Yes Nora. Same thing happened to me this year.
I tried hosing the little blighters but of course they are still there but the hedge seems to have recovered a bit to what it was in August. I'm hoping the winter frost will eradicate them. I'm not keen on spraying any substance on the shrub and it seems to be ok on one side and most of the top anyway. First year it's happened.
Terry, I'm pleased you are managing getting in the garden because it is so rewarding on so many ways and I'm sure your dad will be grateful.
Fishman, your garden sounds like a dreamy cottage garden and must look a picture in the spring.
It would be so good to see pictures but I haven't the foggiest how to upload on here.
I've just planted my bulbs for next year's display. Mainly daffodils and tulips. I still have cosmos which should run to December. Hot Lips is a favourite of mine and the hydrangeas have turned a gorgeous deep red and they will hold that colour for a good couple of months.
This year I have a nice commune of birds. The usual blackbirds, sparrows, blue-tits, a very tame jenny wren and a robin that follows me around every time I dig.