Category: nature

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More Fabulous Fungi

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The autumn colours were glorious last week; particularly the Acers like the Acer dissectum below.

Another tree that I loved seeing was a Tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipfera).

This tree is so called because the flowers look similar to tulips. I have never noticed it flower but I will try to remember to keep an eye out for them next summer.

The recent wet weather has had opposite affects on wildlife. I haven’t seen many pollinators lately but have continued to see lots of fungi. Infact the timing of this wet weather has meant it’s been a bumper year for fungi.

The few pollinators that I have noticed include Common wasps (Vespula vulgaris) on some Ivy (Hedera helix) flowers

and one White tailed bumblebee (Bombus lucorum) on Monday.

I also saw a couple of moths at the end of the week too. The first one was a Winter moth (Operophtera brumata)

and the second one was a Scarce bordered straw (Helicoverpa armigera). The latter moth is a migrant visiting the UK.

I was a little surprised to see some Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) still flowering in one garden. I enjoy seeing this daisy like wild flower and like it’s common name Bachelor buttons.

The mushrooms I noticed last week were varied in size and colour.

*Once again, please do not use this post as a guide to edible mushrooms.*

I have managed to identify some but have placed question marks next to those I am unsure of.

The mushrooms I saw last week were;

– the Common puffball (Lycoperdon perlatum).

[The second photo was from a few days later. I noticed that they had matured, ready to release their spores].

-Orange Bonnet (Mycena acicula)

-Purple brittlegill (Russula atropurpurea)

-Turkey tail (Trametes versicolor)

-Lilac bonnet (Mycena pura)?

-Rosy bonnet (Mycena rosea)

-Milking bonnet (Mycena galopus)?

-Horse mushroom (Agaricus arvensis)?

-and Cortinarius umbrinolens?

The week ended with a brief visit from a Jay (Garrulus glandarius) to the Rowan tree outside my home. I can’t wait to see if I get Redwings (Turdus iliacus) visit soon as well. I usually have a few snacking on the berries each year; hopefully they come before all the berries disappear. The UK conservation status of this thrush is red so it’s always special to see them. Redwings look similar to thrushes but have a splash of red under their wings.

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Fabulous Fungi

Posted on by BITM

One thing is certain at this time of year, I will see fungi and mushrooms in most gardens as I mow and collect leaves.

I made a point of trying to identify each one I saw this year, although this is a difficult task with fungi. I am not a hundred per cent confident that I have correctly named all of the mushrooms photographed; for this reason I would never eat any or advise others on which ones to forage.

Please do not use this post as a guide to edible mushrooms.

Unfortunately I didn’t see Fly agaric (Amanita muscaria) last week; that iconic mushroom with a red cap and white spots from fairy tales (although I have seen it growing nearby in previous years). Those fungi I did see were;

– Silver leaf (Chondrostereum purpureum) fungus

– Mower’s mushroom (Panaeolus foenisecii)

– Brown roll-rim (Paxillus involutus)

– Sulphur tuft (Hypholoma fasciculare)

– Mica cap (Coprinellus micaceus)

– Stinking parasol (Lepiota cristata)

– Ivory funnel (Clitocybe dealbata)

– Banded mottlegill (Panaeolus cinctulus)

– Clustered bonnet (Mycena inclinata)

– Shaggy ink cap (Coprinus comatus)

– Neoboletus luridiformis

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What a Difference a Month Makes

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A month ago I had a weeks holiday. Signs of autumn were beginning to mingle with late summer. Now October is here autumn has definitely arrived.

As I had another week off I decided to revisit my local park, observing changes from a month ago.

In September Roesel’s bush crickets (Metrioptera roeselii) were chirping everywhere, butterflies were flitting about and some flowers still bloomed amongst the meadow (see Relaxing into Autumn).

Upon my return last Tuesday the only sounds I heard were birds singing and the meadow area had been cut and baled. Cobwebs were visible in the long dew dampened grass around the edges of the woodland too.

Hawkweed, Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris), Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) were only just flowering still while the Ivy (Hedera) was in full bloom.

Ivy is fantastic for pollinators at this of year. I saw a few hoverflies flying to and from several flowers but the Honey bees (Apis mellifera), that were still active from the nearby hives would probably visit them too.

