Skeeter hawk bath 2025-07-21

This dragonfly repeatedly swooped down to the dog bath water and up.

[Movie: Dragonfly drinking (34M)]
Movie: Dragonfly drinking (34M)

I’m guessing it was drinking.

Maybe this is how they lay eggs? If so, it will be disappointed, since we do change the dog bath water from time to time.

It’s much easier to see the insect in the video:
https://youtu.be/zqUusDsAhpA Continue reading →

Okra flower and vegetable 2025-07-01

Ants open the blooms, and bees pollinate them.

Then we get okra pods.

[Okra bloom and pods]
Okra bloom and pods

Then we pick them and eat them.

No, we don’t know why the yellow leaves.

Also, some blooms don’t open and fall off.

Many snails lately; maybe that’s the problem.

-jsq

Beautyberry 2025-06-15

Beautyberry fruits are setting: the flower petals are falling off and revealing the berries.

Not only are the flowers and berries pleasing violet colors, the leaves repel insects and ticks, and you can make jelly and wine from beautyberries.

[Beautyberry fruit setting, 2025:06:15 10:36:03]
Beautyberry fruit setting, 2025:06:15 10:36:03

Once the berries get some color, you’ll see why it’s called beautyberry. They’re a pleasing violet color. The flowers are an even lighter violet. Also, the whole plant smells good. Continue reading →