Begonia in RED

Caterpillar in BLACK

Petunia in BLUE

Everyone in ORANGE

Damommy in TURQUOISE

Willow oak in GREEN  

Nandina in BROWN

Hey, Caterpillar.  Yes, you.  You’re the only caterpillar I see. 

Wassup, Begonia?    

What’s up is you can turn all your feet the other direction and get out of my pot.  Last year, you ate all my leaves, and the other plants called me Baldy Begonia all summer.  I’m not having it this year, so take yourself off from here.

Ah, Begonia.  They grew back.  I was hungry that day, and your leaves were so tasty, I couldn’t help myself.

You put one foot closer and I’ll summon the birds to come get you.   Now, git! 

 “I’m going.  I’m going.  Jeez!”

Good morning, Petunia.  How are you today?

  Hey, there Begonia.  I was listening to damommy talk about how we plants communicate.  She said she always knew it, especially the trees.  It stands to reason she knew we talk and also listen.  Remember how she always says, “I’ve done my part planting you.   Now, grow, dammit!”  I was afraid not to.

Oh, she’s harmless.  That’s just her way.  Last year, she nearly scared the petals off Tulip.  She talks to us when she’s in the garden, just chatting, really.  Some of it I don’t understand, but the sounds are stimulating.

I guess you’re right.  I heard Petunia and Oxalis talking about how good she makes them feel, and look how prolific they are.  They’ve outdone themselves this year.  Show offs.  Trying to make points with damommy. 

She talks to the bees and the birds, too.  And the wasps.  I watched one year when she removed a comb that a wasp had just begun, and he followed her until she put it down and never tried to sting her.  It was amazing.

Can I join this conversation?

Of course, Willow Oak.  Whatcha got to say?                                                                                                     

Well, when I first came here, I was such a little fellow when she planted me, and she said then she knew I’d be a majestic tree someday.  I am pretty big for my age.  No one talked to me at first except Nandina.

Has anyone talked to Honeysuckle lately?  I guess he’s busy getting his blossoms ready to give off that wonderful scent.

I talked to him yesterday.  He seemed okay then.  I think he’s feeling a little down because it hasn’t rained recently.  He’ll feel better when the sprinklers are on.

What were you gonna say, Begonia?

I was about to say how lucky Willow Oak was in that tornado a few weeks ago.  A lot of his relatives were killed.  So sad.  On a happier note, is everyone ready for the pollinators?  They’ll be arriving soon and bringing new gossip. 

Will y’all hush?  I’m trying to sleep.

Well, it is getting close to nighttime.  We’d better do whatever it is we do in the night and pray for rain.  We’ll talk more tomorrow.  Watch out for caterpillars.  Good night, everyone.

Good night, Begonia.