I used to live in the midlands, and regularly had a song thrush that would find snails in Mum's garden, and bash them repeatedly against the rockery to get to the snail inside.
I haven't even SEEN a song thrush in my garden, we get plenty of sparrows, have a nesting pair of blackbirds, collared doves, the odd starling and magpie (the last two I evict whenever I see them). I did see a woodpecker a few weeks ago, and what I think may have been a sparrowhawk (came and went in a flash).
As for slugs, I think the two resident frogs eat all mine (thank goodness), as I've not seen that many in the back garden this year, and from everyone else's posts, I understand they're everywhere this year. Snails I stomp on with my big wellies and leave for the birds to clear up.
I'm not so bad with slugs and snails this year but I just can't keep them off my dahlias. Probably the most expensive plant in my garden. I have Pom Pom dahlias and I would love to see them flower. Anyone got any ideas for the high end snails and slugs? I have done pellets and powders and stood pulling them off but once they're there they have done the damage. Any remedies, potions ect would be greatly appreciated.
Copper collars round the base of the plants. It does work, honestly. My sister in law has been using them with great effect in her vegetable garden, they seem costly but do last virtually for ever so can be re-used time and time again.
I grow around 65 different hostas in pots and nearly gave the collection up a few years ago because of snail/slug damage, until I was told about copper tape around the pots, it really has mde a huge difference. Even in this wet weather, there is little damage done by snails ans slugs, though there are always a few which crawl up the wet and drooping leaves, but the majority which climb the pots just do not pass the copper.
Tried vaseline, WD40, eggshells, grit, porridge oats etc., copper beats them all - this wet weather the larger hosta leaves do droop to the ground and the slugs can crawl up them, but still they are far better than they used to be.
I suppose the kindest way is to drown them in beer, but I favour patrols with a pair of scissors and a quick beheading. It can't be very pleasant being eaten by a bird!!! Will invest in the copper, though, for the really vulnerable plants. Might even be worth growing Delphiniums again!
Oh! Flobear, too much information before my breakfast! Was very brave last night and went out with a torch and a pair of scissors. Did some snipping in half but what a mess it leaves. Yuk. Hope the rain washes the patio off today. Then there will be another lot out tonight. I've just got to be brave and not so squeamish!
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I used to live in the midlands, and regularly had a song thrush that would find snails in Mum's garden, and bash them repeatedly against the rockery to get to the snail inside.
I haven't even SEEN a song thrush in my garden, we get plenty of sparrows, have a nesting pair of blackbirds, collared doves, the odd starling and magpie (the last two I evict whenever I see them). I did see a woodpecker a few weeks ago, and what I think may have been a sparrowhawk (came and went in a flash).
As for slugs, I think the two resident frogs eat all mine (thank goodness), as I've not seen that many in the back garden this year, and from everyone else's posts, I understand they're everywhere this year. Snails I stomp on with my big wellies and leave for the birds to clear up.
Thank you
Copper collars round the base of the plants. It does work, honestly. My sister in law has been using them with great effect in her vegetable garden, they seem costly but do last virtually for ever so can be re-used time and time again.
I grow around 65 different hostas in pots and nearly gave the collection up a few years ago because of snail/slug damage, until I was told about copper tape around the pots, it really has mde a huge difference. Even in this wet weather, there is little damage done by snails ans slugs, though there are always a few which crawl up the wet and drooping leaves, but the majority which climb the pots just do not pass the copper.
Think i better fork [ ha ha] out for the copper collars. Mum swears by vaseline around the pots, a bit gooey but its worth a try.
Tried vaseline, WD40, eggshells, grit, porridge oats etc., copper beats them all - this wet weather the larger hosta leaves do droop to the ground and the slugs can crawl up them, but still they are far better than they used to be.
I suppose the kindest way is to drown them in beer, but I favour patrols with a pair of scissors and a quick beheading. It can't be very pleasant being eaten by a bird!!! Will invest in the copper, though, for the really vulnerable plants. Might even be worth growing Delphiniums again!
I give them to my Chickens. They love them as a bit of a treat. Do you know anyone with Hens that would appreciate them?
Like any treat, though, they shouldn't over-indulge. Too many slugs gives my chickens the runs!
Oh! Flobear, too much information before my breakfast! Was very brave last night and went out with a torch and a pair of scissors. Did some snipping in half but what a mess it leaves. Yuk. Hope the rain washes the patio off today. Then there will be another lot out tonight. I've just got to be brave and not so squeamish!