It was lovely to see dried seedheads of Wild carrot (Daucus carota)

and Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)

as I wondered around the park. They look beautiful but they are useful for insects to shelter in as well. In fact I noticed a ladybird snuggling amongst one of the Cow parsley seedheads. I also discovered field mushrooms (Agaricus campestris) growing amongst the grass.

Trees and shrubs were starting to show autumnal colours along with their ripe fruits. I found elderberries, sloe as well as haws on the Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) alongside Rosehips. However there were no longer any blackberries left on the brambles.

I noticed the leaves of one Horse chestnut tree (Aesculus hippocastanum) affected by the Horse chestnut leaf miner (Cameraria ohridella) moth.

Similarly there was evidence of caterpillars (most likely another moth) having been on a Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) tree.

The eggs and excrement are still visible on the nibbled leaves.

I ended my weeks holiday with a visit the Horniman museum in London.

On route to the train station I saw a Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) running across a path. It attempted to cross the road until either the traffic or pedestrians scared it into fleeing towards a nearby hedge. Once I arrived in London I realised that I never see rats in the underground any more. I used to enjoy seeing them scurrying between the tracks. I have owned pet rats for many years so I find wild rats intriguing. I also like to watch Squirrels as rodents tend to act in similar ways to one another. After lunch I observed two Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) scamper about.

The nearest squirrel had an acorn in its mouth and appeared to bury it in different places. I once saw a television programme on squirrels in which one was observed ‘pretending’ to bury a nut in several places while in the presence of other squirrels to avoid their stash being taken. Presumably this was occurring with the squirrels I was watching on Friday.

There is a butterfly house and aquarium at the Horniman museum. The butterflies were looking a little aged with their wings rather worn, however they were still beautiful. As soon as I entered the butterfly house a Malachite butterfly (Siproeta stelenes) landed on me which felt wonderfully welcoming.

The photo below shows a selection of the many butterflies I saw.

Feeding on the fruit are one Blue morpho (Morpho peleides), one Brown clipper (Parthenos Sylvia philippinensis), two Blue clipper (Parthenos Sylvia) and three Owl butterflies (Caligo memnon).

There were lots to see in the aquarium as well but my favourites were the White spotted jellyfish (Phyllorhiza punctata); watching them was so relaxing.

Even at the weekend nature was visible. As I ate breakfast on Saturday morning I heard and watched a group of Coal tits (Periparus ater) on the Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia) outside. I have never seen Coal tits on this tree before, I hope to see them again.

Another animal I became aware of last week was a Red fox (Vulpes vulpes). I first noticed it on my way home on Wednesday night and again on Sunday morning. It was making itself known on Saturday night too as it was being very vocal.

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A Chill in the Air with Beautiful Sunrises.

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Occasionally I am still surprised by nature. One instance of this occured on my way home last Monday when I saw a Heron (Ardea cinerea) standing on a rooftop. I had to double take to confirm it was real; thankfully it moved it’s head slightly. The house was near a river but I guess it was looking for an easy dinner from someone’s pond. Infact this wasn’t the only time I saw Herons during the week. On Wednesday I also noticed a couple flying above where I worked. One of them was calling but I think it was warning the other off because they eventually went their separate ways.

Jay’s (Garrulus glandarius) also became more visible last week as they harvested acorns before the squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis). I love the Jay’s colouring and the meaning behind their Latin name. Garrulous is a word that refers to their noisy chattering while glandarius translates as ‘of the acorn’, very appropriate.

Garden spiders (Araneus diadematus) seemed to be very busy creating their orb webs amongst perennials and shrubs; especially as I often managed to get my face tangled amongst them by accident (meaning their well deserved rest was cut short).

There was a chilly start to Thursday and I woke to a beautiful sunrise. Even though the temperature has dropped slightly, my Asters and Penstemon continue to flower well. Hopefully pollinators are still visiting them. I noticed some bees and a Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) flying about in other gardens.

A Honey bee (Apis mellifera) visiting Helenium ‘Lemon Queen’.
A Common Carder Bumblebee (Bombus pascuorum) visiting some Aster flowers.

On Friday however, I saw
2 Box tree moths (Cydalima perspectalis). These pretty moths with a purply-brown pattern set against white wings were not such a welcome sight. This is the first year I have noticed these moths. I first saw their caterpillars in another garden during the summer too. It is the caterpillars that cause the damage as they defoliate Box (Buxus) plants. They are considered a pest and are spreading further across the country (for further information see Butterfly Conservation).

