Yesterday, I was working in the greenhouse and gradually became aware that I was being watched.
I glanced out of the windows to see whether any of Margaret’s sheep or cows were out there doing that chewy, starey thing.
But no. No visiting workmen either; eyeballing me through the door, noses pressed up against the glass. Doesn’t half make me jump that.
And then I saw her. A pretty Sussex spider, crouched and camouflaged on a plant from the other side of the world – Opuntia or, as I now call it, Stacy’s weed.
She didn’t seem to mind the spines.
She was just so intent on watching me.
The Anxious Gardener 
Truth be told, Helen, I had just speared myself on the prickly pear, and was removing countless prickles from my hand and glaring at it when I saw the spider. So not that observant, really.
Hmm, Stacy's Sneezeweed does work though doesn't it? Works very well indeed. Poetic. (And I should think I would miss with the high five too. We'd both end up in a heap on the floor. Perhaps just a nice handshake)?
Dave
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No, no, Dave, I'm quite happy with the Opuntia. (Calling it Opuntia feels like calling dandelions Taraxacums.) It it were sneezeweed, now, I might feel a little differently. Have a blast with your new macro lens! (I'd offer a high-five in its honor, but I usually miss, especially electronically.)
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How observant of you. Loads of cobwebs in my greenhouse this year not sure why as I dont normally have a problem with cobwebs
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Sorry WW, I love spiders so I hadn't thought about those who don't like them. Reading 'Charlotte's Web' at a very young age, I guess.
You're very welcome Stacy, though now I feel bad that I didn't name something with pretty flowers and a lovely scent after you.
Hi Ronnie, pretty much. I certainly have it with me every day at the Priory. I recently bought a macro lens with which I took the above shots. Needed to use a tripod as the light was low.
Dave
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Is your alias “Hawkeye”? Love the macro, do you carry your camera around with you just in case?
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You're so sweet, Dave–no one's ever named a weed after me before. The camouflage is astonishingly perfect. Your spider couldn't possibly look more at home, like she was destined somehow to hang out on a prickly pear. Staring at people.
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This post should have come with a health warning for arachnaphobes. Fortunately I'm not as bad as I used to be and I can actually look at a spider and be in the same room as one. I can even put a glass over small ones and remove them. I wouldn't say they are my favourite creatures though. Why do delivery people do that? My postman is always knocking on the window and making me jump. I think he finds it funny.
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Blimey, Faisal. You know I work alone. Do you really want to frighten me? Blimey.
Hi Michael, more anxious after Faisal's comment.
Simple Janet. Girl spiders are pretty, male ones handsome.
Dave
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I like the spider better than the cactus. And how do you know she's a “she” anyway?
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Now I know why you are so anxious, Dave.
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You better look out, Dave: it's not only the spider, but the cactus that's watching you: THIS IS NOT A HALLUCINATION…
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