An unlucky caterpillar and my first "real" Crepe Myrtle bloom

I noticed this little guy late in the day. I have tried to keep the caterpillars off my passion vine but I have obviously not been completely successful. Figuring his eating days were over, I let him be to make his cocoon.

The next morning, this is what I found. It looks like something came along and took a bite out of him when he still had about a half of a cocoon to make. I have quite a few ants patrolling this vine so I wonder if that is what happened. It hasn't changed since, and I doubt I'll see a butterfly come from this.

Next is my first bud opening on my Centennial Spirit Crepe Myrtle. I had some earlier buds, but they opened shortly after I bought the plant. This is the first one that counts!

This mystery vine continues to grow tall and strong. And the same thing seems to be popping up in other flower beds as well as you can see from the next picture. I still can't figure out what they are- help anyone?

Here is one of the babies sprouted up in a front flower bed.

This poor cactus got bumped and one of the arms got broken off on both ends. I planted one and and the other seems to have sprouted some babies- I was sure smiling when I discovered these!

Happy Green Thumb Sunday!

Nature Lovers and Gardeners can join in Green Thumb Sunday by visiting "As The Garden Grows".

To see the other fun Camera Critters posts- most with happier endings than mine- please visit Camera Critters!