Arrival of the Toads

  To me, there is nothing better than spying a couple of toads in the gardens.  I try to leave their "dens" (small dugout cubbies) so the critters feel at ease and will continue to reside amongst the vegetable plants and flowers.  Their voracious appetites for bugs works wonders in protecting the plants.  Not only will toads munch down insects, they will quickly down slugs and snails which makes me (and the plants) all the happier.  So, the toads stay...along with frogs, lizards and non-venomous snakes.  All of these are a true gardener's friends.

  On either side of the house, there is a small pond.  One, I named the "Frog Pond" for obvious reasons.  Frogs and toads love this safe place to gather, mate and lay eggs.  It is not uncommon to find thousands of tadpoles hiding under the lily pads and water hyacinths.  The other pond is much smaller so is named "Puddle Pond".  Puddle Pond is merely a catch pool for runoff from the house eaves.  I concreted a small "stream" alongside the length of the house and then down the hillside just a wee bit.  This small pond also has become a haven for treefrogs and toads. Once again, the hyacinths provide a thick protection from predators so the frogs and toads feel safe.  Both ponds are within the gardens so my critter friends do not have far to go to find their dinner.

  This is the time of year for those billion or so tadpoles to start morphing into their adult selves and leave the safety of their watery homes.  One has to be careful when wandering the gardens simply to avoid stepping on these tiny critters.  They are no bigger than a pea and, since the toads are dark in color, hard to see when in mulch.  Thankfully, they are a bit "squishable" and can pull themselves back together if I make a misstep.  

  One such tiny toad was making his exit from the Puddle Pond when I was out and about.  The tiny critter hurriedly hippity-hopped up the concrete "stream" to the chive row where it quickly disappeared under the leaf mulch.  The sighting caused me to smile as I whispered out well-wishes to the wee one.  Now, hopefully, it will avoid the ribbon snake that lives about ten feet further down that stream and the black racer that lives under the plant arbor just to the outside of the chive row.  Be safe, Little One!  You have a big chore ahead of you keeping my garden free from pests!

Because it is there...and it is cute!

 A few mornings ago when we were on our way to the pier, Mark pointed out a small toad just past the herb gardens.  It was a pretty thing, as far as toads go, so I had to stop to get a photograph.  Most folks would ask "Why photograph a toad?"  Well, just because it was there.  And toads are interesting.  And toads are helpful.  And I consider them to be friends of the garden.  There are lots of reasons but probably none that would appeal to most people.

  It is breeding season for the toads around here so the two little ponds are alive with activity each night.  You can hear the loud, shrill calls for hours just after nightfall.  Those calls are from the males in search of a mate.  Once the deed is done, the female will lay thousands (yes, really) of eggs that are all strung together with a sticky, gelatinous goop.  This keeps the eggs together and helps protect them.  After a few weeks, the eggs will hatch and the ponds will be filled with tadpoles.  Then, depending on conditions, the tadpoles will morph into toadlets and leave their watery abode.  Now, they are more or less terrestrial critters until mating time comes around. 

  Most toads are nocturnal and prefer to find a hiding spot to spend the day.  At night, however, they are busy patrolling the gardens eating insects, worms, snails, slugs and other garden pests.  My sweet little toad is welcome to any and everything it wishes to devour in the garden.  These critters are great pest control!  And...they are sort of cute...in a toadish way!

  Folks, be kind.  All critters deserve a peaceful life.  

Orange Tree Frogs!

   No, our tree frogs are not orange.  They are green just like most tree frogs in our yard.  But!  These little froggies seem to really love living in the citrus trees so...hence, the "orange tree" frogs! 

  Actually, I am really happy to find the frogs living in among the leaves of the fruit trees.  For a while, the whiteflies were causing major problems for all of the citrus trees and I resorted to spraying apple cider vinegar on each tree in the small orchard.  The vinegar did the job after several sprayings but it was quite the chore to reach the tiptop of the trees.  The grapefruit trees especially since they are some thirty feet tall.  Climbing fruit trees is not something I wish to do.  Well, climbing trees in general...I am old.  Anyway, after two seasons of battling the whiteflies, I thought I had won.  Then...two years later, the bugs were back making a mess of the trees.  Sickened, I prepared to wage war again but, as I began to spray, I noticed the frogs were eating the critters!  Well, now!  Immediately, the apple cider vinegar went back to being a kitchen staple instead of bug spray!

