Every year (though usually quite a bit earlier in the season) the aphids – I like the term ‘plant lice’ – come out and congregate on various plants.  They tend to favor roses and cole crops.

This morning, I noticed that they have taken a liking to a mustard plant.  The plant is well past its prime, and I’m only leaving it standing so that the seed pods have time to mature.  As such, it doesn’t really bother me that the aphids are there, and if I wanted to get rid of them, a good strong spray of water would take care of the infestation.

Observed closely, aphids this dense move in a spooky fashion, something like a coordinated wave, mesmerizing to watch.

About a mile from the garden, down by a creek, ladybird beetles congregate by the millions, so thick in places that you can pick them up by the handful – not that you should.  Fortunately, many seem to have found their way to my garden, and spend their days busily feasting on aphids.