image from Orkin.com 

      Good morning.  Cloudy this morning but it is going to be a warm day.  High at 84F(29C) and a little bit more cloudy but warm.  Stay cool, stay safe,
 
Australia family and friends have 50% of rain and some of it could be severe. There high will be at 65F(17C).  One of Ev’s friends wrote that they have had warm weather like summer high of 81F(27C).  Sounds like it could be the making for severe weather.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
 
Here is the information about those little black bugs  No Seem Ums which really are flies.  Hope this helps.  Have you found something that you spray on to help them bite so much?  Let us know.  Thanks 
 
No See Ums – Appearance, Bites and Getting Rid Of Them  Written By: Natasha Anderson
“No see ums” is the nickname many use for the tiny flies of the Ceratopogonidae family. These pests can leave you with itchy bites, and due to their small size (0.04 to 0.12 inches, or 1-3mm), they usually get away without you even seeing them. This guide will show you how to kill them, as well as protect yourself from this insect.
What are “no see um” bugs, and what attracts them?
No see ums (or sometimes referred to as “biting midges”) are small flies that can leave itchy bites on you (or your pets). Although it may sometimes feel like it, they are not invisible but are so small that they can be mistaken for a grain of dirt or a bit of lint. Like many insects, it has four stages in its life cycle; egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. It can take between 2-6 weeks to mature from an egg into a pest that is a real annoyance to outdoor enthusiasts.
These insects are attracted by CO2 that humans (and other animals) exhale, and absolutely love areas with lots of water. The larvae develop in aquatic or semi-aquatic conditions, such as around ponds, streams, marshes and bogs. Even a walk through a wooded area can result in bites from these pests can hide out in mosses, algae, and decomposing or saturated logs. They also are attracted to light, and usually flock to things like torches if taken out at night.
Are you camping near a water source? Or are you hiking up the meandering course of a beautiful stream? Maybe an avid fisherman that enjoys fishing on the edge of a dam, a lake or river? Although the list can go on, these are situations where you are likely to run into these insects. However, please don’t let this ruin your holiday or discourage you from venturing outside, as there are easy ways to protect yourself.
PRO TIP: Windy conditions usually mean that no see ums will be hiding instead of coming out to “bug” you, so if you don’t have a spray to keep them away, use this to your advantage. Also, keep in mind that your dog needs to be protected as well, so dab a little tea tree or eucalyptus oil on his collar to keep most of them away from his face.
A quick summary of this article.
No see ums are tiny (0.04 inches), flying insects, and the female needs to feed on blood to be able to lay her eggs. She will always lay her eggs in a warm, moist environment, as these conditions are essential for her offspring to develop. They are attracted to CO2, light and a few other smells, and if you stay near a source of water, you will usually find these pests.
Despite their size, the females can bite you. To be more specific, their mouth has parts that can pierce your skin, and the result is a little pain and itchiness, which ranges based on your sensitivity to their saliva. These “bites” are not dangerous, can be treated easily, and complications are so rare that it’s not worth being worried, but seek medical help if symptoms don’t disappear.
Your first line of defense against being bitten is to repel them, which is easy to do with the DIY spray mentioned in this article. If you have a problem with no see ums in your home, you can keep them out with window meshes, pine oil and even a couple fans (they are not great fliers). I recommend a combination of these methods if you have a serious infestation.
Once your protection is in place, killing the ones buzzing around your head is easy with a couple traps that you can make at home. You can choose between dry ice, vinegar, and dish soap, and yeast and sugar as your weapon of choice, but rest assured that they are all effective. You can expect big improvements in as little as a day or two.  Read on for more information. 
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Are they dangerous, and where are they usually found?
For most of us (including our pets), no see ums don’t pose any danger to our health. In some impoverished tropical regions where malnutrition, weak immune systems, and limited medical services is a huge problem, these insects can make people and animals sick (read these articles on phlebotomus and leishmaniasis). However, there is the possibility that you may be a little allergic to their bites, which means that in addition to the itchiness, you may experience slight swelling. I will cover some treatment tips a little later.
No see ums can be found throughout the world, so it is not really possible to hide from these critters. Does this mean that you will find them everywhere? Well no, as mentioned above, they prefer living in areas where there is an abundance of water, which is usually the same place that they feed and lay their larvae. They also love the heat, so you are more likely to run into them during summer months.
PRO TIP: I just want to emphasize (one more time) that I don’t want you to be anxious about these tiny flies. Yes they bite, and yes they can be itchy, but for the vast majority of humans, they pose no risk to you, your family, or your pets. I recommend that you keep on going on adventures, and just keep them away with a repellent spray.
Do no see ums bite, and how can you treat them?
Yes, no see ums can bite you, but it is mainly the females that to blame for any marks that you find on your skin. While males feed on things like nectar and plant matter, their counterparts need a little protein to start laying eggs. After feeding on some blood, her color changes to pinkish-red (only really visible under a microscope), and she finds a moist and dark place to start the next generation of these little pests.
However, the word “bite” is a little misleading, as the female actually pierces the skin with her specially adapted mouthparts. The insect’s mouth is made up of a flesh sheath and four tiny cutting blades (yikes), which are equally effective on people and pets (although pets are a little more protected due to their fur).
How do you know if red marks on your skin are from them? It can be tricky, as many insects could be to blame, but some tell-tale signs are little sting (nothing like a bee, but much more than a mosquito), followed by some itchiness when its saliva gets involved. They may also leave a fairly sizable welt on your skin (about 1 inch in size), but this varies based on your sensitivity and several other variables.
What can you do: While it might sound overly simplistic, if you simply wash the affected area with soap and warm water, it will reduce irritation immediately and will help prevent any infection. If you are still suffering with itchiness after doing this, I recommend that you apply a little cortisone (or a analgesic cream). As usual, please consult a doctor if the problem doesn’t disappear.
Making a DIY repellent spray, and keeping them out your home:
Although there are many commercial options (containing DEET) that are effective, you can easily make your own spray that will keep no see ums away. It doesn’t take long, it is very affordable, and is tried and tested by many outdoor enthusiasts, including myself.
Step 1: Get yourself a spray bottle (any size is fine, but for affordability and testing purposes, I recommend a small one for starters) and fill it up with witch hazel and yellow Listerine mouthwash (half/half).
Step 2: Add 20 drops of tea tree oil to the mixture and shake well. If you want it to smell amazing, I recommend that you also add 5-8 drops of lemongrass oil to the mix. If you have a favorite smell, you can always swap this out for another essential oil. I personally love the scent of peppermint, so that is an excellent option.
Step 3: Use a couple sprays on the areas where your skin is exposed (legs, arms, etc.), and although this will not kill them on contact, the no see ums will avoid these places as if their life depended on it. This solution should be applied every two to three hours to make sure that you are well protected against these little flies.
PRO TIP: The Listerine and tea tree oil can be substituted with olive oil and eucalyptus, and due to it being a little thicker, I recommend that you put a little in your hand and rub your skin instead of using a spray bottle. I recommend that you use a dark container (just use black tape if your bottle is clear) to store your solution, as sunlight can have a negative effect on its potency.
Although you can use the spray in your home as well (around your windows, entrance ways, etc.), a little more is needed if you are suffering from an infestation in your area. Generally speaking, you don’t need to do this unless they are frequently bugging you. Here are your options:
Fans and air conditioners: No see ums are not good fliers, and are no match against a stiff breeze, which you can easily create in your home with a couple of fans. If you have air conditioners, these can also help to create an environment that will discourage biting midges. Keep the temperature between 65-70F (18-21C), as this will also make your home a bit too chilly for their liking.
Attach mesh to windows: Since these flies are very small, you will need mesh that is tightly woven (tiny holes) for it to work effectively. This usually means that mosquito nets won’t work, since they generally have holes that are too big. However, as a cheap alternative, you can get your self some material that is used for bridal veils and attach that to your windows.
Protect skin with clothing: If you like in a warmer climate, wearing additional clothing might be the last thing you want to do. However, if you are suffering from a large infestation and keep getting bitten, get yourself some lightweight, long-sleeved clothing that covers your legs and arms. Even if it is only for a short while, this can help you get immediate relief.
Cloths soaked in pine oil: A great way of repelling no see ums is to place a few rags soaked in pine oil in strategic spots around the house. I recommend that you put them above your windows, doorways, and garage doors. If you have window screens, simply pin them on to keep those little midges from even thinking about squeezing into your home.
Fix stagnant water areas: Check the yard for any containers (pots, wheelbarrows, etc.) or waterlogged areas in the garden and improve drainage. The goal is to eliminate potential breeding grounds, so while you are doing this, clear away any rotting wood or plant material. This will reduce the chance of the females finding a suitable place for laying their eggs.
Vinegar and soap trap: This trap works because these flies are attracted to the smell of vinegar and then get trapped by the viscosity of the dish soap. I personally recommend this option, as it is easier to make and safer to use. Fill a small bowl with vinegar (any type), add a few squirts of soap, and you are done.
Taken from https://www.thebugsquad.com/general/no-see-ums/
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from Selefina.com 