  That was several years ago and since the froggies have taken up residence (and immediately started multiplying), there are a lot less bugs of all kinds.  Yes, I have thousands of frogs climbing everywhere but I do think they are better than the garden pests...and...they are a lot cuter.  Carry on, Little Froggies! 

Molting Assassin Bug

   It seems that I post a good bit about the insects around here.  We have plenty.  Some wreak havoc.  Termites and eastern lubber grasshoppers are both on my "bad" list.  I am not a fan of either.  Also on that list are yellow jackets but I have not come in contact with any of those yet this year...yet.  I hope I do not.  They have nasty tempers!   We do, however, have some "good" insects and I have found myself fully appreciating those.  Just a couple of days ago, I found that assassin bug creepy-crawling on the turmeric leaves.  I was elated to see more of them today.  A lot of folks think I am nuts loving these bugs since they can give a painful bite.  The assassin bug has one large fang that it is not afraid to use when it feels it is in danger.  That piercing fang hurts!  Still, I am always excited to find the critters and never dream of killing them.

  Today, one assassin nymph was in the process of molting.  I found it on the fox grape vines.  Later, I found one living up to its name.  Back in the herb garden, one had caught a fly and was sucking the life from it.  Let's return to that one molting, though.  I always find it fascinating to watch how insects can actually climb out of their exoskeleton and become a larger critter.  I suppose not many folks take the time to view this but it is quite the undertaking for the critter and puts it in danger.  While molting, an insect is rather soft and vulnerable to any larger predators.  It has absolutely no defense at this stage and cannot even make a run for it.  The critter is literally "stuck" there until it manages to wiggle free and then "harden".  

  Most likely, others would purely see the critters as "just another pest" and try to eradicate them.  Not me!  I figure to let these predators live and flourish in the gardens.  They are free pest control and eat a lot of insects that would love to dine upon my cabbages!

"Red Bird Pest Control"

  To my way of thinking, the best pest control is free pest control.  In the past, I used all sorts of sprays.  I admit it.  It was terrible but I did it because that was what I was told to do.  How do you get rid of caterpillars in the garden?  "You spray them."  It was ridiculous, expensive and probably killing a lot more than caterpillars...me included.  So...I quit.  Then I went the whole routine of companion planting, herbal sprays and soap.  None really accomplished what I wanted.  I wanted the caterpillars to stop eating my plants not be clean, smell like garlic and live in a flowery world.  I wanted them gone!

  

  Today as I was planting squash seeds, I heard a fluttering of wings.  Just a few feet from where I was working, a male cardinal flew to a tomato plant.  I knew there were some caterpillars already munching the leaves so was elated to see the bird there.  Yep, that fellow snatched a caterpillar and flew off to the east.  I figure there is a nest of little ones somewhere near the greenhouse.  Within a few minutes, the bird was back!  Oh, this was great!

  All in all, the bird made about a dozen trips to the tomato plants.  Each time, he flew back eastward so I think he was successful in finding food for his offspring.  This...THIS...is the type of pest control that I have been wanting!  Effective, free and pretty!  My goodness, it cannot get any better!

The Making of a Garden Cat

   Since I have been pretty much the only "mother" that this rescue cat has ever known, he treats me as if he is my true kid...a toddler but a kid nonetheless.  He follows me just about everywhere I go.  My hikes will never be the same with an inquisitive cat on the trail.  Critters are not keen on "posing" for photographs while there is a potential predator nearby.  I do not blame them.  This cat is proving to be quite the hunter!  So far, he has only been interested in shrews, mice and rats and is highly praised if he presents one to me, whereas, if he shows any bit of stalking birds, he is reprimanded.  I know it will happen but, hopefully, the birds will take flight before he gets too near.  That said, the cat does show a high interest in protecting the gardens and greenhouse from the aforementioned critters.  Bat is becoming quite the garden cat!

