Zinnias

Okay, so I'm starting out with a dahlia, but it's too gorgeous, n'est pas?

These zinnias were planted from seed bought at Sandy's Creations just outside of Lusaka and have yielded glorious multi-layered petals, as opposed to the single layer blooms of the zinnias that were growing in the garden originally.

This is the first time I've seen this creeping vine flower, and they are quite special.

On her last wings... A rather battered butterfly seeks refuge in the gardenia bush.

This odd little grasshopper was missing a leg although I doubt it was Madison's work - she would have eaten the poor critter whole.

Most likely some kind of stink bug, but lovely patterning. It's amazing how insects instinctively gravitate towards plants that camouflage them.

Chembe Visit Continued...

I went crunching through the burnt grass in my sandals for a shot of these blooms...

...only to find heaps of them right beside the path just a few minutes later!

I don't want whatever this plant has!

It took ages to get a clear enough shot of this little busybody who was rolling tiny stones about, burrowing in the sand and generally not enjoying my attention.

Beautiful seed pods.

October Chembe Visit

Upon picking out a wooden shelter at Chembe Bird Sanctuary, hubby and I were a little worried to find that we were sharing it with some bad-ass insect gangsters. Luckily we kept out of their way and they were happy to leave us alone.

Being "suicide month" the heat is draining and oppressive - energy levels dive and plants struggle. This head of seed pods has a funky little wig on that makes me think of something one would buy at The Crazy Store.

I would never have seen this tiny little moth perched on his leaf if I hadn't been looking for the spider that made this web (answer: they're really too minute for my camera to capture).

Pretty, fragile blooms attracting ants aplenty with sweet nectar.

Most of the area has been recently burned and ash scatters the landscape, but spring is boldly emerging.

"I can't believe you've lost track of where that moth is again," Graeme laughed - but they really are well camouflaged.

Madison's Freaky Caterpillar

On the pretty side of things, this is my first poppy bloom! Have been watching them slowly growing from seeds for months.

On the freaky side of things, Madison brought this caterpillar into the house and was playing with it. Needless to say I took it away (though honestly more out of concern for what would happen to a cat if it were to eat such a neon multicoloured worm).

So I left it atop a pillar by the braai area and it must have been alright as it disappeared shortly after.

The next day I was watering the lawn beside the pool when this spider caught my eye. Turns out it's a young female black button spider. Good job I tossed her over the hedge before Madison could check things out - fatal toy for a cat.

I doubt a person would be easily bitten - she really was more interested in running away from me than being photographed.