Hurry Scurry

 The weather seems a couple of weeks ahead of itself this year and there are moderate temperatures in the forecast so I am trying to get all of my raised beds prepped for planting and annuals either planted up or moved out of their nursery cells into larger pots so they are not as difficult to keep alive.  The raised bed prep involves aerating the soil with a broad fork and raking any new weeds out.  I should be planting both my sweet corn and in ground tomatoes this weekend.  There is always a lot of set up with bringing plant supports and T-posts etc out of storage and distributing them where needed.

Storm Cloud Amsonia

I have been juggling grow thru grids around.  In some cases, as above, they are needed for stem support on tall plants.  In other places then are useful for blocking snoopy deer noses.  Sometimes just putting them over a low growing plant is enough to deter a taste test.  Other times they are needed in addition to repellent spray.  Besides all of the spring set up and planting, there are the usual chores: water, weed, fertilize, protect.  It is a busy time of year.  The busiest.

This morning when I was making my rounds I came across this Giant Silk Moth.  I've never seen one before.  It was even larger (wider) than a Luna Moth.  It was probably dying, as the adults do not eat, they just mate and die within a week.  I moved it from the driveway to the edge of the lawn.  If I collected things like this it would have been a perfect specimen.  It was beautiful.