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🎵…I’m Laughing at Clouds, so Dark up Above… 🎶🎵🎶

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What a much needed wet week. I don’t mind working in the rain too much but on Monday I struggled to keep upbeat. While waiting at a bus stop (without a shelter) during very heavy rain it started finding a way through my waterproofs. Singing helped keep me positive, although rain seeped into my singing too. Eventually the Morecambe and Wise ‘I’m Singing in the Rain’ sketch came to mind and I started giggling to myself. I didn’t go as far as splashing in puddles and dancing on the bench though.

Thankfully there were moments of respite during the day and a few insects braved the weather, mainly;

– a Common carder (Bombus pascuorum) bee on Caryopteris clandonensis ‘Dark Knight,

– a Heath bumblebee (Bombus jonellus) visiting some Asters,

– and two Cinnamon bugs (Corizus hyoscyami) on some dried Purple toadflax (Linaria purpurea) seedhead.

I’m not sure they would have managed to get much sap from the plant. At least the photo is better than the last one I took of a cinnamon bug (see Blooms, Bees and Bugs).

Last week I also noticed more Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) around. The softened ground has enabled them to cache nuts that are falling from the trees at the moment; hiding acorns keeping them busy.

Lots of Craneflies (Tipula paludosa) were noticeable too. Presumably I kept disturbing them as I worked because they were flying during the day. Their larvae, known as Leatherjackets, eat grass roots at night which causes patches of dead grass (therefore they are regarded pests of pristine lawns). Insect feeding birds gorge themselves on these, often leaving bits of loose grass where they have been. Unlike Leatherjackets, Craneflies don’t feed but try to find mates. It is possible to sex them, if the abdomen is pointed rather than squared it is a female (as the ovipositor can be seen). I still like to call them Daddy long legs as I did in childhood.

On Wednesday, as I worked near a pond, I witnessed a female Southern hawker (Aeshna cyanea) dragonfly laying eggs. She flew and stopped at various points around the pond edge, wherever there were gaps.

Then later in the week I discovered a Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphureus) fungi on a tree trunk,

as well as a Lunar Underwing (Omphaloscelis lunosa) moth. The Larvae of this moth feed on grasses.

The pattern on the forewings reminded me of stain glass windows and was very pretty.

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Quieter Days Ahead

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We finally have some rain today, the start of some wetter weather this week. It looks very autumnal and very different from the weather of late. Although last week was still sunny and dry the amount of butterflies have reduced. However I do still see some Small white butterflies (Pieris rapae) flitting about. Wednesday was the best day for seeing these butterflies along with bees.

In a few gardens many late flowering plants are blooming nicely; this is especially important for pollinators that are still around in Autumn. Extending the season at the beginning of the year is just as helpful too. Early flowering bulbs, shrubs, wildflowers (including dandelions) Hellebores and Pulmonaria are great for the bees that forage in early spring. The first bees of spring are various solitary bees and the queens of some bumblebees (see Wildlife Trusts).

On Wednesday I saw;

– a Buff-tailed bumblebee (Nimbus terrestris) and Tree bumblebee (Bombus hypnorum) on Helianthus ‘Lemon queen’ flowers,

Buff-tailed bumblebee

Tree bumblebee

-Common carder bees (Bombus pascuorum) visiting Aster, Verbena bonariensis and Rudbeckia,

Aster

Verbena bonariensis

Rudbeckia

– and a Small white butterfly on Aster flowers.

On Friday I noticed more Common carder bees as they visited a hardy Fushia. This was the first time I noticed bees visit a Fushia so it was lovely to see it happen. These bees have long tongues and because they are small can collect nectar easily from Fushia flowers. However the two bumblebees I saw this week are larger and have short tongues which explains why I saw them visiting the Helianthus. Interestingly though Buff-tailed bumblebees are able to ‘rob’ nectar from bell shaped flowers by cutting a hole in the side of the flower to access the nectar. White-tailed bumblebees (Bombus lucorum) can also undertake nectar robbing. Even so single flowers, together with a variety of flower shapes are important for bees and other pollinators. Plus night scented flowers are beneficial for moths.

