Step on the soil, not on the logs! -- A lesson I learned this week while watering the hugels at basecamp... I moved too rapidly and a log was dislodged from the hugel and took out a dandelion plant with it... quite theatrical, and I hope to not repeat it!
One of the successes of a healthy garden is a diverse population of insect guests and arachnid homesteaders. (the distinction is made because most (adult) insects visit plants whereas the arachnids make their homes there). In honor of Wheaton's Labs healthy gardens, I have decided that part of my BEL will be a Bug Of The Day (BOTD) to feature the tiny beauties who live amongst us.
Today's BOTD is the Oil Beetle (genus Meloe) -- here are two oil beetles mating, captured at Allerton Abbey. While pretty, the oil beetle is not a friend to other insects OR ponderosa pines, as their larvae eat the eggs of other insects and the adults eat pines! Good thing they don't eat willows!
Additionally, I started planting. Here is one of my first jobs: Chickpeas! I am experimenting with different planting methods. If anyone has a tried and true planting method (watering, mulching, intentions, etc) please let me know.
