Courtesy of BBC Earth:
I have always considered myself to be one of those people who immediately form relationships with children and animals. Leaving children aside on this occasion, let me say that in my time I have bonded with many animals, as you may gather from my blogs, but I never expected to get deeply involved with slugs, nothing personal, you understand, just a difference of personalities, or so I thought. It proves how wrong one can be as far as first impressions go….
It all began one summer when fed up with some of my plants by the front door being “trimmed” by the resident slugs, I had the illuminating idea to leave by the side of the door a few lettuce leaves, some bits of French stick and even a few slices of cucumber. The next morning I found my plants intact and the dinner offerings demolished. It was my lightbulb moment – all I had to do was to provide the slugs and some snails with my green waste, plus some soft bits of bread and unsalted butter, and hey presto, they would leave my cherished plants alone. What started as a daily ritual become a set-in-stone supper time. I only realised how important my timekeeping was to slugs when one evening I happened to be 20 minutes late. When I finally opened the front door to put down the supper, I was confronted by an orderly queue of slugs and snails across the entire front step. All of the diners were facing the front door, and it was obvious that they knew from where the food would be coming. That was the moment that I realised that the slugs and snails had a clear perception of the world that surrounded them, and it was worthwhile to study their habits.
“Suite from The Victorian Kitchen Garden: I. Prelude” by Paul Reade, performed by Emma Johnson on piano and Skaila Kanga on harp:
Slugs eat with gusto, loudly crushing, chomping and munching the greens in their powerful jaws. The noise was so loud that when I stood in the open doorway, I could hear them dining from three feet away. Their obvious pleasure and enjoyment was not only amusing but it inspired my paintings. It also provided much welcome relief from the disintegrating, mindlessly violent world of man. If I seem odd in my somewhat eccentric enthusiasm for nature, let me recap just some of the daily news: knife crime in London, bombing of civilians, tribal wars, terror attacks, the list seems endless. To study the slugs , I first read Charles Darwin’s account of his observation of worms and their habits. It made me feel even more enthusiastic in my pursuit of slugs’ complex lives. If Darwin found worms not only of great importance to Earth’s eco- system but also fascinating to observe and study, I could follow in my humble way the observations of much misunderstood slugs.
Courtesy of Animal Fact Files:
First of all I had to establish what was their preferred food, and no, it was not the usual garden plants. Slugs proved to have sophisticated and adventurous tastes. They loved anything unusual, soft and moist – soft bits of fresh baguette with unsalted butter, a good-quality cat food, green vegetables, milk, bits of roasted or boiled chicken, pies, large crumbs of sponge cake, preferably with fresh cream, cooked porridge, and more. From then on, I would leave plates of food in strategic places in my back garden in the full knowledge that the slugs would come out quite a bit earlier in the evening and help themselves to the feast on the plates.
“Suite from The Victorian Kitchen Garden: V. Summer” by Paul Reade, performed by Emma Johnson (piano) and BBC Concert Orchestra:
Wanting to know more, I set in the far corner of the kitchen, on a floor-standing cabinet a large tray which was to become the slugs’ camp. On it there were several upturned leaves of savoy cabbage, each with a full dinner of their preferred food. A matching round cup of cabbage put on top created a private dome. The tenants were brought from the garden, and my observation post was ready. As I expected, the slugs lived in the cups, ate and drank the rations provided, and never ventured anywhere else in the kitchen. They recognised me and would wait for food by the pod while I cleaned the tray, changed the cups every other day and served the supper. In the following weeks that summer, this unlikely friendship developed right here among the stone pots. The slugs were no longer timid and cautious. Some would stroll towards me, their eyes directed at me, expecting to be served with their supper. One, a very bold one whom I named Billy, was even happy to be fed by hand. It meant that I would hold one side of a cucumber slice or a bit of soft baguette while he would chomp from the other end. The fact that Billy, the young slug, could relate to me and take food from my hand was again clear confirmation that slugs are aware of the world around them. Since then I have learned that slugs come in distinctive, different colours, have an enchanting love-life, a gourmet passion for food, and their own brand of intelligence, but in those days I had still more to learn. I have to say that I am grateful to have been brought up to be curious and open-minded. If I hadn’t been, many a time I would have missed something wonderful or amusing or even weird, but because it belongs to nature’s world, and therefore is natural, it had always been, without exception, worth knowing.
Courtesy of BBC Earth:
I had to laugh reading one time in the newspaper that a grant of £25,000 had been given to one of the southern universities to establish whether snails would come back to their own garden if they were removed to another. I could have told them for free that snails and slugs are very territorial and if put down even at the very back of their garden, by the compost container, you will see them making they way back to the front, if that is the part that they grew up on and they like.