Weather is back to summer like.  15 degrees warmer than average.  We could get to 80F(26C).  I know you would like it to be colder so those little No See Ums would be gone. They are little flies, and yes, they bite.  It is the female that is to blame.  Tomorrow I will post about these pesty little insects.  For now, you have to put up with them.  Larry was the weekend over by the Mississippi, and they didn’t have any No see ums, and even didn’t know what they were.  It is interesting as they are attracted to laying their eggs in water.   
 
Australia family and friends for Tuesday Sept 30, will have H 72F(22C) low of 49F( 9C)  possible light rain.  Wind makes it feel cooler.  Stay dry, stay safe.
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  Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe  Written By:  Catherine Boeckmann
This hint I found interesting and would be a good one in your carved pumpkin.
Sprinkle a teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix into your carved pumpkin before lighting the candle. Your jack-o’-lantern will still look spooky, but smell delightful!
This homemade pumpkin spice recipe takes just minutes to prepare—with several ingredients that you may already have in your pantry! Then add this fragrant mix to pies, pancakes, roasted fall veggies, lattes, oatmeal—and even your carved pumpkin!
Oddly enough, “pumpkin” spice doesn’t contain any trace of actual pumpkin! Rather, it’s a combination of several spices that, together, bring to mind the foods of autumn: pumpkin pie, pumpkin seeds, and so on.
Why is it so delicious? It’s no secret, really. We all associate those spice scents with homemade goods and warm memories of family gatherings and happy, cozy moments.
Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe
To create pumpkin spice mix, combine the following:
1/3 cup ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon ground nutmeg or mace
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cloves
1-1/2 teaspoons ground allspice
Looking for an easy autumn gift? Make a gift jar of pumpkin spice and add a tag with these instructions: “For pumpkin pie, add 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons of spice mix to your other ingredients.”
Tip: Sprinkle a teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix into your carved pumpkin before lighting the candle. Your jack-o’-lantern will still look spooky, but smell delightful! Try adding this pumpkin pie spice mix to our Creamy Pumpkin Pie or Blue Ribbon Pumpkin Pie
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/homemade-pumpkin-spice-mix-recipe
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from b31.org.uk

Good morning, clear blue sky.  High today of 70F(20C).  Weatherman said this will be the coolest day for 10 days.  We will be back to 80’s.  Enjoy, stay cool, stay safe, especially from the no seem bugs that are out. 
 
Australia family and friends for their Saturday Sept 27 will also daytime temperature in the 70F(20C) but looks like they will have sun.  Enjoy, stay cool, stay safe.
 
