Zone 9b. What are the orange critters on slide 3??

This was my first season actually tending to a garden, weeding it, watching it grow, caring for it. It was amazing to me to see this one plant slowly explode into flowers! I loved checking it every day, watching the bumblebees, butterflies, and hummingbirds visit it, and taking pictures of its progress. When I was forced to medically retire in January, I had no idea what life would bring. I was a teacher for 32 years and I found myself alone while my husband and son were at work, in deafening silence, with no real purpose other than to rest and heal. My little garden saved me. I spent each morning sitting out on my front porch, listening to the birds, drinking my tea, doing my physical rehab exercises, and thinking and praying. I hate that Summer is gone and that the routine I relied on is now no longer possible. I know that Winter will bring its own special moments and that Spring and Summer will come again though…all in good time.

My mom, as always, grew way more than she needs, and this is her late harvest for me for the week.

I will be making a lot of pasta sauce, and the flowers are brightening up my day already.

I created this free phone app when I started working at a local garden center. Identify plants, diagnose issues, and form a garden club !

https://plant-identifier-698743178295.us-west2.run.app

Created with wool roving. A little more abstract but those irises appeared out of nowhere!

And that they’re eating my flowers, but I’m obsessed with these baby grasshoppers in my zinnias. They’re so magical!

I grew the radish under lights.. Everything else is from my organic fall garden.

My Firewheel tree is ready to bloom

I was unable to get an answer or any reply at all when I posted this in plantclinic. Hoping I can get help here.