Living in the City

I am happy that our atis fruit tree is bearing fruits again. Last year, it bore two but this year, there's quite a number. We can't wait to do some harvesting soon. It is always good to plant, and harvest fruits nurtured by our own hands. It's like watching a child grow. There's a different kind of enjoyment when we experience those tender moments with our plants. Remember, plants are alive. They breathe, and get hurt when they do not get enough care and attentio n. I am happy to note that this fruit tree now enjoys better sunshine. Our neighbor's mango tree used to tower above her, thus blocking that much important aspect of plant growing; but has recently been pruned. Alas, it seems the tree grew happier, that within a week, it started bearing quite a number of fruits, to our satisfaction.

I noticed that our kalamansi, and chili plants have insects that resemble waxy and fiber-like appearance on top of the leaves. I found out that these insects are called mealy bugs and that they suck the juices of house-plants and subtropical trees. In our case, they are actively gnawing at the juices of our kalamansi and chili plants to the point of drying out and dropping many of the plant leaves. Arrgghh. "Mealyb ug females feed on plant sap, normally in roots or other crevices. They attach themselves to the plant and secrete a powdery wax layer (th erefore the name mealy bug) used for protection while they suck the plant juices. The males on the other hand, are short-lived as they do not feed at all as adults and only live to fertilize the females. Male citrus mealy bugs fly to the females and resemble fluffy gnats". Mealy bugs are considered "serious" plant pests in the presence of their allies - the ants. "Ants protect them from predators and parasites. ...

A wee bit of an avocado plant to a now grown one:-) right in the middle of our backyard. My humble contribution to earth day is attested by these photos of fruit trees as we ll as plants I was able to grow in our backyard, s tar ting almo st six years ago. There's the jackfruit tree, photo of which is at the left above this l ine. Then the next is my favorite forget-me not flower plant. Makes me feel like a real mother plant Mom whenever I prune her unwieldy leaves. Then there's our squash plant, where we are now able to harvest its flowers playing its nutritious role everytime we prepare our green salad recipe. Then at the corner of the yard, two other avocado plants, now also fully grown but taller than what we have in the middle of the yard. It feels lovely to see them plants grow each day, pruning and watering them just like you 'do' for a child. Happy Earth Day! Better Late than never. Cheers!

Some of the fruit or vegetable bearing plants you will find in my backyard - avocado, kalamansi or our local lemon, bell pepper,and squash. I also have atis, a local sweet fruit with lots of small black seeds, langka (the english name escapes me at the moment, the malunggay (vegetable,fruit and flowers all edible.