I just spent an hour looking for something that I moved.  Why do you remember where you moved it from but can’t remember where you put it the second time.  I DID FIND it.  I thought I had thrown it away.   Have any of you done this?  I know you have that is why I am writing.  As Lorena Murphy would have said to me, pray to St. Anthony for helping you find lost items.  I will write more later but need to finish up things for this lost hour of looking. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from Old Farmer's Almanac

Good morning, we had rain last night with a little hail.  It felt like bad weather before the rain, clouds were dark, and wind came up.  It felt like the change of fronts was coming through.  How was it for you?  Heading into a much nicer and quieter pattern.  High in the mid 70’s (20C) more seasonable.  Mostly cloudy skies. Enjoy, stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends high today 63F(16C)  for Wed Sept 24, windy conditions expected around 9AM.  Wind gusts up to 23 mph are making the temperature feel like 48F(9C)  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I found this article about currents.  Growing up mom would use them in baking instead of raisins.   I found this article about growing currents, but they are not like the dried currents that mom used in baking.    When I looked up dried currants, they called them Dried currants are small, sweet, and tangy dried fruits made from seedless Black Corinth grapes, often used in baking and cooking.
Dried currants, also known as Zante currants, are made from a specific variety of small, seedless grapes called Black Corinth (Vitis vinifera). These grapes are native to the Mediterranean region and are dried to create the small, dark, and slightly shriveled fruits that we recognize as currants.
The name "currant" is derived from the ancient city of Corinth, which was famous for its small, dark grapes. Dried currants are distinct from fresh currants, which are berry-like fruits from shrubs and are not typically dried.
I thought I better make this difference if you get a current bush to grow the berries.  Here is about the current bushes. 
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Discover how to grow juicy, health-boosting currants! Banned until recently in the United States, these popular berries are wonderful in cookies, crumbles, juices, and jams. Discover a whole new fruit to enjoy with our guide on how to plant and grow currants!
About Currants
Currants might look like blueberries at first glance—small, round berries that grow on shrubs. Currants (Ribes) are thornless understory shrubs, growing in USDA hardiness Zones 3 to 8. Some are cold-hardy to Zone 2. They can grow 3 to 6 feet wide and tall.
Currant bushes are easier to grow than most berries; they don’t need special acidic soil like blueberries; they’re thornless, unlike their fellow gooseberries; they grow on grape-like clusters on stems, so they are easy to harvest. And they are prolific! They are some hard-working berries.
Currant berries are incredibly healthy and high in Vitamin C. They come in multiple varieties, too: choose from white or redcurrants, blackcurrants, and there’s even a pink currant.
Currants Return to America
While European gardeners are familiar with blackcurrants and other currants, many North Americans have yet to discover the wonders of these berries. Why? In the U.S., currants were banned from being grown or sold for many years because of a disease called white pine blister rust, which threatened the forest industry. Currants served as an intermediary host for this disease. But while the effects on currants are minimal, the same can’t be said for white pines, which will often die from the disease.
After many decades, the ban has had little impact on the spread of the disease, so most states have now lifted it. Meanwhile, much work is going into breeding white pine blister rust-resistant trees. However, some states still do not allow the growing of currants or require a permit to do so. Check state regulations for restrictions before planting. If you’re ordering from an online nursery, they will often list states that they can not ship to.
When to Plant Currants
Autumn is perhaps the best time of year to plant, as the soil’s still warm from the summer and your currants should settle in nicely before winter. You can also plant in early spring before growth emerges.
Purchase bare-root currants from a reliable nursery, selecting either 1- or 2-year-old vigorous stock. If you’re on a budget, waiting until autumn means bare-root currants are available to buy, which are usually much cheaper.
Or, plant a container-grown currant at any time of the year; just avoid the very warmest months so you’re not a slave to watering it.
Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site
Unlike most other fruit crops, currants tolerate partial shade and prefer a cool, moist growing area. After all, they are understory shrubs in the wild. They enjoy sloping ground and sheltered spots such as along the side of a building or a shady arbor.
All currants like rich, well-draining soil that holds moisture well but doesn’t get waterlogged. Incorporate organic matter (compost, peat, or manure) to improve the soil, particularly if it is somewhat sandy. Ensure good spacing and air circulation to avoid powdery mildew.
How to Care for Currants
Mulch to control weeds, retain moisture, and keep the soil cool.
Every year, spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plants and replenish it yearly. Suitable mulches include composted manure, compost, wood chips, or similar materials. Grass clippings make excellent mulch.
Every spring, sprinkle organic fertilizer over the soil surface to keep nutrients topped up.
Keep bushes well-watered, especially when young and getting established.
How to Prune Currants
Proper pruning will also help you get the most from your currants. Do this in winter, cutting out any dead or diseased wood, as well as badly placed branches—for example, branches that are likely to sag to the ground under the weight of fruit, or branches that are crossing and rubbing.
On blackcurrants you can completely remove up to a third of the oldest canes at a time—usually the thickest and darkest ones—to stimulate vigorous replacements, or to keep it even simpler, just cut out all of the canes that have just fruited.
For red and white currants, aim to encourage an open, bowl-like shape. Prune back new growth by half and cut the side shoots coming off the main stems to two buds. You also want to keep the short stem, or “leg,” that the branches emerge from clear of any shoots.
Whatever you’re pruning, make sure all cuts are made just above a bud that faces outward from the bush—this way you’ll get less growth directed into the bush and congesting it—a recipe for disease!
Red and white currants will also benefit from a midsummer prune. Simply cut back side shoots that have grown that season to around three to five leaves.
Types
Blackcurrants are the very easiest to grow. The bushes prefer full sun but will tolerate a little shade and will give up their vitamin C-rich berries for many years to come. Use them in pies, jams, or refreshing cordials.
Red and white currants are grown in a similar way as gooseberries, and it’s helpful to think of them almost as the same plant. These bushes also prefer the sun but cope admirably with partial shade. Unlike blackcurrants, they can be trained as cordons (single stem) or as standards—and they grow well in containers, too, making them the ideal choice for smaller gardens. White currants taste sweeter than red currants, which are perfect for cooking, making jams and jellies, and elevating just about any dessert.
How to Harvest Currants
As soon as the berries start to form, cover your bushes with netting to keep birds off, or—if you’re growing lots of fruit—consider setting up a fruit cage to keep all of your prized pickings secure.
Pick them once they’ve taken up their final color. Currants are grouped in trusses called “strigs.” You can pick off individual currants, but you’ll find it easier to pick or cut off an entire strig in one go. The simplest way to get the berries off the stalk is to comb them off with a fork like this—so much easier!
How to Store Currants
Currants are precious jewels that won’t last long. They’ll store in the fridge for a few days, but like all berries, use them up as soon as you can. One of the real plus points of currants is that they are a breeze to freeze.
Wit and Wisdom
Currants are not only delicious but also boost health with a high nutrient content. Vitamin C concentrations can be as high as 250 milligrams per 100 grams of juice, even after 6 months of storage!
Their flavor is quite tart, so they’re more often used in juices, jams, and jellies. Because currants can be frozen, they are also magnificent in smoothies or turned into fruit crumbles.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/plant/currants
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

