not much

in the garden, so I admire more what is there. I was out pulling weeds (purple dead nettle mostly) from beds five and seven, noticed right away that the one which I'd mulched with cut monarda stems just recently, already the soil is softer and holding moisture. Here where it's been untouched and bare all winter except for the weeds, dry and compact. I took a break after weeding to just sit and admire some of the foliage colors- especially the ones that are kind of blue-green: lovage

catmint 

the one collard

Lavender.

Then found myself once again staring at a plant, feeling sure I recognize it, but not able to remember its identity, if I want it or should pull. 

(I thought it another catmint at first, but those have toothier margins)

Had the same experience with a bug. Twice the other day I saw an oblong beetle fly to a plant stem and settle. I instantly had the urge to step close and slap it between my hands- felt sure it's a bug I don't want around, but I couldn't recall why.

Later I remembered ha, of course- it's that beetle that wrecks part of my garden every year. I wonder how how the emerging insects will do with an empty garden. Will they leave, looking for host plants elsewhere? or stay around and eat other plants instead. 

I'm mostly thinking of the pests, in that case. I'm glad if the beneficial ones are still around, and anxious if they don't have enough plants! I saw a black swallowtail yesterday landing on the lovage and carefully curling its abdomen to lay a single egg on a leaf here, another one there. I'm planting a few flowers for the hummingbird- though maybe it would have enough with just the black-and-blue salvia.

Which is coming up now!