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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] Flowers

At 09:05 PM 3/5/98 -0400, you wrote:
>
>
>I'm sitting with a very puzzled expression.  I may be absolutely
>mistaken since my memory isn't what it was, but aren't you the
>guy who was talking about how everyone ought to be able to shoot
>deer whenever and wherever they want?
>
>I happen to agree with what you are saying in this note.  But I
>am more than baffled about how learning to love slugs
>because they have a place in the eco-system, fits with
>killing deer 'cause they are eating your azaleas.
>
>Jaime
>jknoble@warwick.net
>NW NJ, zone 6/5
>******************
Jaime
I think you have me confused with someone else.  I don't recall saying much
about deer , but, they are a good example of what goes wrong when man in
his "finite wisdom" decides to rearrange nature, without looking ahead at
the results.  It is as simple as-- we killed all or most of the natural
enemies of the deer, and now to compensate we are going to have to kill
some deer. I am baffled by those who will not see that as needed(in a
controlled process)   We simply are unable to provide in the urbin
situation , enough room for them.  It would be, however,a far greater
mistake to over kill them.  Their brousing habits, are needed to keep some
areas open , a a condtion needed for many species.  I am not suggesting
that we let slugs "run wild">ether.  They are however, part of natures
process of breaking down vegitation, and that is necessary.  I am much more
in favor of slug prevention , than slug eradication.  I believe the best
approach , is to take care not to leave foliage wet in the evening, to not
use large chunky mulch, which can provide a place for egg masses, to keep
decomposing foliage out of the garden areas in spring and summer and
especially to select plants that have foliage that is slug resistant.  I
think if all else fails , a selictive use of sprays for a specific problem
is one consideration but in most cases, I think regular scheadualed general
sprays, are a mistake.  We need to learn what is wrong and ALL the options
for "fixing " if , before taking action.
Ran Lydell
Eagle Bay Gardens
Dunkirk,  NY  14048
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