys of living on a small farm is noticing the wildlife that shares our space with us. These are our observations as the seasons change at Point 6 Acre.
‘Tis the season for banded woolly bear caterpillars! Who knows where they’re going but they certainly motor along as if they’re on a mission!
This is the larva of the tiger moth. Doesn’t it have a magnificent fur jacket!
Generally harmless, when touched they’ll curl into a ball. I’ve moved many away from pathways. Though they don’t seem to bother me, their bristles can irritate sensitive skin.
I wonder where it’s headed?
There’s a mushroom popped up in the old chicken run. I still use it occasionally for the ducks. Seems an unlikely yet likely spot to find a shroom —rich, moistish soil, but only one?
I didn’t want to disturb it, hence the blurry underside photo, but how gorgeous is that?! I had no idea the underside was filled with filaments, fissures, and crevasses! And look at that tutu around the stem!
My thoughts are this is possibly a shaggy parasol (Chlorophyllum brunneum). Initially I thought it was a shaggy mane but it didn’t grow tall enough. Still, I was fairly close.
What a lovely find!
On June 19th, I was seriously considering digging up this little Li jujube. It had struggled for years and seemed determined to remain a tiny stick.
Instead, I gave it a little water, cleared away some competition, and decided to leave it alone.
Today, just over a month later, I took another photograph.
Sometimes, the best thing a gardener can do isn’t transplant, fertilize, or prune.
Sometimes… it’s simply to notice. And then wait.
This little tree reminded me that patience can be just as important as action.
It seems to be the season for beetles!
This beautiful Banded Alder Borer somehow found its way onto the porch screen. It was gently caught in a glass and placed on the porch railing, where it patiently posed for one last photograph before disappearing into the grapevine. Encounters like this are one of the quiet joys of living on a small farm.