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image from getdrawings.com 

      First day of Fall…I found this definition interesting and no way I am ready for this. 
“Another definition of fall is nights of below-freezing temperatures combined with days of temperatures below 70°F (21°C). From here on out, the temperatures begin to drop.” 
Our weather today will be 76F(24C) but the humidity is at 95%. It is cloudy skies this morning so that will help with the heat and the humidity.  Rain is coming this afternoon, but I am thinking it will be more north of us in Minnesota.  They have had lots of rain overnight, and the front is stalling there. 
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Australia family and friends for Sept 23 Tuesday will have a high of 63F(17C) but partly cloudy conditions expected. Wind gusts are up to 16 MPH out of the west so it will make if feel cooler.  Their schools are on break, so hopefully it will be a good 2 weeks for the kids to be out of school.
You will see a difference how we start our seasons, and how Australians do it. 

When we were in Australia, I thought when we would have our first day of Fall, then they would have their first day of spring.  BUT I was wrong.  Their first day of spring is September 1st.  Here is why. In Australia, it starts on September 1. That’s because we follow the meteorological seasonal system, which means the seasons change on the first of September, March, June and December. These guides make it easier for metrologists and climatologists to compare seasonal statistics.
But this isn’t the only way seasons are organized.  Some Indigenous Australian communities observe as many as six seasons in 12 months.
Northern parts of Western Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory — as well as countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea — follow the wet-dry seasonal calendar.
Areas near the poles also follow just the two seasons in a year.
What are astronomical seasons?  You may have heard of the winter solstice. It is the longest night of the year and is celebrated by a bunch of people in Tasmania jumping into frigid water in the nude.
But it is also one of the cornerstones of astronomical seasons. The winter solstice night is so long because it is the point when the southern hemisphere is angled most away from the Sun.  This usually happens between June 20-22. This year it happened on June 21.  The summer solstice is the longest day of the year when the southern hemisphere is pointed most towards the Sun. This year it will occur on December 22.
Due to warmer weather and longer days, clocks are pushed forward an hour in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory and Norfolk Island on the first Sunday of October.  Queensland, the Northern Territory and Western Australia do not observe daylight saving.
Taken from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-26/when-does-spring-start-astronomical-meteorological-seasons/101292714

When is the First Day of Fall? Autumnal Equinox 2025  Written By: Catherine Boeckmann
Welcome, fall! The autumnal equinox—also called the September equinox or the fall equinox—arrives on Monday, September 22. Not only do temperatures drop, but plant life slows down, and so do we. Read about the first day of fall, plus some fun facts and folklore.
When Is the First Day of Fall 2025?
The fall equinox and the first day of autumn arrive on Monday, September 22, 2025, at 2:19 P.M. EDT in the Northern Hemisphere. The equinox occurs at the same moment worldwide. Curious what time 2:19 P.M. EDT is where you live?
The autumnal equinox is an astronomical event that marks the start of autumn (or fall). In the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox occurs in September; in the Southern Hemisphere, it occurs in March.
One of our favorite pieces of trivia surrounding the autumnal equinox involves its relationship with the full Moon. Curiously, the full Moon that occurs nearest to the autumnal equinox is always called the Harvest Moon. Why is that?
Surprise, surprise: the name has to do with farming! Around the fall equinox, the full Moon rises around sunset for several nights in a row, traditionally providing farmers with just enough light to finish their harvests before the killing hard frosts of fall set in.
Typically, the Moon rises about an hour later each night, but around the time of the fall equinox, the angle of the Moon’s orbit and the tilt of the Earth line up just right and cause the Moon to rise only about 20 to 30 minutes later each night for several nights in a row!
What are your local signs of fall? In many regions of the Northern Hemisphere, the landscape silently explodes with vibrant colors of red, yellow, and orange. The leaves begin to drop off the trees, providing endless hours of jumping into leaf piles for kids—and raking up for parents!
Trees snapping and cracking in the autumn indicate dry weather.
Fall also brings some wonderful holidays, including Halloween and Thanksgiving, which carry us through the season until temperatures begin to drop, nights begin to get longer, and all the woodland critters start storing up for the long haul of winter.
And don’t forget about the end of Daylight Saving Time, when we “fall” back, setting our clocks back 1 hour and regaining an hour of precious sleep!
Plants and trees are slowing down to get ready for the colder season ahead as sunlight decreases. In the garden, asters and chrysanthemums bloom beautifully as orange pumpkins and corn mazes abound.
Football season is warming up, and so is sweater weather.
Also, notice the arc of the Sun across the sky each day as it starts shifting south. Birds and butterflies migrate along the path of our Sun!
Of course, you can easily notice the later dawns and earlier sunsets.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-fall-autumnal-equinox
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from blogspot.com 

       ​Good morning.  Cloudy, looks like rain, but I don’t think it is close to us.  BUT it is safe to say we will have a rainy weekend.  Temperature high today is 70F(21C).  It might feel more like fall, but I don’t know about the humidity.  That humidity moved in last night after the rain. We have a slow low system that is causing all this rain and really moving slowly.  Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Saturday Sept 20 looks like they are having rain also.  One of the friends wrote that it was nice during the week, so they worked in the garden, but yesterday it was very windy so wasn’t as nice to be outside.  High for them will be 56F(14C).  Stay warm, stay safe.
 
I guess I am interested in garden bugs.  I found this bug very interesting.  Now I don’t think I have seen this one in the gardens here.  Have you?  But I found it interesting how they use this spit to have their eggs in. 
 
