Attenborough moments in life

One of the perks of having a garden is the occasional experience of 'David Attenborough moments.' Yesterday, I watched a BBC video about a leaf-rolling caterpillar in the Amazon rainforest. It neatly semi-cuts a leaf and rolls it into a tent using silk hinges. Attenborough describes the marvel that is a caterpillar.

I've seen a caterpillar roll a leaf before. Remember the banana plant leaf roller? When I unrolled the leaf to take a closer look, the caterpillar quickly moved and re-rolled itself. It seemed to dislike being exposed.

This time, there's another leaf roller but on the hibiscus plant. It is called the Haritalodes derogata moth. I had a real 'Attenborough moment' while watching a wasp try to capture the caterpillar. The clever caterpillar dropped to another leaf to hide, while the wasp searched the ground and eventually left. You can spot the caterpillar falling halfway through the video.

It is extremely challenging to eradicate these caterpillars. Even the wasp had difficulty capturing it.

Any insecticide that is sprayed falls on the leaf, not on the caterpillar. Therefore, the best way to eliminate them is to manually remove the leaves. This deprives them of the nutrition the leaves provide. Spraying the leaves with pongam+ neem oil after removing the rolled leaves keeps the larva at bay.

I NEED A....

I need a smart, efficient, savvy person who will make the man of the house and the family happy. Who'll pay bills, books shows, order food and groceries online, Who has the extraordinary knowledge of where socks, belt, wallet, keys, remote, and bags hide. Who will cook delicious breakfast, fancy dinners, and pack pretty lunch boxes. One who is an epitome of patience- Will wake up children without losing temper, answer all their questions, help them in crafts, and finish school homework. Who will rush to office- Nevertheless keeps the house clean of dust and cobwebs. Washes the ever filling sink, piling dirty clothes and also fold them without a boring yawn. Should worry about everyone: parent, in laws, siblings, and friends. Svelte figure, gets ready before everyone does and always smiles. Always smiles, no matter what, like a superwoman who can handle a lot. I need a wife like that for me, to take care of me.

Fillers

I feel sad for Kamini leaves. I subscribe flowers from a popular florist. Every fortnight I get assorted fresh flowers delivered at my doorstep. The bunch has seasonal flowers along with regular ones, like rajanigandha and chrysathemums. It comes with fillers either like goldenrod, gypsophila or kamini leaves. Gypsophila stays fresh for a long time. Goldenrod for a week. Kamini leaves depends on when it was added to the bouquet.I say this because they start to whither in a day or two. Madhukamini or Murraya paniculata is a small shrub with shiny green leaves and small white flowers. Both leaves and flowers are fragrant. The leaves don't turn yellow even as they grow old. So, it has become quite popular in bouquets to add volume and give a fresh look. Much that love these flowers at home, I really wish that florists think about the choice of fillers.