Another sighting from Wednesday was watching a Red Kite (Milvus milvus) soaring in circles above where I worked. I love hearing Red kites repeatedly call as they fly; it is a beautiful sound.

As well as insects and birds, occasionally I get to see wild mammals as I work too. There was an instance of this last Monday. I noticed a Fox (Vulpes vulpes) exiting a hedge and run into the neighbouring garden while I ate my lunch.

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Cozy Evening Reflections

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I am feeling cozy, sitting on the sofa, as I reflect on last weeks observations on a dark evening.

Along with the earlier sunsets, fresh mornings have begun to take hold too. I have been noticing a lot of changes occurring with trees throughout the week. Their leaves are turning autumnal and I have been able to pick fresh apples as I work. Lots of conkers are falling around the bus stop too.

One of the apple trees with lovely sweet apples is pictured below. There were other trees with Russet and Cox apples.

The Rowan tree outside my home continues to have Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) feeding on insects. Plus I have also seen a Robin (Erithacus rubecula) and two Long tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus) eating insects on it’s branches, along with a Blackbird (Turdus merula) feasting in the berries.

Mr Blackbird wasn’t camera shy.

I still saw Small white (Pieris rapae), Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) and Painted lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies as they took advantage of the late flowering perennials.

On Wednesday I noticed a Painted lady butterfly as well as a Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) visiting some Ceratostigma willmottianum which is still blooming while the leaves are turning red.

Some plants have been flowering all summer, such as Geraniums and Verbena bonariensis, and now bloom alongside Sedums, Asters and Autumn crocus (Colchicum autumnale) painting gardens in muted colours.

Sedums and Verbena bonariensis looking lovely amongst ornamental grasses.
Geranium still flowering.
A Painted lady butterfly collecting nectar from an Aster flower.
Autumn crocuses blooming in the lawn.

Cutting back faded perennials was one of last weeks jobs which meant I disturbed a lot of Seven-spot ladybirds (Coccinella septempunctata). So I spent quite a bit of time rescuing them from garden waste bins too.

Lastly, as I walked home late on Wednesday, I ended up seeing a beetle walking across the path in the moonlight and enjoyed the view of the Waxing gibbous moon amongst the clouds.

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Relaxing into Autumn

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September is here. While meteorological autumn has already begun (1st) it won’t be long before astronomical autumn arrives (23rd) too.

I love this time of year; for me it’s the time for taking stock and starting new adventures (a feeling probably ingrained from my educational years). I particularly look forward to planning changes in the garden and start making Christmas presents at this point in the year. Plus Autumn is my favourite season, the fresher sunny mornings and the warm leaf colours.

Along with the signs of autumn (including Blackberries, Elderberries and Sloes ripening) I have noticed a change in how the days feel within the past few weeks.
As the school year begins I had a week off to relax after a long hectic summer.

At the start the week I decided to walk round the local woodland park. It was a warm, dry and sunny day on Monday. Once I entered the meadow area I was aware of a loud chorus amongst the uncut grass. Upon closer inspection I discovered the wonderful chirps were being made by lots of Roesel’s bush crickets (Metrioptera roeselii).

The flowers still blooming were; Hawkweed, Red clover (Trifolium pratense), Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea), Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and Chicory (Cichorium intybus).

Lots of Honey bees (Apis mellifera) and several Small white butterflies (Pieris rapae) were flitting between the flowers especially the Chicory. The blue flowers of the Chicory really stood out in the sunshine.

I even got to see a Speckled wood butterfly (Pararge aegeria) resting in the sun on the edge of the wood.

One thing came as a surprise as I wondered through this oasis of calm. It was fantastic to discover a notice about Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) nesting in area.

As they are on the Red list Bird of Conservation Concern it was nice to learn that they have made a home nearby.

Although I didn’t go away on holiday I planned to visit a few places before the weather turned. One place I finally visited was the Chelsea Physic Garden in London. Although it was later in the season there was still lots to see. Initially I looked round the glasshouses within the Tropical Corridor. There were lots of plants from around the world which required extra protection. I am a big fan of cacti so I liked seeing them planted naturally rather than in pots. There were lots of Pelargoniums as well. One whose leaves I particularly enjoyed smelling was Pelargonium ‘Chocolate peppermint‘ which reminded me After Eights.
Within the same glasshouse I got so see a Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) enjoying the flowers of the Pelargonium quercifolium ‘Royal oak’.