That's not spit!
Written By: Andy Wilcox
Eww—what’s that foamy glop on your strawberry leaf or dahlia stem? It looks like spit, and you probably don’t even want to touch it. Don’t worry—your neighbor’s kid isn’t chewing tobacco in your garden. You’ve got spittlebugs. Here’s how to identify spittlebugs, understand what that frothy foam is, and know when (or if) you should get rid of them.
What Are Spittlebugs?
Spittlebugs are small, winged insects—over 30 species are native to North America. In most gardens, they’re not considered serious pests (aside from those nasty-looking spit globs). However, one species, the two-lined spittlebug (Prosapia bicincta), can damage turfgrass in the eastern half of the United States, ranging from Florida to Maine and as far west as Texas. Nymphs are particularly active in heavy thatch.
While spittlebugs typically don’t appear in large numbers, they can feed on a wide range of plants, including strawberries, herbs, ornamental grasses, perennials, and even trees. Some species are picky; others, not so much. Unlike many garden pests, both the adult and immature stages (called nymphs) feed on plants using their piercing-sucking mouthparts.
The most common species you’ll run into in gardens is the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius. If you spot one while walking with friends, you might shake your fist at the sky and declare, “Ahhh, Philaenus spumarius, my old foe!” Your friends will think you’re cool and wildly knowledgeable. Maybe. If they’re good friends. (Didn’t work that way for me, come to think of it.)
Philaenus spumarius froghopper on a green leaf with blurred background
Spit happens! Meet the froghopper behind those foamy blobs on your plants. Credit: Luc Pouliot
Spittlebugs usually have just one generation per year, overwintering as eggs in the garden’s duff layer. In spring, the eggs hatch and nymphs emerge—hidden inside their foamy spit bubbles. They’ll molt several times before becoming adults.
Are Spittlebugs Harmful to Plants?
In most home gardens, spittlebugs aren’t harmful enough to worry about. While both nymphs and adults feed by sucking sap from plant stems, the damage is usually minimal—especially when their numbers are low. You might notice a little stunted growth or slight wilting on tender plants, but it’s rarely serious.
The biggest nuisance is the frothy spit they produce to hide in—not actual plant damage. However, in large infestations or with certain species like the two-lined spittlebug, feeding can cause more visible damage, especially in warm-season lawns (Centipede grass, Bermuda grass, Zoysia grass, St. Augustine grass).
Adults are sometimes found feeding on hollies in late summer and early fall. For most gardeners, spittlebugs are more icky than harmful—and control usually isn’t necessary unless they become unusually abundant.
Why the Spit?
Spittlebugs are unique in that they feed not on the phloem layer of the plant but on the xylem tissues. The xylem carries water and is much more diluted in terms of nutrients, so the spittlebugs must filter out a lot of fluid to get the nutrition they seek. All that water must be excreted, which is how they make the wet, foamy mess we know them by. Spittlebug nymphs are hidden quite well inside the bubbly mass and can be hard to see unless you poke around inside it.
Although the foamy substance resembles spit, it comes not from the mouth but from the other end. Check out this page from the University of Wisconsin Extension for more disturbing details on how the spittlebugs make those secretions they leave on your plants.
How to Identify Spittlebugs
We normally don’t notice spittlebugs at all unless we spot the telltale spit they leave behind. They are small, and the damage they cause to plants is often not noticed unless there is an abundance of them.
Spittlebug nymphs emerge in spring and are pale green or yellow and are almost always spotted inside the spit glob. However, they will move around to find better food if their current location has dried up. They go through several stages, getting larger until the final instar, when they develop wings and darker coloring.
Adult spittlebugs are about half an inch long and have large hind legs. They often hop great distances when disturbed but rarely fly, leading to their other common name, froghoppers. They can be brown, yellow, tan, or a mottled combination of colors. Adult two-lined spittlebugs have two distinct orange or red lines across their wings, which appear as two stripes when their wings are folded on their back.
Spittlebug eggs are nondescript, small and white, and not often seen. They are laid in the fall by females in plant tissue, often interior to the plant stem, where they are hidden.
Identifying Spittlebug Damage
While spittlebugs can be a nuisance in a few crops like strawberries and ornamental herbaceous plants when in high numbers, they usually aren’t a serious pest to our gardens. You’ll notice them by the white, frothy spittle the nymphs create, but not normally by damage to plants.
The host plants are widely varied, as there are many species of spittlebugs, and they can be anything from conifer trees to roses and herbs like mint. Other than the unpleasant idea of getting wet from touching their spittle, they aren’t much cause for alarm in normal numbers. Many spittlebugs on the same plant can cause distorted new growth.
Two-lined spittlebugs commonly feed on turfgrass, with centipede grass and St. Augustine grass being the most common targets. Stippled grass blades and blotchy patches not attributed to other problems (plus spittle) are common symptoms.
Control and Prevention
How to Get Rid of Spittlebugs
Spittlebugs don’t do much damage, but they till aren’t welcome in our gardens. In yards, the two-lined spittlebug can cause blotchy, unattractive patches, which are more severe where thatch has built up.
If the sight of spit bubbles is driving you up the wall—or you’re seeing signs of plant stress—here are a few easy, low-impact ways to manage them:
Knock them off your plants with a shot from the hose. It will wash away the spittle and dislodge the nymph, which will have to take time to crawl back up and find another suitable feeding spot. While it relocates, the nymph is vulnerable to becoming a snack for birds and predatory insects.
Squish them by hand (put on some kitchen rubber gloves if you like). The nymph is inside the spittle. If you’re not squeamish, just pinch off the spit blobs or wipe them away. This exposes the nymphs to predators and the elements.
Encourage natural predators. Birds, spiders, and beneficial insects like assassin bugs will happily snack on spittlebugs.
Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used in serious cases—but these are rarely necessary and may harm beneficial insects. Always try gentler methods first.
Read up on how to use natural methods to control pests in the garden.
Heavy infestations, especially in Scotch pine trees, can be treated with insecticide following the manufacturer’s directions on the label.
For two-lined spittlebugs in grass, dethatching and using an insecticide labeled for spittlebug control can help.
How to Prevent Spittlebugs
Spittlebugs overwinter as eggs and reemerge in spring. Good garden hygiene can help, especially in a strawberry patch, but prevention is difficult.
Avoid over-fertilizing. Too much nitrogen can encourage lush, tender growth that sap-suckers love. Keep plants healthy but not overfed.
Keep the garden clear of adjacent weeds and tall grasses. Kill nymphs as they are found in spring and summer, and encourage predatory insects by planting beds of native plants.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/pest/spittlebugs-get-rid-them-or-let-them-be
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from ar.inspriedpencil.com 

