Tuesday, June 26, 2012

The Garden's Smallest Toad

Today, I saw the smallest toad I have ever seen in the garden.  It was near the southernmost river birch.

It was about 1/3 the size of the fingernail on my little finger.

I have been wondering why I never see tadpoles in the garden pool.  If that is how small they are, it explains why I never see them.

St. John's Day

Sunday was St. John's Day (6-24-12).

As is traditional, I burned St. John's Wort on St. John's Day to ensure good luck for the coming year.

Cedarburg Strawberry Festival 2012

Attended the Cedarburg Strawberry Festival on Saturday (6-23-12).

Saw some nice Delphiniums at the festival, which reinforces my belief that we should grow more Delphiniums.

Japanese Beetles

Killed 25 Japanese beetles in the garden on Friday (6-22-12).

Did not kill any Saturday because we were gone most of the day.

Killed 32 on Sunday.

Killed 17 yesterday (Monday).

Killed 5 so far today, but the day is far from over.

MGV Volunteer Hours

On Thursday (6-21-2012), I went to Gus's Green Thumb Garden (or whatever it is formally called these days) to perform MGV volunteer hours.

I got credit for 4 hours (includes driving time).

I spent most of the time watering but also did some weeding (bindweed in bloom!).

I also mixed up an aluminum sulfate solution to make the hydrangea bloom blue instead of pink.  Just to demonstrate how to do it was the official reason given.