I am sure all sorts of creatures live in our garden that I do not even know about. I found one the other day that I did not recognise.
It does look other-worldly, but it seems this is the junior stage of the common seven spot ladybird. How did I go so long without knowing this? I had noticed lots of these things on the wall of our house and wondered what they were. I am assuming the young climb up there to form a chrysalis as they transform into adults. As far as I know ladybirds are good to have around as they eat various pests.
I had a bit of a wander around the garden this evening. It rained today and there was some loud thunder. The recent rain is making everything grow like mad.
This is actually our gravel area, but the plants in it have sprung up in the last week or so.
I do like food plants that come back every year. The blackcurrant lost some branches, but what is left has lots of fruit. Spot the neighbour's cat.
Lots of gooseberries too, but we have not done much with these so far. I am happy to donate them to those who want to make jam and puddings.
I just noticed some strawberries are nearly ripe. I keep weeding the grass that spreads in there, but I also found a load of snails and one big slug who would be after my fruit. They got tossed over the fence. I will say that next door is overgrown, so they cannot do any harm there.
The rhubarb is also up and we will give plenty away.
The other strawberry bed was in this bed, but they have mostly moved out. They are a different variety to the others and come later.
We have not actually planted much this year, but we have space to put in some plants that will provide more produce, so I will pick some up when I can.
I mentioned our pool the other day. We have patched the leaks and I had a swim on Sunday. Although it is not super warm here it is fine once you are in. I am not sure you need to see my pale body though.