Nature's Place

Found years ago in the remnant rainforest and now, from a few seeds, populates the shadowed corners of the garden.

Three of these bought as seedlings last year and still hanging on with a few flowers, sheltered by other plants from the cold night sky.

Impending bloom, believed to be from South Africa. Adds colour to the winter garden.

Never one for formality I rarely remember names of things so I won’t try. Another impending bloom.

This one flowers all year round. If something really needs a feed this one is always available and willing. As nature does.

Since I keep the garden watered many otherwise invisible plants appear. This is the flower of a succulent that grows from Autumn.

Nibbled. Another of the three from last year. African tulip tree in flower behind with blue sky through darkened branches.

Let’s begin with this little beauty. Orb Weaver, almost invisible wrapped around the end of a rose stem. Waiting for the night to unfold.

From behind and upside down, was the only option. Wonderful patterning, as if by design. She is well dressed indeed.

I disturbed her so she shifted position and then upside down was all there was. Using a piece of paper to reflect flash up.

A Hopper in the afternoon, same young tree as the Sawfly – a very busy tree through the year. Seems to be sucking some sap.

Little Johnny, baby Hopper, still some growing to do. As long as one is careful a few shots can be had in the open.

Broadside view of the adult. Aren’t they wonderfully adorned, by nature. Life comes in with the knowledge of that form and blooms.

… this fella? came into view. Hadn’t seen him before and he wasn’t comfortable. The whole family were on that branch, to and fro.

At some point he tried to get away so I gave him my hand and he climbed on. Then he stopped to taste me, but not for long …

Another Hopper, big cream eyes and bright green body. She always sees me. We do a dance until she gives in and stops for a shot.

Gecko, hunting by night. Smiley little thing, as long as your not small enough to fit in its mouth. Ravenous creatures … endless appetite.

From the rain-forest, bright eyes. Flits from place to place and stops for god knows what, for a shot. Thank you fly, thank you life.

This is rotated a-c. It locked on and lay a thread at waist to keep it from bending too far – or so it bends appropriately – while it turns, from a caterpillar into a moth? See the impression of eyes, antennae sweeping back and the broad wings beneath.

The odd lady out. A flower filled with water, Morning Glory after the rain. But, but … what’s that over bottom left. Springtails?

Weevil on cut branch overlooking its domain with fruit fly, from rotting fruit below, passing by in the night.

Hopper with a back-pack. Haven’t seen the likes before, the back-pack – looks like a fungus. Couldn’t get closer.

Wouldn’t stay still for long so got what I could between jumps and scramblings. Seemed vital and healthy enough …

Couldn’t get close without provoking it so here’s a crop.

An unusual sight, stingless bees at war. To the right of the nest entrance the ground was littered with pairs fighting and dying.

It went on for days, this battle where the dead were clearly disposed of away from the nest. Could just be extensive house-cleaning.

Caught in a web, this shield bug would have fed a small spider for weeks. See it just below and centre.

A cavernous shell anchored to the tree makes a good home for a while. Good hunting ground too, for the tiny one.

Got itself caught up where no spider had been for a while. I helped it out. No need for it to die just yet.

Placing the stick where it could grip it the fly was stronger than the web. It got free of the remains and away it went.