      Good morning.  We have clouds in the sky, but it doesn’t look like rain clouds.  We have rain in the forecast for this afternoon.  We will see what happens.  Temperature is comfortable at 60F(16C).  We had another inch of rain, so it was 2 inches in 2 days.  That is greening up the grass and settling down the dust.  How about you?  Rain in the forecast through the weekend.  Saves on watering by hand.  Stay warm, stay cool, stay dry, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Sept 19 Friday will be 67F(19C) but their low was 47F(8C).  It looks like it will rain for the next few days too.  They like spring rains, so it helps when it gets so dry this summer.    It is the end of their 3rd term (as they call it instead of quarters) in school, so they will have 2 weeks off for a break.  We enjoyed that time when we were there a year ago.  We got to see the grandkids and spend time with them.  Stay warm, stay cool, stay dry, stay safe.
 
I just heard about army worms from a farmer that had hay he was going to bale.  If he didn’t cut it, and bale it up, they would have eaten all the leaves.  I know the farmers that read this, you know about them, but I wanted to share for the gardeners like me that never heard of them. 

Written By:  Andy Wilcox
Armyworms get their name from their habit of congregating and moving en masse when searching for food, like an invading army! While they are typically grass family pests and can do a number on your lawn, they are also capable of damaging corn, soybeans, and even broadleaf garden plants. Learn how to identify these caterpillars and what to do about them.
What Are Armyworms?
Several caterpillars go by the common name of armyworm or army worm. The fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is responsible for turf damage in the South and is often a pest in yards, eating turfgrass. Seemingly overnight, your lawn will appear to be suffering from drought with brown-yellow patches.
True armyworms (Mythimna unipuncta) are an agricultural pest, often infesting fields of cereal grains, rice, corn, and other grasses, but can attack broadleaf plants (your garden) if large populations have depleted their primary food sources. See other pests of sweet corn.
In addition, there is a tent-forming armyworm (Malacosoma americanum), which is a forest caterpillar found in trees in spring and summer. They create a large webbed shelter with hundreds of caterpillars inside and feed on the leaves of broadleaf trees and shrubs. While tent caterpillars are a pest, we’ll talk about true armyworms and fall armyworms below.
Armyworm Life Cycle
Regardless of the specific species of armyworm plaguing you, their method of damage is the same. It’s the larval stage, not the adult moth, that does the damage. Caterpillars go through several instars, or stages, before pupating into adult moths. All instars cause defoliation, and the last stages are where most of the eating occurs. A late instar infestation of true armyworms can defoliate an entire cornfield practically overnight. A green lawn can become a victim to a wave of armyworms and turn into a blotchy, browned mess in short order.
Neither fall armyworms nor true armyworms can overwinter in northern areas with persistent freezing temperatures, but adults will migrate north in spring after spending the winter in milder climates. Armyworms generally prefer plants in the grass family (yes, corn is a grass) but will eat other plants when their preferred food source is unavailable. If you garden near an agricultural field, your garden could be a target, especially if the hay is baled or the corn is chopped, depriving them of food.
How to Identify Army Worms
Skinny, squishy caterpillars—the kind birds love to eat—are easy to find in the garden, but identifying an armyworm caterpillar from a different kind of larva can be challenging. You won’t likely notice them until you see leaf damage. In both fall armyworms and true armyworms, the younger instars look rather nondescript, small, and can be yellowish-green or brown-green. As they progress into later instars, distinct markings appear.
Armyworm caterpillars
True armyworm late-stage caterpillars have three sets of true legs near the head, four sets of prolegs (sort of fleshy, lumpy looking) near the middle, and one pair of prolegs at the tail end. They have a distinct head that is smooth and has a patterned or stippled appearance. The main body is striped lengthwise, with dark brown or black, creamy white, and rust-orange coloring.
Fall armyworm caterpillars are dark green with a dark head when younger. Later instars develop thin white stripes. Older fall armyworm larvae have a cream or white inverted V or Y shape on the head, with the point of the V facing up.
Armyworm eggs
True armyworm eggs are small, yellow-white, and laid in a compact mass of several rows. There can be only a few or up to 200 eggs in a batch.
Fall armyworm eggs are often laid on lighter-colored surfaces, such as fence posts, the undersides of leaves, or tree limbs. There are typically 100–200 eggs, and they appear fuzzy, like a small cotton ball, instead of well-defined. It’s the fuzzy look that gives it away.
Armyworm adult moths
True armyworm moths are nondescript (to us non-lepidopterist folks) tan-colored moths. They’re a medium size, about an inch and a half across, with a fat furry body. The species name Mythimnau unipuncta comes from the single, very small white dot present in the center of the forewing (front wing).
Fall armyworm moths are grayish-brown medium-sized moths with patterned darker forewings, whitish and slightly transparent furry rear wings, and a furry tan body. Again, not colorful or very distinct to most observers.
Identifying Army Worm Damage
Armyworms  often hide during the day, but anytime you notice chunks missing from your leaves, it’s time to go on a worm hunt. Look during the morning and the evening, when there is still enough light to see them, and they are active. You will find these little worms feeding on your turf grass.
Fall armyworms can even feed on ears of corn, leaving them inedible and ruined. Fall armyworms feeding on your lawn give it the appearance of drought damage, with browned, dead-looking spots.
Armyworms have chewing mouthparts and will eat holes in the leaves, eventually consuming all but the tougher midribs and stalks. You may see them crawling up a stem or actively munching a leaf. Look on the undersides of stems and leaves for eggs (and smush them with wild abandon).
Check carefully anytime you see damaged plants or plants that look drought-stressed or wilted when the rest of the garden is fine. If two plants are wilting but their neighbors in the same row are fine, that’s a clue it might not be drought stress—check for larvae.
Control and Prevention
How to Get Rid of Army Worms
For northern gardeners, armyworms may not show up every year, and they are usually less of a problem in city areas away from huge agricultural fields. However, monitoring is always the first step in a pest management practice.
In the garden, you may be able to keep up with them by handpicking, especially since they target only a few plants, not the entire vegetable patch. Like any pest caterpillar, drop them into a small container of soapy water, or collect them and feed them to your hungry backyard chicken flock.
Natural predators are often sufficient to keep armyworm populations in check in lawns and gardens. Birds, wasps, and parasitic flies all target armyworm larvae. Plant native flowering species and avoid broad insecticides to encourage these helpers to stick around and do their thing.
How to Prevent Army Worms
Migrating pests like armyworms are hard to prevent, and in this case, monitoring and early action are more effective. Watch for large concentrations of birds in your yard, or if you suspect armyworms in your turf, try the following soap test:
Fall armyworms will often spend the daytime buried in the soil, especially in a mown lawn. Mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap (about one good, healthy squirt) in a gallon of warm water and swish it around. Then, pour it over a 1x2-foot area of damaged lawn. Wait a few minutes, and any armyworms will come to the surface.
To minimize problems with armyworms:
Keep areas near gardens trimmed of tall grassy weeds, one of their food sources.
Watch for eggs and remove them (always a good idea for any pest).
Keep an eye on local Extension news. Building pest pressure from armyworms or other insects is often reported to keep farmers in the know. If you see an alert for armyworms, you can watch the fields and anticipate problems in your garden.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/pest/armyworms-how-get-rid-lawn-pest
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

