The adult beetles you found don't do any damage to plants. It's their larvae or grubs that do the munching. If you dig up more than about six white grubs per square foot, control may be needed. Choose selective, least toxic, IPM-compatible products whenever possible. The microbial insecticide Bacillus thuringiensis and insect-killing nematode products that can be applied like insecticides have minimal negative impacts on nontarget organisms. The insecticides azadirachtin, pyrethrum (pyrethrins), and imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Lawn Grub Control, GrubEx, etc.) are also relatively safe products. Each of these products is effective only on certain pests and all must be properly timed and applied to be effective. You'll want to apply the product you choose when the larvae or emerging adults are close to the surface of the soil. Adults emerge from the soil June through early August appearing about dusk and are attracted to porch lights. Eggs usually are laid in the top 2 inches of soil. The developing grubs will reach the final instar (third) in late summer and early fall. Most damage to roots is done in September and early October when the grubs are full-sized (about an inch long) and feeding vigorously. Feeding continues until cooling temperatures force the grubs to migrate 5 to 10 inches deep in the soil to hibernate. By late March, overwintering third-instar grubs begin migrating upward near the soil surface to feed. They continue feeding on roots (especially grass) and organic matter until May, then move back deeper into the soil to pupate. Be sure to follow label directions exactly on whatever product you decide to use.

Okay, I'll leave it be and hope for the best. The pine nuggets seemed perfect, with some pieces being dime sized at the largest and some being really fine mulchy stuff. I'll see if I can get a picture when I go down to my mother's house this weekend, I don't remember the brand name. Was a massive bag for pretty reasonable though, I've used that stuff for nearly ALL of my plants this last repotting season. While most are houseplants, for edibles I planted an olive and a cherry tree in soil amended with it. Guess I'll just see what happens over the winter!

GOTCHA!! I see the whole picture here! Thank you all for your imput! It is very understandable and I see things a lot clearer now. Choosing non-married couples makes sense for a lot of reasons. I am no longer miffed and will be very supportive. Actually, I am kind of glad it happened this way because it will allow my fiance a better understanding of the relationship I have with my own god daughter. He is such a wonderful partner and father, that any child he is able to have an intimate relationship with would be truly blessed anyway. No - I am not Catholic, but the rest of my family is. To Carla35 - Yes I do know what it means to be a God Parent. I am a God mother to my best friends' daughter. We baptized our son last July so I am very familiar with the Catholic religions practices regarding God parents and the sacrament of baptism. To Colleenoz - My fiance's neices and nephews not calling me aunt doesn't bother me. I used it as an example for you all to better understand my relationship with the children. It is up to their parents and them as to what they call me and if they ever decide to even call me "aunt". Also - we DO have tentative wedding dates set for either November 1st or 8th of 2008. We plan to marry in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Thank you all for your comments!

Jon, love your posts and this entire thread has been so much fun to read. I am one of those who loves, loves, loves hosta, but can identify very few (Liberty and June are two). I started putting in labels, beautiful metal ones with labels printed on a label-maker. I had dreams of becoming like many here-brilliant, kind, funny, and wise in knowledge of all things hosta. Sigh. Dogs ran over and bent all the ones in the back and a cut paw told me it was time to get rid of those. No idea what became of those in the front yard. My memory of which is which might be summed up by the statement "the past is a foreign country and I don't have a passport." Now, I just drink in their beauty, add more, forget the names of those, and pop in here for inspiration...and often a laugh. Thanks for that today! Cynthia