A list of updates
08.01.2005Another pleasant weekend visit w/ K8. Which included what must've been a comical visit to Fandango, the (recently) new Kalamazoo tapas place. After ordering a pitcher of sangrķa, we proceeded to order ridiculous amounts of food (these are, after all, tiny little platters), adding up to something close to a quarter of the menu options. The tuna was the best choice; the rabbit & rattlesnake sausage wasn't as exotic as expectations lead to believe.
Also took advantage to finally buy art frames to start decorating my apartment. It certainly makes a difference. Now I wanna print out some of my Europe trip pictures (and perhaps some others) to put up alongside the very Andean exhibit.
And started planning September's ten-day trip through DC (for an APSA conference) at which I start looking for a "real" job. So far the trip involves driving to DC, then stops in Wilmington, Philadelphia, possibly New York City (for a Moped Army rally in Manhattan), Gettysburg, and some as-yet-unknown small town in western Pennsylvania on the way back. Suggestions welcome.
Finally, in bad news, I've an aphid infestation. Not me personally, my small herbal garden. Any advice on aphid removal (or annihilation) would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Miguel at 07:13 PM
Comments
An MK19-3 40MM Grenade Machine Gun ought to take care of those aphids.
Posted by: tom at August 1, 2005 09:29 PM
Lady bugs are the best bet, but then you'd have yourself a lady bug infestation. Try a little deluted dishsoap and water in a spray bottle. It's a start w/o going pesticide.
Posted by: erin m at August 1, 2005 11:17 PM
Lady bugs are what we used at the conservatory to keep the aphid population under control. They love to eat aphids! If you can scrounge up a few and put them on your herbs, you'll be good to go. Ladybugs are harmless and don't live very long, and I'm sure your cats would eat them if they got out of hand.
There used to be a indor gardening (hydroponic) store nearby- past hardings in the direction of portage, on that little street that is right before where park & westnedge merge. The owner was freaky, but he might have some good advice (or even ladybugs in in fridge).
Posted by: vanessa Sly at August 2, 2005 03:44 PM
Your best bet, by far, is a mild detergent solution. If you are a soft-bodied 'bug' like an aphid, the second worst thing that can happen to you is to lose that protective oily-waxy coating that keeps you from evaporating. The worst is getting eaten.
Domestic dish detergent works reasonably well when diluted to a 2% solution. Add the water first or you have too many suds to spray the stuff. Spray heavily, as the material must contact the aphids. Repeat every three days until the little $#|+s are gone.
Many garden centres also offer a consumer-strength solution of potassium oleate (aka insecticidal soap). 'Concern' is probably the most common brand. These soaps will not harm ladybirds or their larvae. I am a professional horticulturalist, and this is what we do in our family garden.
Posted by: Bart Hall (Kansas, USA) at August 6, 2005 08:05 AM