I raised several Nessus sphinx this spring. Found on my Virginia Creeper, so food plant is the grape family. They feed very differently from other sphinx. They rest higher on the vine during the day and come down to the lower leaves (almost on the ground) to feed on the foliage at night. I just "happened" to find them early one morning before they had made the climb to the summit! The caterpillars are green until they are ready to pupate and then they turn this beautiful rich auburn: They are slightly larger in size than the hemaris diffinis (Snowberry Clearwing) and very stout bodied moths. Mine only had the single lateral white line, some have the double like yours. This is a photo of the underside of the moth. Notice how the abdomen curves up? I think this is a really cool moth! Susan

HI Martha Yes I plan to leave it, build up the soil around it, and plant a clematis or 2 to ramble over it. Those are a pink version of forget me nots I found the seed one time...once only! I keep thinking I am going to search for more, because I love them! I let them reseed, but they aren't as prolific as the blue ones. Yes that is a pink Dianthus, I don't know what variety though, they have been in that spot for 4 years or so and the tag is long gone. They started blooming here in the last week. I am a zone+ later than you. Thanks! Jenny P

Jan that is beautiful everything so green. and neat and tidy as well, very nice. We have had rain this morning too and I have taken pics of my front garden. I may put them on this afternoon as I can't be greedy already put one on earlier. I love your Arch you should see my two, bush carpenter job I tell you. What have you got growing up it, and yes I like them very much. They are great Pics ....Cheers..MM.

They're all quite beautiful but I especially like Felicite Parmentier. When it comes to bushes there are few that look better than one of the rugosas, such as Pink Pavement. All of these must be deliciously fragrant.