Hostas prefer some shade and are fairly shade tolerant. (Contributed Photo)

I love Hostas. I know they have been around for a while but I really just discovered them with a little enthusiasm.

Have you ever done that? See something and you’re like “ Yeah, that’s nice,” then you see it in a certain setting and now you have to have one — or more.

I never really paid attention to them, I guess. Then I moved and when spring came around, I had these weird horns coming up through the soil. After I confirmed that it was actually a plant and not a sign to move far away quickly, quietly and discreetly, I let them grow to see what it was.

Yeah, I do that.

Wow, I was surprised that these horns pushing up through the soil turned into such a beautiful plant and not an exorcism.

Hostas originated in China, are referred to as Plantain Lilles, they found their way to New York (I don’t think they were lost but rather purchased and sent to New York) and have been a garden staple ever since.

Um hmmm, I was today years old when I learned that.

I’ve learned a few more things about Hostas. They prefer some shade and are fairly shade tolerant. They bloom, spell check does not like the word Hosta, and slugs and snails love to eat them and turn them into Swiss cheese.

I usually treat my yard monthly with slug bait and can keep it under control. It didn’t work this year. I was desperate and embarrassed. My friend told me about B-E-E-R. I thought I would spell it so kids wouldn’t hear it. I was trying to keep from rolling my eyes because we were in public. I’ve tried many things that have not worked for me and really wasn’t interested — until I got home and looked at the green Swiss cheese lining my flower bed.

Well, it’s worth a shot.

My Hosta, not you Hosta.

It works GREAT but it’s not for the squeamish.

There were hundreds of slugs in the five saucers that I put out. Every day I get an embarrassing amount.

Then I thought, someone should do some research on this so I can write about it.

They did. Visit this link for more information and happy slug slaying for happy Hostas! https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/slugs