After the glasshouses I walked around the Garden of Medicinal plants. There were Honey bees buzzing around lots of plants in this section. I found them visiting a;
– Myrtus communis var. tarentina ‘variegata‘

– Lobelia tupa,

– Salvia stachydifolia,

– and a Salvia amistad; along with a Buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris)

It was also lovely to watch some Dunnocks (Prunella modularis) as I ate lunch. Normally shy birds I usually only hear them sing in early spring, however these clearly weren’t bothered about us.

The next stop was to the Mental Wellbeing garden. I particularly enjoyed this small garden dedicated to improving mental health. It concentrated on the senses so there were plants you could feel, smell as well as view. Colour was important; along with soothing green foliage there were calming blues and purples along with joyful yellows and oranges. There was even a reference to garden therapy which is close to my heart along with a dedication to the charity Thrive. (See Thrive).

Wildlife can also have a positive affect on mental health so it was great to see insects in this space too. There was;
– an unidentifiable bumblebee investigating a Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea ‘Grandpa Ott’) flower covered in pollen.

– plus a Green aphid on a beautiful sweet pea (Lathyrus odoratus ‘Matucana’).

I continued to notice more insects as I kept walking around; starting with the Dicotyledon Order Beds, where I saw a Honey bee on a dahlia,

through to the Garden of Edible Plants. In the tea bed, which was near Fortune’s Tank Pond, a male Common darter dragonfly (Sympetrum striolatum) was resting on a metal teapot shaped frame holding up Nettles (Urtica dioica) inside. The nettles were meant to be there as nettle tea can be a diuretic.

There were some interesting containers used as pots in this bed. Mint (Mentha) was growing in a teapot

and a tea plant (Camellia sinensis) was planted in a tea chest.

These unusual pots gave me some ideas for my own garden.

Another area I was very interested in seeing was the dyers bed. I would love to try colouring fabric or yarn with natural dyes so I wanted to see which plants were there. On the yellow cosmos (cosmos sulphureus) was a female Syrphus ribesii hoverfly.

The flowers of this Cosmos are used to create a yellow- orange dye. I think I may try dying with this plant if dye is amazing as the flowers.

I meandered further round the other sections of the garden ending in the community garden. Alongside edibles were wildflowers that can be used as herbal medicine.

I love this sign.

Along with plants such as Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) and evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) were Herb robert (Geranium robertianum) whose crushed
leaves can aid wound repair and the aroma believed to repel mosquitos. Another so called weed I found there was Plantain (Plantago major). When used as a soothing poultice the leaves
are useful for calming insect bites and inflammation.

I ended the week beside the sea in Hampshire. I always look for seaglass along beaches and Saturdays hunt was plentiful. The weather was lovely on Saturday; sunny and warm with a gentle breeze. Along with the soothing sound of the waves I could hear Herring gulls (Larus argentatus). This was the perfect end to my week off and the start of Autumn.

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“Here’s Looking at you Kid.”

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Bank holiday weekend was roasting, especially Sunday therefore I decided to take it easy so I wouldn’t overheat. Even though I didn’t go out, nature came to me. While looking out of the window I noticed a Red Underwing (Catocala nupta) moth trying to remain in shade on an outside wall. This large moth (6.5-7.5cm wingspan) has predominantly red underwings with black and white markings, hence it’s common name. The food of this moths larvae are
Willow (Salix) and Poplar (Populus) trees.

I also managed to photograph one of this years Blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) brood in the Rowan (Sorbus) tree outside. They are definitely looking more like the adults now.

It’s also lovely to see the Rowan is full of ripe berries ready for the Thrushes (Turdus philomelos) and also the Redwings (Turdus iliacus) that I usually see in winter.

Monday was slightly cooler although it was still hotter than I prefer it to be. However armed with suncream, hat and water I visited Ham House and Garden in London. While walking round the grounds, bees, crickets and the occasional Ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri) could be heard.
There was an extensive kitchen garden with cut flower and edible flower areas which I particularly enjoyed viewing.
I saw lots of Honey bees (Apis mellifera) on Globe artichokes (Cynara cardunculus) within the kitchen garden.

