Hostas, slugs and snails

The rain has really brought my hostas on and at the risk of being branded an organic bore - look no damage (well one tiny hole) The first photo shows how dense is the undergrowth in my woodland garden. The hostas are growing with comfrey, red campion and hardy geraniums. No slug pellets, or traps have ever been used here. I do nothing to protect the hostas from slugs and snails


The second photo shows the leaves a bit closer with a red campion flower to give an idea of their size


The last photo shows how ferns and hostas can look good together. This area of the garden is maintenance free - just a general tidy up in the autumn. It is not fed, watered or weeded. No pesticides at all - ever. OK - so not everyone wants a rain forest jungle in their garden - but I do!

 

That is a lovely combination, the fern is very striking - well done hornbeam

 

You must have a large garden to get borders like that Hornbeam - they look really good!

 

It's not a border, jjordie The bottom half of the garden is an old orchard solidly planted with trees, shrubs and perennials. A path winds through to a small raised patio.

 

Sounds like Heaven Hornbeam! - lucky you - our garden is like a postage stamp compared to yours!
Even so am going to really try to get o/h to NOT use slug pellets. He is rather liberal with them despite my protests. Am just 'googling' to get info on hardy geraniums. Perhaps they will discourage the slugs?

[ 22. May 2006, 07:24 PM: Message edited by: jjordie ]

 

Lovely combination of ferns and hostas. Lovely photos! I'd love a rainforest jungle in my garden.
My hostas are on the terrace in pots at the moment, waiting to be planted out at the back of the garden when I have found someone to do a bit of digging there. The ferns are on the decking at the back also waiting.
This year I have had trouble not with slugs eating the hostas, but Jackdaws who have nested nearby and seem intent on pecking everything to bits! I know bullfinches like pecking buds, but what on earth are these big birds after?
I've just seen another hosta I like in Thompson and Morgans, called One Mans' Treasure, it has red stems and buds.

 

http://www.penlanperennials.co.uk/hardy-geraniums-c-9.html?page=1&sort=2a

Found some really lovely deep coloured geraniums on link above - my favourites being-

Patricia - deep pink magenta
Johnson Blue - a brilliant violet blue

Didn't know they came is such gorgeous colours and I think they will look lovely in our garden (with o/h's permission of course). :D

 

:eek: Just browsing the site again - I see that their delivery charges are pretty steep so perhaps better to buy some locally!!!!!!

 

Great hostas and fern. I have been out in the rain picking snails from mine. I stood one on a shelf in the corner of my pond but the snails have found it.My perfect leaves have now been nibbled.

 

Hornbeam: You can bore me with organics any time!
My hostas and ferns are looking ok so far, but have to admit they are all in containers. No slug problem this year so far again, so I suppose the frogs have done their job! Oh, and the odd few slug pellets after it rains just to make sure!
I never said that!

O/T sorry

jjordie: Mrs DAG said you are obviously a woman of taste and discernment! (sorry Waco!) :D

 

Hornbeam - no wonder you don't have any trouble - they've all come to have a party at mine!!!!! :rolleyes: I have a couple of hostas like that - isn't it amazing the way the water "balls" on the leaf and rolls around!!!!???


Have any of you girlies (and maybe the odd fella ) ever spiked a snail on your stilletto????? VERY annoying when you are all poshed up for a night out!!!!!!

 

I have a big blue one like your first hornbeam, I just think the slugs find it too tough! (not complaining as it is spectaculor)

 

I have three down in the jungle - the other two are variegated. The leaves are most vulnerable when they first emerge at ground level surely.

 

Hi Hornbeam, fantastic photos, everything looks lovely, a credit to you.

 

I have Sum and Substance, it is really huge and doesn't usually get troubled by slugs and snails.

http://plants.thompson-morgan.com/uk/en/product/7804/1?SA=1303