The mimicry attribute of the praying mantis is not often talked about. In this video, we observe it using mimicry to stalk and hunt a house fly. The amount of patience practiced is reflected in the length in which it took the praying mantis to complete the hunt. The video picks up on a hunt that had already been in progress. The video records the hunt in its entirety. The mantis’ movements can be observed when the breeze moves the bramble.
To skip ahead, these are the interesting parts.
9:10 a strong breeze moves the bramble and the mantis finds the opportunity to move closer to the fly.
12:23 another breeze and another move closer.
13:01 another breeze, another move closer, and the final foot placement
14:47 the sun is setting. movement is now extension of body
23:40 with body extended and prey withing grasp, mantis makes the final grab.

Un-boxing the latest online order from Botanical Interests.

As a seed addict/hoarder, it is really difficult to resist the free shipping promos that run from time to time. See what heirloom seeds were ordered.

http://botanicalinterests.com
This video is not sponsored by Botanical Interests.

Fruits on the ‘Black Prince’ and ‘Italian Roma’ tomatoes along with the ‘Jalapeno’ and ‘Manganji’ peppers continue to form. Still waiting on the ‘Black Beauty’ and the other tomato varieties to form fruit.

Since the last update, a ‘Ping Ting’ eggplant was transplanted to the bed. The ‘Kuroda’ carrots were consume; and today a new crop of carrots will be sown. At the same time, the ‘Krishna’ tulsi (holy basil) are ready to be transplanted.

Come join us as I give a tour my front yard garden. This version of the garden is two years old. The landscape is premised on permaculture principles. Plants are grown for their ascetic appeal and their function. Read more at: https://www.neverenoughdirt.com/the-gardens/

If you’re like me and you feel like there is never enough dirt to grow your veggies and herbs, I hope this video inspires you to grow them as part of your front yard landscape.

2015 Elephant harvest video: https://youtu.be/9-ng88ECs5s

For our nation’s birthday, we throw food and some freshly picked golden bantam heirloom corn on the grill.

BBQ sweet corn is one of summer’s best treats.  Seeds sowed in early April, the corn are ready to be picked and thrown straight on the grill.