{CICADA}

On July 19, I noticed this CICADA on a branch of our young Eucalyptus tree. We just had started to make our walk over the trail through the wood garden, with our felines in tow, as usual. At times they think they're doggies... 

I went back to get my camera as this was a new and unusual insect to me. Then I did some research and found out about the CICADA MOLTING. Obviously that had taken place already. As much as I'd loved to see it with my own eyes. You find a photo of a Cicada molting below, as the final photo. Also a video from BBCWorldwide, with complete info.

First time ever that I got to see one this close! 

Holding the Eucalyptus leave, on which it is hanging, with my fingers.

They have huge eyes... This is the shell, they already have molted.

Did you know that they do live in the ground, sucking the sap of tree roots? They stay there for up to 17 years! Then they emerge. One can tell that this one lived under ground; still dirty!

The Cicada's front legs resemble lobster claws! They're quite hairy too...

Closeup...

Interesting insect!

Here you can see the road and our driveway to the house. 

That's the driveway and the huge magnolia tree to the left and the golden oak tree to the right. 

We have green grass this summer; due to frequent showers!

Cicada molting ←click

Cicada molting where the adult leaves its larvae shell. They will mate and lay eggs and die... Strange life cycle. For excellent explanation on how these creatures emerge from beneath the earth, and how the  cicadas emerge from the nymph shell, watch this video: click→ Amazing Cicada life cycle - Sir David Attenborough's Life in the Undergrowth - BBC wildlife 

Bet you didn't know this either. 

Let me know if you have ever seen them. 

I learned that also in Japan they do exist.

{Eastern Mole - Scalopus Aquaticus}

On Sunday, May 6 when we did the photo session for my Silk Quilted Vest Creation (see link below post) I also took a photo from Pieter. Suddenly I noticed him looking away, and laughing... Of course, one of our naughty felines was active and showed us her catch. This time it was  the Eastern Mole, Scalopus Aquaticus. Have a look at our garden critter...

Look at their NAILS, almost like human fingers...

They do have huge HANDS, as shown here in photos by Malcolm Storey

No wonder that they are good  at digging those burrows!

Our cat girl Spicy caught Pieter's attention...

Pieter looking away from the camera and laughing...

Okay, that's the action behind my back... Spicy (our black tuxedo girl) with Tiggy Tigger obviously assisting her.

There he/she is... No longer able to dig those burrows.

Amazing hands indeed! And a long snout too...

Its MINE!

YES, I caught it. Tiggy Tiger... she did not do it - it was ME!!!

Related links:
{My Silk Quilted Vest Creation and YOUR Opinion Requested...} | previous post by me

{Going Green with Pallet Mulch}

Husband Pieter did haul many loads of Pallet Mulch for using in our garden. That is excellent for water holding capacity and it looks neat. It will keep the weeds down somewhat, but not entirely of course. Going green pays off! Are you using some Pallet Mulch too?

Photo is from June 26, with a happy rose!  It looks very nice with this contrasting color.

Pallet Mulch often is used in hotel gardens or around corporate office buildings.

Here you clearly see the natural soil and the Pallet Mulch with its reddish color.

These are our roses, they look pitiful but it is tough in such a hot climate for growing roses at all.

Probably in the fall they will come back and grow a bit more.

Some Crinum lilies are benefiting from the Pallet Mulch as well.

They seem to be far better heat resistant!