The green iridescent bug - with a pointed back - may be a lacewing. It's larvae - the ant lion eats ants, and it should be encouraged. Planting things that attract "good" bugs is a plus. Right now, I have broccoli that is flowering (bolting) and is covered with bees. In turn, newly planted things like peppers, tomatoes are flowering and hopefully, the bees will pollinate these. Also, coriander/cilantro is also flowering - and attracting wasps that are also beneficial. Many birds will eat ants - encourage also. We also have lizards that eat their share as well - thank heaven, because this area has lots and lots of ants - which in and of themselves aren't bad - but their cows - the aphids need to be controlled - they will kill young plants by sucking juices. Bejay

The traditional herb Alcanet, now mainly used as a dye, is in the same family (Boraginaceae) As implied by another poster, the bad taste could be from harmful alkaloids that borage can contain: "BORAGE SIDE EFFECTS & SAFETY Borage seed oil is POSSIBLY SAFE for most adults and children as long as it is free of dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Borage plant parts including the leaf, flower, and seed can contain PAs. PAs can damage the liver or cause cancer, especially when used in high doses or for a long time. Only use products that are certified and labeled PA-free. Special Precautions & Warnings: Pregnancy and breast-feeding: ItâÂÂs important to avoid borage products that might contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). PAs are a risk to the mother because they can cause serious liver disease and might cause cancer. PAs are also a risk to the infant because they might cause birth defects and they can pass into breast milk. Researchers arenâÂÂt even sure if borage products that are certified PA-free are safe during pregnancy and breast-feeding. ItâÂÂs best to stay safe and avoid using borage. Bleeding disorders: There is some concern that borage seed oil might prolong bleeding time and increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. If you have a bleeding disorder, use borage with caution. Liver disease: Borage products containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) might make liver disease worse. Surgery: Borage might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop taking borage at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery." This WebMD article also has some interesting information regarding possible medical applications for some borage components in rheumatoid arthritis, lung disorders, and premature infant nervous system development, and also lists questionable uses. Here is a link that might be useful: Web MD

Cilantro/coriander "bolts". That is, it sends up a flower stalk from the crown which is different in character from the rest of the plant. And yes, the flavor of the leaves does "go off" when that happens. Pinching off the flower stalk won't change that. However, the new plants that will spring up in the bed from the self-seeding will be just fine. Oregano simply starts to bloom. Many people who grow it consider that the flavor is best when the plant just comes into bloom, but you can use it pretty much any time. Basil is similar to oregano in that it doesn't develop off-flavors. However, being an annual, the plant is going to be mostly done soon after blooming as the seeds start to form. You can delay that by pinching off the flower stems when they are still in bud Some people even use the bud stems in cooking as they do have some basil favor.

Aminopyralids...DESTROY ALL PLANT LIFE ESPECIALLY BROADLEAFS like Beans Peas broccoli family etc etc http://www.the-gardeners-calendar.co.uk/news/story.asp?nid=1448 i had trouble in washington state with the CERTIFIED ORGANIC COMPOST i was using...seems most commercial composters use municipal as well as public sources for their compost ingredients. all it takes is a few contaminated yard clippings that have been sprayed with ROUNDUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yep ROUNDUP that poison pushed by Costco even...thousands of gardens wiped out!-it takes up to 4 years for it to COOK out of your soil even after that you might experience problems-MAKE YOUR OWN COMPOST and boycott MONSANTO! ALL THEIR PRODUCTS! for they are poisoning the world. there are tests you can do -home control plots etc etc-but you need to start with pure virgin soil...good luck p.s. i am Michigan Now and they are having the same problems as WA state had 10 years ago...they are finally waking up though as people pass around this information.Namaste T