  One of his favorite places (also mine) is the greenhouse.  This time of year, the greenhouse provides a bit of warmth and, also, blocks the cold winds.  Bat and I can be found there in the early morning hours after our trip to the pier.  I putter among the plants and he stalks anything that wiggles.  This morning, he was highly interested in a tunnel under the prayer plant.  His sniffing did not provide any results so he decided it was time to play a game of "Hide and Seek".  As I moved plants in more favorable spots, he pounced in and among the pots. 

  While I have been criticized for allowing Bat to be a mostly outdoor cat, I feel it is necessary.  Here, he has about 20 acres of family owned land to explore and keep rodent free.  I have always said that any critter that calls the place home has to earn his keep.  We have only had two pets that were more lackadaisical in that area and both were elderly when they arrived.  The others quickly came to understand that "everyone works".  Bat is off to a good start.  If he just keeps the gardens and greenhouse pest free, I will be one "proud mama".

Garden Lovely!

   Early this morning, Son called to me as he went through the Little Bayou House.  "Hey, Mom.  There is a Golden Orb Weaver out here."  He knows that I love these spiders and would surely want to photograph her.  He continued "It has been a while since I have seen one this large."  Ok!  So that meant I really needed to stop what I was doing and go see this spider!

  Sure enough, the spider was a nice sized one!  She had spun her web on the corner of the house in the far back side of the vegetable garden.  Ahh, good spot!  Except for one thing.  Her web is directly over the water faucet that I use to water the tomatoes!  Well, she and I will just have to come to an understanding.  She can stay on her web and catch as many bugs as she wants as long as I can use the hose occasionally.  If she is good with that, everything will be fine and dandy....as long as Mark does not have to use the water hose.  He is NOT as big of a fan of these spiders as I am!  She is quite the lovely thing!

Bullfrog Morning

   While I was still sipping that first cup of coffee, the frogs serenading me were starting that slow decline in their activity.  Not long after sunrise, they would quit for the day and seek shelter in the cooling shade.  There, they would hide from the world for the day only to start their "business" come nightfall.  Most frogs prefer to be nocturnal simply because their skin dries so quickly.  The nights are cooler and more moisture is in the air.  It is then that my froggy friends will be busy patrolling the gardens for those pesky bugs!

  It was just after the sun started peeping over the pines that I found one large bullfrog still on "night duty".  He was slowly making his way back to the Frog Pond after getting his belly full of bugs.  Since there was not much else to do, I decided to watch the bullfrog for a few moments.  He seemed to be boss of the frogs in the pond.  I noticed how the much smaller tree frogs made sure to stay far from the bullfrog as they would have become prey for this voracious feeder.  Contrary to popular belief, frogs do not eat just insects.  Large bullfrogs will eat anything they can overpower.  The frogs are vicious predators that will swallow, not only insects, but lizards, smaller frogs, small snakes and even hummingbirds, if they get too close.   

  Mr. Frog made his way back into the dark waters of the Frog Pond just as the sun started shooting beams through the garden.  His duties were over for the day.  Time for rest.  He just had to find a safe place for a nap or, he too, would be prey to some larger creature.  So goes life on the Bayou.

Hiding from the Storm

   Today saw me trying to get a jump on the storm preparations.  Not that there was a lot to do since this is not supposed to be much more than a rainmaker but it is always good to check around the place for anything that may go flying with the wind.  The windchimes and hanging plants were all lowered and a few odds and ends were moved indoors.  The larger things such as lawn furniture will wait until the storm is closer.  If needed, the chairs will be moved to the shed.   Also, a few of the larger potted plants were moved to a more sheltered spot than on the south side of the house.

  It was while moving the plants that I discovered  a whole family of critters!  Underneath the turmeric plant was a clan of centipedes.   Seven of the critters were taking a snooze under the pot so they could escape the midday heat or perhaps they know a storm is brewing and found shelter beneath the pot.  Goodness, I hated that I disturbed them!  While most folks are a bit squeamish about finding a bundle of critters, I was elated.  Centipedes are pretty good at helping in the garden.  They have voracious appetites for other bugs and usually will not hurt plants.  With that in mind, I gently scooped up the centipedes and put them IN the pot instead of under it.  They did not seem to mind the move so hopefully all is well in Centipede Land.

