h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

This question is no reflection on whether I or you think my life is interesting or not, it's simply a question I need answered...whoever created this planet thought it necessary to include revolting and annoying creatures such as Slugs and Snails, no doubt for the sole reason of irritating otherwise happy gardeners such as me. Does anyone have a proven cure for getting rid of them once and for all - they're not so good at taking hints? They're driving me mad eating all my lovingly cared for shrubs. I inadvertantly left my bathroom window open yesterday and in the evening, during this inclement and unpredictable weather, found a HUGE snail climbing up my bathroom wall - cheeky or what (it didn't live very long!).

If I say I'm sorry I also have not found a cure for getting rid of or deterring successfully the problem please listen any way.

I have a lot of trouble with killing anything. I can't crush them and my conscience won't let me collect them and put them in my wheelie bin. Conversely I have done some beer traps which of course just attract both slugs AND snails where they drown quite happy(?)

I'm sure you know about most of the deterrants, I would steer you away from poisons such as the pellets which will -I'm told _ will harm other predators and localised wildlife. DON'T DO IT.

I heard the other day on TODAY R4 that the problem with killing the larger snails is that that means they won't be around to stop the other baby snails growing larger. Some chemical or other. I realise that's rather vague, and so apologise. Perhaps another researcher can put it more succinctly and with more detail even!

Another thing is that they tend to follow their old trails so if you've got pots of plants that are getting eaten you could move them arpound to confuse them. It does seem a waste of time to collect them up and throw them over the fence, because they do find their way back. In a damp, bricky backyard that's all the worse - especially if every neighbour is doing the same thing.

Thanks for your help. You sound the more creative, as opposed to destructive, sort and I thought you might be interested - if you live in London and are really keen on gardening - in the oldest Nursery in London. It is called Patio and is situated on the Tooting Bec Road in SW17 (prior to this it was based in Battersea). Run by a really lovely couple called Joan and Stuart Mungall, Joan has had 18 years experience in the business and knows all there is to know about the plants they supply which are anything from herbs and bedding plants to speciality Mediterranean plants and shrubs. They also sell a variety of pots in all shapes and sizes from Provence, Tuscany and Crete. If you can you should go along and have a look (don't forget your cheque book as everything is irresistable!). Stuart occasionally writes articles in various magazines and papers and will deliver plants within London. And if you're looking further afield they are about to sell their 400 year old restored ex-oyster fisherman's house on the edge of the Mediterranean in the old part of Meze, Languedoc - let me know if you're interested in buying this as well as pots and plants!!!

Hi
I just came across your journal and mention of Patio Garden Centre. I was initially a customer of Patio and became very friendly with both Joan and Stuart. I have recently returned from living in Nice, France and went to visit Joan only to discover to my horror that they have sold the business!!!! I have misplaced Joan's mobile number and would like to contact her. Do you have an e-mail address or are you able to pass on my details to Joan???

I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards

Amanda