image from Old Farmer's Almanac 

     Good morning this Wed.  To the west the sky is dark, looks like rain, and sounds like it with the thunder.  We had 1 inch late yesterday afternoon, and wind.  Close to us they had hail, but we just had the rain.  Rained this morning again, and maybe more coming.  It was dry so good to have moisture.  Still going to be warm at 83F(28C) . It is 6 degrees above average.  There is a cool front moving in so that is why the moisture and then it will be cooler for the weekend. Stay dry, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends are having a cool morning with a low of 39F(4C). It will warm up to 66F(18C). That seems like the temperature when we were there.  They said it was cold, and we enjoyed the cooler temperatures.   Stay warm, stay safe.
​
Sitting Too Much? Try Microbreaks and Outdoor Time for Better Health  Written By: Margaret Boyles
If you spend hours sitting—whether at a desk, crafting table, or couch—you’re not alone. But too much sitting comes with serious health risks, from heart disease to higher stress. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your life to see benefits. Small “microbreaks” and a few minutes outdoors can boost your energy, sharpen focus, and even improve long-term well-being. Here’s how simple movement and nature can make a big difference.
Why Sitting Too Much Is Harmful
Sitting too much? As someone who has “sat for a living” for decades as a writer-editor, I can relate to sitting for long periods of time. Recent studies have associated long periods of sitting with more cardiovascular disease, larger waists, more cancer, and other health risks.
What Are Microbreaks?
Experts recommend taking short breaks every 20 to 30 minutes that get you up and moving around. Canadian blogger Paul Ingraham calls it “microbreaking.”
Easy Microbreak Ideas at Home and Work
You don’t need to do vigorous exercise during these brief breaks from sitting. Just get up and move around for a couple of minutes.
At home, you could put a load of laundry in the washer, get a glass of water, take a couple of trips up and down the stairs, walk around the driveway, or pace while you talk on a cell phone.
People at work could walk to the printer, copier, or restroom; walk in place; or stroll to a colleague’s desk with a question.
Don’t forget, though, that these mini-movement breaks don’t substitute for longer bouts of aerobic and strengthening exercise that build and maintain your fitness base.
The Healing Power of Nature
Now, it’s time to think about getting outside.
A substantial body of research affirms the numerous health benefits of spending time in natural settings, such as walking in woods or urban parks, canoeing down a river, tending a vegetable garden, or meandering along a coastline or lakeshore.
Researchers have found that spending time in nature strengthens a person’s immune system, reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure, and improves social interactions. Furthermore, it may enhance learning and increase empathy.
Even a brief 5-minute dose of outdoor time increases our sense of well-being. Try a short stroll, or what I call slow walking.
Interestingly, green spaces such as parks and community gardens in urban residential environments seem to reduce crime (especially gun violence), decrease domestic violence, stimulate positive social interactions, and strengthen family connections.
What’s more, hospital patients exposed to green spaces through their windows (rather than parking lots) have better clinical outcomes. They experience less fear, anxiety, and anger; have lower blood pressure; and need fewer medications.
So there’s much to be said for even just the notion of the outdoors.
Human health may depend on connecting with nature.
The term “biophilia” refers to the hypothesis that human health may depend on a connection with nature.
Biologist Edward O. Wilson and others have hypothesized that a deep affinity, which they call “biophilia,” exists between humans and other living systems. Proponents of the hypothesis suggest that a connection with the plants and animals around us, including those species too small to see, is essential to our physical and mental health and productivity.
Consequently, public health advocates around the world have begun advocating immersion in nature for health.
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/do-you-sit-too-much-get-and-move
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

Australia Butcher bird 

Good morning, clear, blue sky and at 8:00 AM the air is crisp and cool, but I know that is going to change as the sun gets higher in the sky.  Another warm day 86F(31C)   12 degrees above normal. We are to have rain, and then cool down.  That will be great.   Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for their Sept 17 will have a high of 68F(20C) with winds up to 13 mph.  One wrote yesterday that they were having nice rain, which is needed as they were dry going into their spring. You remember that one year ago, we were there visiting.  Larry and I can understand what their weather is like in springtime.  You know, what I enjoyed was all the blooming plants coming out during spring.  ENJOY, and stay safe.
 
