This was the highlight of my week 😍⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ I’ve had a lot of unexpected animal interactions this year and this praying mantis may be the best one yet! Many cultures view the praying mantis as a symbol of stillness, calm and prayer, and it was a beautiful reminder for me to slow it down despite all of the exciting things going on 🧘⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ But even more so, this moment was a testament to the ecosystem I am cultivating in my backyard.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The planting of native plants 🌱 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The water fountain ⛲️ ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The variety of pollinator flowers 🌸 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The shelter for bugs 🐛 ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ All of these features aid to the ecosystem and foster an environment that is beneficial for both plants and animals. I hope to this this little guy returns soon, and knowing he is patrolling the yard keeping away the bad bugs certainly relieves some stress 😉⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ .⁣ ⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ .⁣⁣⁣ #FarmerNick #getyourhandsdirty #farmtotable #growsomethinggreen #growyourownfood #urbanfarming #greenthumb #organicgardening #backyardgarden #urbanagriculture #localfood #gardenersunited #plants #garden #prayingmantis #prayingmantisofinstagram