A rewrite for the paper on Ranunculus and winter annuals, plus some new pics.

I could do with a visit to your garden today Maggie, just about to do the web pages for November. Those snaps look great, I usually prefer the softer colours but in winter the bright "anything" looks so tempting. First Iris unguicularis flower apeared today but the slugs got there before I did. The perils of a very mild autumn, slugs still active and almost December.

Any color in winter is delightful, isn't it! And the really vivid ones become electric when there is so little else.

Gail says sand kept slugs away from her hostas. Have you tried that or ground egg shells around an anticipated bloomer? An electric food processor makes quick work of pulverizing shells.

I'm looking forward to seeing what you saw in your November garden Terry.

I'm curious to know if anyone has ever tried that slug remedy where you line the edge of the bed with copper? Although, Terry, after having seen what you referred to as a "small" slug, I might suggest using the shotgun for the large ones.

I thought you were going to suggest using the food processor on the slugs Maggie. Now there is an idea and that should stop all thoughts of food.

I've tried to the copper strips but didn't like the look or the time it took. For the last few years I've used pecan shell mulch. One bag spread around my hostas before they come up in the spring has kept all slugs away. Now pill bugs, there's another story.