A Visitor

I've seen quite a few of these little guys (I think they're a kind of moth?) in the backyard since April, but this one seemed to be enjoying a particularly leisurely stop on the warm bricks this sunny afternoon.

It's not too much of a surprise that he was in this particular part of the garden. The birdbath is nearby for water, these bricks get the most sun (and are therefore the warmest), and the red Salvia splendens (which is starting to look pretty sassy, as you can see below) attracts birds and butterflies.

We've also been lucky enough to see quite a few cardinal couples in the backyard. As more things bloom -- perennials, annuals and vines -- our little oasis should become even more tempting.

Of course, there are less-welcome visitors, as well. I think we encountered our first mosquito of the season on Monday night. Last year, I had slugs eating my Sedum "Indian Chief" (I tried baiting them with beer in a low dish, but moving the plants to the other side of the yard was much more effective). And if that stupid fat squirrel keeps burying nuts in the mulch around my new baby tree, I'm going to get a pellet gun.

Not really. But I might encourage M to get one.