On Every Stem, on Every Leaf

On every stem, on every leaf... and at the root of everything that grew, was a professional specialist in the shape of grub, caterpillar, aphis, or other expert, whose business it was to devour that particular part.

Note: Today is the anniversary of the death of the American physician, poet, and humorist, Oliver Wendell Holmes, who died on this day in 1894.

When garden writers write about pests in the garden, they often include this quote by Holmes.