  Folks, for any of you in the path of this tropical system, stay safe.  Flooding may become an issue so make wise choices.  

A New One!

   Since I cannot sleep past 4am any longer, I find I am in the gardens earlier and earlier.  Sometimes, the coffee is sipped in pure darkness.  The cool morning air, the soft chirping of frogs and crickets and the smell of a fresh new day (yes, it really does smell fresh just before dawn), all make for sensory overload.   As soon as the sun starts to peep over the pines, I wander the gardens.  Plans are made for the day's work and visits are made with my critter friends.

  Today, I made a new friend.  When a flower pot was moved, an unusual spider skittered out from beneath.  Well, now!  I have never seen you before!  This called for a bit of studying of the critter (and photos) before it slipped beneath the mulch.  The spider was gorgeous! 

  After a bit of research of Mississippi spiders, the critter has been identified as a Two Lined Stealthy Ground Spider.  Like all spiders, this one uses venom to kill its prey but unlike most of the others, this one does not spin a web as a trap.  The spider actually stalks its prey and is so fast that the other critter never knows what got it.  Also, unlike most other spiders, this one is extremely shy which is why I have never seen one before.  The critter will swiftly scamper away from any disturbances and seek shelter under some form of cover (like my garden mulch).  *Its venom does not cause problems for humans as it is prey specific.

  I am actually very pleased at finding a new spider in the garden and hope that the excessive amount of mulch will encourage it to stay.  With it guarding the ground level and the orchard and orb weavers guarding the upper levels, the pest numbers will be greatly reduced.  Besides, this one is such a pretty thing and I adore having pretty things in my gardens.

Ms. Toady and the Old King

  One good thing that has come from my being confined to the outdoor space of the Small Gardens.  It has made me aware of all the special things that are often hidden in plain sight.  In just the past four weeks of my realm being greatly diminished from the entire eight acres to a mere garden plot, I have discovered many interesting things.  Perhaps it is more the idea that I am appreciating things that I overlooked.  Small things are now stupendous.  There is not a day that goes by that I am not spellbound by an otherwise "normal" thing.

  Today, I found a toad.  While that may not seem to be earthshaking to others, the toad kept me fully entertained for nigh on a half hour.  Some may find that a tad ridiculous but, since my time is plentiful, the half hour was well spent.  I pondered the life of a toad...this toad...Ms. Toady.  The critter lives in the roots of an old oak tree that stands just outside the pergola that surrounds the french doors.  The tree is dying so many of its large roots are hollow.  In fact, the entire tree is hollow which makes for perfect dwelling places for so many critters.  The toad shares its root "cave" with a lovely old skink.  The skink was, at one time, the "King Skink" but he has been ousted by an upstart.  So, the toad very kindly let the Old King share her abode.  The two get along divinely and seem to have a great working partnership.  The toad, being younger, ventures further to hunt for prey allowing the Old King to stay near the doorway to their root home.  Also, the toad is active at night and wishes to settle in for rest during the heat of the day.  The skink is diurnal so vacates the root except when an escape is necessary.  It seems to be a win/win situation for the pair.

  Early this morning, I sat on the little foot bridge crossing the Pebble Creek.  The creek empties into the Puddle Pond with a delightful sound of water dripping over the ledge.  As I sat there enjoying life, I noticed the toad hippity-hopping from the Pebble Creek.  She was heading back to the root home for the day.  I thought of how her night had been busy catching the night bugs..many of which linger around the gardens.  Her belly was fat so pickings must have been good.  It gave me a sense of satisfaction knowing that the little toad was well fed and had a cool place to spend the heat of the day.  She and the Old King have an unusual friendship but it works.  I wish them both well.

Birding In The Dining Room!