In case anyone wonders why I was spending so much time studying intelligence and habits of slugs, here are the reasons. Firstly, it provides a welcome distraction from the daily news of wars in many parts of the world, with children and their families being killed, something slugs never do. Secondly, Darwin spent five years studying the most important species in the world (his words), the worms, and his findings were astonishing! They interacted with him by choosing the pieces of soft paper he offered them if he cut them a certain way that they liked for their burrows, cut differently, they would leave the pieces outside unwanted. Among many other surprising things, they liked soft music played, and they reacted to it. I found out that they love uncooked porridge sprinkled with water and covered with a layer of compost, and would eat it with obvious delight, growing bigger and healthy just like Scotsmen do!
In addition, if you want your garden saved from slug invasion, feed them, instead of poisoning the soil with horrid slug-killing pesticides. Thank you.
For those interested, I am repeating the link to an in-depth article about animal consciousness:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cv223z15mpmo
“Highgrove Suite: Goddess of the Woods” by Patrick Hawes, performed by Claire Jones (harp) and the Philharmonia Orchestra:
naturetails 
Who would have thought there would be so much fascinating information about slugs Joanna…well besides you of course! 😜 I too had that same problem with slugs devouring some of my flowers in pots on my front porch. While I never could catch them, they left their trail that made it obvious they’d been there. I didn’t have the clever idea as you did to leave something else nearby chomp on that would detour their appetite from your plants. What a creative solution! Thanks for sharing another informative piece Joanna. Hugs and smooches! 🤗💖😍
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Thank you, Kym, for your wonderful comments! I am so happy that you have found the information helpful. If you decide to follow my advice, you will enjoy your plants blooming. I hope that you will have time to read the fascinating information included in the BBC link provided.
Thank you again, Kym, for your kind words, all greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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Thank you for your kind comment! It is much appreciated!
Joanna
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Great post sharing subtle information on life of slugs & snails ,Joanna!It was indeed a brilliant idea on your part to feed the slugs & at the same time save your plant leaves from being devoured by them!The tiny creatures however obscure they may seem to be,have nice perception of the world around them!Not only I have gained some precious information on the little beings,I really enjoyed the Vedio courtesy BBC earth & the piano music which was so soothing to the soul!Thanks,Joanna, for sharing with us your hardearned creations!God bless with good health & inner peace in life!Namaste !
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I (and most likely your other readers) had no idea that slugs chew loudly enough for a person to hear them from several feet away.
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Thank you, Steve, but surely you must have found more fascinating details than chomping? Perhaps you could find a little time to read it properly?!
Joanna
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Joanna, another fascinating story! Enjoyed your art too. 💕
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What a fascinating experiment/relationship Joanna. We are all mostly appalled by slugs and hate what they do to our gardens, but nobody (until you) thought to check out what would make them happy. We do not have the big slugs here (too dry), just the smaller lettuce slugs that made me give up growing lettuce. I would say that slugs have a higher intelligence and greater loyalty than most politicians. Happy friday. Allan
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Thank you, Allan, for your wonderfully perceptive comments! I love growing and eating fresh lettuce and radishes, and I would suggest that you
start growing again but with provision for slugs!
As I watched a bit of the election debates in my country and the US, your comments about politicians are spot on!
Thank you again, Allan, your thoughts are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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I think we humans tend to be repulsed by slugs because they are seen as slimy, horrible, things that decimate our beautiful flowers and vegetables. You are showing them in an entirely new (to many of us) light. They are, after all, part of this wonderfully balanced flora and fauna on our great planet Earth. If only we learned to co exist in a sensible way life would be so much better for us all.
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Thank you, Peter, for your sensible comments! I often wonder how repulsive we must look to many animals, slugs included! I wholly agree with every word you wrote; live and let live, that is my mantra. Thank you, Peter, again, your thoughts are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Until I had a garden of my own, I didn’t really have an opinion. I didn’t like that my mother was so harsh in her treatment but she was passionate about her garden and I suppose she had grown up with the idea that slugs were the enemy. When I had a garden of my own I soon saw slugs at work, mostly on hostas as I recall but I couldn’t bring myself to do battle except where I could put copper around flowerpot tops. In the end I began looking out for the slugs and when I left that house they were included in my goodbyes. Your story is enchanting and the music is lovely too. Thank you Joanna!
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Thank you, Carolyn, for your wonderful comments! As you feed all the creatures around you, slugs, if you have them lurking somewhere, they too could be recipients of your extraordinary generosity!
I am more than happy, Carolyn, to see the royal splendor you surrounded the beautiful Sweetheart, and he is stunning indeed!
Thank you again, Carolyn, your kind words are much appreciated!
Joanna x
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Fun and informative post, Joanna. Only you would have the history and imagination to experience such a story.🐌🐌🐌
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Thank you, Pat, for your kind and perceptive comments! Anyone who is actively involved with nature is by definition unusual. I take it as a compliment.
Thank you again, Pat, your kind words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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You are very welcome, Joanna.
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I will certainly check out the BBC link and implement some of these helpful alternatives you shared my friend. Thanks so much for the great and doable information Joanna! 🥰🙏🏼🤩
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Since I stay in a flat, I have never had such close encounters with slugs and snails. I thoroughly enjoyed your experiments, your musical selection and your painting. We can learn so much from all living things but sadly we are so full of ourselves! Thanks for sharing the BBC link.
