Some people go YUCK. I say, “Neat! Come look at this – ” and call my husband over to see my discovery. Some of you may recall that over the summer, I decided to build my own tiny little water element, a small pond in the back of the garden near the meditation bench. Today was the first day I had a few minutes to go back there and check the area out, and what did I find? Tiny worms in the pond!
That little water basin is now home to midge flies. Hurray!
So what are they? A quick internet search on “red worms in pond” discovered the culprits: midge flies or bloodworms. And they are good! They’re a sign of a healthy pond ecosystem.
Whew! My cats drink from the pond sometimes, and I didn’t want to freak out too much. I’m such a newcomer at ponds, aquatic plants and the whole nine yards that I didn’t want to feel stupid and panic, but when you see little wormy things wriggling around in your garden pond, it’s kind of freaky. Still and all, it’s nice to know that something is enjoying these last few days of autumn in the garden.
This weekend, we anticipate our first frost. I’m looking forward to it, although getting all the herbs and peppers inside by Sunday is going to be a challenge. I have catnip, basil and dill to dry, as well as tons of peppers to freeze, but it will all come together in time. As long as I don’t forget the sweet potatoes. I didn’t plant that many, but they have to be harvested, too.
In the meantime, I’m taking lots of walks in the morning to see the beautiful fall foliage. Next to spring in Virginia, fall is my favorite season.
Happy harvest!