  There was yet another "birding" episode on the Bayou, today.  Well, it was sort of IN the Little Bayou House!  Our "screechers" took up residence in the chimney as they usually do.  These are the chimney swifts that so many folks despise but I simply adore.  The poor creatures are being put out of house and home due to folks not wishing to share their (for the summer months) unused chimneys with critters.  You hear all sorts of strange tales from folks about how you can catch everything from head lice to leprosy from the birds.  Sorry...none of that is true, folks.  The birds actually help prevent diseases by catching a lot of mosquitoes that carry some pretty deadly things at times.  Think about this the next time your chimney is screeching with baby swifts.  Two parent birds and their offspring can eat up to 12,000 flying insects every day!  Yes! 12.000!!!  That is a lot of insects that would be annoying if left to bother us.  Now consider that several families of swifts can reside in one chimney!  That is even more insects!  The chimney swifts catch flying insects while they, themselves, are in flight.  A lot of those flying insects are things like mosquitoes, gnats, deer flies, horse flies, house flies and, the worst pest of all, termites!  Now, having some baby birds in the chimney does not sound so bad, does it??  If it does to you, then plan on calling an exterminator to rid your place of pests or douse yourself with insect repellent.

  I knew there were several nests of swifts in the chimney...how could I not?  I knew the little ones were to take flight soon by the fluttering and the strong calls emanating from the fireplace.  The wait was on until at least one of the little ones would decide to take a shortcut to the outside.  Instead of flying up the chimney, occasionally one or more of the little ones come down into the house.  No problem.  I simply pick them up as they are so docile (almost tame!) and carry them outside. The little birds succeed in getting someone to help them escape the confines of the dark chimney!  This is only done if the birds are flight capable.  If not, each little one is carefully put back up on the smoke shelf of the fireplace (yes, we have the old-style brick fireplace).  

  The little one,today, was fully ready to take flight. It allowed me to pick it up, tote it outside and even get a photo!  The little tyke sat on my open palm for about a minute before the parent birds came into sight and our little rascal took to the skies!  All's well that ends well.  Tonight, the swifts will return to the chimney to rest but will be at work again at daybreak.  I love these birds!

Garden Stalkers

   About mid morning, I headed to the garden to get a few chores completed before I cranked the lawnmower again.  The sun had warmed the chill from the air so a few critters were out and about.  On the fence rail, there was a show of territorial rights happening!  Two male green anoles were trying to intimidate each other with the flaring of necks and the showing of the bright red dewlaps.  Other than the "I'm bigger than you" performance, there was not much battling.  Both lizards soon tired of the display and went along their respected ways.  One opted to venture into the flowers while the other climbed onto a tomato plant.  Neither of these fellows seemed to be in prime condition.  Both were shedding and both had visual marks of being under stress.  

  Personally, I am glad the lizards were there.  Recently, tiny holes have been appearing in the plant leaves indicating that I have some varmints to eradicate.  My method of "safe" spraying works somewhat but is never as effective as the lizards and birds.  While I was pulling a few weeds from under the tomatoes, the one lizard was happily snapping up some tiny caterpillars.  This is natural pest control at its best!  Since the lizards seemed to have settled their differences, all is good in the garden realm!  

 

The Lovely Lady In Her Garden Home

  In the garden, one can often find any number of critters.  Well, let me correct that.  In MY garden, one can find critters.  I do not use chemical pesticides so critters abound.  Pop always used to say that we just had to plant a few extra things so the critters could eat, too.  That is not to say that I relish losing my prized tomatoes or plump peaches but it is just a fact that I do not wish to poison myself along with the critters raiding the garden.  This includes insects.  A worm in a tomato, now and again, is not the end of the world.  That said, I AM all for natural elimination of the plant devouring critters.  

  Strung in between a tomato plant and the chives is a large spider web.  This is the home of a beautiful orb weaver called a yellow garden spider or writing spider.  She is most welcome to live in my garden and I try to avoid tearing her web whenever possible.  Occasionally, she gets a little spin-happy and strings her long silken threads across the path so I gently move them to another location.  I to not want her to relocate! 

  This spider does a remarkable job of catching the insects that lay eggs on the plants.  It is those eggs that hatch into what we call "worms" in the peaches, beans and other fruits and veggies.  A variety of moths and beetles get caught in her web each day and I am sure the same happens at night.  My pretty friend is growing fast!

  There are a number of natural pest control methods that can be used to keep the garden pest free.  My spider friend is a big help as is the rat snake that frequents the area.  While a few of my people friends have qualms about entering the garden due to the critter friends, their presence delights me and I continually tell them so!