Caterpillar discovery.

This spring we took the time to finally plant some vegetables.  Once our renovations are complete there are plans for an extensive vegetable plot and chicken coop, but for now we are making do with pots, and it is flourishing.  Otto has loved watching as each vegetable has started to grow and and now produce fruits and vegetables.

One plant however has taken a beating from some little green pests.  Cabbage butterflies have invaded our purple broccoli.  At first I was busy researching sprays I could use and any other effective method of eradicating them from our plant.

Until I realised the importance of spending time each day with the boys picking these little green troublemakers from the plant.  It has prompted so many discussions, from the circle of life, carnivores and herbivores, how different animals make and provide for their young so that in the end I have done nothing.  We continue the work each day, standing there, pulling them off our leaves, enjoying the slow time just talking with Otto about important 4 year old business, or teaching Hugo a new word at a time.  It is now one of my most favourite times of day.

Last week we found a Chrysalis, Otto was so excited.  Hugo just wanted to eat it.  I found some magnifying glasses and together with a friend we watched the caterpillars that day eat and waited for the butterfly to emerge.  We missed the butterfly, but did get to see the beginning of the process.

Not a bad lesson for all of us.