Today was an ideal day for gardening even though it was very windy for some hours. There's nothing better than getting close to the soil. Handling luscious weeds of all shapes and sizes is interesting and the myriad shades of green quite fascinating. I watched black garden ants working away in the flower bed and recalled a time when I planted a large area of our garden with wild flower seeds. These had been sent over by a friend in Ireland and I hoped they'd naturalize among native plants.
I dug and hoed, rolled and raked to prepare an ideal area for my wild flower seeds. The job took a long time and care. The bag was filled with a mixed variety of seeds including fragrant varieties. I didn't want these to grow into a clump here and a clump there. I hoped for a fairly even looking result. There was no wind to speak of at the time and I didn't have to worry about the seeds being blown away. Birds were a concern and to detract them I bought a few Chinese wind, wand like objects to frighten them away.
The resulting patch could feature in a garden magazine and I was pleased. Next morning I couldn't wait to visit my new seed bed. Taking the watering can along I tripped lightly (well maybe not so lightly) for a viewing. Imagine my amazement on seeing the entire area in motion Was I suffering from vertigo? On closer inspection I realized that a mighty army of ants was at work. Mesmerized I watched while ants in formation worked like army battalions on maneuvers. They continued without audible signals and didn't stop for a coffee break.
That morning with the aid of a magnifying glass I saw cooperation, strategy and purpose beyond compare. The ants worked in relays back and forth, disappearing down under and surfacing again. What were they doing with my seeds? Were they feeding the queen, the baby ants and all their relatives and friends. Hundreds of seeds vanished slowly but surely while I awaited an explosion from underground -- surely they couldn't consume so much without repercussions?
On the other hand I knew that ants tunnel underground. Perhaps they were taking the seeds to another location? Is there an underground labyrinth beneath the soil where my ants can recline in scented splendor? Many gardeners consider ants as pests and some can be such as the leaf cutter and the red ants who bite your ankles while you weed!
I expect my wild Irish flowers to bloom in Crete someday and will continue to search for new flowers among the usual spring display. There is a saying sometimes quoted, 'observe the ant and be wise.'
I'll do this.
I have to do some digging, clipping and cutting for my new book. Back to the musings of mawsie maw in about two weeks.
Stay well and happy.
