Ladybugs (or Ladybirds)

Dave and I were out in the garden a few weeks ago, checking out our roses, when we saw that much of the fresh, new spring foliage was infested with aphids. This is a regular occurrence, so we weren't too concerned. We don't spray for aphids -- in fact we do almost no pest control (except resorting to slug pellets in desperate situations).

Anyway, when we looked again a few days ago, we noticed that nature was taking care of the problem by itself. The plants were loaded with ladybugs -- or as the British call them, ladybirds.

I think these are all harlequin ladybirds, the invasive variety from Asia. Apparently they come in many different patterns, and these are all common variations. I don't mean to be too sanguine about invasive species, because I know it's a major issue -- but honestly, I'm happy as long as they're eating the aphids!

Last night while walking home from work I popped into Waterstone's, a British chain of book shops. I had to pick up some gift cards as prizes for a competition at school. I noticed a display of "Bish Bash Bosh!" -- the vegan cookbook co-authored by fellow blogger Yorkshire Pudding's son Ian. So I bought a copy, autographed by the authors -- probably one of those 13,000 books they signed back in February! Dave and I are not vegan, but we eat vegetarian quite frequently, so we'll make use of it, I'm sure. Those neon-green page edges are quite eye-catching.