Purple wellies tiny steps.

Moonlight
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Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 19, 2013 19:36:00 GMT

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Post by Moonlight on Aug 19, 2013 19:36:00 GMT

A lot of hysteria has been generated by a caterpillar this afternoon. It was discovered amongst Pirate Yellow Wellies' flowers garden. When they told me that they had found a caterpillar and that they wanted to move it I thought that's a good idea. I told them not to hurt it. Fairy Pink Wellies found a plastic glove to put on and they were discussing whether to amputate the stem. Then it was could Mummy do it?

Finally I thought that I will go and have a look. I was more than a tad shocked to discover this mutant monster sized caterpillar.

I have encouraged the girls to leave it alone because if they are pahient it will build it's self a cuccoon and turn into a butterfly or moth.

So I have been given strict instructions to ask my Garden Friends, what it is. Hope that you do recognise it because I have been asked at least 8 times what the answer is before I have even put the photo up!

markb Top Member Posts: 527	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 19, 2013 19:42:42 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by markb on Aug 19, 2013 19:42:42 GMT My first thought would be one of the Hawk Moths, but I'm not too sure.

Tel Top Member Posts: 7,992	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 20, 2013 6:31:44 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tel on Aug 20, 2013 6:31:44 GMT Looks like the Elephant Hawk Moth.
	Terry, in Bradford Yorkshire

Rosie Global Moderator Rambling Rosie. Posts: 9,407	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 20, 2013 8:20:25 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Rosie on Aug 20, 2013 8:20:25 GMT I would say Elephant Hawk Moth too, They are the most fabulous colours once they hatch out
	Geordie in Exile..

Moonlight
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Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 21, 2013 10:57:52 GMT

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Post by Moonlight on Aug 21, 2013 10:57:52 GMT

Aug 20, 2013 8:20:25 GMT Rosie said:

I would say Elephant Hawk Moth too, They are the most fabulous colours once they hatch out

I am so glad that you said that Rosie because when I said that Markb and T had said that it was a moth they were not impressed at all. It is weird they don't 'get' that butterflies and moths are similar. They looked at me in horror when I said that it was a hairy butterfly that comes out at night.

I hope that they get to see it when it is an adult. Keeping more frequent checks on it now, bless them.

Rosie Global Moderator Rambling Rosie. Posts: 9,407	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 21, 2013 11:22:18 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Rosie on Aug 21, 2013 11:22:18 GMT This is the Wiki page about them Moonlight, they are fascinating beasties en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deilephila_elpenor
	Last Edit: Aug 21, 2013 11:24:13 GMT by Rosie Geordie in Exile..

Moonlight Top Member Posts: 4,922	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 21, 2013 21:05:29 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Moonlight on Aug 21, 2013 21:05:29 GMT That all the attention doesn't end up as a bird's dinner.

Tel Top Member Posts: 7,992	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 7:03:33 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Tel on Aug 22, 2013 7:03:33 GMT How's things looking for your show on Sunday Moonlight. Fingers crossed that you have a vase of 3 for it.
	Terry, in Bradford Yorkshire

Moonlight
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Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 10:48:19 GMT

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Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 10:48:19 GMT

It is raining here

but I've been out in the garden this morning (dressed but no coat, not enough room for one

) looking like a mad woman. (Ok within character as yes I am.

) with my measuring rings. Got absolutely soaked.

Made myself some coffee and was really, really brave. Rung and registered for the show. If the pouring rain doesn't ruin everything my vase of 3 will be a combination of Westons. After last times disaster, naughty Pirate deciding to stretch its petals by the evening. Not likely to be a Pirate.

and my Spanish Dancers just haven't been that good all round. Shame really, Dad won with its parent tuber plant. So you just don't know. Same with my Mary's Jomandas, been really patchy some have kept green centres.

Person I bought my Mary's Jomanda from the person who won with his. Just shows, if you know what you are doing. Having said that I've had a couple of my Franz come up with proper centres. Totally random that one.

Brain all over the place, so I am rambling. I started typing out a proper reply for the Trooper Dan thread and fell asleep. Loud children that are overexcited about Town show in a few weeks time, who need to crack on making their Christmas crackers + Very tired + Excited Mummy = Boring rambling posts, that when I re-read my posts, are not making 100% sense but I am not spending hours editing them or they will end up worse.

Gosh it is absolutely pouring out there, I hope my dahlias are not ruined.

Fingers crossed, what will be will be, if it is really meant to be it will happen.

Moonlight
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Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 11:10:39 GMT

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Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 11:10:39 GMT

This is the post that I started yesterday:

Been round my dahlias with my measuring rings a few times. I'm not sure about my Jomandas / Mary's Jomandas. Think I've got a pom but to me today, my best chances are with my Westons.

Again

that they don't get a visit from from an evil muncher.

Part of my Jomanda had thrown up a smaller sized, more peachy coloured bloom. Well went down and checked them at lunch time and that branch of the plant had snapped.

I've tried my best to keep them tied but when the plant grows 2'' higher than the canes, there isn't much more that I can do. Live and learn except next year I'll need to use 6 foot canes. (Which will look silly so they will probably sulk and only grow 4 foot.)

Dad came round just as we were finishing our late lunch. Told me that he was not going to bother showing his Trooper Dans because they were too large for a large. So I said I can ask................

Dad is very happy and even said I could take a photo.

Moonlight Top Member Posts: 4,922	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 11:25:55 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 11:25:55 GMT Girls have been out in the rain sans coats (mad like their Mother) on Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar check. He is still there.

Moonlight
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Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 13:36:57 GMT

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Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 13:36:57 GMT

Aug 22, 2013 10:48:19 GMT Moonlight said:

Loud children that are overexcited about Town show in a few weeks time, who need to crack on making their Christmas crackers + Very tired + Excited Mummy = Boring rambling posts, that when I re-read my posts, are not making 100% sense but I am not spending hours editing them or they will end up worse.

Gosh it is absolutely pouring out there, I hope my dahlias are not ruined.

Fingers crossed, what will be will be, if it is really meant to be it will happen.

Raining has stopped briefly. Been raining most of the day so far. Just had lunch, HH came home from work for lunch and has since escaped back to the boredom and monotony of work which is entirely preferable to the excitement and 'joy'

of the Christmas crackers.

Moonlight Top Member Posts: 4,922	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 16:20:59 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 16:20:59 GMT Cracker Update: 2 crackers have been assembled and are currently being filled and decorated...

Moonlight Top Member Posts: 4,922	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 17:19:29 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 17:19:29 GMT Cracker Update 3: The Christmas Crackers have been completed. 20 minutes later and they are still sweeping glitter on the floor.

Moonlight Top Member Posts: 4,922	Purple wellies tiny steps. Aug 22, 2013 19:35:17 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Moonlight on Aug 22, 2013 19:35:17 GMT Me? Distracted? Mind on something else? Nah, not I said the Wolf!

thecrackedpotgardener: this is the voice of the thecrackedpotgardener your are not alone i am watching you all mwhahahahahahahahaha Sept 28, 2018 17:25:34 GMT

joysie21: Do anyone buy the gardeners world magazine as I want to enter competitions I have the gardeners answer magazine which is free with lloyds club account Nov 5, 2018 9:19:29 GMT

libralady: Hello Bess, I have resurrected your post about using elderflowers. I will try the fizz but could you please send your recipes for the cordial and syrup. Thanks and regards. Nov 21, 2018 18:03:23 GMT