Hop Burrs

The one Nugget hop plant is starting to develop flowers, or "burrs" on the side arms. They start looking spiny, and then will develop into the papery hop cones that are used for bittering and aroma during beer brewing.

For more info on Hops growth cycle.
http://www.freshops.com/hop-growing/hop-gardening#growth_cycle

Initially I was having a problem with some type of small caterpillars that were eating the hop leaves.  I was spraying them daily with soapy water. Not sure if that worked, but there aren't as many holes in the new leaves, and I haven't seen them in a few weeks.  Luckily I have seen some ladybugs patrolling the hop leaves.   Ladybugs are supposed to be excellent for eating any aphids.  Go ladybugs go!