Africanaussie

I was pretty excited to see that my franzipani was sending out flower spikes, and over the weekend cut back a  lot of the madevilla that was hanging over it and shading it too much. I also weeded the herb spiral, to allow air and light to get into this little section of the garden. My little strawberry pots are fruiting again!  They have never done well in the ground here, but these pots seem to be the answer.  Once the weeds were removed the herb spiral looked a little untidy.  It will fill in agian quickly enough though - hopefully with herbs rather than weeds. Bummer!  I discovered the same brownish bumps underneath the franzipani leaves that were there before.  That happened in the dry season and I must admit I just ignored it.  All the leaves fell off, but that often happens here, and I thought it was just a seasonal thing.  On further researching I discovered that I have franzipani rust - a fungal disease.  I dont remember ...

The way this praying mantis walked along the top of the fence reminded me of the pink panther tune we used to sing as kids  Dedum,.................. dedum,.................  dedum, dedum dedum... diddlum.  He was after the stinkbugs like these. I knew if I waited long enough  a natural predator would come around - he is going to be very happy, a feast is awaiting him.