I had someone ask what kind of bird this was from yesterday’s post.  So I asked Friends of the Botanic Garden of Sale and they wrote back it was a butcher bird. I found out what they are. Notice the size of how large they are.  Interesting that a large songbird and native to Australia.  Have a read about them.
​
Butcherbird
Butcherbirds are a group of songbirds known for their distinct hunting strategy. With their powerful hooked bills, they wedge their prey into thorns, forks, or crevices, and hence get their name. Their primary prey includes insects, arthropods, and small vertebrates.
Depending on the species, their plumage ranges from black-and-white to mostly black or grey. They are native to Australasia and inhabit a wide variety of environments, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid shrublands.
Butcherbird (Types and Species)
Types
The 6 species of the genus Cracticus and the only species of the genus Melloria are collectively referred to as butcherbirds.
Black Butcherbird (Melloria quoyi)
Grey Butcherbird (Cracticus torquatus)
Silver-Backed Butcherbird (Cracticus argenteus)
Hooded Butcherbird (Cracticus cassicus)
Tagula Butcherbird (Cracticus louisiadensis)
Black-Backed Butcherbird (Cracticus mentalis)
Pied Butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis)
Description
Size: Body Length: Between 12 and 16 in (30 and 40 cm)
Weight: Between 0.18 and 0.33 lb (80 and 150 g)
Butcherbird
Body and Coloration: They have robust bodies with relatively short legs compared to their body length. Their bill is straight and large, ending in a distinctive hook that acts as a skewer.
Depending on the species, these birds have black, white, and grey plumage patterns. For instance, the pied butcherbird has a black hood and throat, white underparts, and black-and-white wings and tail. On the other hand, the black butcherbird is almost entirely black except for a pale gray bill. The chicks of these birds are more brown in appearance than the adults.
These birds are closely related to the Australian magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen) and share similar black-and-white plumage patterns. However, the magpie is generally larger and lacks the distinctive hooked bill found in butcherbirds.
Distribution
These birds are found on the mainland of Australia, Tasmania, New Guinea, and the eastern parts of Indonesia.
Habitat
Butcherbirds primarily occupy open forests and woodlands. They are particularly common in dry sclerophyll woodlands and forests dominated by eucalyptus trees. However, depending on the species, their habitats may vary. For example, the black butcherbird inhabits mangrove forests and riparian areas, whereas the pied and silver-backed butcherbirds are found in savannahs and grasslands. The grey butcherbird is often spotted in urban and suburban areas, such as parks, backyards, and golf courses.
They are primarily carnivorous birds, typically feeding on insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants, and cockroaches, as well as other invertebrates, such as spiders and worms. Small vertebrates, including frogs, lizards, and rodents, also constitute a crucial part of their diet. Some species, like the pied butcherbird, also feed on the nestlings and fledglings of other birds.
Occasionally, some species may also supplement their diet with fruits, berries, seeds, and nectar, particularly when their primary resources are scarce.
Behavior
These birds impale their prey on thorns, forks, or crevices to tear it apart, often storing it for later use.
Both male and female butcherbirds are capable of singing. Pied butcherbirds, in particular, are known for their striking dawn choruses, which comprise flute-like melodies, antiphonal duets, and even mimicry of other birds.
Breeding pairs fiercely defend their territories by watching out for intruders and swooping at predators that threaten them. They also exhibit cooperative mobbing behavior to fend off their enemies.
Lifespan
Depending on the species, butcherbirds typically have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years in the wild. However, the grey butcherbird has a maximum-recorded lifespan of 20.2 years in the wild, while the pied butcherbird has been recorded at a maximum of around 22.2 years.
Reproduction
All species, except hooded and black butcherbirds, undergo cooperative breeding, in which older offspring assist their parents in raising new chicks. In most species, the females build cup-shaped nests using twigs, bark, and grass. They then place the nest in the forks of tree branches.
Female butcherbirds typically lay 2 to 5 eggs in a clutch, though the number has been reported to be higher (up to 6 eggs) in more open-country species, such as the pied butcherbird. The eggs are incubated for 18 to 21 days, depending on the species, after which the young hatch. These young tend to squeak and trail behind their mother as she tries to capture food for them. The chicks remain with their mother until they are almost fully grown and ready to venture independently.
Predators
The primary predators of these birds are raptors, including goshawks, falcons, and hawks, as well as tree-climbing snakes, feral cats, possums, and sometimes foxes. These predators typically target eggs, chicks, and occasionally adults.
Taken from https://www.animalspot.net/butcherbird
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse

​What a lovely morning in the gardens with the Friends Group.  

We were eating and enjoying a cuppa after finishing our gardening session.
Did you figure out what cuppa is?  Cup of coffee

The curious birds came to see what the Friends were up to today. 

​The forest lily is getting closer and closer to flowering, also known as Veltheimia bracteata or Winter Red Hot Poker.
It grows well under trees or in pots.

​It’s taken me years to be in the right place at the right time to take shots of this gorgeous purple flowering plant.
It seems to be Veronica perfoliata, also commonly known as Digger's Speedwell and is an Australian native plant.

​Here’s some of the birds that live in the gardens. Those cheeky sulphur crested cockatoos were having a great time nipping away at the bulbs.

 Good morning, it is almost noon.  We had showers this morning but looks like the blue sky is coming now.  Did you have rain?  It was a small shower.  I will wait now and water the trees/shrubs tomorrow.  On another warm day with a high of 86F(31C) our average for this time of the year is 73F(22C) so 13 degrees warmer. Sometime this month it will be 13 degrees cooler.   Stay cool, stay safe.
 
Australia family and friends for Tuesday Sept 16 will be a pleasant spring day.  High of 64F917C) but they are to have rain.  Talking with the family, they are drier so rain will be appreciated.  Last year when we were there, they had plenty of rain before we got there so it was very green and wet.  They need to have spring rains to keep things green and not dry out for grass fires in their summer.  Stay cool, stay safe. 
​
I have posted pictures from the Friends of Sale Botanic Garden.  I labeled them with what they wrote.  Hope you enjoy. 
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa [email protected]  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365  Beckysgreenhouse.com  Facebook Becky Kerndt Litterer or Becky’s Greenhouse