My favorite begonia is infested with scales. The infestation killed one begonia already- one with smaller leaves that I did not treat in time. I did not notice the scales until I saw that plant was dying and looked closer to see why. The only remedy I knew of was to wash the scales off with alcohol. Then I learned about oil-based insecticides and picked some up yesterday. It was the only oil-based insecticide on the shelves and is not recommended for indoor use, but the plant is on my porch and I am desperate. I will spray it outside then bring it back on the porch. The affected plants (three in total) are all on the same side of the porch. The plants on the other side do not appear affected. I have been spraying them with an insecticidal soap to ward off the spreading of the infestation. Hope it works!

While I was it it, I photographed the other side of my porch where I paint. Nothing new on my easel- that is the most recent one that I showed you, which of course, I made some changes to. The ones on the back easel are just there... no reason. Just need to be moved into storage.



During the summer months I can only paint at night when it is cooler. Forget early morning... I sleep through the early morning hours because I am awake until 2:00-3:00 am, sometimes later.