There have been fewer butterflies by this time last year, but the weather did really delay all the flowers coming out so its not surprising.

But July had made up for it, firstly with a tortoiseshell a couple of weeks ago, warming up on the fence.

But last week, I was contemplating getting rid of the overgrown and looking almost past it sow thistle. Then decided to look closely at all the fading heads and small aphid patches – thinking there is still a lot of life here. Then I saw them.

Lots of little caterpillars. The sun was coming up and made for a few awesome pictures.

I think they are starting to look like bright-line brown-eye moth caterpillars after looking through many options, but we will see. One has made it over to my small growing cherry tree and has munched its way through half a leaf or two, but that’s ok. There’s plenty there and it is food for them.

The detail on them is amazing when you get up close. I was also treated to large and small white butterflies making an appearance at last. Drawn in by the lavender rather than the nasturtiums. It landed as I had my camera in hand watching the bees, a rare treat compared to waiting, following and still not catching them. I hope for more to come.

(c) K Wicks