Dear Readers,

I went to Fairbanks last week. When I left home there was still lots of snow on the ground, the creek was frozen, and while everything in the greenhouse was green, it was growing slowly. When I arrived home a week later, imagine my surprise to find snow-free ground, with the tips of chives and rhubarb emerging, a free-flowing creek, and best of all – violas blooming in the greenhouse! That evening, as we finished our chores, a flock of nearly 70 swans flew overhead. Spring has definitely arrived.

Birds and plants aren’t the only things appearing after a long winter. With the warmer temperatures during the day, insects are also becoming active. I’ve seen a few flies, a couple of bees, and assorted beetles, ants and spiders in the greenhouse and hot frames. And mosquitoes – that blight on what would otherwise be a summer paradise. Read more about mosquitoes in two new articles this week:

Ten Interesting Facts about Mosquitoes
There are at least twenty-five species of mosquitoes in Alaska. Since they are present from April to September in most places, they are an inescapable part of the Alaska experience. So why not learn a few facts about these interesting insects?

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art32941.asp

A Humorous Look at the Ubiquitous Mosquito

I'm lying on my back staring and the patterns of light and dark on the tent and listening to the gentle pitter patter of rain. . . oh wait, that’s not rain, it’s the percussion of frantic mosquitoes trying to get inside.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art34583.asp

Wherever you are in your season, I wish you a warm and sunny week.

Kimi Ross, Alaska Editor
http://alaska.bellaonline.com

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