Good Morning, Danny, hope you see this post. I want to thank you for suggesting Oak Park Conservatory. After playing phone tag, I finally talked to the conservatory manager. She asked me to name plants I intended on donating. My mind drew a blank. lol. I honestly could not think of one name. After a noticeable pause, I stupidly said, 'um, well I have several Jades.' lol. Talk about embarrassed! I had an incompleted, pre-written list, but, of course, I didn't have it handy. Didn't expect her to answer the call, after trying two other occasions. Anyway, she explained what needed doing. They don't pick-up plants, so I have to figure a way to get plants there. We have an old, OLD Jeep. Hopefully, dh will drive me and plants to OP. She gave me her email addy, so I'm going to snap and send photos. The conservatory doesn't have space for duplicates, so she'll weed out plants, (via photos) they have or just don't want, then let me know which they'll take. I'm awaiting sunshine. When cloudy, as it's been the last week, pictures are too dark. The calendar says it's spring, but doesn't feel very springy. Anyway, thanks again. Hi Caro, Yep, plants enjoy being summered outside. They love warm days, cool nights. Fresh air and humidity..humidity depending on plant type. I have hanging plants, but did you know ants climb poles? I watched the little creatures parade up and across a plant pole. This went on about a week before I sprayed them with vinegar. They marched up from the ground, hauling a white object, 'eggs?' in their mouths. I don't think slugs are capable of climbing metal. Right? But, when on the ground!!!!!!!!! One day, the wind blew my String of Pearls down. Soil and foliage fell to the ground, close enough to scoop back in the pot. Not only were there ants, (larger than those we normally see,) but a few 3-5", clear color, jelly-like, wormy things. Slug or grub? Anyway,, whatever they were turned my stomach. I bet you were shocked seeing ants covering your counter? lol. Shocked and repulsed. That'll do it. A tree frog would be cute, but forget the snake! I don't know one snake from another, not that type matters. lol. Funny you have ladybugs every winter. They're so cute and helpful. But, I wonder if they're presence is good or bad? Bad as in, do my plants have bad insects which are keeping ladybugs alive??? A few times they were alive and well here, too, but died before spring. I felt terrible. Who'd harm a ladybug?? You can't tell her to fly away home to her kids when outdoor temps are below freezing...kids are probably among the group anyway...lol. Yes, you are SO right about getting old. lol. So true. Time to simplify not complicate. Rid some plants and hang curtains. :) A novel concept in this household. However, if I was 18-years and found hundreds of ants in the house, I'd feel the same. Know what I mean? My energy has been pretty low, but discovering an ant farm moved in the house, lowered it minus 0. Sunless days sure don't help matters..and the days have been sunless. :) One thing. It's difficult choosing plants you'll never see again, especially if they've been with you for years. Is that being selfish or logical? In a way I feel selfish...if I can't have them nobody will. Then I feel guilty for feeling selfish..lol. The problem isn't only ants and lack of space. My back and knee problems are worsening, so it's nearly impossible caring for these guys the way they used to be cared for throughout the years. Think I'm trying to talk myself out of guilt? :) Good luck with your plants, too. If you can get cuttings to root, have the space, fantastic. It took years before I was able to toss extra cuttings. I then realized, no matter how difficult, once the cuttings were tossed, there'd be more room for new plants. lol. But some plants can't be cut and rooted. 'fat plants, certain bulbs.' Yes, I agree, the link Asleep posted is very helpful. BTW, What type of plants do you grow? Hi Asleep, Actually, I placed corn meal in areas my birds can't reach. Behind sink faucets in kitchen and bathroom. Behind the stove. At first I wondered if corn meal would invite mice, but a different article said, if rodents eat non-cooked corn meal,, they'll explode, too. Kill two birds, 'not literally,' with one stone. Yes, I have corn meal, flour, etc. I bake treats for the holidays, 'well, used to,' lol, so corn meal is readily available. No need to run to the grocery store. Last year, I bought live ladybugs..because it was too cold to set out, in the fridge they went. Poor guys..:( I received lady bugs Saturday, set them outside Sunday. can't find one. lol. I followed directions to a T. Mix one teas of sugar in water, then spray ladybugs with the mixture. The suger water is meant to keep them in the area so they don't fly away..Yeah Right! lol. I heard ladybugs eat mealy, too, but some people say it's not true. Aphids yes, but not ladybugs. Who knows what or whom to believe these days. Asleep, have you tried Fish Emulsion? It might or might not rid scale, but it sure worked for me. Well, my plants..lol. I personally do not have scale. lol. Did you post a pic of your Stag? Can't recall. Again, thanks for the help. Toni Thanks for asking.

Hi, re slugs - there are many low-cost home-made remedies such as beer, which work. but in case you don't drink - I used escar-go from "gardens alive" - had to spend money. :) but it worked like magic, 2 applications and they were gone and have not returned. it is safe for children pets and the environment. plus it's a very nice (if somewhat expensive) website. ellen Here is a link that might be useful: escar-go

Jimdaz! I Looooooove how you capitalized CITY. The City.. Wonderful.. Yes I know those HUGE 3-4 inch slugs. Ugh. Lots I miss about San Francisco, too. Not the housing prices though. I pretend that in another life I'll return to a place I can grow Rhododendrun.

We love folks like you, Les! I find the mix we have to be very interesting and fun! I hope you don't feel like you HAVE to explain yourself to us--I mean, we're all just a bunch of hosta freaks (not just Phil)! That being said, I do enjoy learning more about each of us, in the way you explained your roots. Makes it even more interesting, to get to know one another better! I, for one, grew up in north-central Florida, spent half my young life with my grandmother who was a gardener, herself and even grew flowers to cut and sell to the local florists! I was married at 21, and moved to Ohio. I never knew about hosta (or even noticed them), until about 10 years ago and didn't start my 'habit' until 2004! I'm 64 yrs. old and can't imagine having a garden devoid of hosta, now!! Welcome, Les (and anyone else) sit, stay and post away! :o) janice