Preying Mantis in our California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum). They sure do keep two eyes on you.

Sunflower seeds ready to be eaten by backyard birds. Bet the scrub jays will cache them all.

I was not a fan of this Black Widow that was in my very well sorted irrigation parts bin earlier today. 🌱

I’ve installed valves to isolate our crop rows so we can have slightly better control of what rows get water. Hope to get herbs seeded in the first (closest) row and the other two will be shutoff. 🌱

California fuchsias still blooming, and that makes our hummingbirds very pleased.

Now that I’m adding to our compost pile at night, our resident Western Toad can be seen hard at work. Mustn’t let the bugs get too far away from the pile!

Here’s my annual “elderberries are breaking summer dormancy” post.

Before and after: California grape leaves.

Quick temp fence repair. Someone long ago didn’t set the fence posts in concrete so they’ll all rotting out. It’s time for a new rear fence. Cross braced it up on the other side with a long 2x4. Empty lot behind us fortunately.

Long time followers know I cannot not take the opportunity to photograph a mantis.