When we moved to southwestern Pennsylvania from the Piedmont of North Carolina almost exactly two years ago, we had to leave behind our chickens (happily rehomed) and the humble garden I had dug by hand out of the turf behind our house. I had never successfully grown tomatoes there or managed to even get more than a few bowlfuls of salad greens, but it was mine. After the move, it was too late in the summer to start anything at our new house and last summer, we decided to prioritize other projects over a garden.

But, finally, this year we have a few raised beds. I’ve gotten a few cucumbers, and the tomatoes are looking hopeful. We have basil to spare, and we might even get some peppers. Our star growers, however, are our squash: Connecticut Field Pumpkins and Butternut Squash. They haven’t been without their challenges though. They’ve taken over an entire corner of the yard, and I’ve had to pull the vines back down the hill away from our neighbors’ house at least a few times.

While hunting down squash bugs today, I spotted the little scene featured in the photo below. I don’t use insecticide on our plants, and this image made me extra glad we don’t. So, I hope you enjoy this “Flora and Fauna Friday,” and I hope to share more images of the amazing flora and fauna here in Pennsylvania on Fridays to come.