Regarding Japanese Beetles

They are hell’s calling card. I did not plant two grapevines for them to devour the leaves each and every summer for the past three years. They are indifferent to my diatomaceous earth. They are indifferent to my soapy water and hand picking them off the leaves.

This year, I have built an entire mesh arch around these two grapevines. There are tons of small grapes on them already. They are to be protected at all costs.

How will I mow around them? I don’t know. Will they be pollinated? Possibly not. every year I raise this army against them, and every year I am defeated. Last year I got one, single, pitiful grape.

I feel no sadness, only rage at their shiny, skeletonizing jaws. Let’s see what summer brings.