I need to get some pictures of how things are progressing towards blooming. The sunflowers aren’t there yet but are getting taller than expected. I guess they don’t mind this heat! The zinnia and cosmos are looking pretty together too.
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The 2024 Gardening Thread
- Thread starter AbbysMom
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Dang! I've got butterflies on the brain, what with thinking about the butterfly weed. It was a hummingbird moth that I saw this morning.
I have gotten two ripe tomatoes off my plants so far. The first, the patio tomato, produced one delicious tomato and promptly died. I went outside, my plant was gone, and DH broke the news. The others look good. One of the beefsteak style is loaded with tomatoes. I just hope they make it before the cut worms find us. They are due any second now.
I had a hummingbird moth visiting tonight when I was out watering. I have seen them a few times here but not regularly so it was neat to come across one after you mentioned them. I took a slow motion video and its wings were still moving fast!
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Where I live too. Saw my first ones this week.
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Those creep me out so much! But I'm not a fan of moths...
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Apparently, from what I have read, Phlox is among the hummingbird moths' favorite flowers, and that's where I saw it.
I haven't seen any yet, but they'll probably show up soon.
I’m a look but DEFINITELY don’t touch person with bugs, critters, and reptiles.
The first time I saw one I didn’t know what it was but I was amazed at how LOUD it was buzzing around my planters! The beetles seem plentiful this year and a bigger annoyance than the moths. Like “Maintain your distance sir!!” I didn’t know that! I have always seen them around the petunias when I do. But then I plant a lot of petunias.
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Noting to self - don't plant phlox...
This bed is looking nice. The other 2 need more time.
Wait a minute! Did somebody take my Japanese beetles? 
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We got a boatload of rain yesterday, and it has had a noticeable effect.
This lily, called Sunny Keys, exploded into bloom
The blue sea holly grew about 6" overnight, and now is almost 40" tall.
The largest of the butterfly weed patches.
The Goldsturm black-eyed Susan is now opened
As is the Glamour Girl phlox
Next up, the Butterfly Kisses coneflower
And finally, one of the numerous bees working our little flower patch
This lily, called Sunny Keys, exploded into bloom
The blue sea holly grew about 6" overnight, and now is almost 40" tall.
The largest of the butterfly weed patches.
The Goldsturm black-eyed Susan is now opened
As is the Glamour Girl phlox
Next up, the Butterfly Kisses coneflower
And finally, one of the numerous bees working our little flower patch
Ahhh do you love them that muchWait a minute! Did somebody take my Japanese beetles?
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Not I; there has not been a single sighting of one in the gardens for four or five days now. Usually, we have to deal with them for a week to ten days, but not this year, and as I posted previously, in far reduced numbers. Milky spore to the rescue! Maybe.Wait a minute! Did somebody take my Japanese beetles?
Yes, darn it! My beetles are gone. There is evidence they were here; my blueberry bush has holes so many holes in its leaves that it looks like it took a knife to a gunfight. We didn't even plant the thornless blackberries this year, which are super productive (if you like them) partly because of those horrible beetles. I don't care if I have to hack my way through a jungle of milky spore just to get out of my driveway, if at all possible it will be here. The beetles haven't eaten my blueberries this year, but maybe they are very patient beetles, just waiting on the blueberries to get ripe and sweet.
There is evidence they were here; my blueberry bush has holes so many holes in its leaves that it looks like it took a knife to a gunfight. We didn't even plant the thornless blackberries this year, which are super productive (if you like them) partly because of those horrible beetles. I don't care if I have to hack my way through a jungle of milky spore just to get out of my driveway, if at all possible it will be here. The beetles haven't eaten my blueberries this year, but maybe they are very patient beetles, just waiting on the blueberries to get ripe and sweet.
It took a few days, but apparently your Japanese beetles flew up north to me, as I saw the first ones today. Can I send them back to you?Wait a minute! Did somebody take my Japanese beetles?
Poor poor Japanese Beatles no one wants them including me! Hope they stay away.
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Since I last posted, I have seen exactly one (1) additional beetle, which doesn't bother me even a little. There has been, however, a dearth of hummingbirds, such that Michele took down the feeders for lack of use. Others, though, have seen normal numbers of them; just not us. The gladiolas are coming on strong, so maybe that will draw them in. Only time will tell
Picture is a bit unfocused, as I didn't want to get too close. 
