| How
are the plants sent mail order?
We send them bare root, normally from 13cm pots. We
despatch throughout February to August, although tend
not to send if the ground is frozen. We clean off the
soil to make the package lighter, wrap them well in
individual bags and then in newspaper before packing
them in to a suitable mail order box. We normally send
them by Royal Mail first class delivery.
What
can I do about the slugs?
The perennial question!
Hostas
are particularly susceptible to this type of damage.
It is claimed that some of the varieties with thicker,
more leathery leaves suffer less. Slug pellets should
be used early (remember the date of 14th February) and
material such as gravel, tree bark, hair clippings,
crushed eggshells all make for a surface that a slug
is not keen to crawl over.
If
your hostas are in pots, smearing the tops with Vaseline
will discourage them from ascending and strips of copper
or plastic or aluminium will also deter most creatures.
Slugs and snails love to shelter in untidy corners and
under stones and flowerpots. Try and keep such hiding
places to a minimum! You should check these places regularly.
They usually venture out at night, so go around with
a torch and pick them off and kill them. Other suggestions
are a saucer of beer or milk in the garden at night
(they tend to fall in and drown). Other chemicals you
may wish to consider are salt, household ammonia and
vinegar.
Biological
control is increasing in popularity and nematodes are
claimed to be effective against slugs and young snails.
They are ordered by post as they have a limited shelf
life - your nearest garden centre will advise. They
are expensive, but work well, especially in warm weather.
We want you to enjoy your hostas for many years.
Should
you have any query on any aspect of how to look after
them, or particular problems with pests, then do not
hesitate to contact us at the various contact numbers
given above. Any slug or snail problem should be directed
to slugs@bowdenhostas.com.
How
many hostas are available?
We offer over
400 in our catalogue this year and have
access to many more that are not catalogued. Do ask
if there is a hosta you wish but cannot see it on the
site, bet you a fiver we can find it!!!!
Do
I have to have shade to look after hostas?
Not always! Some of our hostas thrive in sunny spots.
Do not hesitate to call us to ask what is best for the
hostas that you are intending to purchase.
Do
not hesitate to call us if you ever have a query on
* Telephone 01837 840989
* Facsimile 01837 849180
* E mail : tim@bowdenhostas.com
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