Backyard companions

Wednesday, August 4, 2010




Early in the mornings Dave and I are out in the blackberry patch picking before the temperature hits 150 degrees. We are on the lookout for our companion. She hangs around our blackberry patch because hey....she's not stupid. This is her second or third season with us. If we drop a ripe berry....we don't worry because we know she will be right there to help us. Right now she's eating dandelion leaves. (Very nutritious and high in vitamin C or A....I can't remember which right now. Our turtle is all about health food.) It feels nice picking berries with her close by. We have been picking about 2-4 gallons of berries each day so we have plenty to share with her.

I planted my parsley, fennel and basil adjacent to my blackberry patch....and you can tell I've had visitors here too.

These caterpillars are going to turn into Black Swallowtail butterflies. They just love parsley and fennel.....I don't get to eat any of these herbs from the garden until later in the fall .....I just feel like a murderer if I clip those plants any earlier. I don't want to be accused of eating butterfly babies. And....not to worry. The plants grow back just fine.

Remember He-Man (the most powerful man in the universe) and She-ra, his girlfriend? It was one of my son's favorite cartoons. I had to watch a lot of He-Man's adventures. Well, here is a shot of She-ra. She's making off with some cat food. This scrap is about as big as her.

She's telling everyone to look what she brought home for dinner! And get off their duffs and help her!

You can tell it's kind of quiet around here. I've been drawing out quilt blocks for our newest project, Garden Club. Barb and I can hardly wait to get the drawings completed so we can begin working with our newest line of fabric. Will show some pictures as we progress. So far everything is still on paper.

Hope you are keeping cool!

Until later,

Alma

21 comments

  1. Love your little buddy! I can relate to the half eaten herbs. I just had my windowbox of flowers disappear courtesy of either the deer or grounhog! Any news on the next installment of Anniversaries of the Heart? - I'm anxiously collecting them and will stitch them all together.

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  2. aahh I love this blog post, thanks for sharing your wildlife and garden friends with us.

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  3. It was fun to see all your backyard friends. Where do turtles go in wintertime I wonder? Can't wait to see your new quilt/fabric!

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  4. your garden friends are so nice.
    I'm battling chipmunks here, we have a bumper crop.
    The birds have been lovely to watch, but I'm still waiting for a hummer.
    Trying to stay cool here in NJ - not easy!
    I always love to see what lovey things you are working on.

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  5. Alma,
    Thanks to sharing this pictures!!
    I love every post... I love your blogg!!!
    Hope the new project!!!

    Kisses from Spain.

    Martina.

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  6. I love taking pictures of the tiny creatures I find too. :) however I don't like finding caterpillars because they eat my garden. But I love when they become butterflies.

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  7. I love taking pictures of the tiny creatures I find too. :) however I don't like finding caterpillars because they eat my garden. But I love when they become butterflies.

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  8. Thanks for the blog post! Also looking forward to hearing news on the July Anniversaries of the Heart installment!

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  9. Sounds like a fun and fasinating process. It will be fantastic when your done for sure.
    Love your pictures and your turtle. Does she go in the house?

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  10. Love those blackberries! You sure are getting alot. I like to freeze some and have cobblers throughout the winter.
    I do indeed remember He-Man! My son got the castle when he stopped sucking his thumb....
    My mother has been very active in a
    garden club for over 50 years so I am anxious to see your new chart!
    Stay cool....

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  11. Blackberries are one of my favorite things to eat - well, any berry is! Your plants are just beautiful, and it must be so fun to pick them. I like your herb garden too. I've been thinking about having one maybe next year. Wow, that She-ra is pretty strong!

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  12. Do I see a future needlework design in those blackberries? :-)
    The sweet, juicy delights of summer!
    We cut our wild bushes down - too many bears were tempted to the party!
    Hugs!
    Diane

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  13. WE have a turtle also who is very friendly he comes to visit often.
    Your turtle has wonderful taste in friends and food.
    Happy Summer to you and your family.

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  14. I'm sure all those berries keep you busy! I miss living in the UK and just picking berries by the side of the footpaths...

    (btw...we have a three legged turtle that lives in our front garden. He visits the cat's dry food bowl at night!)

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  15. Loved your garden comments and critter friends, especially that turtle. I just received the "Happy Birthday" pattern and love it! It's a great series, and I'm waiting with bated breath for the next installment. My best to you and Barb!

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  16. What a sweet post! It is a wonderful feeling when you slow down the daily pace and notice the beauty in everyday surroundings... thank you!

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  17. Great pictures!

    Can you share news on Anniversaries of the Heart?

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  18. Great pics of the caterpillars!! So nice of you to share your garden with them :)

    And my son LOVED He-man and She-ra!

    SheilaC

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  19. Debbie said...
    Love this blog and the fabric.

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  20. Iv'e never paid much attention to "backyard companions". Your photos are fascinating!!! I believe you have opened up a whole new world of learning for me.
    There really is more to life than fabrics, stitching and families?

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  21. I LOVE THE FABRICS. YOU KNOW SENCE WALMART GOT RIDE OF THERE FABRIC IT IS HARD TO FIND FABRIC THAT IS NOT REALLY HIGH. I ONLY BUY JUST THE AMOUNT THAT I NEED DON'T BUY MUCH EXTRA. I AM TRYING TO GET READY FOR A CRAFT SHOW IN NOV. BERNICE

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