When I teach classes, I encourage gardeners to visit their gardens at night.  So much of the “bad” things that happen to plants – chiefly insect damage – happen at night.

Just a short while ago, while wandering the garden in the dark, I stumbled upon this impressive critter.  It’s not the best photo, but I assure you that this millipede – not sure yet what sort of millipede exactly – is quite as long as my hand, from the tip of my middle finger to the wrist.  Millipedes are really common around these parts, but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen one quite this big.  They’ll occasionally cause damage to seedlings and young plants, but I’ve rarely caught them in the act.  Mostly they seem inclined to simply wander from here to there.

In other garden news, the asparagus patch is really starting to push spears in earnest, and the 68 degree weather today caused a growth spurt in a number of plants, including the elephant garlic, which I swear grew about 4 inches in 24 hours.  More warm weather on the way…