03 MAY 2008 A Wee War Begins

Apple Forest: The third largest apple tree has been felled, possibly by a weak trunk. Two others have appeared to take its place. A serious concern is the wee battle that has begun --- one small green worm and one aphid have been found in the apple forest, and have been summarily slaughtered. They managed to pick off a few leaves from the tallest apple tree, thereby reducing its height. A chemistry professor friend recommends spraying with beer to keep the enemy at bay. Such tactics shouldn't hurt the tree, but will lead to many CWI (crawling while intoxicated) charges for the wee beasties.

Cherry Forest: All is still quiet. Some hope is lost.

Peach Forest: Peachy One, Peachy Two, and Peachy Three are all moving upwards at a serious clip. They laugh at gravity --- Peachy Three (shown in the background) in particular, who has no competitive respect for his slightly older siblings.

Sycamore Forest #1: Sycadee, Sycadum, and three friends are doing fine. Googling indicates that sycamores like marshy soil and lots of sun. Toddy is trying to oblige on both counts. The Sycamore Five have been joined by a tri-needled interloper, likely a coniferous challenger (back left).

Sycamore Forest #2: Although off to a later start, the second sycamore forest currently has 12 contenders. How they will fare in their larger pot remains to be seen. Not to be outdone, the Three Sycateers of this forest have combined forces in close proximity, much like Sycadee and Sycadum in Sycamore Forest #1.