Rachel's Journal

wow !!!! thats really pretty is it big.

Do I get a prize, is it an elephant hawk moth. there catterpillars are supposed to be pretty big and ugly.

Have seen elephant hawk moth a few years ago and it was more green with pink spots. It had a sort of 'trunk' at front which it waved threateningly when alarmed. it was all of three inches long. maybe some just have more pink than others. Cant see the trunk tho and thats why its called elephant hawk. This one is a beauty

Space Invaders!!!! Rachel never seen one of these 'boys' before....hope he's not intending doing any damage to your plants!!

Wow, I've never seen one of those, it's beautiful!

It's in an envelope on its way to you already Claire : )

I dont think its the right colour to be an elephant hawk moth. But I honestly cant tell you which one it is. Beautiful though.

Enjoyed the visit to Coopers garden too, and not just the Choc Rice Krispie Square, although they were delicious. Rachel it is an elephant Hawk Moth see to confirm: http://www.habitas.org.uk/moth/species.asp?item=6077 You better redirect that envelope to Gismo as she's the one who wants the prize :-D Like Rabbits there so lovely to look at initially until the offspring eat half your greenhouse next year!!!

Looks lovely and not so lovely at the same time. Probably the only time I am glad I don't have a greenhouse!

Think it is the elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor). Lucky me. Thanks for your help, everyone. Bill's right. The prize should go to Gizmo. I just need to keep an eye out on my fuchsias for caterpillars. From what I can gather they're unlikely to be a pest but the young may eat fuchsia leaves.

I think they like honeysuckle too Rachel. They are so beautiful, I think I could tolerate a few chomped leaves.

Send it my way, I've got a honeysuckle needs chomping on...

google their catterpillars they are ugly little things, there like giant slugs ewwwwwwwwwww. my sister in law is obsessed with butterflies if she saw that she would frame it lol !!!

Rachel have a head like a sive what palm did you ask me to look up in Will Giles book about overwintering? was it a Phoenix canaraniensis or a Trachycarpus fortunei. Anyway let me know or visit Will's website www.exoticgarden.com look under newspaper articles.

It was the Chusan Palm, Trachycarpus fortunei, Bill. I think it is fully hardy when mature. But the link to that book looks good - may have to put it on my Christmas list. Exotic plants always have added appeal in winter time!