Here's the scoop on aphids. In the early fall, some males are produced by live birth along with all of the females....strictly for the purpose of mating so that the females can lay their eggs. Eggs are how aphids overwinter. In the spring, eggs hatch and the brand new aphids emerge, most of the them with wings in order to flit to their new host plants. Those aphids will be female. After that, new female generations are born parthenogenetically with each newborn able to give birth herself in just a matter of a few days....and on and on. Each aphid can birth close to 100 babies in her life time, with each of them producing in a matter of days. If one host plant becomes overpopulated, winged generations emerge to fly to a better location. That's why we find ourselves overwhelmed with aphids practically overnight and why they can seem so stubborn to get rid of. The best control of aphids is still a strong spray of water right from the hose. Not strong enough to harm the plant, but enough to knock the aphids off. Once washed away, they can't get back on board. Or squishing! They don't live in, live on, or emerge from the soil, so don't worry about that. Why plain water? Because there are soooo many beneficial predators and parasites of aphids that even soapy water can destroy along with the aphids. Many are extremely small and fragile, just like the aphids themselves. I honestly don't see anything that looks to me like mealybugs. If you look at some images of mealies, I think you'll see a clear difference. But, without a closer-upper picture, I can't tell you for sure what they are....just what I think they are not, if that's any help. Maybe my glasses need to be adjusted though. Josephine, were those egg thingies attached by little threads? Attached is a link to an image of aphid eggs. Very slick and shiny, oblong; they start out pale green and then darken to black as they mature. Here is a link that might be useful: aphid eggs

They're ALL looking good! Your Atlantis is going to be pretty this year. Don't you like that vase shape that Regal Splendor gets? ...it sure has rained a lot.

Awesome shots, dfrench! Nothing like a raindrop-covered Hosta leaf. I can get lost in the beauty of them. Your shot of Touch of Class is particularly appealing. I finally have Spilt Milk on order. I've heard it's difficult and slow but it seems SO worth it. Thanks for posting your photos and please add more if you have any.

Sigh... so much beauty. I love looking at hostas dewy with raindrops. What a terrific use of a cinder block - a mini is so perfect in there...thanks for the inspiration, Mbug! :D DR is gorgeous - mine hasn't appeared yet. So happy to see what a fresh Mourning Dove looks like. Mine has me on pins n needles with impatience - today's pip count revealed 21 compared to 7 shoots last year when I brought it home! I can hardly wait. If the colour is as yours, I will be ecstatic! You post just enough to keep us begging for more! Please...