This Bald-Faced Hornet nest is getting rather monumental in size. A little research tells me that the colony and nest only last for one season. By winter, new queens will be hibernating underground and all the hornets in this nest, including the queen will die. What that means is I can just avoid it until winter, let them finish their life cycle and take the nest down later.
Wasps are predators. They eat other insects. It is best to leave them alone if possible. I can do that this year. When the time comes for candle light suppers with my finest Doulton china on the basement patio, I won't be so forgiving about a giant hornet nest six inches over my head. I have enough to keep me busy inside for now.
It's all white tile from here to the top. I think. Once again I will be left with a tiny sliver, two and three quarters inches at the end of three full tiles. The end pieces I bought are only two inches wide. That leaves a three quarter inch gap that needs a solution.
Maybe some kind of wider molding at the top that overlaps the tile. Maybe a three inch end piece can be found and cut to fit. I have time to mull it over while the glass block track gets installed so the right side wall can get tiled.
The other Joe Pye is blooming now. Eupatorium perfoliatum or Boneset is much like a white Joe Pye. It is a bit shorter, more stout and plant wise a bit more handsome. This would be a great native candidate for a new flower color and introduction into the horticulture trade. Now it gets somewhat lost in the very similar sea of white Ageratina altissima, aka Eupatorium rugosum that is beginning to carpet the mountain.
What a surprise. The Clematis stans got pollinated and is having fuzzy clematis seeds heads. I like it even more now.
Up on the mountain life rolls along. Wobbling systems are being fixed.
I may need a week of goofing off in the near future though. The batteries feel like they need some recharging.
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6 comments:
The nests are fantastic Christopher, but wasps are mean critters. I like the white tile with the glass tiles. What ever you figure out will look great~all your solutions have turned out delightful.
Everyone needs a break every now and then~I just got back from Colorado~the lack of humidity was a gift I really needed. gail
What a feat, building that wasp nest. Amazing creatures.
I agree about the Clematis stans! Even better with the fuzzy seed heads.
My local nursery has been putting unsold Clematises (the more common-in-the-garden types) in their last call section where I've been scooping them up for 50% off. They look very end-of-season right now, but I have three new Clematises that should be fun next year.
I wonder why those hornets made their nest against your house?? I have never seen them anyplace except in trees. It isn't like there aren't any trees around the cozy cabin. Obviously they found it to be cozy too. Your shower is beginning to look cozy too.
You should take a break. You have been working so hard. Even your back is trying to get you to take a break.
Does your Royal Doulton have hand-painted periwinkles?
That hornet nest is incredible, but they are mean and territorial. You need to stake your ground and show them whose boss around the cozy cabin! I have gotten them high up near the eaves of the house. I also have the underground nest under the deck. Hopefully next year they will go elsewhere for you.
The shower tile looks great. I agree with Gail, whatever you figure out will be perfect. Can't wait to see the finished project!
Break Time! Have fun!!!
I love the colors and patterns in wasps next - they're just exquisite. The last time I was in Vermont visiting my brother, we had to get one down, and I was going to try and bring it hope (minus the wasps) - hopefully when this one has to come down, the nest can go somewhere, for folks to admire it.
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