You are such a compassionate soul, Joanna. Blessed to have met you. ❤️
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Thank you, Punam, for your wonderful comments! I agree with your valid thought that we can learn from everything around us as we can never know enough and should be learning every day something.
Thank you, Punam, for your kind words, and I am also blessed to meet you!
Joanna x
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My pleasure, Joanna. Xoxo
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Thank you!
Joanna x
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You are more than welcome, Kym, and thank you!
Joanna x
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Another wonderful post Joanna, especially as I was half-expecting to read that slugs were a part of Gaby’s diet. Once again you’ve opened my mind to a creature that I have to admit I had little time for. They are certainly regarded as a garden pest for most people and I did experiment on using the old beer trick to get rid of them humanely, but I only ever tried it once, which was once too often if I’m being honest. Your methods of enticing slugs into your café are a much better way for both humans and slugs. Thank you for giving us more food for thought where nature is concerned, but I have to ask whether the food you put out attracted other creatures as well as slugs (and snails presumably).
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Thank you, Malc, for your as usual, wonderfully thoughtful comments! I know how most people with their gardens dislike slugs and snails, but there is always a solution to our problems without killing anyone except for people like Hitler! I think I am getting carried away so thank you again, Malc, your kind words are much appreciated!
And, no, I didn’t have any other visitors but it could change as there are more rats than humans, I am told.
Joanna x
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Now there’s a thought!
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Thank you, Malc, perhaps Felicity might show any wandering rat who is the boss in this garden!
Joanna x
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I think she’s already boss inside the house 😊
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Yes, it is true!
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What an amazing story Joanna! I love the image of you placing out their food to find them waiting by the back door!
You have the gift of curiosity.
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Thank you, Dorothy, for your wonderful comment! You are right about the importance of curiosity as it is the mother of invention, otherwise, we would be still living on trees! Thank you again, Dorothy!
Joanna x
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This looks interesting, Joanna! I am sure I will find it so, knowing your work. You know it takes me some time to read through your shares. 🤓🙏🏻
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Thank you, Joanna, for your delightful post reflecting your kindness and empathy towards even the smallest creatures, like slugs. Your ability to transform an adversary into a friend is truly remarkable. Typically unwelcome due to their plant-eating habits, your patient observation and curiosity led to a creative solution. While I’ve encountered slugs before, I never considered them in this light.
Every problem has a solution. Your approach of protecting plants from slug invasions by feeding them rather than using pesticides is commendable.
I appreciate how you started offering them soft, moist food to safeguard your plants. It’s heartening to learn how they recognised you and eagerly awaited your offerings. Their preference for variety adds a touch of spice to life. It’s particularly amusing that Billy enjoyed being fed by hand, demonstrating that even small creatures have memories and a need for love and care.
Thank you once again, Joanna, for sharing such an engaging post based on your personal experience.
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your wonderful comments! Your observation and positive view of my always factual nature stories are lifting my spirit! You are so right about finding a solution to any problem, and of course, curiosity is the mother of invention! Thank you again, Kaushal, your kind and wise words are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you! Take your time, Michele!
Joanna
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My pleasure, Joanna! You’re welcome, always!
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Thank you, Kaushal!
Joanna
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You are a very sensitive person, and that’s why you feel immediately connected to animals and children. ❤️ Don’t ever change, Joanna! We are so lucky to have you here! 💝
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Thank you so much, Filipa, for your wonderful comments! My connection with nature is derived from my empathy with the world around me. By now, I am set in stone and will not change! Thank you again, Filipa, your kind words are greatly appreciated!
Joanna xx
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Joanna, you’re absolutely right ! The world needs more empathy, kindness, sensibility, and tenderness.
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Thank you, Filipa, you are very kind!
Joanna xx
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We have nails here in the Sonoran Desert that can only be seen during the Monsoon season. I have also seen and photographed large banana slugs in the rainforests of southern Alaska near Ketchikan. They are quite the interesting animal.
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Thank you, Kenne, for your interesting comments! I came a long time ago to realize that anything on the planet Earth is interesting to study, whether plants, animals, or humans.
Thank you again, Kenne!
Joanna
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Thanks once again for sharing such a passionate association with the tiny slugs,Joanna! Namaste 🙏
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Thank you again, Dhirendra, for your kind thoughts, all are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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🙏🙏🙏
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Joanna, you are so kind and so brilliant! A very rare combination. I love the way you delve into the thoughts and emotions of animals, and your love for all creatures great and small. You are a dear, Joanna!
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Thank you, Harini, for your wonderfully insightful comments! I always had empathy with everything around me, including a chair, and I say sorry if by chance bump into it. Perhaps you recognize the qualities you think I have because they mirror your own! I am sure that some people see me as odd but then you have to be odd to be number one! Thank you again, dear Harini, your kindness is deeply appreciated!
Joanna xx
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Joanna you this amazing slugs.Anita
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Thank you, Anita, for making me laugh with your brilliant comment! Much appreciated!
Joanna
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