Things That “Bug” Me

I have been gardening in Virginia since 1985, and I love every type of flower you can imagine. My yard is chock full of hundreds of plants that were gifted to me by friends and family, purchased at garden centers and Norfolk Master Gardener plant sales, and carted home from the side of the road.

Lately though, it is not the blooms that beckon me to the garden, but rather all the critters that buzz and flutter amongst them. I can easily identify everything I have lovingly planted over the years, but even the shortest visit to the garden turns up an insect, or spider that I do not recognize. The foray into the flower beds is generally followed by at least 30 minutes’ worth of research on the computer to identify the tiny visitor that I just discovered, using a photo from my phone as a reference. I love to share these photos with my family and friends, but the pictures invariably elicit a loud “EEEEEW, YUCK!” If you ask me what "bugs" me, it is not the creepers and crawlers in the garden, but the lack of appreciation for their beauty and diversity by human beings. I am not suggesting that we must love every mosquito that tries to suck the life blood out of us but taking a few minutes to look beyond the blossoms never fails to provide you a chance to learn something new about the garden's inhabitants, and subsequently helps you to resist the urge to reach for a pesticide. After all, it is we humans who are invading their homes as they work to prepare dinner, raise their babies, take a nap, or just enjoy the sunshine. Below are a few of the wondrous critters I have discovered in my garden. As you look through them I hope you are inspired to join me in saying “bugs don't bug me!”