[Dirt for sale]

Worms are visibly increasing, just fed the four bins on a frozen melon diced fine
Sunflowers got devoured by bugs, whatever, I would prefer native flowers that are tough.
Compost is full again, for the fifth or sixth time. At some point I’ll stop adding layers so I can let it finish and use the stuff. Fascinating to see how quickly the earth and it’s inhabitants work to break everything down.
Brown paper bags or anything opaque covering the figs prevents stupid birds from spoiling the fruit. Doesn’t stop fire ants, though. English brown turkey makes tons of large (~2 oz.) closed eye fruit with strawberry flesh and brown exterior when ripe. One of my favorites. Kadota is sweetest. Magnolia makes the biggest fruit but can’t keep a closed eye.

[greeneyes]

I wonder if one could use brown paper bags to protect peaches?

[Ellendra]

Sunflowers got devoured by bugs, whatever, I would prefer native flowers that are tough.

I'm not sure where you're located, but sunflowers are native to the Americas. Some of the modern varieties have been "improved" to where they can't take care of themselves, though.

I'd suggest looking for an older variety. Maybe Hopi Black Dye?

[mrsmith]

I’m in rural SW VA and have transplanted flowers from the area (respecting personal property).
Trillium and wild geranium are two outstanding local flowers.
Need no care at all and just keep going.

Your extension office would surely have some suggestions.

[Darth Reardon]

How do you secure the bags? I’ll have to try something more sturdy due to the heavy daily rains, but I like the idea.

I’d be lucky if the birds left me 5% of their figs this year. Normally the leaves would be rusted and pretty well started falling off by this time of year, but this year no rust and I’m thinking I might get the second crop I’ve read that I should get but never have.