Thank you, Mikey , Wanda and Youreit for taking the time out to write me. Good sound advice- all of you. However, although Sluggo is a darn good enviromently friendly product, I'd still like to think that toads could reside in my modest garden. I used to live in Monterey Park and had chickens , ducks ,guinea hens and albino peacocks- they took care of the slug and snail problem. Unfortunately they took to eating the Fence Lizards and Blue tongued Skinks( " alligator lizards") as well. Mikey- Hi neighbor!!. Again, thanks and I will keep all of you informed of any developments or " occupations!"

We are getting off the topic, but I remember the lush yard of my childhood w/ all the clover and watching the honeybees, and the exciting days when we would take the honey out of the hives... I planted clover and I wish all the weedy grass would go away! (No neighbors are going to care here as our lots are set in the middle of woods, and we are out in the country.) My clover has had a tough time (doesn't like sand?), but there is one low-growing weed that I am encouraging as it does not need to be mowed. No mowing is my goal. As for my clems (many of which you all enabled!), they are doing fairly well. I was most impressed w/ Arabella- the best bloomer! I have mostly watered from my rain barrels this summer and it is not very satisfactory because the sand soaks up the moisture so fast (great for watering pots and small areas though). I too have to figure out where to plant the ones I stuck in pots in the spring. Most are going into the rose garden (if the roses don't make it maybe the clems will). I have planted several to climb up my deck railings. I know there is a lot of controversy about adding soil amendments, but I am with the other readers who see the fence as a prime planting ground. Maybe someone who knows more about amendments could help out? I wish you the best of luck in finding them a good place, and would appreciate it if you will wish me luck as well. Thanks, Brandy

grilllover - Sorry I haven't got back to you. Between finishing a kitchen remodel DIY and the rain storms I haven't got out to look. nardbarn1 - I looked at HD but they don't seem to carry them in the winter. I asked but they said they don't know if they will get them in until Spring. This is crazy because, when it stops raining, in CA you can cook outside all year long. I will keep looking.

I'm in love with this rug and can't find it anywhere. Please help! Thanks!