There was another lovely sighting as I ate lunch too. Amongst the Wisteria (having a second flush of flowers) as well as some scaffolding was a Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) sitting on it’s nest. It didn’t move other than to blink as it was no doubt observing us all eating trying to remain undetected.

Upon my return there was a Speckled bush cricket (Leptophyes punctatissima) in the hall to welcome me home. As there was no ovipositor on the end of the abdomen (the appendage from which the female lays eggs) I identified it as male.

Long weekends are lovely but they still pass quickly and Tuesday rolled around again, so I was back to work.
I didn’t notice as many butterflies last week, although bees are still prevalent. During the warmest part of the day, when I was once again wilting, I noticed how active the Honey bees were on the Sedums even though they are only just starting to bloom.

I also observed a Small Dusty Wave (Idaea seriata) moth later that evening. It’s caterpillars feed on herbaceous plants especially Ivy (Hedera helix).

The nice weather of sunshine and low 20s temperature continued to the latter part of the week.

Once again it was Honey bees I mostly noticed on Sedums as well as some visiting

-Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’.

– and Erigeron karvinskianus.

However there was one plant I noticed that surprised me. In a wooded area a small patch of Cyclamen hederifolium was poking it’s flowers above the leaf litter and Ivy; Yet another sign of late Summer and the beginning of Autumn.

Then just when I thought I wouldn’t get to catch a proper view of a butterfly, I managed to see a Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) on a white Buddleja bush.

Lastly, I saw another moth in the hall, this time however it was a Square-spot Rustic (Xestia xanthographa) moth.

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A Magical Week

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I have begun to notice a chill in the mornings as the nights grow colder. I love the promise of Autumn. It doesn’t quite feel autumnal yet (especially as the weather has warmed up again this weekend) but some changes are occurring. Conkers and beech masts have started dropping and fungi are appearing in some lawns. A couple of times I have come across fairy rings; in both instances the Marasmius oreades fungi was the cause (sadly no magical elvish, fairy or pixie dancing).

The week continued with more observations of Painted lady (Vanessa cardui) butterflies. On Monday there were two visiting a Buddleja bush along with a Small tortoiseshell (Aglais urticae) and a Large white (Pieris brassicae).
Then on Friday, in different gardens, more were flitting about. On one occasion, during the morning, I saw a Painted lady on a Ceratostigma willmottianum.

In the second half of the week I noticed more butterflies including a Green-veined white (Pieris napi) on Verbena bonariensis

and a Small tortoiseshell visiting an Erysimum ‘Bowles’s Mauve’.

Throughout last week I saw lots of pollinators busily collecting nectar and pollen.
On Monday I noticed lots of small flies and Buff-tailed bumblebees (Bombus terrestris) pollinating Marigold (Tagetes) flowers. Perhaps they are enticed by their overwhelming aroma which even I found hard to ignore.

Then on Wednesday there was a Common carder (Bombus pascuorum) bee flying between Nandina domesticas and several Agapanthus africanus.

On Friday while working near some Hebe ‘Great Orme’ there were lots of honey bees (Apis mellifera) as well as a Hornet mimic hoverfly (Volucella zonaria).

Another interesting thing I noticed last week was a Red campion (Silene dioica) plant growing on an old moss covered log.

With no soil surrounding its roots clearly it was receiving sufficient moisture and nutrients from this unusual source. It has been flowering healthily all summer but I hadn’t realised it had been relying on the log for its growth until then. I found this plants ability for survival amazing and will closely watch its development.

Lastly I have been aware of how wonderful hardy Fuchsias (Fuchsia magellanica) are currently looking. Although I don’t see pollinators visiting the flowers, there have been a couple of times, in the past, when I have seen Elephant Hawk-moth (Deilephila elpenor) caterpillars feeding on Fushia plants. (See Elephant Hawk-moth).

These caterpillars also eat Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) and Willowherbs including Enchanter’s nightshade (Circaea lutetiana) and Rosebay willowherb (Epilobium angustifolium). This beautiful pink and olive green moth flies at night and therefore feeds on Honeysuckle (Lonicera).

Across the way from this hardy Fushia there was a Honeysuckle growing along the wall so it would have been a fantastic place for these moths to inhabit. Unfortunately I didn’t come across any Elephant Hawk-moths this year but hopefully I will in years to come (and I am sure it will feel magical).