Page 47 - Simply Vegetables Autumn 2023

Friend or foe?
Ever find something in your garden and wonder ...what on earth is that? or words to that effect. This happened to myself and Hoss Martin with the same thing.....an elephant Hawk Moth.
I stumbled across a pupa back in June 2020 and John (Hoss) Martin stumbled across a caterpillar in July 2023, (a much scarier looking beastie than the pupa) see photos. With help from Brian Little, (I call Brian our “bug guru”), Brian very kindly took my pupa and reared it into a beautiful Elephant Hawk Moth, thanks again Brian. see photo. Hoss also gained help via the NVS Facebook members site and received an instant answer from Ivor Mace, thanks Ivor.
The Elephant Hawk Moth lives on nectar from flowers and lays its eggs mainly on bay willow herb (That pink fluffy weed that grows everywhere) but also fuchsias as they like to blend in with pink flowers. Whilst typing this article, Hoss found another two (also in areas that had Rosebay Willow Herb) so it looks like we both may need to do some more weeding? Or leave an area,
just for them.
The caterpillar is not poisonous and is harmless to people and pets, but they do look a bit snake like to try and frighten off predators, such as birds.
We thought we would
share this info., in case, like
us, you come across one of such these fine-looking fellas in
your garden.
Fiona Shenfield FNVS
they do look a bit snake like to try and frighten off predators,
as birds
Scottish Branch
200 Club
Thank you to all members who have submitted a Scottish Branch 200 club form, your support makes a big difference.
For 2023 we have once again delayed the start of the prize draw to run from March to Dec to allow for more applications to come in before we start. The prize draw is taken at the end of each month, so make sure you send in your forms for 2023 or print an extra form or two from the web site within the “Resources” section, the more the merrier.
Below are the draw results for 2023, congratulations.
You do not have to be a Scottish Branch member (or even an NVS member) to join, so please encourage friends and family too.
If anyone requires an extra copy of the 200-club form, you can now find a PDF copy in the “Resources” section of the NVS web site to enable you to print one out. Alternatively please contact Gareth Cameron. 2 Dyke Nook, Yeathouse Road, Frizington, Cumbria, CA26 3QL. Telephone: 07935 117 397 or email: garethcameron04@gmail.com
Prize money is dependent on how many 200 Club members we have with half the revenue generated going towards the Scottish Branch funds and half going towards the 200-club prize money.
Thanks again for your support, it really makes a difference.
Month
First Prize
Second Prize
Mar
Niall Currie
Gareth Cameron
Apr
W.D. MacPherson
Grace Pearson
May
Allan Findlay
M. Watson
June
B. McLeod
M. Ferguson
Simply Vegetables 47