I mentioned on a previous post that I don’t mind weeding my gardens. In fact, I actually enjoy it (I just wish I had more time to do it!). I love the chance to get down on the ground and up close and personal with all the little denizens who call my gardens home.

There have been TONNES of praying mantises in the garden this year. They are still pretty small. The one on the left is only about an inch and half long… and the one on the right is even smaller.

It’s also grasshopper season! They come in varying shades of green and brown. Each one is totally unique!

And just look at this little carpenter bee snuggled down in a portulaca bloom!

Or these two little solitary bees! These guys tuck into the sunflowers as soon as as the temps dip when the sun goes down.

Or what about this fuzzy little bumble bee doing a spiderman impression on the underside of the willow leaf!

Yesterday, I was thinking how I hadn’t seen any red-spotted purple butterflies in the garden yet this year – they are regular visitor. And as soon as I went out on lunch… there was one in the raspberries! The universe must have been listening.

And last…

I will leave you with these two sweet mourning dove babies, nesting on the ledge of Uncle Billy’s cottage porch!